19GE5024R0124_00003_Questions and Answers.pdf

19GE5024R0124_0003 Question and Answers

1. Q: Is VAT applicable?

A: See Section I, Sub Section B.2.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable to this contract and shall not be included in the CLIN rates or invoices because this is a technical assistance project. The U.S. Embassy has a tax exemption certificate from the host government.

2. Q: Should the warehouse be in Jericho, or could it also be in Ramallah?

A: The warehouse shall be in the Jericho region.

3. Q: Section IV refers to an Attachment 3, which cannot be found in the attachments?

A: Section IV has been corrected accordingly.

4. Q: Do you have the CDRLs listings or type name conventions of the reports at this time?

A: NO. But monthly reports will be a listing of meetings held that month, names of staff working under the contract, procurements and basic activities.

5. Q: Is this a set aside contract for a small business?

A: This is not a set aside.

6. Q: Is the USG going to assist with the required Official Passports for ANs required to operate?

A: We will attempt to secure Service Passports for Americans working under the contract.

Contractors should apply for business visas from GOI.

7. Q: Do you require a DBA?

A: See Section I, Sub Section B.3 of the solicitation.

8. Q: Can the government clarify the evaluation method, as there seems to be contradictory language. Section IV – Evaluation Factors read “The USG intends to award one contract to the lowest priced, technically acceptable, responsible offerors that submitted a proposal in compliance with the terms of the solicitation.” However, provisions 52.212-2 Evaluation— Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021), page 70, reads: “Technical and past performance, when combined, more important than price.”

A: Correct. The USG intends to award the contract to the lowest priced, technically acceptable, responsible offeror.

Technical Acceptability will be determined based on evaluation of the Management Plan, Business Management proposal, Company profile and Past Performance/Experience.

Past performance is part of the technical acceptability evaluation and technical and past performance are more important than price. If your technical proposal is found technically unacceptable your proposed price is irrelevant.

9. Q: Section C.2 - CLIN 007 OTHER DIRECT COSTS, page 14, reads: “The offeror shall use ODC (Other Direct Cost) plug number for equipment purchases for the PA under the cost reimbursable ODC CLIN in the pricing table for the base year and each option year.” Would the government kindly provide the plug figure offerors should use for PA equipment?

A: $250,000. This is strictly for equipment that will be donated to the PASF and occasionally for ‘contractor purchased-USG owned’ property for use under the contract.

10. Q: The RFP states that the contractor is responsible for QA/QC process not the USG we believe that this will an extended operation requiring of an SME: Will the USG be willing to pay for a dedicated SME?

A: NO. Put QA/QC under your Program Management CLIN.

11. Q: What type of clearance does the USG requires under this RFP? Secret or Public Trust?

A: Americans will need a Public Trust Clearance. TCNs or Palestinians will go through an Open Source vetting at post.

12. Q: RFP proposes the contractor be located in Jerusalem, however, can the contractor establish its base of operation in the West Bank and our employees authorized to live there?

A: YES, the contractor can base their operations in the West Bank. A presence in Jerusalem is not required. Contractor needs to be registered and authorized to work in the PA/West Bank. Employes can live in the West Bank.

13. Q: Is the USG authorizing and reimbursing for Interpreters SMEs?

A: INL/Jerusalem has a contract for translators and interpreters. We will station one or two translators in Jericho to support the contract. Under CLIN001 Program Management, “proposal shall include cost of a full-time Program Manager and any necessary administrative staff.” To operate a PM office in Jericho an Arabic speaker would be necessary.

14. Q: The USG requires the contractor establish a warehouse, can the USG state the type of equipment to be housed in that warehouse, this is so the potential contractor accurately secure an insurance policy.

A: The warehouse will stock non-perishable items. Primarily, it will be protective clothing, uniforms, foot-ware, vehicle spare parts, office supplies, training equipment (paintball, etc).

The main purpose of the warehouse is for INL to be able to inspect and consolidate items before they are donated to the PASF. Ammunition will not be procured or stored under this contract.

15. Q: Is the logistics coordinator required to assist INL with the custom clearance process.

A: YES. INL/J has a full-time logistics coordinator, who will deal with GOI-Customs, but assistance will be needed on an ad-hoc basis.

16. Q: Is the Logistics Coordinator required to handle ITAR and AECA cargo / supplies?

A: There will be no ITAR or AECA cargo or supplies under this contract.