RFQ closing date:  October 15, 2024 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 looking for a consultant to support initiatives related to an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Laos focused on private sector growth and improved economic competitiveness. Specifically, the consultant act a subject matter expert providing relevant technical, geographic, and client knowledge. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ongoing donor and government-funded programs in Laos, as well as expertise in economic growth and related fields. 

Other Matters 

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Proposal Manager and 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. 

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: 

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.  

Responsibilities  

Illustrative Tasks To Be Performed: 

The tasks listed below are meant to cover the various types of work that may be negotiated with Creative.   

1. Provide technical inputs and/or reviews and feedback to the proposals’ technical design; 
2. Provide targeted intelligence on competitive environment; donor-funded project history, and development landscape related to Economic Growth; 
3. Traveling to countries to conduct or contribute to capture missions in support of proposals  
4. Reviewing, evaluating, and providing feedback on programmatic or proposal documents; 
5. Attending meetings related to developing technical implementation strategies related to programs or proposals; 
6. Provide recommendations for potential partners and key stakeholders working in the targeted technical and geographic areas;  
7. 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; 
8. 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 Economic Growth components: 

• Provide introductions to relevant stakeholders in Laos.  

• Participation in capture trips, as necessary and agreed to in advance.  

• Participation in capture discussions, design discussions, and/or proposal discussions as a subject matter expert. 

• Other similar results or deliverables to be mutually agreed between Creative and the Consultant. 

Qualifications 

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. 

Key Qualifications  

1. Experience working with USAID funded projects 
2. Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or a field related to Economic Growth; 
3. Demonstrated experience providing technical support for USAID and/or other international donor programs in relevant technical areas; 
4. At least five years of professional experience in a relevant technical field. 
5. Written and spoken proficiency in English and relevant local languages. 

Preferred Qualifications 

1. BA/BS in Project Management, International Relations, or a field related to one or more of Creative’s priority sectors of Education, Economic Growth and Communities in Transition, and seven years of relevant professional experience, or MA/MS/MBA and five years of relevant professional experience; 
2. Demonstrated experience in senior level roles working with or within the target country; 
3. Demonstrated experience in senior level roles working with USAID mission in the target country.