Dear Offeror,

The Moldova Future Technologies Activity (FTA) is a five-year project financed by USAID, Sweden and UKaid and implemented by Chemonics International. The purpose of FTA is to enhance the competitiveness of Moldova’s transformative sectors, including light manufacturing, ICT, precision engineering, creative industries, digital media production, with the goal of improving the country’s integration with Western markets in these sectors.

Chemonics, the Buyer, acting on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the USAID Moldova Future Technologies Activity (FTA), under contract number 72011721C00001, is soliciting offers from companies and organizations to submit proposals to participate with FTA to manage and implement the Butuceni Artistic Residency. This RFP aims to find a capable agency that can deliver comprehensive event management, artist coordination, and audience engagement services and ensuring the financial sustainability of the residency for this innovative cultural initiative. The agency will work within a public-private partnership model, collaborating with various stakeholders including the EcoResort Butuceni, USAID, the Ministry of Culture, and the Natural Cultural Reservation Orhei Vechi.

The Creative Residency Butuceni, situated at Orheiul Vechi, plays a pivotal role in fostering artistic talent and creative exchange. As part of the broader Creative and Cultural Residencies Network and Creative Corridor initiative, this residency aims to elevate Moldova's creative ecosystem by providing a space for collaboration, artistic expression and provide a stage for young artists. Supported by partnerships and investments, the residency seeks to integrate technology and enhancements into cultural spaces across Moldova, creating vibrant creative corridors and hubs.

Supported by USAID via two Projects (Future Technologies Activity funded by USAID, Sweden, and UKaid, and the Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity funded by USAID), the Butuceni Artist Residency represents an open-air stage for performances, including but not limited to:

-    young bands (pop, rock, etc.),

-    classical music concerts (from small performances of solo instrumentalists to small groups, chamber orchestras, or large orchestra concerts),

-    folk music bands,

-    open theater (plays, musical theater, etc.),

-    dance performances, and

-    public lectures and seminars, etc.

The open-air residency stage is equipped with necessary infrastructure, including an open-air stage and advanced sound equipment, that enhances the quality of performances and offers musicians a platform to showcase their talents.

Offerors are invited to submit proposals in response to this RFP in accordance with Section I Instructions to Offerors, which will not be part of the subcontract.

The following calendar summarizes important dates in the solicitation process. Offerors must strictly follow these deadlines.

RFP announcement                                                      05/21/2024

Deadline for written questions                                  05/23/2024

Answers provided to questions/clarifications                05/23/2024

Proposal due date                                                      05/27/2024

Subcontract award (estimated)                                    06/10/2024

The dates above may be modified at the sole discretion of Chemonics. Any changes will be published in an amendment to this RFP.

Written Questions and Clarifications. All questions or clarifications regarding this RFP must be in writing and submitted to ftaprocurement@chemonics.md  no later than May 23, 2024. Questions and requests for clarification, and the responses thereto, will be circulated to all RFP recipients who have indicated an interest in this RFP.

Please find RFP-2024-101-02 at the link below.