Social and Gender Consultant - Mongolia

Consultant Services: Social and Gender Consultant - Mongolia MCC-15-RFQ-0021 1. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation number is MCC-15-RFQ-0021 and is issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ). This solicitation document incorporates all mandatory commercial item provisions and clauses that are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-82, Effective May 07, 2015. 2. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 541611 and the small business size standard is $14.0 million. 3. FAR Clauses 52.212-1 through 52.212-5 apply to this procurement. The exact text and wording of clauses and provisions may be obtained from the Internet at http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html. The Government contemplates the award of a Time and Materials Order resulting from this solicitation. NOTE: An Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, (Alt I) is attached. 4. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. For more information on the MCC, please visit www.mcc.gov. 5. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AND IS NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT DIRECT WITH MCC. PLEASE VISIT: http://www.irs.gov/business/small/index.html FOR INFORMATION REGARDING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Note: MCC will assist the consultant in coordinating with an Independent Contractor Engagement Services Provider for payroll, travel, international travel insurance, etc., therefore, a DUNS number and registration in System for Award Management (SAMS) is not required. 6. Description of Services: The United States of America acting through the MCC has formed partnerships with some of the world's poorest countries through large, five-year Grant Programs referred to as Compacts. MCC administers these Compacts through the Millennium Challenge Accounts (MCAs) which are entities that are set up locally to manage and oversee all aspects of the Compact implementation. MCC has approved over $7 Billion in Poverty Reduction Compacts worldwide that support country-determined projects in such sectors as: - agriculture and irrigation, - transportation (roads, bridges, ports), - water supply and sanitation, - energy generation, distribution, and transmission - hospitals and clinics, - finance and enterprise development, - anticorruption initiatives, - land rights and access, - schools and universities. Scope: The overall scope of this call order is to carry out research and analysis in support of ensuring the appropriate integration of social and gender perspectives and data into the Constraints Analysis for Mongolia. Following the completion of analysis, the consultant will carry out - deep dive' sectoral social and gender assessments based on the identified binding constraints. The consultant may be asked to provide technical assistance or advice for other aspects of Compact development for Mongolia or another country, upon mutual agreement. 7. This solicitation notice is a request for competitive quotations. Therefore, all quotations received prior to the RFQ close date will be considered. 8. The Government will award an order to the responsible independent consultant whose quote conforming to this notice represents the best value in terms of technical criteria, past performance and price. All non-price factors (technical criteria and past performance) are more important than price. If options are included, quotes will be evaluated by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the options(s). 9. Evaluation Factors: Only quotes which meet the required technical evaluation criteria will be considered. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA The consultant should have expertise and a minimum of 10 years of experience in the following: - A minimum of 10 years of experience in social and gender analysis and research, with a solid track record of preparing and producing analytical work on social and gender inequalities to inform policy and project planning. (Required) - Prior work experience in the region, with preference for prior work experience in Mongolia. (Required) - Existing relationships and networks with relevant local and international development organizations focusing on social and gender issues in Mongolia. (Required) - Demonstrate excellence in writing reports, including social and gender assessments (Required) - Good inter-personal and negotiation skills, and ability to work cooperatively and productively in teams with technical and construction experts, government officials, NGOs, community organizations, and other Compact stakeholders. (Required). - Experience in planning and conducting public consultations with a wide range of stakeholders in government and civil society and analyzing and communicating results. (Required) - Have an advanced postgraduate degree (accredited Masters or Ph.D.) in sociology, anthropology, or a related discipline (gender studies, development studies). (Required) - Possess experience providing guidance and undertaking technical analysis on social and gender issues in project design, assessments, management plans, and in procurement and contract documents (Required) - Exhibit responsible and flexible attitude and capable of managing a variety of tasks with minimal supervision. (Required) Other requirements: Travel to country may be required up to three weeks for each visit. The Consultant may be requested to mobilize on a short notice and will be expected to deliver high quality finished products in a timely manner. PAST PERFORMANCE Three (3) professional references for relevant work performed during the past three years. PRICE The Government will examine the proposed rate for reasonableness. 10. Evaluation Methodology: The Government will perform a comparative analysis of quotes and will assess the advantages and disadvantages of each quote as related to the Evaluation Factors. Multiple awards may be made from this notice and all quotes will be retained and may be utilized for requirements for a period of 6 months. 11. Quote Deadline: Independent Consultants are invited to submit their quotations in response to this notice by 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), August 21, 2015. Only e-mailed requests for additional information will be accepted at contact@example.gov by 1:00 pm eastern standard time on August 14, 2015. Quotations submitted in response to this notice shall include the solicitation number AND description in the subject line and be signed, dated and submitted via email to contact@example.gov. The maximum file size is 10mb. 12. Quote Submission: The Individual Consultant shall submit the following documents: Technical: (1) Cover letter that addresses all technical criteria as listed in this solicitation (5 pages maximum); (2) Curriculum Vitae (10 page maximum); Past Performance: Three professional references; Price: Bio-Data Form (Signed) which includes the independent consultant's proposed rate and salary history. See Attachment. 13. FAR 52.212.3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items shall be required from the selected consultant, prior to the time of award. 14. There are no additional contract requirements(s) necessary for this acquisition other than those consistent with customary commercial practices. 15. See attached documents entitled: (1) Addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-4, (Alt I); (2) MCC Bio-Data Form and (3) Statement of Work.