The United States Agency for International Development in Jordan (USAID/Jordan) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a five-year Cost-plus Fixed Fee contract for the Amman Urban Resilience Activity (AURA). The primary objective of AURA is to improve urban resilience and decarbonization in Amman through three main outcomes: enhancing data-driven policymaking, mobilizing financial resources for urban resilience projects, and increasing implementation of priority projects. This initiative aims to strengthen the Greater Amman Municipality's capacity for these efforts and supports USAID/Jordan's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025, focusing on stability, prosperity, climate finance, and effective public institutions. The procurement will be conducted publicly, with the RFP anticipated to be released in approximately two weeks and accessible via https://www.sam.gov/. It is subject to internal approvals and fund availability, and the notice serves merely as a preliminary announcement without contractual obligations. Interested parties should monitor the website for updates regarding the RFP.

The document is an amendment to USAID's Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 72027824R00002, addressing various inquiries related to the proposal process for the AURA activity in Jordan. Key topics include the proposal deadline, budget considerations, and eligibility criteria, as well as clarifications on project scope, required levels of effort (LOE), and subcontracting arrangements. USAID determined that the proposal deadline would remain December 7, 2024, despite requests for extensions due to holidays. They outlined that the estimated LOE of 16,000 person-days pertains exclusively to technical and professional personnel, excluding operational costs and specific staffing categories. Budget discussions reaffirmed that a detailed ceiling or range cannot be disclosed due to policy constraints, while a single contract is anticipated to be awarded, although multiple awards remain a possibility. Offerors are encouraged to align their proposals closely with technical requirements, including annual work plans and proposals for GUCs (Grants Under Contract). The responses specify that consortium arrangements are permitted, and every offer must include detailed explanations for labor categories proposed as part of the LOE calculation. This comprehensive Q&A update aids potential candidates in preparing informed, competitive proposals for the AURA project, adhering to stringent USAID procurement guidelines.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is soliciting proposals for the Amman Urban Resilience Activity (AURA) in Jordan under RFP Number 72027824R00002. This initiative aims to enhance urban resilience to climate change in Amman, targeting improvements in data-driven policy-making, finance mobilization, and the implementation of urban resilience projects. The contract will involve significant technical assistance and support for the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and other governmental bodies to develop strategies and infrastructure that respond effectively to climate risks. The estimated effort will require approximately 16,000 Full-Time-Equivalent person-days and is structured as a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract. The proposal process includes deadlines for questions and formal submissions, with all correspondence managed electronically. The successful offeror will need to adhere to the Federal Acquisition Regulations and demonstrate an ability to deliver integrated, evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs. The AURA program reflects USAID’s commitment to fostering sustainable urban planning practices and enhancing capacity in local governance to address critical climate challenges while ensuring equitable participation from marginalized communities.

The revised Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 72027824R00002 by USAID aims to solicit proposals for the Amman Urban Resilience Activity (AURA) in Jordan. Issued on November 17, 2024, proposals are due by December 7, 2024. The contract, expected to span five years, emphasizes improving urban resilience to climate change and fostering decarbonization efforts in Amman through targeted support to the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) and government agencies. Key objectives include enhancing data-driven policymaking, improving financial mobilization for climate projects, and increasing the implementation of urban resilience initiatives. The initiative seeks to employ evidence-based practices tailored to local needs, with a focus on sustainable solutions that can attract private investment. The geographic focus will primarily be on specific districts within Amman, identified during the implementation phase based on criteria that consider socio-economic factors, climate vulnerabilities, and service accessibility. Successful proposals should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the interlinkages between environmental challenges and urban planning, alongside innovative financing strategies to foster community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. USAID retains the authority to award or reject proposals based on its assessment of responsiveness and funding availability.

The document outlines the Request for Proposal (RFP) 72027824R00002 by USAID for the AURA Activity in Jordan, detailing estimated costs and financial categories for a five-year project. It highlights the contractor’s budget allocation for various services and costs, including personnel, grants, institutional support, and construction, totaling $10 million across several categories. Key financial components include $1.5 million designated for the Institutional Support Fund, $6 million for grants under contract, and $2.5 million for construction. Indirect costs and fixed fee allocations are noted but remain unspecified. The RFP categorizes direct costs into personnel, other direct costs (ODCs), subcontracts, and indirect costs, providing a transparent view of funding distribution over five years. The structure of the document includes a budget summary followed by a breakdown of direct cost categories and personnel assignments, emphasizing the importance of each expenditure area for project implementation. Overall, the document serves to facilitate transparent bidding and financial planning for potential contractors engaged in USAID-funded initiatives in Jordan.

The Amman Urban Resilience Activity (AURA) aims to enhance urban resilience to climate change in Amman, Jordan, primarily supported by USAID. The project spans from February 1, 2025, to February 28, 2030, and will focus on increasing the Greater Amman Municipality's (GAM) capacity to plan and implement urban resilience and decarbonization interventions through technical assistance and financial mobilization. AURA is structured around three main outcomes: improving data-driven policy-making and planning, enhancing financial mobilization for climate-responsive projects, and increasing the implementation of priority projects. Environmental compliance is crucial; an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) categorized the project with a negative determination but highlighted the need for an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) due to potential impacts from construction activities. The document clarifies that the project will not adversely affect endangered species or protected areas, and outlines applicable Jordanian environmental legislations. Climate risks identified include extreme weather events, requiring proper planning to address sustainability and resilience within project design. Ultimately, AURA seeks to foster community-driven solutions while attracting private investment for systemic impact in Amman, aligning with local and national strategies for climate resilience.

The document is an amendment to a solicitation issued by USAID/Jordan, changing details regarding contract number 72027824R00002. Effective November 17, 2024, this amendment addresses questions submitted by the deadline and outlines minor revisions highlighted in the amended Request for Proposal (RFP), which replaces the original solicitation comprehensively. Contractors are required to acknowledge this amendment by specified methods, as failure to do so may lead to the rejection of their offer. Additionally, the document stipulates that, unless specified, all other terms and conditions from the original solicitation remain unchanged. The amendment emphasizes the importance of responding to inquiries and updating proposal specifications, crucial for ensuring clarity in the procurement process. Lastly, it is signed and dated by Camille Garcia, the Supervisory Contracting Officer, indicating official approval and oversight. This amendment serves to refine the solicitation process and maintain compliance with federal guidelines for contracting and proposals.