Global Peace Operations Initiative Capacity Building Assistance in Malawi
ID: 19AQMM24R0174Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

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

NAICS

Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

PSC

EDUCATION/TRAINING- OTHER (U099)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of State is seeking a qualified small business to provide capacity-building assistance for the Malawi Defense Force (MDF) under the Global Peace Operations Initiative. The primary objective of this procurement is to enhance Malawi's ability to prepare, deploy, and sustain its peacekeeping forces through tailored training and mentorship, ensuring that the MDF can independently conduct pre-deployment training while adapting to evolving government requirements. This initiative is crucial for strengthening international peacekeeping efforts and fostering effective partnerships between the U.S. and Malawi. Interested offerors must submit proposals by the deadline following the solicitation's posting on or about August 28, 2024, and should direct inquiries to the IP Contracting Team at IP_Contracting_Team@state.gov or Holli Baker at BakerHC@state.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The government solicitation (RFP 19AQMM24R0174) is for a contract aimed at providing Capacity Building Assistance in Malawi. Issued by the U.S. Department of State on August 28, 2024, the RFP encompasses various services, including training support, team leadership, and logistical support related to training operations. It consists of multiple line items that cover in-country personnel roles, airfare, mobilization tasks, training equipment, and other direct costs, with different pricing structures (Time and Materials, Cost-Plus, Firm-Fixed Price). The contract signifies a commitment to enhance local capabilities through training while adhering to federal guidelines, including provisions for payments, reporting, and compliance with U.S. regulations. The contracting officer is responsible for overseeing contract modifications, ensuring transparency in performance, and maintaining accountability for expenses. This solicitation reflects the government’s effort to engage contractors for international training initiatives, indicating the importance of capacity building in global relations and diplomatic cooperation. The overarching aim is to foster effective partnerships between the U.S. and Malawi through skill development and resource sharing.
    The document outlines the Statement of Work (SOW) for the Global Peace Operations Initiative's (GPOI) capacity-building assistance in Malawi, aimed at enhancing the Malawi Defense Force's (MDF) capabilities for international peacekeeping missions. The main objectives include developing mission capabilities, improving planning and readiness, and fostering self-sufficiency through tailored training, mentorship, and equipment provision. Essential tasks are categorized into specific training modules, such as Peacekeeping Training Resource Management, Lessons Learned Workshops, and Pre-Deployment Training for MONUSCO and SADC Battalions. Each training component emphasizes collaboration with MDF, responsive instruction aligned with UN standards, and includes a focus on human rights themes like the Protection of Civilians and preventing sexual exploitation. The contractor must ensure comprehensive management, equipment provision, and adherence to U.S. government policies. The document serves as an actionable framework for the successful implementation of U.S. peacekeeping strategy in Malawi, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening global peacekeeping efforts through robust training and resources.
    The document outlines a government request for proposals (RFP) concerning various training tasks related to in-country training preparation and partner engagement over multiple periods, including a base year and three option years. Each task is denoted by Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), categorized into Time and Materials (T&M), Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CNF), and Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Key tasks include training preparation, mobilization costs, airfare, lodging, and training support equipment. Numerous roles are specified, including In-Country Team Lead and various trainers, with associated daily rates and quantities for each labor category. The document emphasizes the collaborative nature of this initiative, focusing on enhancing skills through specialized training for personnel. Overall, it serves as a framework for contractors to submit cost proposals, ensuring adherence to specified requirements while demonstrating capabilities in conduct and compliance. This aligns with government objectives to build capacity and enhance performance in regions requiring support.
    This fact sheet outlines procurement restrictions related to the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961, specifically addressing vehicle and equipment acquisitions funded by FAA resources such as Economic Support Funds (ESF) and Peacekeeping Operations (PKO). The vehicle procurement restriction mandates that funds cannot be used to purchase vehicles that are not manufactured in the U.S., though the President may waive this requirement under certain conditions related to availability or timeliness. Similarly, general equipment procurement prohibits purchases from non-authorized countries unless specific conditions are met, with a waiver process requiring detailed justification including exploration of U.S. or recipient country options. Offerors seeking waivers must document their rationale and demonstrate that procurement from other nations provides a minimum cost savings of 25%. The document emphasizes compliance with the FAA restrictions, discourages reliance on the Buy American Act, and sets out explicit requirements for proposal submissions. Overall, it serves as guidance for offerors engaging in procurement under FAA funding, ensuring adherence to specified regulations.
    The government file outlines procurement restrictions for vehicles and equipment under the Foreign Assistance Act, emphasizing the necessity for a minimum of 80% U.S.-origin content to meet compliance standards. Offerors must complete a detailed Equipment Component Origin Reporting Template, documenting sourcing information for various vehicle components. If compliance thresholds are not met, Offerors may request waivers, necessitating an explanation of how the proposed equipment diverges from set requirements and alternatives that fulfill procurement guidelines. The document further specifies the importance of vendor evaluation, outlining criteria such as inventory compliance, specification adherence, and deviations with justifications. This structure is crucial for ensuring that procurement processes align with federal standards and promote accountability in financial and operational aspects of foreign assistance programs.
    This fact sheet outlines the procurement restrictions for vehicles and equipment under the Foreign Assistance Act, specifically addressing the requirements for purchasing outside 604(a)(1) compliant countries. It provides a template designed for evaluating various equipment types such as ambulances and communication devices. The template includes key fields for identifying the vendor, equipment location, compliance status, and specifications, along with sections for explanations of any deviations or issues related to the procurement process, including cost variances and timelines. Each entry must document whether the equipment meets the necessary specifications, the reasons for any non-compliance, and other logistical concerns. The intent of this document is to ensure that federal agencies adhere to compliance regulations while considering the best options for equipment procurement, demonstrating the need for transparency and accountability in federal grants and contracts.
    The document outlines a proposed training and operational schedule for personnel involved in government-supported missions. It spans multiple weeks and includes a range of tasks such as tactical mission planning, medical screenings, logistics training, and various specialized skill developments, including individual peacekeeping skills and conflict management. The schedule is designed to ensure comprehensive preparation and mentorship for personnel, with a focus on team training scenarios, retraining exercises, and evaluations through MRX/CERTEX assessments. Key details include staffing requirements, which vary across different events and training sessions, emphasizing the allocation of personnel to maximize effectiveness. The document serves as a roadmap for executing training programs critical for governmental objectives, maintaining structured planning for operational readiness in peacekeeping and mission-critical contexts. Overall, this schedule is essential for organizing and executing necessary training within the framework of federal and state mission operations, ensuring that all involved personnel are adequately prepared for upcoming responsibilities and tasks.
    The document pertains to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the GPOI Assistance project in Malawi, focusing on the protocol for submitting questions during the designated Q&A period. Offerors interested in querying the Government must adhere to specific instructions outlined in Section L of the RFP. Each question must be presented in a clearly defined format, including references to the relevant sections of the RFP or Statement of Work (SOW), with distinct citations for clarity. Offerors should submit one question per row and ensure all parts of the reference and question are visible, creating a straightforward communication process. This structured approach aims to facilitate effective dialogue between offerors and the Government, ensuring that all inquiries regarding the solicitation are addressed comprehensively and uniformly. The document emphasizes the importance of clarity and adherence to guidelines in communication during the procurement process.
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