RFP_Questions_and_Responses_-_Posted_2-17-17.pdf

1. Has a contractor performed similar work to this for the government in the past?

Response: Although we have had other Definitional Mission (DM) requirements before, one specific to this topic and scope has not been done in the last five (5) years.

2. We assume that the Argentine Ministry of Energy has a portfolio of their desired projects to propose, which will be provided to us so that we may develop our pre-visit report which includes preliminary findings on the viability of the projects. How many projects are we estimating to be included in the “preliminary findings” stage? This will make a substantial difference in our cost and staffing structure.

Responses: The pre-visit report is intended to briefly lay out the Contractor’s approach to the Contractor’s host country travel and historically have been about 8 – 12 pages long. As noted in the SOW, the pre-visit report will include the Contractor’s preliminary strategies or findings on the viability of any project ideas received before travel. For this particular DM, we estimate that we may have approximately 5-10 project ideas from the prospective project sponsors before travel.

3. The Ministry of Energy will propose a project, which is obviously baked-in with an in-country sponsor, correct? What do we know about the submittal package that we’ll receive as part of our weed-out, preliminary analysis? Do you anticipate that it will include line-item budgets, approximate completion schedule, and budget narrative?

Response: As mentioned in the answer to the first question, the pre-visit report will include the Contractor’s preliminary strategies or findings on the viability of any project ideas received before travel. For this particular DM, we anticipate that the information received from prospective project sponsors before travel will not include line-item budgets, budget narratives, or estimated completion schedules. As noted in the SOW, those items (among others) shall be provided by the Contractor in the Final Report. Please note that the Contractor’s main work on assessing project viability will be based on the Contractor’s host country travel and on meaningful discussions with appropriate contacts.

4. How and when will the projects be submitted to us from the Ministry of Energy?

Response: As noted in the SOW, USTDA will provide relevant details about the project sponsors and other relevant details about the proposed activities during the kick-off meeting. Additional relevant details and information may be provided to the Contractor by the project sponsors before, during, and/or after the Contractor’s host country travel.

5. The RFI section 1.4 calls for 2 projects to be fully evaluated for funding consideration. Is this a firm limit on the number of projects for full evaluation?

Response: Section 1.4 of the SOW notes that the Contractor will develop Terms of Reference and budgets for at least two activities for USTDA funding consideration. USTDA requires these documents for a minimum of two activities. These documents for any additional activities performed would be at the discretion of the Contractor. Section 1.4 also notes that if the Contractor has difficulty recommending and developing at least two activities for USTDA funding consideration, then the Contractor will discuss its findings with USTDA.