Impact Evaluation Services

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a Federal Corporation created under Title VI of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2004. The MCC has a requirement for independent evaluations of its programs from recognized experts in the field of economic development research using the most rigorous methods practicable. All qualified firms are encouraged to submit a proposal. This solicitation is open to small and large businesses. All existing MCC contract holders for impact evaluation services are required to submit proposals if your organization desires to continue to compete for new impact evaluation task orders. The MCC desires to have all contract holders with the same period of performance and new task orders will only be competed among awardees from this solicitation. MCC is seeking to obtain services from firms to conduct independent evaluations of MCC programs, projects, and activities proposed by eligible countries; provide technical assistance to MCC and country staff to carry out required data collection; and contribute knowledge to the broader development community about the effectiveness of development programs. In addition, the firms may be required to provide technical assistance in a variety of areas in carrying out evaluations in response to long-term and short-term task assignments. Experience with the methodology of randomized trials is required as well as quasi-experimental designs and the application of those methodologies in developing countries. MCC classifies its impact evaluations according to two broad categories. Category 1 impact evaluations are conducted by constructing credible counterfactual scenarios using experimental or quasi-experimental designs, with the most credible being random selection of treatment and control groups. A Category 1 evaluation typically will commence near the beginning of a compact to give evaluators the opportunity to work closely with MCC staff and project implementers to obtain data during the project's life. If a credible counterfactual scenario cannot be established, then MCC will conduct a Category 2 impact evaluation of a project or activity. Category 2 evaluations may commence near the beginning of a compact, during a compact, or after all compact activities are complete. Although it may not be possible to establish a counterfactual via control or comparison groups, Category 2 evaluations will use the most rigorous methodology possible to assess whether the projected results have been achieved. During and after implementation of the selected intervention, the MCC will require independent analysis of results that will provide lessons for replicating effective programs in other areas. The work shall be performed both within the United States and in developing countries that are eligible to receive MCC assistance. MCC plans to award multiple Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contracts. Actual task orders will be competed among these contract holders with work priced on either a time-and-materals or firm-fixed price basis. Availability of the solicitation is limited to electronic medium only and shall be available on or about October 30, 2009 on the Federal Business Opportunities web page at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Once the solicitation is posted, it is incumbent upon the interested parties to review this site frequently for any amendments to any and all documents. All prospective Contractors must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration by visiting http://www.ccr.gov/. Questions concerning this requirement should be directed to Ms. Dorothy McKelvin at 202/521-3731 or e-mail McKelvindd@mcc.gov by 2 PM EST November 16, 2009.