• Job Description

  Req#: REQUE002235

  Request for Proposals

  United States Institute of Peace

  The Current Landscape of Peacekeeper Training

  Washington, DC

  Release Date: September 13, 2023

  RFP Due Date: 5:00pm EST on October 16, 2023

  Refer Questions (by 5:00pm EST Sunday, September 27, 2023 at the latest) to:	Submit Proposals to:
  Ouiem Chettaoui Ouchettaoui@usip.org and Yasmin Hersi yhersi@usip.org	Ouiem Chettaoui Ouchettaoui@usip.org and Yasmin Hersi yhersi@usip.org
  Pertinent responses will be made available to all offerors by e-mail. No inquiries will be accepted after specified time and date.	The response must be submitted by the time and date listed above to be considered.

  Introduction and Background

  The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for the United States and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, resolve violent conflict and build peace. For more information, please visit http://www.usip.org.

  Purpose of the RFP

  This project is a collaboration between the Gandhi-King Global Academy’s Curriculum and Training Design Team, the Center for Thematic Excellence’s Governance, Justice, and Security Team, and the Asia Center’s East Asia and Pacific Team.

  The purpose of the project is to analyze the evolution of training for international peacekeepers—including how training has evolved in response to changes in the nature of peacekeeping missions. The paper will identify key gaps in peacekeeper training by charting and assessing the contributions of peacekeeper training providers and providing detailed recommendations for organizations seeking to fill those gaps. The paper will also identify emerging trends in the peacekeeping training realm and provide recommendations on how to address them.

  USIP seeks a researcher, institutions, or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) (hereafter referred to as “Offeror”) capable of carrying out original research and interviews as well as engaging existing literature on the evolution of peacekeeping training. The ideal offeror(s) will demonstrate relevant experience in conducting original research, especially on themes relevant to this project, with the intention of developing practical recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

  Scope of Work

  Background

  USIP has been involved in training peacekeepers in non-violent conflict management and protection of civilians since 2008. USIP’s work has allowed the Institute to develop training content that addresses some of the unique challenges peacekeepers face in mission. Over the past 15 years, USIP has observed new trends and challenges arise, which has impacted curriculum design and training delivery. This RFP is designed to elicit research that studies the current global landscape of peacekeeping-related training support initiatives, identifying the major players and their areas of focus, as well as key training and coordination gaps and the role that USIP can play in addressing them.

  The form of training support and its provenance can impact peacekeeping missions in different ways and USIP is interested in better which currently provided training types, training content, and training executors help peacekeeping missions achieve their mandated goals, as well as which factors present stumbling blocks or unintended consequences.

  Project Goals and Objectives

  The objective of this project is to produce and deliver an original research report that can assist policymakers and practitioners in understanding how national and international support for peacekeeper training has evolved, where it stands now, and how peacekeeping training centers can transform or improve it. USIP’s dual goal is that this research project (1) identifies gaps in current peacekeeping trainings and opportunities to improve the overall effectiveness of multilateral peacekeeping missions, and (2) provides recommendations for the role that USIP can play in further supporting the training of peacekeepers.

  This research is not intended to be a comprehensive assessment of the history of peacekeeping or of each peacekeeping mission’s reality, but rather an assessment of whether current peacekeeping training is adequately responding to key trends missions are experiencing around the world, and the strategic choices that different countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, make when they opt in or out of peacekeeping mission training support.

  When analyzing perceptions of success and given the level of international financial and infrastructural training-related support offered to troop, police, and civilian contributing countries, USIP hopes this research can also shed light on the current level of pre-deployment self-sufficiency in terms of dedicated instructors, equipment, facilities, and training content by the top contributing countries from each key region (particularly in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region).

  Expected Contract Type Firm Fixed Price

  Scope

  The Offeror will design, research, and write an objective, evidence-based report on a policy topic determined between the Offeror and USIP. The report will consist of roughly 25,000 words on the current landscape of peacekeeper training, identifying key gaps and providing concrete recommendations for responding to those gaps. The research will be a combination of key informant interviews and desk study. The offeror can propose further forms of data collection for USIP’s consideration at the proposal selection stage. The Offeror will present their research findings at a closed door or public event.

  The Offeror will work with USIP staff throughout the project’s timeline through check-ins (frequency of check ins will be set during the contracting process.) After submitting the first draft, the Offeror will be invited to a private virtual meeting with USIP staff and relevant external experts to discuss the findings. The meeting’s goal will be to garner feedback that may be useful to improving the final version of the report.

  The Offeror will be responsible for:

  • Submitting a project plan.
  • Attending periodic check-ins with USIP COTR and program staff.
  • Drafting and submitting a quarterly report throughout the duration of the contract term.
  • Completing the research in accordance with the modalities outlined in this RFP and the resulting contractual agreement, including organizing and conducting interviews, transcribing notes, and ensuring interviewee consent for their statements to be published in order to complete the draft report submission.
  • Submitting the draft report.
  • Attending a workshop to address preliminary findings and received draft report feedback.
  • Submitting the final report and presenting on the findings and report at a USIP event.
  • The Offeror may need to submit the proposed research design for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval and must handle any translation or interpretation that their work requires.
  • Any subcontractors they may choose to involve in the research project.

  The final research product is subject to USIP’s internal review and editing process, and the Offeror will resolve all necessary revisions within the scope of the contract. Based on a request from USIP, and conditional on the final product not revealing information that can put anyone or an organization in danger, the Offeror will present a briefing of the findings for the public with a focus on targeting practitioners in the field, peacebuilders, policymakers, and USIP staff.

  Tentative Timeline

  Deliverable	Estimated Due Date
  Project Plan: methodological and data approach, data sources, assumptions, and risks mitigation.	Early December 2023
  Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (if required): If the research includes human subject research, the applicant may be required to acquire IRB approval. If necessary, USIP will support the IRB application process. Offeror must provide documentation of IRB review and approval and/or non-research determination to USIP, and receive written acknowledgement from the USIP COTR, prior to beginning any human subjects research activities.	January 2024
  Periodic check-ins : Virtual check-ins on research progress and to receive USIP feedback the desk research and literature review phase of the project.	To be determined
  Quarterly Reporting: USIP will provide a template for authors to submit quarterly progress reports to project leads	Quarterly
  Draft report(s) submission: A complete draft of the report(s) will be submitted to USIP for review.	End of February 2024
  W orkshop: Hybrid workshop to discuss preliminary research findings with relevant experts and get feedback on first draft	March 2024
  Final deliverable: Addresses comments or edits made by USIP after submission of draft report(s).	April 2024
  Publication: Pending approval from USIP’s publications team, the report will be finalized, formatted, and published.	July 2024
  Presentation of Findings and Report: The Offeror, in coordination with USIP, will participate in a public or closed-door event to present the research findings from the report.	July 2024

  Submission Requirements

  Any proposal that does not contain all items listed below may be considered nonresponsive. For more detail on the selection process, including corresponding evaluation criteria, please see Section V below. To be considered under this RFP, please submit the following:

  1. Technical Narrative Proposal The technical narrative proposal should be three to five pages, excluding the bibliography, and adhere to standard formatting practices. The successful proposal will clearly outline past relevant experience, identify the approach the Offeror will take, and a plan for execution. It should include the following sections:
     1. Description of the Research Issue : Please describe the research issue in your own words and the significance of your proposed contribution.
     2. Overall Approach and Methodology : Please describe the proposed approach to research, data collection, data analysis, and development of policy-relevant conclusions, and an implementation timeline. As noted above, the final research methodology and publication outline will be approved in consultation with USIP.
     3. Key Personnel, Specific Expertise, and Past Experience: If you plan to work with additional colleagues, describe their role, their level of knowledge, and how their experience is related and beneficial. Describe the overall staffing plan for the project.
     4. References: Describe at least two projects of similar scope and complexity the offeror has worked on previously. Provide a point of contact with telephone number and email address for at least one of the described projects.
     5. Institutional Review Board: USIP expects researchers to adhere to the ethical guidelines set out in Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which requires that human subject research be overseen by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). In order for USIP to determine if the project meets the definition of human subject research and will require IRB approval, please describe in a few sentences or less what type of research the project will involve: will it be based on desk research, interviews, surveys, etc.? If you will be conducting interviews, what types of interviews will be conducted and who will be interviewed?
     6. Sample Bibliography: A proposed bibliography of literature that the Offeror will draw from and refer to in their study. The selected Offeror may add to or remove literature from this list during the research phase of the study.
  2. Curriculum Vitae For each of the key personnel, please provide a CV of no more than three pages. CVs will not count as part of the number pages of the technical proposal.
  3. Cost Proposal The cost proposal shall include a detailed budget and a budget narrative. Budget must be in US dollars and in a spreadsheet format (e.g., Excel). Please use the template that is attached to the email. Please note that USIP allows nonprofit organizations to include up to 15% indirect cost recovery on total direct costs for contracts.
  4. Writing Sample Please provide a writing sample for each member of the research project. Writing samples should be no shorter than 1,000 words and no longer than 3,000 words.
  5. Financial Management Assessment Form Organizations must complete the Financial Management Assessment Form unless they have received Federal grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements in the past two years and can provide their audited financial statement from their most recent fiscal year. Please reach out to Yasmin Hersi (yhersi@usip.org) to request a copy of the Financial Management Assessment Form if it is not attached to the solicitation.
  6. Certification Page Complete and sign the Certification Page below and submit with the proposal.

  Selection Process

  Schedule

  Date	Schedule
  September 13, 2023	RFP issued
  September 27, 2023	Questions concerning RFP and project emailed to ouchettaoui@usip.org and yhersi@usip.org no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
  October 04, 2023	Answers to questions will be made available to all offerors.
  October 16, 2023	Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please submit to ouchettaoui@usip.org and yhersi@usip.org. Late submissions may not be accepted.
  October 23-27, 2023	Interviews with selected offerors
  November 01, 2023	Notification to selected offeror
  November 15, 2023	Estimated project commencement date

  USIP may adjust dates in the schedule or cancel this RFP at any time prior to contract award.

  Evaluation Criteria

  Proposals will be evaluated based on the criteria below. For more detail on each submission requirement, see Section IV of this RFP. The USIP Selection Committee will review all proposals received on time using the evaluation criteria established below based on the best value offered to USIP. The Selection Committee reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, to award multiple contracts, and/or to enter into negotiations with any party, in the best interests of the Institute.

  Evaluation Criteria	Corresponding Submission Requirement	Weight
  Technical Narrative Proposal	Overall Approach and Methodology	20%
  Description of Research Issue	15%
  Prior Experience	10%
  Writing Samples	10%
  Key Personnel, Staffing, and CV(s)	20%
  Institutional Review Board Consideration	5%
  Sample Bibliography	5%
  Cost Proposal	Detailed Cost Proposal	15%

  General Instructions and Terms

  1. Complete proposals must be submitted by email to ouchettaoui@usip.org and yhersi@usip.orgby 5:00 p.m. EST on September 22, 2023.
  2. The Institute is not liable for any costs incurred by offerors prior to issuance of an executed contract with the Institute.
  3. Submissions must be typed and submitted electronically and must include all submission requirements outlined in the Submission of Requirements section of this RFP. No changes or corrections to a response will be allowed after the deadline.
  4. All submissions should be in English and US dollars.
  5. Any questions concerning this RFP should be directed to Ouiem Chettaoui (at ouchettaoui@usip.org ) and Yasmin Hersi (at yhersi@usip.org). Pertinent responses will be made available to all offerors by email. No inquiries will be accepted after specified time and date.
  6. Any proposal not addressing all RFP requirements may be considered non-responsive. Late proposals may be rejected as non-responsive.
  7. This RFP is not an offer to enter into an agreement with any party, but rather a request to receive proposals from offerors (organizations or persons) interested in providing the services outlined herein. Such proposals shall be considered and treated by USIP as offers to enter into a contract.
  8. USIP shall not be obligated for the payment of any sums whatsoever to any recipient of this RFP until and unless a written contract between the parties is executed.
  9. Unless stated otherwise within this RFP, the selected Contractor shall be responsible for providing all equipment and/or supplies required to perform the services.
  10. The selected Contractor shall not discriminate against any person in accordance with Federal, state, or local law.
  11. The submission of any materials to USIP in response to this RFP will constitute (i) a representation that the Offeror owns or has unrestricted license to use and license such materials and all intellectual property expressed therein; and (ii) the grant of a non-exclusive license to USIP to use such materials and intellectual property for any purpose, including specifically the evaluation, negotiation, and documentation of a contract with any party.
  12. Offeror will commit to adhering to the attached USIP Terms & Conditions, else risk removal from consideration. Exceptions to these terms must be clearly outlined in an annex to the Technical Narrative Proposal. Please reach out to Ouiem Chettaoui (at ouchettaoui@usip.org ) and Yasmin Hersi (at yhersi@usip.org) to request a copy of USIP Terms and Conditions if they are not attached to the solicitation.

  Certification Page
  (Please submit with the proposal)

  A. The Offeror certifies that: (1) Prices in the offer have been arrived at independently without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other competitor; (2) Prices in the offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other competitor before bid opening or contract award unless otherwise required by law; and (3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other competitor to/not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition. B. Has the offeror received funding from USIP? Yes/No If yes, provide the grant or contract number and the offeror’s main point of contact at USIP:___________________________________________________________________________________

  On Behalf of Offeror:

  Name of Organization or Independent Contractor

  Signature of Authorized Official

  Printed Name of Authorized Official

  Title

  Date

• About the company

  The United States Institute of Peace is an American federal institution tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention worldwide.

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