Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance, and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro DC area) Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Creative is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the Scope of Work below and Creative’s Renewable Consultant Agreement Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more Work Orders with accompanying Renewable Consultant Agreement(s) (RCA(s)) under which work may be negotiated and awarded as ad hoc level of effort (LOE) or one-time LOE or fixed-price performance-based activities. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Summary:

The consultant will work closely with the team in Berlin and inside Syria to offer expertise, guidance, and training on various aspects of Anaerobic Baffled Reactors (ABRs).

The external consultant will be responsible for collecting data, finalizing detailed engineering designs for ABR systems, and creating materials for planning, implementation, operation, and maintenance of ABR components.

RFQ closing date: 05/30/2024 at 4PM EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Estimated period of performance: May 15, 2024 – May 14, 2025

Estimated Level of Effort: not to exceed 75 days of LOE

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Senior Program Manager.

Travel Anticipated? No.

If yes, travel to Danger Pay locations anticipated? N/A

This RFQ is for a ___One-off Work Order __X__ Ad Hoc Work Order

(check which one applies)

*One-off work orders constitute one-time assignments with a finite beginning and end.

*Ad hoc work orders constitute an arrangement in which work will be authorized as needed by Creative for a prolonged period of time not to exceed one year.

1. Tasks To Be Performed

• Collaborate with FURAT III field staff on data collection and coordination with the council.
• Create a set of criteria for selecting a suitable location, gather data on all locations that meet these criteria, and propose the optimal choice based on the findings.
• Develop detailed engineering designs for ABR systems, including reactor sizing, baffling configurations, influent and effluent arrangements, and ancillary equipment.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation, including design reports, operation manuals, and as-built drawings.
• Prepare technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQ), and tender documents for ABR system components.
• Provide training to field staff on data collection, assessment and technical specification preparation.
• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.

2. Results and/or Deliverables

The consultant will be required to submit the following in English:

• A comprehensive selection criteria document outlining the factors considered in selecting a suitable location for the project.
• A detailed report presenting the gathered data for all locations meeting the established criteria, along with an analysis highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
• A recommendation report proposing the optimal location based on the data analysis and findings.
• Detailed engineering designs for ABR systems, including:
  • Design reports detailing engineering designs and rationale.
  • Operation manuals outlining procedures for system operation and maintenance.
  • As-built drawings illustrating the constructed system's configuration.
• Technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQ), and tender documents for ABR system components.
• Training materials/guidelines for field team training on data collection, assessment and technical specification preparation.
• A report covering the training provided to the field team.

3. Other Matters

The Consultant will report directly to the Senior Program Manager and work closely with the Program Management Unit in Berlin.

An overarching Renewable Consultant Agreement will be issued based on the capabilities and qualifications listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV.

General Capabilities

The consultant will be expected to have the skills, qualifications, experience, education, and general expertise necessary to oversee the design and planning of the Anaerobic Baffled Reactor.  

Required Qualifications

1. An engineering degree in relevant field.
2. 4+ years of experience working with Anaerobic Baffled Reactor systems or sewage water treatment.
3. An understanding of the context in Northeast Syria.
4. Access to Deir Ezzor, Syria.

Desired Qualifications

1. Experience in delivering training or teaching is a plus.
2. Proficiency in Arabic is a plus.

Work Assignment:

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a work order with accompanying renewable consulting agreement (RCA) which contains Creative’s general terms and conditions and which establishes a consultant’s rate for a one-year period, after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews. Subsequent work orders may be issued under the RCA with consultants being required to compete against other similarly qualified consultants in order to receive additional work orders.

Additional Information:

Please click on the links to download the Terms and Conditions, Annex A (Reps, Certs and Consents form) and W-8; W-9; and Vendor Information form, as applicable. The forms are provided for your information at this stage in the solicitation process. Completed forms will be required only if you have been selected for the consulting opportunity. However, you may complete, sign, and submit the forms as part of your response to this request.

Application Requirements:

Consultant should submit their daily rate and, if applying for a specific Work Order opportunity, a budget inclusive of estimated LOE as well as all required Other Direct Costs, such as travel, materials, etc. A budget template can be downloaded here.

Consultants must also submit an up-to-date CV for all applications.

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and overall best value. Modifications to this solicitation, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCAs lock in a consultant’s rate for one full year and this rate may not be re-negotiated again until the point of renewal.

NOTE:

*LOE-based Work Orders utilize a ceiling price which may not be exceeded without negotiation.

*Fixed-price based Work Orders lock in a total price to be paid in portions upon completion of deliverables which may not be altered without negotiation. This type of WO may only be used for one-off opportunities.