Creator’s Mela Expansion – U.S.–Nepal Digital Creator Economy Initiative

The U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, under the Department of State, is soliciting proposals for the Creator’s Mela Expansion – U.S.–Nepal Digital Creator Economy Initiative, a one-year contract with an option to extend performance by up to six months, issued under solicitation number 19NP4026Q0016. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) commercial items acquisition, with award to be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, where price is the primary determinant among offerors who meet all technical and responsibility requirements. Performance is expected to occur in Kathmandu, Nepal, with delivery to the American Embassy Kathmandu under FOB Destination terms. The contractor must maintain a permanent physical presence in Nepal, be actively registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), provide Defense Base Act insurance, and comply with all local laws and regulations. Key personnel, including the Project Manager, must be proficient in English, and all contractor staff must clearly distinguish themselves from U.S. government employees through communication practices and branding restrictions. The contract incorporates a full suite of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses covering ethics, whistleblower protections, equal opportunity, labor standards, supply chain security, and payment policies, including prohibitions on ByteDance-covered applications and restrictions on covered telecommunications equipment under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act. The contractor must submit detailed representations and certifications regarding small business status, ownership, and compliance with trade agreements, and must adhere to strict quality assurance standards including a limit of no more than one customer complaint per month. Invoices must be submitted electronically, list VAT as a separate line item, and follow FAR 32.905(e) guidelines to the designated payment office. The proposal must include SF-1449, pricing details, and completed representations and certifications, submitted via email in .docx, .xlsx, or .pdf format under 30 MB, by June 8, 2026. A pre-proposal conference is scheduled for May 20, 2026, with all inquiries required by May 18. The Department of State retains full audit rights through its Office of the Inspector General, and must be notified if any covered equipment or services are used, requiring full disclosure of Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE codes. Funding is contingent on Congressional appropriations beyond September 30 of the current fiscal year.