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 Renewable Consultant Agreement(s) (RCA(s)) under which work may be negotiated and awarded as fixed price or level of effort performance-based activities. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Summary:

The consultant will provide analysis and facilitation expertise on an as needed and authorized basis. The consultant will be responsible for conducting analysis and developing knowledge products to support Creative's analysis of regional programming with USAID/OTI.

RFQ closing date: May 11, 2024 at 4pm EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Estimated period of performance: 04/22/2024 - 06/06/2024

Estimated Level of Effort: Not to exceed 7 days of LOE

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Transitions Practice Area Director.

Travel Anticipated? No.

This RFQ is for a _____One-time 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.

TASKS TO BE PERFORMED 

• Meet with the CIT VP, Practice Area Director (PAD) for Transitions, or other assigned person, as needed, to discuss consultancy activities; 
• Undertake assignments for the CIT portfolio to conduct analysis and develop knowledge products, serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the completion of Creative’s analysis of regional programming with USAID/OTI in accordance with the work plan, including
  • Facilitate and/or take notes in KIIs or FGDs with identified OTI stakeholders
  • Review previous notes from Creative’s FGDs with project stakeholders to identify high-level findings
  • Together with PAD or other CIT working on this effort, develop draft report including reflections and findings
  • Debrief with PAD/other stakeholder to define next steps
• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.

RESULTS AND/OR DELIVERABLES

Consultant may be responsible for:

• KII/FGD notes from sessions with OTI stakeholders
• Development of sections of draft findings report for Creative and OTI audiences (up to 5 pages)

OTHER MATTERS

If travel is required under a work order, the project will cover lodging and flight expenses directly.  Per diem will be paid via reimbursement based on the current Department of State rates for the travel location. Local transportation and ODCs will be reimbursed with supporting documentation for work-related expenses.

General Capabilities

The Consultant will have experience providing technical, programmatic, and/or strategic support to international development projects; knowledge of and expertise of USAID/OTI-funded projects and regulations is highly preferred. Previous work experience performing specialized business development assignments on proposal teams, including writing and research tasks, is required.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of and expertise in the international development industry;

• Demonstrated strategic and analytical skills;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Proven ability to lead teams, organize tasks, and communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders;
• Proven experience conducting business development tasks and knowledge of all phases of the proposal lifecycle;
• Demonstrated experience writing high-quality project deliverables and proposal sections;
• Ability to be flexible per changing demands and priorities;
• Spanish or French language proficiency preferred.

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
• A budget inclusive of estimated LOE and all required Other Direct Costs, such as travel, materials, etc. A budget template can be downloaded here.
• Up-to-date CV
• Optional: Forms linked under the “Additional Information Section” above

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.