USAID/Ukraine - Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity

Pre-solicitation Notice

USAID/Ukraine - Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity

Solicitation Number: SOL-121-17-000007

Pre-solicitation Release Date: January 31, 2017

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Regional Mission for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova intends to issue a contract for the implementation of the Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity in Ukraine. USAID intends to use full and open competition for this procurement.

The purpose of this pre-solicitation notice is to provide information regarding the anticipated USAID Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity in Ukraine through a synopsis.

Title: Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity

Purpose: The purpose of the Trade and Competitiveness (TAC) Activity is to encourage startup businesses and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) , increase domestic market competition, and support the competitiveness of Ukrainian firms in international markets. To achieve this purpose, TAC will be comprised of the following five component activity areas that fall into two distinct categories - those that promote the competitiveness of Ukraine's economy and its firms, and those that facilitate trade.

To increase the competitiveness of Ukraine's firms and promote a competitive economy, the Contractor implementing TAC must:

• Improve the business climate, including promoting increased competition in domestic markets;
• Assist new industries and SMEs to develop and compete in markets abroad; and
• Develop an export promotion capacity in the Government of Ukraine (GOU).

To encourage open and efficient trade, the contractor implementing TAC must:

• Enhance GOU participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and assist the GOU to achieve compliance with WTO and European Union (EU)/Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) requirements; and
• Help lower the cost of trading across Ukraine's borders.

The RFP for the subject requirement is expected to be issued within the second quarter of U.S. fiscal year 2017 on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov). When the RFP is issued, any amendments thereof will be posted on www.fbo.gov. Interested parties are advised to periodically monitor the above website for updates concerning this procurement.

IMPORTANT: USAID will hold a pre-proposal conference for the Trade and Competitiveness Activity. The pre-proposal conference will be conducted in Kyiv, Ukraine. Details regarding date, time and venue will be released with the RFP.

Prospective Offerors are advised that this procurement is subject to the availability of funds. This pre-solicitation notice in no way obligates USAID to award a contract nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal.