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

Summary: 

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 Promoting Access to Improved Learning Pre-Primary Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of ongoing donor and government-funded programs in the DRC, as well as expertise in pre-primary education and related fields. 

RFQ closing date: January 15, 2025, at 5PM EST (applications reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Estimated period of performance: January 20, 2025- February 28, 2025 

Estimated Level of Effort: not to exceed 15 days of LOE.  

Reporting: The consultant will report to Kate Thomas, Technical Lead.  

Travel Anticipated? Yes.  

If yes, travel to Danger Pay locations anticipated? No. 

This RFQ is for a _X__One-time Work Order __Ad Hoc Work Order opportunity. 

(check which one applies) 

Work Assignment: 

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a work order with accompanying renewable consulting ordering agreement (RCOA) 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 RCOA 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 and, a budget inclusive of estimated LOE and all required Other Direct Costs, such as travel, materials, etc. A budget template can be downloaded here. 

Consultants must also submit an up-to-date CV for all applications. 

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. 

NOTE: 

*LOE-based Work Orders utilize a ceiling price which may not be exceeded without negotiation. 

*Fixed-price based Work Orders lock in a total price to be paid in portions upon completion of deliverables which may not be altered without negotiation. 

Tasks To Be Performed: 

• 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 (as needed) with key stakeholders with Creative staff, technical consultant, or on behalf of Creative.  
• Provide logistical support to Creative or consultant staff during in-country data collection, e.g., transportation, translation, meeting confirmation, as requested. 
• Provide input/comments to local capture questions and local capture approach as requested. 
• Liaise and coordinate with Creative capture team, through regular meetings and written correspondence (email).   
• Provide a list of all meetings held and 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.  

Results and/or Deliverables: 

Consultant may be responsible for: 

• Calendar list of meetings with stakeholders.  

• Final capture report that includes:  

• List of engaged stakeholders with complete contact information.  

• Meeting notes and key takeaways in bulleted or narrative form  

• Conduct any requested follow-up with potential partners or personnel and/or context write-ups as mutually agreed upon.  

Other Matters 

Code Approver. Code Approver will be determined at each individual Work Order.   

Special Terms. Oversight of day-to-day activities will be performed by the proposal development manager.   

Travel. Work Orders may include travel costs, and meals and incidental costs (M&IE) budgeted in   

accordance with State Department Foreign Per Diem Rates for travel. All proposed costs, if approved, will be reimbursable only upon submission and Creative acceptance of receipts/supporting documentation.   

Invoicing. Consultant may include incidental costs incurred while working on the assignment (e.g., fuel receipts, hotel expenses, etc.). All proposed costs, if approved, will be reimbursable only upon submission and Creative acceptance of receipts/supporting documentation.  

An overarching Renewable Consultant Ordering Agreement will be issued based on the capabilities and qualifications listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV. 

General Capabilities 

• Wide network in the DRC 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 within the DRC to meet with key stakeholders. 
• Fluency in written and spoken French and 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 the DRC.
3. Strong research, analytic, writing, and editing skills. 
4. Work experience in the DRC in education or related field.