Response to the Pre-Solicitation Notice Questions.pdf

7200AA20R00043 A&E III IDIQ Pre-Solicitation Notice

Questions received in response to the Pre-Solicitation Notice:

1. Is it expected that small business entities be able to cover all of the services requested in this IDIQ or can they concentrate on specific groups of services? Would the small business need to assemble a team that covers all of the services? If all services need to be covered, how much can a small business rely on large business support and still qualify for the small business set-aside?

USAID Response: No, it is not expected that either small or large businesses would be required or expected to cover all services requested. Small businesses are required to remain cognizant of the limitations on subcontracting rule. The ability to utilize similarly situated small business firms to fill the gap in services would be a viable option.

2. Pg. 19, Section C.5.3.1 Grants Under Contract: This section states: “In-kind contributions are allowable as cost share in accordance with OMB Circular A-110 and 22 CFR 226.23.for U.S.

organizations and in accordance with the Standard Provision, “Cost Share” for non-U.S.

organizations.” 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards replaced OMB Circular A-110 and 22 CFR 226.23 effective December 26, 2014 and 22 CFR 226.23 is no longer included in the Code of Federal Regulations. Would USAID consider changing the reference to the updated set of regulations?

USAID Response: Yes, USAID will update the policy references in the RFP.

3. Can USAID please be prepared to discuss the country code options for this IDIQ during the pre-solicitation conference?

USAID Response: The country code for this acquisition will be 937. USAID considers waivers to change the country code to 935 at the Task Order level.

4. Will USAID consider issuing a draft section L and M prior to the pre-solicitation conference or

RFP release? (i.e. General Instructions to Offerors, and Evaluation Criteria)?

USAID Response: USAID will consider issuing a draft RFQ prior to the solicitations official release date.

5. Will USAID consider releasing the list of disciplines and key personnel requirements ahead of the RFP release?

USAID Response: Although there are many technical areas requiring expertise at the task order level, the main overarching subjects in the IDIQ scope are A&E design and construction management; therefore key personnel will include a senior civil engineer and a senior construction manager; in addition to the IDIQ manager.

6. Can USAID please discuss the proposal response period for this IDIQ with potential offerors on the pre-solicitation conference call?

USAID Response: Procuring A&E services is a two-step process. Phase one includes an Request for Qualifications and USAID anticipates providing Offerors with 30 days from the date of release to submit a response. Upon determining those firms which are most highly-qualified, USAID will issue a Request for Cost Proposals pursuant to which only the offerors so designated may submit proposals.

7. Can USAID release the format and submission requirements for CPARS and / or PPQs prior to the RFP release?

USAID Response: USAID intends to utilize the standard Past Performance Information Short Form. USAID will consider releasing this prior to the solicitation, however this form should be available to review via other USAID solicitations from the Government Point of Entry (GPE) such as www.beta.sam.gov or www.grants.gov.

8. How many IDIQ holder awards does USAID anticipate making?

USAID Response: In total, USAID anticipates awarding ten (10) to fifteen (15) IDIQ contracts.

9. How many small business IDIQ awards does USAID anticipate making?

USAID Response: USAID is establishing a Small Business Reserve of as many as five (5) IDIQ contracts for small businesses.

10. Will the RFQ include an illustrative task order?

USAID Response: Yes, the RFQ will likely include an illustrative activity/task order.

11. What key personnel does USAID anticipate including?

USAID Response: Please see Question 5

12. When does USAID anticipate releasing the RFQ?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates the solicitation will be released in June 2020.

13. Does USAID anticipate issuing future task orders responding to COVID-19?

USAID Response: USAID does not have information at this time.

14. Section C.3 Objective of the IDIQ of the Draft SOW on page 1 states, “these services predominately require performance or approval by registered and/or licensed A&E professionals either as individual organizations, partnerships, joint ventures or other legal entities permitted by law to practice architecture, engineering and construction management. Also, specialized technical services under this IDIQ will provide support and advice to USAID and participating host government entities and regulatory bodies”

a. Does this imply that only U.S.-registered Architects or Engineers are acceptable as key staff? The previous RFQ also had that requirement.

b. However, given that the projects are outside the U.S. and need to comply with local codes, would USAID also allow for highly qualified key staff with registrations and licenses recognized by other countries?

c. Will USAID be evaluating A&E firms by their ability to legally provide engineering services by specific countries in the RFQ response or will this be evaluated at the task order http://www.beta.sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/ level?

USAID Response: a & b) For the IDIQ, key staff must have professional registration in the U.S.

At the task order level, key staff requirements may vary depending on the scope and context.

c) No, since we do not know the places where Task Orders will originate.

15. Section C.5.1.1 Planning Services on page 7 of the Draft SOW states, “Provide technical assistance to USAID or host country organizations, such as site visits or assessments of legal or technical framework.” However, engineering firms are not legally qualified to provide a legal framework assessment. Would USAID consider modifying this statement?

USAID Response: No. The potential work is in technical support to create/improve regulatory framework for infrastructure interventions. In other words, the technical part of the regulations, not the legal part.

16. Section C.5.1.1 Planning Services on page 8 of the Draft SOW requests that the contractor

“Establish dispute resolution mechanisms for various instances, scenarios and types of intervention.” An engineering firm can recommend and advise on dispute resolution mechanisms but is not qualified to establish these mechanisms. Will USAID consider modifying this language?

USAID Response: Yes, language will be adjusted to say “support to establish dispute resolution mechanisms…..”

17. Section C.5.1.4 Quality Assurance and Construction Oversight on page 11 of the Draft SOW states that the contractor will “Inspect completed works to verify compliance with construction contracts, specifications, and drawings” The use of “verify” could imply that the contractor has legal liability for the construction and verifying full compliance at completion, and in most cases this is very difficult. Would USAID kindly consider revising this language to read “checking completed work for conformance with construction contracts, specifications and drawings?

USAID Response: No. A third party verification and opinion does not imply approval of the work.

18. Page 2 of the USAID Pre-Solicitation Notice released on May 1, 2020 notes that “The solicitation will be posted on the BetaSam.Gov web page (https://beta.sam.gov) not less than 15 days after this notice is issued”. Can USAID please provide further clarification as to the current anticipated solicitation release date?

USAID Response: Please see Question 12.

19. Page 1 of the USAID Pre-Solicitation Notice lists “Technical areas where these services may be required include, but are not limited to: Water resources (surface water and groundwater);

Water supply; Wastewater; Environmental; On-shore and off-shore facilities; Land and air transportation; Geotechnical and underground resources; Solid waste and hazardous materials handling and disposal; Energy; Telecommunications; Vertical structures (seismic resilience);

Master planning of urban, industrial, and commercial zones”.

While pages 2-5 (sections C.4.2.1-C.4.2.6) of the draft Section C – Description/ Specifications/ Statement of Work lists “Infrastructure technical areas” as Water and Sanitation (stormwater management, water supply, wastewater); Environmental; Transportation; Energy;

Telecommunications; Vertical Structures and Exterior Public Spaces.

Can USAID please clarify the anticipated technical areas to be included under the A&E III IDIQ contract?

USAID Response: Draft section C includes a most comprehensive list of technical areas and development sectors. However, the language in the SOW is not intended to be restrictive, and contractors are expected to have capabilities to work in any area that requires infrastructure-related services.

20. Can USAID please define the types of on- and off-shore facilities and anticipated services/sub-disciplines that would be included under the listed “On-shore and off-shore facilities” technical area on page 1 of the USAID Pre-Solicitation Notice?

USAID Response: At this point we do not have specific activities (task orders) that will certainly happen, however examples of on-shore work could be ports or coastal protection infrastructure, and off-shore could be power generating devices or pipelines. Again, contractors are expected to have capabilities to work in any area that requires infrastructure-related services

21. The final page of the draft Section C – Description/ Specifications/ Statement of Work released on May 1, notes the last page as “page 18 of 19”. Can USAID please confirm if a page of the draft document is missing; and if so, please provide the final page?

USAID Response: There is no page 19. This was a numbering error.

22. The previous USAID A&E IDIQ solicitation required bidders to respond to Illustrative Task Orders as part of their IDIQ proposal submission. Does USAID anticipate including one or more Illustrative Task Orders as a part of the upcoming A&E III IDIQ solicitation?

USAID Response: Please see Question 10.

23. Previous USAID A&E IDIQ solicitations have required bidders to include personnel resumes under the following disciplines: Architect; Civil Engineer; Construction Manager; Electrical Engineer; Environmental Engineer; Mechanical Engineer; Structural Engineer; Transportation Engineer; IDIQ Manager. Can USAID please note if they anticipate requiring the submissions of personnel resumes for the same technical disciplines under the A&E III IDIQ?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates including these disciplines in the A&E III solicitation.

24. Previous USAID A&E IDIQ solicitations have required bidders to include personnel resumes for candidates that meet the following minimum requirements: “Bachelor of Science degree;

minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in the proposed discipline; and the applicable licensing requirements”. Can USAID please confirm that they anticipate including the same minimum personnel requirements under the A&E III IDIQ?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates including these minimum requirements in the A&E III solicitation.

25. USAID has previously required that proposed architects, engineers, and construction managers be licensed, registered, and/or certified where applicable.

25a. Will those professionals who are registered in places other than the United States be acceptable?

25b. Will there be a preference in the evaluation process for US-registered personnel?

USAID Response: No preference, U.S. registration will be a requirement for the IDIQ. At the task order level, that will depend on scope and context.

26. Does USAID expect including SF330 Section H to be a requirement of the A&E III IDIQ proposal?

USAID Response: Yes.

27. The contract capacity listed on page 2 of the USAID Pre-Solicitation Notice is significantly larger than the previous procurement. How many awards does USAID anticipate from the A&E III IDIQ procurement?

USAID Response: USAID does not have information at this time.

28. Can USAID provide a list of the anticipated list of critical priority countries that are expected to be the focus of the A&E III IDIQ?

USAID Response: USAID does not have information at this time.

29. How many past performance projects will USAID require bidders to provide under Specialized Experience and Technical Competence: SF 330 – Part I Contract Specific Qualifications, Section F. Example Projects?

29a. How many technical areas will these projects be required to demonstrate capacity under?

USAID Response: USAID will require past performance information from at least five relevant (scope, size and context) projects for the proposed team (Prime Offeror and proposed subcontractors). Offerors are welcomed to provide additional past performance information if space allows. Past performance information is not limited to that which is included in an Offeror’s proposal and USAID may seek additional past performance information not provided by the Offeror, but considered relevant.

30. The present A&E II IDIQ is an active contract which provides a technical assistance mechanism designed to “enable USAID missions, bureaus, and operating units to rapidly access exceptional technical expertise and experience to support programs with infrastructure components that drive sustainable economic growth, expand educational opportunities, enhance food security, protect the environment, and address health challenges.” We presume that A&E III IDIQ will also require rapid access to the expertise and experience from the Contractor. Kindly indicate the expected response time for the expertise to be provided, a) in the case of normal operations; and b) for first response engineering for emergency/ disaster response and for conflict, post-conflict, and failed state reconstruction and stabilization phases.

USAID Response: USAID does not have information at this time as it will be determined by

USAID Missions and Operating Units through the issuance of task orders.

31. COVID -19: International and National Travel restrictions are presently in place across many parts of the world and may continue for some time to come. One consequence of these restrictions is the requirement by some countries for international travelers to be placed under compulsory quarantine on arrival and some countries require that travelers are placed in quarantine on their return (such as IDIQ Task Order deployment). Will the costs incurred as a result of such quarantining, either in the host country or in their home country, be borne by USAID, or should the costs of such be built into the Contractor’s billing rates?

USAID Response: The necessity for these costs will be established with solicitations for task order proposals issued by USAID Missions and Operating Units.

32. The objective of the A&E III IDIQ is to “procure infrastructure services, including infrastructure planning, engineering design, construction supervision, and related support; ranging from quick response to short and long-term services. These services predominantly require performance or approval by registered and/ or licensed A&E professionals, either as individual organizations, partnerships, joint ventures or other legal entities permitted by law to practice architecture, engineering and construction management.” The SOW also states that USAID expects the Contractors to utilize local A&E capabilities when feasible and appropriate. Please confirm that A&E professionals who are licensed both in the US, host countries and third countries can be employed under the IDIQ.

USAID Response: Yes, depending on the requirements needed in USAID Missions and Operating Units as communicated through Task Order solicitations.

33. The SOW mentions various impacts of climate change, such as increases in temperatures, more frequent extreme precipitation and heat events, more severe droughts, and increased wildfire activity, along with other impacts of greenhouse gas emissions. Conspicuous by its absence are sea level rises (presently occurring and predicted). Please confirm that these rises should also be considered in the design of projects.

USAID Response: Yes, this may be considered in the realm of possible considerations, but will be dependent upon the requirements needed in USAID Missions and Operating Units as communicated through Task Order solicitations.

34. Section C.5.2.4 (Sustainable Construction) of the SOW indicates that the Contractor will use various measures to improve both the technical performance and appropriateness of USAID funded infrastructure using such means”. Bioretention structures are mentioned under SOW C.4.2 Infrastructure technical areas: C.4.2.1 Water and Sanitation -Stormwater Management.

And it is understood that “Bioretention” is the process in which contaminants and sedimentation are removed from stormwater runoff. Stormwater is collected into the treatment area which consists of a grass buffer strip, sand bed, ponding area, organic layer or mulch layer, planting soil, and plants. Please confirm that other Bioengineering measures can be used under the IDIQ and information, education and communication material produced to improve general awareness about bioengineering solutions in the host country. Such bioengineering measures are cost-effective and result in greater sustainability of built infrastructure provided that they are appropriately based on international good practices. Such measures include the design of road-side and riverbank slope stabilization; watershed protection components of projects (e.g. to address gully erosion, embankment protection, etc.)

USAID Response: Yes, all U.S. funded infrastructure projects must incorporate, to the maximum extent possible, environmentally, financially, and technically sustainable solutions.

Specifics will depend on the individual task-order activities and context.

35. Section C.4.2.2 Environmental of the SOW states that “Remediation of contaminated areas (In some cases, the Contractor may be required to wear protective clothing up to EPA Level C.

Thus, the Contractor must have the ability to field and train qualified staff). Remediation of contaminated areas is a highly specialized area requiring licensed professional firms with the appropriate equipment and procedures. Is the Contractor expected to include in their teams such specialized firms, or can they be recruited on a need basis?

USAID Response: This will be dependent upon the needs expressed in the individual Task Order solicitations.

36. The SOW indicates that “contractors under the A&E are required to maximize the use of local engineers/ professionals to perform work under this contract, and shall demonstrate reasonable efforts to find native technical staff in the local markets, before utilizing expat or overseas expertise.” Please provide examples of what are considered to be “reasonable efforts” to find native technical staff in the local markets.

USAID Response: ”Reasonable” depends on the individual activities context. At the task order level, proposals always incorporate the level of involvement of local partners.

37. Under SOW - C.5.2.5 Capacity Building and Training, can study tours to neighboring countries also be considered?

USAID Response: This will be dependent upon the needs expressed in the individual Task Order solicitations.

38. The Agency’s preferred delivery approach to implementing construction is Design-Bid-Build (DBB). However, Design-Build-Operate (DBO) (under which a firm which provides A/E design services, construction services and also operates the completed facility for a defined period of time), may be more appropriate. Examples include a toll road or a water treatment plant, where the utility still owns the infrastructure, provides maintenance and sets the rates while the DBO firm operates the facility. Please confirm that DBO may be considered in some cases.

USAID Response: The Federal Acquisition Regulations does not allow for Design-Build- Operate as a method for acquisition of A&E services.

39. Subconsultants. Based on the type of project, is the selected Consultant able to engage an external sub-consultant to handle a special type of activity required in a Task Order after award?

In other words, is it expected that only the main consultants submit in this RFQ and any specialized sub- consultant can be selected with Client consent after award, based on project type?

USAID Response: Prime Offerors are welcome to submit subcontractors to be considered for pre-approval at the IDIQ so as to avoid subsequent requests for approval at the Task Order level. Upon award of an IDIQ, Prime Contractors are not limited to only subcontracting through the register of pre-approved subcontractors on their IDIQ and will be allowed to propose additional subcontractors for consideration in response to Task Order solicitations.

40. Scale of Projects. Can you indicate the range for project sizes possible under the $800,000,000 to understand the scale of the projects in this IDIQ?

USAID Response: Projects will vary depending on the needs of USAID Missions and Operating Units. Previous projects have been as low as a few hundred thousand dollars and as much as $50 million dollars.

41. Based on C.4.2 Infrastructure technical areas of Section C, should we arrange sub-consultants, joint ventures or partnering with other infrastructure technical areas such as water, sanitation, water supply, wastewater, environmental, transportation, energy, telecommunications.

Alternatively, is it possible we can participate for vertical structures and exterior public space.

USAID Response: The decision to arrange subcontractors, joint ventures and partnering to demonstrate capability in multiple technical areas will be a business decision that individual firms will have to make.

42. As our services are focusing on Architectural and Engineering services for vertical structures and exterior public space, should we arrange with team(s)/firms to cover policy, legal, regulatory, financial and commercial development?

USAID Response: This is a business decision that individual firms will have to make.

43. Are we required, as a small business, to provide all services from project inception through close-out, if our team (including sub-consultants) is limiting our services to the vertical structures and exterior public space?

USAID Response: Projects will vary depending on the needs of USAID Missions and Operating Units.

44. Should we identify any local engineers/professionals during our RFQ process? If not, should we demonstrate our team has sufficient past experience to utilize or manage the local engineers and professionals?

USAID Response: Identification/inclusion of local engineers/professionals will not be required, but a demonstration of a firm’s ability to identify and work with these local actors is discussed in the draft Statement of Work.

45. Must we cover all of the above services thru teaming, sub-consultants, partnering or joint venture?

If not, can we submit our qualifications to cover only the scope for the vertical structures and exterior public space?

USAID Response: This is a business decision that individual firms will have to make.

46. Must we cover all of the above services thru teaming, sub-consultants, partnering or joint venture?

If not, can we submit our qualifications to cover a more limited scope for the vertical structures and exterior public space or cover for the scope under C.5.2.7 General Management and Administration, as we have an extensive project and program management experience?

USAID Response: See USAID Response to Question 45.

47. What would be the range and average size and value of the projects to be awarded under this IDIQ contact?

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 40.

48. Which global region is this IDIQ contract targeting?

USAID Response: The scope of the IDIQ is worldwide.

49. What is the source(s) of funds for this IDIQ contract?

USAID Response: The sources of funds will be determined by the USAID Missions and Operating units that utilize the IDIQ.

50. Does USAID EGEE have any requirements for or give preference to minority owned / women-owned businesses and, if so, what are those requirements.

USAID Response: USAID does not have any special requirements for minority-owned or WOSBs because all small business socio economic categories will be evaluated equally, without preference.

51. Can the government confirm its intent to conduct this procurement using a standard SF330 format?

USAID Response: Confirmed.

52. Can the government confirm reference projects to demonstrate capabilities / past performance will be based on a 10-year period?

USAID Response: No, past performance information demonstrating a firm’s capability will be limited to the previous five years.

53. Please elaborate on whether there will be a sample task included in the evaluation criteria or attachments to the RFQ. If yes, please provide additional information about the sample task at the pre-proposal conference.

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 10.

54. Section C.5 includes the statement “In addition, contractors under the A&E are required to maximize the use of local engineers/professionals to perform work under this contract, and shall demonstrate reasonable efforts to find native technical staff in the local markets, before utilizing expat or overseas expertise.” Given that identifying local engineers/professionals will be on a task order basis, how does the government intend to evaluate compliance with this statement in this IDIQ proposal?

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 44. Offerors should demonstrate their ability to meet this requirement.

55. Can companies participate as subcontractors or partners in multiple proposals or will this be grounds for disqualification?

USAID Response: A company may be proposed as a subcontractor on more than one proposal.

56. Page 18, Section C.5.3.1e of the pre-solicitation states that “The Contractor must award such grants only to non-U.S. or U.S. non-governmental organizations. It is anticipated that the approved amount of such grants shall not exceed the equivalent to the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) ($250,000 for U.S. in 2019), unless an exception is provided in writing by the contracting officer (and further approved by the HCA). This limitation does not apply to grant awards to non-U.S. NGOs”.

However, we note that ADS 302.3.4.13, Grants Under Contracts (GUCs) states that “c. (1) Non- Governmental Organizations: The total value of an individual grant to a U.S. NGO must not exceed $100,000. This limitation does not apply to grant awards to non-U.S.

NGOs”. USAID’s AAPD 18-04, Increase in the Micro-Purchase Threshold, Simplified Acquisition Threshold and the Threshold for Requiring Certified Cost or Pricing Data (Class deviations from the FAR and the AIDAR), does not appear to address ADS 302 or the threshold for GUCs made to US NGOs.

Therefore, can USAID please clarify this section of the pre-solicitation with regard to the threshold for GUC awards to US NGOs?

USAID Response: The threshold of GUCs to U.S. NGOs is $100,000. There is no threshold of GUCs to non-U.S. NGOs. USAID will update the language for the solicitation.

57. The “registered and/or licensed A&E professionals”, do individuals and companies/consortiums have to be registered and licensed in the USA or can the licenses and registrations be from foreign countries?

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 14.

Questions received during the Virtual Pre-Solicitation Conference:

58. We are a single-discipline architecture firm. Would it be preferable for us to assemble a full consultant team or could we be considered only to provide the architectural services for the project?

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 14.

59. Will there be a SB requirement for the LB teams?

USAID Response: Yes, large businesses will be required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan, at a minimum.

60. Will slides be provided to participants

USAID Response: Yes, slides will be uploaded as an attachment to the pre-solicitation notice.

61. Will there be any anticipated requirement to provide geospatial services, e.g. aerial survey/mapping support under this contract?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates that geospatial services will be required at the task order level.

62. Will responses from Small Businesses be expected to focus on a certain number of developmental sectors and Technical areas or can they respond to multiple sectors/areas?

USAID Response: Please see the response to Question 1.

63. How many awards are planned to be made for the F&O and SB pools?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates a small business reserve of no more than five IDIQs, with an additional seven awards for large businesses.

64. Can we assume the release and due dates provided are "no earlier than"?

USAID Response: Yes.

65. Could you address using lrg business sub-consultants as part of the AE team?

USAID Response: Prime Offerors are welcome to include large businesses as subcontractors.

66. Per transactions recorded in FPDS thru 03/24/20, transactions totaling only $88M have been awarded under this contract to the nine (9) current contract holders. How did USAID arrive at an $800M contract capacity determination for this opportunity?

USAID Response: USAID’s estimation of a shared ceiling of $800M for A&E III resulted from outreach with program and technical offices in Missions throughout the world and Washington Operating Units, as well as potential work to supplement services that would fall under programs such as the Making Cities Work, Energy, and REPLACE IDIQs.

67. Many of us want to make use of our overseas corporate offices to better serve USAID, hence the 935 question.

USAID Response: See USAID Response to Question 3.

68. Are there particular development sectors or technical areas that USAID felt were underserved or USAID found difficult to procure/have delivered during the term of A&E IDIQ II?

USAID Response: USAID is unable to provide or does not have this information available.

69. I see that this call is being recorded. Will this recording be made available to interested firms?

If so, where will it be posted?

USAID Response: The recording is for USAID recordkeeping only.

70. Can ongoing projects be used for past performance? If so what percent complete?

USAID Response: Ongoing projects with a minimum past performance of a year to two years may be used for past performance that we can retrieve performance information.

71. Will proposed IDIQ staff be required to have U.S. licenses, certifications and/ or registrations?

USAID Response: Key staff must have U.S. licenses/certifications; and non-key personnel with U.S. licenses/certifications will be considered higher qualified than professionals without those U.S. professional qualifications.

72. Can those sub-contractors be a foreign firm? The previous USAID A/E procurement required submitting qualifications for the following positions: IDIQ Manager; Architect; Civil Engineer;

Construction Manager; Electrical Engineer; Environmental Engineer; Mechanical Engineer;

Structural Engineer; and Transportation Engineer. Would it be acceptable for the proposed IDIQ staff listed above to have licenses, registrations and/or certifications from countries other than the U.S., e.g., U.K. or Australia?

USAID Response: This is a two-fold question; so, the answers are as follows: 1) There is no issue with subcontractors being a foreign firm (with % of work performed by the prime contractor, as specified by FAR guidelines); 2) See answer to question #71.

73. Will a typical Call Order example be shared with the RFQ? Can this be shared early with the preliminary TOR?

USAID Response: No.

74. Could USAID provide a list of the task orders issued under A&E II IDIQ, including the awardees and size of contract?

75. To clarify, are personnel presented under the required technical disciplines (architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, etc. - aside from civil engineer and construction manager) not anticipated to be considered as "key personnel"?

USAID Response: Correct, the personnel presented under the required technical disciplines are not anticipated to be considered as key personnel on the IDIQ.

76. Will the IDIQ Manager be required to have a PE? Is it acceptable to have IDIQ Mgr. have a PMP rather than PE? Can the IDIQ manager be a registered architect but not PE or PMP? To clarify - I mean the prime proposer. Does a Masters of Science in Project Management count in lieu of a PMP certification?

USAID Response: The IDIQ Manager is not required to have a PE. PMP and Project Management educational background and/or certification in Program Management (PgMP) will be appropriate.

77. Does USAID recognize overseas corporate affiliates as part of the US company for qualification purposes? (related to 937/935 question).

USAID Response: The criteria used to determine if an overseas corporate affiliate is considered a U.S. Business is determined by the legal relationship as described in 22 CFR 228.12(b).

78. How many years of experience will be required for Key Staff: Sr. Civil, Sr. Construction Manager and IDIQ Mgr. ?

USAID Response: The number of years of experience for key personnel has not been finalized at this time.

79. What % of utilization was made on the previous IDIQ?

USAID Response: Approximately 50% of the ceiling under A&E II has been awarded.

80. You mentioned that USAID will include an illustrative task order as part of the RFQ that is to be released next month. Is USAID considering release of an actual Task Order #1 alongside release of the RFQ - which would be awarded at the same time as the IDIQ contracts are awarded?

81. The actual GSA SF330 form is highly inflexible, and difficult to use. Would the use of 330 templates with identical format and information be acceptable?

USAID Response: The use of templates for the SF330 will be addressed in the released RFQ.

82. Would small businesses that are majority owned by a larger parent company, but that still retain a separate legal entity still qualify as a small business?

USAID Response: A business that is majority owned by a large business does not meet the definition of a small business as mandated by the Small Business Administration.

83. In the pre-solicitation conference call, Mr. Courtad mentioned that five past performance examples would be required. Mr. Courtad also said that USAID would use both the SF330 form and USAID Past Performance Information (PPI) forms. Does USAID anticipate requiring five projects as PPIs and an additional five projects as SF330 Section F projects?

USAID Response: No, only 5 projects in total are required as past performance.

84. Will an attendee list be14 provided?

USAID Response: An attendee list was emailed to all registered attendees on May 21, 2020.

85. Will USAID please explain the role that the Senior Civil Engineer and Construction Manager will serve on the IQC and how these positions will be evaluated?

USAID Response: Although the scope of work includes multiple technical areas; historically, there has been higher demand for A&E design and construction management activities;

therefore, the Senior Civil Engineer must be able to coordinate, oversee and provide direction for the A&E design task orders, and the Senior Construction Manager will perform similar functions for the Construction oversight task orders; with plenty of cross cutting involvement on other types task orders (like urban planning, institutional support, procurement support, etc.).

Both positions will be evaluated based on their qualifications (education, licenses, certifications) and experience (work on similar relevant projects).

86. We understand that the Request for Qualifications will require use of the GSA SF330 Form (2016). The form on the GSA Site is provided in PDF format. Because of the efficiencies gained in utilizing Microsoft Word to produce an SF330 Proposal of this nature, we respectfully request that offerors be allowed the flexibility to prepare the documents in Microsoft Word or other desktop publishing software, so long as the final product matches the fonts, spacing and margins of the GSA form.

USAID Response: See USAID Response to Question 81.