The Trade Project

The Trade Project, solicited under RFP 294-12-000007 by USAID/West Bank and Gaza, is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee completion contract designed to expand private sector growth in the West Bank and Gaza. The primary objective is to increase trade and investment by easing constraints that hinder the Palestinian private sector, thereby generating direct cost savings and additional revenue. To achieve this, the contractor is tasked with providing technical assistance, conducting data analysis, and implementing advocacy and capacity-building initiatives for both the public and private sectors. The project includes a focus on institutional capacity measurement through a modified Advocacy Index covering elements such as policy formulation, research, and gender analysis. The contract features a 36-month base period with a 24-month option, with an estimated value between 20 million and 22 million dollars. Administrative requirements include strict adherence to USAID VAT guidance for Israeli and Palestinian taxes to ensure cost allowability and the submission of a small business subcontracting plan. The procurement process involved multiple amendments to clarify the scope of trade policy issues, such as tariffs, and to refine technical proposal requirements and evaluation criteria. Performance is managed through the USAID/West Bank and Gaza office based in Tel Aviv.