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2. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 541611 and the small business size standard is $14.0 million.
3. FAR Clauses 52.212-1 through 52.212-5 apply to this procurement. The exact text and wording of clauses and provisions may be obtained from the Internet at http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html. The Government contemplates the award of a Time and Materials Order resulting from this solicitation. NOTE: An Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, (Alt I) is attached.
4. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. For more information on the MCC, please visit www.mcc.gov.
5. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT AND IS NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT DIRECT WITH MCC. PLEASE VISIT: http://www.irs.gov/business/small/index.html FOR INFORMATION REGARDING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Note: MCC will assist the consultant in coordinating with an Independent Contractor Engagement Services Provider for payroll, travel, international travel insurance, etc., therefore, a DUNS number and registration in System for Award Management (SAMS) is not required.
6. Description of Services: MCC seeks the immediate services of a technical expert in instructional pedagogy of early grade reading to provide assessment services for a primary-school based early grade reading program in Niger. The consultant will advise MCC staff, country counterparts, and implementing partners as requested on the content of the early grade reading sub-activity of the Niger Education and Community Strengthening Project (NECS). Based on performance, the consultant may be asked to conduct due diligence or provide advisory services, as needed, on other MCC-eligible or current MCC-funded education programs with a reading instruction component.
7. This combined synopsis and solicitation notice is a request for competitive quotations. Therefore, all quotations received prior to the RFQ close date will be considered.
8. The Government will award an order to the responsible independent consultants(s) whose quote conforming to this notice represents the best value in terms of technical criteria, past performance and price. All non-price factors (technical criteria and past performance) are more important than price. If options are included, quotes will be evaluated by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the options(s).
9. Evaluation Factors. Only quotes which meet the mandatory technical evaluation criteria will be considered.
TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA
QUALIFICATIONS
• Requires advanced educational training in education, reading, linguistics, developmental psychology, bilingual education, or second language instruction (e.g. ESL);
• Ph.D. in Education, Psychology or related social science field preferred;
• Proficiency in French preferred;
• Requires at least 5 years' expertise in instructional pedagogy of early grade reading, as demonstrated through project advisor role in early grade reading reform and institutional strengthening efforts in similar low-resource contexts;
• Has published research on evidence-based best practice in reading, bilingual or multilingual literacy, community literacy, and/or similar topics (preferred);
• Experience serving in leadership roles as a board member or interest group leader in national or global professional associations, or as an advisor or member of regional, national or international commissions focused on advancing literacy learning outcomes (preferred).
Other requirements:
The consultant should be available for deployment in early 2013. International travel may be required. The Consultant may be requested to mobilize on a short notice and will be expected to deliver high quality finished products in a timely manner.
PAST PERFORMANCE
Three (3) professional references for relevant work performed during the past three years.
PRICE
The Government will examine the proposed rate for reasonableness.
10. Evaluation Methodology. The Government will perform a comparative analysis of quotes and will assess the advantages and disadvantages of each quote as related to the Evaluation Factors. Multiple awards may be made from this notice and all quotes will be retained and may be utilized for requirements for a period of 6 months.
11. Quote Deadline. Independent Consultants are invited to submit their quotations in response to this notice by 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (est.), February 13, 2013. Only e-mailed requests for additional information will be accepted at [email protected] by 12:00 pm eastern standard time on February 6, 2013. Quotations submitted in response to this notice shall include the solicitation number AND description in the subject line and be signed, dated and submitted via email to [email protected]. The maximum file size is 10mb.
12. Quote Submission The Individual Consultant shall submit the following document:
Technical: (1) Cover letter that addresses all technical criteria as listed in this solicitation; (2) Curriculum Vitae (15 page maximum);
Past Performance: Three professional references;
Price: Bio-Data Form which includes the independent consultant's proposed rate and salary history. See Attachment.
13. FAR 52.212.3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items shall be required from the selected consultant, prior to the time of award.
14. There are no additional contract requirements(s) necessary for this acquisition other than those consistent with customary commercial practices.
15. See attached documents entitled: (1) Addendum to FAR Clause 52.212-4, (Alt I); (2) MCC Bio-Data Form and (3) Statement of Work.