Diagnostic on the Role of Sports and Experiential Learning Activities in Providing a Positive Path for Youth in Ecuador

The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador seeks to contract a regional data collection firm to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic that evaluates how sports and experiential learning activities can be strategically leveraged to prevent violence, recruitment into transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and illegal migration to the U.S. by Ecuadorian youth. The study will also assess the current and potential contributions of USG alumni and identify strategic partners to amplify future impact. This diagnostic includes: 1. Field research with focus groups, interviews, and site visits in high-risk urban and rural areas. 2. A baseline study of youth participation in sports and experiential learning programs, including barriers, motivations, and preferred activities. 3. An assessment of the reach and effectiveness of past youth programming, particularly alumni-led initiatives. 4. Mapping of key stakeholders and potential partners (clubs, federations, community organizations, media, athletes). 5. A monitoring and evaluation component to analyze outcomes to date and identify performance indicators. 6. Provide recommendations that will focus on building partnerships, expanding joint programming, and creating a strong public communications plan to strengthen youth-focused public diplomacy and better align it with violence prevention, recruitment deterrence, and migration reduction goals. The analysis will determine whether current initiatives are effectively engaging the most strategic audiences and where future efforts are targeted, evidence-based, and aligned with the U.S. foreign policy priority to Make America Safer through regional stability while highlighting American excellence. Period of Performance: The performance period will run for six (6) months, starting immediately after the signing of the contract. Proposal presentation: Each offer must consist of the following: -List of clients over the past 3 years. -References Certificates (provide dates of contracts, places of performance, value of contracts, contact names, telephone numbers and email addresses). Offerors are advised that the past performance information requested above may be discussed with the client’s contact person. In addition, the client’s contact person may be asked to comment on the offeror’s: Quality of services provided under the contract Compliance with contract terms and conditions. Effectiveness of management. Willingness to cooperate with and assist the customer in routine matters, and when confronted by unexpected difficulties; and Business integrity / business conduct. -Technical Expertise in Youth Development and Sports Programs Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, or evaluating programs that integrate sports, experiential learning, or life skills training for at-risk or underserved youth populations. Proven ability to apply evidence-based methodologies to assess the impact of such interventions. - Local and Regional Contextual Knowledge Documented knowledge of Ecuador’s socio-cultural, economic, and educational environment, with emphasis on youth engagement and community development. Prior work in Latin America, particularly in post-conflict or vulnerable community settings, will be considered a strong asset. - Research and Evaluation Capacity Capacity to conduct mixed-methods research (qualitative and quantitative), including surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews. Proven track record in producing high-quality diagnostic reports and actionable recommendations for governments, NGOs, or international organizations. -Team Composition and Language Proficiency Availability of a multidisciplinary team including specialists in youth development, education, sports psychology, and monitoring & evaluation. Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish, ensuring effective collaboration with local stakeholders The U.S. Embassy intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the lowest priced technically acceptable offeror who is a responsible contractor. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial proposals, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so. Direct any questions regarding this solicitation, by e-mail, to QuitoProcurement@state.gov before 4:00 p.m., local time, on September 10, 2025. Your proposal must be submitted, by e-mail, to the Contracting Officer, at QuitoContracts@state.gov before 4:00 p.m., local time, on September 19, 2025. No proposal will be accepted after this time. It is important to make sure the submission is made in specific size and format; in MS-Word 2007/2010 or MS-Excel 2007/2010 or Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file format. The file size must not exceed 25MB. If the file size should exceed 25MB, the submission must be made in separate files and attached to separate emails with less than 25MB each. The technical and economic proposals must be submitted separately. Do not include pricing within the technical proposal. Failure to that may deem the offeror’s proposal to be considered non-responsive to the terms of this solicitation. Offerors shall be registered in the SAM (System for Award Management) database at https://www.sam.gov prior to submittal of their offer/proposal as prescribed under FAR 4.1102. Failure to be registered at the time of proposal submission shall deem the offeror’s proposal to be considered non-responsive to the solicitation instructions and requirements and no further consideration will be given. Therefore, offerors are highly encouraged to register immediately if they are interested in submitting a response to this requirement.