Notice of Intent to award the CVE Contract Using Other than Full and Open Competition

The U.S. Government, represented by the Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mali intends to award a contract to AECOM to implement the two-year Mali Peace Initiative (ACCORD) Activity. The goal of this activity is to strengthen targeted communities' resilience to conflict and radicalization by working with Malian government actors and local communities on addressing priority development and reconciliation needs. Following the 2012 coup, USAID/Mali scaled-back most of its programming, and alongside other development agencies radically shifted their foreign assistance strategy in Mali. Most democracy and governance and conflict mitigation programs were halted . In response, the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) launched the Malian Transition Initiative (MTI) in 2013 and AECOM has implemented a significant share of this activity disbursing more than $21 million through 215 small grants to stabilize communities in Mopti, Timbuktu, and later Gao. USAID Mali programs under the Trans Sahara Counterorrism Partnership have provided positive messages and opportunities for peace. This small grants program sought to concentrate efforts to build the government's civilian presence in targeted, strategic areas. OTI is now in the process of closing out the program. However there is much work to be done, particularly in the previously "no-go" areas of the North, such as Kidal and other areas bordering the Niger River. The intended contract to AECOM is expected to be awarded in the first quarter of the FY2016 for two years of implementation. This activity will provide technical assistance and other resources necessary to implement the activity. This will be achieved through the following: 1) Improvement of citizen perceptions of Malian government actors in targeted areas; 2) Strengthening of communities' social and economic resilience to negative external influences; and 3) Improvement of the role and voice of women and youth in political and peace processes in Mali. Note: The above mentioned 2-year period of performance will not be extended. Also, the approximate $10-15 million estimated cost will not be increased. The Contractor will achieve the performance objectives and provide all deliverables during the 2-year period of performance and within the above mentioned ceiling. USAID intends to use a Full and Open Competition after the 2 year activity if it is determined that the services are still needed and funds are available. The Statutory authority for permitting other than full and open competition is AIDAR 706.302-70(a)(2) and 706.302-70(b)(3)(ii): "[(a)(2)] Full and open competition need not be obtained when it would impair or otherwise have an adverse effect on programs conducted for the purposes of foreign aid, relief, and rehabilitation. [(b)(3)] This authority may be used for [...] Awards for countries, regions, projects or programs for which the Administrator of USAID makes a formal written determination, with supporti ng findings, that compliance with full and open competition procedures would impair foreign assistance objectives, and would be inconsistent with the fulfillment of the foreign assistance program." The exception to the Full and Open Competition for a direct award to AECOM was approved by USAID Administrator on December 11, 2015. The award of this contract is planned on or before March 30, 2016. Interested organizations may signify interest and capability to respond to the requirements. However, this notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals.