Request for Proposals (RFP) – Individual Consultants Only At CNFA

Section 1 – General Information

Solicitation Number:	RFP_2023_08_NAIA Communications Consultant_Readvertised
Solicitation Type:	Request for Proposals (RFP) – Individual Consultants Only
Procurement Description:	The communications consultancy role will support the Activity’s communication function in the final year of the project to develop and package communications and knowledge products that would clearly and strategically communicate the Activity’s successes, achievements and impacts to USAID (the donor) private and public sector partners, other relevant stakeholders, and the general public.   To ensure coherent and purposeful messaging, the consultant will work collaboratively with the Activity’s Closeout Specialist and other component teams/lead to curate and collate information and learnings for the development of relevant impact stories, and other relevant communications and knowledge products that are necessary for showcasing the lifetime of a project at its winding off phase. The consultant will also assist in organizing and managing the final closeout event for the Activity.
Anticipated Period of Performance:	Three (3) months (starting September 2023 and ending December 2023).
Place of Performance:	Abuja, Nigeria.
Contracting Party:	CNFA For: USAID Under: Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity
Release Date:	September 5, 2023
Point of Contact for Questions:	Name: Title: Email:		Clinton Okwuonu Procurement Officer Cokwuonu@ag-invest.org
Point of Contact for submission of Offers:	Name: Title: Email:		Cletus Kambai Director of Finance and Operations Operations@ag-invest.org
Questions:	Question Deadline: 11:59PM, WAT, September 7, 2023
	Instructions: Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Only CNFA’s written answers will be considered official and carry weight in the solicitation and subsequent evaluation. Verbal information received from CNFA or any other entity should not be considered an official response to any questions.
Offers:	Offer Deadline: 11:59PM, WAT, September 10, 2023
	Via:	☒ Email		☐ Hard copy	☐ Email or Hard copy
	Instructions: Offers must be received no later than 11:59PM, WAT, September 10, 2023. Offers must be submitted by email to operations@ag-invest.org.    Reference the Solicitation Number in any response to this solicitation. Offers received after the specified time and date will be considered late and considered only at CNFA’s discretion. Offerors must strictly follow the deadlines provided in this solicitation to be considered for award.
Offer Validity:	Offers must remain valid for not less than 60 calendar days after the offer deadline.
Award:	Award will be made to the offeror who is determined to be the best offeror per the evaluation criteria and methodology provided herein. CNFA will not issue an award to different offerors, entities, or third-parties other than the selected offeror(s) which submits an offer in response to this solicitation. CNFA anticipates awarding a Consultant Agreement to the selected offeror(s).
Terms and Conditions:	The resultant award is subject to CNFA’s standard Terms and Conditions as stipulated in Section 6.

Section 2 – Scope of Procurement

1. Introduction: CNFA is an international agricultural development organization that specializes in the design and implementation of sustainable, enterprise-based agricultural initiatives.The five-year USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity, implemented by CNFA as part of the United States Government’s Feed the Future Initiative, strengthens the business enabling environment to promote private sector investment in agriculture. To achieve this goal, the activity focuses on three interrelated components: improving the ease of doing business in the agricultural sector; broadening access to finance by mitigating the credit risks of agribusinesses; and promoting investment opportunities for agribusinesses to expand and scale up operations. In line with the U.S. and Nigerian Government’s commitment to growing the non-oil based economy, these efforts will increase the quality, quantity, market access, and diversification of Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

The purpose of this Solicitation is to solicit the services of a communications consultant who will support the Activity’s communication function in the final year of the project to develop and package communications and knowledge products that would clearly and strategically communicate the Activity’s successes, achievements and impacts to USAID (the donor) private and public sector partners, other relevant stakeholders and the general public.

To ensure coherent and purposeful messaging, the consultant will work collaboratively with the Activity’s Closeout Specialist and other component teams/lead to curate and collate information and learnings for the development of relevant impact stories, and other relevant communications and knowledge products that are necessary for showcasing the lifetime of a project at its winding off phase. The consultant will also assist in organizing and managing the final closeout event for the Activity. This Solicitation contains requirements for Items/Services (hereinafter “Items”) to be procured.

2. Scope of Work: The main duties of the Communications Consultant are as follows:

• Development of success stories, including human interest stories that would amplify the Activity’s impact on agribusiness growth and economic development in Nigeria.
• Development of knowledge and learning products such as case studies, white papers, position papers, learning briefs, etc. that will position the Activity as a thought leader in the agribusiness enabling environment and access to finance ecosystem in Nigeria.
• Support the planning and implementation of the Activity’s final close out dissemination event.
• Undertake field visits to partners, where needed, to conduct interviews and capture stories for reporting.
• Co-manage Activity’s social media platforms’ content strategy, content creation, social media event management, analysing engagements, planning and implementing digital campaigns etc.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Party or Closeout Specialist.

Qualifications

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in media & Communications, Public Relations, Development Communications, Campaign & Advocacy, or any other related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant, professional experience in communications and knowledge management preferably within agriculture-focused development programmes.
• Experience supporting USIAD-funded projects is required; previous Feed the Future experience preferred.
• Experience working in or with relevant public and private sector actors strongly preferred.
• Additional skills in graphics design, photography, and videography will be an added advantage.

3. Geographic Code Compliance: Items offered must comply with USAID Geographic Code 937. For a list of Source/Nationality countries approved within this USAID Geographic Code, refer to ADS Chapter 310, Source and Nationality Requirements for Procurement of Commodities and Services Financed by USAID. Contact CNFA with any questions regarding Geographic Code compliance.

Section 3 – Evaluation Methodology and Criteria

CNFA will use a Weighted Trade-Off Analysis, Including Cost Criteria evaluation methodology for this solicitation. Weighted Trade-Off Analysis selects the offeror providing the best overall value to CNFA, considering both price and technical factors, according to the assigned weights provided in the evaluation criteria. The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will assess offer acceptability in accordance with the following criteria:

Criteria	Criteria Description	Assigned Weight
Educational Background	A minimum of bachelor’s degree in media & Communications, Public Relations, Development Communications, Campaign & Advocacy, or any other related field.	15
Past Performance	At least five (5) years of relevant, professional experience in communications and knowledge management preferably within agriculture-focused development programmes.	15
Past Performance	Experience supporting USAID-funded projects; previous Feed the Future experience.	15
Past Performance	Experience working in or with relevant public and private sector actors.	15
Technical Criteria	Skills in graphics design, photography, and videography.	20
Cost Criteria	Total Cost Proposed. The proposed cost will be assessed on the degree to which it reflects the consultant’s qualifications and the actual requirements of the scope of work. The costs should accurately represent the work effort described in the scope of work.	20
Total		100 points

Section 4 – Offer Format Instructions

Offers in response to this solicitation must comply with the following instructions:

1. Submissions will be accepted in the following language(s): English.
2. Include the following in the offer footer:
   1. Offeror name
   2. Solicitation Number
   3. Page Numbers
3. Offer in the format provided in Annex 1

Section 5 – Complete Offer

A complete offer must include the following documents:

1. Completed Annex 1 – Offer Template
2. Degree certificates and any relevant certifications showcasing educational background relevant to this consultancy.
3. CV/Resume.
4. Expression of interest letter.
5. Three contacts of verifiable references from organizations which the consultant has offered services.
6. Evidence of similar work done.

Section 6 – CNFA Terms and Conditions

1. Ethical and Business Conduct: CNFA is committed to integrity in procurement, and only selects offerors based on objective business criteria such as price and technical merit. CNFA does not tolerate fraud, collusion among offerors, falsified proposals/bids, bribery, or kickbacks. Any organization or individual violating these standards will be disqualified from this solicitation, barred from future procurement opportunities, and may be reported to both CNFA’s Client – as applicable – and the appropriate Office of the Inspector General.

Employees and agents of CNFA are strictly prohibited from asking for or accepting any money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation from current or potential vendors or suppliers in exchange for or as a reward for business. Employees and agents engaging in this conduct are subject to termination and will be reported to CNFA’s Client – as applicable – and the appropriate Office of the Inspector General. In addition, CNFA will further inform these agencies of any Offerors’ offers of money, fee, commission, credit, gift, gratuity, object of value or compensation to obtain business.

Please contact the designated Point of Contact on the Solicitation Cover Page with any questions or concerns regarding the above information or to report any potential violations. Potential violations may also be reported directly to CNFA’s Fraud Hotline in writing via email at FraudHotline@cnfa.org or you may make an anonymous report by phone, text, or WhatsApp to the CNFA Global Fraud Hotline at 202-991-0943.

2. Terms and Conditions: This Solicitation is subject to CNFA’s standard terms and conditions. Any resultant award will be governed by these terms and conditions; a copy of the full terms and conditions is available upon request. Please note the following terms and conditions will apply:

• CNFA’s standard payment terms are 30 calendar days after receipt and acceptance of any commodities or deliverables. Payment will only be issued to the entity submitting the offer in response to this Solicitation and identified in the resulting award; payment will not be issued to a third party.
• No commodities or services may be supplied that are manufactured or assembled in, shipped from, transported through, or otherwise involving any of the following countries: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria.
• Any international air or ocean transportation or shipping carried out under any award resulting from this Solicitation must take place on U.S.-flag carriers/vessels unless otherwise approved by CNFA.
• United States law prohibits transactions with, and the provision of resources and support to, individuals and organizations associated with terrorism. The selected offeror under any award resulting from this Solicitation must ensure compliance with these laws.
• United States law prohibits engaging in any activities related to Trafficking in Persons. The selected offeror under any award resulting from this Solicitation must ensure compliance with these laws.
• The title to any goods supplied under any award resulting from this Solicitation shall pass to CNFA following delivery and acceptance of the goods by CNFA. Risk of loss, injury, or destruction of the goods shall be borne by the offeror until title passes to CNFA.
• The offeror is prohibited from providing certain telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as a critical technology as part of any system, produced by the following covered companies, and their subsidiaries and affiliates, in the performance of any resulting award: Huawei Technologies Company; ZTE Corporation; Hytera Communications Corporation; Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company; Dahua Technology Company; and any other company as determined by the United States Government. The offeror certifies it will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to CNFA in performance of the resulting award. If covered telecommunications equipment or services are offered, the offeror must disclose it.

3. Disclaimers: This is a Solicitation only. Issuance of this Solicitation does not in any way obligate CNFA, its project(s), or its Client(s) to make an award or pay for costs incurred by potential offerors in the preparation and submission of an offer. In addition:

• Offerors are responsible for ensuring their offers are received by CNFA in accordance with the instructions, terms, and conditions described in this Solicitation; failure to adhere to instructions may lead to disqualification
• CNFA may cancel the Solicitation and not award at any time
• CNFA may reject any or all responses received
• Issuance of the Solicitation does not constitute award commitment by CNFA
• CNFA reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on offeror failure to follow the Solicitation instructions
• CNFA will not compensate offerors for response to the Solicitation
• CNFA reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion
• CNFA may negotiate with offerors for their best and final offer and/or request clarifications from any offeror prior to award
• CNFA reserves the right to increase or decrease its order for quantities or units with the selected offeror
• CNFA may reissue the Solicitation or issue formal amendments revising the original Solicitation specifications and evaluation criteria before or after receipt of proposals
• CNFA may modify the specifications without issuing a formal notice to all offerors when the revisions are immaterial to the scope of the Solicitation
• CNFA may choose to award only part of the activities in the Solicitation, or issue multiple awards, if in the best interest of CNFA
• CNFA reserves the right to waive minor offer deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
• Offerors understand that CNFA’s Client(s) is not a party to this Solicitation and the offeror agrees that any protest hereunder must be presented – in writing with full explanations – to CNFA for consideration. CNFA’s Client(s) will not consider protests regarding procurements carried out by CNFA. CNFA, at its sole discretion, will make a final decision on any protest for this procurement.

Annex 1 – Offer Template

The following cover letter must be placed on letterhead – if applicable – and completed/signed/stamped by a representative authorized to sign on behalf of the offeror:

PART 1 – COVER LETTER

To: Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity (FTF)  28A Danube Street, off IBB Way, Maitama, Abuja  

Reference: Solicitation no. RFP_2023_08_NAIA Communications Consultant

To Whom It May Concern:

We, the undersigned, hereby provide the attached offer to perform all work required to complete the activities and requirements as described in the above-referenced Solicitation. Please find our offer attached.

We hereby acknowledge and agree to all terms, conditions, special provisions, and instructions included in the above-referenced Solicitation. We further certify that the below-named organization—as well as the organization’s principal officers and all commodities and services offered in response to this Solicitation—are eligible to participate in this procurement under the terms of this solicitation and under the applicable regulations.

Furthermore, we hereby certify that, to the best of our knowledge and belief:

• We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any CNFA, its project staff members, or its Client (as applicable);
• We have no close, familial, or financial relationships with any other offerors submitting proposals in response to the above-referenced Solicitation;
• We and our principal offerors are not debarred, suspended, or otherwise considered ineligible for receiving US Government funds. We understand that CNFA will not make any award to an entity that is debarred, suspended, or considered ineligible by the US Government;
• The prices in our offer have been arrived at independently, without any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor for the purpose of restricting competition;
• All information in our proposal and all supporting documentation is authentic and accurate;
• We understand and agree to CNFA’s prohibitions against fraud, bribery, and kickbacks;
• We understand and agree to CNFA’s prohibitions against funding or associating with individuals or organizations engaged in terrorism or trafficking in persons activities.

We hereby certify that the enclosed representations, certifications, and other statements are accurate, current, and complete:

For:	Offeror Name:	Offerors must provide entity name, if applicable, here
Submitted By:	Name:	Offerors must print name of the authorized person who completed this offer here
	Title:	Offerors must provide title of the authorized person who completed this offer here
	Signature:	Offerors must provide signature of the authorized person who completed this offer here
	Date:	Offerors must indicate the date this offer was completed here
Organization Information:	Phone:	Offerors must provide phone number for contact if selected for negotiation or award here
	Email:	Offerors must provide email for contact if selected for negotiation or award here
	Address:	Offerors must provide address for contact if selected for negotiation or award here
	Website:	Offerors must provide organization website, if applicable, here
	Country of Nationality:	Offerors must indicate their country of legal organization, ownership, citizenship, or lawful permanent residence here
	Registration or Taxpayer ID Number:	Offerors must provide registration and/or taxpayer ID number here

PART 2 – OFFER

Offerors are instructed to complete this form and place it on the Offeror’s letterhead. Once completed, this form serves as the binding proposal in response to this solicitation and is valid for the period identified on the cover page of this Solicitation. Failure to submit the information required herein may lead to disqualification of the offer.

1. Cost Proposal

Offerors are instructed to complete boxes highlighted in gray. Pricing must be presented in Nigerian Naira:

A Daily Rate	B Level of Effort (60Days)	C Total Assignment Cost (A x B = C)

This proposed rate is exclusively for the Offeror’s level of effort and the rate must include all profit, fees, etc. Other assignment-related costs will be approved on a reimbursable basis in accordance with CNFA’s Consultant Expenses Policy, which may be shared with the Offeror upon request and will be incorporated into the final executed award with the successful Offeror.

• Tax Considerations

Offerors are made aware of CNFA’s tax status in Nigeria. As an organization that is implementing a project on behalf of the United States Government in Nigeria, CNFA is exempt from being charged VAT, customs duty or fee, excise tax, road tax, or any other form of tax or tariff for goods and services purchased for USG-funded activities. Consultant agrees to exclude such taxes or fees in its invoices to CNFA unless otherwise explicitly agreed in this Agreement. CNFA has a duty and obligation under the CITA to withhold tax on all forms of contracts; CNFA will therefore be withholding 5% tax for individual consultants, that Consultant will provide his/her tax identification number, and CNFA on payment of deduction to relevant tax authority provide evidence of remittance to the service provider Offers submitted must comply with these tax considerations.

• Bank Account

Offerors are instructed to complete boxes highlighted in gray:

Does the Offeror have an active bank account?	☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, provide the Offeror name associated with the Bank Account if selected for eventual award.	Offerors must provide the name associated with their Bank Account, if applicable, here

• References

Offerors are instructed to complete the boxes highlighted in gray:

Reference No.	Reference Name	Contact Information	Affiliation
1	Offerors must provide name of reference (organization or individual) provided here	Name: Phone: Email: Address:	Offerors must describe relationship with reference here
2.	Offerors must provide name of reference (organization or individual) provided here	Name: Phone: Email: Address:	Offerors must describe relationship with reference here
3.	Offerors must provide name of reference (organization or individual) provided here	Name: Phone: Email: Address:	Offerors must describe relationship with reference here