REGIONAL TRADE LIBERALIZATION AND CUSTOMS PROJECT

This Notice is posted to comply with AIDAR 706.302-70(c)(1) and FAR 5.201. The contract with AECOM, 176-C-00-07-00011, will be modified to extend the period of performance and expand the Statement of Work. The Period of performance will be extended through September 30, 2011. AECOM will be able to implement additional trade facilitation activities in Central Asia. The South and Central Asia region is one of the least economically integrated regions in the world. Economic integration has been constrained by historical distrust, past conflicts and low levels of development. Department of State economic support funds managed by USAID, will fund the activities described as follows: Leverage Alumni/Mentoring Networks: The Presidential Entrepreneurship Summit, held April 26-27, attracted successful entrepreneurs and heads of business associations from Central Asia and Afghanistan. Department of State resources will work with this network of delegates - select alumni of other USG business-related exchanges, such as SABIT, government representatives - and relevant USAID project implementers. Businesses that have participated in large, international trade shows also will be invited as they have demonstrated a willingness to expand their business across borders. Establish Regional Trade Ties for Business Associations: Business associations exist throughout Central Asia and Afghanistan. However, most of them have minimal or no ties to their sister organizations in neighboring countries or to the American Chambers of Commerce in their host country. To facilitate regional trade, RTLC will bring the most dynamic associations together for training on specific topics, such as international standards and packaging requirements, best practices for advocacy for domestic trade policies, and linking the associations to existing global trade resources that would benefit their members (i.e., available market research and trade finance resources, domestic/regional trade legislation, on-line trade sites like alibaba.com and ebay, fair trade networks, etc.). Agricultural Standards: Agriculture remains an important sector in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Programs to increase the potential for farmers and small businesses to trade within Central Asia, and with Afghanistan and beyond would support economic growth and employment in the region. These fiscal Year 2009/2010 funds will focus on foundational programs to help farmers and processing companies in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan improve their ability to trade and export in the region. Successful elements of this program will be expanded more broadly in the region to include participants from Afghanistan. Improve Regional Transportation Networks: Department of State resources will also be used to empower regional transportation organizations. Road haulage and transportation agreements exist between and among the countries in Central Asia and Afghanistan, but implementation is inconsistent and erratic. We will bring together transportation organizations in the region for training on international norms, such as the International Road Transit Agreement, and to exchange best practices to improve regional transportation and overcome barriers to regional and international commerce. The price of the contract is increased by $750,000, from $15,422,220.00 to $16,172,220.00. The Contracting Officer at USAID/CAR in Almaty, Kazakhstan has determined, in accordance with AIDAR 706.302-70(b)(5), that full and open competition need not be obtained. Proposals are not being requested and a solicitation will not be issued.