R -- Macedonia Business Enviroment Activity

DESCRIPTION: The US Agency for International Development, Regional Services Center (RSC) intends to issue an Request for Proposal (RFP) on behalf of its client Mission, USAID Macedonia in anticipation of a cost-reimbursement contract to implement a project to develop and strengthen the enabling environment for doing business in Macedonia in order to promote an environment conducive to business formation and growth, and to address the issue of high unemployment. It is expected that the Macedonian Business Environment Activity (MBEA) will contribute towards the following objectives: • The Government of Macedonia (GOM) implements a focused and successful economic development strategy, with readily available data and analysis on trends, performance and quality of the Macedonian economy in general, and specific branches in particular; • Public-private dialogue is institutionalized and applied regularly in developing crucial strategies and policies; • The legal and regulatory framework applies a transparent process of enactment, delivering an effective and clear level playing field for all stakeholders; • Investment capacity improved, through introduction of new financial products, including products for non-bank financial services and for local government; • Reduced level of unemployment, improved performance by a more flexible labor market through administrative and legal measures, and increased level of satisfaction in employee-employer relations; • A functional pension insurance system, with effective supervision and improved benefits for retired employees; • Strengthening the independence of regulatory agencies, along with their investigative and punitive powers. This is a full and open competition and the procedures set forth in FAR Part 15 shall apply. The authorized geographic code for this activity is 000 (U.S.). USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns and women-owned small business in this activity as prime contractor or as subcontractor in accordance with Part 19 of the FAR. USAID anticipates awarding a single contract with a period of performance for five years with a total estimated cost of $9.3 million. The RFP will be posted on the FEDBIZOPPS web page (www.fedbizopps.gov) not less than 15 days after this notice is issued. In accordance with FAR 5.102(d) availability of the solicitation is limited to this electronic medium only. Requests for other copies of the RFP will be disregarded without notice to the requestor. No phone requests will be accepted, no RFP will be available for pick-up, and no walk-ins will be allowed. Please do not contract USAID/Macedonia directly, since all communication must be through this office. The release of this notice in no way obligates USAID or the US Government to release an RFP or make an award of any type.