Technical Advisor for Gender and Social Inclusion

TECHNICAL ADVISOR FOR GENDER AND SOCIAL INLCUSION MALAWI COMPACT MCC-16-RFQ-0018 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 including 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-16-RFQ-0018 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 the most recent Federal Acquisition Regulation amendments which can be found at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html 2) The North American Industrial Classification Systems (NAICS) code is 541219 and the small business size standard is $14 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/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Independent-Contractor-Defined 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 Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) SGA requires the services of a Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor Independent Consultant to provide technical assistance in the oversight of Compact implementation for the Malawi Compact. 7) This combined synopsis and 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 consultants(s) 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 mandatory technical evaluation criteria will be considered. Evaluation Criteria: Technical Qualifications of Consultant: The Consultant shall possess the following qualifications/experience: - A minimum of 10 years of experience in social and gender analysis and integration with a solid track record of preparing and producing high quality analytical work inform policy and project implementation (mandatory) - Experience in social inclusion and gender integration in the energy sector highly desired (highly desirable) - Experience in planning and conducting public consultations, focus groups or personal interviews with a wide range of stakeholders in government and civil society and analyzing and communicating results. (mandatory) - 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. (mandatory) - Familiarity working with IFC Performance Standards and with MCC's Gender Policy and Integration Guidelines highly desired (highly desirable). - Prior work experience in the country and/or Southern Africa region required (mandatory) - Knowledge of the country's socio-cultural, political and economic context and local languages (Chichewa or other) (highly desirable) Education: An advanced postgraduate degree (accredited Masters or Ph.D.) in sociology, anthropology, gender studies, development or related fields. (mandatory) 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 12 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), Tuesday, November 10, 2015. Only e-mailed requests for additional information will be accepted at contact@example.gov by 12:00 pm eastern standard time on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Quotations submitted in response to this notice shall include the solicitation number MCC-15-RFQ-0018 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 document: a. Technical: (1) Cover letter that addresses all technical criteria as listed in this solicitation; (2) Curriculum Vitae (25 page maximum) b. Past Performance: Three professional references c. Price: Bio-Data Form which includes the independent consultant's proposed rate and salary history (See link below). PLEASE DO NOT COMBINE YOUR SUBMISSION INTO ONE (1) DOCUMENT. DOCUMENTS (a), (b), &(c) MUST BE SUBMITTED AS SEPARATE DOCUMENTS IN ONE (1) EMAIL. 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, (1) Addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-4, (Alt I); (2) MCC Bio-Data Sheet and (3) Statement of Work.