USAID/Guatemala-CAP, Unit 3323, APO AA 34024

R -- TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE POC Telma Paz, Acquisition Specialist and Braden W. Enroth, Regional Contracting Officer, Tel: (502) 332-0202; Fax: (502) 331-1506; Email: tpaz@usaid.gov or benroth@usaid.gov WEB: http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/announce/cbd, http://www.info.usaid.gov. E-MAIL: http://www.info.usaid.gov, tpaz@usaid.gov or benroth@usaid.gov. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Guatemala/Central American Programs (G-CAP) proposes to modify existing contract 520-C-00-98-00047-00 with Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), under the Increased Citizen Participation in Strengthened Local Governments Activity. The purpose of the modification is to allow the contractor, DAI, to undertake follow-on work to the program "Transforming Political Culture and Participation in the 1999 Electoral Process". This program has contributed greatly to increasing citizen interest and participation in local political processes through the provision of technical assistance and training to community leaders and mayoral candidates in order to : a) develop a citizens' agenda regarding local necessities; b) hold a public debate among mayoral candidates to gain their firm commitment to carrying out the agenda; and c) bring together citizens and the mayor elect to define mechanisms for citizen participation in carrying out the agenda. USAID wants to respond to citizens' requests that this effort be continued beyond the elections, in order to institutionalize dialogue and communications mechanisms between citizens and local governments. The current modification will allow DAI to respond to this unique opportunity to promote citizen participation and strengthen local governance in a broader geographic area than that originally contemplated and will, thus, allow USAID to have a greater impact at the national level. Given the work already completed in the select municipalities included in the program, a solid basis has been set for follow-on work and resources will be maximized by building upon the critical results achieved and relationships developed under the electoral support program. The total estimated cost of the proposed modification is $500,000 for a period of approximately 2 years. The contract was awarded September 8, 1998 utilizing full and open competition and currently ends on September 7, 2001 with a twenty-four month priced option period. This modification to contract 520-C-00-98-00047-00 is being proposed under the authority of AIDAR 706.302-70(5) for the continued provision of highly specialized services when an award to another resource would result in substantial additional costs and unacceptable delays. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. However, the Government will consider all proposals received within forty-five days after the date of publication of this synopsis. A determination by the Government not to open the requirement to competition based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government will not pay for information received. Posted 11/17/99 (W-SN401380). (0321)

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