RFQ closing date: January 20, 2025 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 an award.  

Summary/General Capabilities: 

Creative is looking for a consultant to support a proposal scoping initiative in Tajikistan. Specifically, the consultant will support a Creative team as they plan a two-week scoping visit to Tajikistan to learn about the primary education system and actors. Specifically, the consultant will coordinate meetings with key contacts, stakeholders, and government officials for the Creative team and will accompany the team on in-person visits to gather information.  

Creative Associates is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. EOE/AA. VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

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.  

Country Context: 

• Provide information on the country context via desk research, personal knowledge, interviews, or outreach, including subjects such as: technical education-specific priorities and realities in Tajikistan; USAID and other international donor programming; national, subnational, and municipal government priorities; private sector and civil society priorities; barriers and 

• opportunities to work with the government, private sector, or civil society; operational and logistical risks and opportunities; and other development challenges as discussed with the Creative Team. 

•  Conduct logistical and budgetary research to support proposal budget and operational design. 

• Provide inputs and/or review and feedback to technical design and proposal sections upon request. 
   

Stakeholder identification: 

• Provide recommendations and contact information for potential partners and key stakeholders working in relevant technical areas. 

•  Conduct outreach to potential local education partners, ministry of education staff, USAID mission staff, and key personnel and facilitate introductions with Creative team. 

• Arrange and facilitate meetings with potential partners and key stakeholders, both virtually and in-person for capture trips by HQ staff. 
   

Coordination & Logistics: 

• Coordinate with Creative's proposal development team(s), through regular correspondence and participation in calls as requested. 

• Provide a written agenda of meetings with key stakeholders for capture trip field visits. Arrange an appropriate venue for meetings or focus groups upon request by Creative HQ team. 

• Accompany Creative team(s) during field visits to make contacts and establish strong relationships with key national and local actors. 

•  Assist with other related administrative support related to capture trips (e.g. arranging or facilitating contact with interpreters and local transport and other services as needed). 

• Identify and engage key stakeholders in the education sector, including government representatives, local educators, and school administrators. 

•  Assist in organizing focus groups and interviews to gather insights on educational challenges, such as STEM integration, psychosocial support, and student well-being. 

The consultant will be expected to possess the ability to fulfill the aforementioned "Tasks to be Performed" in a proactive, professional manner. 

• Bachelor's degree preferred, in Project Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or Education. 

• Demonstrated working or lived experience in Tajikistan, in addition to a wide and relevant network in the country/region including NGO’s, CSO’s, government officials, universities or other education stakeholders.   

• Demonstrated experience providing operational and/or technical support for USAID and/or other international donor programs in Tajikistan. 

• In-depth knowledge of Tajikistan’s primary education sector. 

• Familiarity with Tajikistan’s national education policies, Ministry of Education standards, and educational reforms, with an understanding of how these policies impact curriculum delivery and educational outcomes at the primary level. 

• At least five years of professional experience in Tajikistan in a relevant technical field relating to Education.  

• Written and spoken proficiency in English, Tajik, and Russian.