U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

U.S. Embassy Niamey Notice of Funding Opportunity

Post believes all youth should be prepared to be good citizens in digital environments, just as they are expected to be good citizens in the physical world.

Funding Opportunity Title: Promoting Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet in Today’s Digital Age.
Funding Opportunity Number: PDS-Niamey-FY23-American Spaces
Deadline for Applications: September 12, 2023
Assistance Listing Number: 19.441 – ECE – American Spaces
Total Amount Available: Up to $22,800, pending availability of funds.

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Niamey announces an open competition for organizations and individual to submit proposals to develop and implement a national program to promote the safe and responsible use of the internet in today’s digital world. This program will be designed to provide Nigerien influencers with instructions on safe and appropriate uses of technology and on digital citizenship and internet safety. The successful candidate will develop a series of training courses on responsible and efficient use of the Internet, as well as computer tools in general.Please follow all instructions below. This NOFO is subject to the availability of funding.
Regions (training sites): Niamey, Zinder.

Program Objectives:
Proposals for projects must focus on one or more aspects of the responsible use of internet specified below:
• Know the legal environment that governs the use of the internet
• Know how to take advantage of the internet
• Become a responsible cyber-citizen
• Think critically about all kinds of media messages, including those associated with hate speech, violence, etc.
• Evaluate the credibility and motivation of the sources of messages received.
• Better recognize dangerous situations on the internet.

Participants and Audiences:
Participants should:
• Be Nigerien citizens between the ages of 18 and 45
• Be known as “influencers” and be very present on social media
• Be enthusiastic about sharing what they have learned with their followers.

B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION
This notice is subject to availability of ECA American Spaces funding.
Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.
In the case of this program, Embassy Niamey’s Public Diplomacy Section will be significantly involved in the set up and execution of the program. The Director of Public Diplomacy, the Public Diplomacy Officer, the Public Engagement Specialist, the Strategic Content Specialist and the American Spaces Director will work closely with the recipient to establish an array of training sessions on the responsible use of internet.
Program Performance Period: Proposed program activities should be implemented throughout the year. The Department of State will entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of ECA Am spaces funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.

C. ELIGILIBITY INFORMATION
1. Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
• Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
• Public and private educational institutions
2. Cost Sharing or Matching
Cost sharing is not a requirement. However, the panel will consider voluntary cost-sharing during its evaluation. If there are two proposals of about equal strength the tiebreaker will likely favor the organization that provides at least some cost-sharing.
3. Other Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a unique entity identifier, as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for information on how to obtain these registrations.
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per individual or group of individuals. If more than one proposal is submitted from an individual or group of individuals, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

D. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Applications must be in English.
2. Applications must be sent to NiameyPD@state.gov

Content of Application
Please ensure:
• The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity.
• All documents are in English.
• All budgets are in U.S. dollars. If you would like, you may include a CFA equivalent.
• All pages are numbered.
• All documents are formatted to 8 ½ x 11 paper, and
• All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins.
The following documents are required:
Summary Page: Cover sheet stating the applicant’s name and university, proposal date, program title, program period proposed start and end date, and brief purpose of the program.
Proposal (10 pages maximum): The proposal should contain sufficient information that anyone not familiar with it would understand exactly what the applicant wants to do. You may use your own proposal format, but it must include all the items below.
• 1-page CV or resume and bio of key personnel who are proposed for the program
• Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner
Required Registrations:
Applicants must complete and submit the following forms:
For organizations:
• Federal Government Assistance Form: SF424
• Budget Information Form: SF424A
• Assurances: SF424B
• Budget Narrative Attachment form:
For Individuals:
• SF424 I
• SF424A
• SF424B
Forms are available at the U.S. Embassy in Niger’s website: https://ne.usembassy.gov/

Funding Restrictions
Award funds cannot be used for activities where the primary audience members are U.S. Citizens.
Other Submission Requirements
All application materials must be submitted by email to NiameyPD@state.gov.

E. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
1. Criteria
Each application will be evaluated and rated based on the evaluation criteria outlined below. Sustainability – 25 points: Program activities will continue to have positive impact after the end of the program, and the implementer is likely to be able to transition the American Corner to official status.
Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 20 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 20 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated, and program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
Monitoring and evaluation plan – 10 points: Applicant demonstrates ability to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.
Reminder: Cost sharing is not a requirement. However, the panel will consider voluntary costsharing during its evaluation, and if there are two proposals of about equal strength the tiebreaker will likely favor the organization that provides at least some cost-sharing.
2. Review and Selection Process
A review committee of both U.S. and Nigerien embassy employees will evaluate all eligible applications.
F. FEDERAL AWARD ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION
1. Federal Award Notices
The grant award or cooperative agreement will be written, signed, awarded, and administered by the Grants Officer. The assistance award agreement is the authorizing document, and it will be provided to the recipient for review and signature by email. The recipient may only start incurring program expenses beginning on the start date shown on the grant award document signed by the Grants Officer.
If a proposal is selected for funding, the Department of State has no obligation to provide any additional future funding. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the discretion of the Department of State.
Issuance of this NOFO does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. government, nor does it commit the U.S. government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Further, the U.S. government reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received.
Payment Method: Frequency and method of payment will be negotiated with the recipient prior to the award.2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements Before applying, applicants should review all the terms and conditions and required certifications which will apply to this award, to ensure that they will be able to comply.
3. Reporting
Reporting Requirements: Recipients will be required to submit financial reports and program reports. The award document will specify how often these reports must be submitted. The proposal must include monthly reporting related to number of attendees and types and frequency of events held. A final year-end report is also required.

G. FEDERAL AWARDING AGENCY CONTACTS
If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact: NiameyPD@state.gov.

Request for Quotations RFQ#11972468

 

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is seeking prospective contractors to perform preventive maintenance service on the utility AVR at American Embassy Niamey.  The U.S. Embassy in Niamey invites you to submit a quotation for preventive maintenance service on the utility AVR.

Submit your quotation in a sealed envelope marked “Quotation Enclosed” to the Procurement Section , American embassy Niamey BP:11201 on or before September 08th  , 2023 at 17:30 pm local time or by mail at Niameygsoprocurement@state.gov . No quotations will be accepted after this time. Prospective contractors need to be registered on www.sam.gov (system of award management).

 

EXHIBIT A – STATEMENT OF WORK – LOW VOLTAGE AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATORS

 

I.   GENERAL INFORMATION:

The United States Embassy in Niamey requires professional services and contractor cost proposals to perform preventive maintenance services of the facility’s automatic voltage regulators (AVR).

 

II. PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall perform preventive maintenance as described in this STATEMENT OF WORK.  The objective of scheduled preventive maintenance is to eliminate system malfunction, breakdown and deterioration when units are activated/running.

 

DESCRIPTION OF EQUIPMENT *:

The attached equipment list provides details of the equipment to be maintained. – –

 

III.           GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Contractor shall provide the labor, tools, and materials required to perform all preventive maintenance as outlined in this SOW. Embassy staff have service manuals for AVR’s on-site.

The contractor shall confirm government provided manuals are complete and current and provide the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) a listing of any missing or out of date manuals.

 

• The Automatic Voltage Regulator is a power stabilizer and is an essential component of the Diplomatic Facility’s Electrical Supply System. Therefore the Contactor shall ensure work is performed in a manner to return to normal operation immediately if, requested.

 

IV. SCOPE OF WORK – – AVR PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

The approved contractor must provide a Factory Certified Technician (OEM) with a minimum of five years LV-AVR maintenance experience for the corresponding make of LV-AVR(s) being serviced, for example, Ortea to service Ortea, UST to service UST, Watford to service Watford and PS&C to service PS&C etc. to perform the factory service work on the United States Government’s LV-AVR(s) and equipment. These qualified technician(s) are required to be on-site for the servicing and testing of the LV-AVR(s) and must be accompanied by the Post or OBO appointed electrician responsible for the LV-AVR(s) isolation from the Power Source. The requirement for electrical safety training also applies to this contract.

Contractor shall provide all materials, supervision, labor, tools and equipment to perform preventive maintenance. All personnel working in the vicinity shall wear and /or use appropriate safety protection while all work is performed; LV-AVR manufacturer preventive maintenance procedures shall be followed. Any questions or injuries shall be brought to the attention of the Post COR and Occupation Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) immediately. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all HAZMAT shall be submitted by the Contractor for all HAZMAT materials.  Copies shall be provided to the COR for approval. Only Omniverter/ Ortea Certified Engineers shall perform the preventive maintenance service for the equipment listed below.

The systems and components to be maintained include Power Circuit Board (PCB), isolating transformers, ventilation, digital metering system, by-pass systems, remote alarm panel as well as control and monitoring systems.  The attached equipment list provides details.

1. The contractor shall provide the COR with a list of necessary parts and materials.
2. Preventive maintenance parts shall be provided at the expense of the U.S. Govt.
3. The contractor shall provide emergency assistance for LV-AVR support, priced at an hourly rate, within 72 hrs of being contacted by the COR.
4. The Government will not provide equipment for AVR testing: Multimeters; Power Monitors, Infrared Thermography equipment, Oscilloscope, etc.

If any discrepancies are found with the AVR(s) that are not covered under this scope of work then the contractor shall provide the following:

1. Detailed report noting the discrepancy found.
2. Bill of Materials (BOM) to include component name, quantity, part #, and price for any repair material required and material lead time.
3. The contractor shall provide emergency assistance for AVR support within 72 hours of being contacted by the COR.
4. Price quote for repair labor.

SAFETY & SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Safety is the highest priority on this and all OBO/CFSM/FAC projects/operations.  OBO SHEM policy is to work de-energized!  The team leader shall direct all of those under his/her charge to work safely.  Regular safety meetings shall be held among on-site personnel and safety concerns shall be brought to the attention of the Post Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) and/or the COR/COTR. The contractor is expected to provide all required PPE for the technicians to work safely on all OBO locations worldwide. (LOTO) lock out tag out is to be strictly enforced.

 

1. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing work.
2. Contractor shall conduct a safety meeting prior to the start of work.
3. Contractor shall provide a lead safety person prior to the start of work.
4. Check all work areas, tools, and equipment to ensure unsafe conditions are eliminated or guarded against.
5. Follow site safety procedures.
6. Schedule maintenance with operating personnel and affected offices (security).
7. Follow approved Embassy lockout/tag out procedures.
8. Lockout and disconnect the main power before tightening the main supply lugs in order to avoid the hazard of electrical shock, which could result in serious personal injury or death.
9. Review and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Record results in the equipment history log.
11. Remove lockout/tag out in accordance with appropriate Embassy procedures.
12. Report all incidents and near miss incidents to COR and assist as requested in the investigation and corrective action.

At a minimum, the contractor shall comply with the following:

Notes:

• Contractor shall submit to the COR for review, work sheet/checklist that will be used for performing maintenance service.
• Contractor shall submit a request for operation on the site generator and numbers of days of service when the LV-AVR unit is turned off and isolated for service. Each day, if at all possible the LV-AVR is to be returned to normal operation daily.
• A discrepancy report shall be submitted to the COR immediately upon discovery of any condition that could result in equipment failure.
• Test and inspection report shall be submitted to the COR within three days of completing work.

Maintenance Interval Schedule

The purpose of this Statement of Work is to ensure the automatic voltage regulator for this facility are maintained according to manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the readiness and proper operation of the system.

Coordination of scheduling maintenance shall begin 90 days in advance.  (Intent: Contractor needs to make contact with post to begin scheduling and outage coordination 90 days in advance).

 

General

• Clean transformers and all electro- mechanical components removing dust, dirt and rust
• Check the correct tightening of the transmission units’ connections
• Check that the electrical connections are tight
• Check that the auxiliary electrical connections are tight and removing dust, dirt and rust
• Clean the air inlets at the base of the enclosure
• Clean/Replace IP54 doors filters
• Clean/Relace IP54 Roof Fan Filters

Roof Fans / Regulator Fans

• Check that the air flow coming out from the turrets is regular. Keep the outlets and the fans clean
• If necessary, replace defective fans. Warning: the fans are controller by the base board. Before proceeding with the replacement, check the temperature threshold that determines the activation.
• Check that regulator fans are functioning. Keep the fans clean.

Voltage Regulator

• Check gearmotor functionality
• If necessary, replace defective gearmotor.
• Clean the copper surface in case of clear oxidation or deposit of graphite dust.
• Clean and possibly lubricate the chain
• Check and adjust chain tension if necessary
• Clean and lubricate the vertical guides
• Check the roller support condition
• Check the Rollers. They must roll freely while the carriages move and their surfaces must not show ant scratches, rubs or flat areas. If necessary, replace them with original spare parts.

Functionality Check-up

• Verify that no tools are left inside the unit during the maintenance before start-up
• Unit Start-up without load and functionality verification.
• Test cabinet fans functionality
• Test regulators fans functionality
• Test stabilizer alarm set-up and front panel alarms LED/display
• Test of manual By-Pass functionality
• Start-up of the unit with load and functionality verification
• Reset Maintenance hours
• Provide Maintenance report
• Provide complete list of spares onside

Mandatory Customer information before Maintenance

• Provide code and serial number of the unit
• Provide photos of the internal and external condition/components
• Provide if any active Alarm displayed
• Provide complete list of spare parts already available onsite
• Advise whether any cards are damaged/malfunctioning
• Advise whether extra maintenance was done during the year

 

           Requested spare parts onsite table:

Any spare parts under warranty must be validated by the qualified personnel in charge of the Preventive maintenance

Annual Schedule (additional instructions):

 

1. With the building load applied, open the front doors and complete an infrared inspection. Make sure the equipment has the building load applied and has warmed up before doing this inspection. Fix any problems you find after the AVR is de­energized. Do not do this step if it cannot be done.
2. Coordinate site visit service dates with the Embassy Facility Manager. Pre-arrange a switch over to generator power and isolate the unit for service. In the event of multiple days of required service, the AVR must be returned to normal operation at the end of each workday.
3. Perform Lock-out/Tag-out of the AVR input power and verify a de-energized and safe working condition prior to accessing internal AVR components. Provide the approved Lock-out/Tag-out SOP noting power isolation points and isolation steps in the final report.
4. Perform interior and exterior cleaning of the regulator. Remove panels and clean dust, dirt, and foreign particles.
5. Inspect all connections, components, and internal wiring for signs of overheating or damage.
6. Spot-check a minimum of 20% of all power connections for proper torque, and connection tightness.  If any are found to be improperly torqued, check all connections.
7. In an energized mode of operation during the maintenance, ensure that all the ventilation fans are functioning correctly.
8. Replace any failing fans using government provided spares, when the AVR is de-energized.
9. Check and verify system output voltage adjustments.
10. Check all logic adjustments, meter parameters and settings.
11. Test all AVR alarms and remote alarm panels.
12. Perform all functional tests and calibrate unit.
13. With the unit downstream Main circuit breakers open (OFF), operate the unit system bypass by simulating a failure for transfer to internal bypass. Then transfer the unit to maintenance bypass modes of operation to confirm correct operation. This is to be done with no building load applied.
14. Verify the “Soft Start” option operates which detects “Loss of Phase & “Reverse Phase” , by tripping and closing the AVR output circuit breaker. This can be done by Omniverter/ Ortea factory guidelines provided to a Certified Service Engineer by Omniverter/ Ortea Technical Support.
15. Verify operation of the Remote Panel.
16. Remove any rust found and repaint.
17. Make sure all enclosure doors open and close easily.
18. Test all interlocks.
19. Remove lockout/tag out in accordance with approved procedures. Ensure proper system operation and work acceptance by the government prior to leaving site.
20. Restore the AVR to its online condition. If any discrepancies prohibit the unit from supporting the load, notify the COR and post FM of these discrepancies immediately.
21. Recheck problem areas found during the infrared inspection.
22. Provide the Post Facility Manager with a spare parts and consumables Bill of Materials (BOM) noting any required or suggested material replacements not presently onsite, along with the item’s part number, unit price, and availability.
23. Provide deliverables listed in Paragraph 10 of the base requirements.

 

1. Discrepancy reports and costs as described in paragraph IV
2. Completed maintenance  checklist for each AVR
3. Applicable test and calibration reports
4. Narrative summary of all checks findings, and conditions. Include all input and output voltage, amperage, and frequency readings.

 

Request for Quotations RFQPR11967166

 

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is seeking prospective contractors to perform maintenance on the BAS system and associated equipment at American Embassy Niamey. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey invites you to submit a quotation for maintenance on the BAS system and associated equipment. Scope of work.

Submit your quotation in a sealed envelope marked “Quotation Enclosed” to the Procurement Section , American embassy Niamey BP:11201 on or before September 08th, 2023 at 12:30 pm local time or by mail at Niameygsoprocurement@state.gov . No quotations will be accepted after this time. Prospective contractors need to be registered on www.sam.gov ( system of award management).

Building Automation system prevention maintenance service contract – SCOPE OF WORK

 

Request for Quotations      RFQ# PR11944376

 

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is seeking prospective contractors to perform Elevator maintenance services at American Embassy Niamey. The U.S. Embassy in Niamey invites you to submit a quotation for Routine Elevator Maintenance.

Submit your quotation in a sealed envelope marked “Quotation Enclosed” to the Procurement Section , American embassy Niamey BP:11201 on or before August 31st , 2023 at 17:30 pm local time. No quotations will be accepted after this time.

Scope of Work is attached

Request for Quotations 

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is seeking for prospective contractors for Dedicated Internet – 72 Mbps

Optic Fiber connectivity.  DURATION : 3 MONTHS

Please submit your offer to NiameyGSOProcurement@state.gov by August 31  2023, at 17:00.

Request for Quotations – PR11573491     

 

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey is seeking for prospective contractors for below service : Collections Contractor

We are looking for a collections contractor to assist with the collection of outstanding debts. The collections contract will contact client and inform them of their debts, negotiate payment plans, and ensure payments are made as soon as possible. You may also be required to institute legal action when payments are not made.

To ensure success as a collection’s contractor, you should have excellent communication, negotiation, and mathematical skills, as well as attention to detail. A skilled collections contractor should be able to reduce company losses by encouraging the customer to pay its debts.

Collection Contractor Responsibilities:

• Contacting customer and informing them of their overdue engagement.
• Advising customer on it payment options and suggesting methods of payments.
• Negotiating suitable payment plans.
• Maintaining customer payment records.
• Preparing customer financial statements for banks and the state credit department.
• Writing final notice warnings to customer when payments are not being made.
• Instituting legal action when customer fail to pay their debt.
• Responding to customer queries.
• Contacting lawyers and insurance agencies to facilitate payments.

 

Collections Contractor Requirements:

• Previous experience working as a Collections Contractor.
• Excellent negotiating skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Niger debt collection laws.
• Knowledge of payment plans and accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of office and accounting software.
• Patience and resilience.

Please submit your offer to NiameyGSOProcurement@state.gov  by August 28, 2023, at 17:00.