Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 04, 2005 FBO #1347
MODIFICATION

R -- Romania: Information Technology Sector Definitional Mission

Notice Date

8/2/2005
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

541611 — Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
 

Contracting Office

United States Trade and Development Agency, USTDA Contracts Office, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA, 22209-3901
 

ZIP Code

22209-3901
 

Solicitation Number

USTDA-05-Q-81-316
 

Response Due

8/17/2005
 

Archive Date

9/1/2005
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

6 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS AND PROFILE The Government of Romania (GOR) has made great strides in developing the country?s framework for information technology growth. As the country prepares to join the European Union (EU), the GOR has introduced various initiatives aimed at improving interconnectivity, efficiency in industrial operations, and increasing IT access for the general populace. Recently the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced a strategic objective for the country to complete its transition to an ?Information Society? by 2008. This initiative is supported by President Basescu, who believes that an aggressive IT strategy for the country with increased IT integration will lead to new e-Government initiatives, which will in turn create a more transparent government. In response to the growing push by the GOR for greater interconnectivity and increased IT access for the general populace, USTDA has been asked to consider the following projects in the IT sector. The DM consultant will not only evaluate the projects listed below, but will also consider any other opportunities in the IT sector that may benefit from USTDA funding. Ministry of Finance - Proposal for a technical assistance project to develop a new tax database to help with tracking, and to develop an integrated IT system to manage old and new information. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ? An interconnectivity integration project, creating an integrated IT system between the various ministries within the government. The project would serve as a pilot program that could eventually be expanded to integrate schools, libraries, and local governments into one database. The DM consultant will determine the economic feasibility of the proposed projects and evaluate the projects according to USTDA criteria. The DM consultant will make recommendations for USTDA funding and would draft TORs and budgets for any recommended projects. The DM will meet with various financial institutions to determine the availability of financing for these projects. The DM will also consider the environmental impact of each project and recommend mechanisms to mitigate/minimize these impacts and to measure the environmental benefits from implementing the proposed projects. The projects as proposed to USTDA are primarily focused on the upgrade and integration of IT systems; nevertheless, the DM consultant would need to review all aspects of the proposed projects to assure that no adverse effects to the environment are expected. The selected consultant will need to be an IT expert with experience designing secure IT systems for government use. The consultant will also need to be familiar with the latest integration software and be able to design sophisticated IT infrastructure systems that incorporate legacy systems. The DM will require at a minimum one week of travel to Romania. Annex I IMPACT ON U.S. LABOR STATEMENT The Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations legislation restricts U.S. foreign assistance from being used to provide: (a) any financial incentive to a business enterprise currently located in the United States for the purpose of inducing such an enterprise to relocate outside the United States if such incentive or inducement is likely to reduce the number of employees of such business enterprise in the United States because United States production is being replaced by such enterprise outside the United States; (b) assistance for any project or activity that contributes to the violation of internationally recognized workers rights; and (c) direct assistance for establishing or expanding production of any commodity for export by any country other than the United States, if the commodity is likely to be in surplus on world markets at the time the resulting productive capacity is expected to become operative and if the assistance will cause substantial injury to United States producers of the same, similar, or competing commodity. Annex II USTDA Nationality Requirements The purpose of USTDA's nationality, source, and origin requirements is to assure the maximum practicable participation of American contractors, technology, equipment and materials in the pre-feasibility, feasibility, and implementation stages of a project. USTDA STANDARD RULE (GRANT AGREEMENT STANDARD LANGUAGE): Except as USTDA may otherwise agree, the following provisions shall govern the delivery of goods and services funded by USTDA under this Grant Agreement: (a) for professional services, the Contractor must be either a U.S. firm or U.S. consultant; (b) the Contractor may use U.S. subcontractors without limitation, but the use of subcontractors from host country may not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the USTDA Grant amount and may only be used for specific services from the Terms of Reference identified in the subcontract; (c) employees of U.S. Contractor or U.S. subcontractor firms responsible for professional services shall be U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.; (d) goods purchased for implementation of the Study and associated delivery services (e.g., international transportation and insurance) must have their nationality, source and origin in the United States; and (e) goods and services incidental to Study support (e.g., lodging, food, and transportation) in host country are not subject to the above restrictions. USTDA will make available further details concerning these standards of eligibility upon request. NATIONALITY: 1. Rule Except as USTDA may otherwise agree, the Contractor for USTDA funded activities must be either a U.S. firm or a U.S. consultant. Prime contractors may utilize U.S. subcontractors, but the use of host country subcontractors is limited to 20% of the USTDA grant amount. 2. Application Accordingly, only a U.S. firm or U.S. consultant may submit proposals on USTDA-funded activities. Although those proposals may include subcontracting arrangements with host country firms or individuals for up to 20% of the USTDA grant amount, they may not include subcontracts with third country entities. U.S. firms submitting proposals must ensure that the professional services funded by the USTDA grant, to the extent not subcontracted to host country entities, are supplied by employees of the firm or employees of U.S. subcontractor firms who are U.S. individuals. Interested U.S. firms and consultants who submit proposals must meet USTDA nationality requirements as of the due date for the submission of proposals and, if selected, must continue to meet such requirements throughout the duration of the USTDA-financed activity. These nationality provisions apply to whatever portion of the Terms of Reference is funded with the USTDA grant. 3. Definitions A "U.S. individual" is (a) a U.S. citizen, or (b) a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S. (a green card holder). A "U.S. consultant" is (a) a U.S. citizen whose principal place of business is in the United States, or (b) a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S. (a green card holder) whose principal place of business is in the U.S. A "U.S. firm" is a privately owned firm which is incorporated in the U.S., with its principal place of business in the U.S., and which is either (a) more than 50% owned by U.S. individuals, or (b) has been incorporated in the U.S. for more than three (3) years prior to the issuance date of the request for proposals; has performed similar services in the U.S. for that three (3) year period; employs U.S. citizens in more than half of its permanent full-time positions in the U.S.; and has the existing capability in the U.S. to perform the work in question. A partnership, organized in the U.S. with its principal place of business in the U.S., may also qualify as a "U.S. firm" as would a joint venture organized or incorporated in the United States consisting entirely of U.S. firms and/or U.S. individuals. A nonprofit organization, such as an educational institution, foundation, or association may also qualify as a "U.S. firm" if it is incorporated in the United States and managed by a governing body, a majority of whose members are U.S. individuals. SOURCE AND ORIGIN: 1. Rule In addition to the nationality requirement stated above, any goods (e.g., equipment and materials) and services related to their shipment (e.g., international transportation and insurance) funded under the USA Grant Agreement must have their source and origin in the United States, unless USTDA otherwise agrees. However, necessary purchases of goods and project support services which, are unavailable from a U.S. source (e.g., local food, housing and transportation) are eligible without specific USTDA approval. 2. Application Accordingly, the prime contractor must be able to demonstrate that all goods and services purchased in the host country to carry out the Terms of Reference for a USTDA Grant Agreement that were not of U.S. source and origin were unavailable in the United States. 3. Definitions "Source" means the country from which shipment is made. "Origin" means the place of production, through manufacturing, assembly or otherwise. Questions regarding these nationality, source and origin requirements may be addressed to the USTDA Office of General Counsel by calling (703) 875-4357. Annex III Required Budget Format DIRECT LABOR COSTS: TOR Task TOR Task Name ____________Primary Contractor (Employee) Labor_________ Total Person Days x Daily Rate* = TOTAL COST I Task ________ (Position A) ________ ________ _____________ (Position B) ________ ________ _____________ TOTALS: ________ ________ _____________ TOR Task TOR Task Name __________________Non-Employee Labor_____________________ Total Person Days x Daily Rate ** = TOTAL COST I Task ________ (Position A) ________ ________ _____________ (Position B) ________ ________ _____________ TOTALS: ________ ________ _____________ TOTAL DIRECT LABOR COSTS: _____________ OTHER DIRECT COSTS: Purchased Services/Contracts*** Tasks_________ TOTAL COST _____________________ _____________ _____________ _____________________ _____________ _____________ Travel Trips Trip Cost TOTAL COST International Air Travel _________ _________ _____________ In Country Air Travel _________ _________ _____________ Ground Transportation _________ _________ _____________ Trip Days Per Diem Rate TOTAL COST Per Diem _________ _________ _____________ Other (local travel, etc.) _________ _________ _____________ Interpreters _________ _________ _____________ Other TOTAL COST Reproduction and Binding _____________ Courier Services _____________ Visa Services _____________ Communication _____________ TOTAL OTHER DIRECT COSTS: _____________ TOTAL COSTS (DIRECT LABOR COSTS + OTHER DIRECT COSTS): _____________ TOTAL U.S. COMPANY COST SHARE: _____________ PROPOSED USTDA GRANT: _____________ Guidance on USTDA Development Impact Measures USTDA has a dual mission of promoting US exports and advancing economic development in the host country. USTDA would like to re-emphasize the Agency?s developmental mandate. Toward this goal, the Agency is collecting more detailed information regarding the impact of its activities on the economic development of the host country. What does USTDA mean by Development Impact? USTDA?s activities impact host country economic development in a variety of ways. There are four primary categories that are tracked and measured. However, the Agency recognizes that there are additional ways that activities can benefit the host country. Therefore, study contractors are encouraged to address any significant benefits. Category Explanation Infrastructure USTDA funds feasibility studies of and technical assistance for many critically important infrastructure projects such as power plants, roads, ports, airports, telecommunications systems, water and sewerage systems or environmental improvements or enhancements, as well as projects such as refineries and manufacturing plants. Implementation of these projects contributes to the improvement and security of the physical, financial and social infrastructure of the developing world. Market-Oriented Reform Many USTDA activities have as a primary objective the facilitation of market-oriented reforms in developing countries. These reforms include encouraging more transparent regulatory systems and institutions, privatization of state-owned economic entities, promotion of greater competition in non-competitive economic sectors, lowering of non-tariff barriers to trade, strengthening of intellectual property rights and modernizing international trade systems and regulations. Human Capacity Building When implemented, the Agency?s projects often create new job opportunities, sustain employment for those in jeopardy of losing jobs and/or offer advanced training to upgrade the capability of the work force. USTDA considers a project to have Human Capacity Building impact if ten or more jobs are created and/or ten or more people receive significant training. Technology Transfer and Productivity Improvement The Agency?s projects result in the introduction of advanced technologies (e.g. management information systems or process technologies) or licenses that improve processes and/or systems , resulting in greater economic productivity or more efficient use of resources. Other Other development benefits not captured by the above four categories - examples include enhanced government revenue, increased good governance or spin-off projects. How Should the TOR of the FS/TA Address Development Impact? The TOR should include a task that assesses the expected development benefits of the proposed project. For example: The FS/TA Contractor shall report on the potential Development Impact of the project in the host country. In this section, the FS/TA Contractor should focus on what the economic development outcomes will be if the project is implemented according to the study recommendations. While specific focus should be paid to the immediate impact of the specific project that is being considered, the FS/TA contractor should include, where appropriate, any additional developmental benefits to the project, including spin-off and demonstration effects. The analysis of potential benefits of the feasibility study contractor should be as concrete and detailed as possible. The Development Impact factors are intended to provide the project?s decision-makers and interested parties with a broader view of the project?s potential effects on the host country. The FS/TA contractor will provide estimates of the project?s potential benefits in the following areas: Infrastructure: a statement on the infrastructure impact giving a brief synopsis. For example ?This project would result in the construction of a power plant that would provide 500MW of power. This plant would serve x additional households in the region.? Market-Oriented Reform: a description of any regulation, laws, or institutional changes that are recommended and the effect they would have if implemented. Human Capacity Building: The Contractor should address the number and type of positions that would be needed to construct and operate the proposed project as well as the number of people who will receive training and a brief description of the training program. Technology Transfer and Productivity Enhancement: a description of any advanced technologies that will be implemented as a result of the project. A description of any efficiency that will be gained (e.g. ?By upgrading the power plant?s old boilers, efficiency will be increased from x% to y%). Other: any other developmental benefits to the project, including any spin-off or demonstration effects. How Will This Affect the Final Report For the FS or TA? A section in the final report will be devoted to the projected host country Development Impact of the FS or TA recommendations if they are implemented. The section should focus primarily on the key issues mentioned above (infrastructure and industrialization, human capacity building, technology transfer and productivity, and market oriented reform). Other host country development impacts (e.g. improved financial revenue flows to host government etc.) can be mentioned where appropriate. The discussion should be as detailed and concrete as possible, and the contractor may provide estimates in ranges as appropriate. Annex IV Task Completion Schedule Weeks 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Task I Task II Task III Final Report Instructions List each major task to be performed. The duration of each task is to be graphically represented. For example, in the illustrative schedule, Task 1 is to begin in Week 1 and end in Week 4. Preparation of the Final Report begins in Week 6 and is completed in Week 8. Annex V BUDGET NARRATIVE REQUIREMENTS DIRECT COSTS Direct Labor - Only salaries and wages for employees of the proposing organization should be identified here. Provide the job title; the names of the individuals, if known; the experience and training that describes the individual?s capabilities for the project and supports the proposed daily rate; and an explanation of how the individual will support the Terms of Reference. For each, provide the mathematics for how the loaded rate was developed. Examples: Project Manager/Senior Engineer ? This individual will provide necessary guidance and support to the project to ensure successful completion of the System Design and oversee the completion of the Terms of Reference. The proposed individual has 15 years experience managing telecommunications projects. It is estimated that 130 days will be required at a daily rate of $1455. The rate was calculated with a base salary of $776 a day and includes a fringe benefit rate of 25% and an overhead rate of 50%. Junior Engineer ? This individual will work with the Senior Engineer to develop the system design and provide documentation for the feasibility study. It is estimated that 75 days will be required at a daily rate of $728 a day. The rate was calculated with a base salary of $388 a day and includes a fringe benefit rate of 25% and an overhead rate of 50%. Other Direct Labor ? Consultants and other Non-Employee Labor should be identified here. Provide the job title; names of the individuals, if known; primary organization affiliation, if applicable; experience and training that describes the individual?s capabilities for the project and supports the proposed daily rate; and a justification of how the individual will support the Terms of Reference. For each, provide the mathematics for how the loaded rate was developed. Example: Independent Consultant ? This individual will develop questionnaires and surveys to gather data from local participants and officials for the marketing plan. The individual will have experience developing and administering questionnaires and knowledge of the host country. It is estimated that 30 days will be required at a daily rate of $577 a day. The rate was calculated with a base salary of $300 a day and includes a fringe benefit rate of 30% and an overhead rate of 45%. A small profit/fee may be added, if justified. OTHER DIRECT COSTS Purchased Services/Contracts ? For each purchased service or contract, include a clear description of the work to be performed as it relates to the Terms of Reference and a separate detailed budget for each. If the contractor or vendor is known, provide a basis for selection. Examples: Translation Services ? A translation service provider will be hired to translate the final report. It is estimated that 1000 pages will be translated at $1.00 a page. The budget estimate is based on actual costs to translate similar documents in the past. ABC Marketing, Inc. ? This contractor was selected because they have 10 years experience developing marketing plans with significant experience in the host country. ABC Marketing will develop the marketing plan utilizing the data collected from questionnaires and surveys. Attached is ABC Marketing?s detailed budget of $15,324. Domestic and Foreign Travel Include the destination and its relationship to the project and the Terms of Reference. Itemized costs must be included for each trip. Examples: The Project Manager/Senior Engineer and the Junior Engineer will travel to the host country for the Kick-Off Meeting and two subsequent trips for System Design Work. The Independent Consultant will travel to the host country for the Kick-Off Meeting and two subsequent trips for collection of data for the Marketing Plan. One Kick-Off Meeting to be attended by the Project Manager/Senior Engineer, Junior Engineer, and Independent Consultant Roundtrip Airfare (Economy Class): $2,973/per Trip X 3 People = $8,919 Per Diem: $182 X 10 days X 3 People = $5,460 Local Transportation: $250/trip X 9 Trips = $2,250 Transportation to/from Airport: $100/Trip X 4 Trips = $200 Two System Design Trips (10 days each) for the Project Manager/Senior Engineer and Junior Engineer Roundtrip Airfare (Economy Class): $2,973 X 2 Trips X 2 People = $11,892 Per Diem: $182 X 2 Trips X 10 days X 2 people = $7,280 Local Transportation: $250/trip X 18 Trips = $4,500 Transportation to/from Airport: $100/trip X 4 trips = $200 Two Data Gathering Trips for the Marketing Plan (10 days each) for the Project Manager/Senior Engineer and Independent Consultant Roundtrip Airfare (Economy Class): $2,973 X 2 Trips X 2 People = $11,892 Per Diem: $182 X 2 Trips X 10 days X 2 people = $7,280 Local Transportation: $250/trip X 18 Trips = $4,500 Transportation to/from Airport: $100/trip X 2 trips = $200 Other Expenses Other expenses may include such items as reproduction, publishing costs, and telephone calls. Provide a detailed explanation for each as to how it relates to the Terms of Reference and include calculations on how the numbers have been derived. Example: Reproduction of the Final Report ? Eight copies of the final report will be reproduced and bound in accordance with the final report specifications provided by USTDA. Reproduction: 1000 Pages X $.10/per Copy X 8 Copies = $800 Binding and Final Report Specifications: $20/per Copy X 8 Copies = $160
 

Place of Performance

Address: Headquarters, USTDA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, Virginia

Zip Code: 22209-3901

Country: USA
 

Record

SN00860784-W 20050804/050802213010 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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