Request for Proposals No. RFP-LIT 2026-0002

Education Development Center, Inc.

(Hereafter referred to as “EDC”)

Request for Proposals for the Procurement of

Baseline Assessment for the Leaders in Teaching Liberia Project

Date of Issuance:

February 20, 2026

Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) is an international nonprofit organization that develops, delivers, and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges. Our work includes research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale initiatives. EDC enjoys a worldwide reputation for its excellence in program and fiscal management and for the impact of its work.

Mastercard Foundation’s Leaders in Teaching (LIT) initiative aims to transform secondary education across Africa by strengthening secondary-level teaching and learning so that young people have the 21^st-century skills and competencies needed for employment, lifelong learning, and adult life. Working through a multi-partner implementation model, LIT is a holistic approach to enhancing teaching and learning, focusing on the following key programmatic pillars: 1) Teacher Recruitment, 2) Teacher Training, 3) Education Leadership and Management, and 4) Teacher Motivation.

This program aims to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in secondary education in Liberia. Each program component under the respective LIT pillars will be implemented with a strong focus on inclusion and gender equity, addressing the unique needs of marginalized young women, youth with disabilities, and refugee students in underserved communities, and will be implemented through a strong partnership approach with the Ministry of Education, Education Development Center (EDC), and various local partners.

EDC’s work on the Leaders in Teaching project is funded by the Mastercard Foundation (the Foundation); organizations submitting proposals in response to this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) have no relationship with the Foundation under the terms of this RFP or any resultant contract. All communications regarding this RFP must be directed to EDC.

1. Purpose and Eligibility

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this RFP is to invite prospective Offerors to submit a proposal to provide Description of Baseline assessment services for the Leaders in Teaching project. The assessment will be carried out in selected schools across the fifteen (15) counties in Liberia with approximately 965 public schools and 1340 private schools.

1.2 Eligibility

This procurement is open to offers from research-based organizations who are legally registered in Liberia.

2. General Information

2.1 Original RFP Document

EDC shall retain the RFP, and all related terms and conditions, exhibits and other attachments, in original form in an archival copy. Any modification of these, in the Offeror’s submission or subsequent contract, is grounds for immediate disqualification.

2.2 RFP Provisions

2. All information provided by EDC in this RFP is offered in good faith. EDC makes no certification that any item is without error. EDC is not responsible or liable for any use of the information or for any claims asserted there from.
3. This RFP does not under any circumstances commit EDC to pay any costs incurred by the Offeror in the submission of a proposal. This is the Offeror’s responsibility.
4. All materials submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of EDC upon delivery to EDC.
5. Additional documentation may be required prior to selection. The selected organization will sign the EDC Safeguarding Policy, unless the organization has a comparable policy.

2.3 Schedule of Events

The following schedule applies to this RFP but may change in accordance with EDC’s needs or unforeseen circumstances. Changes in this timeline will be announced as formal modifications to the RFP.

2.4 Inspection and Acceptance

Under any contract awarded in response to this RFP, EDC may inspect and test the deliverables to determine whether such deliverables conform to the terms of the contract and its attachments. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by EDC, EDC shall have a right to inspect deliverables for conformity before payment or acceptance of such deliverables, in accordance with Section 2-513(1) of the UCC. Payment for deliverables made before inspection for conformity shall not constitute an acceptance of such deliverables or impair EDC’s right to inspect such deliverables or any of EDC’s remedies, in accordance with Section 2-512(2) of the UCC. Deliverables rejected or supplies in excess of quantities ordered may be returned to the selected Offeror at the selected Offeror’s expense.

3. Proposal Submission and Selection

3.1 Offeror’s Understanding of the RFP

In responding to this RFP, the Offeror fully understands the RFP in its entirety and in detail, including making any inquiries to EDC as necessary to gain such understanding. Clarification questions must be submitted by potential Offerors—in writing—by the date and time listed in Section 2.3, Step No. 1. Responses will be published in writing. EDC reserves the right to disqualify at its sole discretion any Offeror who submits a proposal that is not responsive or that demonstrates less than such understanding. That right extends to cancellation of the contract if a contract has been made. Such disqualification and/or cancellation shall be at no fault, cost, or liability whatsoever to EDC.

3.2 Communication

Verbal communication shall not be effective. In no case shall verbal communication govern over written communications. All communication related to this RFP must be made in writing.

Offerors’ inquiries, questions, and requests for clarification related to this RFP are to be directed in writing in English before the date and time listed in Section 2.3, Step No. 1 to:

Education Development Center, Inc.

Attention: EDC/LIT Operations Team

E-mail: LITinfo@edc.org

3.3 Proposal Submission

Proposals must be provided on the Offeror’s letterhead or stationery and must be delivered via email to:

Education Development Center, Inc.

Attention: EDC/LIT Operations Team

E-mail: LITinfo@edc.org

The technical proposal and the cost proposal must be sent in separate emails. Proposals must have the subject line of “Proposal in response to RFP-LIT 2026-0002 and must include the number of emails (for example, Email 1 of 2, Email 2 of 2, etc.) in the subject line. The Proposal itself must include all documents required by the RFP in Word, Excel, or PDF and those documents must be attached to the email message(s); all attachments must be clearly labeled and must be numbered sequentially in order for EDC to review the Proposal. If the Proposal is sent in more than one email message, the Offeror must send all of the email messages with the Proposal submission on the same day and time the sending of the emails as closely as practicable.

It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that the proposal is delivered to EDC by the deadline date listed in listed in Section 2.3, Step No. 3.

3.4 Complete Proposals

EDC will determine which proposals include the components required by the RFP and are considered to be a complete proposal. Please note that although EDC will determine certain proposals to be complete, this determination does not signify that an award will be made to one or any of the Offerors with complete proposals.

3.5 Minimum Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

3.5.1 Minimum Requirements

Offerors must meet the following minimum requirements:

• The Offeror must be a Registered research-based Business/Company in
• The Offeror must have:
  • Up-to-date Tax Clearance documentation issued by the government of
  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Board member and Staff list
• The Offeror must have a tracker record of conducting similar work in Liberia.

Offerors that do not meet the minimum requirements listed above will not be considered eligible for potential funding and, therefore, proposals from these organizations will not be further evaluated. Proposals from organizations that meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated based on the following criteria listed below.

3.5.2 Evaluation Criteria

The purpose of this RFP is to identify those research-based organizations that have the interest, capability, and financial strength to provide the services identified in Section 4. EDC will evaluate proposals in accordance with this section and intends to award a contract to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to EDC. “Best value” is defined as the offer that results in the most advantageous solution for EDC and Leaders in Teaching, in consideration of technical, cost, and other factors.

The submitted technical information will be scored by a technical evaluation committee using the technical criteria shown below.

Technical Evaluation Criteria:

Cost proposals will be evaluated. The evaluation of cost will include a determination of cost realism, completeness, and reasonableness. Cost realism is defined as the Offeror’s ability to project costs that are realistic for the work to be performed; reflect a clear understanding of the requirements; and are consistent with the Offeror’s technical capacity.

Technical and cost will be evaluated relative to each other, as described herein. Technical is significantly more important than cost.

3.5.3 Competitive Range

EDC may establish a Competitive Range composed of only the most highly rated proposals. In certain circumstances, EDC may determine that the number of most highly rated proposals that might otherwise be included in the Competitive Range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted. Should that be the case, EDC may then limit proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. EDC may exclude a proposal if it is so deficient as to essentially require a new technical proposal. EDC may exclude a proposal so unreasonably priced, in relation to more competitive offers, as to appear that there will be little or no chance of becoming competitive. EDC may exclude an offer requiring extensive discussions, a complete re-write, or major revisions such as to allow an Offeror unfair advantage over those more competitive offers.

3.6 Selection

EDC is not obliged to award a contract on the basis of lowest proposed cost, or to the Offeror with the highest technical evaluation merit. Although for this procurement, Technical Proposal merits are considered significantly more important than cost/price relative to deciding who might best perform the work, cost factors must also be considered. Therefore, after the final evaluation of proposals, EDC intends to issue the contract to the Offeror whose proposal offers the best value to EDC considering both technical and cost factors. Further, EDC 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.

EDC may award one or more contracts resulting from this RFP to the Offeror(s) whose proposal(s) conforming to this RFP offer(s) the best value. EDC may also (a) reject any or all proposals, (b) accept other than the lowest proposal, or (c) accept more than one proposal. Contracts may be issued for some or all of the deliverables.

EDC may award a contract without discussions with Offerors. As such, Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit their best proposals with their original submissions. EDC reserves the right to site visits and/or to conduct discussions, which may result in revisions to proposals, with one or more than one or all Offeror(s) if EDC determines, at its sole discretion, discussions to be necessary. Discussions may include oral presentations provided by the Offeror.

4. Technical Specifications & Requirements

All of the requirements listed in Sections 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 must be met.

4.1 Statement of Work and Specifications

All of the requirements listed in Section 4.1 must be met.

4.1.1 Statement of Work

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of the Monitoring and Evaluation Director and the Deputy Country Director, the consultant/firm will:

1. Conduct a desk review of relevant project documents and prepare an Inception Report outlining the baseline methodology, sampling approach, and implementation plan.
2. Review and work with the EDC team to refine data collection tools where necessary, to ensure alignment with project outcome indicators.
3. Develop a baseline methodology that ensures reliable and representative data.
4. Recruit, train, and supervise enumerators and field teams for data collection.
5. Pilot test data collection tools and refine instruments as required.
6. Implement baseline data collection across all 16 project counties, including Montserrado 1 and Montserrado 2.
7. Ensure data quality, conduct data cleaning, and perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
8. Prepare and submit a Draft Baseline Report and present preliminary findings to EDC.
9. Facilitate a validation workshop with key stakeholders to review findings.
10. Finalize and submit the Baseline Assessment Report
11. Submit raw and validated clean datasets as well as the indicator calculation sheet.

Methodology

The baseline assessment will employ a mixed-methods approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques to ensure comprehensive, credible, and triangulated findings. Quantitative methods will include structured surveys administered to students, teachers, and school leaders to generate statistically representative data on key outcome indicators.

Qualitative methods will include Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with teachers, with a specific focus on teacher motivation, professional experiences, and contextual factors influencing teaching practices and retention.

The sampling strategy must support both (i) precise estimation of outcome indicators at baseline and (ii) sufficient statistical power to detect changes between baseline and midline measurements in beneficiary schools, while accounting for the clustered nature of the data. Where feasible, it should also allow for comparisons by county and by ownership status.

All data collection will be conducted using digital data collection platforms to improve data quality, enable real-time monitoring, reduce data entry errors, and support efficient data management. The consultant will ensure that data collection tools are properly programmed, tested, and securely managed. Data will be disaggregated by relevant variables such as gender, school type, and geographic location, in line with project requirements. Quantitative and qualitative data will be systematically analyzed and triangulated to provide a robust baseline for future project monitoring and evaluation.

Quality Assurance

Robust quality assurance mechanisms will be applied throughout all phases of the baseline assessment to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of the findings. The EDC Monitoring and Evaluation team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), will provide technical oversight and quality assurance support during the design, data collection, analysis, and reporting stages of the assignment.

Quality assurance measures will include the review and approval of the inception report, data collection tools, and methodology prior to field deployment; supervision and spot checks during data collection; and routine data quality checks, including validation, consistency checks, and review of preliminary findings. The consultant will be required to address all technical comments and incorporate feedback provided by EDC and MoE in a timely manner.

These measures will ensure that the baseline assessment adheres to agreed methodological standards, ethical requirements, and project objectives, and that the final outputs are credible, usable, and aligned with national and donor expectations.

Key Outcome Indicators for the Baseline Assessment

At the student level, the main anticipated outcomes are increased interest, engagement, and self-efficacy in STEM, more active classroom participation, enhanced safety and well-being, and an improved ability to connect classroom learning to real-world issues.

At the teacher level, the main anticipated outcomes are improved safeguarding practices; strengthened capacity to design and deliver competency-based, participatory, and gender-responsive instruction; and more effective use of secondary schools have already been reached by the project and will therefore not be eligible for inclusion in the baseline.

assessment; increased confidence in the safe use of digital tools; and an enhanced ability to connect lessons to real-world issues. STEM teachers are also expected to increase their use of hands-on, learner-centered, and problem-solving–oriented teaching approaches.

At the school leadership level, the main anticipated outcomes are improved leadership practices across key domains, including instructional leadership, strategic planning and school management, ethics and accountability, collaborative and team leadership, communication and community engagement, and the promotion of a safe, inclusive school climate.

The assessment will measure the following outcome indicators:

• % improvement in learning outcomes or skill acquisition of students at schools with LIT interventions [Indicator #6]. In the Liberia context: % improvement in students’ preparedness for work and adult life.
• % improvement in teacher content knowledge and pedagogical skills in schools with LIT interventions [Indicator #17]. In the Liberia context: % improvement in teacher pedagogical skills and instructional practices.
• % improvement in leadership practices among school leaders and education officials [Indicator #19]
• % improvement in motivation among teachers and future teachers [Indicator #24]
• Deliverables

Timeline and Deliverables Schedule for Baseline Survey

4.1.3 Delivery Location

The selected Offeror(s) must deliver the deliverables to Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) to: LITinfo@edc.org

4.1.4 Warranty

All Offerors must provide a document with proposed or applicable warranty for each of the deliverable in order for their proposal to be reviewed. In addition to any other express or implied warranties, Offerors must expressly warrant that:

• all deliverables delivered under any contract resulting from this RFP will be merchantable, new, suitable for the uses intended, of the grade and quality specified, free from all defects in design, material and workmanship, conform to all samples, drawings, descriptions and specifications furnished, and be free of liens and encumbrances and that the use, distribution or resale of deliverables by EDC will not infringe any third party’s patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or any other proprietary, intellectual property or other right held by any third party.
• None of the deliverables delivered under any contract resulting from this RFP will be counterfeit.

The warranties set forth shall not be waived by reason of the acceptance of deliverables or payment therefore by EDC.

4.2 Travel

4.2.1 Travel

All Offerors must provide a table of proposed travel in order for their proposal to be considered. If the selected Offeror will not need to travel, please state this in the proposal.

5. Proposal Requirements

Proposals must be submitted in English.

5.1. Technical Proposal Requirements

All proposals in response to this RFP must include the following:

1. A detailed technical proposal of what services and products exactly will be provided to EDC, including a narrative to justify the choices proposed, will meet EDC’s needs outlined in Section 4, and all technical information.
2. An organizational capacity statement outlining the Offeror’s institutional capability in relevant project activities and the Offeror’s financial and administrative capability and experience.
3. A description of similar work performed by the Offeror.
4. A list of qualified professional and technical personnel proposed under the Offeror’s proposal, including details of their relevant experience and relevant assignments in the past three years.

5.2 Price Proposal Requirements

All Offerors must submit a cost breakdown for completing the work described in this RFP. In response to this RFP, EDC anticipates issuing a Purchase Order Contract. The price proposal must be in US dollars. All Offerors must provide a price guarantee that the proposal price remains valid for 120 days.

5.2.1 Total Price Summary

Offerors must provide a price summary as displayed below, as well as budget notes describing how the price was calculated. The total estimated amount for the contract in response to this RFP ranges between 65,000 to 80,000 (USD), subject to the availability of funds. Revealing the range of EDC’s cost estimate for the contract does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount. The price summary must be submitted in Microsoft Excel format and show all formulas.

The price summary, detailed budget, and all discussion of costs, including the budget notes, must be organized consistently with the cost categories specified below. If there is no proposed cost in a particular category, include 0 for that category.

5.2.2 Detailed Budget & Budget Narrative

The detailed budget must be submitted in Microsoft Excel format and show:

• Each cost within a budget category (e.g., within the direct labor category, there must be a separate line in the budget for each staff position; within the equipment category, there must be a line for each type of equipment, etc.);
• For each line item, the estimated cost per unit, the unit type (e.g., per month, per trip, per person, etc.), the number of units, and the total cost (i.e., the estimated cost per unit multiplied by the number of units);
• all formulas and
• budget notes for each budget line.

The budget notes must include information about how the amounts for each estimated cost were determined.

The following definitions of types of costs should be utilized in preparing the cost proposal.

Salary and Wages: Direct salary and wages should be proposed in accordance with the Offeror’s personnel policies. For example, costs of long-term and short-term personnel should be broken down by person-years, months, days, or hours.

Fringe Benefits: If fringe benefits are provided as part of an organization’s indirect cost rate structure, a copy of the organization’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement must be included in the cost proposal. If fringe benefits rates are not included in the organization’s Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, a detailed cost breakdown by benefit types must be provided.

Consultants: This category is for services rendered by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess a special skill and who are not officers or employees of the Offeror. Costs of consultants should be broken down by person-years, months, days, or hours.

Travel, Transportation, and Per Diem: This category is for costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Costs must be broken down by the number of trips, domestic and international, cost per trip, per diem, and other related travel costs.

Equipment and Supplies: This category is for supplies and equipment. Costs must be broken down by type and units.

Training: For all types of training, costs should be broken down by types of training, participants, and types of costs (e.g., transportation, materials, facilities, etc.).

Other Direct Costs: Costs must be broken down by type and units.

6. Contract Type and Payment

One or more cost reimbursement contracts may be awarded in response to this RFP.

Payments will be made upon satisfactory completion and formal acceptance of deliverables by Education Development Center (EDC), as follows:

• 70% upon acceptance of the Inception Report;
• 30% upon acceptance of the Final Baseline Assessment Report, including clean datasets and agreed analytical outputs.

All payments are subject to compliance with contractual terms and satisfactory performance as determined by EDC.

EDC reserves the right to require the Offeror to provide a performance security or a bank guarantee.

7. Organizational Information and Offeror Certification

In order for their proposal to be considered, the Offeror must complete and submit the Organizational Information and Certification Form, which is included as Annex A to this RFP, and submit all the attachments required by the form.

Annex C— Price Proposal Template

Annex A—Organizational Information and Certification Form

The Offeror must ensure that this form is duly completed and correctly executed by an authorized officer of the Offeror’s company.

A1. Organizational Information

Full legal name of the Offeror’s company:

Year the Offeror’s company was established:

Contact information regarding the proposal:

• Individual’s full name and title:
• Full office address:
• Telephone number:
• Fax number:
• Email address:

Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Code [1]:

The Offeror certifies, by checking the applicable box(es), that:

The Offeror is a non-U.S. entity, and it operates as:

a corporation organized under the laws of (country name),

an individual,

a partnership,

a nongovernmental nonprofit organization,

a nongovernmental educational institution,

a governmental organization,

an international organization, or

a joint venture.

A2. References

Please list the names, email addresses, phone numbers, and contact people at three organizations to which the Offeror has provided services of a similar or larger size and scope during the last 36 months, whom EDC can call on as references, and a description of the services provided to each organization. It is recommended that the Offeror alert the contacts that their names have been submitted and that they are authorized to provide performance information if requested by EDC.

Reference #1:

Organization Name:

Contact Person:

Email Address:

Telephone Number:

Type of Services Provided:

Value of the Services Provided:

Month and Year During Which Services were Provided:

Reference #2:

Organization Name:

Contact Person:

Email Address:

Telephone Number:

Type of Services Provided:

Value of the Services Provided:

Month and Year During Which Services were Provided:

Reference #3:

Organization Name:

Contact Person:

Email Address:

Telephone Number:

Type of Services Provided:

Value of the Services Provided:

Month and Year During Which Services were Provided:

A3. Incorporation, Registration, and Litigation

The following documents must be included in your proposal.

Documentation showing the Offeror’s current legal incorporation in the country in which it is incorporated:

• Accreditation
• Articles of Incorporation
• Most recent LRA tax clearance
• Business Registration
• Board list
• Most recent audit report

A copy of the Offeror’s articles of incorporation.

Attached

A copy of the Offeror’s current accreditation and active registration in Liberia, demonstrating that the organization can legally operate in Liberia.

Attached

A document showing the Offeror’s most recent tax clearance from the Liberian Revenue Authority.

Attached

A document showing the Offeror’s board members.

Attached

Documents showing the Offeror’s most recent financial audits, if available.

Attached

:The organization has not conducted an audit

Information regarding any current lawsuits, legal proceedings, court cases, or other litigation in which the Offeror, or any of the entities in the collaboration, is involved, regardless of the jurisdiction where the litigation resides.

Attached

Offeror certifies that it is not currently involved in any lawsuits, legal proceedings, court cases, or other litigation.

A4. Key Individuals

The names and titles of the Offerors’ key individuals are:

(a) the principal officers of the organization’s governing body (e.g., chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, and secretary of the board of directors or board of trustees):

(b) the principal officer and deputy principal officer of the organization (e.g., executive director, deputy director, president, vice president):

(c) the program manager(s) for the proposed contract:

(d) any other person who will have significant responsibilities for the administration of the US Government-financed activities or resources under the proposed delivery of the services:

A5. Awareness and Agreement to the Content of this RFP

By signing this form, the Offeror attests to its awareness and agreement to the content of this RFP and all accompanying calendar schedules and terms and provisions contained herein, including but not limited to the payment terms in Section 6.

A6. Compliance With Applicable Laws and Regulations

By signing this form, the Offeror agrees to comply with all applicable U.S. and Liberian federal laws and regulations. Offeror hereby certifies that it is not delinquent on any taxes. Offeror will cooperate with EDC in its efforts to comply with all laws, regulations, and any award terms and conditions imposed by EDC by the sponsor(s) of this project.

A7. Debarment and Suspension

The Offeror further certifies that their firm (check one):

IS

IS NOT

currently debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment by any United States federal entity. The undersigned agree to notify EDC of any change in this status, should one occur, until such time as an award has been made under this procurement action.

A8. Proposal Validity

This proposal is submitted in response to an RFP issued by EDC. The undersigned is a duly authorized officer and hereby certifies that:

(Offeror Name)

agrees to be bound by the content of this Technical and Cost Proposal and agrees to comply with the terms, conditions, and provisions of the referenced RFP. The proposal shall remain in effect for a period of 120 calendar days as of the Due Date of the RFP.

A9. Authorized Negotiators

Person[s] authorized to negotiate on behalf of this firm for purposes of this RFP are:

A10. Signature

Signature of Authorized Officer:

Attachment C – Professional Services Agreement General Terms and Conditions

[Terms and Conditions are subject to change at the time of contracting]

1. Professional Services (“Provider”) agrees to perform services as set forth in the Scope of Work, attached hereto (“Services”), and EDC agrees to pay Provider upon satisfactory completion and acceptance of the work in accordance with the terms of this agreement (“Agreement”).
2. Provider will submit invoices to the EDC Project Director within thirty (30) days of completion of Services. EDC will not process an invoice that is not supported by a fully executed Agreement. It will take EDC at least thirty (30) days to process invoices once they have been approved by the Project Director.

1. If this is a Time at Fixed Unit Rates Agreement, the Provider will maintain accurate records of time worked. Provider will make such records available to EDC or its representatives upon reasonable request. Invoices will include the dates of Services and a description of the Services provided during the period covered by the invoice, in addition to the rates, units, and item descriptions for other EDC-authorized expenses. Invoices should be submitted to EDC on the invoice template, attached hereto as Attachment C. Alternatively, Provider’s invoice format may be accepted as long as it includes all of the information and documentation required in Attachment C.
2. If this is a Fixed Price Agreement, the Provider will submit invoices that include the Agreement number, dates of Services, a description of the Services provided during the period covered by the invoice, the scheduled payments, including a description of milestones and deliverables, and item descriptions for other authorized expenses on the invoice. Invoices should be submitted to EDC on the invoice template, attached hereto as Attachment C. Alternatively, Provider’s invoice format may be accepted as long as it includes all of the information and documentation required in Attachment C.

1. Additional EDC pre-approved costs will be paid in accordance with Section 3 of the cover page. All EDC pre-approved costs must be itemized. Travel costs must also be itemized, and the names of all travelers, dates, and the purpose of all trips must be included on the invoice. Travel costs will be reimbursed in accordance with EDC policy. The Provider will maintain accurate records of authorized expenses submitted for reimbursement. Provider will make such records available to EDC or its representatives upon reasonable request. EDC will not be responsible for costs not specifically approved in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

1. Provider will submit invoices for allowable costs no later than 30 days after the end of each month. Invoices that do not conform to this Section 2 may not be paid.

1. Provider certifies that EDC will not be billed for Services paid by other entities or by EDC under any other agreement.

1. Payments to contractors for a calendar year will be reported as per IRS regulations; accordingly, EDC will issue a 1099 that will include all fees and expense reimbursements. Contractors are responsible for maintaining copies of expense documentation for their allowable tax deductions.

3. Provider’s relationship to EDC is that of an independent contractor. Provider certifies that he/she will not present or allege or claim to third persons in any manner whatsoever that he/she is employed by EDC. Provider further certifies that Provider makes his or her services available to the public through an independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business and is licensed as required by applicable law or is part of a separate, legally incorporated business, and that EDC is not Provider’s sole client for this type of service. Provider shall determine the method, details, and means of performing the Services. EDC may not control, direct, or otherwise supervise Provider’s assistants or employees in the performance of the Services. Provider will not use EDC facilities to perform the Services, and Provider is free to make business decisions that affect Provider’s profit or loss. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to create a partnership, agency, employer, employee, or joint venture relationship. Provider will be responsible for all taxes arising from compensation and other amounts paid under this Agreement and shall be responsible for all payroll taxes and fringe benefits of Provider’s employees. Neither federal, nor state, nor local income tax, nor payroll tax of any kind, shall be withheld or paid by EDC on behalf of Provider or Provider’s employees. Provider and Provider’s employees will not be eligible for, and shall not participate in, any employee pension, health, welfare, or other fringe benefit plan of EDC. No workers’ compensation insurance shall be obtained by EDC covering Provider or Provider’s employees. If the work is to be performed in the U.S., Provider certifies that Provider is authorized to work in the U.S. under U.S. Law.
4. Provider hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold EDC harmless from and against all costs (including reasonable expenses and attorneys’ fees) incurred by or imposed on EDC in connection with any alleged claims, actions, suits, or judgments related to a breach of Provider’s warranties and representations under the Agreement. Provider shall perform the Services for EDC at Provider’s own risk and accordingly, hereby releases EDC and its officers, directors, trustees, employees, agents, respective heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns, from any and all claims and liability arising from Provider’s fulfillment of the obligations related to this Agreement.

Provider hereby acknowledges and agrees that travel poses inherent dangers, including but not limited to criminal or terrorist acts and exposure to endemic diseases. Provider acknowledges and agrees that EDC has made no representation concerning Provider’s safety while on travel for EDC. Provider assumes all responsibility for understanding the inherent risks and any injury or damage that might result.

5. Provider is advised to carry general comprehensive liability insurance in an amount consistent with industry standards.
6. All data, documentation, specifications, models, computer programs and code, and other technical and business information furnished or disclosed to Provider by EDC is the property of EDC and shall be treated as EDC’s confidential information (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Unless such Confidential Information was previously known to Provider free of any obligation to keep it confidential, or is subsequently made public by EDC, Provider will use reasonable safeguards, including, if applicable, commercially reasonable data security measures, that are appropriate for securing and protecting the type and amount of Confidential Information at issue. Provider will use the Confidential Information only for the purposes of performing the Services. Provider will immediately notify EDC of any unauthorized disclosure or use of Confidential Information and will take all actions (i) that it would take itself with regard to its own Confidential Information under such circumstances and (ii) that EDC may reasonably request, to prevent any further unauthorized disclosure or use. At the end of the performance period, all copies will be returned to EDC or destroyed, as requested by EDC.

7. Provider and EDC agree that all written material, software programs, code, and documentation, and intangible or tangible inventions arising out of the performance of this Agreement, shall belong to EDC (collectively, the “Deliverables”). Provider agrees that the Deliverables are specially commissioned and works made-for-hire, and that EDC is deemed the author for copyright purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to the extent that ownership in the Deliverables or any part thereof does not vest in EDC as a work made for hire, Provider hereby irrevocably and exclusively assigns and transfers in whole to EDC all of its right, title, and interest in and to the Deliverables. Provider hereby waives any rights to the Deliverables afforded by the U.S. Visual Artists Rights Act, and all so-called “moral rights” to the Deliverables afforded under the law of any country. Provider will, at EDC’s request, execute documents required to vest ownership in all right, title, and interest in and to the Deliverables in EDC. Provider will acquire all rights as necessary to provide EDC the rights agreed to be conveyed and will appoint EDC as attorney-in-fact to execute required documents. Provider will treat Deliverables as EDC Confidential Information. Provider will not incorporate any works in the preparation of Deliverables unless such works and their owners (including the owners of any intellectual property rights embodied therein) are identified in advance and in writing to EDC. If such works consist of or incorporate any materials owned by third parties, Provider warrants that he/she has the authority to grant to EDC unrestricted rights and licenses, free of any claim of rights by any other person or entity.
8. EDC may terminate the Agreement for any reason with fourteen (14) days’ prior written notice. EDC will not be liable for any payments accruing after notice of termination without EDC’s approval.
9. If Section 7 or the Scope of Work of this Agreement identifies any individual(s) as Key Personnel, then no substitution for such individual(s) may be made unless agreed to by EDC in writing. In the event Provider anticipates that any Key Personnel may become unavailable or have reduced availability to perform hereunder, Provider will give EDC reasonable notice of the same and justification in writing, sufficient to permit EDC to assess the impact of their unavailability or reduced availability. Any substitutions for Key Personnel proposed by Provider shall be, in skills and experience, equal to or superior to the departing Key Personnel.
10. Provider Representations and Warranties. In addition to representations and warranties contained in Section 6, Provider hereby agrees to perform the Services in accordance with industry standards and that the work product will be delivered to EDC with no restrictions or obligations that would impair EDC’s rights under this Agreement. All work product containing software that is delivered pursuant to this Agreement will conform to written specifications and will be free of “bugs”, viruses, or similar defects that would render the work product unfit for its intended use.
11. Delivery. Timely delivery of the Services is of the essence of this Agreement. In the event Provider knows or has reason to know of a delay or possible delay, Provider will immediately provide written notice thereof, including all relevant information, to EDC. Receipt of such notice by EDC will not constitute a waiver by EDC of the delivery schedule, or any of EDC’s rights or remedies under this Agreement. In the event of nonconformance or rejection of delivery, Provider will have fifteen (15) business days to modify the work product so that it meets all written specifications (the “Cure Period”). In the event Provider is unable to deliver work in conformance with the written specifications and be accepted by EDC within the Cure Period, EDC may terminate this Agreement, withhold payment, or receive a full refund of all payments made to Provider pursuant to this Agreement.
12. Force Majeure. The Parties to this Agreement will be excused from any performance required hereunder if such performance is rendered impossible or impracticable due to any catastrophes or other major events beyond their reasonable control, including without limitation, war, riot and insurrection; laws, proclamations, edicts, ordinances or regulations; epidemics; states of emergency; government shutdowns, strikes, lockouts or other serious labor disputes; and floods, fires, earthquakes, explosions or other natural disasters. A party affected by force majeure will take all reasonable measures to remove such party’s inability to fulfill its obligations hereunder with a minimum of delay. The affected party will notify the other party of such event as soon as possible, providing evidence of the nature and cause of such event, and will similarly give notice of the restoration of normal conditions as soon as possible. When such events have abated, the Parties’ respective obligations hereunder will resume; provided, however, that EDC may terminate this Agreement, at its option, if Provider is rendered unable to perform its obligations hereunder by an event or events of force majeure for more than a total of one hundred and twenty days (120) within any twelve-month period during the Term.
13. The failure of EDC to enforce any right under this Agreement is not a waiver of that right.
14. Provider may not transfer or subcontract any part of this Agreement to another party without EDC’s prior written consent.
15. Provider agrees not to use the prime sponsor or EDC’s name or make reference to any prime sponsor or EDC employees in publications, news releases, advertising, speeches, technical papers, photographs, sales promotions, or publicity purposes of any form related to this work or data developed hereunder, unless Provider has received express written approval from EDC prior to such use.
16. This is the entire agreement with respect to its subject matter, and there are no other agreements, either written or oral. It may be modified only by written amendment, executed by authorized representatives of both parties.
17. The interpretation of this Agreement and transactions or disputes under it shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, U.S.A.
18. Sections 3, 4, 6, 7, 15, and 17 will survive termination of this Agreement.
19. Provider agrees to comply with all applicable laws and funder regulations, including:
20. Mastercard Foundation general terms and conditions, found here: statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html
21. Mastercard Foundation require that all funds, goods, equipment, services, etc. purchase with the Foundation funds must be for charitable purposes.

Provider is obligated to understand the rules and regulations that govern this Agreement. Provider will cooperate with EDC in its efforts to comply with all laws, regulations, and any award terms and conditions imposed on EDC by the sponsor(s) of this project.

[1].Offerors that currently have a UEI Code are requested to provide this information. Offerors who are not registered may do so at https://sam.gov/content/duns-uei. There is no charge for this registration. A UEI Code is not required for submission of a quotation but may be required before a contract is issued. Whether or not an Offeror currently has a UEI code will not affect the evaluation of the Offeror’s quotation