Training Service Provider

Recommendation Memorandum

TO: Mario Rebeiz, USAID/Lebanon

FROM: Expand Your Horizons (EYH)

DATE: March 18, 2015

RE: Recommendation for sending participants on a Study Visit for training on Multi-Sensory

Environment/Snoezelen Program

The following is an EYH recommendation memo for sending participants on a Study Visit for a specialized training on MSE/Snoezelen Program for special education organizations in the CSOs and BE sectors. Included in this memo is a summary table of the proposal received. Also included in this memo, is an overall summary of the selection reasons.

Solicitation

The RFTP was advertised on January 27, 2015 with a closing date of February 20, 2015. The RFTP was shared with a mapped list of training service providers, since the training workshop is customized for a single need, which in order to be fulfilled the TSP should have specialized facilities that are found in certain countries around the world.

The EYH team received a single proposal from one Training Service Provider, it was evaluated based on the completeness of the proposal, and is listed below:

Recommendation/Justification

After reviewing the submitted proposal against set criteria to assess how they propose that they will implement the RFTP, the EYH team selected World Wide Snoezelen for hosting the Snoezelen study visit for the following reasons:

1. The TSP has more than 25 years’ work experience in activity therapy, specialist in MSE/Snoezelen programs.
2. The TSP owns the biggest facility containing MSE/Snoezelen rooms, facilitations and training programs in Europe.
3. The TSP has a large international experience in the field of MSE/ Snoezelen programs, client- oriented care and experience-oriented care, and also plays a big role in the global development of MSE treatment.
4. Proposed training is creative and includes a variety of relevant training methodologies such as self-study assignments, live experience of the multi-sensory environment as clients do, group exercises put into practice with real clients suffering from Alzheimer and Dementia before, during and after the multi-sensory sessions.
5. The TSP uses different modules in order to deliver the best authentic Snoezelen experience to the trainees, starting with presentations, generic applications and hands- on practice through live experience with real clients.
6. The TSP exhibited proven skills of tailoring the training to the participants’ needs, and therefore is able to provide a more focused customized training in order to enrich the technical skills that correspond to their field of work.

1. The trainer have a clear understanding of global standards, trends, products and services in the field of special needs, specifically multi-sensory environment.
2. The daily rate of the TSP includes the preparation and distribution of all training and study material, the rent of facilities for the purpose of the training and finally the trainer’s daily fees.

Based on these reasons, EYH has found World Wide Snoezelen proposed rate to be all inclusive and reasonable compared to the International market price. The EYH team will work on revising the proposed agenda with the trainers at World Wide Snoezelen to customize it specifically for the needs of our participants, while properly addressing the participants IDPs. Their rate reflects the best proposed rate with right number of years of relevant experience in MSE/Snoezelen application and training.

EYH Project Confirmations

• The project confirms that vetting, due diligence if required, and checking for exclusion, debarment and suspension were completed and the recommended trainer meets the corresponding requirements
• Procurement of the service provider was done as per applicable USAID rules and regulations and within the terms of the project scope and task order
• Funds are available to cover the proposed activity and recommended service provider
• Utmost attention was given and exercised to mitigate any conflict of interest, or appearance of it, while soliciting the service provider and recommending the finalist
• The proposed services of the recommended TSP are aligned with the scope of the TO, the findings of the assessment, and the requested services in the RFTP to address core competencies identified in the ODP
• The proposed consultant is an individual that is short-term (not full-time), contracted to perform a specific task or tasks with a defined end date or period, and does not receive benefits from his/her contractor (vacation time/sick leave/retirement benefits, etc.)

USAID COMMENTS:

USAID’s technical approval is contingent that the above confirmations are met and in place, proper procurement procedures were followed as applicable and financial disbursements will be made properly. This is a technical concurrence only; a financial validation of this transaction ought to be provided through an A-133 or any other applicable audit as per ADS 591.

This technical approval is also contingent that all the below is fulfilled as following:

1. Proper procurement procedures were followed including due vetting of suppliers;
2. TCT and the justification for the use of this service provider are valid;
3. Funds are available and this approval will not increase the total estimated cost of the EYH contract or any of the sub-contracts, particularly AMIDEAST;
4. Candidates will be selected as per set eligibility criteria under EYH and applicable guidelines under ADS 253, including pre-nomination to the Mission for review and approval;
5. Other applicable technical requirements in the TO were fulfilled including assessment and training planning, and this training contributes to the needs identified in the assessment;
6. This approval is by no means an approval to deviate from any of the TO terms;
7. Notes provided by EYH on March 18th are part of this revised memo.

Approved by Mario Rebeiz, COR on March 23, 2015

Mario Rebeiz /S