Request for Quotation (RFQ) – Technical Experts for USTDA-funded Programs

RFQ Issuance Date: April 1, 2021

Submission Deadline: Rolling

Description of Services Requested

Meridian International Center, a contractor to the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), is seeking to expand its roster of potential technical expert consultants with whom to collaborate on future proposals and, in the case of winning proposals, to implement virtual and/or in-person programs. Particular areas of technical expertise in which we are interested include:

  • Agriculture/agribusiness
  • Aviation/airport development
  • Energy (oil & gas, LNG, smart grids, nuclear)
  • Healthcare (management, leadership, technology)
  • Ports development & logistics
  • Rail development
  • Procurement best practices
  • Satellite/space technologies
  • ICT/internet connectivity

Program structure could include, but not be limited to, virtual training sessions, in-person conferences or training sessions, and/or in-person study tours or Reverse Trade Missions. More information about USTDA’s programs and mission can be found at https://ustda.gov/.

Functional Requirements

Both individuals and entities are welcome to respond to this RFQ.

Roles in proposals may include, but not be limited to, providing:

  • Technical inputs into proposed program content and structure, including suggesting topics, site visits, and relevant attendees from the respective sector
  • Background information on the sector or issue to be addressed, demonstrating the technical expert’s technical and/or regional expertise

Roles in program activities may include, but not be limited to:

  • Providing inputs into the program schedule and content, including suggesting topics, site visits, and relevant attendees from the respective sector
  • Developing informational materials and/or presentations on topics of expertise
  • Participating in virtual program components or traveling on in-person programs, international conditions permitting, to facilitate dialogue, answer participant questions on technical topics, and/or deliver presentations
  • Contributing to program reports

Submission Materials

To be considered for inclusion on Meridian’s technical expert roster, please submit the following to global@meridian.org:

  1. Your hourly and daily rate, with a statement specifying the rates are valid for at least one year from submission
  2. Your resume/CV
  3. A bio paragraph highlighting your experience in the relevant sector(s) and any specific country or regional expertise
  4. A statement confirming that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Individuals or entities may submit this information for as many technical topics as they would like.

Selection and Timing

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis with no set deadline at this time. We will confirm if you have been added to Meridian’s roster within 2 weeks of submission of your materials.

As Meridian receives Requests for Proposals (RFP) from USTDA, Meridian will review its roster and contact candidates it deems may be a good fit for programs on which Meridian decides to bid.

For any questions about this RFQ, please contact global@meridian.org.

General Terms

  • a) Meridian reserves the right to accept or reject any quotations or to cancel this RFQ process.
  • b) As USTDA RFPs are received by Meridian, Meridian will use its sole discretion to determine whether to bid on the RFPs and which technical expert candidates to consider, if any. If Meridian and the selected technical expert agree to bid on and/or implement an activity together, a non-disclosure agreement will be signed by both parties.
  • c) Inclusion in a Meridian proposal in response to a USTDA RFP is not a guarantee that the program will take place or that it will be implemented by Meridian. Technical experts and Meridian will not have any binding obligation to each other until such time as a contract for services may be signed by both parties. If a contract is signed by both parties, the relationship of the consultant to Meridian will be that of an independent contractor only. A W-9 tax form will be required in order to set up a contract for services.
  • d) Selected consultants will adhere to Data Processing Agreement terms and to prohibition on use of certain telecommunication and video surveillance services or equipment as defined in Section 889(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) and as more specifically defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.