USAID Trade Facilitation Program

Dear Interested Parties, The United States Agency for International Development in Vietnam (USAID/Vietnam) intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a five-year contract for USAID/Vietnam Trade Facilitation Program. USAID intends to use full and open competition for this procurement. The solicitation is anticipated to be released on or about January 31, 2018 and will be made available electronically upon its release to www.fbo.gov. The purpose of the program will be to support Vietnam to adopt and implement a risk management approach to customs, which will facilitate the implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement of which both Vietnam and the United States are members. The objectives of the program will be to achieve the simplification, harmonization, professionalization, and adoption and implementation of risk management customs approaches at the national and provincial levels to expedite cross-border trade and to enable Vietnam to implement WTO TFA commitments. To implement risk management approaches, there needs to be simplified policies and procedures across GVN units, stronger linkages between national and provincial levels, and improved coordination and implementation at the provincial level. Further, to effectively implement a risk management system, GVN needs to strengthen trust and communication between the GVN and private sector. Prospective Offerors are advised that this procurement is subject to internal USAID approvals and the availability of funds. This is NOT an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and in no way obligates the US Government to issue an RFP/IFB and/or award a contract. This notice satisfies the synopsis requirement in FAR 5.2. If a solicitation is issued, all necessary information will be supplied at the time it is posted at www.fbo.gov. Questions/requests for information will not be responded to until RFP issuance. Interested parties are advised to periodically monitor the above website and solicitation number for updates concerning this procurement. Sincerely, /s/ Michael Capobianco Contracting Officer