Inactive Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

19AQMM24N0034 – Global Peace Operations Training and Assistance in Zambia. This is a sources sought notice for information only. This is not a request for proposal or quotation or an announcement of a... 19AQMM24N0034 – Global Peace Operations Training and Assistance in Zambia. This is a sources sought notice for information only. This is not a request for proposal or quotation or an announcement of a solicitation. This sources sought request for information is for the purpose of conducting market research to provide data for planning purposes. This sources sought synopsis announcement does not constitute a formal solicitation, and is not a request for proposal, request for quote, invitation for bid, does not obligate the government to award a contract, issue a solicitation, reimburse respondents for any proposal preparation and/or submittal costs, nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will not pay for any materials provided in response to this notice and submittals will not be returned to the sender. Context. The Zambia Defense Force will hereafter be referred to as the ZDF. The ZDF contributes one (1) Battalion to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). In the past, the ZDF has also supported deployments through the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). As United Nations missions are frequently drawing down, additional support to SADC missions could arise. In addition to broader capacity building, GPOI assistance will primarily focus on supporting the ZDF’s pre-deployment training for MINUSCA and potential regional missions. ZDF is a key peacekeeping partner, ranking in the top 10 troop contributing countries in MINUSCA, with 966 military peacekeepers deployed as of December 2023. Zambia has frequently been highlighted for their record in peacekeeping operations including their overall performance during operations but also their lack of conduct and discipline issues. Their force has a record of being professional and highly dedicated peacekeepers. As a testament to this, a Zambian officer was recently appointed by the UN Secretary General to be the MINUSCA Force Commander. Additionally, the ZDF has been highlighted for promoting the role of women in peacekeeping. The ZDF has trainers capable of conducting effective individual and collective unit training but can benefit from more advanced, integrative training skills and training management processes. The Zambia Peace Operations Training Center (POTC) at Nanking, while austere, has established classrooms and the POTC is connected to the national electrical grid. Through GPOI assistance, the U.S. Government seeks to build Zambia’s capacity to effectively prepare, deploy, and sustain its peacekeepers. Accordingly, the approach to all tasks should be designed to enhance the ZDF’s ability to plan for and execute pre-deployment training for their peacekeeping units while being able to flexibly adapt to changes to Government requirements in a timely manner. Through GPOI assistance, the U.S. Government seeks to build Zambia’s capacity to effectively prepare, deploy, and sustain its peacekeepers. Accordingly, the approach to all tasks shall be designed to enhance the ZDF’s ability to plan for and execute pre-deployment training on their own for their peacekeeping units while being able to flexibly adapt to changes to Government requirements in a timely manner. PDT is also delivered in conjunction with the British Peace Support Team (BPST) who has a longstanding relationship with the ZDF. The BPST provides trainers during PDT along with Training of Trainers (ToT) courses throughout the year. The French have also provided limited support to the ZDF’s PDT. Purpose. The overarching purpose of this project is to build the ZDF’s capacity to prepare, deploy, and sustain effective peacekeeping forces in support of UN-mandated tasks. The activities in this SOW shall complement broader GPOI programming efforts and support U.S. Government (USG) peacekeeping policy priorities for Zambia and the region. Required tasks, as described in the Scope of Work, consist of three (3) distinct but interconnected activities: The development and delivery of high-quality training that is informed by the latest UN policy, doctrine, and guidance and that incorporates partner nation doctrine, processes, practices, and lessons learned; mission-specific and responsive to changing mission trends; adaptive to both formal classroom and field training environments; and carried out using sound adult learning principles with consideration for a variety of trainee skill levels to execute a combination of classroom, hands-on learning/practical exercises, and field training exercises. Strategic, responsive, collaborative, and respectful mentorship and engagement before, during, and after training activities which builds partner confidence, addresses unique training requirements, and develops institutional capacity to advance the partner toward self-sufficiency and improved operational readiness. Procurement and delivery of equipment and supplies for use in pre-deployment training the same way that partner employs the equipment and supplies in the mission. Training aids and support material should be introduced for added realism and scenario flexibility. The partner’s peace operations training center (POTC) staff should be capable of maintaining, repairing, accounting, issuing, and storing equipment, supplies, and training support material after the completion of training as specified by the contract. This is not a solicitation, there is no guarantee that a solicitation package be issued as a result of this announcement, and no award shall be made as a result of this announcement. In the event that a solicitation is developed, it will be assigned a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) number or Request for Quotation (RFQ) and the announcement will be published on SAM.gov. RESPONSES DUE For the purposes of this acquisition the applicable NAICS code is 611519. Responses are requested no later than 10:00 AM April 15, 2024. Direct expression of interest as well as required documentation should be submitted in writing, via email, to IP Contracting Team IP_Contracting_Team@state.gov. All prospective offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of all other information pertaining to the synopsis and solicitation. RESPONSE SUBMISSION INFORMATION All potential sources with the capability to provide the requirements referenced in this RFI are invited to submit, in writing, sufficient information within the page limitations listed below. This information should demonstrate the respondent's ability to fulfill the technical, delivery, and support requirements and be responsive to the technical questions in this RFI as indicated below. We will not answer technical questions or provide additional technical information at this time via this request for information notice. Responses to this RFI shall include the following: A cover sheet which includes: Company Name Address Point of Contact E-mail Address Phone Number Unique Entity ID Primary Business and Market Areas Business Size and Socioeconomic Status (if applicable) Relevant Project Experience (two (2) page limit): The potential offerors need to demonstrate that they possess, within the last five years, experience similar to that described in this specified source sought category. Experience described above needs to include the offeror’s role, primary contractor, or sub-contractor. Each project experience needs to include the contract number, the US Agency or private company that awarded the contract and contract monetary value. The potential offerors need to document experience in coordinating with host nation government(s) to plan the work and mitigate or solve potential issues; Experience in providing supplies and services to support training activities and in importation of materials, equipment, manpower, and any other necessary resources required for the completion of projects. Capabilities of Successfully Completing projects: Ability to obtain business license/permit in Zambia required to operate; Ability to provide all required services, manpower, and materials; Ability to provide and deliver required materials and equipment to projects located in Zambia; Capabilities to import all required material and equipment through either sea or air transportation to Zambia; Ability that, should a solicitation be issued in the future for this requirement, offerors should declare if the offeror is applying as a primary contractor, a joint venture or partnership or other as applicable to their submission. Ability that, should sub-contractors figure into an offeror’s plans, the offeror will be expected to specify what percentage of work will be tasked to assigned sub-contractors. Period of Performance The proposed period of performance is a one-year base period and three one-year option years.