CONSULTING / STAFF SOLICITATIONS

1. The Announcement of Solicitations for Consulting Services for the Bajio Cleaner Production Implementation Program dated 12 April 2005 has been modified as follows: The closing date for submission of proposals has been changed to 5 August 2005, and the date for announcement of selections has been changed to the week of 15 August 2005.

2. The changes were necessary due to errors in the Spanish text of the solicitation.

   • SOLICITATION. The Director, Bajio Cleaner Production Implementation Program in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico is soliciting consulting services in support of the Bajio Cleaner Production Implementation Program. In this connection, Consulting Firms, or Individual Consultants, are hereby invited to submit proposals for each one of the indicated items.

   • BACKGROUND. The Inter American Development Bank Multilateral Investment Fund (IDB MIF) has awarded a grant to the U.S. – Mexico Chamber of Commerce (USMCOC) Guanajuato Chapter for conducting a Bajio Region Cleaner Production Implementation Program (Bajio CPIP). The Chamber GTO Chapter and SEMARNAT have joined with the IDB MIF to design and implement a program for cleaner production methodology in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Bajio Region of Mexico, which includes the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, San Luis Potosi and Queretaro and addresses five industrial sectors: automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning. The President of the Chamber Guanajuato Chapter in Leon will be the Program Executing Agency, which will establish a Bajio Center for Cleaner Production in Leon. A total of three persons will be hired to manage the program: a Program Manager, a Technical Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant. The Bajio CPI Program will consist of three components. Component I: A Cleaner Production Awareness-Raising and Promotion Program; Component II: A Cleaner Production Implementation Training Program for Consultants and SME personnel; and Component III: Implementation of 30 Cleaner Production Projects Among Participating SMEs. The three-year program will be funded by an IDB MIF grant. SEMARNAT will contribute counterpart funds, as will the governments of the participating states. The Chamber binational office will contribute resources and in-kind. Additional details concerning the Bajio CPIP can be seen on the US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.usmcoc.org/usa/bajiocpi/html.

   • SUBMISSIONS: Offerers are encouraged to submit concise, but descriptive, proposals in Spanish language for any one, or several, of the indicated items below. Proposals will be addressed to Mr. Joseph R. Chapa, President, USMCOC Guanajuato Chapter, Leon, GTO and submitted by email as an attachment: plbajio@gmail.com & jrchapa7@aol.com. All proposals for consulting services must be received by Mr. Chapa by 6 p.m on August 5, 2005. All technical questions concerning this announcement should be addressed to Mr. Chapa by email.

   • PROPOSAL CONTENT: Proposals shall consist of two separate parts. Part I shall provide the technical proposal and management approach, and Part II shall address costs. The proposals shall be prepared on 8.5 x 11 inch paper, with one and one-half line spacing or double spaced, in at least 11-point Times New Roman font but no larger than 12 point font. Part I of the proposal should, as a minimum, describe the proposed services thoroughly. In particular, Part I of the proposal shall include: (a) a cover page including Bajio CPIP CS number, proposal title, technical and administrative points of contact including mailing addresses, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses, and facsimile machine numbers; (b) a one-page summary; (c) a statement of work detailing the scope of the proposed work and specific utilization of any subcontractors; (d) a description of results and products; (e) a list of the milestones and schedule; (f) a statement of the technical rationale that substantiates the schedule and justifies the overall technical approach of the proposal; (g) a (not-to-exceed) one-page summary of any proprietary claims to results, prototypes, or systems supporting and/or necessary for the use of the services, results, and/or prototype (if there are no proprietary claims this section shall consist of a statement to that effect); (h) a section describing relevant capabilities, accomplishments, and work in these or closely related areas along with the qualifications of any proposed subcontractors; (i) a management plan describing the overall approach to management of this effort, including brief discussions of total organizations, use of personnel, project/function/subcontractor relationships, and planning, scheduling and control practices. Part I must be no longer than 15 pages in length, including description of qualifications of performers, with no more than two pages per performer. Appropriate references should be cited. Proposals with Part I in excess of 15 pages may not be reviewed. Proposals of fewer than the maximum number of pages will not be penalized. Part II of the proposal shall be no longer than 10 pages and shall include a one page summary. Costs shall be supported by detailed breakdowns of labor hours by labor category and tasks/subtasks, materials, travel, and other direct and indirect costs.

   • ESTIMATED DURATION AND COST OF CONSULTING SERVICES. The estimated duration and cost of the consulting services are described in each Bajio Cleaner Production Implementation Program (Bajio CPIP) requirement described below. The estimated costs are in U.S. dollars.

   • ESTIMATED TRAVEL AND PER DIEM COSTS. The Bajio CP Center will pay the cost of consultant air travel to and within Mexico. On-site ground transportation expenses and per diem (lodging and meals) in Mexico will also be paid by the Bajio CP Center, total ground transportation and per diem expenses not to exceed $120 U.S. per day.

   • CONSULTING SERVICE REQUIREMENTS. The following is a listing of the specific consulting services required. When submitting a proposal in response to these requirements, please cite the number and title of the requirement on the title page of the proposal,

     1. Bajio CPIP: CS 2-05. Half-day Cleaner Production Awareness-Raising and Promotion Workshop for SMEs. Consultant services are required for a half-day technical presentation in Spanish language for awareness-raising and promotion of cleaner production methodology that decreases SME waste products and costs of production processes and increases SME profitability in Mexico. Each workshop will have duration of one half-day and will include up to 30 participants. During the first year of the Bajio CPIP a minimum of three and a maximum of six half-day cleaner production awareness-raising and promotion work shops will be conducted in the several states of the Bajio Region, including Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi, no more than one workshop per state. The complete set of workshops will be conducted within a three – month period. In the second year of the Bajio CPIP a minimum of two and a maximum of five half-day awareness-raising and promotion workshops will be conducted within the five states of the Bajio Region. There is no requirement for this workshop in the third year of the Bajio CPIP. The Bajio CPIP will pay for the cost of the facilities and the logistical support, including the materials for the workshop. The estimated cost of this consulting service is $250 U.S. per workshop. Additionally, the cost of travel and on-site ground transportation to and from the workshop site and up to two days of per diem will be paid by the Bajio CP Center.

     2. Bajio CPIP: CS 3-05. Half-day Cleaner Production Awareness -Raising and Promotion Workshop for the Media. Consultant services are required for a half-day technical presentation in Spanish language for awareness-raising and promotion of cleaner production methodology that decreases SME waste products and costs of production processes and increases SME profitability in Mexico. This workshop is for media personnel. It is estimated that each workshop will include up to 20 participants. The workshop will be conducted in one of the following Bajio states to be selected by the Bajio CP Center: Aguascalientes, Jalisco, Queretaro or San Luis Potosi. This requirement is for the first year of the program only. The Bajio CPIP will pay for the cost of the workshop facilities and logistical support, including the materials for the workshop. The estimated cost of this consulting service is $250 U.S. Additionally, the cost of travel to and ground transportation to and from the workshop site and up to two days of per diem will be paid by the Bajio CP Center.

     3. Bajio CPIP: CS 4-05. Half-day Sector-Specific Cleaner Production Awareness – Raising and Promotion Workshop for SMEs. Consultant services are required for a half-day technical presentation in Spanish language for awareness-raising and promotion of cleaner production methodology that decreases SME waste products and costs of production processes and increases SME profitability in Mexico in the following industrial sectors: automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning. A minimum of two and a maximum of four workshops will be conducted in the Bajio during the first year, and two to four during the second year of the program. All workshops in each year will be conducted within a four-month period. One workshop will be conducted in Leon, GTO and the remaining workshops in other states of the Bajio, no more than one per state. It is estimated that each awareness-raising and promotion workshop will include up to 30 participants. The Bajio CPIP will pay for the cost of the workshop facilities and the logistical support, including the materials for the workshop. The estimated cost of this consulting service is $250 U.S. per workshop. Additionally, the cost of travel and ground transportation to and from the workshop site and up to two days of per diem will be paid by the Bajio CPIP.

     4. Bajio CPIP: CS 5-05. One-day Sector-Specific Cleaner Production and Supply Chain Management Workshop for SMEs. Consulting services are required for a one-day technical workshop in Spanish language on cleaner production methodology that decreases SME waste products and costs of production processes and increases SME profitability in Mexico in the following industrial sectors: automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning. The workshops will also demonstrate multinational supply chain cleaner production requirements and the benefits that can accrue to SMEs by complying with multinational supply chain requirements for cleaner production. A minimum of two and a maximum of four workshops will be conducted in the Bajio during the first year of the program, and two to four during the second year. All workshops in each year will be conducted within a four – month period. One workshop will be conducted in Leon, GTO, and the remaining workshops in other states of the Bajio, no more than one per state. It is estimated that each workshop will include up to 20 participants, generally CEOs or other top management personnel of SMEs. The Bajio CPIP will pay for the cost of the workshop facilities and the logistical support, including the materials for the workshop. The estimated cost of this consulting service is $500 U.S. per workshop. Additionally, the cost of travel and on-site ground transportation to and from the workshop site and up to two days of per diem will be paid by the Bajio CP Center.

     5. Bajio CPIP: CS 6-05. Development of a 12-Module Training Course in Cleaner Production Methodology for Environmental Consultants. Consulting services are required for the development of a twelve-module training course in environmental management and cleaner production methodology for industrial processes for SMEs in Mexico with gross annual revenue of up to five million U.S. dollars. The purpose of the training course is to certify environmental consultants in cleaner production methodology in order to qualify them as consultants in cleaner production for SMEs. The entire course will be in Spanish language. Each module will be up to 5 days in duration, and the total length of the training course must not exceed three months. This training course will become the sole property of the Bajio CP Center. The training course will be conducted once per year in each year of the Bajio CPIP, with the initial course to be conducted in Leon, Guanajuato. The course materials will include a CD version as well as a paper training manual. The estimated cost for development of the course is $500 per module for a total of $6,000 U.S. plus the cost of materials for 20 students per course. A summary presentation of each module will be made to the Bajio CP Center Director in the Bajio CP Center as part of the proposal, with the total presentation not to exceed three hours. The travel, on-site ground transportation and per diem costs associated with this presentation will be the responsibility of the offerer.

     6. Bajio CPIP: CS 7-05. Conduct a 12-Module Training Course in Cleaner Production Methodology for Environmental Consultants. Consulting services are required to conduct a twelve-module training course in environmental management and cleaner production methodology for industrial processes for SMEs in Mexico with gross annual revenue of up to five million U.S. dollars. The purpose of the training course is to certify environmental consultants in environmental management and cleaner production methodology in order to qualify them as consultants in cleaner production for SMEs. The entire course will be conducted in Spanish language. Each module will be up to 5 days in duration, and the total length of the training course must not exceed three months. The Bajio CPIP will provide the training course and materials. The training course will be conducted once per year in each year of the Bajio CPIP. The course materials will include a CD version as well as a paper training manual. The Bajio CP Center will pay for the cost of the workshop facilities and the logistical support, including the materials for the workshop. The estimated cost for presenting each module is $1500 U.S. and the estimated cost of the total course is $18,000 U.S. In addition, the Bajio CP Center will pay the cost of consultant travel, on-site ground transportation and up to five days of per diem for each module.

     7. Bajio CPIP: CS 8-05. Development of Sector – Specific Training Courses in Cleaner Production Methodology for Environmental Consultants and SME Personnel. Consulting services are required for development of five separate training courses in environmental management and cleaner production methodology for sector – specific industrial processes for SMEs in Mexico with gross annual revenue of up to five million U.S. dollars. The specific sectors include automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning. The purpose of these training courses is to certify environmental consultants in cleaner production methodology in order to qualify them as consultants in cleaner production for SMEs in these sectors. Each course will be in Spanish language. Each module will be three days in duration. Each training course will become the sole property of the Bajio CP Center. The training courses will be conducted once per year in each year of the Bajio CPIP. The course materials will include a CD version as well as a paper training manual. The estimated cost for development of the course is $500 per module for a total of $2500 U.S. plus the cost of materials for 20 students per course. The Bajio CPIP will provide the training facilities and logistical support for the course.

     8. Bajio CPIP: CS 9-05. Conduct a Sector – Specific Training Course in Cleaner Production Methodology for Environmental Consultants and SME Personnel. Consulting services are required for conducting five different training courses in environmental management and cleaner production methodology for sector – specific industrial processes for SMEs in Mexico with gross annual revenue of up to five million U.S. dollars. The specific sectors include automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning. The purpose of these training courses is to certify environmental consultants in cleaner production methodology in order to qualify them as consultants in cleaner production for SMEs in these sectors, and to provide expert training for SME personnel. Each course will be conducted in Spanish language. The training courses will be conducted once per year in each year of the Bajio CPIP. The initial course will be conducted in Leon, Guanajuato. Each course duration will be three days. The course materials will include a CD version and course materials. The Bajio CPIP will provide the training facilities and logistical support for each course. The estimated cost of the consultant services for presenting each module is $1000 U.S. In addition, the Bajio CP Center will pay the cost of consultant travel, on-site ground transportation and up to four days of per diem for each module

     9. Bajio CPIP: CS 10-05. Conduct 50 SME Preliminary Assessments to Select Candidates for Cleaner Production Implementation Projects. Consulting services are required to assist the Bajio CPIP Technical Coordinator in conducting his preliminary assessments of small and medium enterprises in the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi in the automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning industrial sectors. The purpose of the preliminary assessments is to determine the suitability of the SMEs to participate in the Bajio CPIP. The Bajio CP Center Technical Coordinator will draft the preliminary assessment report, which will be reviewed by the consultant. This requirement is for a base of five assessments and nine additional options of five assessments each. Awards shall be made for a base of five assessments, or a base plus one option, or a base plus two options, etc. The estimated cost of the consultant services is $125 U.S. per assessment, for a total cost of $6250 U.S for 50 assessments. In addition, the Bajio CP Center will pay the cost of consultant travel, on-site ground transportation and up to five days of per diem for each base or option. This requirement is for each year of the program.

     10. Bajio CPIP: CS 11-05. Conduct Cleaner Production Implementation Projects in Qualified SMEs. Consulting services are required to conduct cleaner production implementation projects in qualified small and medium enterprises in the states of Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Queretaro, and San Luis Potosi in the automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel and tanning industrial sectors. The Bajio CP Center goal is to conduct a total of 30 projects within 32 months. The purpose of these projects is to improve the eco-efficiency and profitability of SMEs through environmental management and cleaner production methodologies. The estimated duration of the consulting services for one project is 12 working days. The services includes on-site assessment of the SME, on-site work and coordination with the SME eco-team, development of a CP Implementation Plan for the SME, and follow-up support for the SME’s plan implementation. This requirement is for a base of one project plus options of one or more additional projects up to a total of 30 projects over the duration of the program Awards shall be made for a base of one project, or a base plus an option of one additional project, or a base plus an option of two additional projects, etc. The SME must agree to the Bajio CP Center’s selection of the consultant for their project. (Three-party agreement). The total estimated cost is $8000 U.S. per project. The estimated cost of the consultant services is $500 U.S. per day. The cost of travel, on-site ground transportation and per diem is to be included in the total cost of the project.

   • EVALUATION/AWARD PROCESS: Evaluation of the proposals will be performed using the following criteria, listed in descending order of relative importance: (1) technical quality of the proposed services; (2) relevance to the Bajio CPIP and impact if successful; (3) the Offerer’s capabilities, related experience, techniques which are integral factors for achieving the proposed objectives; and (4) the appropriateness of the budget to accomplishing the work proposed under the specific solicitation. Proposals will be evaluated and ranked by the Bajio CPIP Selection and Contracts Committee chaired by the Program Executing Agent Mr. Joseph R. Chapa. The Committee will be composed of at least three evaluators. Each proposal will be evaluated and ranked by at least three Committee members. The Committee will review the results and consider acceptable proposals that best meet the programmatic needs of the Bajio CPIP as advertised in the solicitation. The Committee reserves the right to select for award all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered. Offerers of accepted proposals will be notified by email by Mr. Chapa. Selection results will be announced by the week of August 15, 2005.

Center Director and Program Director

1. Education. Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Business Administration, Master degree preferred.

2. Qualifications and Experience. Demonstrated leadership and management skills with a minimum of five years in team management. Excellent presentation and public speaking skills. Demonstrated presentation and public speaking skills. A minimum of five years experience in designing or implementing private sector or government projects. Experience in the industrial/manufacturing sector. Cleaner production and/or ISO 14000 experience desirable. Four years experience as a program or project manager including project design, implementation, and follow-up. Extensive experience in contracts management. Experience in designing and conducting workshops and conferences. Demonstrated outreach skills. Demonstrated experience in managing a budget. Demonstrated experience in use of a computer database as a program management tool and skilled in appropriate computer programs, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and QuickBooks and use of Internet resources including websites. Fluent in Spanish, good knowledge of English desirable.

3. Position Requirements:

   1. Establish a Bajio CP Center in Leon, Guanajuato to increase the competitiveness and ecoefficiency of Bajio Region Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) in the automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel, and tanning business sectors through the implementation of cleaner production methodology. Manage the Center staff.. Establish Center operating procedures. Establish Program Execution Unit operating procedures and reporting. Secretary to the Program Advisory Committee composed of appropriate stakeholders including business and trade associations; chambers of commerce, banking and financial entities; state, city, and municipal agencies; and university representatives. Chair a Selection and Contracts Committee to conduct the project contracting process in accordance with IDB protocols. Create and maintain a computer database. Establish and maintain a CPI program webpage on the USMCOC website. Manage program budget to maximize mission accomplishment within allocated funds. Maintain accurate program and financial records.

   2. Implement and manage the designated program plan for a three-year SME cleaner production implementation program in the Bajio Region based in Leon, Guanajuato.

   3. Plan and conduct Component I activities throughout the Bajio Region, focusing efforts on potential high pay off areas. Prioritize staff efforts among the five business sectors, with priority in the first year to the tanning sector. Establish a network of contacts with industry and trade associations, chambers, bank and financial institutions, state, city and municipal agencies, and print and TV media. Design and develop appropriate program brochures and handouts. Coordinate with the USMCOC Headquarters Office on the USMCOC website. Establish procedures to maintain the Bajio CPI program web pages current. Create and publish a quarterly bulletin.

   4. Plan and conduct Component II activities. Established a CPI training program. Select and contract with an individual expert or a consulting firm or a university to design and to conduct the CPI Training program. Coordinate design, delivery and cost of CP course modules and the course schedules, to include modules for SMEs, large companies, company management, consultants, and academia and industrial sectors. Recruit course participants.

   5. Plan and coordinate Component III activities. Promote CP implementation projects among Bajio Region SMEs in the automotive, chemical, hospital, hotel, and tanning business sectors. Supervise the activities of the CP technical specialist contracted by the program. Select and contract with consulting firms or individual experts to conduct CP pre-assessments and CP implementation projects. Coordinate the establishment of measurable indicators of performance and evaluate project outcomes. Ensure that continued monitoring of CP implementation is occurring through follow-up visits and communications with SMEs that have implemented CP. Coordinate the development of CP implementation guides and manuals. Provide input and information to program’s two evaluations, which are to be undertaken by an independent firm at the end of the second year and at the end of the program. Contract with an independent firm at the end of the program to conduct a financial audit. Coordinate a final program conference in the final quarter of the program to include participating SMEs, appropriate subject matter experts, and other program stakeholders to assess program outcomes.

   6. Oversee the preparation of all reports required by the IDB MIF, SEMARNAT, and the USMCOC Headquarters.

4. Reporting. Reports directly to the Executive Director of the Bajio Chapter of the USMCOC.

CP Technical Coordinator

1. Education. Bachelors Degree in Engineering.

2. Qualifications and Experience. A minimum of five years work in private sector or government environmental or engineering programs/projects, preferably in the automotive, chemical or related industrial sectors. Qualifications in cleaner production (CP), ISO 14000, ISO 9000, are a must. Two years program or project management experience. Experience in working directly with companies, especially SMEs.. Demonstrated leadership and management skills. Demonstrated outreach skills. Skilled in appropriate computer programs, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and use of Internet resources including websites. Experience in use of a computer database as a program management tool. Good presentation and public speaking skills. Fluency in Spanish language, with good knowledge of English desirable.

3. Position Requirements. Conducts outreach to SMEs to sell the program and obtain SME participation. Works with expert consultants to conduct SME pre-assessments and develop outlines for SME CP implementation projects. Supervises the execution of CP projects to ensure contractor compliance with contractual requirements and deliverables. Evaluates final report of the consultants. Works with consultant to develop draft CP guides and manuals. Recruit participants for the CP Training program.

4. Reporting. Reports directly to the Program Director.

Administrative Assistant

1. Education. Bachelors Degree.

2. Qualifications and Experience. A minimum of five years work experience in the private sector or government. Work experience in environmental or engineering programs/projects highly desirable. Demonstrated office management and operations skills including scheduling and visitor control. Demonstrated outreach skills. Skilled in appropriate computer programs, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and use of Internet resources including websites. Expert in the use of QuickBooks. Demonstrated experience in organizing and maintaining office files. Experience in use of a computer database as a program management tool. Good presentation and public speaking skills. Experience in planning and implementing logistical support for workshops and conferences highly desirable. Fluency in Spanish language, with good knowledge of English desirable.

3. Position Requirements. Executive assistant to the Bajio CP Center Director//Program Director. Supports all aspects of the Bajio Region CP Implementation Program. Manage all aspects of the Center administration and logistics. Maintains program technical and budget files. Processes all project reports. Demonstrated skills in interacting with people in a positive and supportive manner.

4. Reporting. Reports directly to the Program Director.