USAID/Afghanistan Trade Show Support (TSS) Activity Synopsis

The United States Agency for International Development in Afghanistan (USAID/Afghanistan) intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a 30-month contract for USAID/Afghanistan Trade Show Support (TSS) activity. USAID intends to issue an 8(a) set-aside award for this procurement. The solicitation is anticipated to be released in one to two weeks. The NAICS code for this requirement is 561920.



The purpose of the TSS activity is to:



• Organize, support, facilitate, and execute trade shows, business events, exhibitions or other fora where Afghan businesses can interact with potential buyers and importers; and

• Provide capacity building to Afghan business and trade associations (such as the Afghanistan Exporters Club) so that they can independently organize and facilitate export events and represent their members more effectively.



Over the life of the activity, the Contractor must provide all necessary services to plan, facilitate organize, and execute five (5) trade events aimed at matchmaking and developing strong business to business (B2B) and business to Consumer (B2C) relations, and showcase and sell high-end Afghan products - including but not limited to hand-made carpets, gemstones and jewelry, marble products, silk, and cashmere. Events will feature 200 to 300 Afghan exhibitors, and between 1000 and 1500 other attendees, depending on the event. The first of these is expected to be in July 2018.



In addition, the Contractor must facilitate and support Afghan businesses in attending eight (8) trade events that will be organized under the auspices of Ministry of Commerce and Industries, other donors, or stakeholder. The support may include funding of a portion of event costs for Afghan businesses or government representatives, setting up exhibition booths, putting together pavilions for Afghan exporters, and/or facilitating B2B discussions. All trade events are expected to be held outside of Afghanistan in regional and international markets.