SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- CONTRACT COMMERCIAL SUPPORT PROVIDER IN TOMSK, RUSSIA
- Notice Date
- 8/9/2004
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 519190
— All Other Information Services
- Contracting Office
- Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Acquisition and Grants Office, SSMC4 - Room 7601/OFA61 1305 East West Highway, 7th Floor, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
- ZIP Code
- 20910
- Solicitation Number
- DG1350-04-RQ-0223(GJH)
- Response Due
- 8/23/2004
- Archive Date
- 9/7/2004
- Point of Contact
- G. Jean Hairston, Purchasing Agent, Phone 301-713-0838 x133, Fax 301-713-0808, - Mary Swailes, Contract Specialist, Phone 301-713-0838 x201, Fax (301) 713-0809,
- E-Mail Address
-
jean.hairston@noaa.gov, m.pat.swailes@noaa.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Very Small Business
- Description
- U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS) International Trade Administration (ITA), requires the services of a commercial support provider for Tomsk, Russia. SCOPE OF WORK As BISNIS is a results-oriented program aiming to facilitate U.S. exports to and investment in Eurasia, the contractor shall facilitate U.S.-Eurasian business development and results. The contractors achieve this through the provision of BISNIS services and through follow-up with clients to determine the impact of support provided. Contractor shall provide essential local expertise, perspective and contacts to U.S. companies, and provide Eurasian companies with insights and contacts for working with the U.S. business community. BISNIS has been providing focused market development support for the Russian Federation since the early 1990?s and intends to continue these activities into 2005. The scope of this contract includes: 1) Leads: The purpose of BISNIS leads is to foster successful business partnerships and transactions between ?results-able? clients. The contractor shall source, prepare, and follow up on promising trade and investment leads to be published via BISNIS? Trade & Tenders and Search for Partners publications. The contractor shall also actively distribute ExpoLink Eurasia leads to Eurasian companies and promote all BISNIS lead programs to those who can fruitfully utilize them. 2) English-Language Market Reporting: The purpose of BISNIS market reports is to foster successful business development. The contractor shall regularly prepare reliable, accurate, and useful market reports for the area(s) of responsibility to help companies understand key developments, opportunities, practical steps and market development strategies, and contacts/resources for successful business development. Reports shall include regional and industry overviews, updates, and practical guides on doing business, including opening an office, financing, transportation, resources, etc. Above all, market reporting should provide practical and actionable business information. Topics shall be determined in consultation with BISNIS D.C.; BISNIS expects the contractor, as a specialist on opportunities and developments in his/her region(s) of responsibility, to regularly suggest promising topics. 3) Russian-Language Content & Services: BISNIS Russian-language services strengthen Eurasian companies and their ability to collaborate successfully with U.S. counterparts. The contractor shall be responsible for developing and maintaining Russian-language content for the BISNIS Russian-language website and newsletter, including relevant regional page(s) within the Russian website, requested articles, and other information. 4) Counseling/Client Support: BISNIS counseling provides the practical information and insights that companies need to prepare and implement successful business development projects. The contractor shall regularly provide market counseling and referrals to results-able local companies and organizations, and to U.S. companies upon referral from BISNIS. 5) Client and Contact Development: The contractor shall actively promote BISNIS programs and to encourage their use by contacts in the business community for the designated region(s), including and especially capable companies and alumni of programs related to the BISNIS mission. Additionally, the contractor shall cultivate contacts among those resources that can effectively promote BISNIS and support the development and successful realization of U.S.-Eurasia projects, including U.S. and Eurasian government and international programs, relevant local officials, business support organizations, and the media. 6) Follow-up on Activities, Communication with BISNIS Washington: The Contractor shall closely monitor and report on the results of their BISNIS-related activities, including work with all clients, through direct and repeated follow up to determine the impact of support. The contractor shall exchange regular and close communication with designated BISNIS counterparts to inform about activities and impact and shall actively use designated follow-up/results reporting formats. Monthly administrative reporting shall be required. 7) Other BISNIS Activities Related Work: The contractor shall contribute to the development/advancement of BISNIS services and designated programs and shall assist BISNIS counterparts while traveling in the region. Related work may involve planning or participating in special events. Travel, both domestic and occasionally to the United States, may be required. For more information, see ?Requirements (Deliverables)? below. Period of Performance The period of the contract shall be six months, commencing October 1, 2004 and ending March 31, 2005. Option for additional six months April 1, 2005 ? September 30, 2005 Place of Performance The contractor shall be located in the city of Tomsk. The contractor shall operate out of professional office space accessible to the Russian and U.S. business community. Office Equipment & Services BISNIS shall provide reimbursement for a personal computer, modem, software, and other essential equipment needed to conduct work and facilitate communication (including e-mail) between the contractor and BISNIS, and between the contractor and local companies and officials. All equipment paid for by BISNIS shall remain the property of BISNIS and is to be returned at the expiration of the contract. During the period of the contract, the contractor is expected to use an email address with ?bisnis? within the user id, e.g., bisnis@novosibirsk.ru, to be agreed upon in advance with BISNIS. Additionally, the contractor must maintain an Internet account with certain minimum access speed in order to ensure proper access to and use of key BISNIS systems. All procurements and expenses related to these services must be approved by BISNIS in advance. Please carefully read Invoicing and Payment, below (section V) ? BISNIS will not advance funds for the purchase of office equipment. Travel and Transportation Some travel may be required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including within the region(s) of responsibility as well as possible travel to the United States for training or other BISNIS-related activities. Travel-Related Expenses - All anticipated domestic travel expenses plus an estimated, reasonably priced round trip airfare to the U.S. shall be included in the cost proposal. Reimbursement for travel expenses shall be based on submission of an itemized travel report including receipts for travel expenses. Outside Employment, Conflicts of Interest, and Ethical Issues: BISNIS contractors represent the U.S. government and are expected to maintain the highest professional and personal ethics. Contractors shall not undertake any paid or unpaid activities that could create or be perceived as a potential conflict of interest in the fulfillment of BISNIS duties. Employment outside the BISNIS contract is generally not acceptable. BISNIS expects contractors to discuss in advance with headquarters any issues or activities that have a potentially ethical consideration, including use by family members of BISNIS services, and to immediately alert BISNIS headquarters of any situations of potential concern. BISNIS reserves the right to terminate the contract if such conflicts of interest or ethical issues arise. RESPONSIBILITIES, DELIVERABLES & REQUIREMENTS: Upon award of this contract, BISNIS and the contractor shall finalize the deliverables plan (including numbers and topics as well as deadlines ? see sample deliverable schedule below). Any deliverable must be approved and accepted by BISNIS in final form in order for the contractor to receive compensation. Guidelines and guidance shall be provided by BISNIS following award of the contract. Samples of many deliverables can be found through the BISNIS website. Information Integrity and Sources: Ensuring the integrity of information provided through BISNIS is a top priority. Contractors are expected to ensure that the information that they provide is reliable and valid. Reports submitted shall be uniquely the product of BISNIS; sources of data shall be included and directly referenced. Plagiarism is not an acceptable practice and will be grounds for termination of the contract. 1. LEADS The purpose of BISNIS leads is to foster successful business partnerships and transactions between ?results-able? clients. The contractor shall provide the following: A. One viable and promising Search for Partners (SFP) lead per month. A viable SFP lead shall propose one specific, concrete, and realistic project (a sound business plan can be evidence), include a specific contribution from the proposing company and a designated role for the U.S. partner, and meet basic and program-specific BISNIS leads criteria. The Contractor is encouraged to visit those companies with proposed leads who are located within a reasonable distance in order to meet with company representatives and evaluate the strength of the company and proposal B. One viable Trade & Tenders (T&T) lead per month A viable trade lead comes from a company that has the financial resources, the management know-how, and the business experience/skills to purchase U.S. goods, equipment, or services. Tender leads provide opportunities for U.S. companies to bid on specific equipment or service procurement opportunities; tender leads with a deadline less than two weeks shall not be accepted. C. Active promotion of BISNIS ExpoLink Eurasia (ELE) leads The BISNIS contractor shall regularly review BISNIS ExpoLink Eurasia leads, identify those relevant to local clients and upcoming meetings, directly distribute ELE leads, and program information to potential business partners for participating U.S. firms. SELECTION CRITERIA Certain criteria are essential to a contractor?s ability to work with BISNIS as a Regional Commercial Information Provider. Applicants shall be ranked according to their response to each of the criteria below. The BISNIS information provider should demonstrate: 1. Strong understanding and substantive knowledge of the dynamics and factors contributing to successful individual U.S.-Russian trade and investment transactions in Siberia, specifically U.S. exports to and investment in Siberia, and related research/analytical ability and experience in identifying key issues, opportunities, steps, contacts, and resources in reporting and direct assistance to firms and market contacts in support of commercial projects. 2. Proven fluency in written and spoken Russian and English, including ability to: write reports and correspondence in standard business English, give presentations in English to U.S. business audiences, and work in English with U.S. companies and counterparts. 3. Top-notch skills at organizing thoughts and ideas in written reports and presentations that are practical and easy to use for a Western commercial audience, as well as a strong commitment to the integrity and validity of information contained in reports. 4. Widespread, active contacts with the business community and government leaders, as well as with the U.S. business and business-related NGO community, in the designated area(s) of responsibility. Strong motivation and ability to develop and maintain such a network. 5. Direct knowledge and experience working with U.S. government programs to facilitate US-Russian trade and investment; knowledge of related U.S. policies. 6. Strong evidence and experience confirming the following characteristics in fulfilling professional duties: - An exceptional degree of professionalism and customer service in working with clients, colleagues, and contacts, particularly as a representative of a U.S. government program. - Excellent communication skills and a transparent approach to performing duties and keeping supervisors and related contacts informed of activities, - High levels of individual initiative (generate ideas for potential BISNIS reports and projects to facilitate U.S. trade and investment in the region), - An ability to work independently (the individual should plan, initiate, complete, and submit deliverables on time and according to the terms of the contract without prompting), and - Exceptional integrity and ethical reliability. Without meeting these essential criteria, a contractor shall not be able to: provide the information/services required to meet BISNIS standards, client needs and program goals; adequately represent the BISNIS program within the target community; or quickly and effectively communicate and collaborate with BISNIS in contributing deliverables that advance program goals. Failure to meet these criteria over the duration of the contract could constitute grounds for termination of the contract. Selection: BISNIS seeks to meet expectations for quality and professionalism while maintaining cost efficiency in contracts. Proposals shall be evaluated on a ?best value basis," giving due consideration to qualifications, experience with similar U.S. government programs, location, past performance with BISNIS (if applicable), and price. Submission of Proposal Proposal submissions must be submitted to the following contact person in acquisitions: G. Jean Hairston, Jean.Hairston@noaa.gov, Tel: 1-301-713-0838 ext. 133. If e-mail is unavailable, materials may be faxed to 1-301-713-0808. All proposals are due August 23, 2004, NLT 12:00 p.m. To request for a copy of the RFQ and SOW must be submitted in writing via e-mail. Reference DG1350-04-RQ-0223(GJH) Submissions must include the following: - Register in Central Contractor Registration, https://www.ccr.gov - A statement of qualifications (providing a narrative response to each selection criteria above); - A resume of the individual(s) to be fulfilling the deliverables; - Suggestions for market reports to be written to enhance existing BISNIS coverage with a brief explanation for the choices given; - A BRIEF sample report in English on a commercial topic. If a sample report from past work is not available, the candidate should submit a brief typed response, in English, to the following question: Describe the commercial environment and prospects for U.S. exports to and investment in a Eurasian region/city. - A proposed budget for the contract period and fulfillment of deliverables (see sample in application instruction coversheet). The budget should include a breakdown within the following categories, indicating how figures have been determined: - Salary - The budget quotation should indicate an estimate of the hours/amount that shall be charged per type of deliverable and month, and the hourly rate. The contractor assumes all responsibility for ensuring that applicable Russian payroll taxes are paid. - Office and Monthly Costs ? This category should include a breakdown for each major category of cost (telecommunications, internet connection, supplies, transit within the city where the office is located, etc.). Any equipment required should be itemized and pre-approved by BISNIS. Such will remain the property of BISNIS. - Regional Travel ? All anticipated domestic travel expenses should be included, itemized per trip by destination proposed, including length of travel, and estimated cost per trip (breakout various cost items: airfare, lodging, meals, travel-related taxis, etc.). The proposal should also itemize one reasonable round-trip airfare to the city that serves as the closest reasonable connection for international flights to the United States. U.S. designated per diem rates, available at http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/2004/ , are an acceptable basis for preparing estimates. Per diem estimates shall be prepared based on no more than a) 75 percent of the designated ?MI&E? rate for the departure and return dates, and full per diem for all other travel days, and b) a reasonable estimated cost for an appropriate hotel, not to exceed the designated maximum lodging rate per day. * Interested candidates should keep in mind that BISNIS is a U.S. government, taxpayer-funded organization that seeks cost efficiency throughout its operations. Contractor?s Financial Responsibilities Contractor shall be responsible for assuming all costs associated with the contract, including, but not limited to items mentioned under ?Submission of Proposal.? - BISNIS representatives are expected to operate in compliance with Russian law. The contractor assumes all responsibility for ensuring that applicable Russian payroll taxes are paid and other related regulatory requirements are fulfilled. - The contractor must obtain prior approval from BISNIS Washington for all expenses related to the contract. - BISNIS is not able to advance the contractor funds to cover future expenses; the contractor must handle any costs up-front. Approved expenses shall be reimbursed (see below). - The contractor should track monthly and total expenditures on an ongoing basis against this contract, projected expenses for the remainder of the contract, and projected/actual remaining funds to ensure that expenses shall not exceed the contract award. A summary should be provided each month with the invoice in the provided spreadsheet format. If the contractor foresees any potential problems, the contractor should immediately notify BISNIS. SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES: Below is a sample Deliverable Schedule for a sample 12-month period. The final schedule shall be determined following award of contract. First Week of the month ? Monday Monthly News Report, Russian website update items Second Week of the month ? Monday Leads Third Week of the month ? Monday Market Report Fourth Week of the month ? Monday Outreach Event 25th day of the month Monthly Activity/Finance Report, Invoice Month 2, 5* (8, 11) Regional Outreach Event/Travel (* related email announcement due 3 weeks prior) Last business day, Month 3, 6* (9, 12) Quarterly Russian website update items Last business day, Month 6* (12) Contact List *
- Place of Performance
- Address: TOMSK, RUSSIA
- Country: RUSSIA
- Country: RUSSIA
- Record
- SN00639542-W 20040811/040809211835 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |