RFQ closing date: October 11 at 5PM EST

Background:

Creative Associates International, Inc. 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 qualifications listed below and Creative’s Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more RCOA(s) for a one-year period, which may then be continuously renewed, under which work may be negotiated as needed using level of effort (LOE) or fixed-price performance-based work orders. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Instructions

1. Review this solicitation in full.
2. Complete the Application section of this solicitation and submit it to Creative.
3. Submit the following documentation with your application:

• Up-to-date CV
• Optional: Completed forms linked under the “Additional Information Section” below

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based on their qualifications and experience in comparison with the criteria listed under the Qualifications section below. Only applicants who can successfully demonstrate the Key Qualifications listed and, as a result, obtain the minimum required score may be considered for award.

Summary/General Capabilities:

Creative is seeking a Technical Consultant to conduct comprehensive research and provide detailed analysis to guide the Education Division's preparation for an anticipated USAID-funded education activity in Laos. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ongoing donor and government-funded programs in Laos, as well as expertise in education and related fields. 

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Technical Lead.

Creative prefers to organize travel directly for consultants to ensure compliance with federal regulations and Creative policies and procedures. Please assume that all travel is coordinated by Creative staff unless otherwise negotiated at the Work Order level.

If applicable, Danger Pay is calculated in accordance with the Department of State’s published rates and paid on 80% of the consultant’s daily rate for days worked in danger pay-designated location unless otherwise negotiated at the Work Order level. Per diem rates are also based on those set by the Department of State.

Further management arrangements for the completion of specific assignments will be negotiated at the Work Order level.

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.

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and rate reasonableness. Modifications to this solicitation, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCOAs 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 not to exceed ceiling price and number of work days which may not be exceeded without modification to the Work Order.

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

Illustrative Tasks To Be Performed:

The tasks listed below are meant to cover the various types of work that may be negotiated with Creative for either programs or proposals with Education components.

Tasks To Be Performed: 

• Provide insights and information to assist the capture team in developing an analysis of the education landscape in Laos. 

• Provide insights and information about local stakeholders, including national and local governmental institutions, private sector, international and local NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.   

• In coordination with the capture team, identify, schedule, and meet with key stakeholders with Creative staff or on behalf of Creative.  

• Set up meetings and meet with current relevant donor-funded projects (USAID and others) and, if possible, USAID counterparts to determine strategies, challenges, and lessons learned and assess the competitive landscape.  

• Participate in technical design sessions as requested by the capture team.  

• Provide input/comments to local capture questions and local capture approach.  

• Liaise and coordinate with Creative capture team, through regular meetings and written correspondence (email).   

• Submit a capture report with notes, recommendations, and full contact information from meetings.    

• Support the capture of operations cost information including for office space, utilities, etc.    

• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant.  

Illustrative Results and/or Deliverables:

Consultant may be responsible to complete or deliver the following items for either programs or proposals with Education components:

• Written drafts of technical evaluations
• Written analysis or feedback of programmatic reports, data, or technical strategies or approaches
• Written sections of or feedback on various proposal documents
• Written notes or recommendations that result from either program or proposal-related meetings
• Trip reports for any travel conducted in relation to specific proposal or programmatic activities
• Complete trainings for staff and/or beneficiaries and submission of associated training materials
• Other similar results or deliverables to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant

Work Assignments:

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) which contains Creative’s general terms and conditions and establishes a consultant’s rate for a one-year period, after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews.

Specific assignments will be negotiated and agreed upon via Work Orders, as needed in line with the consultant’s availability, with specific scopes of work that are in line with the capabilities, tasks, and deliverables outlined above. The consultant will be required to submit a budget which must be vetted and approved by Creative for any specific work that will be contracted out via Work Orders.

Anticipated Upcoming Assignments:

An overarching Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement (RCOA) will be issued based on the applicant’s qualifications that align with those listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV. Work orders for specific Scopes of Work that require this experience may be negotiated and issued against the RCOA as needed and in accordance with the consultant’s availability.

Qualifications

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 Qualifications 

• Wide network in Laos with relevant actors at the national and sub-national levels that could include but not limited to USAID, international and local NGOs, community leaders, private sector actors, civil society organizations, relevant government officials. 

• Ability to travel to Laos to meet with key stakeholders. 

• Fluency in written and spoken English. 

Required Qualifications 

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and four (4) years of relevant experience  
2. Prior experience in international development in a donor funded setting ideally in Laos.  
3. Strong research, analytic, writing, and editing skills.  
4. Work experience in Laos in education or related field.