7200AA21R00041 - Amendment 01.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

To All Potential Offerors

7200AA21R00041

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

01 06/07/2021 REQ-RFS-21-000024

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

USAID

M/OAA/RFS

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20523

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended.

is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to: 1) Provide answers to questions received from potential offerors, 2) Insert amended RFP,

3) Update Attachment J.1 - PHASE II - SECTION L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors & SECTION M – Evaluation Factors for Award, 4) Update Attachment J.3 - Contractor Past Performance Reference Sheet, 5) Update Attachment J.4 - Cost/Price Matrix for all Offerors, and 6) Update Attachment J.5 - SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Rachel Baltes

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

Previous edition unusable STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

7200AA21R00041 Amendment 01

Accordingly, this Solicitation is amended as follows:

1. Provide answers to questions received from potential Offerors. All questions with responses are attached. Additionally, USAID has attached a revised RFP that incorporates all responses to questions, as applicable, and supersedes the previous version. All changes are in blue.

[End of Amendment 1]

WADI II – Questions with Responses for 7200AA21R00041

1. We work on trucking/delivery contracts. Does this solicitation have a need for these services? And if so, how can we be of assistance?

USAID Response #1: Please see Section C in the RFP for the Government’s required services.

2. Would USAID consider extending the phase I submission deadline to give bidder more time to prepare their responses?

USAID Response #2: Please see the amended RFP for a revised timeline.

3. Will there be a second round of questions and answers for Phase II?

USAID Response #3: No, there will not be a second round of questions and answers for Phase

II.

4. When will USAID provide advisory notices to bidders regarding their Phase I submission?

USAID Response #4: Please reference the cover page of the Amended RFP.

5. Can USAID confirm that by the following statement: “The Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders. Contractors must utilize a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.” As such, will Contractors be able to bill for the IDIQ Manager under a task order if the IDIQ manager is providing a particular function for that particular task order?

USAID Response #5: IDIQ management costs are not to be directly billed to USAID.

6. Page 7 indicates that “a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders.” However, Page 29 lists IDIQ Contract Manager as Key Personnel. Kindly confirm if an IDIQ Technical/Contract Manager may be included as Key Personnel.

USAID Response #6: Yes, please see submission instructions in Section L of the IDIQ. Key Personnel requirements can be found in Section F.8.

7. Are bidders expected to provide names of experts and CVs for the various labor categories (i.e. Procurement specialist Mid level) listed in the table on page 9 during Phase II of the proposal process or will CVs only need to be provided at the Task Order stage?

USAID Response #7: Please refer to Attachment J.1 for instructions and evaluation factors for Phase II. Names of experts and CVs for various labor categories will be requested at the task order level.

8. Table 1 under B.8.1 and Table 3 under B.8.3 do not list Junior under each labor category level. Kindly confirm that Offerors can include junior level staff.

USAID Response #8: The inclusion of junior staff will be determined at the task order level.

9. Given the expected LOE required for data and technology professionals, would USAID consider adding a labor category for Technology Specialist/Advisor, as well as Data Scientist/Advisor?

USAID Response #9: Please review the illustrative examples for each labor category in Section B.8.1 of the RFP. These are illustrative and can include other professionals who fit the category.

10. USAID states that WADI II “builds on lessons learned over the past years”. Can USAID clarify what lessons were learned under the current WADI IDIQ?

USAID Response #10: Please refer to Sections C.1 to C.5 of the solicitation for details on the context and services to be provided.

11. It is noted that USAID is encouraging partners to bring innovative approaches to addressing development challenges. In this context, to what extent is open innovation challenges and prize programs envisioned under the WADI II IDIQ (for example programs such as the Water and Energy for Food Grand Challenge that has recently been tendered)?

USAID Response #11: Please see response provided to Question #1.

12. We note USAID’s interest in strategically partnering with private sector and other donors. In representing offerors’ experience leveraging such relationships, which sub-factor should offerors articulate this capability or experience in the technical proposal?

USAID Response #12: Please review sections L & M in the RFP document, as well as Attachment J.1, for instructions to offerors and evaluation factors.

13. [In reference to] Page 27, Section C4 [of the RFP], Do you expect USAID’s new climate change strategy, to be released around November 1, to result in new USAID guidance around climate risk management, new priorities in the water sector and/or DRR, or new opportunities to develop integrated programs?

USAID Response #13: Please see response provided to Question #1.

14. [In reference to] Page 27, Section C4 [of the RFP], Do you expect to need advisory services on contributions to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), especially in the water or health sectors?

USAID Response #14: Please see response provided to Question #1.

15. Page 29, Section C.6.1 [of the RFP], mentions under Key Personnel that “additional key personnel requirements for the Hub are included in the attached RFTOP” however we do not see any RFTOP attached. Can USAID please clarify?

USAID Response #15: This language has been removed. Please see the amended RFP.

16. [In reference to] Page 33, Section C.7.4 [of the RFP], it is stated that “All infrastructure or A&E and construction activities at the Task Order level must comply with relevant FAR clauses, USG Laws, for example Title USC 3901 and 3905 and the American Disabilities Act”.

In some countries, complying with the American Disabilities Act will drive cost to very high level. Is it possible to include language to incorporate the local laws too, or exact law will be defined at the task order level?

USAID Response #16: Information on local laws will be indicated at the Task Order level.

17. [In reference to] Page 41, Section F.5.1 [of the RFP], When do bidders need to submit the subcontracting plan?

USAID Response #17: Please review Attachment J.1 of the RFP for all submission requirements for the Subcontracting Plan.

18. [In reference to] Page 46, Section F.6.1d [of the RFP], How many days will bidders have to prepare a proposal in response to RFTOPs issued under the IDIQ?

USAID Response #18: Due Dates for responses to RFTOPs will be issued when RFTOPs are released. Please see Section F.6.1 of the RFP.

19. [In reference to] Page 58, Section F.8 [of the RFP], When do bidders need to name the IDIQ Contract Manager (i.e. at Phase I or Phase II of the proposal process)?

USAID Response #19: Phase II. Please review Attachment J.1 of the RFP for all submission requirements for the IDIQ Contract Manager.

20. [In reference to] Page 123, Section J.2 and J.3 [of the RFP], When do Bidders need to submit the Past Performance Matrix and the Contractor Past Performance Reference Sheet, In Phase I or II? If in Phase I, will these sheets counts towards the 12-page limit?

USAID Response #20: Phase II. Please review Attachment J.1 of the RFP for all submission requirements for Past Performance Information.

21. [In reference to] Page 123, Section J [of the RFP], If bidders have CPARS already for the projects they want to include do they need to complete the Past Performance Matrix and the Contractor Past Performance Reference Sheet?

USAID Response #21: Please review Section L.5 of Attachment J.1 for all requirements for Contractor Past Performance Information.

22. [In reference to] Page 123, Section J.7 [of the RFP], When do bidders need to submit the AID 1420 form (Phase I or Phase II)? Can USAID confirm it is only needed for the IDIQ Contract Manager?

USAID Response #22: Please see response provided to Question #19.

23. [In reference to] Page 123, Section J.5 [of the RFP], When do bidders need to submit the SF-LLL Form (Phase I or Phase II) during the procurement process?

USAID Response #23: Please review Attachment J.1 of the RFP for all submission requirements for SF-LLL Form.

24. [In reference to] Page 123, Section J.5 [of the RFP], Are SF-LLL forms required for all sub-contractors?

USAID Response #24: Please see response provided to Question #23.

25. [In reference to] Page 124, Section K.1 [of the RFP], Do completed Section K forms need to be submitted during Phase I of the procurement process or during Phase II?

USAID Response #25: Completed Section K forms are submitted during Phase II.

26. [In reference to] Page 124, Section K.1 [of the RFP], Are Section K forms required for all sub-contractors?

USAID Response #26: Please review Attachment J.1 of the RFP for all submission requirements for Representation.

27. [In reference to] Page 156, Section L.5.2.a, The RFP states that Sub-factor 1.1. “must highlight the breadth and depth of its relevant institutional capability in (a) Geographic regions with the needs and challenges outlined in Section C”. However, after reviewing Section C we do not see any mention on geographic regions. Can USAID provide details on the geographical regions Sub-Factor 1.1. should address?

USAID Response #27: Revised language is included in Section C.2 of the amended RFP.

28. [In reference to] Page 156-157, Section L.5.2.a, The RFP states that Sub-factor 1.1 “Offerors must summarize, in two sections (a) and (b), how previous activities of the institutions included in the proposal (if proposing a consortium approach, Offerors may include known subcontractors) prepares it/them to successfully implement activities found in Section C. Specifically, it must highlight the breadth and depth of its relevant institutional capability in: (a) Geographic regions with the needs and challenges outlined in Section C;

(b) The cross-cutting and technical areas outlined in Section C.3 and C.4”. Can USAID confirm that Sub-factor 1.1.1 consists of two parts?: Part A: Presentation of the firms’ experiences in and capabilities related to geographical regions; and Part B: Presentation of the firms’ experiences in and capabilities related to the cross-cutting and technical areas.

USAID Response #28: Please review Section L.5.2(a) for technical instructions regarding Sub-factor 1.1 and Section M.2.2(a) for evaluation methods regarding Sub-factor 1.1.

29. [In reference to] Attachment J.1, Section L.5.2.C, page 6 [of the RFP], It is our understanding that major subcontractors will be identified at the task order level when bidders provide USAID a cost estimate for a specific activity. At the IDIQ level, since offerors are not providing a budget for particular Task Order (only labor category rates) it is difficult to identify which sub-contractor will be a major subcontractor (i.e. more than 20% of the budget).

Therefore, are the Letters of Commitments and other items (LLL form, etc) required from all sub-contractors (not just major) at this stage (the IDIQ stage) or is this intended to be at the Task Order level once offerors know which of their subcontractors is a major subcontractor?

USAID Response #29: Please review Section L.6 of the amended Attachment J.1.

30. In section L.6 of Attachment J.1, it states “In the sheet/tab entitled “B.9 Indirect Cost” of Attachment J.4, the prime Offeror and each major subcontractor must propose their current indirect cost rates. In the sheet/tab entitled “Cost-Price Matrix”, offerors must only use the ceiling indirect cost rates for the prime offeror.” The tab B.9 Indirect Costs does not provide columns for future estimations of indirect ceilings. Could USAID clarify if offerors should provide in B.9 their current indirect rates in Year 1 and the ceilings for these rates in future years?

USAID Response #30: Offerors should only include current indirect rates for Year 1 in the Cost-Price Matrix. Attachment J.4 has been amended to reflect the deletion of ceilings for Indirect Costs.

31. In column E of the Cost-Price Matrix (Attachment J.4), USAID provides LOE that can be as high as 260 days in one year. Since offerors will have varying figures for full-time equivalent days based on their fringe package and their accounting structure, could USAID adjust the LOE days in column E to not exceed 200 days for a given role so offerors can adhere to their individual budgeting and accounting practices?

USAID Response #31: The LOE is meant to be customized in the Cost-Price Matrix template and any explanations regarding fringe and accounting structure provided in the corresponding budget narrative.

32. In section L.4 of Attachment J.1, it states “In Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Excel and Word (2003 version or newer) for Volume II – Cost/Business Proposal Cost/Business Proposal will only be submitted during Phase II. Microsoft Excel only applies to the budget and USAID requires a word version of the budget narrative.” The instructions indicate that only the budget narrative is required in Word; however, the language at the top suggests that also the entire cost volume needs to be in Word. Could USAID please confirm that the only document that needs to be submitted in Microsoft Word is the budget narrative of the Prime offeror?

USAID Response #32: Confirmed.

33. Section L.5.2, page 157, Sub factor 1.3 states that Offerors must demonstrate the “ability of the architect-engineer to insure, finance, furnish or to obtain required material and equipment.” Can USAID clarify the meaning of “finance” in the statement above? Does the RFP text means mobilise finance for acquisition? Does it mean procure on behalf of USAID? Or does it mean pay directly from the task orders’ contracted budget? Any further clarifications will be appreciated.

USAID Response #33: The A-E must be capable of providing all resources necessary to successfully complete its described duties and requirements as described in the Contract Documents.

34. Section C.7.7 states the following: “Under this IDIQ, and consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulations, design and construction must be performed through separate contracts.

Thus, where construction is included, architecture and engineering (“A&E”) plans must be obtained independently of the task orders. Sources of A&E plans may include local governments.” It further states that “The Task Order implementing partner must undertake construction components through sub-contracts using a design-bid-build delivery method where A&E services and construction works are performed under two separate but complementary sub-contracts." Can USAID confirm this means that the meaning of this statement is that the Task Order implementing partner, including the prime contractor and its associate sub-prime contractors in the IDIQ, will have to sub-contract design and construction activities to a contractor independent from them to undertake design and construction activities and carry the associated liabilities? Can USAID also confirm that under that the role of the Task Order the implementing partner is limited to the procurement and management of the design and construction sub-contractors as well ensuring that they comply at all times with USAID requirements?

USAID Response #34: Specific guidelines will be defined at the task order level. Please refer to Section C.7.4 of the amended RFP.

35. Could USAID confirm that there will be a Q&A period during Phase II?

USAID Response #35: Please see response provided to Question #3.

36. USAID confirms in the Phase Two instructions in L.5.2(c) Factor 4 that major subcontractors are, “subcontractors whose proposed costs exceed 20% of the Offeror’s proposed total cost”. Given that the budget will be associated with the individual Task Orders rather than the IDIQ mechanism, can USAID please advise on criteria for major subcontractors in the IDIQ proposal stage?

USAID Response #36: Please see response provided to Question #29.

37. Can USAID please confirm if IDIQ contract holders who have not been awarded a task order at time of report requirement be subject to relevant deliverables as described in Section F.5.1? For example, if an IDIQ holder has not been awarded a Task Order during Year 1, would that company be required to submit an Annual Performance Report and an Annual Compilation of Success Stories?

USAID Response #37: This language has been updated. Please see the amended RFP.

38. Would USAID please confirm if contractors can include an acronym list and table of contents with the Phase One Proposal? If both items can be included, can USAID please confirm that both items will not count against the original 12 page-limit of the technical approach?

USAID Response #38: Please review Section L.5 of the amended RFP for all updated submission requirements for Phase I.

39. As it relates to the Phase I Factor Evaluation Table in Section M.2.1 – could USAID please clarify that Factors 2, 3, and 4 will not be considered part of the evaluation criteria for the Phase One proposal?

USAID Response #39: Confirmed.

40. Would USAID please clarify if it expects offerors to include a written narrative of the Contractor Performance Information in the Phase Two technical proposal (included in the 12-page limit) and Contractor’s Past Performance Information in the annex as outlined in Section L.5, or if USAID only intends for offerors to provide past performance information in an annex using the Past Performance Matrix and Contractor Past Performance Reference Sheet (neither of which will count towards the page limit)?

USAID Response #40: Please see revised explanation of annexes that are not counted against the page limits in Section L.5 of the amended Attachment J.1.

41. Section B.8.1 states: “The single unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/group below represents the mid-level and senior level rate in each category/grouping.

One unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/grouping is included in the contract to provide more flexibility under task orders. If lower-level personnel are required under task orders, they must be proposed at rates below the unburdened ceiling daily rate.” Then Section B.8.2 lays out the Minimum Qualifications for personnel at mid- and senior levels for each labor category. Can USAID please confirm that contractors may use “lower-level” personnel that fall below the minimum qualifications for mid-level so long as the rates are below the unburdened ceiling daily rate for that labor category? For example, a mid-level Communications Specialist requires a BS/BA and seven (7) years of relevant experience. If in the performance of a Task Order a contractor carries out basic graphic design work that can be completed by a junior Communications Specialist with a BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience, may the contractor proceed so long as the rate is below the unburdened ceiling daily rate for that labor category? If not, can USAID please clarify how minimum qualifications for “lower-level”, or more junior personnel will be established?

USAID Response #41: Please see response provided to Question #8.

42. Attachment J.1 Section L.6 Part 2 (a) states “The prime Offeror must provide a narrative justifying the labor rates for each labor category proposed with supporting information such as historical biodata forms used (within the past five years), DCAA forward pricing agreements, other federal contract or orders (do not provide GSA rates, only final orders negotiated with the Government for a GSA order or BPA) (please provide award number and CO contact information and narrative providing the unloaded rate in accordance with Section B), market research support, and payroll records.” Can USAID please confirm it does not require Offerors to submit documentation related to this “supporting information”, (which could be hundreds of additional pages) but rather Offerors should provide a written explanation in the budget narrative above what supporting information was used as a basis for proposed ceiling daily rates?

USAID Response #42: Confirmed.

43. Section B.6(e) on page 7 indicates that fee must not be applied to grants under contract (GUCs). Could USAID please clarify the following: To minimize the cost of money to offerors, will Missions be required to utilize a letter of credit for all GUCs? If the risk mitigation measure may not be considered, would USAID please allow offerors to propose a separate ceiling for grants fee?

USAID Response #43: Fees are not allowed for Grants Under Contract. Specific information regarding Grants Under Contracts will be incorporated at the task order level.

44. Section B.8.1(c) on page 8 notes that both the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates and local compensation plan limitations apply to CCN and TCN labor. Could USAID please confirm that offerors may use the minimum qualifications that correspond with the prevailing rate limitation?

For instance, if the local compensation plan has lower rates for administrative support specialist positions, may offerors use the minimum qualifications within the local compensation plan rather than the IDIQ to determine whether a CCN candidate meets the requirements?

USAID Response #44: This information will be clarified at the task order level.

45. Section B.8.1(d) on page 8 includes a reference to “recent relevant salary history” as a factor for salary setting. Since USAID now requires salary setting based on market data and the updated Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (biodata) no longer requires candidates to disclose salary/rate history, could USAID please remove this language regarding salary history or clarify how offerors may comply with this requirement while using the new biodata?

USAID Response #45: The cited language has been removed. Please see the amended RFP.

46. Section B.9 on page 13-14 and the accompanying tab in the cost/price evaluation matrix seem to request current provisional indirect cost rates for the prime and any major subcontractor(s); however, there also is language in Section B.9 regarding ceilings, e.g., B.9(b) (second instance on page 14) states that the rates in table 4 are ceiling rates, which contradicts Section B.9(c) (first instance on page 13) that indicates they are provisional rates. Sections L.6 and M.4 of Attachment J.1 also seem to present conflicting information on indirect cost rate ceilings. Section L.6, Part 2(b) on page 10 states that offerors must use their ceiling indirect cost rates in the cost/price matrix; whereas, Section M.4 on page 20 indicates that an offeror’s indirect cost rates—not ceilings—will be evaluated. Could USAID please confirm the following:

Are indirect cost rate ceilings required? If yes, please clarify if only for the prime or also major subcontractor(s)? If yes, where should they be included in the cost proposal? Please clarify what rates should be provided for Section B.9 as part of the cost/price evaluation matrix.

Please clarify if/how indirect cost rate ceilings will be evaluated?

USAID Response #46: Please see response provided in Question #30.

47. Section H.3(a) on page 64 limits initial salaries to a 5% increase ceiling on an individual’s current salary or highest salary in the past three years. Since USAID now requires salary setting based on market data and the updated Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (biodata) no longer requires candidates to disclose salary/rate history, could USAID please remove this limitation or clarify how offerors may comply with this requirement while using the new biodata?

USAID Response #47: #. The language has been deleted. Please see the amended RFP.

48. Sections I.1 (page 91) and K.1 (page 124) include FAR 52.237-8 (Restriction on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals) in the clauses incorporated by reference. Given the variety of labor laws that exist in the countries where Task Order programming may operate, it is not possible to know which countries will require payment of severance. To maintain maximum flexibility and not contradict any local labor laws, would USAID please consider removing this clause from the IDIQ and having the inclusion of this clause be determined at the RFTOP level?

In this way, each TOCO may evaluate the applicability of this clause when the specific country of performance is known.

USAID Response #48: The clause will remain in the IDIQ and flow down to task order requirements, as appropriate.

49. Section L.5.2(c) Factor 4: Contractor Past Performance Information (a) (1) (i) asks that the offeror attach the official PPIRS report(s) for the listed projects. Given the potential volume of this information, may we include copies of only the most recent report for each project?

USAID Response #49: Please see response provided in Question #40.

50. Please confirm that Quality Awards information may be submitted for relevant projects that have official PPIRs reports in PPIRS.

USAID Response #50: Please see response provided to Question #20.

51. Section L.6, Part 1 on page 9 of Attachment J.1 requires an original signature on the SF-

33. Since proposals will be submitted electronically, could USAID please confirm that an electronic or scanned signature will be sufficient?

USAID Response #51: Confirmed.

52. One item in the list of acceptable supporting information for labor rates provided in Section L.6, Part 2(a) on page 10 of Attachment J.1 is “historical biodata forms used (within the past five years).” Would USAID also please consider accepting current biodata forms as supporting information for labor rates? This is particularly relevant for consultants who have worked with other contractors and might not have access to their historical forms or those who have not completed a biodata form in the past five years.

USAID Response #52: Confirmed.

53. Regarding Attachment J.4, please clarify the following items: The Cost/Price Matrix includes a couple ranges of hidden rows (20-29, 57-118). Could USAID please confirm that these rows are not applicable and may be removed (or kept blank)? The Fringe Benefits section includes a line item for Fringe Benefits on Local. Could USAID please confirm that this specifically refers to a prime’s NICRA rate for local/CCN fringe, if applicable, and does not refer to direct local fringe benefits that vary by country? Should the line item refer to direct local fringe benefits, please provide a plug figure or percentage for all offerors to use.

USAID Response #53: Hidden Rows and local fringe benefits have been removed. Please see amended Attachment J.4.

54. Section B.6(e) on page 7 states that fees must not be applied to GUCs. Can USAID clarify whether contractors that do not require a line of credit can charge a management handling fee on GUCs?

USAID Response #54: Management handling fees are not allowed for GUCs.

55. Section F.2(c) on page 38 states that TOs may be issued during the ordering period with a maximum period of performance of no more than five years. Would USAID consider revising this limit and allowing for extensions as long as no TO exceeds the date specified in paragraph c) of this section? Given our previous experience, as well as recent circumstances with the COVID- 19 pandemic, extensions may be required for factors outside the contractor’s control.

USAID Response #55: No. Task order extensions will be addressed by the operating unit that issued the task order.

56. Section F.4(b) on page 38 specified Cost control as a factor in performance evaluation.

We would like to clarify that this factor is not applicable/appropriate for FFP TOs.

USAID Response #56: Thank you.

57. Can USAID clarify whether scoring for Factor 1 will only be used for the Phase 1 evaluation or will that scoring carry over to the Phase 2 evaluation?

USAID Response #57: Evaluation of Factor 1 will carry forward from Phase I evaluation.

Please review Section M.2.2 of Attachment J.1.

58. Section L.5.1 on page 156, USAID asks for a 1-2 page Cover Letter. Can USAID confirm that the Cover Letter is in lieu of an Executive Summary?

USAID Response #58: Executive Summary is inclusive of the Cover Letter.

59. Section L.5.2 (a), Sub-Factor 1.2 on page 157, could USAID clarify what is meant by competent supervising representatives for construction, in the sentence “the offeror must describe its capability and experience in assembling high quality technical assistance teams, including competent supervising representatives for construction.

USAID Response #59: This language has been updated in the amended RFP.

60. Section M.2.2(a) on page 159, can USAID clarify whether there is any weighting for the three subfactors under Factor 1, or if they are weighted equally?

USAID Response #60: Please refer to the table in Section M.2.1 noting that Subfactors are of equal importance.

61. Section L.5.2, Sub-factor 1.1, states that “the Offeror must summarize in two sections (a) and (b)” their institutional capabilities. Would USAID allow us to combine (a) and (b) under this Sub-factor in order to eliminate redundancy and use more efficiently the 12 pages allowed?

Describing our relevant institutional experience in areas outlined in Sections C.3 and C.4 (section b) will inevitably mention the geographic regions where we are conducting the work (section a).

USAID Response #61: Please see response provided to Question #28.

62. Will USAID allow a Table of Content and an Acronyms list to be included in the proposal but not in the 12-page limit?

USAID Response #62: Please see response provided to Question #38.

63. When does USAID expect to notify offerors about the Phase 1 results?

USAID Response #63: Please see response provided to Question #4.

64. Attachment J.1 Section L shows Contractor Performance Information as the final section in the 12-page technical body. Contractor Past Performance Information Matrix is included as one of the technical annexes with no page limit. Can USAID please clarify what is expected to be included in the Contractor Performance Information section of the technical body? Is there a page limit?

USAID Response #64: Please see response provided to Question #40.

65. Attachment J.1 Section L.5.2 shows Offerors must not submit past performance for contracts in PPIRS. However, Section L.5.3(b) shows the Past Performance Matrix (Attachment J.2) and the Contractor Past Performance Reference Sheet (Attachment J.3) must be utilized to document past performance information. Can USAID please confirm when should Attachment J.2 and Attachment J.3 be utilized if past performance for contracts are in PPIRS?

USAID Response #65: Please see response provided to Question #21.

66. In Attachment J.4, the Excel budget template, includes a plug figure of $300,000 for Subcontractor costs in line 132. However, on page 9 of Attachment J.1, there is no mention of a Subcontractor plug figure. Can USAID please confirm if contractors should use the plug figure provided in the Excel budget template?

USAID Response #66: The language has been updated in the amended Attachment J.1. The template has been updated in the amended Attachment J.4.

67. Can USAID confirm if a pool of experts will be allowed in the proposal but not in the 12-page limit?

USAID Response #67: Please see Section L and Attachment J.1 of the RFP for information regarding proposal submission requirements.

68. Attachment J.7 Employee Biographical Data Sheet (EBD) is listed as an attachment in Section J but it is not mentioned across the RFP. Could USAID please clarify for what positions should this be requested? Additionally, could USAID please confirm if the attached EBD is the most updated form and if that should be the form to use, where salary employment history is requested?

USAID Response #68: This form has been updated in the amended RFP. Please see Attachment J.1 of the RFP for information regarding the use of the Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet.

69. Section F.6.1(b) 6), Small Business Reserves and Small Business Set-Asides, provides that “If the small business concern receives a set-aside award reserved for small businesses, the concern must perform in accordance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations in Subcontracting whereby at least 50% of small business employees must perform the services for the task order.”

However, FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Mar 2020)” Paragraph (c) (1), Services (except construction), provides that “At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.”. Please confirm that the 50% requirement applies to the cost not to the number of employees of the small business concern.

USAID Response #69: Confirmed.

70. Section B.5 Small Business Set Aside provides that “The dollar value of task orders that fall below $5,000,000 are reserved for Small Business IDIQ contract holders.”. Given that the SOW of anticipated Task Orders under the WADI II IDIQ may include construction and A&E services per Section C.7.4 of the RFP, would USAID be agreeable to increasing the threshold for Small Business set-aside task orders?

USAID Response #70: No. USAID will not be increasing the threshold for Small Business set-aside task orders.

71. Section C.6.1.1, IDIQ Contract Manager, provides that: “The IDIQ Manager must have a master’s degree or higher in areas such as international relations, political science, international development, business, or related subjects. S/he must have a minimum of 10 years of project management experience with at least three (3) years of this experience in contract management, preferably with the U.S. Government. Of the required ten (10) years of experience, five (5) years must include progressively responsible supervisory work experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, and assembling teams of professionals to respond to complex assignments.” Please confirm that USAID would agree to changing the education requirement to BS/BA instead of a master’s degree and increase the required years of experience similar to the requirements in Section B.8.2 of the RFP.

USAID Response #71: This language has been updated. Please see the amended RFP.

72. Section F.2, Period of Performance, provides that “(a) … The period of performance for the IDIQ contract is seven (7) years”, (b) …. The IDIQ ordering period is five (5) years from the effective date of the IDIQ contract. TOs may be issued at any time during the IDIQ ordering period”, and (c) …. A task order period of performance may continue for up to two (2) years past the end of the IDIQ Ordering Period, but must be completed by [TBD], which is the end of the period of performance for the IDIQ contract.”. This means that Task Orders of more than two years of duration must be awarded no later than three years from the effective date of the IDIQ.

Based on experience under WADI IDIQ that ended in 2020 and the fact the Water Sector Task Orders generally have a duration of more than 2 years to be able to achieve tangible and sustainable results, would USAID kindly consider increasing the IDIQ Performance Period and accordingly that for Task Orders for three or four years beyond the IDIQ Ordering Period?

USAID Response #72: No. Period of performance limitations are in accordance with agency policies and federal acquisition regulations.

73. Section C.3.2 of the RFP, Assessment and Analysis, provides that the Contractor must provide services, including “identifying potential water related conflicts, including transboundary conflicts.” What role does USAID see for the Contractor in helping mediate such conflicts? We note that STATE/OES plays a large role in leading such mediation efforts for transboundary water conflicts. Does USAID expect the Contractor to work closely with STATE in this area?

USAID Response #73: Please see response provided to Question #1.

74. Section B.6(e) of the RFP states that fee must not be applied to Grants Under Contract.

This appears to be inconsistent with FAR 15.404-4 and ADS 302.3.6.9, which state, inter alia, that pre-negotiation fee objectives must be determined according to a structured approach that considers contractor effort, risk, and other special factors. Grants require significant effort to administer and carry risks for the contractor, and Section H.27 of the RFP states that COs must not award contracts in which the contractor disclaims liability. Additionally, the statutory underpinnings of fixed fee at 10 USC 2306(d) and 41 USC 254(b) discuss fee definitions and limitations in terms of total estimated cost, which would include grants in this case. Given this, we respectfully request that USAID reconsider its agency pre-negotiation fee objective of 0% on grants and allow offerors to charge a fee that is reasonable and consistent with federal regulations.

USAID Response #74: Please see response provided to Question #43.

75. In response to Section B.9(a), will USAID confirm that indirect cost ceilings established at the IDIQ level are not applicable to U.S. small business subcontractors or non-major subcontractors?

USAID Response #75: Please see response provided to Question #30.

76. Section C.7.1 states, “The Contractor will administer these funds in amounts of up to $100,000 per grant.” Will USAID confirm this limit is for U.S. organizations only, in line with ADS 302.3.4.13 and Section H.27?

USAID Response #76: Specific requirements and limitations for GUC thresholds for U.S. and non-U.S. organizations will be defined at the task order level.

77. Section F.3 states, “The place of performance of this IDIQ contract and task orders issued hereunder is worldwide. USAID Bureau and Mission issued task orders will specify the place of performance. This is a global IDIQ; any Bureau or Mission may issue a task order.” Will USAID please specify whether the IDIQ will prioritize the USAID Global Water Strategy High Priority, Strategic Priority, and Strategically Aligned countries?

USAID Response #77: As mentioned in Section F.3, any Bureau or mission may issue a task order that falls under the cross-cutting services and technical areas identified in Section C.

78. Section H.3(a) limits proposed salaries for new individuals to no more than 5% above their current salary or highest wage from any full year of the preceding three years. It is only possible to comply with this limitation if the contractor collects a candidate’s salary history over the preceding three-year period. We respectfully request that USAID remove H.3(a) in light of the following considerations: a. Limiting proposed salaries based on salary history can prevent contractors from paying fair rates for the market value of the position and lead to salary inequities that contradict contractors’ established policies and pay scales. Furthermore, asking for a candidate’s salary history is prohibited by some existing labor laws of individual states and municipalities. For example, several states (including California, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon) have banned employers from requesting salary history on applications and/or using salary history to determine salary. b. USAID’s Biodata Form 1420 no longer requires candidates to provide their salary histories — in part, we understand, because of the concerns above. USAID has declared in Biodata Form 1420 that the form itself provides sufficient information to determine the reasonableness of a candidate’s compensation without requiring their salary history. Specifically, the bottom of the form notes its purpose: “to collect, use, and disclose information to determine the qualifications of individuals and to determine the reasonableness of proposed salary or consultant rate for the services proposed.” c. Given that the current form 1420 already achieves the goal of determining the reasonableness of a candidate’s salary without collecting salary history, there should be no further need to gather candidates’ salary history.

USAID Response #78: Please see response provided to Question #47.

79. Section H.27 of the RFP indicates that grants formats and a field grant guide are due 90 days after award. Will USAID confirm these are required at the TO level only (90 days after award of the task order), not at the IDIQ level? Given that this IDIQ could result in task orders worldwide and each task order will be different, it would be preferable to have a field grant guide at the TO level only. This will allow the guide to be tailored to the specific activities, tasks, staffing, and operating environment of the task order.

USAID Response #79: Confirmed.

80. On the cover page and in Section L.2, USAID states, “USAID anticipates awarding Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) Contracts (approximately eight (8) IDIQ contracts, of which up to three (3) may be reserved for small business concerns).

USAID reserves the right to award more or less awards than this anticipated number or to make no award.” Is there a minimum number of awards USAID anticipates making?

USAID Response #80: No. In accordance with Section L.2, USAID reserves the right to award more or less awards than this anticipated number or to make no award.

81. Section L.2 of the RFP states that “Offerors with rating of “high confidence,” and/or “some confidence”, will proceed to Phase II. If an offeror is rated “low confidence” in Phase I, it represents that the offeror may not be a viable competitor.” Will USAID communicate the specific rating received in the advisory notice? Approximately how soon after the Phase 1 submission does USAID anticipate delivering the advisory notice?

USAID Response #81: The confidence rating will be communicated in the advisory notification.

Please see the cover page for anticipated delivery of the advisory notice.

82. Section L.5 of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions), specifies the submission format for the Phase II technical proposal, listing Contractor Performance Information both within the 12-page limit and as an annex not counted against the page limit. Will USAID confirm that the Contractor Performance Information requested relates to information required in the Past Performance Matrix to be submitted as an annex to the technical proposal, and is not counted within the 12-page limit?

USAID Response #82: Please see response provided to Question #40.

83. Section L.5.2(c) of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions) states, “Factor 4: Contractor Past Performance Information … (a) The offeror (including all partners of a consortium/joint venture) must provide performance information for itself, the contractors teaming arrangements if any, and each major subcontractor.” Will USAID confirm that past performance information to be displayed in the Past Performance Matrix is only required from the contractor, members of a joint venture, and major subcontractors, and not from non-major consortium subcontractors?

USAID Response #83: Confirmed.

84. Sections L.5 and L.6 of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions) list Letters of Commitment from Major Subcontractors and the Small Business Subcontracting Plan as annexes to both the Phase II technical proposal and Phase II cost/business proposal, respectively.

Will USAID confirm that the Letters of Commitment for Major Subcontractors and the Small Business Subcontracting Plan should only be submitted in the Phase II cost/ business proposal, and not the Phase II technical proposal?

USAID Response #84: This section has been updated in the amended Attachment J.1.

85. Section L.6 (Part 2) of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions) states that the overall price resulting from the cost/price matrix from the offeror’s proposal will be used for evaluation purposes for the WADI II award. We are concerned that the use of this matrix will prevent offerors’ costs from being evaluated equally. Offerors are instructed to include the indirect cost categories in accordance with their organization’s cost structure when populating the matrix.

However, offerors’ indirect cost rate structures and cost accounting systems may not be the same. These differences, such as how a firm bills for project backstopping costs or bills for fringe expenses, could be captured differently in each matrix resulting in a price that is not comparable across offers nor representative of how an offeror will price subsequent task orders.

Will USAID consider an alternative option for evaluating cost proposals to ensure offerors are not disadvantaged as a result of their cost structure, such as asking offerors to submit a cost proposal for an illustrative or initial task order?

USAID Response #85: Please review Section M of Attachment J.1 on how USAID will evaluate cost for this procurement.

86. Section L.6 (Part 3) of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions) states, “The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor must complete Section K, Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors. The Offeror must provide a signed and dated Section K.” Will USAID clarify whether Section K should be completed, signed and dated, and submitted for the offeror and all proposed subcontractors?

USAID Response #86: Please see response provided to Question #25 & #26.

87. Section L.6 (Part 9) of Attachment J.1 (Phase II Instructions), requires offerors to address each element in FAR 44.202-2 for proposed subcontractors to be considered by the contracting officer for consent within the initial award of WADI II IDIQ. Will USAID confirm that offerors with an approved purchasing system may instead provide information to adhere with notification procedures outlined in FAR 52.244-2(e)(1)?

USAID Response #87: Confirmed.

88. B.8.2 on page 11 says “Table”, which refers to Table 3. Is that correct?

USAID Response #88: This language has been updated. Please see the amended RFP.

89. B.8.2: Table 3 on page 12 has a column for “Minimum Experience Requirement”, whereby the values shown are in years?

USAID Response #89: This language has been updated. Please see the amended RFP.

90. C.6.1 on page 29 says: Additional key personnel requirements for the Hub are included in the attached RFTOP”. Please clarify about the Hub and whether there is an attached RFTOP.

USAID Response #90: Please see response provided to Question #15.

91. L.5.2(a) Subfactor 1.3 says: “to insure, finance, furnish…”. Should this be: “ensure, finance, furnish…”?

USAID Response #91: No.