REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
RFP Number: 046
Description:
Equipping a service center for drying fruits and vegetables in Niš with
equipment for the preparation of raw materials for drying
For:
Contracting Entity:
Funded by:
Sustainable Local Development Project (SLD)
Chemonics International Inc.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Contract No. AID-169-C-00-11-00102
RFP Issue Date:
April 24, 2015
Questions Due:
April 29, 2015
Proposals Due:
May 7, 2015 by 16:00
Place of Performance: Serbia
Offerors are encouraged to read this RFP in its entirety (including any and all attachments), paying
specific attention to the instructions and requirements included herein. Issuance of this solicitation does
not, in any way, obligate Chemonics to award a subcontract, nor does it commit Chemonics to pay for
costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. All recipients of this RFP shall treat all
information and details included herein as private and confidential.
Content of RFP:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 3:
Section 4:
Introduction
Scope of Work
Proposal Instructions
Evaluation Criteria and Basis for Award
Annex A: COVER LETTER
Annex B: REQUIRED REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Annex C: GUIDE TO CREATING A FINANCIAL PROPOSAL
1. INTRODUCTION___________________________________________________________
The USAID Sustainable Local Development Project (SLDP) is a five-year program designed to
improve the capacity of Serbian municipal governments, business advocacy groups, and civil society
organizations in creating and implementing policies, procedures, and projects that will contribute to
area-based economic development and good governance. SLDP’s core activities are focused on
supporting inter-municipal partners to expand the private sector, add jobs and reduce unemployment in
regional economies. Within the SLDP, the eight IMC partnerships have been established by 32 local
governments. Accordingly, SLDP has developed eight sector specific inter-municipal programs, one
for each of the eight established IMC partnerships, which will proximately add jobs to IMC areas by
expanding their private sectors. These inter-municipal programs were identified under a set of SLDP,
business-oriented criteria, and their execution includes all three following components of SLDP:
1. Inter-Municipal Cooperation Programming
2. Public Administration Reform
3. Youth Development and Participatory Mechanism
The purpose of this RFP is to identify qualified firm(s) that can provide services in support of SLDP
Inter-Municipal Cooperation Programming. Chemonics International requests proposals for equipping
a service center for drying fruits and vegetables in Niš with equipment for the preparation of raw
materials for drying.
2. SCOPE OF WORK__________________________________________________________
2a.
BACKGROUND
Under the component 1, SLDP supported establishment of Inter-Municipal Cooperation (IMC) between
the cities of Nis and Leskovac and municipalities of Merosina, Doljevac and Gadzin Han and
developed IMC program named “Grow South” which targets a 15% increase in processed food
products sold. Keystone of the proposed program in Nis-led IMC area is to develop regions’
agribusiness food processing potential in order to increase incomes and add jobs to the region. As part
of the program “Grow South”, SLDP supported the Department for Agriculture and Rural
Development of the City of Nis and partner municipalities to establish the Food Processing Support
Center for the Nis-led IMC region. The Food Processing Support Center has the general purpose of
providing focused institutional support and coordination to help local farmers and food processors
improve cooperation, secure the value chain, add value to their produce, identify new and profitable
market opportunities, and increase sales in both national and export markets.
Food Processing Support Center as a newly formed unit of the Department for Agriculture and Rural
Development of the City of Nis decided to help region’s small-scale growers add value to their crops.
Recently completed research on agricultural competitiveness of Nis-led IMC area showed that tree
fruits are by far the most competitive sector and more attention should be paid to creating value added
products such as dried fruits. Drying of fruits, especially plums, has economic justification from the
viewpoint of the available quantities in the IMC area, trends in production, and the market demand.
Therefore, the Food Processing Support Center in Niš plans to establish a small-scale public service
processing center that will be leased to farmers groups, selected through a public competition, to add
value to their produce by drying and increase sales. Selected producer groups will be provided training
in the technological process of drying fruits. They will be supervised by the Food Processing Support
Center staff throughout the fruit drying operations. This will provide an opportunity to producer groups
to conquer the technological process and reach to more reliable and lucrative markets, with minimal
risks involved.
The service center for drying will be established, and drying equipment installed, in an existing
building located in the village of Donji Matejevac 5 km away from Nis. Consultant architectural firm
developed the main project design for the reconstruction works on the building based on planned
technological drying process. The reconstruction works on the building will start in early May and last
for several months. The first phase includes reconstruction of premises intended for fruit drying
operations in the ground floor of the building which will be finished by mid-June. SLDP shall provide
equipment for the preparation of raw materials for drying no later than the end of June, 2015. Start of
the processing operations is expected in August, 2015.
2b.
SCOPE OF WORK
Fresh fruits and vegetables immediately upon receipt in the drying facility must go through three basic
preparatory operations - inspection, cleaning, and calibration - and so are prepared to go further into the
drying process. In order to carry out these preparatory operations for drying, equipment for inspection,
cleaning, and calibration of fruits and vegetables must be installed in the drying facility.
The offerors are expected to construct, install, and put into operation the following equipment for the
preparation of fruits and vegetables for drying:
1. INSPECTION CONVEYOR WITH VARIABLE SPEED
Inspection of the product is a technological operation which is a visual inspection of material for drying
on the conveyor belt and manual removal of inadequate raw plum fruits. The fruits are spread on a belt
in a single layer, and workers deployed on both sides of the belt manually remove inappropriate fruit.
Speed of inspection belt is controlled by the speed adjustment device according to the presence of
inadequate fruit. Nozzles can be placed above the belt for water for final washing of fruits as well as
separate lighting for better visual control of the material. Inspection belt is in front of the washing
device because sub-standard fruit must not get into the washer and pollute the water. After the
inspection, the correct plum fruits fall to the next device, a device for washing fruits, and defective
fruits are placed in the cart next to the conveyor for further inspection and finishing.
The capacity of the inspection conveyor should correspond to a daily capacity of drying of plums
which is 3 tons in 24 hours in a tunnel continuous dryer.
Technical features required in the proposal:
Type of inspection conveyor:
Capacity:
kg/h
Dimensions of the unit:
mm
(Length x width x height)
Working width of the belt: mm
Belt speed:
m/min
Installed power:
kW
Material:
inox / stainless steel
It is necessary to give a detailed description of specifications of the inspection conveyor that is offered.
Offerer may offer inspection conveyor from its production program which can vary in specification as
well as planned capacity. For the inspection conveyor that is different than the requirement in the
specification, the supplier must provide an explanation and justification of the proposed capacity in
relation to the planned daily drying capacity.
2. WASHER OF RAW PLUM FRUITS
Washing of raw fruits and vegetables is a technological operation which must be applied in the
processing of fruits and vegetables because the health safety of the finished product depends on it. This
is especially important for drying plum fruits that are washed to remove wax bloom, a protective wax
coating on the fruit skin that protects the fruit of transpiration. If the washing does not remove the wax
bloom, it hampers the loss of water from the fruit, causing a longer period of drying fresh fruits and
thus higher fuel consumption for drying. During the preparation of the plum, washing is necessary on
the subsequent stoning where the fruit remains open so any residual dirt can penetrate the interior of the
fruit.
A device for washing fresh plum fruits consists of washing tank for rough washing, conveyor belt with
the sloping conveyor, and series of nozzles for fine washing and rinsing. Insertion of fresh plum fruits
in the tank is done manually. Washing of fruits is done in a tank with continuous addition of fresh cold
water and by bubbling, using strong air currents blown into the tank through a system of perforated
pipes laid on the bottom of the tank. The air is injected using a centrifugal fan which is an integral part
of the unit. The water in the pool is continuously bubbled, resulting in a constant movement of raw
material in the water and accelerating the process of washing. From the tank, the washed fruit is taken
out by the sloping conveyor that runs under the shower with cold water, rinsing residual impurities fine washing. The unit is made of stainless steel plates and profiles with the corresponding connectors
for water supply and drainage, air fan and separate power to run the belt consisting of electric motors
and gears. All parts that come into contact with raw materials are made of materials whose application
is approved for use in the food industry. Control of the washing water is of great importance because
impure water increases the number of microorganisms on the fruit so water control for purity is
necessary on daily basis.
The capacity for washing fruits should correspond to a daily capacity of drying plums of 3 tons in 24
hours in a tunnel continuous dryer that is about 500 to 800 kg/h.
The above specification of the device for washing fruits is the desired specification. The Offeror can
offer equipment for washing fruits from its production program, which may vary in the specification
and the planned capacity, but not substantially changing the concept of technology of washing the fruit.
For the fruit washer capacity, which differs from the required specification, the offeror must give an
explanation and justification in relation to the planned daily capacity of drying.
Technical features required in the proposal:
Capacity:
Dimensions unit:
(Length x width x height)
Dimensions trays:
(Length x width x height)
Working width of belt:
Installed power:
Water consumption:
Water connection:
Material:
Other:
kg/h (based on raw plum)
mm
mm
mm
kW
m3/h
"
inox / stainless steel
3. FRUIT SORTING MACHINE FOR SEPARATION / CALIBRATION OF FRUITS OF
RAW PLUM ACCORDING TO SIZE
Calibration or separation of fruits by size is aimed at placing fresh plum fruits of approximately the
same size on drying racks. A fruit sorting machine will be located in the drying facility as the extension
of the washing machine. The unit should have calibration adjustment depending on the desired
diameter of the plum fruit and the ability to calibrate the 4 sizes of plum. The first grade separates the
smallest plum fruit (diameter less than 30 mm) that are not used for drying but for other products (jam,
fruit butter, alcoholic beverages, etc.). The drying is used for products from the second and third grade
(diameter of 30-36 mm and 36-42 mm). Each grade is dried separately, because the uniform plum fruit
size allows for smoother and better drying. In the last class, the largest pieces of over 42 mm in
diameter are separated and depending on customer requirements can be further dried or used to sell to
other manufacturers.
Capacity of the fruit sorting machine should correspond to a daily capacity of drying plums of 3 tons in
24 hours in a tunnel continuous dryer, that is about 500 to 800 kg / h.
Technical features required in the proposal:
Type of calibrator:
Method of calibration of fruit:
Capacity:
kg/h (based on raw plum)
Dimensions unit:
mm
(Length x width x height)
Number of fractions / calibers: 4 (3 + 1)
Scope of the calibration:
Installed power:
kW
Material:
stainless steel / inox
It is necessary to give a detailed description of the specifications of the equipment offered as well as a
description of technological processes that are running on the offered equipment and requirements for
connectors for power supply, etc.
The Offeror can offer equipment for sorting plum from its production program, which may vary in the
specification and the planned capacity. For the plum sorting equipment capacity that is different than
the requirement in the specification, the offeror must provide an explanation and justification of the in
relation to the planned daily drying capacity of 3 tons in 24 hours in a tunnel continuous dryer.
Obligations of the equipment beneficiary / recipient:
• Provide appropriate facility that has sufficient size and height to accommodate the equipment.
• Provide appropriate power supply connections to the equipment.
• Provide appropriate water supply and drainage connections.
All construction and infrastructure works that may be required for the installation of the equipment
are responsibility of the equipment beneficiary / recipient and will be performed based on
documents and designs provided by the selected supplier of the equipment upon the contract
signing.
Obligations of the equipment supplier:
 Delivery of the equipment to the location of the drying facility in Donji Matejevac, Niš.
 Installation and commissioning of equipment in trial operation.
 Apply the measures on the installed equipment according to the law on occupational safety and
obtain the appropriate certificates and permits.
 Deliver technical documentation necessary for the use and maintenance of the supplied
equipment in accordance with the legislative of the Republic of Serbia such are: document of
conformity with technical equipment requirements issued by the competent body, factory
certificates/quality assurance for the installed material, etc.
 Deliver appropriate instructions/ manuals and technological documentation necessary for
handling and management of the equipment.
 Provide training in the use of equipment at the user's location.
 Provide high quality and efficient service and maintenance of equipment during the warranty
period and out of warranty.
 The technology that is transferred with the equipment should be owned by the supplier that is
the supplier should be authorized to offer it.
Offeror must enclose to the proposal the following technical documents of the dryer:
• Installation drawing of the equipment with information about dimensions, weight, connections
to electromechanical installations, needed water connectors and other technological parameters.
• Warranty for the equipment that will be valid from the day of installation and trial operation.
The deadline for the delivery, installation and quality acceptance of the equipment is a maximum
of 45 days from the date of signing the contract, or no later than June 30, 2015.
Offerors may submit offer in respect to one, two or all three items from the SOW.
2b.EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
The winner of this award shall be responsible for producing the following deliverables:
1. Inspection conveyor installed at the location in Donji Matejevac in Nis and commissioned in trial
operation. Technical documentation and instructions/manuals requested in the scope of work
submitted and training in the use of installed equipment provided.
2. Device for washing fresh plum fruits installed at the location in Donji Matejevac in Nis and
commissioned in trial operation. Technical documentation and instructions/manuals requested in
the scope of work submitted and training in the use of installed equipment provided.
3. Fruit sorting machine installed at the location in Donji Matejevac in Nis and commissioned in trial
operation. Technical documentation and instructions/manuals requested in the scope of work
submitted and training in the use of installed equipment provided.
2c.
ILLUSTRATIVE DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE
The timeframe for implementation of these tasks is May 16, 2015 - June 30, 2015.
3. PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS__________________________________
3a. Disclaimer
Issuance of this solicitation does not in any way obligate Chemonics or USAID to award a contract,
nor does it commit Chemonics or USAID to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of
a proposal. Please note that in submitting a response to this solicitation, the Offeror understands that
USAID is not a party to this solicitation and the Offeror agrees that any question or protest hereunder
must be presented — in writing with full explanations — to Chemonics for consideration, as USAID
will not consider protests made to it under USAID-financed subcontracts. Chemonics, at its sole
discretion, will make a final decision on the protest.
3b. Offer Deadline
Offerors must submit their proposals by the time and date indicated on the cover page of this RFP to:
SLD/Chemonics International Inc.
Attn: SLD Grants and Subcontracts Manager
Koste Glavinica 23A, 11000 Beograd
Email: [email protected]
Late offers will not be accepted.
3c. Protocol for Submission of Offers and Required Documents
In order for proposals to receive full consideration for award, Offerors must comply with the
instructions included herein and must ensure that all information furnished in their proposal is factual,
accurate, and complete. Offerors shall be held responsible for the validity of all information supplied in
their proposal, including that provided by potential subcontractors and/or vendors, if any.
Failure to comply with the RFP instructions and/or to furnish a complete proposal may result in the
proposal being unacceptable to Chemonics and may result in elimination from consideration for award.
Offerors are required to submit enough information to allow for a complete assessment of the Offeror’s
capability to perform all of the requirements contemplated by this solicitation. All commitments made
in the proposal may become a part of the resultant firm fixed price subcontract.
Offers must be prepared in English, formatted on A4 size paper, single-spaced, and maximum of an 11point type. Supporting documents may be provided in Serbian. All proposals must be submitted in two
volumes as follows:


Volume 1: Technical Volume
Volume 2: Cost Volume
Proposals must be submitted in hard copy. Hard copies of the Technical and Cost volumes must be
submitted in separate, sealed envelopes. One (1) paper copy and one (1) electronic version in formats
compatible with MS Word, pdf and Excel on a CD-ROM of the Offeror’s Technical Volume must be
included in the envelope marked with the words “Technical Volume,” the RFP number 046, and the
complete legal name and address of the Offeror’s organization. The technical proposal must not include
any financial information.
One (1) original paper copy and one (1) electronic version on a CD-ROM of the Offeror’s Cost
Volume must be included in the envelope marked with the words “Cost Volume,” the RFP number
046, and the complete legal name and address of the Offeror’s organization. Formulas in the cost
proposal shall be unlocked to allow SLD Project to analyze the calculations.
Offerors may modify or withdraw their proposal prior to the proposal due date by giving written notice
via email to the email address stated in Section 3.b. of this RFP and clearly stating in the subject line
of the email their intent to withdraw or modify their proposal. Proposals may not be modified after the
proposal submission deadline. Alternate bids will not be considered unless this solicitation authorizes
their submission.
3d. Questions, Clarifications and Changes
Offerors must submit all questions and requests for clarifications regarding this RFP in writing via
email stated in Section 3.b. of this RFP by the date and time indicated on the cover sheet. All
correspondence regarding this solicitation must reference the RFP number in the subject line. No phone
calls or in-person inquiries will be accepted.
Responses to the questions and requests for clarification regarding this solicitation will be displayed on
the SLD web page http://www.lokalnirazvoj.rs/en/tenders
Any verbal information received from a Chemonics employee or any other entity shall not constitute an
official response to any questions regarding this RFP.
If Chemonics determines that changes to this RFP are required, such changes will be made via formal
written addenda. Chemonics will make addenda available on the web site. Should addenda be issued
fewer than 5 days before the proposal due date listed on the cover page of this RFP, Chemonics may
elect to extend the proposal deadline. Addenda cancelling the RFP may be issued at any time.
Clarifications, interpretations, corrections, and changes to the RFP made in any other manner shall not
be binding and Offerors shall not rely upon them.
No offer, payment, consideration, or benefit of any kind shall be made, either directly or indirectly, by
Offerors as an inducement or reward for the award of a subcontract. Any such practice constitutes an
illegal or corrupt practice and will result in the cancellation of the procurement, elimination of an
Offerors’ participation in this and future procurements and consideration for award, or termination of
an awarded subcontract. Such practices may also constitute grounds for additional civil and/or criminal
actions, as may be applicable.
3e. Eligibility of Offerors
This RFP is open to Serbian registered Offerors that are deemed capable of implementing the scope of
work, that have a solid record of integrity and business ethics, and that meet the eligibility requirements
stated in this Section. All Offerors must certify that the firm, and the firms’ principals, are not debarred,
suspended, or proposed for debarment. Chemonics will not award a subcontract to any firm that is
debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, or who proposes to do business with firms or firms’
principals who are debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, in the performance of the
requirement of this activity.
Offerors that submit proposals in response to this RFP must meet the following requirements:
1) Serbian private business entity legally registered in the Serbian Business Register Agency (no
government entities or government owned entities);
2) Must have an active and functional, unencumbered bank account, with no enforced collection
initiated. Report issued by the National Bank of Serbia that the offeror’s bank account is not
blocked must be provided along with the proposal. (the reports are available at the following
webpage: http://www.nbs.rs/internet/cirilica/67/rir.html);
3) Have completed the required representations and certifications incorporated in this RFP;
4) Are not listed, nor appear in any of the following lists:
 The System for Award Management (SAM). The list can be found at:
https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM
 The Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list from the Office of Foreign Assets
Control. The list can be found at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/sdn/t11sdn.pdf
3f.Authorized USAID Geographic Code
The authorized USAID geographic code for this RFP and any resulting subcontract is Code 937. All
commodities and services supplied under a subcontract resulting from this RFP must be from Code
937. No items, items with components from, or related services (including any incidental services
required to complete the work) may be from the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria or
any countries listed in ADS 310 (http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/310.pdf).
3g.Technical Volume
The Technical Volume should describe in detail how the Offeror intends to carry out the SOW found in
Section 2. The Technical Volume should demonstrate a clear understanding of the work to be
undertaken and the responsibilities of all parties involved. There is a five (5)-page limit to the
Technical Volume. This page limit does not include: cover page, table of contents, technical
characteristic of offered equipment, section dividers, annexes, and CVs. CVs for all experts must be
enclosed.
The following documents must be included in the Technical Volume:
I. Cover Letter (see Sample in Annex A)
A cover letter by the interested organization stating the name, designation, and address of the key
contact person (organization’s legally authorized negotiator), the organization’s full address, telephone,
and email address.
II. Corporate Capabilities, Experience and Past Performance
Offerors shall include a brief narrative summarizing the resources (human, financial, equipment,
necessary IT hardware and software, etc.) at their disposal and describe their capability to perform the
work. The narrative should demonstrate an understanding of the management requirements associated
with implementation of the SOW, illustrate the Offeror’s technical experience implementing similar
projects, meeting tight deadlines, experience coordinating and working with local counterparts.
Offerors must confirm availability of funds to properly finance the work. Also, the Offeror should
include a description of how it plans to manage the work included in this RFP in addition to its other
ongoing and anticipated projects.
It is expected that the Offerors’ minimum structure of the proposed team composition will be covered
by full-time employed staff and short term experts required for the completion of works under this
SoW (design, construction and installation of the equipment) . Offeror has to submit the evidence for
the permanent and part time staff employment (copies of M-2, M-3A forms, and employment
certificates) and statement of willingness to participate in the project of each planned short-term expert.
Offerors have to submit the CVs of both, permanent staff members and short term experts.
III. Technical Approach and Detailed Work Plan
Using the information from the SOW, the Offeror should describe briefly its approach in executing
each phase of the work, providing detail as necessary. The methodology which will be implemented by
the Offeror according to the legislative of the Republic of Serbia shall meet recognized industry
standards and be cost efficient while taking into consideration the project’s location and availability of
materials and equipment. The methodology section should also include an outline of the Offeror’s
approach to Quality Control and Quality Assurance (with description of testing and inspections), The
Offeror shall also include an analysis of the risks associated with the work and the proposed approach,
steps the Offeror will take to mitigate these risks and any other assumptions used in preparing the
technical approach. The Offeror shall present a draft work plan (“the schedule that illustrates the step
by step process for executing every phase of the work in the most efficient manner.) Offerors are
required to include sufficient detail in the schedule to show the timing for the activities and any other
information to demonstrate that the work will be completed by the proposed completion date.
IV. Required Certifications (see Annex B)
Offerors are required to complete the certifications included in Annex B of this RFP and submit the
duly completed forms with the technical volume of the proposal. Failure to submit all complete and
signed forms and certifications may result in the Offeror’s RFP submission being rejected as nonresponsive.
The Technical Volume should be organized by the evaluation criteria listed in Section 4 of this RFP
and should respond to all requirements stipulated herein.
V. Past Performance References
Each Offeror must submit its complete name, address, and contact information. The Offeror must also
present a description of its company and organization, with appropriate reference to any parent
company and subsidiaries. The Offeror must provide at least three references of previous work
and/or experience in the last five years and as many references related to performance of jobs
under the similar scope of work, as available. Written references from clients, or copies of executed
contracts, should indicate the value of the contract and confirm good quality of performed work. List of
clients with contact information for verification and inspection must be provided so as to provide due
diligence. Contact information should include, at a minimum: name, address, email, and phone number.
3h.
Cost Volume
There is no page limit for the cost proposal. The Cost Volume must include a detailed budget –
expressed in RSD Serbian Dinars – with an accompanying narrative describing the basis for the listed
cost elements. Supporting information should be provided in sufficient detail to allow a complete
analysis and determination of reasonableness of each cost element. Offerors shall use the template
included in Annex C as the basis for the preparation of the detailed budget. Offerors are required to
include and clearly label all costs (including, but not limited to, level of effort, labor rates, materials,
quantities, incidental services such as transportation, fuel, lodging, meals, communications expenses,
other direct costs, any/all indirect costs and fees) deemed necessary to complete the work called for
hereunder. Offerors must present their financial offer using the cost proposal and budget templates
enclosed to the RFP as part of the ANNEX C.
Chemonics will use the information included in Offeror’s Cost Volume as the basis for negotiating the
firm fixed-priced subcontract with the selected Offeror. No additional costs or fees are to be added
later. All deliverables must be clearly labeled and included in the total price. The Project is exempt
from VAT, therefore Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall not include VAT.
Additionally, Offerors must also include the following information as part of their Cost Volume:
1. A copy of last year financial statement
2. A copy of a valid certificate of registration.
3. A copy of the VAT registration certificate.
3i. Validity of Proposal
Proposals should have a 60-day validity period from the proposal submission date. Within the
proposal’s validity term, the SLD Project reserves the right to: i) accept the Offeror’s proposal in full or
in part, ii) conduct negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to award and iii) cancel for
convenience the whole procurement procedure for this RFP.
3j. Conflict of Interest
Offerors and its proposed personnel shall disclose any factors that could limit the organization’s ability
to independently perform the services such as relationship with counterpart employees, past
employment, etc.
3k. Protests
Please note that in submitting a response to this solicitation, the Offeror understands that USAID is not
a party to this solicitation and the Offeror agrees that any protest hereunder must be presented — in
writing with full explanations — to Chemonics International for consideration, as USAID will not
consider protests made under USAID-financed subcontracts. Chemonics, at its sole discretion, will
make a final decision on the protest for this procurement.
4. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD___________________________
4a. Terms and Conditions of Subcontract
SLD intends to award a firm fixed price subcontract to the winning offer. This solicitation is subject to
the Fixed-Price Subcontract Terms and Conditions included in Annex E of this RFP. Any resultant
award will be governed by these terms and conditions. Chemonics reserves the right to make minor
revisions to the content, order, and numbering of the provisions in the actual subcontract award.
4b. Selection Criteria
Chemonics will make an award to an eligible, responsive (one that complies with all the terms and
conditions in the RFP without material deviation) and responsible Offeror that presents the best value
(as determined by the technical/cost trade-off analysis) to SLDP. Offerors may not modify nonresponsive offers after the proposal deadline in order to make them responsive. However, Chemonics
may request an Offeror to clarify its offer as long as no material deviation exists.
Chemonics will evaluate proposals in accordance to the following criteria:
A
B
C
Criteria
Past experience in relevant field
Corporate capabilities - Key personnel
Cost
Total
Rating
40
20
40
100
A. Past experience in relevant field rating (maximum 40 points):
Past experience/Designs
Relevant contract in the last 5 years related to design,
construction and installation of same or similar type of
equipment
Type / Value
For each contract in the last
5 years (max 8 contracts)
Points
5
(max 40)
Offerors will prove past experience by submitting copies of the contracts or written references from a
client related to performance of jobs under the similar SoW (design, construction and installation of the
requested equipment), indicating value of the contract and confirming good quality of the performed
work, as described in Past Performance References on page 11.
B. Corporate capabilities - Key personnel rating (maximum 20 points):
For each permanent staff member employed and short-term expert engaged by the Offeror, which are
required for the design, construction and installation of requested equipment, the rating is as following:
Equipment construction and installation staff and other relevant employees
1-5 employees and short-term experts of relevant qualification/experience
6-10 employees and short-term experts of relevant qualification/experience
11-15 employees and short-term experts of relevant qualification/experience
>15 employees and short-term experts of relevant qualification/experience
Points
5
10
15
20
Offerors will prove proposed team key personnel qualifications and capacities to perform the tasks
under this SoW, by submitting the documentation requested in “Corporate Capabilities, Experience
and Past Performance” on page 10.
D. Cost evaluation (maximum 40 points):
Subcontract awards will be based on a “best value determination” approach. In the event that the
Project determines that one offer is technically superior, yet more expensive, the Project can award that
Offeror based on the evaluation of the best overall value given the price/technical trade-off. The
combined technical evaluation factors in the table above are more important than cost or price.
However, the SLD Project will not select an Offeror for award on the basis of a superior technical
proposal without considering cost. Cost will be evaluated on the basis of cost reasonableness,
allowability, and realism. Cost realism will be based on considerations such as the following:
- Are proposed costs realistic for the work to be performed?
- Do the costs reflect a clear understanding of RFP requirements?
- Are the costs consistent with the various elements of the Offeror’s technical proposal?
The maximum amount of points for the cost proposal is 40.
A technical/cost trade-off analysis will be performed by the Sustainable Local Development Project to
determine the best value to the project.
4d.
Determination of Competitive Range
It is anticipated that awards will be made solely on the basis of Offerors’ original proposals. However,
Chemonics reserves the right to conduct discussions, negotiations and/or request clarifications prior to
awarding a subcontract. Chemonics reserves the right to place partial orders based on any quotation
received and/or make multiple awards, if it is in the best interests of SLD. Chemonics further reserves
the right to reject offers that are not materially responsive to this RFP.