Uswdp afghanistan call for proposal

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The Center for International Education
at UMass Amherst
Request for Proposals
RFP#UMST201701
Hosting and Logistical Support for Best Practices Study Exchange:
Master of Educational Leadership and Management
Shaheed Rabani Educational University, Afghanistan/University of Massachusetts, USA
(January, 2017)
Associate Degree of Information Technology
Kabul Polytechnic University, Afghanistan/Central Georgia Technical Community College,
USA
(February, 2017)

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RFP No. UMST201701
Issue Date September 2, 2016
Title University Support and Workforce Development Program (USWDP)
Sponsored Study Exchanges from Afghanistan
Purpose of RFP The University of Massachusetts, as part of the USAID-funded University
Support and Workforce Development Program (USWDP), invites your
institution to submit proposals to host and manage the logistics of either
one or both two-week study course programs.
The first program consists of fifteen participants (15), including 10
faculty from the Master’s in Educational Leadership & Management at
Shaheed Rabani Education University, Afghanistan.
The second program consists of nine participants (9), including five
faculty from the Associate Degree in Information Technology at Kabul
Polytechnic University, Afghanistan.
The remaining participants for each program represent technical
trainers, translators and program staff.
Deadline for Questions All questions must be submitted in writing via email to:
hepcie@inbox.com by Friday, September 16, 2016. Questions received
will be compiled, answered, and shared with all bidders.
Deadline for Receipt of
Proposals
Friday, September 30, 2016. Late offers will be rejected except under
extraordinary circumstances at UMass/USWDP’s discretion. Please
submit your proposal via email to: hepcie@inbox.com.
Basis for Award Award will be made to the Offeror whose final offer represents the best
value using a combination of logistical/non-cost factors and cost factors.
For this procurement, logistical support merit is more important, and
comprises a greater weight (70%) than cost factors, (30%).
Anticipated Award Type Cost Reimbursable Contract
Period of Performance Approximately two weeks for each Study Exchange
Minimum Eligibility
Requirements
Demonstrated experience in arranging/managing the logistics of study
courses for senior faculty members from developing countries to include
professional meeting and training facilities, lodging, appropriate
technology, access to culturally appropriate foods, demonstrated
sensitivity to religious and cultural differences.
Payments Bank wire transfer or check in the name of the vendor with whom the
purchase order is signed will make payments. No cash payments will be
made under this award. The University of Massachusetts reserves the right
not to award a contract to any of the bidders. Offerors will not be
reimbursed for any costs associated with the preparation of their bids.

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Vetting requirement Partner vetting after selection will be required for any Non-US parties if
the award will be equal to or in excess of $25,000, or if the cumulative
amount of awards to the vendor is anticipated to reach $25,000. Vendors
requiring vetting will be asked to provide detailed information on the
officers of the company or organization and this information shall be
submitted to the USAID Vetting Support Unit. Award will be made after a
vetting determination is received from USAID.
Procurement Ethics By submitting a proposal, Offerors certify that they have not/will not
attempt to bribe or make any payments to the University of Massachusetts
or USWDP employees in return for preference, or in an attempt to affect
the results of the award. Any reports of fraud or corruption will not be
tolerated, and subcontractors/grantees/vendors who engage in such
activities will face serious consequences.
Disclaimers and Protection
Clauses
The University of Massachusetts/USWDP:
• Reserves the right to cancel this solicitation and not make any award
• May reject any or all responses received
• Reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on Offeror failure to
follow solicitation instructions
• Will not compensate Offerors for responses to solicitation
• Reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers
without further discussion
• Reserves the right to award only part of the activities in the solicitation
• Reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be
corrected prior to award determination to promote competition
• Will contact Offerors to verify the contact person, address and that bid
was submitted from the Offeror

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I. BACKGROUND
The Afghanistan University Support and Workforce Development Program (USWDP), a five-
year USAID-funded project (2014-2018), implemented by FHI 360, an international NGO, based
in the United States, is designed to help Afghanistan’s higher education professionals effectively
manage the growth of tertiary education while improving academic quality. The University of
Massachusetts is a sub-contractor to FHI360 and is responsible for some Master’s degrees and
Associate Degrees. This RFP is for study exchanges linked to the UMass managed degrees.
Building on the successes of the Afghanistan Higher Education Project (HEP, 2006-2014) and
other initiatives, USWDP is improving the management capacity of the Ministry of Higher
Education (MoHE) and a select number of public universities. It helps build the capacity of the
MoHE to implement key strategies designed to ensure quality education and employment for the
increasing number of Afghan men and women graduating from public and private higher
education institutions. USWDP implements capacity development activities to improve the
academic, administrative and financial functions of universities to manage education resources
and ensure quality academic programs. The project also helps universities create learning
environments that foster well qualified and professional faculty members, highly capable and
motivated students, diverse, innovative and market-oriented academic programs, sustainable
public-private collaboration, international university partnerships, and other innovations that
move Afghanistan toward the higher education system it deserves.
II. OVERVIEW OF TWO USWDP SPONSORED STUDY EXCHANGES
NOTE: All technical design and training will be the responsibility of USWDP and the U.S.
based Institutional Partners.
Credit will be given to the successful bidder submitting a competitive proposal for all logistical
support to include a secure location for participant training in a professional setting with
appropriate audio/visual equipment such as laptops, projectors and white boards, reliable internet
capability, and conference style seating. The successful host institution will also provide two
cultural activity days and two half days for activities with appropriate faculty and academic
leaders as outlined below, lodging, training facilities and equipment, all transportation and meals
for trainers and participants. A budget template and draft schedule for each have been provided
as attachments to this RFP to assist with preparation of the proposal.
Masters of Educational Leadership & Management Best Practices
Study Exchange (January 8 – 21, 2017): 15 Participants
With the understanding that educational institutions play a key role in promoting effective
management and leadership skills that have contributed to a wide spectrum of positive changes
throughout in a wide range of countries throughout the world, Shaheed Rabani Education
University (SREU) has established a Master’s Degree of Educational Leadership and
Management (MELM) to train leaders and managers within the education sector in order to

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ensure effectiveness and quality of education in Afghanistan. This program aims to produce
meritorious, professional, skilled, and committed leaders and managers who can have a positive
impact on a high quality education sector. The students will acquire expert knowledge and skills
through the successful completion of a two-year, 40-credit program.
The MELM Best Practices Study Tour will provide an opportunity for ten (10) MELM faculty
members and academic leaders to receive professional training in curriculum development,
pedagogy, program assessment and active learning techniques. Participants have been selected
based on their past and likely future involvement in the implementation of the MELM program.
Overall Objectives of Study Course
The purposes and objectives of the program are as follows:
1) To have first-hand experience in finalizing curriculum and linking overall program
learning objectives to individual courses, ensuring consistency in course-based
assessments and program outcomes.
2) To receive training in pedagogical approaches to teaching that include active learning,
participatory and team-based learning techniques implemented in a quality higher
education setting.
3) To have first-hand experience of graduate education administration and assessment tools
implemented in other quality higher education settings.
4) To use the knowledge gained in the successful implementation and assessment of the
MELM program.
Suggested activities in addition to faculty training during the study course are:
1. Visiting Master’s degree classes in a local higher education institution to see examples of
high-quality programs in various areas of Educational Leadership & Management;
2. Visiting student support services offices to see examples of other provisions offered to
students (related to course registration, career development, etc.);
3. Arranging meetings between the hosting institute/university’s Associate Degree faculty
program administrators/other relevant stakeholders and Study Tour Participants.
4. Organizing a one-day tour for participants to visit important historical, cultural sites, with a
host to accompany the participants.
This training includes twenty (20) half-day training slots, cultural activities and meetings with local
faculty and administrators to be arranged by the host institution (see Appendix B).
All technical training will be provided by five (5) USWDP field staff and faculty from the
U.S. based partner institution for this program, University of Massachusetts. Language of
instruction will be in English with the assistance of Afghan translators, provided by the
contractor.
Associate Degree in Information Technology Best Practices Study

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Exchange (February 17 – 25, 2017): 9 Participants
The Associate Degree programs are designed to align higher education institutions in Afghanistan with
current workforce demands. One key element of this program is to add workforce relevant, associate
degree programs at selected Afghan universities. In order to expand the scope and capacity of the new
associate degree in Information Technology at KPU a study course is planned to train five (5) program
faculty and enhance the success of the overall program.
Purpose/Objectives:
1. To allow KPU instructors to meet with faculty members in comparable degree
programs to understand the delivery of instruction to include lectures and hands-on
activities (laptops should be made available by the host institution for each participant
as well as one (1) old workstation computer for disassembly and instruction)
2. To gain a better understanding of workforce development and hands-on training.
3. To participate in professional development activities to learn new instructional
techniques and pedagogy.
4. To participate in delivery of Telepresence video conferencing to understand more
clearly how to effectively use this type of technology for instruction.
Suggested activities in addition to faculty training during the study course include:
1. Visiting classes that are currently in session to see examples of high-quality programs in
various areas of Information Technology;
2. Visiting student support services offices to see examples of other provisions offered to
students (related to course registration, career development, etc.);
3. Arranging meetings between the hosting institute/university’s Associate Degree faculty
program administrators/other relevant stakeholders and Study Tour Participants.
4. Organizing a one-day tour for participants to visit important historical, cultural sites, with a
host to accompany the participants.
This training includes twelve (12) half-day training slots, cultural activities and meetings with local
faculty and administrators to be arranged by the host institution (see Appendix C).
All technical training will be provided by four (4) USWDP field staff and faculty from the U.S.
based partner institution for this program, Central Georgia Technical College. Language of
instruction will be in English with the assistance of Afghan translators, provided by the contractor.
III. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS
All documents must be submitted in English language.
Proposal should contain the following documents:
Cover letter on the Institution’s letterhead signed by an authorized representative. The letter
should include full address, contact information, and points of contact, including the

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organization’s authorized negotiators. The letter should clearly indicate the full support of the
institution for the activity being proposed.
PART A – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL
1) Management/Logistics
Using the attached template, please outline detailed logistical support for the two-week training
period that demonstrates your ability to provide the technical trainers with the proper local
supports for the achievement of the study course objectives.
A detailed logistical schedule from the successful bidder should capture the date of arrival in
your country through the date of departure, including ALL direct local support including
transportation (including airport arrival and departure) for the group, lodging, and facilities for
the training, including audio-visual equipment, reliable internet access, computer labs/laptops
and meals. Once selected, the institution will work with the USWDP technical team to finalize
the logistics of the schedule for each study course.
2) Past Performance/Relevant Experience
The Offeror must demonstrate relevant past experience in arranging similar types of international
study courses. Use the Past Performance template in Appendix A to provide a list of relevant
programs, which were successfully implemented. Include names and address of clients and
institutions for which similar work was performed, current telephone number, email address,
contract/grant name and number, total award amount, and period of performance.
Each group will include a member of the USWDP staff responsible for travel escort, translation
and ensuring specific personal and cultural needs are being met by the host institution throughout
the training. The Offeror must demonstrate a cultural competence and experience working with
conservative Islamic groups in their proposal by providing a schedule that takes into
consideration specific food and drink, religious and other cultural practices which are unique to
participants from Afghanistan.
3) Proposed Personnel and Organizational Capacity
Outline the proposed staffing plan for delivery of either one or both study courses, demonstrating
how the overall program will be managed. Describe qualifications of the proposed Program
Manager, administrative and logistical staff.
4) Reference Letters
Offerors who provide two reference letters to demonstrate prior client satisfaction with similar
services will strengthen the competitiveness of the proposal. Provide the reference letters in
Appendix C.
PART B – COST PROPOSAL

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To be completed and submitted in a separate email (separate from the technical proposal.) Use
the excel format template in accordance with the following instructions (no page limit).
1) Detailed Budget
The Offeror must provide a budget that includes sufficient detailed information to determine cost
reasonableness.
a. The detailed budget should include any and all fixed fees, local transportation
(including airport arrival and departure), lodging, meals (Halal), facility and room
rental for training, equipment and supplies, indirect costs; and fees/profit if any
USWDP will facilitate all travel arrangements, including obtaining the necessary
visas, to/from the host country and pay the participants directly funds for
incidental expenses.
b. Offerors may add any cost line items, as required in the detailed budget. The
Offeror should provide detailed budget notes explaining the cost estimates and
assumptions along with the budget.
IV. EVALUATION
An evaluation of technical proposal will be conducted prior to the evaluation of cost proposals.
The Price Component will be evaluated for bids where the Technical Component of the proposal
is deemed acceptable.
V. SUBMISSION OF OFFERS
Interested organizations are required to submit a complete package as described in this
solicitation comprising of technical proposal, supporting documentation, and any other materials
specified, to the University of Massachusetts at the date, time and address indicated on the cover
sheet of this document. All offers must be dated and signed by an authorized representative of
the offeror’s organization.
Offeror should provide the name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers, and e-mail address
of the individual in the offeror’s organization to be contacted, if necessary, during the evaluation
of the proposal.
Electronic Submission Requirements
Proposals should be submitted via email to Shane Hammond at hepcie@inbox.com. The subject
of the submission email should state the following:
Study Exchange Proposal, Offeror’s name, RFP#UMST201701
All email attachments should be submitted in a PDF format. If you send your offer by multiple e-
mails, indicate in the subject line of the email whether the e-mail relates to the technical or price
offer, and the desired sequence of multiple e-mails and sequence of attachments (e.g.
Organization X, RFQ #, Part 1 of 4, etc.). You are requested to consolidate, as much as possible,

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the various parts of your technical application into one technical application document and the
various parts of your cost application into one cost application document.
Once sent, check your own e-mails to confirm that your attachments were indeed sent. If you
discover an error in your transmission, re-send the material again and note in the subject line of
the email that it is a "corrected" submission. Do not send the same e-mail more than once unless
there has been a change, and if so, note that it is a corrected e-mail. Each offeror is responsible
for its submissions.
You will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your proposals.
Any proposal received after the due date and time may not be accepted and shall be considered
non-responsive.

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Appendix A: Past Performance Chart
Include projects that best illustrate your relevant experience supporting similar type of study courses
# Project Title
Description of
Activities
Client Name, Contact
Name & Tel/Email
Funding Agency if
applicable (eg.
USAID/UN)
Location
Cost in
USD
Period of
Performance
Type of
Agreement,
Subcontract,
Grant, PO
(fixed price,
cost
reimbursable)
1
2
3
4
5

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APPENDIX B: MELM Study Exchange Detailed Schedule
MELM Best Practices Study Exchange – Tentative Schedule
January 2016 Daily Activities
8 – Sunday AM – Arrival/Check in to hotel
PM - Brief Orientation/Welcome
9 – Monday AM – Detailed orientation/overview of Agenda
Introductions of Participants & Trainers
PM – Review of MELM Learning Objectives & Curriculum followed by small group
assessment exercise – How closely does the program to date align with the Policy
Document/Objectives?
Evening – Welcome Reception
10 – Tuesday AM – Syllabus Development Workshop
Assign syllabi to working groups
PM – Lesson Planning Workshop
11 – Wednesday AM – Active Learning Techniques Workshop
PM - Work on Individual Lesson Plan
12 – Thursday AM – Work on Syllabi (small groups)
PM – Visit Center for Teaching & Faculty Development at Host Institution
PM – Classroom Observation - TBD
13 – Friday AM – Instructional Assessment Workshop
PM - Curriculum Development Preview
Early PM – Visit to Mosque
14 – Saturday Free time/Cultural Activities – TBD
15 – Sunday AM – Free time/Cultural Activities - TBD

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PM – Working dinner – Discussion of Week 1 & Overview of Week 2
16 – Monday AM – Curriculum Development Workshop
PM – Curriculum Development Workshop continued
17 – Tuesday AM – Work on Syllabi/Sample Lesson Plans
PM – Discussion of Thesis/Capstone options
18 – Wednesday AM – Continued Work on Syllabi/Lesson Plans
PM – Classroom Observation - TBD
19 – Thursday AM – Academic Advising Workshop
PM – Academic Advising Continued
20 – Friday AM – Revisit MELM Learning Outcomes vis-à-vis Syllabi
AM – Presentation of Syllabi/Discussion
PM – Presentation of sample unit and lesson plans (with assessment)/Discussion
EVENING – Final Dinner/Debrief
21 – Saturday AM – Check out of Hotel/Travel to Airport

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Appendix C: IT Study Exchange Detailed Schedule
FRIDAY 2/17 Participant PM Arrival
SATURDAY 2/18
9:00 - 10:30 Orientation
10:30 - 12:00 Group Activity (TBD)
12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch
1:00 - 3:00 Meetings with host institution IT faculty and academic leaders
(TBD)
6:00pm Opening Reception
SUNDAY 2/19
8:00 - 8:15 Meet and Greet Meet and Greet
8:15 - 9:45 Java: Code your own classes and methods Cisco: OSI Ref Model & TCP/IP Model
10:00 - 11:30 Java: Working with primitive types and operators Cisco: Binary vs Hexadecimal vs Decimal
LUNCH
12:45 - 2:15 SQL: Relational database design including: tables, OS: Installing, configuring and upgrading Operating Systems
2:30 - 4:00 forms, relationships, and normalization continued
MONDAY 2/20
8:15 - 9:45 Java: Working with arrays, inheritance, interfaces, Cisco: IPv4 Classful Subnetting
10:00 - 11:30 inner classes, enumerations Cisco: IPv4 Classless Subnetting
LUNCH
12:45 - 2:15 Java: Working with a MySQL database OS: Managing Storage, File Systems, hardware, system
resources
2:30 - 4:00 SQL: Data retrieval using SQL preparing queries OS: Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance of OS
TUESDAY 2/21
8:15 - 9:45 Java: Use JDBC to work with a database Cisco: IPv6 Addressing and Subnetting
10:00 - 11:30 Java: Develop a GUI with Swing Cisco: Basic Switch configuration
LUNCH

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12:45 - 2:15 SQL: Data Modification update and insert OS: Virtual / Cloud computing
2:30 - 4:00 SQL: Developing and using SQL Procedures
WEDNESDAY 2/22
8:15 - 9:45 HDWR: Install, configure, optimize hardware components Cisco: Basic Router configuration
10:00 - 11:30 continued Cisco: Static Routing
LUNCH
12:45 - 2:15 HDWR: Install, configure, optimize security components Cisco: OSPF routing
2:30 - 4:00 continued continued
THURSDAY 2/23
8:15 - 9:45 HDWR: Common hdwr/sftr trouleshooting scenarios Cisco: Access Control Lists
10:00 - 11:30 HDWR: Safety and environmental procedures continued
LUNCH
12:45 - 2:15 HDWR/OS: Building a computer Cisco: Hands-On Final
2:30 - 4:00 continued continued
FRIDAY 2/24
10:00 - 3:00 Cultural Activities
6:00pm CLOSING DINNER
SATURDAY 2/25
8:15 Training Review Training Review
12:00PM DEPARTURE