This is a pre-solicitation announcement. This is NOT an invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Proposal (RFP), or a Request for Application (RFA) and in no way obligates the US Government to award a contract or cooperative agreement. However, potential sources that may be interested in this competitive process are requested to mail, fax, or e-mail their interest to the contact address by March 25, 2005. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to implement a new agricultural project (Market Access and Poverty Alleviation, or MAPA II) that will support technology transfer, access to markets, institutional strengthening of farmer associations and agricultural sector policy development. MAPA II will build on progress made under the current agricultural project, MAPA I, and expand assistance to the altiplano and the National Agricultural and Livestock Health and Food Safety Service (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agricola, Ganadero e Inocuidad Alimentaria, SENASAG) and other possible activities. In the valleys region of Bolivia MAPA II will focus on the following areas: strengthening and consolidating the Valleys Foundation (FDTA-Valleys), producer business organizations, agricultural-related enterprises and commodity chains in the valleys, improving the technology access process with strengthened implementing entities, providing technology that matches producer needs with market requirements, while carrying out environmentally-sound activities. In the altiplano, MAPA II will promote improved technologies in production, harvest and post-harvest processes and intermediation in quinoa, onions, camelids and possibly other products. The program will also work to strengthen producer organizations and business enterprises, develop a strategic approach for the quinoa chain, and improve the competitiveness of elements of at least two traditional commodity chains. In the policy and regulatory areas, MAPA II will strengthen specific technical capacities within SENASAG to help it provide the plant and animal health protection and food safety services required to effectively support the development and growth of a competitive agricultural sector, with special emphasis on supporting other USAID activities. The program will also improve other policy or regulatory areas, such as taxation and refund procedures, access to technology, and technical information systems within SENASAG. It is anticipated that a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) type contract will be awarded for implementation of the activities outlined above. Implementation will occur over a five-year period. USAID/Bolivia encourages qualified offerors to submit thoughtful and innovative approaches that have a high potential for achievement of the project objectives. The Mission anticipates issuing the RFP o/a March 30, 2005. Proposals will be due on approximately May 30, 2005.

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