Appel à candidature -IRI عودة إلى الفرص

Background: The International Republican Institute (IRI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan,  organization dedicated to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide. Since 1983, IRI  has worked to develop democratic institutions and ideals, carrying out a variety of  international programs to promote freedom, self-government and the rule of law  worldwide. IRI provides technical assistance in the areas of political party strengthening,  developing civic institutions and open elections, promoting democratic governance and  advancing the rule of law.  

IRI is supporting Tunisian civil society organizations (CSOs) to raise awareness among  citizens of political processes and promote the meaningful participation of citizens in the  political process where appropriate, especially traditionally marginalized populations  including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural Tunisians. The CSOs will  conduct voter education and election monitoring activities in advance of the July 2022  referendum and the December 2022 legislative elections. 

Eligibility: CSO that is registered in Tunisia and that has past experience implementing  projects in the target regions proposed in project 

Period of Performance: Projects must be completed by December 31, 2022 and should not exceed  a period of performance of 8 months. 

Statement of Work: IRI is seeking applicants to implement projects that educate and  mobilize voters and increase voter registration among marginalized groups. These activities  will focus on providing citizens with high-quality information about elections and the  political process to increase their understanding of Tunisia’s system of governance and allow  them to make informed choices. Applicants may choose to include the development of public  tools (websites, mobile applications, etc.) to track candidate and party platforms during  campaign periods in their proposals. Such tools will help citizens make informed decisions  

A nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide 

at the ballot box and also assist CSOs in keeping elected officials accountable to their  campaign promises once elected. Proposals should indicate specific groups that will be  targeted and how the selected approach will resonate with each target audience. Successful  projects will specify an intended beneficiary group, including but not limited to:  

– Women 

– Youth 

– Persons with disabilities (PwD)  

– Rural communities in southern or interior regions 

– LGBTQI groups 

– Black Tunisians  

Proposals must clearly demonstrate how the stated activities will achieve the desired  results. Projects should differentiate activities that will be conducted specifically  for marginalized groups and for local, regional, or national audiences. IRI will prioritize  CSOs operated by members of marginalized groups; CSOs with strong membership networks  among specific marginalized groups; CSOs with experience conducting community outreach;  media and journalist CSOs; and CSOs with specialized knowledge to deliver effective issue  advocacy. Use of mass communication tools including media and social media networks is  strongly encouraged. Applicants are also encouraged to partner with other organizations,  individuals or institutions to facilitate reaching larger or more diverse populations.  

Successful proposals will also include a COVID-19 risk mitigation plan, outlining how the  proposed project will conform to current health and safety protocols. The risk mitigation  plan should also include alternatives to activities that would require physical contact in case  conditions do not permit them to go forward. 

PROPOSAL CONTENT 

Proposals must include the following information:  

1. Capacity statement including past performance of CSO in Tunisia  
2. Problem statement the project intends to address 
3. Project Description  

• Include general overview of project, including the overall strategy and  objectives/goals for the project 
• Explain if planning on using subcontractors for any tasks and/or any  partnerships with other organizations, individuals, or institutions  
• Specify intended beneficiary group(s) of project 
• Specify target number of beneficiaries the project intends to reach 4. Activity Timeline/Work Plan 
• Include detailed description of the project activities, including proposed  location(s) of activities and proposed timeline for activities 
• Specify intended outputs/outcomes of each proposed activity 

MONITORING AND EVALUATION 

Selected applicants will be required to develop an M&E plan under IRI’s supervision upon  receipt of the award.

Technical Applications: 

All applications must include a comprehensive explanation of the methods to be used for  implementation. Applications must not exceed 10 pages. 

[Outline any programmatic, M&E, implementation planning etc. criteria that must be  described in the application] 

1. The first page of the application must show the following:  
2. The name, address, DUNS Number (required) and telephone and facsimile  numbers of the Applicant (and electronic address if available);  
3. A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and  provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all  items for which prices are offered;  
4. A statement concerning whether or not the applicant has received a  Negotiated Indirect Rate Cost Agreement from the US Government, currently  or in the past. If yes, please attach NICRA. 
5. Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers, and electronic addresses  of persons authorized to negotiate on the Applicant’s behalf with IRI in  connection with this RFA; and  
6. Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal.  Applications signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that  agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the  issuing office.  
7. The application must state the organization’s indirect costs recovery  methodology, which must be ONLY one of the following: 
8. 10% percent de minimis rate; OR 
9. Current NICRA approved by the US Government(must attach copy); OR iii. Direct charging of indirect costs. 
10. Applicants shall provide a list of at least five previously executed awards of a similar  nature for the last three years along with the contact details for each funder. IRI may  contact the funder as a reference check. 
11. Applicants shall provide a list of at least five program beneficiaries for previously  executed grants of a similar nature for the last three years along with the contact  details for each. IRI may contact the individuals as a reference check. 
12. Applicants shall provide third-party evaluations of past activities if available. 5. All applications must include background on the organization’s prior experience as it  relates to the requested scope of work. 
13. Resumes of all individuals who will be responsible for the programmatic and financial  management of the award must be attached. 
14. Describe current and past projects and funding sources and any potential impact  current activities might have on this award. 
15. Describe accounting practices and organizational infrastructure, as well as technology and intellectual property owned by the organization, which will be used  to complete the scope of work. 
16. Applicants shall provide audited financial statements and management letters for the  last three years. 
17. Applicants shall provide a copy of legal registration documents (for organizations) or  one form of legal ID (individuals). An English translation should be attached if  necessary. 
18. Applicants shall provide a statement detailing revenue from the last three years.
19. If selected for award, the selected applicant shall provide a detailed allocation policy  if funded by more than one source, other than the current subaward.  
20. Using the attached checklist below, the applicant should indicate what information  will be submitted for IRI’s review.  
21. Interested applicants should email Ms. Yasmine Chaouch (ychaouch@iri.org) to  request a budget template.  

Cost Applications: 

The budget should be submitted in two forms: (1) a detailed, cost category budget and (2) a  milestone budget.  

1: Cost Category budget: A detailed budget in US Dollars including the specific line item costs outlined here must be submitted to estimate project costs. Each application should  also have a detailed explanation of why the budgeted amounts are necessary for  completing the scope of work. The total amount budgeted for this project must not exceed  $50,000.00 USD.  

All one-time and recurring costs must be fully described in the budget. Rates should be  quoted, inclusive of all but showing separately, costs of inspection, services, transportation,  taxes, import duties if any and other levies. 

• Personnel – In general, employees receiving benefits from the applicant organization  are considered staff. Consultants hired to assist with the program, who do not  receive benefits, should be included under contractual. Identify staffing  requirements by each position title and brief description of duties. For clarity,  please list the annual salary of each position, percentage of time and number of  months devoted to the project. (e.g., Administrative Director: $30,000/year x 25% x  8.5 months; calculation: $30,000/12 = $2,500 x 25% x 8.5 months = $5,312.5). • Travel – Staff and any participant travel: 

o International airfare 

o In-country travel (not in the United States) 

o Domestic travel in the United States, if any 

o Per diem/maintenance: includes lodging, meals and incidentals for both  participant and staff travel. Rates of maximum allowances for U.S. and  foreign travel are available from the following website:  

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287 and  

http://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=184&menu_id=78. Per diem  rates may not exceed the published U.S. government allowance rates;  however, institutions may use per diem rates lower than official government  rates. 

o Please explain differences in fares among travelers on the same routes (e.g.,  project staff member traveling for three weeks whose fare is higher than that  of staff member traveling for four months). Please note that all travel, where  applicable, must be in compliance with the Fly America Act. For more  information see http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191. 

• Supplies – List items separately using unit costs (and the percentage of each unit cost  being charged to the grant) for photocopying, postage, telephone/fax, printing, and  office supplies (for example, Telephone: $50/month x 50% = $25/month x 12  months).
• Contractual – Estimate the direct costs for items such as translation, interpretation,  honoraria, local hires, legal fees, accounting/audit services, and any other  contractual work that will be needed as part of the project.  

o Consultant Fees: For example lecture fees, honoraria, travel, and per diem for  outside speakers or external evaluators: list number of people and rates per  day (for example, 2 x $150/day x 2 days). 

• Other Direct Costs– these will vary depending on the nature of the project. The  inclusion of each should be justified in the budget narrative. Audit costs can be  included if they are not part of the indirect pool and only the portion of the cost  associated with this program. 
• Indirect/Overhead Costs – applicants can choose to budget directly for costs such as  rent, utilities, technology, human resources and other general operating costs, or a de  minimis rate of 10% can be applied to the total amount of direct expenses budgeted or the percentage of approved NICRA. NOTE: Organizations that have had an  approved NICRA in the past or currently cannot use the 10% de Minimis; they must  budget and report directly on the indirect costs of the project. 

2: Milestone Budget: Using the format below, provide the estimated timeline of activities and  corresponding payments: 

Evaluation and Award Process:  

1. Applications will be evaluated by IRI for compliance with administrative  requirements, previous experience of similar projects by the Applicant, technical  capacity, the qualifications of the personnel for the project, and prices. IRI may  contact the Applicant’s previous clients and may obtain any information related to  other projects that the Applicant has executed. IRI may contact any applicant for  clarification or additional information, but Applicants are advised that IRI reserves  the right to make decisions based solely on the information provided with the  applications. IRI may but is not obligated to conduct additional negotiations prior to  issuance of a contract and may at its sole discretion elect to issue contracts to one or  more applicants.  
2. Mathematical errors will be corrected in the following manner: If a discrepancy exists  between the total price proposed and the total price resulting from multiplying the  unit price by the corresponding amounts, then the unit price will prevail and the total  price will be corrected. If there were a discrepancy between the numbers written out  in words and the amounts in numbers, then the amount expressed in words will  prevail. If the Applicant does not accept the correction, the offer will be rejected. 
3. IRI may determine that an application is unacceptable if the prices proposed are  materially unbalanced between line items or sub-line items. Unbalanced pricing  exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more  contract line items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the  application of cost or price analysis techniques. An application may be rejected if IRI  determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk.  
4. IRI will conduct a Technical/Price Weighted evaluation based on evaluation factors  listed below. These factors will serve as the standard against which all technical  information will be evaluated and identify the determination factors that Applicants should address. IRI intends to evaluate applications in accordance with the Statement  of Work of this RFA.  
5. If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be considered in evaluating  performance or price. 

Evaluation of Applications:  

1. The applications will be evaluated by a technical evaluation committee using the  criteria shown below. When evaluating the competing applications, IRI will consider  the written technical/capability information provided by the applicants, and any  other information obtained by IRI through its own research.  
2. The criteria listed below are presented by major category, so that Applicants will  know which areas require emphasis in the preparation of their applications.  3. IRI will evaluate applications in accordance with the technical criteria and weightage  shown in the table below.  

• Submission Instructions: review clauses incorporated by reference in the section  “Notice Listing Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference”. 
• All applications must be submitted in English. 
• IRI may reject any or all applications if such is within IRI’s interest. • Payment will be made in US Dollars by way of electronic transfer. 
• Proof of costs incurred, such as but not limited to receipts, pictures and financial  documents may be requested during and for up to three years after the end of the  grant period.  
• The Applicant’s initial application should contain the Applicant’s best offer. Applicants may submit modifications to their application any time before the  solicitation closing date and time. 
• IRI reserves the right to make multiple awards or partial awards if, after considering  administrative burden, it is in IRI’s best interest to do so.
• Discussions with Applicants following the receipt of an application do not constitute  a rejection or counteroffer by IRI. 
• By applying to this RFA, applicant is certifying that if it is awarded a contract, none of  funds payable under the resulting contract will be used to (1) procure or obtain,  extend or renew a contract to procure or obtain; (2) enter into a contract (or extend  or renew a contract) to procure; or (3) obtain the equipment, services, or systems  that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or  essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system in  compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act. Covered  telecommunications equipment and services mean any of the following: 

1. Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei Technologies Company  or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities). 
2. For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical  security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security  purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by  Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology  Company, or Dahua Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of  such entities). 

iii. Telecommunications or video surveillance services provided by such entities  or using such equipment. 

200. Telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services produced or  provided by an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the  Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of  Investigation, reasonably believes to be an entity owned or controlled by, or  otherwise connected to, the government of a covered foreign country. (2 CFR 200.216). 

• IRI will hold all submissions as confidential and submissions shall not be disclosed to  third parties. IRI reserves the right to share applications internally, across divisions,  for the purposes of evaluating the applications.  

Notice Listing Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference 

IRI is required to make the subrecipient subject to the clauses of the prime award. This  subaward incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as  if they were given in full text. Where “flow-down” to the subrecipient is appropriate and  applicable, references to “USAID” or “Department of State” shall be interpreted to mean “IRI” 

and “Subrecipient” to mean “lower-tier subrecipients”. Included by reference are 2 C.F.R.  parts 200, 600 and 700 and USAID Standard Provisions for Non-US Non-governmental  Organizations/US Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions. The allowability of  costs incurred by non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education is  determined in accordance with the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart E, “Cost  Principles.” The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations and those non profit organizations listed in Appendix VIII to 2 C.F.R. 200 is determined in accordance with  the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 C.F.R. Part 31, the  Department of State Acquisition Regulation at 48 C.F.R Part 631, and Agency for  International Development, 48 C.F.R. Part 731.  

Quotes must be submitted via email to Sacha Gilles at sgilles@iri.org with the subject line  “RFA MENA2022T04o”. 

RFA Terms and Conditions: 

• Prospective Applicants are requested to 

IRI Obligations 

Issuance of this RFA does not constitute an award commitment on the part of IRI, nor does  it commit IRI to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an application.  

Required Certifications 

The following certificates need to be signed by all Applicants. These certifications are an  integral part of the application. Please print them off and send back to us with your  application after signature on each certificate. They are:  

• Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing  
• Narcotics offenses and drug trafficking- key individual certification  • Certification regarding debarment, suspension, ineligibility and voluntary exclusion  lower tier covered transactions  
• Certification regarding allocation of funding resources 
• Conflict of interest statement 
• Lobbying disclosure 
• Authorized Individuals 
• Taxpayer Identification Number

Applicant Checklist 

The following information is required for your application to be considered complete.  Incomplete applications may be removed from consideration. Please fill out the checklist  below to indicate what information your organization will be submitting for review.  

◻ Application which includes the following:  

o Background on the organization 

o A comprehensive explanation of the methods to be used for  

implementation 

o Name, address, DUNS Number (required) and telephone and facsimile  numbers of the Applicant (and electronic address if available); 

o List of at least five previously executed awards 

o Third-party evaluations of past activities (if available) 

o List of current and past projects and funding sources and any  

potential impact current activities might have on this award. 

◻ Attachments 

o Copy of organization’s legal registration documents 

o Resumes/CV of all individuals who will be responsible for the  

programmatic and financial management 

o Audited financial statements and management letters for the last  three years 

o Statement detailing revenues from the last three years 

o Detailed Cost Category Budget 

o Milestone Budget 

o (if selected) detailed allocation policy 

o (For CR) Accounting Questionnaire 

◻ Certifications (following this checklist) 

o Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing  

o Narcotics offenses and drug trafficking- key individual certification  o Certification regarding debarment, suspension, ineligibility and  

voluntary exclusion lower tier covered transactions  

o Conflict of interest statement 

o Lobbying disclosure 

o Certification regarding allocation of funding resources 

o Authorized Individuals 

o Taxpayer Identification Number

CERTIFICATION REGARDING TERRORIST FINANCING 

By responding to this solicitation, the bidder provides the certification set out below: 

1. The Applicant, to the best of its current knowledge, did not provide, within the  previous ten years, and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it does not and  will not knowingly provide, material support or resources to any individual or entity  that commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist  acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated, or participated in terrorist  acts, as that term is defined in paragraph 3. 
2. The following steps may enable the Applicant to comply with its obligations under  paragraph 1: 
3. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity,  the Applicant will verify that the individual or entity does not (i) appear on the  master list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, which is  maintained by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), or  (ii) is not included in any supplementary information concerning prohibited  individuals or entities that may be provided by IRI to the Applicant. 
4. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity,  the Applicant also will verify that the individual or entity has not been  designated by the United Nations Security (UNSC) sanctions committee  established under UNSC Resolution 1267 (1999) (the “1267 Committee”)  [individuals and entities linked to the Taliban, Usama bin Laden, or the Al 

Qaida Organization]. To determine whether there has been a published  designation of an individual or entity by the 1267 Committee, the Applicant should refer to the consolidated list available online at the Committee’s Web  site: http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/committees/1267/1267ListEng.htm.  

1. Before providing any material support or resources to an individual or entity,  the Applicant will consider all information about that individual or entity of  which it is aware and all public information that is reasonably available to it  or of which it should be aware.  
2. The Applicant also will implement reasonable monitoring and oversight  procedures to safeguard against assistance being diverted to support terrorist  activity.  
3. For purposes of this Certification – 
4. “Material support and resources” means currency or monetary instruments or  financial securities, financial services, lodging, training, expert advice or  assistance, safehouses, false documentation or identification, communications equipment, facilities, weapons, lethal substances, explosives, personnel,  transportation, and other physical assets, except medicine or religious  materials.” 
5. “Terrorist act” means –
6. an act prohibited pursuant to one of the 12 United Nations Conventions  and Protocols related to terrorism (see UN terrorism conventions  Internet site: http://untreaty.un.org/English/Terrorism.asp); or  
7. an act of premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated  against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine  agents; or  

iii. any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a  civilian, or to any other person not taking an active part in hostilities in  a situation of armed conflict, when the purpose of such act, by its nature  or context, is to intimidate a population, or to compel a government or  an international organization to do or to abstain from doing any act.  

1. “Entity” means a partnership, association, corporation, or other  organization, group or subgroup.  
2. References in this Certification to the provision of material support and  resources must not be deemed to include the furnishing of IRI funds or IRI financed commodities to the ultimate beneficiaries of IRI assistance, such as  recipients of food, medical care, micro-enterprise loans, shelter, etc., unless the  Applicant has reason to believe that one or more of these beneficiaries  commits, attempts to commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist  acts, or has committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in  terrorist acts.  
3. The Applicant’s obligations under paragraph 1 are not applicable to the  procurement of goods and/or services by the Applicant that are acquired in  the ordinary course of business through contract or purchase, e.g., utilities,  rents, office supplies, gasoline, etc., unless the Applicant has reason to believe  that a vendor or supplier of such goods and services commits, attempts to  commit, advocates, facilitates, or participates in terrorist acts, or has  committed, attempted to commit, facilitated or participated in terrorist acts.  

This Certification is an express term and condition of any agreement issued as a result of this  application, and any violation of it will be grounds for unilateral termination of the  agreement by IRI prior to the end of its term. 

PR 2466 MENA2022T04o RFA