USAID/KEA intends to negotiate a non-competitive one year extension to contract number AID-615-C-14-00007 (USAID Tusome Education Activity) with Research Triangle Institute International (RTI), 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

USAID/KEA intends to negotiate a non competitive one year extension to Contract number AID-615-C-14-00007 (USAID Tusome Education Activity) with Research Triangle Institute International (RTI), 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The above contract was originally awarded to RTI international, using full and open competion on August 01, 2014 with a period of performance ending July, 31, 2018. The contract period of performance was non-competitvely extended (September 28, 2016) for seventeen Months to December 31, 2019 with additional work being added. USAID/KEA's Tusome activity has achieved a 1:1 textbook ratio for primary school reading. Every child in Kenya's public primary school has a textbook and every teacher has a teacher's guide. This ratio is rare on the African Continent and was made possible through innovative text book design, vetting, procurement and distribution processes. The non-competitive extension will allow USAID to fully transition the program functions to the Government of Kenya as part of it's journey to self - reliance. RTI has exceeded all expectations and is a model for USAID in how to successfully implement early grade reading programs and position a country to deliver basic education services in its journey to self reliance. Tusome exceeded its targets in terms of the number of schools, teachers, and children who have benefited from the program, as well as the number of books succesfully delivered. According to the external midline evaluation, the number of grade two students reading at or above grade level increased from 12% to 47% and the number of non readers decreased form 38% to 12 % compared to the baseline. USAID/KEA intends to negotiate non-competitively with only one source (RTI International) under the authority of USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) 706.302-70(b)(5) which states that "An award for the continued provision of highly specialized services when award to onother source would result in substancial additional costs to the government or would result in unacceptable delays". The extension will extend the period of performance of the contract by approximately one year from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2020 and the estimated cost of this extension is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. This is not a request for proposals. However, the Government may consider all expressions of interest received within fifteen (15) calendar days, after date of publication of this notice. A determination not to compete this proposed follow on contract based upon responses to this notice, if any, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information or responses received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Therefore any responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to USAID and would not hinder USAID/KEA objectives. Please direct any responses to this notice to Mr. Patrick Kollars, Supervisory Contracting Officer, at [email protected] with a copy to Winnie Hinga, [email protected] and Rachel Roe, [email protected] .