R -- Agriculture and Alternative Development Office (AADO), Coffee Alliances for the Expansion of Specialty Coffees (CAFES) Initiative

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) on or about 12/08/2004 for an anticipated three year cost plus fixed-fee award, with two one year option periods. The award of this effort that will be based on a - Best Value evaluation for USAID/Colombia, Agriculture and Alternative Development Office (AADO), Coffee Alliances for the Expansion of Specialty Coffees (CAFES) Initiative. USAID funding for the anticipated term of this effort will be at an estimated ceiling price of $15,000,000, depending on the availability of funding. The aim of this program is to accelerate the pace of specialty coffee production in Colombia. Therefore, several principles should be kept in mind when designing the technical approach. First, strategic coordination and working in partnership with coffee organizations such as the National Coffee Federation (FEDERACAFE), Colombian Coffee Exporters (ASOEXPORT), other private exporters, exporter associations, specialty coffee associations, and buyers of specialty coffees on the improvement of specialty coffees in identified growth poles. Some organizations may play a bigger role than others in the Colombian coffee sector. For example, FEDERACAF is a cross between a growers association and a parastatal, and is funded by an export tax on all coffee, with which the organization carries out public services in coffee growing areas, such as the building of rural social infrastructure. In addition, FEDERACAFE is also involved directly in the business of coffee in that it buys, processes, warehouses, and exports 30 percent of all exported coffee. In coffee trading matters, the organization is in competition with some 120 private firms that export nearly 70 percent of the coffee. ASOEXPORT, for example, is such an organization. It represents some 27 of those exporters and serves mainly as a lobby with the GOC and a voice with FEDERACAF. All coffee-related entities in Colombia ought to be taken into consideration in designing this new program to ensure program reach and impacts are as broad as possible. The proposal must clearly describe the process for building strategic alliances with public and private sector coffee entities. Second, coordination with USAID's on-going Colombia Specialty Coffee Program being implemented by contractor, ACDI/VOCA will also be vital. The current Colombia Specialty Coffee Program continues until mid 2007, so for approximately two years both programs will be in implementation concurrently. The proposal must clearly describe a strategy for coordination that will avoid duplication and will stimulate both programs to build on the accomplishments of the other. Partnerships and Strategic Alliances: The nature of this program requires a strong partnership with coffee entities such as the Coffee Federation (FEDERACAFE) the Colombian National Association of Coffee Exporters (ASOEXPORT), and other private entities, to mention a few. Although FEDERACAF has the institutional structure and the mandate to work with the growers to promote improved quality coffee, to carry out research, and to market and promote Colombian coffees, private companies export two-thirds of Colombia's coffee, and these organizations must also be involved in the program for it to be successful. Strategic alliances with the private sector, especially companies and associations involved with specialty coffees, will help ensure the success of the program. These alliances can help USAID tap into additional and significant resources such as production technologies, quality controls and standards, marketing information, and funding for technical and social activities. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this procurement is 541990. The RFP will be posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FEDBIZOPPS) web page (www.fedbizopps.gov) not less than fifteen (15) days after this notice is issued. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 5.102, Availability of Solicitations, Paragraph (d), - AVAILABILITY OF THE RFP IS LIMITED TO THIS ELECTRONIC MEDIUM ONLY. Please direct related questions to Ms. Yvette Feurtado, Contracting Officer, USAID/Colombia at 571 423-6880x107/voice or via electronic mail at yvfeurtado@usaid.gov.