USAID “Support for Trade, Recovery Opportunities, and National Growth in Ukraine (STRONG UA) Activity”   2

Background
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals to implement the USAID Support for Trade, Recovery Opportunities, and National Growth in Ukraine (STRONG-UA) activity. This initiative aims to support Ukrainian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating their recovery and growth, developing new market linkages, and enhancing their innovation and competitiveness.

The contract is anticipated to be a cost-plus-fixed-fee term type with a base period of two years plus three one-year option periods. The Government estimates a total of 55,255 person days of professional technical staff effort over the five-year period, contingent upon funding availability. Given the urgent need in Ukraine, achieving the stated results with maximum flexibility and adaptive designs during the base period is prioritized.

Work Details
The contractor will provide technical assistance and services as outlined in Section C of the solicitation. Key tasks include:
1. Development of large networks of service providers to identify SMEs needing financing or improved financing terms, facilitate co-investment and cost-share grants, support market outreach, and enhance innovation.
2. Strategic use of grants or sub-contracts to incentivize financing from Ukrainian finance providers.
3. Cooperation between businesses and public authorities to address regulatory constraints affecting investments in SMEs.
4. Focus on unfinanced or under-financed businesses impacted by the war while avoiding market distortions through adherence to market terms.
5. Establishing new market linkages that lead to increased sales for SMEs domestically and internationally.
6. Providing consultancy services aimed at improving SME performance through innovation and competitiveness enhancements.
7. Engaging in adaptive management practices that allow for continuous learning and adjustments based on evolving conditions in Ukraine.

Period of Performance
The contract will have a base period of performance lasting two years with three additional one-year option periods available, making it potentially five years in total.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed primarily in Ukraine.