United States Institute of Peace
Request for Proposal: Research Support for USIP Initiative on Addressing Gang Vi
United States Institute of Peace, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Request for ProposalUnited States Institute of PeaceResearch Support for USIP Initiative on Addressing Gang Violence in Central AmericaRemoteRelease Date:
July 26, 2024RFP Due Date:
5pm EDT on August 15, 2024Refer Questions to:Ena Dion, Aissatou Koulibaliedion@usip.org ,
akoulibali@usip.orgPertinent 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 time and date listed above to be considered.If you would like to receive a copy of this RFP in Spanish, please reach out to
akoulibali@usip.org
.Introduction and BackgroundThe 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 U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. For more information, please visit
http://www.usip.org .USIP’s Center for Thematic Excellence (CTE) is built on the premise that there are common tools and approaches to peacebuilding that are adaptive, but applicable to peacebuilding globally. The center serves as a hub of the Institute’s common resources for governments, organizations, and individuals seeking to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict worldwide. CTE prioritizes evaluation and learning from our programs to adapt and improve our work.USIP’s Governance, Justice, and Security (GJS) Program, which supports CTE’s governance, justice, and security efforts, has undertaken an initiative to better understand the complex dynamics surrounding governance in conflict-affected places. The initiative focuses on the internal and external actors that shape governance practices in conflict-affected settings and how a stronger understanding of these actors and dynamics can improve efforts to protect standards of human rights, rule of law, justice, and security.USIP’s Latin America Program works to understand and address drivers of the violence, organized crime, and corruption that undermine stable governance and fuel migration to the United States. It has initiated dialogue projects in the three countries of Northern Central America, focusing on strengthening citizen participation in El Salvador, addressing gender-based violence in Guatemalan indigenous communities, and opening channels of communication between youth and police in gang-dominated neighborhoods in Honduras.Purpose of the RFPUSIP’s Security Sector Governance and Reform Team and Latin America Program seek a researcher or research organization with expertise in security responses to gang violence in Central America. The researcher must be fluent in both Spanish and English and will provide research support and subject matter expertise for a series of USIP-led workshops on effective, sustainable, and democratic responses to gang violence in Northern Central America.Scope of WorkBackgroundAmid persistently high levels of gang violence in Central America, there is increasing interest in repressive policing tactics. The approach follows a familiar formula often called “mano dura” or iron fist, which includes arresting low-level offenders, limiting the rights of the accused, and mass incarcerations. Despite early improvements in violence, history suggests that these tactics are unlikely to improve citizen security in the long run. In addition to human rights abuses, due process violations, and their attendant backlash, such heavy-handed security responses have repeatedly failed to sustainably reduce violence, decrease impunity, or lower crime rates.Some social, economic, educational, and related interventions have shown promising results with few, if any, negative consequences. Police forces have developed intelligence and community-led approaches that can build trust while reducing high-impact crimes, such as extortion. Despite evidence of effectiveness, these interventions have failed to win sufficient public or political support to be implemented at scale or consistently over time. There are also local differences: some communities seem to be more resilient to gang violence and better able to collaborate effectively with police forces than others. But there are few case studies that identify protective factors or share local lessons learned.More research is required to understand the potential of promising institutional reforms or community initiatives to reduce gang violence and crime in Northern Central America. Similarly, there is a need to better understand the political, economic, social, and other challenges to their implementation.Through research and workshops in up to three Northern Central American countries and Washington D.C., this project seeks to offer policymakers effective options to sustainably address gang violence. The research and workshops will focus on (1) identifying innovative approaches that will support the development of local and national citizen security policies, (2) understanding their potential for wider impact, and (3) developing strategies to address barriers to their implementation.ScopeThe selected contractor will provide research support and subject matter expertise for a series of workshops centered on the research question below:“How can Central American governments and security services and their international partners effectively and sustainably reduce gang violence in a manner that protects human rights, promotes citizen security, and upholds democratic values and the rule of law?”In the initial stages of the contract, USIP will work with the selected contractor and local partner organizations in up to three countries in Northern Central America to identify up to four sub-topics related to the central research question. Examples of sub-topics that may be selected include:Scalability and sustainability of social, educational, and economic interventions;Community, customary, and religious actors’ role in addressing gang violence and crime;Effective democratic policing practices;Managing the political and institutional incentives;Alternatives to mass incarceration;Preventing or reducing gang recruitment in prisons;Reintegrating, rehabilitating, and preventing recidivism for former gang members.Over the course of the contract, the selected contractor will complete the following:Develop a detailed workplan that includes a schedule for identifying research questions, background research, workshops, and dissemination.Provide USIP with research support and subject matter expertise on addressing gang violence in Northern Central America over the duration of the project based on the detailed workplan and timeline.Work with USIP and local partner organizations to identify up to four research sub-questions by participating in scheduled meetings, which will also be used to refine the research methodology in the workplan. Meetings held, sources consulted, and progress made will be summarized in monthly updates.Conduct background research, including desk research and interviews, on each subtopic and draft a briefing paper of up to 10 pages and executive summary of no more than 2 pages for each subtopic.Assist local partner organizations in documenting case studies of innovative interventions by providing research and editorial support.Participate in up to four USIP-led workshops lasting up to four hours each, taking detailed notes to be provided to USIP.Work with USIP and local partners to identify key takeaways from each workshop.Integrate key workshop takeaways into each briefing paper and executive summary.Work with USIP to develop an outline consolidating briefing papers, case studies, and workshop outputs into a final synthesis paper.Draft a synthesis report of up to 20,000 words.Support USIP in disseminating project findings by sharing findings with subject matter experts and other relevant stakeholders and by helping to organize meetings and events.Tentative TimelineDeliverableEstimated Due DateDevelop a detailed workplan with USIPOctober 2024Up to four draft briefing papers and summariesNovember 2024Support local partner organizations to successfully complete case study documentationDecember 2024Attend up to four workshops and provide detailed notesJanuary – April 2025Final drafts of briefing papers on subtopics.April 2025Draft outline for synthesis paperMay 2025Final outline for synthesis paperMay 2025First draft of synthesis paperMay 2025Second draft of synthesis paperJune 2025Final synthesis paperJuly 2025Disseminate project findingsJuly - August 2025Monthly UpdatesOngoingEstimated dates are subject to change at the discretion of USIP.Expected Type of Contract:
Firm fixed price.Submission RequirementsTo be considered under this RFP, please submit the following:Technical/Narrative Proposal
(no more than five (5) pages) narrative proposal should include the following sections:Past Experience:
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 each of the described projects.Overall Approach and Methodology:
Describe the proposed approach to data collection, data analysis, research methodology, and development of conclusions. The final research workplan will be developed in consultation with USIP.Key Personnel, Staffing, and Specific Expertise:
Describe the key personnel, their role, their level of knowledge, and how their experience is related and beneficial. Describe the overall staffing plan for the project. Staff may be non-US citizens and do not require a security clearance.Implementation Timeline:
Please include the timeline according to which you intend to carry out the research project.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 five (5) pages of the technical proposal.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). USIP allows nonprofit organizations to include up to 15% indirect cost recovery on total direct costs for contracts.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 Ena Dion (edion@usip.org) to request a copy of the Financial Management Assessment Form if it is not attached to the solicitation.Certification Page:
Complete and sign the Certification Page below and submit with the proposal.Exceptions to USIP’s Terms & Conditions (Optional):
Any exceptions to the attached USIP Terms & Conditions must be clearly outlined in an annex to the submitted proposal. The annex will not count toward the technical proposal page limit.Selection ProcessScheduleDateScheduleJuly 26, 2024RFP issuedAugust 2, 2024Questions concerning RFP and project emailed to
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org
no later than 5pm Eastern Daylight Time.August 10, 2024Answers to questions will be made available to all offerors.August 15, 2024Proposals are due no later than 5pm Eastern Daylight Time.
Late submissions may not be accepted.August 22, 2024Notification to selected offerorSeptember 13, 2024Estimated project commencement dateUSIP may adjust dates in the schedule or cancel this RFP at any time prior to contract award.Evaluation CriteriaProposals 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 criteriaCorresponding Submission RequirementWeightOverall Approach and MethodologyTechnical/narrative proposal35%Past ExperienceTechnical/narrative proposal, key personnel CVs15%Specific ExpertiseTechnical/narrative proposal, key personnel CVs15%Timeframe of ImplementationTechnical/narrative proposal10%Total CostCost Proposal25%General Instructions and TermsComplete proposals must be submitted by email to
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org
by 5pm EDT on August 15, 2023.The Institute is not liable for any costs incurred by offerors prior to issuance of an executed contract with the Institute.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.All submissions should be in English and US dollars.Any questions concerning this RFP should be directed to Ena Dion at
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org . Pertinent responses will be made available to all offerors by email. No inquiries will be accepted after specified time and date.Any proposal not addressing all RFP requirements may be considered non-responsive. Late proposals may be rejected as non-responsive.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.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.Unless stated otherwise within this RFP, the selected Contractor shall be responsible for providing all equipment and/or supplies required to perform the services.The selected Contractor shall not discriminate against any person in accordance with Federal, state, or local law.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.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 Proposal.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/NoIf 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 ContractorSignature of Authorized OfficialPrinted Name of Authorized OfficialTitleDate
#J-18808-Ljbffr
July 26, 2024RFP Due Date:
5pm EDT on August 15, 2024Refer Questions to:Ena Dion, Aissatou Koulibaliedion@usip.org ,
akoulibali@usip.orgPertinent 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 time and date listed above to be considered.If you would like to receive a copy of this RFP in Spanish, please reach out to
akoulibali@usip.org
.Introduction and BackgroundThe 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 U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. For more information, please visit
http://www.usip.org .USIP’s Center for Thematic Excellence (CTE) is built on the premise that there are common tools and approaches to peacebuilding that are adaptive, but applicable to peacebuilding globally. The center serves as a hub of the Institute’s common resources for governments, organizations, and individuals seeking to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict worldwide. CTE prioritizes evaluation and learning from our programs to adapt and improve our work.USIP’s Governance, Justice, and Security (GJS) Program, which supports CTE’s governance, justice, and security efforts, has undertaken an initiative to better understand the complex dynamics surrounding governance in conflict-affected places. The initiative focuses on the internal and external actors that shape governance practices in conflict-affected settings and how a stronger understanding of these actors and dynamics can improve efforts to protect standards of human rights, rule of law, justice, and security.USIP’s Latin America Program works to understand and address drivers of the violence, organized crime, and corruption that undermine stable governance and fuel migration to the United States. It has initiated dialogue projects in the three countries of Northern Central America, focusing on strengthening citizen participation in El Salvador, addressing gender-based violence in Guatemalan indigenous communities, and opening channels of communication between youth and police in gang-dominated neighborhoods in Honduras.Purpose of the RFPUSIP’s Security Sector Governance and Reform Team and Latin America Program seek a researcher or research organization with expertise in security responses to gang violence in Central America. The researcher must be fluent in both Spanish and English and will provide research support and subject matter expertise for a series of USIP-led workshops on effective, sustainable, and democratic responses to gang violence in Northern Central America.Scope of WorkBackgroundAmid persistently high levels of gang violence in Central America, there is increasing interest in repressive policing tactics. The approach follows a familiar formula often called “mano dura” or iron fist, which includes arresting low-level offenders, limiting the rights of the accused, and mass incarcerations. Despite early improvements in violence, history suggests that these tactics are unlikely to improve citizen security in the long run. In addition to human rights abuses, due process violations, and their attendant backlash, such heavy-handed security responses have repeatedly failed to sustainably reduce violence, decrease impunity, or lower crime rates.Some social, economic, educational, and related interventions have shown promising results with few, if any, negative consequences. Police forces have developed intelligence and community-led approaches that can build trust while reducing high-impact crimes, such as extortion. Despite evidence of effectiveness, these interventions have failed to win sufficient public or political support to be implemented at scale or consistently over time. There are also local differences: some communities seem to be more resilient to gang violence and better able to collaborate effectively with police forces than others. But there are few case studies that identify protective factors or share local lessons learned.More research is required to understand the potential of promising institutional reforms or community initiatives to reduce gang violence and crime in Northern Central America. Similarly, there is a need to better understand the political, economic, social, and other challenges to their implementation.Through research and workshops in up to three Northern Central American countries and Washington D.C., this project seeks to offer policymakers effective options to sustainably address gang violence. The research and workshops will focus on (1) identifying innovative approaches that will support the development of local and national citizen security policies, (2) understanding their potential for wider impact, and (3) developing strategies to address barriers to their implementation.ScopeThe selected contractor will provide research support and subject matter expertise for a series of workshops centered on the research question below:“How can Central American governments and security services and their international partners effectively and sustainably reduce gang violence in a manner that protects human rights, promotes citizen security, and upholds democratic values and the rule of law?”In the initial stages of the contract, USIP will work with the selected contractor and local partner organizations in up to three countries in Northern Central America to identify up to four sub-topics related to the central research question. Examples of sub-topics that may be selected include:Scalability and sustainability of social, educational, and economic interventions;Community, customary, and religious actors’ role in addressing gang violence and crime;Effective democratic policing practices;Managing the political and institutional incentives;Alternatives to mass incarceration;Preventing or reducing gang recruitment in prisons;Reintegrating, rehabilitating, and preventing recidivism for former gang members.Over the course of the contract, the selected contractor will complete the following:Develop a detailed workplan that includes a schedule for identifying research questions, background research, workshops, and dissemination.Provide USIP with research support and subject matter expertise on addressing gang violence in Northern Central America over the duration of the project based on the detailed workplan and timeline.Work with USIP and local partner organizations to identify up to four research sub-questions by participating in scheduled meetings, which will also be used to refine the research methodology in the workplan. Meetings held, sources consulted, and progress made will be summarized in monthly updates.Conduct background research, including desk research and interviews, on each subtopic and draft a briefing paper of up to 10 pages and executive summary of no more than 2 pages for each subtopic.Assist local partner organizations in documenting case studies of innovative interventions by providing research and editorial support.Participate in up to four USIP-led workshops lasting up to four hours each, taking detailed notes to be provided to USIP.Work with USIP and local partners to identify key takeaways from each workshop.Integrate key workshop takeaways into each briefing paper and executive summary.Work with USIP to develop an outline consolidating briefing papers, case studies, and workshop outputs into a final synthesis paper.Draft a synthesis report of up to 20,000 words.Support USIP in disseminating project findings by sharing findings with subject matter experts and other relevant stakeholders and by helping to organize meetings and events.Tentative TimelineDeliverableEstimated Due DateDevelop a detailed workplan with USIPOctober 2024Up to four draft briefing papers and summariesNovember 2024Support local partner organizations to successfully complete case study documentationDecember 2024Attend up to four workshops and provide detailed notesJanuary – April 2025Final drafts of briefing papers on subtopics.April 2025Draft outline for synthesis paperMay 2025Final outline for synthesis paperMay 2025First draft of synthesis paperMay 2025Second draft of synthesis paperJune 2025Final synthesis paperJuly 2025Disseminate project findingsJuly - August 2025Monthly UpdatesOngoingEstimated dates are subject to change at the discretion of USIP.Expected Type of Contract:
Firm fixed price.Submission RequirementsTo be considered under this RFP, please submit the following:Technical/Narrative Proposal
(no more than five (5) pages) narrative proposal should include the following sections:Past Experience:
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 each of the described projects.Overall Approach and Methodology:
Describe the proposed approach to data collection, data analysis, research methodology, and development of conclusions. The final research workplan will be developed in consultation with USIP.Key Personnel, Staffing, and Specific Expertise:
Describe the key personnel, their role, their level of knowledge, and how their experience is related and beneficial. Describe the overall staffing plan for the project. Staff may be non-US citizens and do not require a security clearance.Implementation Timeline:
Please include the timeline according to which you intend to carry out the research project.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 five (5) pages of the technical proposal.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). USIP allows nonprofit organizations to include up to 15% indirect cost recovery on total direct costs for contracts.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 Ena Dion (edion@usip.org) to request a copy of the Financial Management Assessment Form if it is not attached to the solicitation.Certification Page:
Complete and sign the Certification Page below and submit with the proposal.Exceptions to USIP’s Terms & Conditions (Optional):
Any exceptions to the attached USIP Terms & Conditions must be clearly outlined in an annex to the submitted proposal. The annex will not count toward the technical proposal page limit.Selection ProcessScheduleDateScheduleJuly 26, 2024RFP issuedAugust 2, 2024Questions concerning RFP and project emailed to
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org
no later than 5pm Eastern Daylight Time.August 10, 2024Answers to questions will be made available to all offerors.August 15, 2024Proposals are due no later than 5pm Eastern Daylight Time.
Late submissions may not be accepted.August 22, 2024Notification to selected offerorSeptember 13, 2024Estimated project commencement dateUSIP may adjust dates in the schedule or cancel this RFP at any time prior to contract award.Evaluation CriteriaProposals 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 criteriaCorresponding Submission RequirementWeightOverall Approach and MethodologyTechnical/narrative proposal35%Past ExperienceTechnical/narrative proposal, key personnel CVs15%Specific ExpertiseTechnical/narrative proposal, key personnel CVs15%Timeframe of ImplementationTechnical/narrative proposal10%Total CostCost Proposal25%General Instructions and TermsComplete proposals must be submitted by email to
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org
by 5pm EDT on August 15, 2023.The Institute is not liable for any costs incurred by offerors prior to issuance of an executed contract with the Institute.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.All submissions should be in English and US dollars.Any questions concerning this RFP should be directed to Ena Dion at
edion@usip.org
and
akoulibali@usip.org . Pertinent responses will be made available to all offerors by email. No inquiries will be accepted after specified time and date.Any proposal not addressing all RFP requirements may be considered non-responsive. Late proposals may be rejected as non-responsive.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.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.Unless stated otherwise within this RFP, the selected Contractor shall be responsible for providing all equipment and/or supplies required to perform the services.The selected Contractor shall not discriminate against any person in accordance with Federal, state, or local law.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.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 Proposal.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/NoIf 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 ContractorSignature of Authorized OfficialPrinted Name of Authorized OfficialTitleDate
#J-18808-Ljbffr