Health, Education, and Reconciliation (HEAR) Project

USAID/South Sudan intends to modify Task Order No.EDH-I-00-05-00026-01 with Creative Associates International, Inc, (CAII) for the continuation of the integrated Health, Education and Reconciliation (HEAR) project activities in Agok, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBG) and Western Bahr el Ghazal (WBG) States. The modification will expand the scope and location of project activities, extend the end period from June 30, 2012 through September 30, 2013, and increase the Total Estimated Cost (TEC) by $3,000,000 from $8,509,098 to $11,509,098. The modification will enable CAII to continue to provide critical Health and Education service delivery assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refuges in returnee areas in the Republic of South Sudan (RSS) zones of Agok, as well as surrounding peri-urban areas of Warrap (Turalei and Kwajok), NBG (Aweil), and WBG (Wau). The current Task Order requires CAII to, among others, build the capacity of education managers, train Community Health Workers to promote healthy school environment and establish Education Resource Centers with printed materials for teachers and health workers. The modifications will include psychosocial support in its various forms to education managers (teachers, school administrators, etc..) with special attention to children who were affected by the ongoing conflict in the high return zones. The expanded scope of the Task Order will include provision of school materials, including sport, clubs, and cooperative games equipment, and community engagement through a competitive school improvement grants, focusing on establishing semi-permanent learning infrastructure for community-based schools, including water and latrine facilities. The modification will support the USAID/South Sudan Education Office to fully consolidate and mainstream the innovative integrated health, education and reconciliation project in preparation for the design and competitive solicitation of a follow-on mechanism. The modification will enhance systemic change and sustainability of the best practices and impact of the initiative and minimize disruption of service delivery to vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflict along the Republic of Sudan and Republic of South Sudan borders. The proposed action is for services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(5) for the continued provision of specialized services when award to another source would result in substantial additional costs or unacceptable delays in the US Government commitment to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. The Government will, however, consider all proposals received within 15 (fifteen) calendar days after the date of publication of this synopsis. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.