SBAR 2021 BAA 03_05_21.pdf

Issuance Date: February 9, 2021

Announcement Open Period: February 9, 2021 - February 8, 2022

This announcement may be amended at any time during the Open Period to incorporate changes. Interested U.S. small businesses are responsible for checking beta.sam.gov for

Amendments.

Preliminary Concept Papers Due: March 26, 2021 at 15:00 EST

Questions Due: February 23, 2021 at 15:00 EST

In lieu of WEBINAR, answers to the questions will be posted on March 9, 2021 at

5:00 EST, See Section X.

USAID SMALL BUSINESS APPLIED RESEARCH PROGRAM

Federal Agency Name: The United States Agency for International Development

(USAID)

Opportunity Title: Small Business Applied Research (SBAR) Program

Activity Title: USAID Small Business Applied Research (SBAR) Program - 2021

Opportunity Number: USAID BAA-SBAR-2021

Authority: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is issued under Federal Acquisition

Regulation (FAR) 35.016(c). This is not a FAR Part 15 Procurement.

NAICS: North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 –

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except

Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) – is assigned to this BAA. The applicable size standard is 1,000 employees. USAID reserves the right to change the applicable NAICS code to correspond to the specific technical solution proposed.

Other USAID Opportunities: For information about other opportunities to work with

USAID, visit USAID’s public website https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid. See also

USAID’s open solicitation for Development Innovation Ventures, a grants program:

https://www.usaid.gov/div/apply.

https://beta.sam.gov/ https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid https://www.usaid.gov/div/apply

BAA-SBAR-2021

SBAR Program Round 3

Other Federal Resources: The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial

Service trade professionals in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 75 countries help

U.S. companies get started in exporting or increase sales to new global markets. Visit https://www.trade.gov/cs/.

CONTENTS

I. Overview

II. Eligibility

III. Problem Statements with Expected Results

IV. The Broad Agency Announcement Award Process

V. Specific Rights Reserved for the Government under this BAA

VI. Information Protection

VII. Required Preliminary Concept Paper Content

VIII. Required Preliminary Concept Paper Format and Delivery

IX. Evaluation Methodology and Criteria

X. Questions and Answers Posted

XI. Submissions of Questions – Technical and General Process

Addendum #1: Inclusive Economic Growth – Improving Bicycle Availability and Uptake for Mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa

I. Overview

USAID’s Small Business Applied Research (SBAR) program began as a field-based initiative that establishes a streamlined and unique pathway for the Agency to expand its access to U.S. small businesses for solutions to some of the world’s most daunting development challenges.

Through this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), USAID seeks to tap emerging solutions in cutting-edge technology, new scientific applications, products, services, and methodologies that are aligned with USAID strategies, and are readily adaptable for impact in the countries in which USAID implements development programs. Specific needs are identified in Section III and described in more detail in the Addenda.

As part of the New Partnerships Initiative (NPI, http://www.usaid.gov/npi), eligibility for this solicitation is restricted to U.S. small businesses. USAID invites all qualified U.S.

https://www.trade.gov/cs/ https://www.trade.gov/cs/ http://www.usaid.gov/npi small businesses to submit a Preliminary Concept in response to one or more of the problem statements found in the Appendices to this BAA. While past performance such as the successful implementation of a federal research and development (R&D) program, including participation in a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, will be evaluated, prior experience with the U.S. Government is not required. Note that USAID does not have an SBIR program and will not be issuing SBIR awards as a result of this solicitation.

This solicitation is a consolidation of problem statements submitted by participating

USAID offices, including overseas Missions and USAID offices in Washington, DC. Any resulting awards will require that solutions be implemented in the respective countries.

U.S. small businesses are encouraged to identify local resources with which to partner or subcontract in order to improve the feasibility of implementation and foster local commitment to success.

This solicitation will be amended from time-to-time to add or remove problem statements, change due dates, or provide other important information regarding the solicitation.

Prospective offerors are responsible for checking beta.SAM.gov for these amendments.

II. Eligibility

This solicitation is set aside for U.S. small businesses, as defined by FAR Part 19 and applicable Small Business Administration (SBA) regulations. All small businesses must be determined to be responsive to the BAA and responsible to perform the final award.

When a small business concern would otherwise be selected for award but is considered not responsible, the SBA Certificate of Competency procedure shall be followed.

As further discussed in FAR Part 19 and SBA regulations, a U.S. small business must:

● Be organized for profit;

● Have a place of business in the U.S.;

● Operate primarily within the U.S. or make a significant contribution to the U.S.

economy through payment of taxes or use of American products, materials, or labor;

● Be independently owned and operated;

● Not be dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on government

Contracts;

● Be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or any other legal form; and

Meet the applicable SBA size standard for the assigned NAICS code.

https://beta.sam.gov/

Additional information regarding the qualifications for small business is located at:

https://www.sba.gov/contracting/getting-started-contractor/qualifying-small-business.

III. Problem Statements with Expected Results

Problem statements that comprise this solicitation may include submissions from USAID

Missions and USAID offices based in Washington, DC. Each respective office will manage its own evaluation, negotiations, and the award of any contracts resulting from the composite solicitation.

Addendum #1: Inclusive Economic Growth – Improving Bicycle Availability and Uptake for Mobility in sub-Saharan Africa

IV. The Broad Agency Announcement Award Process

The BAA process allows selected small business concerns and USAID to discuss and negotiate contract award parameters, ensuring that small businesses have the opportunity to adapt R&D solutions for the international context as necessary in order to achieve success in the resulting demonstration projects.

Introduction to BAA requirements

Awards issued under this solicitation will be for Applied Research or Development, as those terms are defined in FAR 35.001. The definitions are restated for convenience below:

“Applied research” means the effort that:

(a) normally follows basic research, but may not be severable from the related basic research;

(b) attempts to determine and exploit the potential of scientific discoveries or improvements in technology, materials, processes, methods, devices, or techniques; and

(c) attempts to advance the state of the art. When being used by contractors in cost principle applications, this term does not include efforts whose principal aim is the design, development, or testing of specific items or services to be considered for sale; these efforts are within the definition of “development,” given below.

“Development” means the systematic use of scientific and technical knowledge in the design, development, testing, or evaluation of a potential new product or service (or of an improvement in an existing product or service) to meet specific performance requirements https://www.sba.gov/contracting/getting-started-contractor/qualifying-small-business or objectives. It includes the functions of design engineering, prototyping, and engineering testing; it excludes subcontracted technical effort that is for the sole purpose of developing an additional source for an existing product.

In addition, FAR 2.101 defines “basic research” as “research directed toward increasing knowledge in science. The primary aim of basic research is a fuller knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, rather than any practical application of that knowledge.”

The amount of resources made available under this BAA will depend on the concepts received and the availability of funds from USAID and other resource partners. USAID may engage in discussions with small businesses at any stage of the process, but these discussions do not obligate USAID to make an award.

The evaluation process under this BAA has the following three stages:

1. STAGE 1 - SUBMISSION AND REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PAPERS

Preliminary Concept Papers must address the required content described in Section VII and be delivered in the format required in Section VIII. Preliminary Concept Papers will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria described in Section IX.

Each Preliminary Concept Paper must address a discrete problem statement (See

Addenda 1). Offerors may submit more than one Preliminary Concept Paper in response to a problem statement and may respond to more than one problem statement.

USAID will review and evaluate Preliminary Concept Papers using a team of scientific and technical peers adhering to the evaluation criteria below. USAID may select for further consideration those small businesses that are determined to have met the eligibility requirements and offer compelling solutions based on the evaluation criteria.

Some organizations that submit a Preliminary Concept Paper may not be invited to proceed to Stage 2. Those organizations that are not selected to continue to Stage 2 will be notified accordingly.

2. STAGE 2 - NEGOTIATIONS AND FINAL CONCEPT PAPER

After USAID has selected Preliminary Concept Papers for further consideration, USAID representatives will notify and invite selected Offerors to elaborate on their solution, and may provide redirection, comments, and questions. This is expected to be an iterative, collaborative process. Offerors may be invited to discuss certain potential award parameters such as the level of effort and contract objectives, period of performance, and budget.

All directions for the development of a Final Concept Paper will be provided by the respective Mission or participating USAID office. The Final Concept Paper will form the basis for the contract’s performance work statement or other work description format. For exceptional Preliminary Concept Papers, USAID may opt to forego the requirement for a formal Final Concept Paper, and streamline and accelerate award discussions, negotiating award parameters directly from Concept content with the U.S. small business.

Unless provided otherwise, costs incurred by the Offeror to prepare Concept Papers or participate in negotiations with USAID are at the Offeror’s expense and may not be charged as a direct cost to a resulting contract; however, USAID is committed to keeping costs to a minimum. Small businesses should be prepared for the possibility of tele- and videoconferencing as a cost-efficient alternative to on-site discussions.

When communicating with USAID staff overseas, small businesses should be mindful of time zone differences, potential communication challenges, and delays stemming from international holidays and other interruptions.

3. STAGE 3 - AWARD DETERMINATION

Not all negotiations and Final Concept Papers considered during Stage 2 will necessarily result in awards. USAID will review evaluation recommendations and make a determination whether to move forward with an award based on the Final Concept Paper or other co-created contract description. If the final solution narrative is determined to demonstrate a valid and compelling innovation to address the Problem Statement, the

Mission’s Contracting Officer will assess the small business’s responsibility and identify the appropriate contract type to facilitate project implementation.

Request for Additional Information. Throughout this iterative process, USAID may request additional information from the Offeror concerning its technical approach, capacity, management and organization, past performance, and final budget, as well as representations and certifications, as needed.

Final Review and Negotiation. The USAID Contracting Officer will engage in a final review, contract negotiation, responsibility determination, cost/price evaluation, and other steps as needed prior to award. Except as stated below, if the prospective small business awardee and USAID cannot agree to the contract terms, USAID may cancel the negotiation and award process at no cost to the Government.

Award. Award decisions will be made by the Contracting Officer. The basis for selecting proposals for funding shall be the evaluation criteria below, including technical considerations, importance to agency programs, and funding availability. Cost/price realism and reasonableness shall also be considered to the extent determined appropriate by the Contracting Officer. The standard clauses or provisions for awards are generally prescribed by law and regulation and vary by contract type. Information regarding clauses and provisions will be offered to the prospective small business awardee during negotiations.

V. Specific Rights Reserved for the Government under this BAA

The Government, through USAID, reserves specific rights, in addition to the rights described elsewhere in this document or by law or regulation, including:

1. The right to award multiple awards, a single award, or no awards.

2. The right to make award without discussions, or to conduct discussions and/or negotiations, whichever is determined to be in the Government’s interest.

3. The right to accept concept papers in their entirety or to select only portions of concepts for award.

4. The right to select for award a contract type that is appropriate to the specific development context, partner relationship, and proposal selected for award.

5. The right to request any additional, necessary documentation upon initial review.

Such additional information may include, but is not limited to, a further detailed concept paper, budget, and representations and certifications.

6. The right to fund concept papers in phases, with options for continued work at the end of one or more of the phases.

7. The right to remove any organization from the BAA process if USAID determines it is no longer in the best interests of the Government to proceed with the organization.

VI. Information Protection

Through this initiative, USAID seeks to facilitate research and development that will lead to innovative, and potentially commercially-viable, solutions to pressing international development challenges. In recognition of the sensitive nature of Offerors’ information, USAID will work with businesses to protect intellectual property.

All Concept Papers, Preliminary and Final, must be free of any intellectual property that the Offeror wishes to protect from disclosure outside of USAID, as the Concepts may be shared with USAID partners and stakeholders, including other federal agencies, outside subject matter experts, and non-U.S. government representatives, as part of the evaluation process. However, once an organization has been identified as a presumptive awardee, organizations may work with USAID to identify and further protect proprietary information that may be incorporated into the contract.

If USAID further engages with a business regarding its submission, the parties can negotiate further intellectual property protection for intellectual property arising from the contract. Recognizing that an objective of this program is to allow for the development of small business concerns that provide innovative solutions in the international development context, USAID anticipates that it will agree not to disclose data delivered under any resulting contract outside the Government (including disclosure for procurement purposes) without permission of the contractor.

VII. Required Preliminary Concept Paper Content

Small businesses may submit a Preliminary Concept Paper in response to any one or more of the Problem Statements of interest, and may submit more than one unique

Preliminary Concept Paper for any one Problem Statement. Each Preliminary Concept paper must stand alone and be fully responsive to the respective Problem Statement.

Preliminary Concept Papers may not exceed seven (7) pages in length. The past performance data addendum is limited to two (2) pages and does not count against the 7 page concept paper limit.

Preliminary Concept Papers must abide by the content limitations as set forth below:

Page 1 Cover Page must include the following information:

1. BAA Number USAID BAA-SBAR-2021 with the current amendment number, if any.

2. Addendum Number (Problem Statement number) and Addendum Title

3. Short, unique concept title

4. Organization Name, contact name, phone number, e-mail, and website address

5. DUNS number and proof of SAM.gov registration (e.g., status screenshot)

6. Proposed project dollar value

7. Proposed project duration (number of months)

8. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program status. Please indicate your organization's SBIR status. Participation in the federal SBIR program is one type of federal research and development experience, but such experience is not required to be eligible for this opportunity. "Yes" means the organization is an active or prior

SBIR contractor/grantee. "No" means the organization has no SBIR experience

9. Self-certification as small business. For example, “This concept is submitted with the self-certification that this organization is a small business in accordance with the standards established for NAICS 541715.”

On pages 2-6, each Preliminary Concept Paper must:

1. Briefly describe the applied research or development concept and how it relates to solving the problem/challenge and the potential to have a significant impact.

If appropriate, set up the hypothesis as an “if/then” statement. For example, elaborate to fill in ‘If [concept specifics] is implemented, then [problem specifics] will be impacted in this way [elaborate]’.

2. Cite how the concept fits within the definition of applied research or development in FAR PART 35.001. Demonstrate the applied research or development objective;

that is, how the concept exploits scientific discoveries or improvements in technology, materials, processes, methods, devices, or techniques, advances the state of the art, or uses scientific and technical knowledge in the design, development, testing, or evaluation of a potential new product or service (or of an improvement in an existing product or service).

3. Demonstrate the feasibility for implementation in the international development context described in the Problem Statement. Include relevant performance that demonstrates feasibility of the concept. Describe where has it worked and what adaptations may be necessary for the proposed context. Include any information about your organization’s active or prospective partnerships with businesses in the host country that would contribute to feasibility and foster local commitment to success.

4. Address mission-specific evaluation criteria, if any was identified in the Problem

Statement Addendum.

5. Provide succinct information on the organization’s experience and capacity to deliver the solution, including partner and subcontractor information, if any.

6. On Page 7, provide a brief budget including:

a. A budget table. Offerors must use the sample budget table provided with this solicitation.

b. A short budget narrative justification explaining line items and calculation rationale.

c. In narrative or table, indicate the proposed period of performance.

7. As part of the Preliminary Concept Paper submission, organizations are directed to include past performance information and attach it as an addendum. This addendum does not count towards the 7 page concept paper limit; however, this addendum is limited to 2 pages, with up to five (5) recently completed (within the past three years) or active projects similar in scope to the solution your organization is proposing.

Provide the following information per project, contract, grant, subgrant, subcontract, or other type of award activity:

a. Name of Project or Activity

b. Short Description

c. Country where implemented

d. Dollar Value

e. Period of performance (from date to date)

f. Indicate if the award is:

i. for a SBIR project?

ii. for a USAID project?

iii. for another U.S. Government (USG) Agency?

iv. a subaward under a USAID-funded project?

v. a non-USG project?

vi. other (describe)

g. Award Number

h. Name of Individual who can provide a performance reference

i. Reference email address

If no past performance information is submitted, USAID may check other sources and/or may assume the organization has no prior related experience to report.

USAID reserves the right to check references regarding the organization’s performance from any source.

VIII. Required Preliminary Concept Paper Format and Delivery

1. Format: Preliminary Concept Papers: must be in English; portrait orientation; no more than seven (7) pages in length, with a past performance addendum not to exceed two (2) pages as described in Section VII; single-spaced; 12 point font;

and in .docx (MS Word) format.

2. The electronic file name must follow this naming convention:

[Addendum #] [small business name] [short unique concept title].docx

SAMPLE: 1 My Small Business water monitor.docx

SAMPLE: 1 My Small Business water pouch.docx

SAMPLE: 5 My Small Business wood chipper.docx

3. Delivery: Individual Preliminary Concept Papers must be submitted electronically by email for each Problem Statement of interest. Each Problem Statement /

Addendum has a unique submission email address, listed below.

Each e-mail must include the subject line “Preliminary Concept Paper for

Addendum [insert Addendum Number]”. Each e-mail must be submitted by the due date and time as specified in this BAA.

For Problem Statement / Addendum 1: sbarps1@usaid.gov

These emails are for the purpose of Concept Paper submissions only. Please send general questions to sbar@usaid.gov.

IX. Evaluation Methodology and Criteria

Methodology

Concept Papers, Preliminary and Final, are not evaluated against other Concept Papers, rather, evaluations are solely based on the merits of the solution, whether the proposed solution successfully addressed the Problem/Challenges based on the evaluation criteria set forth herein. USAID may limit the number of Concept Papers selected for further consideration.

Preliminary Concept Paper Evaluation Criteria

Preliminary Concept Papers will be evaluated against minimum eligibility requirements

(Factor 1) and other equally-weighted technical factors. Costs will not be evaluated until the Final Concept Paper stage, but if the proposed budget exceeds the parameters mailto:sbarps1@usaid.gov mailto:sbar@usaid.gov established for each Problem Statement as stated in the Addendum, the submission will be considered non-responsive and will not be further considered for award.

The following factors and criteria will be used in the evaluation of Preliminary Concept

Papers. Additional Final Concept Paper criteria, if any, are indicated in each Problem

Statement Addenda.

Factor 1: Eligibility

1. Organization is a small business for the applicable NAICS code. (pass/fail)

2. The submission is responsive to solicitation requirements. (pass/fail)

3. Concept meets FAR 35.001 definition for research and development. (pass/fail)

Factor 2: Past Experience and Current Capacity (Past Performance)

Degree to which organization and teaming partner(s), if any, demonstrate current experience or successful past performance performing recent (within three years) comparable work through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. Note that past performance on a U.S. Government-funded project is not required for a concept to be considered in response to this solicitation. Organizations that lack past performance will receive a neutral rating for this factor.

Factor 3: Technical Merit

The Concept is compelling as a feasible solution to the Problem Statement with high potential for successful results in the international development context.

Factor 4: Addendum-Specific

Any additional addendum-specific criteria found in the Problem Statement Addenda.

Final Concept Paper and Award

Offerors will be notified if they are selected for further consideration. USAID will invite selected small businesses to submit Final Concept Papers and at that time, will provide guidance on content according to the respective strategy, funding availability, and other considerations. All Addenda-specific Final Concept evaluation factors and criteria are found in the Problem Statement Addenda in this solicitation. USAID may at its option proceed directly to negotiate award parameters with a small business that has submitted a concept of interest in lieu of requesting a Final Concept Paper when the Preliminary

Concept and other evidence support an accelerated award process.

Evaluation Processing and Award Lead Time

Evaluation processing and award lead times are influenced by many factors, and can vary across USAID Operating Units. It may take up to 180 days following receipt of a

Preliminary Concept Paper for a small business to be contacted regarding its submission.

X.In lieu of WEBINAR, answers to the questions received by February 23, 2021 will be posted on March 9, 2021 at 5:00 EST.

XI. Submissions of Questions – Technical and General Process

All questions are due by February 23, 2021 at 15:00. Offerors are required to submit questions to the mailbox for the problem statement they are interested in and include the required information as outlined below.

Mailbox(es):

1. Addendum 1, sbarps1@usaid.gov, Inclusive Economic Growth -- Improving

Bicycle Availability and Update for Mobility in sub-Saharan Africa.

Required Information:

1. Email Address

2. Name of Organization

3. Nature of Question:

a. My question concerns the solicitation process or solicitation requirements;

b. My question concerns a technical issue specific to an addendum; or

c. Other.

4. Addendum Number

5. Question

See also https://www.usaid.gov/SBAR. To report broken links and other data entry problems, please contact sbar@usaid.gov.

mailto:sbarps1@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/SBAR mailto:sbar@usaid.gov

XII. Addenda

Addendum #1: Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation (DDI), Innovation, Technology, and Research (ITR) Hub – Inclusive Economic Growth –

Improving Bicycle Availability and Uptake for Mobility in sub-Saharan Africa

A. Background and Context:

Bicycles’ Potential

Many people in rural and underserved communities in developing countries face difficulties in gaining access to health care, education, economic opportunities, and basic social services because of distance and insufficient transportation options. Bicycles, however, can be a powerful, low-technology solution to this problem. Development organizations, including USAID, have used bicycles to achieve positive results in health care, agriculture, economic development, and education programs. Improving access to affordable bicycles creates a number of benefits, including improved gender norms, improved access to education, increased productivity and income, and increased time savings. For example, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy studies in

Uganda, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka have shown that owning a bicycle can increase a family’s income by as much as 35 percent. Development programs that have incorporated bicycles have demonstrated the importance of focusing on the entire bicycle ecosystem to sustain and scale the positive impacts of these tools—lessons that should be guiding principles for future investments.

Prior Lessons Learned

The documented use of bicycles in USAID-funded development activities in health, economic growth, education, and agriculture dates back to 2006, primarily in Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, and Kenya. Bicycles have helped community-health workers reach more patients with home-based care for HIV and tuberculosis and provide low-cost transportation for emergency health care. With bicycles, agricultural-extension workers can reach rural communities more effectively. Training local mechanics to repair and sell used bicycles has created local jobs.

In Zambia, USAID’s Reaching HIV-Affected People with Integrated Development and

Support (RAPIDS) project funded through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS

Relief (PEPFAR) provided 23,000 bicycles for community health workers in nine provinces and trained 470 local mechanics through World Bicycle Relief and World

Vision. The bicycle-enabled health workers were able to visit 45 percent more patients and, anecdotally, could more effectively promote HIV treatment and protective behaviors for at-risk populations because they could spend more time with each patient during their visits. While the health workers credited the bicycles and training in maintenance for enabling their work, they noted they lacked spare parts to address larger breakdowns, which hampered the full impact of the program.

In Malawi, the Feed the Future Agriculture-Diversification Activity worked with World

Bicycle Relief and Palladium International to provide bicycles to agricultural extension workers, who were able to reach the most rural and vulnerable households more effectively to provide them with training on improved agricultural practices and inputs.

Through the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored and Safe

(DREAMS) partnership under PEPFAR, USAID works with Family Health International

(FHI) 360 and World Bicycle Relief to prevent new HIV infections while increasing educational outcomes for girls. By providing bicycles to girls who would otherwise walk long distances to school, the partnership aims to reduce their risks of sexual violence and

HIV infections. Also, USAID’s Maternal and Child Health Program with Jhpiego and World

Bicycle Relief, also funded by PEPFAR, reduces HIV rates and mother-to-child transmission by expanding community health workers’ outreach footprint by having them use bicycles.

In addition to USAID’s efforts in this space, other donor organizations and the private sector have invested in the use of bicycles in international development programs. Some organizations, such as World Bicycle Relief, Bicycles for Humanity, and Bikes for the

World, have delivered bicycles to underserved communities and people who serve those communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The United Nations (UN) Urban Mobility Unit and the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy have concentrated their programming on the bicycle industry, bicycle services, and users in sub-Saharan Africa.

As reflected in USAID’s experience with RAPIDS, their programs have shown that bicycles used in sub-Saharan Africa are largely low-quality and require a maintenance ecosystem, including a spare-parts market, to remain sustainable. Large gaps in the market for usable spare parts still persist.

These USAID and peer donor-funded projects furnished bicycles as a tactic to improve health, agricultural and educational outcomes, but did not focus on market-based efforts to address reducing barriers to bicycle uptake in and of itself. They suggest that while bicycles can be a tool to improve mobility and achieve broader development impact, more innovation is needed to spur sustainable demand for bicycles.

Addressing supply and demand

Supply Challenges

Although bicycles have been produced on the continent, African countries remain largely dependent on imported models. A survey in rural Kenya reported approximately 65% of bicycles were purchased second-hand [Baker 2018, qtd in Access to Affordable Bicycles:

Summary of the Findings from the Literature Review and Key Informant Interviews, MIT

D-Lab CITE team (Dan Frey, Megha Hegde, Gwyn Jones, Kendra Leith, Dan Sweeney, and Jonars Spielberg)]. While more available than rare, locally-produced models, imported bicycles are subject to high shipping and internal transportation costs, taxes, and import tariffs, for example “in... Ethiopia, Ghana, and Tanzania import taxes can be as high as 200% to 500%, making it very expensive to import the bikes” (Sieber, 1999 qtd. in Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020). Additionally, government resistance to imported second-hand products can further drive up the price and limit supply (Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020). Given these costs, bicycle customers often need access to credit (Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020).

Those constraints notwithstanding, in the absence of thriving local markets and bicycle manufacturing expertise, imported and donated second-hand bicycles remain the predominant source of bicycles (Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020). Low-end, second-hand bicycles supplied through philanthropic and development interventions don’t reflect the mobility needs of many Africans. Those communities with bicycles often use informal mechanics, to adapt and modify the original bicycles’ designs to meet their diverse needs.

As seen with prior examples, the success of these modifications can depend on the skill of the mechanic, the quality of the bicycle, and the availability of appropriate parts.

Demand Challenges

In addition to bicycle supply and pricing challenges, the demand for bicycles remains weak. Consumer demand is further stymied by difficult terrain, weather, and inadequate infrastructure ill-suited for low-end and/or second-hand bicycles, bicycle designs unfit for use cases (e.g., terrain, weather, multiple riders, and carrying loads), safety concerns, such as accidents with motorized vehicles, lack of helmets, poor maintenance, and gender-based harassment, perceptions that bicycles are for the poor, gender norms that circumscribe women’s and girls’ access and willingness to bicycle, competition within households for bicycles, and a lack of skilled mechanics and appropriate parts (Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020). In light of these constraints, customers have preferred motorized public and private transportation (Access to Affordable Bicycles, 2020). Bright spots exist--programs that connect bicycles to higher-status community members and income-generating activities, such as health workers, agricultural extension agents, and tourism professionals have been previously successful at addressing social norms and advocating for public infrastructure improvements--but are incomplete. Thus, even if https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key bicycles were made widely available, myriad efforts and adaptations are necessary to ensure customers are willing and able to safely, equitably, and sustainably adopt them.

b. Problem Statement:

What tools, approaches, partnerships, and incentives may successfully improve sustainable access to and uptake of appropriate, affordable bicycles in sub-Saharan Africa thereby increasing mobility, particularly in rural areas, and aid in alleviating poverty?

c. Priority Rationale:

This activity aligns with DDI’s strategic priorities. As mentioned, USAID and other donors have established that bicycle use and improved mobility contributes to inclusive economic growth and improved development outcomes. Inclusive economic growth is an integral part of the Bureau’s development objectives and overall strategy. This activity also supports the USAID initiative The Journey to Self Reliance ( J2SR).

d. Expected Results:

USAID expects to receive concept papers that directly address barriers associated with access, affordability, equity, cost-effectiveness, product-market fit, pathways to scale, and financial sustainability for increasing supply and uptake of low-cost, durable, and adjustable bicycles to improve mobility in sub-Saharan Africa. USAID encourages concept papers that use demand-driven incentives and leverage local partnerships to ensure the proposals are locally-rooted and sustainable. Additionally, concept papers may be focused on all of sub-Saharan Africa or a specific country or region of sub-

Saharan Africa.

USAID expects the offeror, in both developing and implementing the action plan, to consult and co-design interventions with a variety of stakeholders, including and not limited to city and regional planners, manufacturers, technical colleges, customs and trade officers, investors, distributors, public safety officers, and bicyclists themselves

(current and prospective).1 Our research has indicated that significant gender barriers to bicycle uptake exist and we encourage offerors to explore creative and gender sensitive methods to explore how the interests of women and girls are fully represented in the offeror’s research, consultations and interventions. The result of this process should be a fulsome exploration of the barriers to increased bicycle use, an action plan to improve bicycle uptake across the system, and a commitment to taking on those actions.

1 In most cases, the offeror will be expected to initiate these conversations themselves, but in some cases USAID staff may broker introductions.

USAID expects the following results:

1. Action plan to improve bicycle uptake in a sub-Saharan African country, countries, or in sub-Saharan Africa more generally that includes:

a. An explanation of why the selected geography is appropriate for your efforts;

b. Effective intervention(s) for increasing bicycle and bicycle parts market availability and/or use;

c. Solutions to address consumer needs;

d. Interventions to improve the enabling environment for bicycling; and

e. Behavior change interventions, incentives, innovations, and/or partnerships necessary to address barriers and scale up bicycle use.

2. Implementation of the proposed action plan as a pilot project.

3. Periodic and final research and learning reports (format and method to be determined) to be shared with the DDI/ITR and host country team (or host countries teams) that could entail, and are not limited to, modifications to the action plan, new findings, assessments of efforts to socialize bicycle use, action plan performance, setbacks, or successes. A final report detailing lessons learned and the adaptations the grantee undertook to design, implement, modify, and socialize the action plan efforts as well as the results of the grant will be a required deliverable. The goal is to contribute to a body of knowledge about the barriers, interventions, and success factors needed to be addressed to improve the use of bicycles for mobility in sub-Saharan Africa. The grantee should also consider developing materials to communicate the successes and challenges of the pilot program.

d. Budget Range: up to $3.5 million

e. Accepting concepts for implementation periods of between: 3 and 5 years.

f. Concept Paper Review Process:

Phase One - Preliminary Concept:

Factor 1: Eligibility

1. Organization is a small business for the applicable NAICS code. (pass/fail)

2. Submission is responsive to solicitation requirements. (pass/fail)

3. Concept meets FAR 35.001 definition for research and development. (pass/fail)

Factor 2: Past Performance

Organization and teaming partner(s), if any, demonstrate successful past performance performing recent (within three years) and relevant contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. Performance of a U.S. Government-funded R&D project similar to that proposed in the Concept, including experience performing a Small Business Innovative

Research (SBIR) contract, will be considered relevant experience.

Factor 3: Technical Merit

The Concept is compelling as a feasible solution with high potential for successful results in the international development context.

Factor 4: Bureau Specific Evaluation Criteria:

There is no DDI/ITR specific evaluation criteria.

g. References

1. Report from the U.S. Agency for International Development to Congress on

Access to Affordable Bicycles for Mobility, Senate REport 116-126, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-116srpt126/html/CRPT-

116srpt126.htm, September 26, 2019

2. Access to Affordable Bicycles: Summary of the Findings from the Literature

Review and Key Informant Interviews, https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key, Massachusetts Institute for Technology D-Lab CITE team, January 12, 2021

3. Bureau for Africa’s Office of Sustainable Development Regional Development

Cooperation Strategy: https://www.usaid.gov/africa-office-sustainable-development/cdcs

4. East Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy:

https://www.usaid.gov/east-africa-regional/rdcs https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-116srpt126/html/CRPT-116srpt126.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-116srpt126/html/CRPT-116srpt126.htm https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://d-lab.mit.edu/resources/publications/access-affordable-bicycles-summary-findings-literature-review-and-key https://www.usaid.gov/africa-office-sustainable-development/cdcs https://www.usaid.gov/africa-office-sustainable-development/cdcs https://www.usaid.gov/east-africa-regional/rdcs

5. Southern Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy:

https://www.usaid.gov/southern-africa-regional/cdcs

6. West Africa Regional Development Cooperation Strategy:

https://www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional/rdcs

[END OF ADDENDUM #1]

[END OF USAID BAA-SBAR-2021]

https://www.usaid.gov/southern-africa-regional/cdcs https://www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional/rdcs