request for proposals · value (in usd) of sales of processed and packaged food products:...
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Request for Proposals
RFP No. CNFA-LADA-RFP-2019-04-012 – Partnership for Cloud – based Platform to Promote LADA-supported
Agribusinesses in Liberia
Page 1 of 16 V1 – April 2019
RFP Number: CNFA-LADA-RFP-2019-04-001 – Partnership for Cloud – Based
Platform
Issuance Date: April 29, 2019
Deadline for Questions: May 24, 2019; 3:00 pm local time
Deadline for Offers: May 28, 2019; 4:00 pm local time
Description: The purpose of this RFP is to procure a digital service to support a
strategic shift of the LADA project towards increasing investments
of agricultural value chain actors to achieve a more economically
viable value-chain project, focused on strengthening business
linkages, increasing value-added in different segments of the
targeted value chains, and promoting economically and potentially
viable agribusinesses through a cloud – based platform.
For: Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity (LADA)
Funded By: USAID
AID-669-A-16-00005
Implemented By: CNFA
Point of Contact Mr. Mark T. Wilson, Sr.
Procurement Specialist
CNFA’s Head Office
Congo Town, Behind Cuttington Graduate School
Telephone: 231-886-592-103
Section 1: Introduction, Technical Background and Scope of Work
1.1: Introduction USAID/Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity (LADA) is a project valued at US$19.3
million, implemented over five years by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA)
for the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative. The goal of the Feed the Future LADA
is to increase smallholder farmer incomes through increasing private sector investment in the
Liberian agribusiness sector. LADA expands access to and use of agricultural inputs as well
as improve postharvest handling, processing, packaging, and marketing services with the aim
of increasing on-farm productivity and the incomes of Liberian smallholder farmers.
Additionally, the increased capacity and productivity of the smallholder farmers is expected
to make agriculture a more inclusive and attractive vocation particularly to youth and
women.
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While positive results have been realized, such as increasing knowledge and improving access to
finance and inputs, the activity is working towards achieving the objective of increasing
productivity and private sector investments and development as envisaged in the project’s
design. In particular, the project continues working to increase in private sector investments and
incomes, develop information which was envisaged to support markets and private sector
decision-making; and work with the Agri-business Investment Network (AIN) to facilitate
information gathering and sharing for informed decision-making. Accordingly, CNFA is seeking
to procure a mobile cloud-based platform to help LADA achieve its goals of increasing
investments of agricultural value chain actors to achieve a more economically viable value-chain
project.
Offerors are responsible for ensuring that their offers are received by CNFA in accordance with
the instructions, terms, and conditions described in this RFP. Failure to adhere with instructions
described in this RFP may lead to disqualification of an offer from consideration. CNFA will
consider offers from firms only for this assignment.
1.2: Scope of Work
For this assignment, the selected firm will be expected to design and implement a customized
cloud-based platform to connect CNFA/LADA-supported agro-dealers, farmers, aggregators,
processors, storage facility owners, marketers, and other stakeholders to increase access to
market information and value–added in different segments of CNFA/LADA targeted agricultural
value chains, strengthen business transactions and digital financial services (DFS) for
economically viable agribusinesses in Liberia.
The selected firm is also expected to propose innovative strategies for engaging women and
youth (graduates and prospective graduates) in the agricultural value chain activities and how to
enhance their capacities through the cloud-based platform to sustainably contribute to the
economic growth of their country.
The customized cloud-based platform should include the following components:
Web Application (Website)
Database
Google Maps
SMS integration
Mobile money.
The intended purpose of the cloud-based platform for CNFA/LADA beneficiaries and other
value chain stakeholders includes the following:
Enable agro-dealers to better anticipate the demand for inputs;
Allow farmers’ organizations to schedule production that meets market
requirements;
Guide investment decisions by agricultural output aggregators and processors and
other auxiliary service providers;
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Enable AIN to offer training programs that address the needs and opportunities to
different actors along the targeted value chains;
Successfully connect value chain actors and other stakeholders as the cloud – based
platform is expected to be equipped with integrated multichannel solutions that will
help members develop linkages, exchange knowledge, access market information,
etcetera;
Facilitate business to business (B2B) communications and commercial transactions
between agro-dealers, farmers, aggregators, processors, storage facility owners,
marketers, and other stakeholders. For instance, agro-dealers will use the cloud –
based platform to source inputs and predict farmer demand; farmers’ organizations
will use it to make production decisions based on price and other market signals;
marketers will use it to link farmers with processors and wholesale markets; etc.
The platform will allow CNFA to further strengthen and sustain LADA achievements in Liberia
through:
Mobile market price information service for informed business and policy decision
making;
Basic handset Job Match service to connect youth and women with agribusiness
jobs, training/apprenticeship opportunities, and financial services/products;
Mobile - accessible content banks containing information on anything from
planting/cultivation/harvesting techniques to mitigating post-production losses;
Mobile peer networking groups to provide anytime/anywhere support to the
beneficiary value chain actors;
Integrated communications and mobile money platform to promote and streamline
digital financial services/products.
1.3: Tasks
This assignment should demonstrate careful examination of the strategies for moving the project
toward a strategically focused, value-chain development effort that draws on specific information
about the potential opportunities in the broader agriculture sector. The suggested strategies must
be more supportive of private sector investment, income generation, employment creation and
the generation of an acceptable rate of interest and returns. This effort will at minimum lead to
the following tasks:
Planning meetings with key CNFA/LADA staff: Meet with key technical component
leads to gain an in-depth understanding of program goals, activities (FY 2019 & 2020),
beneficiary value chain actors (agro – dealers, farmers groups, aggregators, processors,
buyers, etc.), and anticipated opportunities and challenges.
Meetings with stakeholders (LADA beneficiaries, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Commerce, Central Bank of Liberia, AfDB, etc.): Gather information on existing/past
digital initiatives in Liberia.
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Brainstorming of potential beneficiary/users: Hold initial meetings with local potential
beneficiary/users of the digital platform in order to gauge their comfort levels with
technology for eventual adaptability.
Meetings with financial institutions and mobile network operators: Hold initial meetings
with financial institutions and mobile network operators to discuss partnering options for
in-country service roll-out.
Development of innovative strategies for engaging women and youth entrepreneurs
in the value chain activities and how to enhance their capacities through the cloud-
based platform to be businesses leaders.
Customization/registration of LADA beneficiaries to the mobile-based solution to
capture business requirements along LADA-supported agricultural value chains,
including registration of potential beneficiaries.
Integration of SMS application.
Integration of a cash management system (payment of value chain actors through
mobile money and movement of funds to bank accounts).
Setup of a comprehensive mobile-based solution (including all components).
Training of stakeholders (AIN and NAIDAL, etc.).
Continuous registration of value chain players, as well as review of data collected
and analysis of key data components.
Organization of stakeholders’ workshop to review/validate the customized mobile
application and portals to be used by value chain actors.
Engagement with Government of Liberia, banks and other stakeholders for
education on the mobile-based solution for management of funds as a means of
access to finance.
Technical assistance to LADA, NAIDAL and AIN teams for the management of
the comprehensive mobile-based solution.
Organization of national stakeholders’ workshop on mobile-based solution for
agricultural value chain actors.
Continuous registration and facilitation of orders with payment by mobile money.
1.4: Technical Assistance Nature and Contract Duration: The technical assistance to CNFA/LADA will be based on a deliverable – based contract and is
anticipated to last from June 2019 to March 2020. CNFA reserves the right to conduct periodic
assessments of the selected firm’s performance during the entire life of the Contract.
1.5: Technical Supervision: The selected firm will carry out this assignment in close collaboration with all LADA team leads
and implementing partners under the direct supervision of the LADA Chief of Party (COP) or his
designee.
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1.6: Expected Outcomes
Below are expected outcomes from the assignment:
1,022 value chain actors (22 cooperatives/aggregators and processors and 1,000
farmers) operating along 3 value chains (rice, cassava and vegetables)
customized/registered;
A comprehensive cloud – based platform setup, tested and validated by
stakeholders;
25 CNFA and partner team members trained on the operation of the cloud –
based platform;
2 workshops and consultations held to engage with government of Liberia,
banks and other stakeholders for education on platform for the purpose of using
the platform for management of funds as a means of access to finance;
60 AIN and NAIDAL management team members and young graduates trained
and onboarded by local staff as trainers of trainers;
A validated comprehensive cloud – based platform rolled out and contributing
to:
o Increased access of value chain actors to market information and digital
financial services (DFS);
o Increased value-added in different segments of CNFA/LADA targeted
agricultural value chains;
o Strengthened business transactions along CNFA/LADA targeted
agricultural value chains.
These outcomes will contribute to larger project goals, including:
Value of annual sales of farms and firms receiving USG assistance: $8,000,000.
Value (in USD) of sales of processed and packaged food products: $7,500,000.
Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs created with USG assistance: 160.
Value of agriculture-related financing accessed because of USG assistance:
$1,000,000.
Number of individuals in the agriculture system who have applied improved
management practices or technologies with USG assistance: 1,500.
Section 2: Instructions to Offerors
2.1 Offer Deadline and Protocol
Offers must be received no later than May 28, 2019; 4:00 pm local time. Offers must be
submitted by email or hard copy delivery to the LADA office. Any emailed offers must be
emailed to [email protected]. Any hard copy deliveries must be stamped and signed by
the offeror’s authorized representative and delivered to the LADA office located at Congo Town,
Behind Cuttington Graduate School.
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Please reference the RFP number in any response to this RFP. Offers received after the specified
time and date will be considered late and will be considered only at the discretion of CNFA. The
cover page of this solicitation summarizes the important dates of the solicitation process.
Offerors must strictly follow the provided deadlines to be considered for award.
2.2 Questions
Questions regarding the requirements of this RFP may be submitted no later than May 24 30,
2019; 3:00pm local time to Mark T. Wilson, Sr. at [email protected]. Questions must be
submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions and requests for clarification—
and the responses thereto—that CNFA believes may be of interest to other offerors will be
circulated to all RFP recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.
Only the written answers issued by CNFA will be considered official and carry weight in the
RFP process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of
CNFA or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions
regarding this RFP.
2.3 Evaluation and Award The award will be made to a responsible offeror whose offer follows the RFP instructions, meets
the eligibility requirements, and is determined via a trade-off analysis to be the best value based
on application of the below evaluation criteria. Best value determination will consider both
technical and financial proposals, i.e., the best approach and anticipated results in combination
with a reasonable cost. Proposed costs must reflect and clearly match the degree of sophistication
of the technical approach.
The relative importance of each individual criterion is indicated by the number of points below:
I. Criteria
Technical – 60 points
o Consistency and coherence of implementation strategy and adaptability to
Liberian agricultural sector – 30 points: The proposals will be evaluated based
on the consistency and coherence of the proposed implementation strategy with
this RFP and LADA objectives, activities current achievements, as well as the
adaptability of the proposed approach to the context of Liberian agricultural
sector.
o Relevant Experience/Past Performance References – 20 points: The proposals
will be evaluated based on relevant experience of the firm and staff, including
indication of work that the firm or its principals have conducted similar to the
current assignment’s scope.
o Personnel - 10 points: The proposals will be evaluated for the suitability and
capacity of the proposed technical and managerial teams.
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Cost – 20 points
CNFA/LADA will consider the total cost of the project for reasonableness as compared
to the deliverables and scope of work. The Offeror shall submit its Bid/Price Quotation
sheet in Annex four (4). The cost proposal should be all-inclusive.
Timeframe – 20 points: CNFA/LADA will evaluate proposals base on the time for the design/implementation of
the mobile-based solution and writing and delivery of the final report.
II. The evaluation criteria are weighted as follows:
Technical (implementation approach and strategy, relevant experience,
past performance references and Quality of Staff Proposed)
60 Pts
Cost (value for money) 20 Pts
Timeframe (for field work and write-up) 20 Pts
Total 100 Pts
Best-offer proposals are requested. It is anticipated that award will be made solely on the basis of
these original proposals. However, CNFA reserves the right to conduct any of the following:
CNFA may conduct negotiations with and/or request clarifications from any offeror
prior to award;
While preference will be given to offerors who can address the full technical
requirements of this RFP, CNFA may issue a partial award or split the award among
various suppliers, if in the best interest of the LADA Project;
CNFA may cancel this RFP at any time.
CNFA anticipates awarding a deliverables-based fixed price contract to the successful offeror(s).
2.4 Cost Proposal
Pricing must be presented in USD. Offers must remain valid for not less than thirty (30) calendar
days after the offer deadline. Offerors are requested to provide offers on official letterhead in
accordance with the format provided in Annex 4.
2.5 Proposal Format Instructions
All proposals must be formatted in accordance with the below requirements:
(a) English language only
(b) Include the individual/agency/organization name, date, RFP number, and page numbers
as a header or footer throughout the document.
(c) The Technical Proposal must be in the format provided in Annex 3.
(d) The Cost Proposal must be in the format provided in Annex 4.
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A full proposal will include the following documents:
(a) A proposal offer checklist (Annex 1).
(b) A cover letter on company letterhead, signed by an authorized representative of the
offeror (Annex 2).
(c) Most recent resumes (CVs) of proposed key staff for the assignment.
(d) A complete Technical Proposal in response to the evaluation criteria in Section 2.3 and in
the format provided in Annex 3.
(e) A complete Cost Proposal in response to the terms of Section 2.4, the evaluation criteria
in Section 2.3, and in the format provided in Annex 4.
(f) A copy of the offeror’s business license, or, if an individual, a copy of his/her
identification card.
(g) 3 contacts for references from organizations/individuals for which the offeror has
successfully performed similar work.
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Annex 1 – Offer Checklist and Submission Instructions To assist offerors in preparation of proposals, the following checklist summarizes the
documentation to include an offer in response to this RFP:
□ Offeror Checklist (Annex 1)
□ Cover letter on company letterhead, signed by an authorized representative of the offeror
(see Annex 2 for template)
□ Most recent resumes (CVs) of proposed key staff for the assignment
□ Technical Proposal (see Annex 3 for template)
□ Cost Proposal (See Annex 4 for template)
□ Copy of offeror’s registration or business license, or, for individuals, a copy of his/her
identification card
□ 3 contacts for references from organizations/individuals for which the offeror has
successfully performed similar work.
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Annex 2 – Offeror Cover Letter
The following cover letter must be placed on letterhead and completed/signed/stamped by a
representative authorized to sign on behalf of the offeror:
To: Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity (LADA)
Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture
Tubman Boulevard, Behind Cuttington University
Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia.
Reference: RFP no. CNFA-LADA-RFP-2019-04-001 – Partnership for Cloud–Based
Platform
To Whom It May Concern:
We, the undersigned, hereby provide the attached offer to perform all work required to complete
the activities and requirements as described in the above-referenced RFP. Please find our offer
attached.
We hereby acknowledge and agree to all terms, conditions, special provisions, and instructions
included in the above-referenced RFP. We further certify that the below-named firm—as well as
the firm’s principal officers and all commodities and services offered in response to this RFP—
are eligible to participate in this procurement under the terms of this solicitation and under
USAID regulations.
Furthermore, we hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge and belief:
We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any CNFA or LADA project
staff members;
We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any other offerors submitting
proposals in response to the above-referenced RFP; and
The prices in our offer have been arrived at independently, without any consultation,
communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor for the purpose of
restricting competition.
All information in our proposal and all supporting documentation is authentic and accurate.
We understand and agree to CNFA’s prohibitions against fraud, bribery, and kickbacks.
We understand and agree to CNFA’s prohibitions against funding or associating with
individuals or organizations engaged in terrorism or trafficking in persons activities.
We hereby certify that the enclosed representations, certifications, and other statements are
accurate, current, and complete.
Authorized Signature:____________________
Name & Title of
Signatory:____________________________
Date:______________________________
Company
Name:_________________________
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Company
Address:_______________________
Telephone:___________________________
Website:_____________________________
Company Registration or Taxpayer ID
Number:___________________________
Does the company have an active bank
account?
(Y/N):__________________________
Official name associated with the bank account (for payment):
____________________________________________________________________________
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Annex 3 – Technical Proposal
For Partnership for Cloud – Based Platform to Promote CNFA/LADA Agribusinesses in
Liberia:
Technical Approach (60 points)
In 3,000 words or less, describe your approach for completing the pertinent tasks assigned for
this Scope of Work, as outlined under Section 1.3 – Tasks.
What implementation strategy and approach would you use to ensure consistency and
coherence of the proposed assignment with this RFP and LADA objectives, activities
current achievements, as well as adaptability to the context of Liberian agricultural
sector?
Detail relevant experience/past performance references of your firm to this assignment
and provide three (3) professional references (not included in the 30,000 word count).
Experience/ past performance references should demonstrate familiarity developing
innovative cloud – based platforms that promote/strengthen business linkages between
businesses to increase access to market information and value – added in a given
industry, as well as business transactions and digital financial services (DFS) for
economically viable agribusinesses in Liberia, West African Sub – region or in the rest of
the world.
Please provide the most recent resume (attach CVs), and a list of resources (personnel)
you plan to mobilize towards meeting the objectives of this particular assignment. Please
include who will manage the team, and what company resources will be used.
Timeframe (20 points)
Please submit a detailed Gantt chart outlining the estimated timeline for design and
implementation of the cloud-based platform as described in the Scope of Work.
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Annex 4 – Cost Proposal
The table below contains the cost proposal requirements for the scope of work described in this
RFP. Offerors are requested to provide quotations containing the information below on official
letterhead or official quotation format. In the event this is not possible, offerors may complete
this Section 3 and submit a signed/stamped version to CNFA. Offerors should submit an all-
inclusive proposal to meet the needs of the assignment.
Cost Item
Unit
Quantity
Unit Price
(USD)
Total Price
(USD)
Notes
1. Personnel/labor
2. Materials and supplies
3. Transportation
4. Accommodations
5. Communications
6. Other Direct Costs
TOTAL BUDGET
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Annex 5 – CNFA Terms and Conditions
5.1 Ethical and Business Conduct Requirements: CNFA is committed to integrity in
procurement, and only selects suppliers based on objective business criteria such as price and
technical merit.
CNFA does not tolerate fraud, collusion among offerors, falsified proposals/bids, bribery, or
kickbacks. Any firm or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this
procurement, barred from future procurement opportunities, and may be reported to both
USAID and the Office of the Inspector General.
Employees and agents of CNFA are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any
money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation from current
or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange for or as a reward for business. Employees and
agents engaging in this conduct are subject to termination and will be reported to USAID and
the Office of the Inspector General. In addition, CNFA will inform USAID and the Office of
the Inspector General of any supplier offers of money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity,
object of value or compensation to obtain business.
Offerors responding to this RFP must include the following as part of the proposal
submission:
Disclose any close, familial, or financial relationships with CNFA or project staff. For
example, if an offeror’s cousin is employed by the project, the offeror must state this.
Disclose any family or financial relationship with other offerors submitting proposals.
For example, if the offeror’s father owns a company that is submitting another
proposal, the offeror must state this.
Certify that the prices in the offer have been arrived at independently, without any
consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor for
the purpose of restricting competition.
Certify that all information in the proposal and all supporting documentation are
authentic and accurate.
Certify understanding and agreement to CNFA’s prohibitions against fraud, bribery
and kickbacks.
Please contact Harris Ayuk-Takor, [email protected] with any questions or concerns
regarding the above information or to report any potential violations. Potential violations
may also be reported directly to CNFA at to [email protected].
5.2 Terms and Conditions: This solicitation is subject to CNFA’s standard terms and
conditions. Any resultant award will be governed by these terms and conditions; a copy of
the full terms and conditions is available upon request. Please note the following terms and
conditions will apply:
(a) CNFA’s standard payment terms are net 30 days after receipt and acceptance of any
commodities or deliverables. Payment will only be issued to the entity submitting the
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(b) offer in response to this RFP and identified in the resulting award; payment will not be
issued to a third party.
(c) No commodities or services may be supplied that are manufactured or assembled in,
shipped from, transported through, or otherwise involving any of the following countries:
Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria.
(d) Any international air or ocean transportation or shipping carried out under any award
resulting from this RFP must take place on U.S.-flag carriers/vessels.
(e) United States law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support
to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. The supplier under any award
resulting from this RFP must ensure compliance with these laws.
(f) United States law prohibits engaging in any activities related to Trafficking in Persons.
The supplier under any award resulting from this RFP must ensure compliance with these
laws.
(g) The title to any goods supplied under any award resulting from this RFP shall pass to
CNFA following delivery and acceptance of the goods by CNFA. Risk of loss, injury, or
destruction of the goods shall be borne by the offeror until title passes to CNFA.
5.3 Disclaimers: This is a Request for Proposals only. Issuance of this RFP does not in any
way obligate CNFA, the LADA Project, or USAID to make an award or pay for costs
incurred by potential offerors in the preparation and submission of an offer. In addition:
(a) CNFA may cancel RFP and not award;
(b) CNFA may reject any or all responses received;
(c) Issuance of RFP does not constitute award commitment by CNFA;
(d) CNFA reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow RFP
instructions;
(e) CNFA will not compensate offerors for response to RFP;
(f) CNFA reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without
further discussion;
(g) CNFA may negotiate with short-listed offerors for their best and final offer;
(h) CNFA reserves the right to order additional quantities or units with the selected offeror;
(i) CNFA may reissue the solicitation or issue formal amendments revising the original RFP
specifications and evaluation criteria before or after receipt of proposals;
(j) CNFA may modify the specifications without issuing a formal notice to all offerors when
the revisions are immaterial to the scope of the RFP;
(k) CNFA may choose to award only part of the activities in the RFP, or issue multiple
awards based on multiple RFP activities;
(l) CNFA reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior
to award determination to promote competition;
(m) CNFA will contact all offerors to confirm contact person, address, and that the bid was
submitted for this RFP;
(n) CNFA will contact all offerors to inform them whether or not they were selected for
award;
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In submitting a response to this RFP, offerors understand 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 the LADA Project for consideration. USAID will not consider
protests regarding procurements carried out by implementing partners. CNFA, at its sole
discretion, will make a final decision on any protest for this procurement.
5.4 Source/Nationality/Manufacture: All goods and services offered in response to this
RFP or supplied under any resulting award must meet USAID Geographic Code 937 in
accordance with the United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 22 CFR §228. The
cooperating country for this RFP is Liberia.
Offerors may not offer or supply any commodities or services that are manufactured or
assembled in, shipped from, transported through, or otherwise involving any of the following
countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria.
5.5 Taxes and VAT: As an organization that is implementing a project on behalf of USAID,
CNFA is exempt from being charged VAT, customs duty or fee, excise tax, road tax, or any
other form of tax or tariff for goods and services purchased for USAID funded activities. As
such, CNFA is exempt from being charged VAT, customs duty or fee, excise tax, road tax,
and any other form of tax or tariff for goods and services purchased for USAID funded
activities. As such, offerors agree to exclude VAT or any similar taxes or fees from its cost
proposal.
5.6 Eligibility: By submitting an offer in response to this RFP, the offeror certifies that it and
its principal officers are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise considered ineligible for an
award by the U.S. Government. CNFA will not award a contract to any firm that is debarred,
suspended, or considered to be ineligible by the U.S. Government.