To All Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development Mission in Afghanistan (henceforth referred to as USAID/Afghanistan or the Mission) anticipates awarding one Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) completion-type contract with an estimated period of performance of a three-year base period with one two-year option period for the implementation of the Afghanistan Competitiveness of Export-Oriented Businesses Activity (ACEBA) in Afghanistan. Subject to availability of funds, the estimated cost range for this contract is between $95 million and $110 million. The principal geographic code for this contract is 935.

USAID seeks to provide technical assistance and services through the Afghanistan Competitiveness of Export-oriented Businesses Activity (ACEBA), henceforth referred to as the "Activity" or "ACEBA." The purpose of ACEBA is to enhance the competitiveness of Afghan export-oriented businesses as a means of promoting sustainable economic growth, and increasing employment. "Competitiveness," as defined by the World Economic Forum, is "the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country." This Statement of Objectives allows Offerors to propose and price a solution that achieves the outlined objectives and contributes to measurable improvements in productivity factors that will facilitate greater access to international markets for Afghan exporters, promote investment in better technologies, strengthen operational and marketing capacities, and strengthen exporters' supply chains. Special emphasis should be placed on achieving gender equality and women's empowerment, and integration of youth . The Activity should ensure that Afghan workers have the requisite skills (workforce and entrepreneurship) to meet the demand for jobs within export-oriented value chains.

The primary point of contact for this Request for Proposals (RFP) is Contracting Officer Amy McQuade. Any questions related to this RFP must be submitted by email to [email protected] by the time and date specified above. No questions will be accepted after this date and time. Each e-mail must contain a subject line, which clearly indicates the name of the offeror and the solicitation number.

If questions are received, which affect the responses to the solicitation, or if changes are made to the closing date and time, as well as any other aspects of the RFP, this solicitation will be amended. Any amendments to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Offerors are encouraged to check this website (https://www.fbo.gov) periodically. Oral instructions or explanations given before the award of the contract resulting from this solicitation will not be binding.