LEAD is seeking Proposals from qualified vendors to Installation and provision of Internet services in Bassa, Bong and Nimba counties in Liberia.

1. Introduction and Purpose

1.1 Purpose

DAI, the implementer of the USAID Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) invites qualified offerors to submit proposals to Installation and provision of Internet Services in Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties, Liberia in support of program implementation. The USAID Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity was awarded to DAI Global LLC for a period of five years, from May 19, 2023 to May 18, 2028. LEAD Activity is being implemented in close collaboration with the Government of Liberia (GOL) to support the implementation of priority policy reforms including in domestic revenue mobilization (DRM) and decentralization, increasing financial transparency and accountability both in terms of revenue management and expenditures. The primary counterparts for LEAD Activity are ministries, agencies and commissions as well as the partner counties and cities. The LEAD Activity will also work with active civil society and professional media institutions to provide effective oversight of government financial management and ensures proper use of revenues, which is critical to the success of proposed interventions.

1.2 Issuing Office

The Issuing Office and Contact Person noted in the above synopsis is the sole point of contact at DAI for purposes of this RFP. Any prospective offeror who fails to register their interest with this office assumes complete responsibility in the event that they do not receive direct communications (amendments, answers to questions, etc.) prior to the closing date.

1.3 Type of Award Anticipated

DAI anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order for the provision of specific services, goods, or deliverables and is not adjusted if the actual costs are higher or lower than the fixed price amount. Offerors are expected to include all costs, direct and indirect, into their total price.

1.4 General Instructions

“Offeror”, “Subcontractor”, and/or “Bidder” means a firm proposing the work under this RFP. “Offer” and/or “Proposal” means the package of documents the firm submits to propose the work.

Offerors wishing to respond to this RFP must submit proposals, in English, in accordance with the following instructions. Offerors are required to review all instructions and specifications contained in this RFP. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror’s risk. If the solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions not modified in the amendment shall remain unchanged.

Issuance of this RFP in no way obligates DAI to award a subcontract or purchase order. Offerors will not be reimbursed for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of their proposal. DAI shall in no case be responsible or liable for these costs.

Proposals/bids are due no later than September 26th , 2024 at 14:00GMT, to be submitted to

LGGAprocurementInbox@dai.com. Late offers will be rejected except under extraordinary circumstances at DAI’s discretion.

The submission to DAI of a proposal in response to this RFP will constitute an offer and indicates the Offeror’s agreement to the terms and conditions in this RFP and any attachments hereto. DAI reserves the right not to evaluate a non-responsive or incomplete proposal.

1.5 Proposal Cover Letter

A cover letter shall be included with the proposal on the Offeror’s company letterhead with a duly authorized signature and company stamp/seal using Attachment B as a template for the format. The cover letter shall include the following items:

• The Offeror will certify a validity period of 90 calendar days for the prices provided.
• Acknowledge the solicitation amendments received (if any).

1.6 Questions regarding the RFP

Each Offeror is responsible for reading and complying with the terms and conditions of this RFP. Requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing via email or in writing to the Issuing Office as specified in the Synopsis above. No questions will be answered by phone. Any verbal information received from a DAI or LEAD employee or other entity shall not be considered as an official response to any question regarding this RFP.

Copies of questions and responses will be distributed in writing to all prospective bidders who are on record as having received this RFP after the submission date specified in the Synopsis above.

2. Instructions for the Preparation of Technical Proposals

Technical proposals shall be sent by mail including cost of services.

Technical proposals shall include the following contents.

1. Technical Approach – Description of the proposed services which meets or exceeds the stated technical specifications or scope of work. The proposal must show how the Offeror plans to complete the work and describe an approach that demonstrates the achievement of timely and acceptable performance of the work.
2. Past Performance –Provide a list of at least three (3) recent awards of similar scope and duration. The information shall be supplied as a table and shall include the legal name and address of the organization for which services were performed, a description of work performed, the duration of the work and the value of the contract, description of any problems encountered and how it was resolved, and a current contact phone number of a responsible and knowledgeable representative of the organization. See Attachment F.
3. Cost/Price- detailed price list which is reasonable for the provision of the service outlined.

2.1 Services Specified

For this RFP, DAI needs the services described in Attachment A.

2.2 Technical Evaluation Criteria

Each proposal will be evaluated and scored against the evaluation criteria and evaluation sub criteria, which are stated in the table below. Past performance, Technical Approach and Cost/Price. These will be combined to determine the overall scores of the vendor/service provider.

3. Instructions for the Preparation of Cost/Price Proposals

3.1 Cost/Price Attachment C

Provided in Attachment C is a template for the Price Schedule, for firm-fixed price awards. For cost reimbursable or time & material awards, the offeror shall provide a fully detailed budget. Offerors shall complete the template including as much detailed information as possible.

The Cost/Price must be in US Dollars and excluding all applied taxes. DAI has received exemption from these taxes. Accordingly, costs proposed should be net of Taxes. The service provider/Subcontractor, however, is responsible for all applicable taxes and fees, as prescribed under the applicable laws for income, compensation, permits, licenses, and other taxes and fees due as required.

Period Offer are binding: Offeror’s are bound by their offers for 90 calendar days after the deadline for the submission of tenders.

4. Basis of Award

4.1 Best Value Determination

DAI will review all proposals, and make an award based on the technical and cost evaluation criteria stated above and select the offeror whose proposal/bid provides the best value to DAI. DAI may also exclude an offer from consideration if it determines that an Offeror is “not responsible”, i.e., that it does not have the management and financial capabilities required to perform the work required.

Evaluation points will not be awarded for cost. Cost will primarily be evaluated for realism and reasonableness. DAI may award to a higher priced offeror if a determination is made that the higher technical evaluation of that offeror merits the additional cost/price.

DAI may award to an Offeror without discussions. Therefore, the initial offer must contain the Offeror’s best price and technical terms.

4.2 Responsibility Determination

DAI will not enter into any type of agreement with an Offeror prior to ensuring the Offeror’s responsibility. When assessing an Offeror’s responsibility, the following factors are taken into consideration:

1. Provide evidence of the required business registration and tax clearance to operate in Liberia.
2. Evidence of an Unique Entity ID (SAM) (explained below and instructions contained in Attachment D) –not applicable
3. The source, origin and nationality of the products or services are not from a Prohibited Country (explained below).
4. Having adequate financial resources to finance and perform the work or deliver goods or the ability to obtain financial resources without receiving advance funds from DAI.
5. Ability to comply with required or proposed delivery or performance schedules.
6. Have a satisfactory past performance record.
7. Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.
8. Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls and technical skills.
9. Have the necessary production and technical equipment and facilities if applicable.
10. Be qualified and eligible to perform work under applicable laws and regulations.

5. Anticipated post-award Deliverables

Upon award of a Purchase Order/subcontract, the deliverables and deadlines detailed in below table will be submitted to DAI. The Offeror should detail proposed costs per deliverable in the Price Schedule. All of the deliverables must be submitted to and approved by DAI before payment will be processed.

6. Inspection & Acceptance

The designated DAI Project IT Specialist will inspect from time to time the services being performed to determine whether the activities are being performed in a satisfactory manner, and that all equipment or supplies are of acceptable quality and standards. The subcontractor/service provider shall be responsible for any countermeasures or corrective action, within the scope of this RFP, which may be required by the DAI Chief of Party as a result of such inspection.

7. Compliance with Terms and Conditions

7.1 General Terms and Conditions

Offerors agree to comply with the general terms and conditions for an award resulting from this RFP.

7.2 Prohibited Technology

Bidders MUST NOT provide any goods and/or services that utilize telecommunications and video surveillance products from the following companies: Huawei Technologies Company, ZTE Corporation, Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua Technology Company, or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, in compliance with FAR 52.204-25.

8.3 Source and Nationality

Under the authorized Geographic Code 935: Goods and services maybe procure from any area or country including the cooperating country but excluding Prohibited countries.

DAI must verify the source and nationality of goods and services and ensure (to the fullest extent possible) that DAI does not procure any goods or services from prohibited countries listed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) as sanctioned countries. OFAC sanctioned countries may be searched within the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.SAM.gov. The current list of countries under comprehensive sanctions include: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Goods may not transit through or be assembled in comprehensive sanctioned origin or nationality countries nor can the vendor be owned or controlled by a prohibited country. DAI is prohibited from facilitating any transaction by a third party if that transaction would be prohibited if performed by DAI.

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, Offerors confirm that they are not violating the Source and Nationality requirements of the goods or services being offered and that the goods and services comply with the Geographic Code and the exclusions for prohibited countries outlined above.

8.4 Unique Entity ID (SAM) -Not applicable

There is a mandatory requirement for your organization to provide an Unique Entity ID (SAM)to DAI. Without an Unique Entity ID (SAM), DAI cannot deem an Offeror “responsible” to conduct business with and therefore, DAI will not enter into a subcontract/purchase order or monetary agreement with any organization. The determination of a successful offeror/applicant resulting from this RFP/RFQ/RFA is contingent upon the winner providing an Unique Entity ID (SAM)to DAI. Offerors who fail to provide Unique Entity ID (SAM)will not receive an award and DAI will select an alternate Offeror.

All U.S. and foreign organizations which receive first-tier subcontracts/ purchase orders with a value of $30,000 and above are required to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM)prior to signing of the agreement. Organizations are exempt from this requirement if the gross income received from all sources in the previous tax year was under $300,000. DAI requires that Offerors sign the self-certification statement if the Offeror claims exemption for this reason.

For those required to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM), see Attachment D – Instructions for Obtaining an Unique Entity ID (SAM)- DAI’S Vendors, Subcontractors

For those not required to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM), see Attachment E: Self Certification for Exemption from Unique Entity ID (SAM)Requirement

8. Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy and Reporting Responsibilities

DAI conducts business under the strictest ethical standards to assure fairness in competition, reasonable prices and successful performance or delivery of quality goods and equipment. DAI does not tolerate the following acts of corruption:

• Any requests for a bribe, kickback, facilitation payment or gratuity in the form of payment, gift or special consideration by a DAI employee, Government official, or their representatives, to influence an award or approval decision.
• Any offer of a bribe, kickback, facilitation payment or gratuity in the form of payment, gift or special consideration by an offeror or subcontractor to influence an award or approval decision.
• Any fraud, such as mis-stating or withholding information to benefit the offeror or subcontractor.
• Any collusion or conflicts of interest in which a DAI employee, consultant, or representative has a business or personal relationship with a principal or owner of the offeror or subcontractor that may appear to unfairly favor the offeror or subcontractor.

Subcontractors must also avoid collusion or conflicts of interest in their procurements from vendors. Any such relationship must be disclosed immediately to DAI management for review and appropriate action, including possible exclusion from award.

These acts of corruption are not tolerated and may result in serious consequences, including termination of the award and possible suspension and debarment by the U.S. Government, excluding the offeror or subcontractor from participating in future U.S. Government business.

Any attempted or actual corruption should be reported immediately by either the offeror, subcontractor or DAI staff to:

• Toll-free Ethics and Compliance Anonymous Hotline at (U.S.) +1-503-597-4328
• Hotline website – www.DAI.ethicspoint.com, or
• Email to Ethics@DAI.com
• USAID’s Office of the Inspector General Hotline at hotline@usaid.gov.

By signing this proposal, the offeror confirms adherence to this standard and ensures that no attempts shall be made to influence DAI or Government staff through bribes, gratuities, facilitation payments, kickbacks or fraud. The offeror also acknowledges that violation of this policy may result in termination, repayment of funds disallowed by the corrupt actions and possible suspension and debarment by the U.S. Government.

9. Attachments

9.1 Attachment A: Scope of Work for Services or Technical Specifications

1. Project Background

The USAID Local Empowerment for Accountability and Decentralization (LEAD) Activity was awarded to DAI Global LLC for a period of five years starting May 19, 2023. The goal of this Activity is to improve the capacities of targeted ministries, agencies, and commissions (MACs) and local governments to formulate and administer sound tax policies, improve budget transparency, deepen decentralization, and deliver quality services at the national and sub-national level through the following objectives and respective sub-objectives:

• Objective 1: Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) Improved, which comprises of three sub-objectives:

• • • 1.1 Tax policy formulation strengthened.
    • 1.2 Tax administration systems enhanced.
    • 1.3 Citizen participation in DRM improved.

• Objective 2: Budget Transparency Improved, which comprises three sub-objectives.

• • 2.1 Disclosure of public and fiscal information enhanced.
  • 2.2 Coordination of budget transparency Strengthened.
  • 2.3 Citizen participation in budget processes increased.
• Objective 3: Local Development and Service Delivery Improved.
  • 3.1 Local government capacity enhanced.
  • 3.2 Sub-national DRM and PFM systems strengthened.
  • 3.3 Citizen participation in local governance increased.

Under Objective 3, Local Development and Service Delivery, LEAD will partner with national government institutions such as Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Governance Commission (GC) and Civil Society Organizations

(CSOs) to formulate appropriate programs aimed at supporting the realization of the Government of Liberia’s decentralization objectives. These include capacity of local governments to perform the following devolved functions among others:

1. Planning And Budgeting
2. Financial Management
3. Own-Source Resource Mobilization
4. Local Government Administration and Management
5. Service Delivery.

The LEAD Activity will build local capacity and pilot county-specific interventions, complemented with technical assistance at the national level to accelerate reforms. As part of the technical assistance, the

LEAD Activity developed a methodology to assess local government capacity and performance in Liberia. The methodology consists of two separate tools designed to cover the specific roles and responsibilities of Liberia’s two levels of local government: cities and counties. The tools are the City Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT) and the Municipal Capacity Assessment Tool (MCAT). These tools allow counties and cities committed to reforms to continuously gauge performance and monitor achievements and challenges.

The main purpose of LEAD’s Local Government Assessment Methodology is to support Liberia’s decentralization process by providing tools—CCAT and MCAT—that allow counties and cities to assess their capacity and performance to carry out their devolved functions. The tools are thus designed to be used by counties and cities to help them better understand their level of performance against key functions and get constructive feedback from key stakeholders.

3. General Requirements

The service provider is required to utilize a skilled team for the implementation of all tasks listed in the scope of work. It is the responsibility of the service provider to obtain all pertinent information and other necessary data to carry out all activities needed to perform their obligation.

The service provider shall provide all services in accordance with internationally recognized standards and recommended best practices.

4. Specific Requirements/scope of work:

According to the background and rational provided above LEAD Activity is seeking the services of a firm to undertake specific activities including installations and provision of internet services with a speed of 5Mbps Dedicated/Full Duplex Up and Down internet connectivity in its field offices in Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba Counties.

Schedule of Deliverables and Payments

9.2 Attachment B: Proposal Cover Letter

[On Firm’s Letterhead]

<Insert date>

TO: Click here to enter text.

Development Alternatives, Inc.

We, the undersigned, provide the attached proposal in accordance with RFP-Click here to enter text. –Click here to enter text. issued on Click here to enter text... Our attached proposal is for the total price of <Sum in Words ($0.00 Sum in Figures) >.

I certify a validity period of Click here to enter text. days for the prices provided in the attached Price Schedule/Bill of Quantities. Our proposal shall be binding upon us subject to the modifications resulting from any discussions.

Offeror shall verify here the items specified in this RFP document.

We understand that DAI is not bound to accept any proposal it receives. Yours sincerely,

Authorized Signature:

Name and Title of Signatory: Click here to enter text.

Name of Firm: Click here to enter text.

Address: Click here to enter text.

Telephone: Click here to enter text.

Email: Click here to enter text. Company Seal/Stamp:

9.3 Attachment C: Price Schedule

Delivery Period: Click here to enter text.

9.4 Attachment D: Instructions for Obtaining an Unique Entity ID (SAM)Number – DAI’S Vendors, Subcontractors (not applicable)

ATTACHMENT A (not applicable)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING AN Unique Entity ID (SAM)

DAI’S VENDORS, SUBCONTRACTORS & GRANTEES

Note: There is a Mandatory Requirement for your Organization to Provide an Unique Entity ID (SAM) to DAI

• SUBCONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS: All domestic and foreign organizations which receive first-tier subcontracts/ purchase orders with a value of $30,000 and above are required to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM) prior to signing of the agreement. Your organization is exempt from this requirement if the gross income received from all sources in the previous tax year was under $300,000. Please see the self-certification form attached.

• MONETARY GRANTS: All foreign entities receiving first-tier monetary grants (standard, simplified and FOGs) with a value equal to or over $25,000 and performing work outside the U.S. must obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM) prior to signing of the grant. All U.S. organizations who are recipients of first-tier monetary grants of any value are required to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM); the exemption for under $25,000 applies to foreign organizations only.

NO SUBCONTRACTS/POs ($30,000 + above) or MONETARY GRANTS WILL BE SIGNED BY DAI WITHOUT PRIOR RECEIPT OF AN UNIQUE ENTITY ID (SAM)

Note: The determination of a successful offeror/applicant resulting from this RFP/RFQ/RFA is contingent upon the winner providing an Unique Entity ID (SAM)to DAI. Organizations who fail to provide an Unique Entity ID (SAM) will not receive an award and DAI will select an alternate vendor/subcontractor/grantee.

————————————————————————————————————————–

Background:

Summary of Current U.S. Government Requirements – Unique Entity ID (SAM)

Effective April 4, 2022, entities doing business with the federal government will use the Unique Entity Identifier (SAM) created in SAM.gov. The Unique Entity ID (SAM) is a 12-character alphanumeric value managed, granted, and owned by the government. This allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government.

Entities are assigned an identifier during registration or one can be requested at SAM.gov without needing to register. Ernst and Young provides the validation services for the U.S. Government. The information required for getting an Unique Entity ID (SAM) without registration is minimal. It only validates your organization’s legal business name and address. It is a verification that your organization is what you say it is.

The Unique Entity ID (SAM) does not expire.

Summary of Previous U.S. Government Requirements – DUNS

The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) is a system developed and managed by Dun and Bradstreet that assigns a unique nine-digit identifier to a business entity. It is a common standard world-wide and was previously used by the U.S. Government to assign unique entity identifiers. This system was retired by the U.S. Government on April 4, 2022 and replaced with the Unique Entity Identifier (SAM). After April 4, 2022 the federal government will have no requirements for the DUNS number.

If the entity was registered in SAM.gov (active or inactive registration), an Unique Entity ID (SAM) was assigned and viewable in the entity registration record in SAM.gov prior to the April 4, 2022 transition. The Unique Entity ID (SAM) can be found by signing into SAM.gov and selecting the Entity Management widget in your Workspace or by signing in and searching entity information.

Instructions detailing the process to be followed in order to obtain an Unique Entity ID (SAM) for your organization begin on the next page.

9.5 Attachment E: Self Certification for Exemption from Unique Entity ID (SAM)Requirement

Self Certification for Exemption from Unique Entity ID (SAM)Requirement (not applicable)

For Subcontractors and Vendors

The sub-contractor/vendor agrees to allow the Prime Contractor and/or the US Government to verify the company name, physical address, or other information provided herein. Certification validity is for one year from the date of certification.

The sub-contractor/vendor agrees to allow the Prime Contractor and/or the US Government to verify the company name, physical address, or other information provided herein. Certification validity is for one year from the date of certification.]

9.6 Attachment F: Past Performance Form

Include projects that best illustrate your work experience relevant to this RFP, sorted by decreasing order of completion date.

Projects should have been undertaken in the past three years. Projects undertaken in the past six years may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the evaluation committee.

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9.7 Attachment G: Representations and Certifications of Compliance

1. Federal Excluded Parties List – The Bidder Select is not presently debarred, suspended, or determined ineligible for an award of a contract by any Federal agency.

1. Executive Compensation Certification- FAR 52.204-10 requires DAI, as prime contractor of U.S. federal government contracts, to report compensation levels of the five most highly compensated subcontractor executives to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Sub-Award Report System (FSRS)

1. Executive Order on Terrorism Financing– The Contractor is reminded that U.S. Executive Orders and U.S. law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. It is the legal responsibility of the Contractor/Recipient to ensure compliance with these Executive Orders and laws. Recipients may not engage with, or provide resources or support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. No support or resources may be provided to individuals or entities that appear on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked persons List maintained by the US Treasury (online at www.SAM.gov) or the United Nations Security Designation List (online at: http://www.un.org/sc/committees/1267/aq_sanctions_list.shtml). This provision must be included in all subcontracts/sub awards issued under this Contract.

1. Trafficking of Persons – The Contractor may not traffic in persons (as defined in the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking of persons, especially Women and Children, supplementing the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime), procure commercial sex, and use forced labor during the period of this award.

1. Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payment to Influence Certain Federal Transactions – The Bidder certifies that it currently is and will remain in compliance with FAR 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payment to Influence Certain Federal Transactions.

1. Organizational Conflict of Interest – The Bidder certifies that will comply FAR Part 9.5, Organizational Conflict of Interest. The Bidder certifies that is not aware of any information bearing on the existence of any potential organizational conflict of interest. The Bidder further certifies that if the Bidder becomes aware of information bearing on whether a potential conflict may exist, that Bidder shall immediately provide DAII with a disclosure statement describing this information.

1. Prohibition of Segregated Facilities – The Bidder certifies that it is compliant with FAR 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities.

1. Equal Opportunity – The Bidder certifies that it does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, sex, religion, handicap, race, creed, color or national origin.

1. Labor Laws – The Bidder certifies that it is in compliance with all labor laws.

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) – The Bidder certifies that it is familiar with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and is in not in violation of any certifications required in the applicable clauses of the FAR, including but not limited to certifications regarding lobbying, kickbacks, equal employment opportunity, affirmation action, and payments to influence Federal transactions.

1. Employee Compliance – The Bidder warrants that it will require all employees, entities and individuals providing services in connection with the performance of an DAI Purchase Order to comply with the provisions of the resulting Purchase Order and with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations in connection with the work associated therein.

By submitting a proposal, offerors agree to fully comply with the terms and conditions above and all applicable U.S. federal government clauses included herein, and will be asked to sign these Representations and Certifications upon award.

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Attachment H: Proposal Checklist

Offeror: __________________________________________________________________________ Have you?

Submitted your proposal to DAI in a sealed envelope to the address (electronic or mailing) as specified in General Instructions above?

Does your proposal include the following?

Signed Cover Letter (use template in Attachment B)

Price list/cost

Proposal of the Product or Service that meets the technical requirements as per Attachment A

Response to each of the evaluation criteria

Documents use to determine Responsibility.

Evidence of an Unique Entity ID (SAM)OR Self Certification for Exemption from Unique Entity ID

SAM)Requirement (not required)

Past Performance (use template in Attachment F)