Global Advisory Request for Proposals (RFP)
ID: 19AQMM25R0019Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

STATE, DEPARTMENT OFSTATE, DEPARTMENT OFACQUISITIONS - AQM MOMENTUMWASHINGTON, DC, 20520, USA

NAICS

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (541611)

PSC

SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT: OTHER (R799)

Set Aside

Partial Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBP)
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of State is soliciting proposals for the Global Advisory Request for Proposals (RFP) under Solicitation Number 19AQMM25R0019, aimed at providing advisory and technical support services globally to enhance U.S. foreign policy goals. The procurement seeks contractors to deliver services primarily outside the continental U.S., focusing on defense and stability initiatives, with a minimum contract quantity of $15,000 and a maximum cap of $250 million. This opportunity is significant for contractors specializing in administrative management and general management consulting services, particularly those that are small businesses, as it includes a partial small business set-aside. Interested parties can reach out to Taynelle McCloud at mccloudtl@state.gov or Todd McNelly at mcnellyrt@state.gov for further inquiries, with proposals due as specified in the RFP documentation.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Taynelle McCloud
    mccloudtl@state.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines Solicitation Number 19AQMM25R0019, issued by the U.S. Department of State, for a multiple-award Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract titled "Global Advisory." This contract aims to provide advisory and technical support services globally, primarily focused on enhancing U.S. foreign policy goals through various defense and stability initiatives. It emphasizes the requirement for contractors to offer services outside the continental U.S. and includes provisions for veterans and women-owned small businesses. Key points include a minimum contract quantity of $15,000 and a maximum cap of $250 million, with an emphasis on performance standards and non-personal service provisions. The document elaborates on pricing types, allowable costs, and necessary insurance, including Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance for overseas employees. It details specific labor categories, payment structures, travel provisions, and compliance with various federal regulations. The main purpose of this RFP is to streamline the procurement process for these services while ensuring adherence to competitive contracting practices and regulations, thereby increasing operational efficiency within the Department of State.
    The document outlines labor category descriptions for a government contract related to international advisory services, detailing required qualifications and experience for various positions. Key roles include Program Manager, Senior Advisors (both Executive and Organizational Level), Legal Advisors, Cybersecurity Advisors (across multiple levels), Technical Advisors, Facilitation Specialists, and Site Coordinators. Each position specifies the minimum years of relevant experience and educational requirements, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, as well as military or federal government rank equivalencies. Additional qualifications may include foreign language proficiency and experience in overseas contexts. The document serves to standardize competencies for respondents to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or grants by stipulating essential qualifications for effective performance in advisory capacities within host nation, regional, or international organizations. This standardization aims to enhance operational capacity and ensure self-sufficiency in executive decision-making by the intended beneficiaries of the advisory support.
    The document outlines a Sample Task Order Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the U.S. Department of State, specifically under the Bureau of African Affairs and Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. The purpose of the task order is to solicit professional advisory services in logistics and cybersecurity for the coastal Horn of Africa and Balkans regions, aimed at enhancing these nations' national security strategies. The scope includes developing capability assessments and work plans, advising on logistics and cybersecurity, and establishing best practices to improve operational readiness. Key personnel required include a Senior Logistics Advisor and a Cybersecurity Advisor, both requiring significant work experience and relevant qualifications. Each advisor's tasks include direct support in their respective fields, regular reporting, and collaboration with host nations and other stakeholders. The document emphasizes the government’s non-personal services approach, meaning contractors will operate independently without government supervision. It outlines deliverables, performance periods, and management expectations, clearly showcasing the U.S. commitment to international security cooperation through partnerships with foreign governments.
    The document outlines proposed indirect cost rates and associated pricing tables for federal government contracts, specifically focusing on provisional billing rates, ceiling rates, and not-to-exceed profit percentages. It details indirect cost allocations based on fringe benefits expressed as a percentage of total labor dollars across various fiscal years, ranging from 2025 to 2031. Additionally, it provides a breakdown of labor categories, equipment costs, and estimates for labor hours and fees across multiple ordering periods. The purpose of this file is to present comprehensive pricing proposals in response to government RFPs, complying with federal guidelines for indirect costs and pricing structures. This approach ensures transparency and allows government agencies to evaluate funding requests based on outlined rates and estimated project needs, facilitating informed decisions regarding grant allocations and contract awards.
    The document serves as a Q&A Tracking Sheet for contractors participating in federal and state RFP processes. It provides structured instructions for submitting questions or comments regarding RFP sections and relevant attachments. Each submission requires identifying details such as the contractor's name, the competition pool, the applicable RFP section, and the specific page and paragraph numbers. The format emphasizes clarity and sequential numbering for responses, ensuring that all contractor inquiries are addressed systematically and made available for all stakeholders. Drop-down menus guide users in categorizing their questions, aligning them with specific RFP sections like Labor Categories, Equipment Specifications, and Pricing Tables. The sheet aims to enhance communication between the government and contractors by ensuring a transparent and organized method for addressing queries. The collaborative nature of this document highlights its role in facilitating a fair bidding process, particularly for entities identifying as small businesses, including WOSB and SDVOSB. Overall, the Q&A Tracking Sheet is essential for maintaining orderly dialogue and clarifying expectations within government contracting opportunities.
    The document outlines a proposal format for a candidate applying as a Program Manager for the Global Advisory Program in response to a federal RFP. It specifies requirements for summarizing the candidate’s education and experience, with a focus on qualifications needed for effective project management. Key qualifications include at least three years of managing contracts with substantial ceiling values, leadership experience in foreign assistance programs, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, adherence to quality standards, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The proposal mandates a chronological work history detailing each position, linking responsibilities and achievements to specific qualifications, and emphasizing the candidate's availability for immediate deployment upon award. A commitment statement confirms the candidate's agreement to serve in the designated role. Overall, the document serves as a template for demonstrating a candidate's suitability for managing high-value government contracts within the context of federal grant applications and RFPs.
    The document outlines equipment specifications required for a government procurement initiative, focusing on safety and operational readiness for personnel engaged in potential field operations. Key specifications include the need for NIJ Level III-A body armor and helmets, accompanied by documentation from an accredited US testing authority. Additional requests encompass advanced satellite phones designed for rugged conditions, a variety of computing technologies (laptops, monitors, printers), and a comprehensive first aid kit. Furthermore, a vehicle specification requires a diesel engine pickup truck equipped for off-road use, featuring essential safety gear and recovery tools. The emphasis on durable, military-grade equipment and stringent certification highlights the project's intention to ensure the safety and efficiency of personnel in challenging environments. This procurement process is part of the federal government's commitment to equipping its workforce with reliable and robust resources for operational effectiveness.
    The document outlines the Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) structure related to contracting and acquisitions for a government advisory program. It categorizes various advisor roles, including Program Managers, Senior Advisors, Legal Advisors, and Cybersecurity Advisors, specifying both Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside Continental United States (OCONUS) needs, differing by workweek length (5-day and 6-day). Each position has a dedicated line item reference in Attachment J-1 for clarity. Additionally, the document includes a procurement section that lists essential equipment needed for the program, such as ballistic armor, satellite phones, and various computing devices, all referenced in Attachment J-3. This structured approach is aligned with federal and state/local request for proposals (RFPs), emphasizing the necessity of thorough personnel and equipment specifications to meet operational demands. Ultimately, the file serves as a critical resource in supporting the application and execution of government contracts.
    The document is a DD Form 254 issued by the Department of Defense, specifying security classification requirements for a contract (19AQMM-25-R-0019) related to professional services at Department of State locations. The primary purpose is to outline the security clearance and safeguarding measures for classified information involved in the contract. It specifies that contractor personnel must have appropriate security clearances (TOP SECRET or SECRET) and undergo various security checks, especially for positions in high-risk HUMINT threat posts. The document details additional security requirements, such as compliance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), the necessity of a Moderate Risk Public Trust (MRPT) determination for certain roles, and specific protocols for personnel deployments exceeding 60 days. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding classified information and maintaining adherence to security regulations while performing the contract. These clarifications are vital for protecting sensitive data and ensuring contractors are adequately vetted before interacting with classified materials or locations.
    This document outlines procurement restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, particularly for funds like the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) account. It discusses two main restrictions: the U.S.-manufactured motor vehicle procurement restriction and a general procurement restriction for all items. Vehicle purchases must be from U.S. manufacturers unless a waiver is granted by the Secretary of State under specific circumstances, such as interoperability issues or urgent timing needs. General procurement mandates that items be sourced only from the U.S., recipient countries, or non-advanced developing countries unless those items are unavailable in sufficient quality or quantity, or if a waiver is justified. Offerors seeking waivers need to complete specified templates and provide detailed justification regarding compliance, including cost comparisons. The document emphasizes the separation of these guidelines from the Buy American Act and outlines stringent documentation requirements to ensure compliance with these procurement standards. Such restrictions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of U.S. foreign assistance efforts and ensuring that procurement meets specified national interests.
    The "Past Performance Questionnaire" (PPQ) is a critical document utilized by the U.S. State Department to gauge contractor performance in response to RFPs. Section J - Attachment 9 establishes clear instructions for contractors and customers regarding the completion and submission of the PPQ. Contractors must fill out sections detailing their profile, contract information, and performance ratings, whereas customers are tasked with reviewing and finalizing the document. The document outlines performance evaluation criteria using adjectival ratings—Outstanding (O), Good (G), Acceptable (A), Marginal (M), and Unacceptable (U)—to assess the contractor’s capability in areas such as providing advisory services, managing projects of substantial value, and adhering to quality standards. The questionnaire seeks customers’ perspectives on aspects like scope relevance, complexity of work performed, and subcontracting of small businesses. Furthermore, a closing section asks for customer feedback on future engagements with the contractor. This structured assessment process ensures effective evaluation of contractors' past performances, guiding future decisions in federal procurement.
    Lifecycle
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