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Request for Proposals for Pilot Management for AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot Project

Date: May 6, 2016

From: AgResults Secretariat

To: Vendor

Subject: Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide Pilot Management for AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot

Dear Vendor:

The Secretariat of the AgResults Initiative (“Secretariat”), through Deloitte Consulting Overseas Projects LLC, invites your organization to submit a proposal (“Proposal”) to provide Pilot Management Services for the AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot (“Pilot”).

The AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot is a results-driven pilot project that is part of the AgResults initiative financed by the governments of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The AgResults Initiative is administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, “the World Bank”), which serves as the AgResults Trustee. For more information, please see Attachment 3 and www.AgResults.org. The Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot is designed to identify novel approaches for reducing GHG emissions and increasing yields in rice cultivation, and to scale the most effective approaches to thousands of SHFs. Given that the vast majority of emissions occur at the land preparation and cultivation stages of rice farming, the pilot focuses exclusively on the actors and emissions involved during these two stages of the value chain for rice production. These actors include smallholder farmers (SHFs), private input providers, aggregators, universities and research institutions, government officials, co-ops, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, and development agencies. Promoting tools, products and practices not commercially available in Vietnam or widely used in the Red River Delta (RRD) region is the intent of the pilot.

The Secretariat expects to award a Fixed Price Contract to the organization(s) hired for the services detailed in this Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Base Period specified below with three Option Extension Periods (or “Options”):

Base Period: July 1, 2016 to May 30, 2018 Option Extension Period 1: June 1, 2018 to May 30, 2019 Option Extension Period 2: June 1, 2019 to May 30, 2020 Option Extension Period 4: July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

Pilot Management RFP - AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot of 41

http://www.AgResults.org/

It is anticipated that within three months before the completion of the Base Period and subsequently within three months before the completion of each Option Extension Period, the Secretariat will submit to the contracted Pilot Manager organization the scope of work for a subsequent Option Extension Period. The Pilot Manager will have 30 days to submit a price proposal for the Secretariat’s review and approval.

Note: because the period of performance of Deloitte Consulting’s AgResults Secretariat contract with the World Bank finishes June 30, 2018, the Base Period will conclude May 30, 2018, unless Deloitte Consulting’s appointment as the AgResults Secretariat is extended and Option is exercised, or the Pilot Manager’s contract is assigned or novated to a newly appointed AgResults Secretariat, in which case the Base Period may be extended as specified in the assignment or novation. If the AgResults Secretariat contract is extended, three months before the completion of the Base Period, the Secretariat will submit to the contracted Piot Manager organization the scope of work and the period of performance for the Optional Extension Period 1. The Pilot Manager organization will have 30 days to submit a price proposal for the Secretariat’s review and approval.

Proposal procedures and instructions follow this letter in Attachment 1 and are incorporated herein and are made a part hereof. By submitting a Proposal and the required completed and signed “Anticorruption Compliance Certification” (Attachment 4), you will have consented to the terms of this Request for Proposal (RFP), including the proposal procedures and instructions.

Please note the deadlines for receipt of proposal, with all required signatures, including a completed and signed Anticorruption Compliance Certification, is due no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET) on June 6, 2016. Proposal documents should be submitted in one email to [email protected] . Please indicate “Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction RFP” in the subject line of the email. Other important timelines on this RFP are shown in Attachment 1.

The AgResults Secretariat and Pilot Manager will review and evaluate proposal submissions using the evaluation criteria specified in Attachment 1 of this RFP and the Secretariat will select the organization(s) at its sole discretion. The selected organization(s) will be notified in writing. Notwithstanding the notification by the AgResults of the contemplated award, no work shall commence prior to the issuance and signature by the AgResults Secretariat of a Pilot Management Agreement. AgResults reserves the right to select any number of applying organizations or not to select any organization. The AgResults Secretariat reserves the right to award a contract for all or a portion of the work required, issue more than one contract, or to not award a contract.

We look forward to working with you on this opportunity. Should you have any questions or comments please direct them to [email protected] . We appreciate your responsiveness and look forward to a mutually beneficial business relationship.


mailto:[email protected]


Sincerely, Sincerely,

Tobey Pannuty-Staten Rodrigo OrtizProcurement Manager Secretariat Team Leader

Attachments:1. Proposal Procedures and Instructions2. Terms of Reference3. AgResults’ Background4. Anticorruption Compliance Certification5. Labor Pricing Template


Attachment 1Proposal Procedures and Instructions

This section of the RFP provides the general procedures and instructions the Offeror is expected to follow in completing its response and submitting the Proposal.

1.1 Proposal Format and ContentOfferors shall submit the following clearly identified two components with numbered and ordered subsections in the Proposal that match those subsections detailed in Section 3 “Proposal Requirements” of the Terms of Reference in Attachment 2:

Technical Proposal and Price Proposal

Clarity and completeness are of the utmost importance in your Proposal, as your organization’s capabilities can only be considered when properly documented within the Proposal.

1.2 RFP Schedule of Events

a) Deadline for Proposals, with all required signatures, including a completed and signed Anticorruption Compliance Certification, is no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET) on June 6, 2016. Proposal documents should be submitted in one email to [email protected] . Please indicate “Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction RFP” in the subject line of the email.

b) Questions concerning the Pilot or this RFP may be submitted by vendors at any time, but no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET) on May 13, 2016 to [email protected]. Please indicate “Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction RFP” in the subject line of the email.

c) Answers to timely-received questions will be publically posted on http://agresults.org/en/288/GetInvolved no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET), May 18, 2016.

d) The Secretariat expects to award the Vietnam Pilot Management contract on or about June 30, 2016 with an expected contract start date of July 1, 2016.

Please be advised that late Proposal submissions may be considered non-responsive and may be excluded from evaluation and award consideration.

1.3 Anticipated Contract Type and Period of PerformanceThe Secretariat expects to award a Fixed Price Contract to the organization(s) hired for the services detailed in this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the below specified Base Period with three Option Extension Periods:


http://agresults.org/en/288/GetInvolved



Base Period: July 1, 2016 to May 30, 2018 Option Extension Period 1: June 1, 2018 to May 30, 2019 Option Extension Period 2: June 1, 2019 to May 30, 2020 Option Extension Period 3: July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

It is anticipated that within three months before the completion of the Base Period and subsequently within three months before the completion of each Option Extension Period, the Secretariat will submit to the contracted Pilot Manager the scope of work for a subsequent Option Extension Period. The Pilot Manager will have 30 days to submit a price proposal for the Secretariat’s review and approval.

Note: because the period of performance of Deloitte Consulting’s AgResults Secretariat contract with the World Bank finishes June 1, 2018, the base period will conclude May 30, 2018, unless Deloitte Consulting’s appointment as the AgResults Secretariat is extended and Option is exercised, or the Pilot Manager’s contract is assigned or novated to a newly appointed AgResults Secretariat, in which case the Base Period may be extended as specified in the assignment or novation. If the AgResults Secretariat contract is extended, three months before the completion of Base Period, the Secretariat will submit to the contracted Pilot Manager the scope of work and the period of performance for the Option Extension Period 1. The Pilot Manager will have 30 days to submit a price proposal for the Secretariat’s review and approval.

Payment for the Pilot Manager’s services under the contract will be made by the AgResults’ Trustee, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, “The World Bank”). The Trustee reserves the right to withhold from payments any taxes or similar fees as may be required by applicable law.

1.4 Terms of ReferenceSee Attachment 2.

1.5 Proposal Validity PeriodThe Offeror’s Proposal must remain valid for one hundred and twenty (120) days after submission and the validity period of 120 days must be noted in the Offeror’s Proposal cover letter.

1.6 Responsibility for Compliance with Legal RequirementsThe Offeror’s products, services, and facilities must be in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulation, codes, standards, and ordinances, regardless of whether or not they are referred to by the AgResults Secretariat.

1.7 Proposal-Related Incurred CostsThe Offeror will be responsible for all costs incurred in preparing or responding to this RFP. All materials and documents submitted in response to this RFP become the property of the AgResults Secretariat and will not be returned. This RFP will in no way


obligate the AgResults Secretariat to compensate any Offeror for costs associated with the preparation of its Proposal.

1.8 Reservation of RightsThis RFP does not commit the AgResults Secretariat to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a Proposal in response to this request, or to procure or subcontract for services or supplies. The AgResults Secretariat reserves the right to cancel this procurement at any time without prior notice. The AgResults Secretariat may require the Offeror to participate in discussions, solely at the AgResults Secretariat’s discretion, and to submit such monetary, technical or other revisions of their Proposals that may result from such discussions. Offerors do not have the right to protest or seek a claim based on the AgResults Secretariat’s exercise of its discretion or judgment in evaluating or awarding a contract arising from or relating to the Proposal. The Offeror expressly waives any and all rights and remedies under any civil action arising from or related to the submittal of a Proposal.

1.9 Rejection of Solicitation ResponseThe AgResults Secretariat reserves the right to reject any or all responses received or any part thereof, on any basis or for any reason to accept any response or any part thereof, or to waive any informalities when deemed to be in the AgResults Secretariat’s best interest.

1.10 TaxesAny applicable taxes that may be levied in connection with the Services in any jurisdiction will be the responsibility of the selected Pilot Manager and are deemed to be included in the Offeror’s proposed fixed price or fixed unit prices. The AgResults Secretariat cannot confer any special tax- or duty-free status to the Pilot Manager and the work is not exempt from any taxes or duties.

1.11 Evaluation CriteriaProposals will be evaluated and ranked by the AgResults Secretariat in order in which they represent, in the Secretariat’s sole discretion, the best value for the Pilot. Greater weight will be given to the technical services than to price, but price remains an important determinant for selection. Evaluation of the Proposals may include the following criteria (not in any particular order):

a) The Offeror should demonstrate the ability to scale up the provision of services in the event that additional Solvers are invited to participate in the Pilot.

b) The management team proposed to carry out the scope of work.c) Past performance in country or the region with similar services. d) The price of the requested services.e) Compliance to terms set forth in this RFP.

1.12 Compliance with Anticorruption LawsThe Offeror represents and warrants that, in connection with this solicitation, the Offeror and any person or entity acting on its behalf has complied, and will continue to


comply, with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78dd-1, et. seq.) as amended (“FCPA”), and all other applicable anticorruption laws, rules and regulations. As a general description, the FCPA prohibits corruptly offering or providing money, gifts or anything of value, to foreign (i.e., non-U.S.) officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or to secure an improper advantage. Other applicable anticorruption laws may also prohibit bribery of foreign officials or commercial counterparties. The Offeror, if awarded the role of Pilot Manager, must notify the AgResults Secretariat immediately of any suspected violation and may report a suspected violation anonymously.

1.13 Anticorruption Compliance CertificationThe Offeror is required to submit a completed and signed Anticorruption Compliance Certification (see Attachment 4).

1.14 Confidential InformationNotwithstanding any agreements, including any separate nondisclosure agreements, already in place between the parties, the AgResults Secretariat assumes no obligation regarding confidentiality of all or any portion of a Proposal or any other material except that the AgResults Secretariat may not disclose any portion, which the Offeror clearly designates as containing proprietary information by affixing the following paragraph on the title page:

“This proposal, where explicitly marked, includes data that shall not be disclosed outside of the AgResults Initiative and its respective advisors, consultants and contractors, and shall not be used or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this Offeror as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this proposal, the AgResults Secretariat shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the AgResults Secretariat’s right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction.”

The Offeror will mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following: “Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal. “

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Offeror agrees that its Proposal, including any portion containing confidential information, may be shared by the AgResults Secretariat with the World Bank (the AgResults Trust Fund Trustee), the AgResults Steering Committee and any or all Contributors to the AgResults Trust Fund. The Offeror’s Proposal may be also disclosed to third parties if required by order of a court, administrative agency or governmental body, or by any law, rule or regulation, or by subpoena, or any other administrative or legal process, or by applicable regulatory or professional standards; provided, however, that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the AgResults Secretariat would use reasonable efforts prior to such disclosure to


notify the Offeror and allow the Offeror to seek a protective order to restrict or narrow the disclosure in accordance with applicable law.

Attachment 2Terms of Reference

1. Pilot Manager Period of PerformanceUnder the Pilot Project, participating Solvers will test GHG emissions reduction techniques for a period of four years. Pilot Manager tasks are anticipated to run for five and one half to six years. However, because of the period of performance of Deloitte Consulting’s AgResults Secretariat contract with the World Bank, the Pilot Manager will be contracted for a Base Period of two years with an Option Period to extend the contract.

Base Period of Performance: The Base Period is estimated to start on or around July 1, 2016 to May 30, 2018. Offerors should present pricing for only the base period. For a contracting timeline for the price proposal for this RFP, assume this schedule:

Year 1: July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017Year 2: June 1, 2017 to May 30, 2018

Option Extension Period: Three months before the completion of the Base Period, the Secretariat will submit to the Pilot Manager the scope of work and period of performance for the Option Period. The Pilot Manager will have 30 days to submit a price proposal for the Option Period for the Secretariat’s review and approval.

2. Pilot Manager Personnel and Scope of Work

2.1 AgResults Pilot Manager Team—General Role Description The Pilot Manager Team will manage the Pilot’s activities and efforts in accordance with a Secretariat-approved Work Plan and a Pilot Manager agreement, and will collaborate closely with the Secretariat as required or appropriate. The Pilot Manager team will be responsible for management and implementation of the AgResults Vietnam Pilot and will be accountable and report to the Secretariat. The Pilot Manager plays a neutral, facilitative and coordination role and manages and oversees all Pilot activities in country to conclusion.

The Pilot Manager’s activities and responsibilities, also described in Section 2 of the Terms of Reference, will include the following.

* Tasks that the Secretariat believes will represent a significant level of effort (LOE) during the Pilot Launch Phase (prior to the beginning of Phase 1) are indicated with one asterisk: *


**Tasks that the Secretariat believes will represent a significant LOE throughout the duration of the Pilot are indicated with two asterisks: **

1. Annual Work Plan development and submission to the Secretariat for review and approval, plus quarterly review and updates as needed.

2. Regular reporting to the Secretariat including, but not limited to:a. Weekly (or less frequently as needed) updates of an MS Excel work tracker,b. Weekly or biweekly calls between the Team Leader and Secretariat Field

Coordinator,c. Biweekly high level updates to the online Secretariat Work Plan Program

Management Center (PMC) system, d. Minutes of All Team and Advisory Council meetingse. Quarterly reports, f. A final report at the end of the Pilot, g. and any other information piece of urgent or important nature.

3. * Assisting the Secretariat by finalizing the design of the verification processes. 4. *Identifying, screening and recommending potential Solvers.5. **Managing the Solver selection process, Solver Request for Applications, and other Pilot

launch responsibilities as needed, as described in the TOR.6. Overseeing the annual Solver agreement process7. **Overseeing all Verification activities. This includes close liaising and overseeing the work

plan(s) of the contracted verifier organization(s); performing spot checks of verification tasks, for analyzing the data, and ultimately for assessing the interim, milestone and grand prize calculations.

8. **Assisting with gaining formal government approval of pilot activities, developing a formal role for government participating in the pilot, and liaising with the government throughout the duration of the pilot to ensure continued support and possible government adoption of GHG emissions reductions techniques.

9. Coordinating the formation and convening quarterly meetings of the Advisory Council.10. Conducting ongoing analysis to identify problems, opportunities and lessons learned, and

making recommendations to the Secretariat for solutions and steps forward.11. Developing and proposing for the Secretariat’s review a Dispute Resolution Process as

described in TOR and upon Secretariat’s approval, managing such disputes in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Process.

12. Overseeing the Pilot activities to identify and report to the Secretariat any potential inappropriate, unethical or fraudulent behavior or activities by the Pilot Solvers, verifier, and/or any other party in connection with the Pilot.

13. Managing Pilot outreach and communications. (See below for details)14. Tracking related projects in Vietnam, and in the region if relevant, carried out by donors

and other actors in the GHG emissions reduction center, and noting participation and support received by Pilot Solvers in other related projects and activities.

15. Gathering information from Solvers, the Verifier organization(s), and other stakeholders, and analyzing, and acting on information related to Pilot activities.

16. Periodically providing photos or written contributions for the AgResults website, blog, and/or social media, as applicable.


17. Maintaining an unbiased, facilitation role with regard to the Solver organizations. In order to ensure the integrity of the Pilot and the pull mechanism, it is important that the entire Pilot Manager team remains neutral and that Solvers and other stakeholders perceive them as such.

18. As determined by the Secretariat and/or the Steering Committee, performing any other role which would be useful for the Pilot Manager to perform, depending on the nature of the Pilot, provisions for implementing the Pilot and consistent with the agreed upon Scope of Work.

2.2 AgResults Pilot Manager Team—Key Personnel Roles and Responsibilities The following are the roles and responsibilities of the three key personnel positions for the Pilot Manager Team. The key personnel are essential to the successful performance of the Pilot. All staff filling these key personnel positions are subject to approval by the AgResults Secretariat and may not be changed without the Secretariat’s prior written approval.

1. Team LeaderThe Team Leader will be responsible for management of day-to-day Pilot activities and the quality delivery of the all the Pilot Manager Team’s work. The Team Leader will ensure that all tasks and activities are performed timely, professionally, subject to appropriate review and approvals by the Secretariat, and that deliverables and other work products related to the Pilot will be clear, well thought out, complete and thoroughly checked for quality control.

Specifically, the Team Leader’s responsibilities will include the following:

a. Develop an Annual Work Plan to be submitted to the Secretariat for review and approval consideration within 30 days of the new project year.

b. Monitor and ensure that the Pilot Work Plan is implemented. c. Track, identify and inform the Secretariat in quarterly reports of all completed

activities and propose necessary amendments at the end of each quarter. d. Identify and proactively report to the Secretariat on potential opportunities or

problems that could impact Pilot implementation or the reputation risk of the Pilot, AgResults, the Secretariat or any other AgResults entity. The Team Leader should employ critical thinking to troubleshoot solutions, and recommend appropriate solutions, responses and next steps to the Secretariat before taking action.

e. Coordinate the formation of and subsequent meetings of the Advisory Council.f. Manage and oversee the Solver application selection process.g. Communicate as needed with the verifier organization and testing lab(s), in

coordination with the Technical officer, and report regularly to the Secretariat (and upon approval from the Secretariat, to the Solvers).

h. Coordinate dispute resolution and fraud management processes.i. Manage annual lessons-learned exercises and submit the summary of these exercises

to the Secretariat on a yearly basis.j. Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, public outreach and communications.k. Ensure quality verbal and written reporting on Pilot operations as required.


l. Maintain neutrality in all aspects of the facilitation of the Pilot, including impartiality toward the Solvers, and eschew influence by any pre-existing personal or professional relationships that would create and actual or perceived bias or unfair advantage for a Solver or other stakeholder.

m. Coordinate and provide support as needed to the Independent Evaluator (Abt Associates) to harmonize work plans and facilitate the Independent Evaluator’s work, in order to meet the objectives of its work along with those of the Pilot.

n. Ensure that Pilot deliverables are met on a timely basis and keep the Secretariat informed of all delays or changes to the timeline.

o. Other duties as assigned.

2. Technical Officer The Technical Officer will be responsible for overseeing all Pilot Verification activities that will be carried out by an external organization(s) contracted independently by the Secretariat and support the Team Leader as necessary with the operations of the Pilot.

The Technical Officer should be familiar with rice cultivation and the resulting GHG emissions and will need to liaise and oversee very closely verification tasks to ensure verification objectives are carried out with the utmost integrity. The level of oversight will be finalized as the Verification approach (periodicity of data sharing from the remoting sensing verifier, number of farm-level yield measurements and/or static chamber readings necessary, etc.). The Technical Officer should expect to perform 3 spot checks per crop cycle for 5% of the Solver’s total area registered in the Pilot. The Technical Officer’s role differs from that of a traditional monitoring and evaluation (M&E) role in a “push” development project. In a pull mechanism, all oversight of the Pilot and verification work is focused on verifying results and preventing and identifying fraudulent practices.

Specifically, the Technical Officer’s responsibilities will include the following:

a. Serve as Acting Team Leader when the Team Leader is absent. b. Liaise with the Independent Evaluator (Abt) as needed.c. Collaborate with the Secretariat and Team Leader to assist in the finalization of a

verification process, the Scope of Work for the Verifier, and collecting data on potential costs.

d. Oversee the work done by the organization hired for Pilot Verification services. Responsibilities may include spot checks of the following: fieldwork and data collection, data cleaning, data analysis and reporting. The Technical officer may also develop, in collaboration with the Verifier, any necessary template for data collected from the Solvers (Farm Level Inputs).

e. Liaise with the Pilot Verifier to ensure consistency in work plans and reporting.f. Support weekly, monthly and quarterly management reporting to the Secretariat.g. Provide other operational support including administrative tasks, communications &

reporting, outreach and research as may be required.h. In collaboration with the Team Leader, liaise with project stakeholders including

Advisory Council members, Solvers, the Pilot Verifier, and government officials.


i. Assist with review of Solver applications and oversight of Solver activities.j. Support stakeholder relations in strategic aspects of the Pilot. k. Provide, as needed, advice and support to the Advisory Council to assist in achieving the

advisory service objectives of the Advisory Council on the Pilot, including but not limited to the assessment of potential new Solver applications, and identification of any possible cheating or fraud by Solvers.

l. Assist in the preparation of annual work plans if needed.m. Provide any other advisory services as may be requested by the Steering Committee,

Secretariat and Pilot Manager team.

2.3. Pilot Manager Team Scope of Work TasksThe following are the tasks that the Pilot Manager Team will perform on an ongoing basis throughout the Pilot, with the exception of 2) which details the Pilot Launch Responsibilities.

1) Annual Work Plan Development

a. Within 30 days of contract award and then subsequently 30 days before the beginning of every new contract year, the Pilot Manager will submit an annual work plan in MS Project to be implemented on a quarterly basis, for review and approval by the Secretariat.

b. The Work Plan shall be reviewed on a quarterly basis at the time of submission of the quarterly report. The Pilot Manager must include in the Quarterly Report any necessary requests for amendments to the Work Plan to reflect the actual implementation of the Pilot activities. Any adjustments will be discussed and agreed upon by the Secretariat and Pilot Manager, and will be subject to Secretariat approval to become effective. When there is a quarterly Work Plan amendment, it is the intention of the parties not to revise the fixed price and payment schedule associated with the originally agreed-upon applicable Work Plan. The Secretariat will review and process Work Plan amendment requests (indicating approval, rejection or request for modification) within a period of two weeks following receipt of the Quarterly Report with the requested amendment.

c. Should the Scope of Work significantly change, the Pilot Manager and Secretariat will discuss whether a budget and agreement modification is needed. Any budget modification is subject to AgResults Steering Committee approval.

2) Pilot Launch Responsibilities Immediately following the start date of agreement, the Pilot Manager will have the following responsibilities.

a. The Pilot Manager (or “PM”) work with the Secretariat to complete the formal government pilot application process and to obtain the government approval(s) for the Pilot to proceed.


b. After receiving formal government approval, the PM will organize a public event to publicize the Pilot and assemble key program stakeholders to a Pilot Announcement Event.

c. Conduct multiple (3-5) outreach sessions with possible Solvers, following the Pilot Announcement Meeting, to raise awareness and generate interest in the Pilot.

d. Develop and report on the set of organizations that have the capabilities and interest in participating in the Pilot.

e. Work with the Secretariat to finalize the verification process and assist the Secretariat in the procurement of the organization(s) to conduct verification. (See #7 below.)

f. Develop, in collaboration with the Secretariat, a Dispute Resolution Process. (See #6.)g. Determine and finalize the formal role of government in pilot operationsh. Draft and submit to the Secretariat Solver selection criteria and a Solver application

process, including the Solver Request for Applications and accompanying application. i. Conduct outreach and Q&A meetings with prospective Solvers to inform about the

Pilot.j. Form and convene the Advisory Council for one (1) initial orientation session as well

as the first official Quarterly Advisory Council Meeting to solicit input from Council members on the Solver selection and application processes. (See #4.)

k. Manage the Solver application process including posting of the RFA, review of applications and solicitation of input from the Advisory Council, in collaboration with the Secretariat.

l. Collaborate with the Secretariat in the developing of the Solver’s agreement. The Secretariat will take the lead on drafting the terms of the Solvers’s agreement; however, once Solvers are selected by the Secretariat (based on the input and recommendation made by the Pilot Manager), Pilot Manager will convene a collective orientation meeting for Solvers to go over all details of the Solver’s agreement, including the prize payments, the verification process, Dispute Resolution Process and other salient rules of engagement.

m. Hold additional meetings if and when necessary with individual Solver organizations to answer any additional questions and/or address any confusion or misunderstandings.

n. Conduct a Pilot Launch Event with press – activity and press statements will be subject to a prior mutual agreement with the Secretariat, when Phase 1 begins.

3) Solver Selection and Solver Prize PaymentsThe Pilot Manager will be substantially involved and will have responsibilities in the Solver identification, solicitation, selection, application, review, acceptance, and prize disbursement process.

Specifically, the Pilot Manager’s responsibilities will include:

a. Develop a Request for Applications (RFA) document, subject to Secretariat approval, to be shared with potential Solvers. The RFA will include the rules of engagement, including but not limited to acceptance eligibility criteria, application review criteria, dispute resolution process and the required Deloitte anti-corruption certification.


b. Develop criteria for Solver participation, subject to Secretariat approval, and review these requirements in order to adjust as needed throughout the life of the Pilot.

c. Oversee the RFA solicitation process including first review of applications; submission to the Secretariat for review and approval of formal responses; and communication to Solvers on issues of clarification.

d. Recommend to the Secretariat Solvers to be selected.e. Upon approval from the Secretariat, oversee the Solver acceptance agreement issuance,

signing, and annual renewal. (Note: Solvers enter into an agreement with the Pilot Manager.) Pilot Manager will be required and agrees to assign or novate the Solver’s agreements to the Secretariat or its designee upon the Secretariat’s written request.

f. Manage communications related to Solver application acceptance, rejection, or, if needed, termination.

g. Amend or update the RFA, as needed, subject to approval of the Secretariat.h. Following amendments or updates to the RFA, organize meetings with Solvers to

provide updates of any changes in the program should changes occur.i. Pronounce publicly the names of selected Solvers, if appropriate. j. Determine, in accordance with the Pilot terms, payments due to Solvers for both Phase

1 interim and milestone payments and Phase 2 interim and milestone payments, and present this information to the Secretariat for approval.

4) Coordinate Formation of the Advisory Council and Convene Quarterly Meetings The Pilot Manager shall identify members of, and coordinate the formation and subsequent quarterly regular meetings of, the Pilot Advisory Council, and shall oversee the Advisory Council throughout the Pilot. The Advisory Council is not a decision-making body, but shall serve to provide input and advice about the progress of the Pilot toward achieving GHG emissions reductions, and on the general trends and practices impacting GHG emissions, and other implications related to the Pilot’s objectives.

Specifically, the Pilot Manager’s responsibilities include:

a. With approval from the Secretariat, identify organizations and persons to serve as part of the Advisory Council and coordinate formation of the Advisory Council, which may include representatives from the donor community, relevant government bodies, and GHG reduction organizations. Members of the Council may not receive any compensation for their services without prior written approval of the Secretariat.

b. Establish an appropriate and effective governance structure for the Advisory Council. c. Convene quarterly Advisory Council meetings to seek advice from members or to

update them on the pilot. d. Solicit input and advice from the Advisory Council related to potential fraud or system

gaming, and report all information to the Secretariat.e. Take thorough minutes of each Advisory Council meeting and submit minutes to the

Secretariat within two (2) weeks of each meeting, calling to the Secretariat’s attention any important points.

f. Ensure that council members sign Deloitte’s Anticorruption Compliance Certification and other documents (for example, non-disclosure agreements) as needed.


g. Maintain Advisory Council membership over time, and review Advisory Council membership at least annually, in consultation with Secretariat, to replace members who are no longer interested in participating, have a conflict of interest, or may no longer be qualified to serve on the Council.

5) Ongoing Analysis to Identify Problems, Opportunities and Lessons LearnedAs needed, the Pilot Manager will research and analyze information to inform decision-making, identify problems and opportunities, document lessons learned, and propose to the Secretariat solutions and ways forward.

Specifically, the Pilot Manager’s responsibilities in this area will include, but are not limited to:

a. Tracking GHG emissions reduction results and other factors that may impact the Pilot implementation and prize payments.

b. Identify potential problems and opportunities and to recommend appropriate solutions and responses to the Secretariat before taking action.

c. Conduct one (1) lessons-learned session per year with Solvers, and possibly other stakeholders as identified in advance in collaboration with the Secretariat, reflecting on experiences from the previous harvest period, as well as over the lifetime of the Pilot. These sessions may include using data contributed by the Pilot Verifier.

d. Following the exercise, the Pilot Manager will submit a lessons learned report within two (2) weeks to the Secretariat for review.

6) Dispute Resolution and Fraud ManagementWithin a week of finalization of a verification process design, the Pilot Manager will work closely with the Secretariat and Pilot Verifier to design and administer a Dispute Resolution Process, subject to Secretariat approval, to use when disputes arise or any misconduct is suspected by the Solver, Verifier, or other actor. The Secretariat will provide examples of Dispute Resolution Processes employed in other AgResults pilots.


a. Develop a Dispute Resolution Process that is subject to review and approval by the Secretariat. The process will identify possible areas of dispute, the process for lodging disputes, limits of dispute and resolution mechanism, and any other aspect necessary. This process will include notification of all issues to the Secretariat and escalation of unresolved issues to the Secretariat for guidance or resolution.

b. Once approved by the Secretariat, communicate the dispute resolution mechanism to the Advisory Council and Solvers.

c. Inform the Secretariat of instances of potential suspected fraud, cheating, counterfeiting, gaming and/or potential or real disputes. The Pilot Manager must be thorough and proactive in identifying these activities, remain impartial with respect to all Solvers and other stakeholders, and fully enforce the rules of the Pilot.


d. The Pilot Manager shall implement workplace integrity policies and practices, as well as rigorous oversight of the Pilot to identify and mitigate all claims of fraud, gaming and/or fraudulent behavior.

7) Procurement Assistance and Oversight of the Pilot VerifierThe Secretariat will contract the Pilot Verifier; however, the Pilot Manager will be responsible for assisting the Secretariat in the procurement process and for oversight of all work done by the organization(s) hired to conduct Pilot Verification services. As described in the Terms of Reference, this is a significant component of the Pilot Manager’s work.

Specifically, the Pilot Manager’s responsibilities will include:

a. Assist the Secretariat in researching and developing the methodology for verification.b. Support Secretariat identification and development of performance indicators.c. Assist the Secretariat in the procurement of the Verifier, which may include

communication with relevant organizations, assisting in developing the Scope of Work and Request for Proposals, and other related tasks.

d. In collaboration with the Verifier organization(s)., develop any necessary templates for data to be collected from the Solvers.

e. Oversight of all work done by the Verifier organization(s).

Pilot Manager oversight of the Pilot Verifier organization(s) will likely include: biannual spot checks of field visits conducted by the Verifier with Solvers at the

fields considered in the Pilot. The Pilot Manager should expect to perform spot checks on 5% of each Solver’s total area, 3 times per crop cycle.

communications with the DNDC and Satellite yield verification offices spot checks of data collection, data cleaning, data analysis and reporting. The

number and frequency of these spot checks will be determined as the verification methodology is finalized.

f. Maintain an up-to-date communication feedback mechanism with the Verifier and the Secretariat to ensure that problems, challenges, lessons learnt and other key information is reported in a timely fashion.

8) Stakeholder Engagement, Public Outreach and CommunicationsThe Pilot Manager will be the front line organization establishing and maintaining AgResults visibility, stakeholder engagement and public communication; marketing and promoting the Pilot Project to potential Solver organizations; and maintaining a critical neutrality in the facilitation of the Pilot at all times. In accordance with AgResults media standards and policies, the Pilot Manager will serve as Pilot liaison to local media, value chain actors, and other local and international actors, always consulting the Secretariat in advance of public communications and following the AgResults branding guidelines.

With respect to any external communication, unless otherwise specifically authorized in writing by Deloitte Consulting, the Pilot Manager shall not use the name or brand of Deloitte


Consulting in any communications. The Pilot Manager shall use AgResults marking and branding in accordance with the guidance that will be provided by the Secretariat upon agreement award and as updated during the term of the Pilot.

The Pilot Manager will have the following responsibilities related to Stakeholder Engagement, Public Outreach and Communications:

8.1 Solver Engagementa. Meet annually with each Solver separately to update and renew Pilot agreements b. On a rolling basis, if needed (in the case of low Solver application numbers), and in

consultation with the Secretariat, identify and recommend to the Secretariat promotional activities to engage new Solvers that may join for Phase 2 those Solvers enrolled in Phase 1. Publicity of the Pilot (goals, requirements and incentives) and the Solvers’ RFA should be done in a transparent and open manner, through appropriate advertising, media outreach, and/or through proactive networking in the Vietnamese agribusiness community. Emphasis shall be given to women-owned businesses and women’s organizations, if possible. Publicity is subject to approval of the Secretariat. The Pilot Manager will always inform the Secretariat in advance of all publicity activities in order to seek Secretariat feedback and approval.

c. Maintain communication with potential Solvers and provide them with all information necessary to determine whether they wish to participate in the Pilot.

d. Refer any and all important communications related to the Solvers to the Secretariat, keeping the Secretariat informed and apprised of important developments so that the Secretariat is able to effectively manage inquiries and reporting from and to the donors on the Steering Committee.

e. Liaise with potential Solvers, and other value chain participants, and create informal networking opportunities for Solvers. Note: the Pilot Manager shall act as a networking resource for Solvers only. Under no circumstance shall the Pilot Manager provide or coordinate technical assistance for Solvers.

8.2 Government Engagement a. Meet as needed (multiple times a year) and when appropriate with Vietnamese

government officials who are responsible for issues related to the issues that AgResults is trying to address through the Pilot or with government-related institutions to maintain good relations and promote awareness and the Government support for the Pilot, always keeping the Secretariat informed in advance of meetings.

b. Coordinate with relevant government research entities. The Pilot Manager will share information about the Pilot with the MARD, coordinate with the government in a formal pilot capacity, and facilitate communication between Solvers and government organizations.

8.3 Engagement with Donor Representatives and International Organizationsa. Meet as needed (at least twice a year) with international organizations active in related

technical areas and in particular with the representatives of AgResults donors, always proposing such meetings and coordinating with the Secretariat in advance of the


meetings so that the Secretariat may keep donor representatives on the Steering Committee informed and involved, to the extent the Steering Committee members wish. The purpose of these meetings is to keep the relevant stakeholders informed and updated on the Pilot progress and to maintain a working knowledge of other relevant donor-funded programs. The Pilot Manager shall report to the Secretariat following all meetings.

8.4 Monitoring and Knowledge Management of Programs and Opportunitiesa. Maintain a tracker in Excel to identify and track current and future projects in GHG

reduction in rice cultivation, to monitor their potential impact on the AgResults Pilot including but not limited to donor-funded work.

b. Share tracker regularly with the Secretariat.c. When appropriate, upon discussion with the Secretariat, share equally in a neutral role,

with the Solvers, information on resources available through other programs, opportunities, etc. that may assist them in achieving Pilot goals of GHG reduction in rice cultivation.

8.5 Engagement with Other StakeholdersMaintain active engagement with any other necessary stakeholders including, but not limited to, relevant donor-funded projects, industry associations and interest groups, farmers groups, other projects working to control GHG emissions, and any others the Secretariat or Steering Committee members may request in order to identify challenges and opportunities, and to recommend to the Secretariat appropriate solutions and responses.

9) Reporting on Pilot OperationsThe Pilot Manager will be in regular communication with the Secretariat on all aspects of the Pilot operations.


a. Report immediately to the Secretariat any urgent issue or reputational risk related to the Pilot.

b. Report to the Secretariat in a timely fashion problems and opportunities identified in the Pilot and make recommendations for solutions and responses.

c. Be available for weekly All Team phone meetings with the Pilot Manager team and Secretariat; periodic site visits by the Secretariat, and any additional meetings as determined by the needs of the Pilot.

d. Prepare and submit to the Secretariat for review, within one (1) week, the minutes of All Team Meetings.

e. Maintain and submit to the Secretariat a Work Tracker to be updated on a weekly basis, or as needed and agreed upon with the Secretariat based on the level of activity in any particular phase of Pilot implementation.

f. Update the online AgResults PMC project management system operated by the Secretariat twice a month. This system contains only high-level tasks and is available for


donor representatives on the Steering Committee, the Secretariat, and the Pilot Manager to view at any time.

g. Submit photos and brief reports of all events.h. Submit a quarterly report to the Secretariat on project activities, using a template

provided by the Secretariat, to include: Pilot implementation and operations; lessons learned; if available, Solver activities and results; any updates on Pilot indicators; any requests, with explanation, for needed work plan amendments; and a quarterly payment request using the one-page template provided by the Secretariat.

i. Submit an annual Lessons Learned Report to the Secretariat (see Section 5). j. Submit a final report at the end of the Pilot after implementation is completed.

Submission timing and requirements will be determined in coordination with the Secretariat.

k. As requested by the Secretariat, periodically provide photos or written contributions for the AgResults website, blog, and/or social media.

l. Submit any additional reports or information as may be required by the Secretariat or the Steering Committee.

10) Pilot Evaluator and Results Framework SupportThe Pilot Manager will support Pilot Evaluator Abt Associates, as needed, during activities for the impact evaluation of the Pilot.

The Pilot Manager will also track data needed for the Results Framework as outlined by the Secretariat.

Specifically, the Pilot Manager’s responsibilities in this area will include:

a. Participate in a presentation that the Evaluator will give to the Pilot Manager team during the initial 60 days of the Pilot Manager’s mobilization to provide further specificity about the impact evaluation and anticipated needs.

b. Liaise, support and collaborate closely with the Independent Evaluator. This will entail coordinating or facilitating meetings for the Pilot Evaluator with stakeholders, both in central locations and in the field. It will also involve sharing important information regarding the Pilot implementation.

c. Invite representatives of the Independent Evaluator to participate in significant events.d. Coordinate or facilitate meetings for the Independent Evaluator with stakeholders, both

in central locations and in the field. e. Participate in a conference call every other month with the Pilot Evaluation team (or

with greater or less frequency as needed) to discuss Pilot findings that may impact Pilot implementation and the Impact Evaluation. This may include: production cycles, harvest timing, Solver applications, data collected from Solvers, the Pilot timelines, Solver agreements, data collected from farmers, etc. Information about external factors that may influence impact and attribution is also particularly important. The Independent Evaluator treats every piece of information with the utmost confidentiality and is bound by agreement to maintain confidentiality of every data sources.


f. Provide important information in a real-time fashion to the Independent Evaluator, copying the Secretariat.

g. Support in the initial six months of the Pilot, and later if needed, identification and development of the indicators for the Pilot Results Framework, in concert with the Secretariat and in collaboration and consultation with the Steering Committee, Independent Evaluator, and Verifier.

h. Track and report to the Secretariat, data collected by the Verifier for the indicators in the Results Framework.

2.4 Pilot Manager DeliverablesThe Pilot Manager Team will be responsible for the following deliverables:

a. An Annual Work Plan in MS Project, which will be reviewed and amended quarterly as needed.

b. Biweekly updates to the online AgResults PMC project management system.c. A detailed Work Tracker submitted weekly or as needed and agreed upon with the

Secretariat.d. Quarterly reports for every year of the agreement with Work Plan amendment

requests and justification if needed.e. Quarterly Advisory Council meeting notes, within two weeks following the meetings.f. Monthly All Team meeting notes, within one week following the meetings.g. One Lessons Learned report following each annual lessons learned exercise.h. One final report at the end of the agreement after implementation is completed.i. Photos and brief reports of all eventsj. Periodic contributions to Secretariat biannual reporting in January and July.k. Periodic photos or written contributions for the AgResults website, blog, and/or social

media.l. Develop and maintain a data library including but not limited to: maintenance of all

project documents and key communication, Solver application and review documents and process, Solver records, verification results and reports, and Volume Guarantee and End-of-Pilot Payment tracking and management.

3. Launch and Ongoing Activities

3.1 Pilot Launch ActivitiesThe Pilot Manager is responsible for launching the Pilot project. The following is a description of activities necessary for launching the pilot with explanation of the role the Pilot Manager will have with each.

A. Form and Convene Advisory Council In the initial months of the Pilot, the Pilot Manager will manage the formation of an Advisory Council that will meet quarterly. During the launch phase, the Advisory Council will serve to provide input related to the development of Solver selection criteria, the Solver application process and the selection of Solvers, among other things. The Advisory Council is not a


decision-making body, but rather serves as a group to provide key advice. It also serves as a means for the Pilot Manager to keep key stakeholders updated and apprised on Pilot progress as well as to collect information about other ongoing related projects.

The Pilot Manager will submit to the Secretariat a proposed list of organizations and approximately 10 – 20 persons to serve on the Advisory Council. Upon approval from the Secretariat, the Pilot Manager will proceed to invite the proposed members to serve on the Advisory Council. Upon their written acceptance, the Pilot Manager will establish an appropriate governance structure for the council, which will be subject to the Secretariat’s review and input. The Pilot Manager will convene an initial introductory meeting for the Advisory Council and then shortly thereafter will convene the first official Advisory Council Quarterly Meeting to seek input from the Council members on the development of the Solver application, selection and verification processes.

B. Review and Finalize the Verification ProcessA key role for the Pilot Manager is the oversight and monitoring of the verification process throughout the pilot and the identification of any issues that may arise, including any potential collusion between Solver(s) and Verifier(s), with immediate reporting of issues to the Secretariat. The Pilot Manager will be responsible for close liaising with and overseeing the work plan(s) of the contracted Verifier(s); performing spot checks of verification tasks; analyzing data collected during verification; and ultimately, for assessing the interim, milestone, and grand prize calculations.

The primary objective of verification for the Pilot is to validate the accuracy of and determine any issues, suspicious activity or fraud in what Solver organizations report as veracity that farmers are using the Solver’s technology, number of farmers worked with, number of repeat use of the technology, and farm level input data for calculation of prize payments. Additionally, there must not be any fraud in the sampling of yields for yield increase calculations, which feed into prize payments. For this reason, verification plays a critical role in the Pilot and oversight by the Pilot Manager is just as critical to the success of the pilot.

The Secretariat will contract the organization(s) to perform Pilot verification. However, the Pilot Manager will closely monitor the Verifier(s) verification work. At this time, verification is anticipated to be a combination of GHG measurement, satellite image plot yield estimation, and field verification of farmer inputs. GHG measurement will likely be conducted using the Denitrification Decomposition Model (DNDC), a process-based system that uses a biogeochemical model, in conjunction with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), to determine the amount of GHG emissions released from a rice crop. The Pilot Manager and Secretariat will review the proposed verification method to arrive at a final verification methodology that can be applied across both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the pilot. Different verification methodologies will be judged based upon level of accuracy, confidence level, cost, timeliness of technology, coordination willingness, and suitability of the technology for application in the Red River Delta. Based on the anticipated verification methodology, the following are likely activities to be performed by the verifier organization(s):


Anticipated Verifier Organization(s) Roles and Responsibilities: After the establishment of a GHG emission plot baseline, the verifier organization will

conduct remote DNDC to measure GHG emissions at both a micro, plot specific level in Pilot Phase 1 and at a macro level in Pilot Phase 2.

Satellite-based yield monitoring will be used to measure plot yields. The Verifier organization will be expected to conduct on-the-ground back-checking of satellite yield measurements throughout the verification process.

Depending on the final model of verification selected, the Verifier Organization will be expected to monitor agricultural inputs. Factors that may require measurement include tilling/agronomic practices, rice variety, fertilizer quantity and type, and straw type.

Note: The Pilot Manager will not be responsible for any costs related to verification activities carried out by the verifier organization(s). The Pilot Manager will only be responsible for costs of overseeing verification work.

For more detail on the Pilot Manager’s role in verification, see section 2.3.

C. Develop the Dispute Resolution ProcessFollowing finalization of a verification process, the Pilot Manager will work closely with the Secretariat and Pilot Verifier(s) to develop a Dispute Resolution Process, subject to Secretariat approval. The process will be used as disputes arise in connection with the Pilot between or among any of the Solver(s), or Verifier(s), or the Pilot Manager, or if any misconduct is suspected by the Solver or Verifier that could be resolved without involving dispute resolution based on the contracts between the Secretariat and the Solver or Verifier, respectively, or other actor. The role of the Pilot Manager (in the case of a dispute that the Pilot Manager is not a party to) would be to serve as an intermediary and to facilitate the communication, information sharing, and resolution of the dispute between or among the Solver(s) and/or Verifier(s). If upon further analysis, resolution cannot be reached, the dispute would escalate to the Secretariat for a final and binding dispute resolution. The Secretariat can provide to Pilot Manager examples of Dispute Resolution Processes used in other AgResults Pilots. Note: Development of the Dispute Resolution Process does not represent a significant level of effort (LOE) and should be developed within a week of the finalization of the verification process.

D. Assist the Secretariat in Securing Government Approval for Pilot OperationsAgResults must secure formal approval from the Vietnamese government to launch the formal Pilot operations. The Pilot Manager, in close coordination with the Secretariat, will lead efforts to gain formal approval for Pilot operations from the Vietnamese government. Given the Vietnamese government’s high level of interest in becoming involved in Pilot operations, the approval process must be carefully managed. It is of utmost importance that any approvals are obtained in a transparent manner and in accordance with all applicable laws, including the FCPA.

Elements of the Pilot Manager’s agreement will be contingent on approval of the Pilot by the Steering Committee and the Government of Vietnam. The Pilot approval process may take up to a year and will follow a specific review process. Prior to contracting a Pilot Manager, the


AgResults Secretariat will submit a Pilot concept note to the Vietnamese government’s International Cooperation Division (ICD). The Pilot Manager, as part of its Pilot Manager’s agreement performance, will then assist the Secretariat in the development and submission of a formal Pilot proposal to ICD. Following the submission of the formal Pilot proposal to ICD, the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) will convene a formal review committee and recommend approval at the Ministry level. In the event that the Governmental approval is delayed or is not granted within one year after the date on which the application to ICD was made, the Secretariat based upon Steering Committee instructions may cancel the Pilot and the Pilot Manager’s agreement.

E. Initiate the Formal Role of the Government with the PilotThe Vietnamese government has expressed significant interest in developing a formal, participatory role with the Pilot. Formal government involvement and buy-in presents AgResults with an opportunity to rapidly scale up GHG reduction techniques throughout Vietnam. However, given that AgResults seeks to increase private sector investment in food security and agriculture, the formal role of public institutions must be carefully managed. The Pilot Manager, with input and approval from the Secretariat and Steering Committee, will develop and manage a formal role for the Vietnamese government to participate in the Pilot.

F. Develop a Viable Group of Solvers and Oversee Solver SelectionFor the Pilot to succeed, a robust and capable set of Pilot Solvers must be sourced for Pilot participation. In Vietnam, given the high level of government interaction with the farmers and economy at large, the Pilot Manager must aggressively pursue the identification and development of private and non-private Solvers that are capable of identifying and testing GHG reducing technologies or management practices and/or recruiting farmers to implement GHG reduction techniques. Viable Solvers may be partnerships of several organizations that provide disparate skills necessary for success in the Pilot. To develop a viable group of Solvers, the Pilot Manager must aggressively publicize the Pilot and its goals and carefully vet prospective Solvers.

The Solver organizations selected to participate will sign an agreement with the Pilot Manager regarding the terms of their participation. Pilot Manager will be required and agrees to assign or novate the Solver’s agreements to the Secretariat or its designee upon the Secretariat’s written request., Pilot Manager will have the primary role, in collaboration with the Secretariat and subject to its review and approvals, in developing and managing the Solver selection process. This will include development of the technical portion of a Pilot Solver Request for Applications (RFA) document, development of evaluation criteria for Solvers’ responses to the RFA, and management of the Solver application process. The RFA will likely include, among other things, an overview of the Pilot and all its terms and conditions; a request for the proposed Solver’s GHG reduction method; requests for data regarding Phase I participating farmers or farmer groups; and additional data and documentation to demonstrate good business practices. The Secretariat will provide the Pilot Manager with example RFAs from other AgResults pilots to assist the Pilot Manager in preparing the Solver RFA. Upon the Secretariat’s approval of the RFA, the Pilot Manager will release the RFA in Vietnam to allow


Solver organizations to apply. Applications will be submitted prior to Phase I; however, at the beginning of Phase II, successful solvers may form new partnerships with other solvers or organizations that have not participated in Phase I. Organizations that join prior to Phase II that did not participate in Phase I will be required to submit applications before partnering with a Phase I Solver.

The Pilot Manager will review applications, verify that applicants meet the RFA requirements, and submit the applications and a Pilot Manager’s written review of the application with appropriate recommendation(s) to the Secretariat for approval. The Pilot Manager may also seek input on the applicant organizations from the Advisory Council, as well as from other external references.

Once the Secretariat and Pilot Manager agree on Solver selection (with the Secretariat having a veto right), the Pilot Manager will inform the organization of its selection for the Pilot participation subject to signing an agreement between the Pilot Manager and the Solver, which will include the terms of the prize payments, an overview of expectations, requirements and standards, reporting procedures, the verification process, and other terms and conditions. The Secretariat will need to approve any such agreement before it is executed.

In the event that, in the Secretariat’s sole opinion after consultation with the AgResults Steering Committee, insufficient quantity or quality of Solvers apply within the application period, the Secretariat based upon Steering Committee instructions may cancel the Pilot and the Pilot Manager’s agreement.

G. Assist the Secretariat’s Procurement of Verifier Organization(s)Upon finalization of the verification and dispute resolution processes, the Pilot Manager will assist the Secretariat in the process of procuring the Verifier(s) needed to conduct verification and then will monitor all verification work. Verification may require one or more organizations, all of which will be contracted by the Secretariat. The Pilot Manager will play an important role in liaising with relevant organizations in Vietnam that may perform verification tasks, assessing cost factors, and drafting the verification scope(s) of work.

H. Launch Pilot Phase 1The Pilot’s Phase 1 period will start after all Solvers have signed participation agreements with the Secretariat. Additional Solvers may also be able to join the Pilot at later dates with such process to be recommended by the Pilot Manager and approved by the Secretariat.

3.2 Ongoing Pilot Implementation ActivitiesOnce the Pilot Phase 1 period is launched, the Pilot Manager will manage and oversee all implementation activities, including all verification activities, of the Pilot over both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the pilot.

A. Oversee All Verification Activities and Monitor Verifier Organization(s)


The Pilot Manager will be responsible for oversight of all verification activities and monitoring of the verifier organization(s) contracted by the Secretariat to verify Solver reports of veracity that farmers are using the Solver’s technology, number of farmers worked with, number of repeat use of the technology, and farm level input data. As described in 2.2B, the Pilot Manager will help develop and finalize the verification process, and assist the Secretariat in procurement of the verifier organization(s). Once the organization(s) are contracted, the Pilot Manager will serve as the primary liaison and oversee all verification work.

The Pilot Manager will work closely with the verifier organization(s) to provide input for their regular work planning and to share important pilot information that will aid the verifier teams in their work. The Pilot Manager will be an important liaison between the verifier teams and Solvers and monitoring of this relationship is important in order to prevent and/or identify collusion.

B. Liaise with the Government in Formal RoleAfter establishing a clearly delineated formal government role in the Pilot at the national level, the Pilot Manager will be responsible for interacting with the government to maintain buy-in and support. The Pilot Manager will be responsible for sharing information about the Pilot with the government that has been pre-approved by the Secretariat and/or Steering Committee, including information about Solvers, and Pilot progress to date. As the Pilot moves into Phase 2, and broader implementation of GHG reduction techniques, the Pilot Manager will be responsible for ensuring government support of Pilot expansion. By maintaining a significant, positive relationship with formal government Pilot participants, the Pilot Manager will ensure continued government support of the Pilot and possible government sponsorship and adoption of Pilot modeled GHG reduction techniques following the Pilot’s conclusion.

In addition to liaising with the government in a formal role, the Pilot Manager must also manage the government’s role carefully to ensure that private and non-private Pilot actors are able to function without undue government involvement. The Pilot Manager will also be responsible for ensuring that the agreed upon, formal role of the government, does not expand or significantly change throughout the life of the Pilot without formal approval from the Secretariat and Steering Committee.

C. Track and Monitor Pilot Results and Oversee Verification ActivitiesThe Pilot Manager will work closely with the verifier organization(s) to track and monitor GHG emissions reductions in both Pilot Phase 1 and Pilot Phase 2. The intention of the interim, milestone and grand prizes is to motivate the Solvers to find solutions that significantly reduce GHG emissions during rice cultivation, while increasing their yields, and reducing obstacles to adoption. As described in 2.2B, the Pilot Manager will help develop and finalize the verification process, and assist the Secretariat in procurement of the verifier organization(s). Once the organization(s) are contracted, the Pilot Manager will serve as the primary liaison and oversee all verification work.

The Pilot Manager will work closely with the verifier organization(s) to provide input for their regular work planning and to share important pilot information that will aid the verifier teams


in their work. The Pilot Manager will be an important liaison between the verifier teams and Solvers and monitoring of this relationship is important in order to prevent and/or identify collusion. Finally, the Pilot manager will oversee verification results which determine prize payments for Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phase 1: During Phase 1, Solvers will be eligible for both an interim and milestone prize. For the interim prize, Solvers will be evaluated based on performance against each Solver’s predetermined and approved baseline, calculated by the percent decrease in GHG emissions and the percent increase in rice yields per ton. Every Solver who successfully reduces GHG emissions and increases yields by at least 5% over their control plot emissions and increases yields in the crop cycle immediately following the baseline crop cycle will receive a prize. The Pilot Manager will review verification results and instruct the Secretariat to initiate the distribution of a proportional USD $20,000 interim prize for Solvers that exceed their 5% baseline.

To win the milestone prize, Solvers will be evaluated based on 1) the absolute value of GHG emissions reductions they achieve measured in tCO2e and 2) the yield increase measured in tons/hectare. These measures will be determined by a verifier organization that will use a combination of Synthetic Aperture Radar, De-Nitrification De-Composition (DNDC) Model, Remote Sensing yield measurement, and farm level measurements. All Solvers will be ranked by the Verifier according to these measures. The total milestone prize purse is US$100,000; the top three Solvers will divide the price as follows: 1st prize will be US$50,000, 2nd prize will be US$30,000, and 3rd prize will be US$20,000. The Pilot Manager will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring verification results that determine the Phase 1 interim and milestone prizes.

Phase 2: The effective GHG emissions reduction solutions approved by the Secretariat will be scaled up during Phase II to encourage adoption by the largest number of participating SHFs across a 2.5 year timeline. During Phase II, Solvers will be eligible for both an interim and milestone prize. For the interim prize, Solvers will be evaluated based on performance against their baselines determined by the Verifier organization, calculated by the percent decrease in GHG emissions and the percent increase in farmer rice yields per ton. Every Solver who successfully surpasses their baselines for emissions and yields will receive an interim prize. Prize amounts will be allocated based on relative ranking against the baseline. For each of the two interim prizes, the pilot will distribute $500,000 proportionally to the Solvers.

To determine the winner of the Grand prize, each competing Solver will be evaluated by the Verifier organization relative to the performance of other competing Solvers according to 1) the total number of SHFs reached, 2) the repeat use of the solution1, 3) the total GHG emissions achieved across all four cultivation periods, and 4) the average

1 Repeat use will be determined by the number of farmers who consistently applied the product/tool/agronomic practice(s) in the correct way throughout all cultivation periods during Phase II of the Pilot.


percentage increase in SHF rice yields per ton. The top three Solvers will receive a prize: 1st prize will be US$1,000,000, 2nd prize will be US$600,000, and 3rd prize will be US$400,000. The Pilot Manager will be responsible for overseeing and monitoring verification results that determine the Phase 1 interim and milestone prizes.

D. Share Information with Solvers As part of the developing the annual agreement between AgResults and each Solver, the Solver will need to articulate their plans for reducing GHG emissions and scaling up farmer participating in Phase 2. The Pilot Manager should not provide technical assistance to the Solvers, but will serve as a facilitator to share appropriate information equally with all the Solver organizations.

E. Convene Quarterly Advisory Council MeetingsThroughout the Pilot, the Pilot Manager will convene the Advisory Council on a quarterly basis to keep them apprised of the Pilot. Solver result particulars will remain confidential but the Pilot Manager may update the Advisory Council general overall progress.

F. Conduct Annual Lessons Learned EventsThe Pilot Manager will also organize one annual lessons learned event (following the launch of Pilot Phase 1) with all the Solvers to discuss strategies, share information about challenges and opportunities, and to document issues/lessons learned in a report for the Secretariat. Issues to discuss and for the Solvers organizations to consider enacting in order to improve their GHG reduction strategies may include: information about new technologies, programs to demonstrate new farming techniques and educate farmers about more efficient use of inputs among others.

G. Identify Fraud ModalitiesThe Pilot Manager plays a neutral role in interactions with the Solvers and monitors the work of the Pilot Verifier. It will be important for the Pilot Manager to be continuously assessing ways Solvers may seek to game the contest through inappropriate, unethical, or fraudulent practices; liaising closely with the Verifier organization(s) to ensure these practices would be identified during verification; monitoring the verification work to prevent collusion with Solvers; and keeping the Secretariat informed. AgResults and the Secretariat do not condone any unethical or fraudulent practices in connection with the Pilot. Solvers involved in any such practices will be subject to sanctions, including termination from the Pilot.

3.3 Draft Launch and Implementation PlanWhile the schedule dates may shift, for preliminary planning purposes, an illustrative draft launch and implementation plan for the Pilot is as follows:


Figure 3: Vietnam Pilot - Draft Launch and Implementation Plan

AgResults Vietnam Pilot: Draft Launch and Implementation Plan

July 2016 Pilot Manager (PM) mobilizes and develops work plan in coordination with Secretariat

July – August 2016 PM finalizes governmental approval documentation and begins the approval process.

July – August 2016 PM finalizes verification processes and assists Secretariat in development of procurement documents for verifier organization(s)

July – August 2016 Secretariat procures verifier organization(s)August – September 2016 PM forms Advisory Council and holds an orientation sessionAugust – September 2016 PM conducts outreach and Q&A with possible pilot solversAugust – September 2016

PM develops Solver selection criteria and process, and Request for Applications (RFA) and submits to Secretariat for approval

August 2016 PM holds public Pilot Announcement Event for all stakeholders

August 2016PM convenes first official quarterly Advisory Council meeting to discuss Solver selection criteria and application process; subsequent Advisory Council meetings to be convened regularly every quarter

September 2016 PM and Secretariat finalize RFA and PM posts Solver RFA publiclySeptember 2016 Verifier organization(s) start

Octo - Nov 2016 PM receives and reviews applications from prospective Solvers, and selects Solvers, in coordination with the Secretariat

January 2017PM holds orientation meetings with selected solvers, and meets individually with them to agree on GHG reduction techniques

January 2017 PM conducts Pilot Phase 1 Launch EventFeb 2017 – June 2018 Pilot Phase 1

Feb 2017 – June 2018 PM and Verifier collects from Solvers data on Solver GHG Reduction and yields

Feb 2016 – June 2018 Convene Quarterly Advisory Council MeetingsJune 2018 PM determines and awards interim and milestone Phase 1 prizesJune 2018 PM meets with Solvers to update & renew agreements for Phase 2June 2018 First Annual Lessons Learned EventJune 2018 – Dec 2021 Pilot Phase 2

4. Proposal Requirements


4.1 Technical ProposalOfferors are required to address the four components below, to limit their response to fifteen (15) pages, and to provide additional materials, such as CVs, corporate capability and past experience in separate annexes. The separate annexes will not count towards the 15-page limit.

4.1.1 Corporate Capability and Past ExperienceA) The offeror shall provide a statement of Corporate Capabilities and up to five past

performance references related to the efforts identified in the Statement of Work. These should identify the specific role the offeror played in each project, particularly if they were part of a larger team.

Please provide a description of the services, name(s), e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of the client(s)/customer(s) to whom the services were provided, dates and periods during which the indicated services were provided, and the extent and nature of services provided. (The Offeror consents to the AgResults Secretariat contacting and verifying these references at its discretion.)

B) The Offeror shall also provide a list of relevant ongoing and past projects or activities, with budget amounts, duration and total level of effort provided for the past ten (10) years or more if relevant.

C) The Offeror shall provide the location of the organization’s current functioning office locations and existing presence throughout Vietnam, particularly in the Red River Delta.

D) The Offer shall provide documentation of current permission to operate in Vietnam and a list of any existing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the Government of Vietnam, noting the start and end dates of the MOUs and identifying the countersigned ministry.

4.1.2 PersonnelThe offeror should provide a number of documents related to the staffing and management structure that will be responsible for the administration of the AgResults Pilot. The offeror must include the proposed individual(s) for key P/PM roles, including a summary description of the individual(s)’ qualifications and CV as they relate to the scope of work and related tasks.

4.1.2.1 Key Personnel – Position Requirements

A) Team LeaderThe Offeror must propose a full time Team Leader responsible for delivery of the work indicated in the Scope of Work. The Proposal should include a letter of commitment signed by the proposed Team Leader and a detailed CV as an annex, as well as a summary description and/or substantiation documents in the Proposal of the individual’s qualifications as they relate to a) the Statement of Work in this RFP and b)


the following requirements, capabilities and characteristics:

1. A minimum of five to seven years of experience managing international donor-funded projects, with experience in Vietnam preferred, and experience managing a small team with a high level of cross-cutting responsibilities.

2. A Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, economics, business, international development, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.

3. Fluency in Vietnamese4. Demonstrated experience facilitating programs or projects that include private

sector involvement.5. Proven ability to work independently; effectively manage time, competing

priorities, and complex tasks; and identify opportunities and challenges and propose appropriate responses or solutions.

6. Proven excellent project management and problem solving abilities.7. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills both in English as

well as Vietnamese.8. Experience with positive stakeholder engagement, including the agribusiness

private sector, international donors, and government officials.9. Experience overseeing monitoring and verification systems.10. Proficiency in MS Project, MS Outlook, MS Word and other Microsoft Office

programs.

B) Technical officer The Offeror must propose a full time Technical officer responsible for delivery of the work indicated in the Scope of Work. The Proposal should include a letter of commitment signed by the proposed Technical officer and a detailed CV as well an annex, as well as a summary description in the Proposal of the individual’s qualifications as they relate to a) the Statement of Work in this RFP and b) the following requirements, capabilities and characteristics:

1. Minimum of seven years of experience overseeing monitoring, verification and/or audit work; data collection and data analysis; with an eye towards identifying fraud, preferably in the field of agriculture or agribusiness.

2. Bachelor’s degree required in statistics, economics or other related field. Master’s degree preferred.

3. Fluency in Vietnamese4. A clear understanding of the technical environment for measuring GHG emissions

and an understanding of the conditions necessary to produce valid samples for measurement

5. Proven track record of engaging successfully with SHFs and the ability to read and understand SHF field journals.

6. Excellent analytical, project management, time management, and problem solving abilities.

7. Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.8. Demonstrated excellence in oral, written and reading comprehension abilities.


9. Computer literacy, including MS Access database, MS Excel, MS Project 2010, MS Outlook, MS Word and other Microsoft Office programs. Training in SPSS and/or STATA a plus.

C) Technical Advisor The Offeror must propose a part-time Technical Advisor responsible for delivery of the work indicated in the Scope of Work. The Proposal should include a detailed CV as well an annex, as well as a summary description in the Proposal of the individual’s qualifications as they relate to a) the Statement of Work in this RFP and b) the following requirements, capabilities and characteristics:

1. Minimum of ten years of experience in GHG emissions reduction, preferably in Vietnam, including demonstrable experience with rice cultivation.

2. Bachelor’s degree required in agriculture, agricultural economics, or other related field. Master’s degree preferred.

3. Expertise in all aspects of rice cultivation4. Ability to provide expert opinion and analysis periodically throughout the life of

the Pilot.5. Excellent analytical, time management, basic project management, and problem

solving abilities.6. Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.7. Demonstrated excellence in oral, written and reading comprehension abilities. 8. Computer literacy, including MS Access database, MS Project 2010, MS Outlook,

MS Word and other Microsoft Office programs.

4.1.2.1 Support StaffThe Offeror must provide a summary of other staff that will have a substantive role in the work and/or in supporting any of the Key Personnel. Please state the role for which the individual(s) is being proposed, how his or her qualifications correspond to that role, and provide a summary description of the individual and attach detailed CVs.

4.1.3 Illustrative Year 1 Work PlanUsing the Draft Timeline in Figure 3 as well as the details provided throughout the RFP, propose an illustrative Work Plan for Year 1, with activities defined on a quarterly basis, to carry out for the first year for the activities described in the Terms of Reference in Sections 2 and 4. Include an estimated timing of major activities, deliverables, and interaction with other entities. Upon award, a definitive Year 1 Work Plan will be required within 30 days for discussion and approval by the Secretariat.

4.2 Price Proposal The Offeror shall submit a Fixed Price Proposal that includes all fees and expenses, including any taxes, for the two-year Base Period:

Year 1: July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017


Year 2: June 1, 2017 to May 30, 2018

The Price Proposal should cover all the activities detailed in the Scope of Work in Section 4, including the Pilot Launch Related Responsibilities.

The price Proposal should - at a minimum - include a breakdown of anticipated costs as follows:

a) labor costs with fees based on fixed daily rates for each labor category, calculated using the Labor Pricing Template in Attachment 42;

b) travel costs for approximately 6 trips annually to conduct approximately 48 spot checks of Verifier activities at sites in Thai Binh Province. (This presumes that the trips will be able to include multiple spot checks, at least 4 per day.) These figures assume that eight (8) Solvers. Should this assumption be incorrect, the Pilot Manager and Secretariat will discuss and make appropriate revisions to the Scope of Work;

c) events costs for the following, all of which will be conducted in Vietnam(note: this does not include meetings with potential Solvers and other stakeholders that the Pilot Manager will organize when needed throughout the Pilot):

a. one (1) Advisory Council orientation session and subsequently quarterly Advisory Council meetings throughout

i. approximately 20 members/attendees plus PM teamii. simple refreshments

b. one (1) public Pilot Announcement Eventi. approximately 100 attendees (all stakeholders + press)

ii. microphone sound systemiii. simple refreshmentsiv. printed one-page briefs on the Pilot;

c. two (2) awareness raising sessions with Solvers pre-Pilot Launch Eventi. approximately 40 attendees each

ii. simple refreshmentsd. one (1) Pilot Phase 1 Launch Evente. two annual lessons learned events with Solvers, beginning one year after the

pilot Phase 1 launch date; andd) details of any necessary mobilization costs. An initial mobilization payment is permitted.

Notes: The Verifier costs should not be included in the proposed costs for the Pilot Manager

activity; however, the Offeror should include costs related to overseeing verification. Proposed payments will made be quarterly and tied to deliverables proposed by the

Pilot Manager in the submitted illustrative Work Plan. All expenses should be listed separately, with sufficient detail to allow for evaluation as

to the reasonableness of the items proposed. All prices shall be quoted in US dollars.

2 Note: It is not required to submit formulas for how each fixed daily rate is determined.


Offeror is responsible for any applicable taxes and similar fees (those are deemed included in the proposed fixed price). Deloitte Consulting cannot confer any special tax- or duty-free status.

Payments to the selected Offeror will be made after receipt of the Quarterly Report by the AgResults Secretariat and will come from the World Bank-administered Trust Fund.

5. RFP Schedule of Events

1. Deadline for Proposals, with all required signatures, including a completed and signed Anticorruption Compliance Certification, is no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET) on June 6, 2016. Proposal documents should be submitted in one email to [email protected] . Please indicate “Vietnam Pilot Manager” in the subject line of the email.

2. Questions concerning the Pilot or this RFP may be submitted by vendors at any time, but no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET) on May 13, 2016 to [email protected]. Please indicate “Vietnam Pilot Manager” in the subject line of the email.

3. Answers to timely-received questions will be publically posted on http://agresults.org/en/288/GetInvolved no later than 1700 Hrs. US Eastern Time (US ET), May 18, 2016.

4. The Secretariat expects to award the Pilot Manager’s contract on June 30, 2016 with an expected contract start date of July 1, 2016.


Attachment 3AgResults’ Background

1. AgResults’ BackgroundThe AgResults initiative (“AgResults”) is a US$114 million multilateral initiative financed jointly by the governments of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (each, a “Contributor”). AgResults seeks to increase private sector investment in food security and agriculture globally. AgResults establishes “pull mechanisms” - economic incentives, or grants, that are provided to implementing organizations after achieving specific outcomes, where private sector investment is absent or hindered due to market uncertainties. In doing so, AgResults goes beyond traditional aid “push mechanisms” that provide funding, technical assistance, or other inputs to create development impacts. Instead, AgResults-financed pull mechanisms define a development problem and pay only for development outcomes that are achieved. AgResults is currently implementing pilot projects in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia, and will be launching new pilots in Uganda and Vietnam, as well as a global pilot.

Several different bodies are involved in implementing the AgResults Initiative: A Steering Committee, comprised of donor organization representatives and the Trustee,

makes strategic decisions. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD, “The World Bank”)

serves as the Financial Trustee of the AgResults initiative, manages donor contributions in a trust fund, and makes payments of the grants to the Implementers, and contracts with the AgResults Secretariat and Independent Evaluator.

Deloitte Consulting is the AgResults Secretariat and is responsible for designing new pilot projects as well as overseeing management and coordination of AgResults pilot projects.

A Pilot Manager (PM) manages implementation of specific pilot project in-country. Implementers are organizations that participate in the pilot and receive performance-

based grants if the results are achieved and verified. Implementers may be also referred to as “Solvers”.

A Pilot Verifier verifies, determines and certifies whether Implementer participants have achieved the results they report and that are required for the payment of the grants. The Secretariat contracts the Verifier but the Pilot Manager oversees all verification work.

The Steering Committee has also contracted with Abt Associates to serve as an Independent Evaluator of certain AgResults pilots to measure impacts and to compare AgResults pilots to traditional, “push mechanism” development approaches.

In addition, the Pilot Manager organizes and oversees an Advisory Council of about 10–20 representatives from key stakeholders to provide advisory guidance to the Pilot Manager. The Advisory Council is not a decision-making body, but can provide important advice for Pilot launch and implementation.


Figure 1: AgResults Key Parties

The relationship among the key parties is illustrated below:

2. Pilot Background and Implementation Activities2.1 Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot Project Background The increasing population growth, expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, combined with weather variations caused by climate change, threaten the progress attained thus far to achieve food security around the globe. Agricultural practices, for instance, emit over 50% of global non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to the warming of the planet. Weather variations caused by climate change – such as floods, draughts, rising sea levels and extreme storms –profoundly affect smallholder farmers (SHFs), who are highly vulnerable to external shocks that damage an otherwise, steady source of income.

About 7% of agricultural non-carbon dioxide emissions are a result of rice farming and over 80% of GHG emissions from rice farming are produced in South and Southeast Asia. To address this challenge, the AgResults Vietnam GHG Emissions Reduction Pilot is designed to identify novel approaches for reducing GHG emissions and increasing yields in rice cultivation, and to scale the most effective approaches to thousands of SHFs. Given that the vast majority of emissions occur at the land preparation and cultivation stages of rice farming, the pilot focuses exclusively on the actors and emissions involved during these two stages of the value chain for rice production.


These actors include smallholder farmers (SHFs), private input providers, aggregators, universities and research institutions, government officials, co-ops, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), non-profits, and development agencies. Promoting tools, products and practices not commercially available in Vietnam or widely used in the Red River Delta (RRD) region is the intent of the pilot.

Pilot Pull MechanismThe pilot pull mechanism has two phases:

Phase I: Low GHG Technology and Agronomic Practice Adoption: Solvers apply to participate in the first Year of the pilot. During this period, selected Solvers will tests their tool, product, or agronomic technique on controlled plots during a wet and a dry season. Participating Solvers will compete to win proportional milestone prizes on progress against a baseline of GHG emissions and yields. Prizes will be provided at the end of each growing season and at the end of the phase. Solvers can be single entities or groups of organizations from the private and/or non-governmental sector.

Phase II: Scaling of behaviours, tools and products to large numbers of SHFs: Solvers will work to increase the number of SHFs adopting successful solutions that lower emissions and increase yields. This phase will have a duration of 2.5 years. The first year will be used to scale SHFs effective adoption of solutions, while the second year will focus mainly on whether Solvers can encourage sustainable adoption of solutions. Prizes will be provided at the end of each growing season and at the end of the phase. Solvers that participated in Phase I of the pilot are eligible to continue engagement in Phase II, and may choose to partner with other Solvers to increase reach and impact.

Pilot StructureInterim, Milestone and Grand prizes: This pull mechanism is a combination of performance-based grants provided to Solvers based on reach and verified effectiveness of adoption of solutions that reduce GHG emissions and increase yield.


Anticipated ResultsThe project anticipates reaching up to 75,000 farm households in the Red River Delta. The pilot also has the potential to reduce around 375,000 tCO2e in emissions and may result in cost savings of around 15% to SHFs due to lower input use. The reduction in emissions anticipated to be achieved during the pilot would be enough to offset emissions effects of around 78,000 passenger vehicles in the U.S. If proven effective, the pilot could also result in the expansion of effective solutions tested and scaled in other areas of the RRD and Vietnam.


Attachment 4Anticorruption Compliance Certification

AgResults requires full compliance by any recipient of AgResults funds with the U. S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78dd-1, et. seq.) as amended (“FCPA”), and all other applicable anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations.

The anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA make it illegal to offer, promise, authorize, or provide anything of value, either directly or indirectly (e.g., through third parties), to a Foreign Official (as defined below) for the corrupt purpose of (1) influencing an official act or decision; (2) inducing the Foreign Official to do or omit to do anything in violation of his lawful duty; or (3) securing an improper advantage; in each case in order to assist in obtaining, retaining, or directing business to anyone.

Under the FCPA, a Foreign Official includes not only a person who performs traditional governmental or administrative functions, but also any member of a royal family or an employee of an entity in which a governmental body has an ownership interest (even a minority interest). Such employee could still qualify as a Foreign Official even if he or she performs business-related functions as an employee of such entity engaged in commercial, rather than governmental, activities.

To facilitate the Offeror’s understanding and compliance with obligations set forth in this clause, ‘Foreign Official’ is hereby defined for the purposes of this clause to include:

• Any officer or employee of a non-U.S. government (including any non-U.S. military personnel) or any of its departments or agencies or incorporated entities (including state-owned enterprises);

• Any director, officer, or employee of any legal entity or joint venture that is controlled or significantly owned by a non-U.S. government (including any non-U.S. military personnel) or any of its departments or agencies or incorporated entities (including state-owned enterprises);

• Any officer or employee of any public international organization (e.g., the United Nations or World Bank);

• Any person that represents or acts on behalf of, or in an official capacity for, any non-U.S. government or any of its departments or agencies or incorporated entities (including state-owned enterprises), even if honorary;

• Any non-U.S. political party or party official or candidate for non-U.S. political office; • Any member of a royal family; and• Any member of a non-U.S. legislative body.

The Offeror understands that prohibited payments or offerings under the FCPA need not take the form of cash or cash equivalents. For the purposes of this clause, and in line with the FCPA, the reference to ‘anything of value’ is construed broadly and covers any tangible benefit of any kind, including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents, gifts (including, but not limited to,


gifts or courtesies of local custom, wedding and personal gifts, jewelry), political contributions, donations to charities at the behest of a Foreign Official or his/her family, entertainment (including, but not limited to, meals and tickets to events), travel and travel-related expenses, hospitalities (including, but not limited to, accommodation), ownership rights in joint ventures or other entities, inflated or excessive contract prices, loans and employment (whether long-term or temporary). Even if any payments or gifts are a customary part of the culture of a particular country, they may be prohibited under the FCPA. In addition, providing or offering gifts, payments or other benefits to another person for an improper or corrupt purpose may violate not only the FCPA but also other similar anti-bribery laws and regulations.

Moreover, certain laws and regulations, that may be also applicable in connection to the Offeror’s activities, prohibit bribes or kickbacks in the private sector and regulate, among other things, whether gifts, entertainment or employment may be provided to U.S. government officials. The Offeror shall comply with all such applicable laws and regulations.

Therefore, in connection with the participation in the AgResults Vietnam Emissions Reduction Pilot Project, the Offeror shall not cause the Secretariat and all other entities associated with the AgResults Initiative to be in violation of the FCPA or any other applicable anti-corruption laws or regulations. The Offeror must refrain from either directly or through others, making or offering to make bribes, kickbacks or other corrupt payments or provide anything value to a Foreign Official or anyone else for purposes of influencing them to benefit the Secretariat or any other entities associated with AgResults Initiatives, the Offeror, or any other party.

The Offeror shall notify the AgResults Secretariat immediately if it learns of any violations of the FCPA or any other anti-corruption laws in connection with the Offeror’s involvement in the AgResults Vietnam Emissions Reduction Pilot Project. Notifications can be made to AgResults Secretariat through email: [email protected] or by contacting Nathalie Gogue, AgResults Secretariat Project Manager, at +1.571.814.6307. Notifications can be also made anonymously through the website www.integrityhelp.com, or by calling +1 866 850 1485 (within the U.S.) or +1 503 748 0570 (outside the U.S.).


http://www.integrityhelp.com/


Compliance CertificationBy my signature, I certify as the Offeror, or as an authorized representative of the Offeror, that the Offeror has complied with and will comply with the U. S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 78dd-1, et. seq.) as amended (“FCPA”), and all other applicable anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations.

Name of the Offeror ________________________________________________________

Organization of the Offeror___________________________________________________

Signature ___________________________________________________________________

Printed Name of Signatory (if signatory is an authorized representative of the Offeror)

___________________________________________________________________________

Date_____________________________


Attachment 5Labor Pricing Template


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