Food, Agribusiness, and Rural Markets (FARM) Program in South Sudan

This notice is posted in accordance with FAR 5.201(b)(1)(ii). USAID/South Sudan intends to non-competitively modify the existing Task Order with ABT Associates pursuant to AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(5). Subject to the availability of funds, USAID/South Sudan intends to provide up to $12 Million for one year period. The Contractor will continue current work to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and food production in the three Equatoria States of South Sudan, with an emphasis on smallholder producers. Increased productivity combined with increased volumes of domestically-produced food in markets is expected to reduce food prices in South Sudanese markets and improve food security. As local agricultural commodities become more competitive, the program will contribute to increased agricultural commodity trade in the region and lay the platform for transforming the agricultural sector, which in turn should lead to higher rural incomes, improved food security, and better economic opportunities for the poor. Furthermore, this program's focus on improving food security, especially among the vulnerable and poor, and fostering broad-based economic growth in order to generate economic opportunities is critical to recovery of the population of South Sudan from the effects of the ongoing political crisis. Activities under the program include: - a. Increasing access to and use of appropriate technology, agricultural services, inputs and improved practices, for both men and women equally; - b. Addressing constraints to accessing markets and marketing services by identifying important improvements needed on priority feeder roads to better connect high production areas to local and regional markets; - c. Fostering the provision of agricultural supporting services by the private sector, so that private service providers ensure equal access to services, for both men and women; and - d. Promoting effective public sector service delivery and capacity to create an enabling environment for market-led agricultural development through the adoption and implementation of appropriate policies and regulations.