[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 145 (Monday, July 29, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45593-45596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18171]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 8397]
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) Request for
Proposals for the Fundraising, Construction, Development, Organization,
Management, Disassembly and Removal of a USA Pavilion/Exhibition at
Universal Expo Milan Italy 2015, Hereafter Referred to as Milan Expo
2015
Key Dates
Application Deadline: Sunday, Sept 15, 2013.
Executive Summary
The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) of the Department
of State requests proposals from private U.S. individuals, firms,
associations and organizations (for profit and non-profit) for the
fundraising, construction, development, organization, and management,
and disassembly and removal of a USA Pavilion/exhibition at Milan Expo
2015. The USA Pavilion will be situated on a 2790 square meter plot
with a building footprint no more than 70% of the plot size.
The Department will issue a ``letter of intent'' to the selected
organization authorizing that organization to proceed with fundraising
to complete the USA Pavilion project. The letter will include
guidelines on fundraising to be followed by the selected organization
and will establish a deadline for completion of all fundraising
activities. Note that all prospective donors must be vetted with the
Department of State for potential conflicts of interest.
Cost for a representative USA Pavilion/exhibition for Milan Expo
2015 is estimated to range between $25 million and $45 million and will
be the sole responsibility of the selected organization.
The Department of State is not now authorized, and does not in the
future intend to seek authorization from the U.S. Congress, to provide
federal funding for any aspect of the USA Pavilion/exhibition at Milan
Expo 2015. The successful applicant will be responsible for all costs
associated with all aspects of the USA Pavilion including its design,
development, construction, staffing, management and dismantling and
removal of the exhibit at the end of the Expo, as well as all support
for the U.S. Commissioner General to be appointed by the President of
the United States. The U.S. Pavilion shall be considered on loan to the
U.S. Government, and the successful applicant shall be solely
responsible for the disposition of the USA Pavilion Exhibits at the
conclusion of Milan Expo 2015. The aforementioned loan shall be treated
as a gift to the U.S. Government.
The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate to the U.S.
Department of State that it can raise the funds necessary to complete
the project. Only after the applicant is able to demonstrate that all
funding required for this project will be in hand will the Department
of State sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with that applicant,
sign a Participation Contract with the Expo organizing body, and
appoint a Commissioner General. Proposals from non-U.S. citizens or
non-U.S. firms or organizations shall be deemed ineligible for
consideration.
Authority
Overall authority for Department of State support for U.S.
participation in international expositions is contained in Section
102(a)(3) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961,
as amended (22 U.S.C. 2452(a)(3), also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act.
The purpose of the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United
States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the
United States and the people of other countries...to strengthen the
ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational
and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of
the United States and other nations...and thus to assist in the
development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the
United States and the other countries of the world.'' Pursuant to this
authority, on a one-time basis, the Secretary of State has delegated
authority for this particular Expo to the Bureau of European and
Eurasian Affairs (EUR), which will be responsible for coordinating U.S.
participation in the Milan Expo 2015. Consequently, EUR will represent
the U.S. Government in dealings with the organizers of the Milan Expo
2015.
Background
The Government of Italy has invited the United States to
participate in the Milan Expo 2015 and the U.S. Government has advised
the Italian Government of its intention to participate with an official
USA Pavilion assuming identification of a viable private sector partner
and successful fundraising efforts. Milan Expo 2015 will be held on
specially constructed exhibition grounds. The Expo opens on May 1, 2015
and closes on October 31, 2015.
``Expo 2015 Milano Italy'' is a large-scale, universal exposition
(world's fair) registered (sanctioned) by the Bureau of International
Expositions (BIE). The BIE is an international treaty organization
established to sanction and monitor international exhibitions of long
duration (over three weeks) and significant scale.
Invitations to world's fairs are extended from the host government
to other governments. The United States is not a member of the BIE, and
the U.S. Commissioner General, therefore, will not be a formal member
of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners General for
Milan Expo 2015.
With a projected 20 million visitors, Milan Expo 2015 offers an
excellent opportunity to inform, inspire and persuade foreign audiences
about the United States, its people and values, and to promote broad
U.S. commercial interests around the world. U.S. participation in Milan
Expo 2015 will confirm the strength and importance of U.S.-Italy
bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between Americans and
foreign visitors.
Content
Milan Expo 2015 will be a stage on which participants from all over
the world showcase the most innovative solutions to the problems of the
Expo's theme of ``Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.''
[[Page 45594]]
``The Expo will be the largest worldwide event to discuss issues
related to food production, availability, nutrition and the culture of
food.''
The theme for the USA Pavilion Exhibition should be directly linked
to the overall theme of the Expo. EUR would welcome proposals for an
exhibition to showcase American expertise, best practices and trends in
some or all of the following areas:
Food Security
Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Food Production and
Environmental Sustainability
Food Security and Global Trade: Economic Systems, Markets and Rules
Improving Efficiency of Food Systems and Reducing Food Loss
The Role of Human Labor
Nutrition/Eradicating Hunger
Food Safety
Food and Health
Research and Technology
Food Education
Sustainability
Biodiversity
Technologies, Nature and Traditions
Water
Energy
Food, Peace And Culture
Food Security as a Resource for Peace
The Role of Women in Agriculture
Food in Art, Culture, and Social and Regional Trends
Community Driven Approaches/Contributions to Food Security
Energy For Life
Bio-energy
Technologies Driving U.S. Energy Production
U.S. Energy Policy
The design concept for the USA Pavilion and exhibition should appeal to
a general, non-expert audience.
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2015 Milan will be an official
representation of the United States. EUR, therefore, must ensure that
the U.S. exhibition is nonpolitical in nature, of the highest possible
quality, balanced and representative of the diversity of American
political, social and cultural life. The USA Pavilion and exhibition
must maintain the highest level of scholarly integrity and meet the
highest standards of artistic achievement and academic excellence.
The USA Pavilion will be used to promote U.S. commercial interests
as well as highlight outstanding U.S. cultural, scientific, educational
and artistic achievement. The proposed design for the USA Pavilion
should include functional space for four purposes: an exhibition
area(s); a food demonstration or exhibition/gift shop area; a VIP
hospitality area, and administrative/staff area.
Further information on the Expo 2015 Milan can be found at the
official expo Web site: http://en.expo2015.org.
Student Ambassadors
Proposals must include a plan for funding and managing student
``ambassadors'' (guides) at the USA Pavilion. All student ambassadors
must be U.S. Citizens, from a diverse set of backgrounds and U.S.
States, and fluent in Italian with two or more years of college-level
language training or equivalent ability gained through family or
residence in Italy. Experience has shown that it is highly advantageous
to have a student ambassador program run in conjunction with a U.S.-
based college or university.
Funding Limitations
Section 204 of Public Law 106-113 (22 U.S.C. 2452b) limits the
support the Department of State may provide for U.S. participation in
international expositions registered by the Bureau of International
Expositions (BIE). This includes Milan Expo 2015. This Request for
Proposals is intended to help identify a private U.S. individual, firm
or organization interested in, and capable of providing a complete
pavilion/exhibit at Milan Expo 2015 as a gift to the United States
Government. The Department of State is not now authorized, and does not
in the future intend to seek authorization from the U.S. Congress, to
provide federal funding for any aspect of the U.S. exhibition at the
Milan Expo 2015.
Costs
The USA Pavilion will be situated on a 2,790 square meter plot with
a building footprint no more than 70% of the plot size. Excluding the
area required for setbacks, the total lot size would be 2,032 square
meters. The total green and open area would be at least 1,367 square
meters. The building can be no more than 1,423 square meters, and the
USA Pavilion could be comprised of one or more buildings. The
building(s) may be enclosed or open-air. Light structures are
encouraged, and the building(s) could have two floors. Overall building
height--that is, both floors together--must be less than 12 meters. The
height limit for any additional architectural elements (such as
skylights, roof elements, vertical connections to the roof, sunscreens,
signals, etc.) is 17 meters and roofs may be used as reception or
exhibition spaces.
It is estimated that a representative USA Pavilion in that space
will cost between $25 million and $45 million, depending on final
design, construction and programming).
Costs would include, but not be limited to:
Design and construction of a building to house the exhibition and
provide an appealing welcome on the exterior facade; provide exterior
landscaping; incorporate appropriate internal and external crowd
control features;
Design of the exhibition; development of the story line;
Raising all necessary funds;
Production of exhibits, audio-visual materials, films, DVDs,
videos, posters and other promotional materials needed for the exhibit;
Promote and advertise the USA Pavilion;
Manage all administrative, personnel and exhibit costs, including
salaries, benefits, staff housing expenses, contracting and supplier
costs and consulting fees as well as funding associated with guides,
escorts, and protocol gifts;
Transport, travel, insurance, postage and shipping fees;
Security, development and implementation of a security program for
the USA Pavilion in consultation with the State Department and
appropriate Italian authorities;
Tear-down, including removal of exhibits, and return of the
pavilion lot in the condition required by the Expo organizers;
Cultural and informational programs associated with the exhibition,
including, but not limited to, production of U.S. National Day
activities;
Funding all expenses associated with the U.S. Commissioner General;
and,
Creation and staffing of facilities devoted to hosting all VIPs
visiting the USA Pavilion.
Expo Guidelines
Interested parties may obtain information regarding the
General Regulations and Expo Guidelines from: Barry Levin,
Coordinator, Milan Expo 2015, Room 3249, Bureau of European and
Eurasian Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC
20520, Tel. (202) 647-8801, Email: [email protected].
[[Page 45595]]
Application and Submission Information
Proposals
Proposals should be provided in a narrative of no more than twenty
(20) pages, single-spaced, plus a detailed budget with necessary
attachments and/or exhibits. The narrative and additional documents
should outline, in as much detail as possible, plans for providing a
pavilion and exhibition for the United States Government at Milan Expo
2015.
Proposals should address the following:
Willingness to adhere to the General Regulations of Milan Expo 2015
as stipulated by the Expo organizers, including restrictions and
limitations related to construction;
Prior experience working with exhibitions and on the proposed
theme;
An institutional record of successful fundraising, and responsible
fiscal management;
Detailed fundraising plan listing intended individuals and
institutions to be approached, description of donation and sample
donation agreement;
Detailed budget showing breakdown of budget items required for each
aspect of the project development and implementation;
Timeline detailing each step in the fundraising, design,
construction, and breakdown of the USA Pavilion as well as the
development of the USA Pavilion content;
Clear concept for the exhibit plan and storyline;
Experienced staff with language facility, and;
Commitment to consult closely with and follow the guidance of the
Bureau of European And Eurasian Public Affairs (EUR/PD) and U.S.
diplomatic officers in Italy.
Proposals should state clearly that the design concept and all
materials developed specifically for the project will be subject to
review and approval by EUR/PD.
Eligible applicants: Applications may be submitted by public and
private organizations (non-profit and profit). Non-profit organizations
must meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26
U.S.C. 501(c)(3). Non-profit organizations must have nonprofit status
with the IRS at the time of application. If your organization received
nonprofit status from the IRS within the past four years, you must
submit the necessary documentation to verify nonprofit status. Failure
to do so will cause your proposal to be declared technically
ineligible.
Requesting an Application Package
Please contact the Office of European and Eurasian Public
Diplomacy, EUR/PD, Room 3249, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street
NW., Washington, DC, 20520, tel.: 202-647-8801; fax: 202-647-3614; or
email [email protected] (with copies to [email protected] and
[email protected]) for assistance.
Please refer to ``EUR/PD-Milan Expo 2015'' when making your
request.
General Information Contact: Barry Levin, Coordinator, telephone:
202-747-8801, fax: 202-647-3614 or email: [email protected].
Application Deadline and Methods of Submission:
Application Deadline Date: Midnight, Sunday, September 15.
Reference: EUR/PD-Milan Expo 2015.
Submitting Applications
Due to heightened security measures, proposal submissions must be
sent via a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (i.e., DHL,
Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express
Overnight Mail, etc.)and be shipped no later than the above deadline.
The delivery services used by applicants must have in-place,
centralized shipping identification and tracking systems that may be
accessed via the Internet and delivery people who are identifiable by
commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. Proposals shipped
on or before the above deadline but received at EUR more than seven
days after the deadline will be ineligible for further consideration
under this competition. Proposals shipped after the established
deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this competition. It
is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each package is
marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm delivery
to EUR via the Internet. EUR will not notify you upon receipt of your
application. Delivery of proposal packages may not be made via local
courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will
not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above
will be considered. Applications may not be submitted electronically.
The original and ten copies of the application should be sent to:
U.S. Department of State, Office of European and Eurasian Public
Affairs, Ref.: EUR/PD Milan Expo 2015, EUR/PD, Room 3249, 2201 C Street
NW., Washington, DC 20520.
Applicants must also submit the ``Executive Summary'' and
``Proposal Narrative'' sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format
on a PC-formatted disk. The Bureau will provide these files
electronically to the U.S. Mission in Italy for review.
Application Review Information
Review Process
U.S. citizen, corporation or U.S.-based organization and do not
fully adhere to the General Regulations of the Milan Expo 2015 and the
guidelines stated herein.
The Bureau will review all proposals for technical eligibility.
Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the
guidelines stated herein and in the Solicitation Package. The program
office, as well as relevant elements of the U.S. Mission in Italy will
review all eligible proposals. Eligible proposals will be subject to
compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines. A panel
of senior U.S. Government employees and private sector experts will
review eligible proposals. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office
of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements. The final
decision on a potential U.S. private sector partner will be at the
discretion of the Department of State's Assistant Secretary for
European and Eurasian Affairs.
Review Criteria
Technically eligible proposals will be reviewed according to the
criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank-ordered and all
carry equal weight in the evaluation.
1. Program planning to achieve exhibit objectives: Proposals should
clearly demonstrate how the planned exhibit will educate and inform
foreign audiences about the United States and its people and promote
broad U.S. commercial interests around the world, as well as how
specifically it will address the theme and General Regulations of the
Expo. Exhibit objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible.
The general concept for the pavilion structure should include four
basic areas: an exhibition area, a food demonstration or exhibition/
gift shop area, a VIP hospitality area, and administration/staff lounge
area. The proposal should contain a detailed timeline and budget as
well as information regarding substantial prior projects that
demonstrate fundraising and logistical capacity.
2. Institutional Capacity/Record/Ability: Proposed personnel and
institutional resources should be defined and adequate and appropriate
to achieve the exhibit's goals. Proposals
[[Page 45596]]
should demonstrate an institutional record of successful exhibit
activities, including responsible fiscal management and full compliance
with all BIE-registered Expo requirements. EUR will give serious weight
to past performance and demonstrated potential of the staffing proposed
for the project.
3. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposals should clearly state how
exhibit content and related activities will strengthen long-term mutual
understanding between the United States and Italy, and present a
positive U.S. image to the international audience.
4. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate how plans
will address EUR's requirement to encourage the involvement of
participants from all traditionally underrepresented groups including
women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
5. Monitoring and Project Evaluation Plan: Proposals that include a
plan to measure the impact of the proposed U.S. exhibition, cultural
and information programs are encouraged.
6. Cost-effectiveness: Proposals must include a proposed action
plan and timeline for all aspects of the project with associated budget
estimates. Proposals must also present a credible fundraising plan to
fund all aspects of the USA Pavilion project. Note that prospective
donors will be vetted with the State Department for potential conflict
of interest.
Reporting Requirements for Chosen Exhibitor
You must provide EUR/PD with a hard copy original plus two copies
of the following reports:
1. Program and financial reports every 90 days after the signature
of the Memorandum of Understanding.
2. Final program and financial reports no more than 90 days after
the expiration of the award;
For Questions About This Announcement, Contact
The Office of European and Eurasian Public Affairs, EUR/PD, Room
3249, Milan Expo 2015, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW.,
Washington, DC, 20520; Attention: Barry Levin; Tel.: 202-647-8801; Fax:
202-647-3614; Email: [email protected].
Correspondence with the Office concerning this RFP should
reference: EUR/PD-Milan Expo 2015.
Notice
The terms and conditions published in this Request for Proposals
are binding and may only be modified in writing. Explanatory
information provided by EUR that contradicts published language will
not be binding. Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an intention
to agree to work with any private sector exhibitor at the Milan Expo
2015. EUR reserves the right to select the U.S. private sector partner
for Milan Expo 2015 and to approve all elements of the exhibition and
project. Decisions made based on indications of interest submitted in
response to this RFP will be made in the sole discretion of EUR and
will be final.
Dated: July 22, 2013.
Paul Jones,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs,
U.S. Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2013-18171 Filed 7-26-13; 8:45 am]
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