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.  RFQ3688 - Consultant Application
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 support technical writing for proposals within the organization. Specifically, the consultant may be utilized to support the technical implementation of existing programs as well as the development of proposals in need of the stated expertise. Creative furthermore is looking to identify consultants with experience in technical writing.

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.

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 technical writing components.

1. Providing technical evaluations of programmatic activities.
2. Drafting of reports, findings, and recommendations to support the implementation and improvement of activities related to.
3. Developing and/or conducting trainings for staff and/or beneficiaries.
4. Traveling to countries to conduct or contribute to capture missions in support of proposals.
5. Contributing to the technical development and written portions of proposals as requested by Creative.
6. Developing and/or reviewing programmatic technical tools and approaches.
7. Reviewing, evaluating, and providing feedback on programmatic or proposal documents.
8. Attending meetings related to developing technical implementation strategies related to programs or proposals.
9. 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 technical writing components:

• Written drafts of technical approach or other sections of the technical proposal or other various proposal documents.
• Written analysis or feedback of programmatic reports, data, or technical strategies or approaches .
• 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 training 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.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Regional Studies, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, International Development, or a related discipline.
• 8 years of relevant experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated track record of leading and writing successful USAID and other major donor proposals, resulting in project awards.
• Extensive experience writing and winning competitive proposals for various bilateral and multilateral donors across technical areas, including democracy, governance, human rights, conflict prevention, and stabilization.
• Knowledge of business development standards, terminology, and best practices.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and concisely.

• Strong analytical and research skills to gather and synthesize technical information from diverse sources, and partners and capture notes.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional teams, including subject matter experts, proposal managers, and subject matter experts (internal and external).
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned disciplines.
• Possess exceptional writing skills, including a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and style, and ability to convey complex technical information clearly, concisely, and coherently.
• Ability to find, gather, and synthesize information from diverse sources into cohesive and accurate content.

• Familiarity with key funding agencies (USAID, U.S. Department of State), Creative Associates International, its clients and competitors.

Other Matters

Reporting: The consultant will report to Director Business Development and Strategy.

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 RCOA_Terms_and_Conditions, Annex A- Certs, Reps, Consents and W-8BEN Form; W-9 Form; 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 workdays 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.