P4P2 IDIQ RFP Questions and Answers - 8-11-2021.pdf

Q&A - P4P2 IDIQ RFP # 7200AA21R00057 1

DATE: August 11, 2021

P4P2 IDIQ RFP # 7200AA21R00057:

QUESTIONS SUBMITTED BY INTERESTED OFFERORS AND CORRESPONDING

ANSWERS

Questions are generally organized by RFP section. While some questions may relate to more than one section, each question received is listed only once. The names of specific organizations or individuals have been removed. Some questions have been edited for greater clarity.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q1. Could USAID confirm that the Section 889 Foreign Assistance Waiver USAID received from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for internet and phone services will apply to task orders through September 2022?

A1. The application of the Section 889 Foreign Assistance Waiver from DNI to a task order will be determined at the task order level.

Q2. I'm reaching out with a question about eligibility to apply for a recently published request for proposals, No. 7200AA21R00057: Programming for Prevention and Peacebuilding (P4P2).

Which types of organizations / entities can apply for this call? Is a non-profit working in Israel, Palestine, or Jordan eligible to apply for this call for proposals?

A2. USAID invites all interested and responsible organizations to submit a proposal in response to the RFP. USAID executes all direct procurement in accordance with the FAR and the AIDAR. See also ADS Chapter 302 for Agency policy applicable to direct contracting.

Q3. Is there any minimum requirement for prime experience?

A3. No.

Q4. Will USAID please consider extending the proposal deadline by two weeks?

A4. No.

Q5. Assuming a firm has an active FCL, does USAID anticipate that the time from IDIQ or TO award to mobilization will allow for new PCLs to be initiated?

A5. USAID assumes that “FCL” is in reference to a Facility Clearance as described in RFP Section H.5 Security Clearance and ADS 567. USAID has no knowledge of when any Task Orders may be released under the P4P2 IDIQ and cannot provide a response to the timing related to FCL issues.

Q6. Are there required trainings offered by USAID that personnel must complete, and if so, how will cost associated with these be handled?

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A6. Any required USAID trainings and associated costs will be determined at the task order level. Examples of trainings that may be required under a task order include, but are not limited to, IT security and privacy training as required by H.20 Privacy and Security Information Technology Systems Incident Reporting (April 2018); and Orientation and Language Training pursuant to AIDAR 752.7011.

Q7. Does USAID have an anticipated TO schedule or at least the estimate (in time or dollar value) of TO 1?

A7. No schedule for any future Task Orders is known at this time nor is there an estimated dollar value.

Q8. If an offeror does not have a NICRA but is awarded an IDIQ or TO award, will USAID allow the offeror to establish a NICRA and then apply this rate to subsequent awards? What is the average time required to obtain a NICRA currently?

A8. Please refer to Section L.9 Part 2.B of the RFP. The amount of time to process an indirect cost rate package varies and is based on the package submitted by the organization. USAID may issue a NICRA if it is determined to be in the interest of the U.S.

Government. Generally, when making this decision, consideration is given to the materiality of the proposed indirect costs and the number of awards an organization has with different Federal agencies.

Q9. Can USAID please provide current Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) data with current maximum rates?

A9. Please refer to ADS 302.3.6.9. The current USAID CST (effective January 2021) is $183,300 per year.

Q10. Could a small business both submit a proposal independently under the small business reserve IDIQ and be listed as a subcontractor to a larger organization?

A10. Please refer to Section M.2(c) of the RFP.

Q11. Is it acceptable for the proposer to impose restrictions on languages for performance? For example, if the proposer is aware that they can perform extremely well in English, French, and Spanish speaking countries, can they limit offering of services to those countries?

A11. The P4P2 IDIQ will be available for USAID programming globally. Offerors will be evaluated in accordance with Section M of the RFP. Awardee(s) of P4P2 IDIQ contract may determine which task orders they bid on based upon their own internal decision-making.

Q12. My company is a small business interested in being a subcontractor for this upcoming proposal opportunity. We would like to have your guidance on how to move forward in the best

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way. What do you recommend for us to find companies that want to prime this contract so we can connect and identify opportunities for collaboration?

A12. General information about USAID Partners is available at https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners/usaid-partners

Q13. Can a proposal include more than 1 major subcontractor?

A13. Yes.

RFP SECTION B

Q14. On p.10 Section B.7.1 RFP states: “Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under Task Orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO.” Could USAID clarify if all salaries, including consultants’ rates, will require TOCO approval?

A14. The cognizant TOCO is responsible for determining whether proposed salaries under a task order are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, in accordance with any parameters set forth in the IDIQ. Task Order rates for labor categories in the IDIQ must not exceed the CDRs set forth in the IDIQ.

Q15. Could USAID please confirm that for proposed personnel who do not fall into the Labor Category Groupings outlined in Section B.7.1, no additional approval of personnel will be required, and no rate ceiling will apply other than the Contractor Salary Threshold?

A15. For possible future Task Orders under the P4P2 IDIQ, the relevant Task Order Contracting Officer (TOCO) will make those determinations. As stated in Section B.7.4 of the RFP, other labor categories not listed in the IDIQ may be required under Task Orders, and utilization of other labor categories under a Task Order is not subject to IDIQ CO approval. However, at any time and throughout the life of the contract, at the request of either the Contractor or the Government, the Contractor may propose additional labor categories, rates and descriptions to be added to the IDIQ contract, which may only be approved by the IDIQ CO. Other requirements that may apply to labor whether or not a CDR is established include, for example, the CST and AIDAR 722.170.

Q16. Pg 12, Para. B.7.1: Reference: (b) Each CDR for personnel listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services.

Question: Please clarify for which location(s) should Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates be provided.

A16. The CDR table required in B.7.1(c) will apply globally to all Task Orders issued under the P4P2 IDIQ.

Q17. Section B.7.2 describes the Project Manager positions as, “…the Contractor’s designated person for overall and day-to-day management of contract performance of the Task

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Order…” Section C.4.2.1 refers back to Section B and notes that, “The Contractor must designate an IDIQ Manager as a primary point of contact (per Section B, this position is not full-time and will not be Key Personnel) …” Could USAID please clarify whether the CDR and Labor Category of Project Manager (Home Office) is intended for use for the IDIQ Manager to be proposed under the P4P2 IDIQ, or if it is a category that will be used only for Task Order Managers?

Additionally, B.7(a) states, “The Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. The Contractor will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under Task Orders. The Contractor must propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.” Could USAID please clarify whether CDRs are required for the Project Manager (assuming it is the IDIQ Manager) since that position may not be directly billed to the IDIQ or Task Order contracts?

A17. CDRs are required to be proposed for all labor categories, levels, and years set forth in the table under Section B.7.1(c) of the RFP. The Project Manager (Home Office) labor category is not intended for IDIQ management costs. Rather, the Project Manager labor category is intended for home-office based positions responsible for management of a specific Task Order, as described in the labor category definition in Section B.7.2 of the

IDIQ.

Q18. Section B.7.1(c) states, “Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S.

expatriates under this contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual’s education and work experience. Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN and TCN labor must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID…” AIDAR 752.7007(a) states, “Direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract.” In order to allow Contractors to follow their established policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007(a), we kindly request USAID remove language preventing Contractors from paying above the prevailing local compensation plans.

A18. The language will not be removed. In accordance with AIDAR 752.7007(a), direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel must also be in accordance with the “cost principles applicable to this contract.” AIDAR Part 731 supplements the cost principles in FAR Part 31. AIDAR 731.205-6 paragraph (b), for example, incorporates USAID policies on compensation of third country national or cooperating country national employees set forth in AIDAR 722.170. All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S.

expatriates must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170.

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Q19. Section B.8 Minimum Qualifications (p. 14): Would USAID confirm the ‘years of work experience’ requirements for candidates with advanced degrees (Master’s or higher) for the Mid and Senior labor categories?

A19. Years of work experience requirements corresponding to a Master’s or higher degree have been added to the table in Section B.8 of the RFP.

Q20. Could USAID please add minimum qualifications for individuals with Master’s or PhDs so that offerors can determine whether they would be considered mid- or senior level?

A20. See response to Q19.

Q21. Section B.8-Minimum Qualifications (page 14) provides specific experience and education requirements for senior and mid-level labor categories, and substitution equivalencies for candidates who do not possess a Bachelors’ Degree. Will USAID also please consider an advanced degree or the equivalent as a substitute for two years of work experience for the senior-level and mid-level labor categories?

A21. See response to Q.19.

Q22. Pg. 14, Para. B.10: Reference: Indirect Costs and Advanced Understanding on Ceilings.

Per FAR part 42.7, the practice for reimbursement of indirect rates is to use provisional indirect rates until final indirect rates are negotiated and established after the period ends. Upon establishment of final indirect rates, an adjustment occurs for any over or under payment. The RFP includes language that reimbursement of indirect rates, “...must be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of any ceiling rates specified…” in either the IDIQ or any Task Orders.

However, it is anticipated that the ordering period resulting from this RFP will be five-seven years long, which may cause difficulty and strain on the indirect rates over the years.

Question: Would the Contracting Officer be willing to remove this requirement for ceiling indirect rates?

A22. Offerors are not required to propose ceiling indirect cost rates for the P4P2 IDIQ, as stated in Section L.9, Part 2.B under Cost/Price Matrix Instructions. The prime offeror and each major subcontractor may propose ceiling indirect cost rates. If no ceiling rates are proposed, the Government may negotiate ceiling rates if deemed prudent to do so. Whether or not ceiling indirect cost rates are established in the IDIQ contract, TOCOs may also negotiate and establish ceiling indirect cost rates in individual Task Orders; however, if ceiling indirect cost rates are established in the IDIQ contract, the Task Order ceiling indirect cost rates must not exceed the IDIQ ceiling rates.

Q23. Section B.10 Indirect Costs and Advanced Understanding on Ceilings on pages 14-15 includes a table to insert the offeror’s provisional or pre-determined rates. The notes provided below the table state that “reimbursement of indirect cost must be at final negotiated rates, but not in excess of any ceiling rates specified above.”

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‐ As the table doesn’t include columns to insert the proposed ceiling, we respectfully request USAID to consider adding columns to add the proposed ceilings or to add a sub-section in B.10 to document the advance understanding on ceiling indirect cost rate.

A23. Offerors are not required to propose ceiling indirect cost rates for the P4P2 IDIQ.

The NOTE directly below the table in B.10 also states “Insert or remove indirect rates as needed for all primes and major subcontractors in the above table.” Furthermore, Attachment J.3 Cost/Price Matrix provides that the Offeror/Major Subcontractor may adjust the indirect cost chart as needed to reflect the Offeror's / Major Subcontractor's indirect cost rate structure. If an Offeror/Major Subcontractor chooses to propose ceiling rates, the Offeror/Major Subcontractor may adjust the table/chart as needed to include those rates. Any ceiling rates proposed should be clearly identified as such. For example, the “Rate Type” row may be used to indicate whether a rate is provisional, pre-determined, ceiling, etc.

Q24. Please clarify if offerors are required to propose indirect ceilings applicable to the period of performance of the IDIQ contract or currently negotiated, provisional, or predetermined rates at the time of proposal submission in the table in section B.10, page 15.

A24. See responses to Q.22 and Q.23. As stated in Section L.9, Part 2.B under Cost/Price Matrix Instructions, the prime offeror and each major subcontractor (other than major subcontractors proposed to perform solely on a firm-fixed-price basis) must propose indirect cost rates. The proposed indirect cost rates are not required to be ceiling rates. If an Offeror proposes ceiling rates in addition to current rates as established in a NICRA or in addition to proposed rates as supported by documentation in the absence of a NICRA, the ceiling indirect cost rates must be used in the Cost/Price Matrix budget (Tab 3 of Attachment J.3).

RFP SECTION C

Q25. Page 23, last full para, first sentence notes "The contractor must design programs to enhance citizen security, prevent or interrupt violence, and protect victims." Can USAID please define what you mean by "interrupting violence"?

A25. Violence interruption is a community-based approach to reducing communal and interpersonal violence that treats violence as a public health problem.

Q26. Section C.4.1.8 (page 28) notes that “rights-based policing, for example, can be an important course correction in countries where police abuse has triggered past violence.” Does USAID have an authorization in place or envision providing one that will enable the contractor to provide direct assistance to police, such as training?

A26. USAID may utilize a range of exceptions and notwithstanding authorities (NWA) to work with civilian police depending on the particular context and program design. Such

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issues will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant TOCO for any future Task Orders under the P4P2 IDIQ.

Q27. Could USAID please clarify, with regard to C.4.1.9, does USAID envisage “supporting independent media” to include addressing the challenges of financial viability and sustainability faced by independent media?

A27. The examples listed in the RFP are illustrative. The specific scopes of work, to be developed for potential future Task Orders, will provide details of the work in a given context.

Q28. Could USAID consider revising the statement of work for technical area C.4.1.10 to include efforts to address the needs of those who engage with information – for example, citizens, voters, youth, etc. – to build their awareness, skills, and agency to engage with information in a safe, critical and responsible way?

A28. The language in C.4.1.10 is broad enough to encompass the nuance cited in the question.

Q29. Will the solicitation consider proposers that tackle only one activity? For example, is proposing an offering to only "C.4.1.10 Countering Disinformation and Hate Speech” acceptable?

A29. As stated in Section C.4.1 of the RFP (first paragraph), “The Contractor must be able to provide technical assistance, analyses, direct program implementation, and utilize collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) approaches as well as complexity aware monitoring and evaluation and other monitoring and evaluation techniques, in a range of related thematic areas in order to support host country capacity and commitment to peace, security and development.” Section C.4.2 (first paragraph) states: “The Contractor's duties include the provision of all necessary staff and services, technical assistance, and program implementation to support any of the technical areas or related areas in Section C.4.1.”

USAID will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with Section M.3 of the RFP.

Q30. Pg. 34, Para. C.4.2.3.B: Reference: As directed by USAID, the Contractor must share any and all data and information (excluding proprietary or personally identifiable information [PII] as appropriate), including analyses and evaluations with USAID, other USG entities, and other contractors and awardees.

Question: Please clarify that there are limits to the information to be provided that would exclude company proprietary, financial, PII, etc.

A30. As cited in the question and in Section C.4.2.3, sharing of information and data will exclude “proprietary or personally identifiable information as appropriate.”

Q31. Pg. 36, Para. C.4.2.9.D: Reference: No activity funded under this contract at the Task Order level will be implemented unless an environmental threshold determination, as defined by 22 CFR 216, and a climate risk analysis has been reached for that activity, as documented in a

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Request for Categorical Exclusion (RCE), Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), or Environmental Assessment (EA) duly signed by the cognizant Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO). (Hereinafter, such documents are described as “approved Regulation 216 environmental documentation.”) Question: Please clarify whose responsibility it is to perform the RCE, IEE, and/or EA – Government or Contractor.

A31. These issues will be addressed at the Task Order level. The RCE is generally managed by USAID. How the IEE and EA will be conducted, if necessary, will be determined in any future Task Orders.

Q32. Can USAID please provide a sample or description of scope involved in any required environmental assessments?

A32. These issues will be handled at the Task Order level. Please refer to ADS 204 for general information related to environmental procedures.

Q33. Per C.4.2.16, construction and infrastructure building activities are allowed under this IDIQ. Will small business consortia be expected to include construction capabilities?

A33. USAID will evaluate technical proposals from all Offerors in accordance with Section M.3 of the RFP.

Q34. Pg 38, Para. C.4.2.18: Reference: A. At the direction of USAID, the Contractor may be required to attend a Post-Award Kickoff Conference for the IDIQ, to be organized by USAID. B.

In addition to the potential Planning Conferences at the Task Order level (listed below in C.4.3.J), if directed by USAID, all Contractors under the P4P2 IDIQ may be required to attend or participate in an Annual IDIQ Planning and Lessons Learned Conference. The intent of this Conference would be to ensure all Contractors, USAID, and other USG actors as appropriate are able to share and learn from the work of the others.

Question: Please clarify the location for the Planning Conference and Annual IDIQ Planning and Lessons Learned Conference and if these will be reimbursed by the Government.

A34. The location of any Post-Award Kickoff Conference or any Annual IDIQ Planning and Lessons Learned Conferences are not known at this time. USAID anticipates that such conferences would likely be conducted virtually or in the Washington, D.C. area. The Contractor will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under the IDIQ or under Task Orders. For any Planning Conferences required at the Task Order level, the location and any associated costs will be determined under the individual Task Order.

Q35. Page 44: RFP language:

J. Planning Conferences i. If directed by USAID, the Contractor is responsible for planning and organizing a Task Order Planning Conference.

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K. Planning for Shock Responsive Programming/Option Year/Program Expansions i. If directed by USAID, the Contractor is responsible for conducting analyses and submitting initial Task Order work plans for the use of Shock Responsive Programming, Option Years or Program Expansions or other necessary changes to programming due to changing circumstances, unanticipated events or updated

Will the Government direct activities J and K through individually funded task orders that will be issued subsequent to the IDIQ award?

A35. The deliverables and tasks listed in Section C.4.3 are illustrative only as possible items that may be required in a task order. Specifics will be determined by any future task orders.

RFP SECTION F

Q36. Page 58, Section F.6.1, states, "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 the total cost of services must be performed for the Task Order by the small business." However, FAR 52.219-14 states that at least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel (emphasis added) shall be expended for employees of the concern. Can USAID please confirm that at least 50% of the total cost of contract performance incurred for personnel must be performed by the small business, rather than 50% of the total cost of services?

A36. Confirmed. The cited sentence under Section F.6.1(b)(6) has been revised to remove the language that is inconsistent with the FAR clause.

Q37. F.6.1(b) (Small Business Reserve)(i) – says that USAID may directly place a task order with the small business prime under this exception, separately (ii)(d) says that the $3,000,000 threshold does not apply when using the small business exception to fair opportunity procedures

– does this mean that USAID can sole source any task order, no matter what value, to a small business without competing that task order among the small business awardees?

A37. Yes.

Q38. Will small business subcontracting plans be required under all RFTOPs over $750,000 in value and/or not competed as small business reserves, regardless of whether they are delivered OCONUS or CONUS?

A38. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required only at the IDIQ level for offerors that are other than small businesses. As stated in Section F.5.1.d, subcontracting plans are not required for the Task Order. While subcontracting plans are not required for the Task Order, in accordance with FAR 19.705-1(b)(2), COs placing orders may establish small business subcontracting goals for each order. Establishing goals for a Task Order shall not

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be in the form of a new subcontracting plan as a contract may not have more than one plan.

RFP SECTION H

Q39. Section H.2 (page 72) limits offerors to administering 5% annual salary increases to U.S.

staff, including expats. We respectfully request that USAID remove this salary restriction from the RFP, as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation, which stipulates that personnel compensation “be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices,” with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The salary restriction in Section H.2 of the RFP may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

A39. Paragraph (d) Annual Salary Increases under Section H.2 has been removed from the RFP. However, TOCOs may determine to include limitations or restrictions on salary increases in individual task orders if deemed necessary.

Q40. Section H.2(d) Annual Salary Increases:

● Will USAID consider increasing the ceiling to “10 percent” to account for promotional increases above standard annual increases, or removing the ceiling to allow for annual and promotional increases in accordance with an organization’s HR policies/procedures?

● As promotional increases often occur out of the annual increase cycle, will USAID consider revising the second sentence to “Salary adjustments additional to salary increases for local staff may be implemented out of cycle for promotional increases, or if the adjustments are made in response to US Mission adjustments to the LCP?”

A40. See response to Q39.

Q41. Section H.2 (d) states, “Annual salary increase (of any kind – cost of living, merit, promotion increase, or any other type) of note more than five (5) percent cumulatively may be granted under the contract.” In order to allow Contractors to follow their established policies, procedures, and practices in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, we kindly request this salary increase restriction be removed.

A41. See response to Q39.

Q42. Pg 75, Para. H.3: Reference: The authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this contract is 937 for the prime contract and its subcontractors or as specified in Task Orders.

Question: Please clarify how this Geographic Code applies to this procurement.

A42. Please refer to ADS Chapter 310 for information on geographic codes. Task Orders will address source and nationality issues individually. The use of a different geographic code will be determined at the Task Order level. Please also refer to Section L.9 Part 10

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and Section H.25 of the RFP for information on the authorized geographic code and proposed subcontractors.

Q43. Pg 78, Para. H.5: Reference: At the time of award, the contractor does [ ] does not [ ] have a Secret level facility clearance. The TOCO is responsible for incorporating the completed and cleared DD 254 into a classified task order.

Question: Please clarify where in the proposal does the Facility Clearance Level declaration go.

Or, will the Government verify our Facility Clearance in DISS (recommended)?

A43. Please see RFP Section L.9 Part 12.

Q44. Pg 81, Para. H.9: Reference: Datasets submitted to the DDL will generally be those generated with USAID resources and created in support of Intellectual Work that is uploaded to the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) (see AIDAR 752.7005 “Submission Requirements for Development Experience Documents”). Question: Please clarify if the DDL and DEC are 1) separate databases and require separate inputs and 2) provide details of each system if/as appropriate.

A44. Please see Section H.9 for information on the DDL and AIDAR 752.7005 for information on the DEC.

RFP SECTION J

Q45. Attachment J.2 Item 7 Complexity of Work: What are the criteria USAID is using to determine “difficult” or “routine” work?

A45. Item 7 Complexity of Work in Attachment J.2 has been revised. “Difficult” and “Routine” are replaced with “High,” “Medium,” and “Low,” consistent with how complexity is described in CPARS.

Q46. For Attachment J3: Could USAID specify how offerors that do not have a set fringe rate per their NICRA for CCN staff, should address lines 38 and 43 (Fringe on long-term and short-term CCN staff, respectively)? Should offerors leave it blank? Or could USAID provide a plug total amount or plug rate to use in such cases?

A46. Attachment J.3 Cost/Price Matrix, Tab 3. Detail Budget, has been revised to remove the rows for TCN Field-Based Staff salaries and fringe benefits and CCN Field-Based Staff salaries and fringe benefits. Thus, for purposes of the Cost/Price Matrix budget, Offerors will use their appropriate fringe and indirect rates that apply to USN staff.

Q47. For Attachment J3: With regards to fringe on TCN staff labor, some offerors do not have such differentiation in their NICRA/indirect rate approach. Instead, it depends on the staff classification as either a TCN Expatriate or TCN Local. Should offerors assume for the purposes of the cost evaluation matrix that the lines for TCN staff are TCN Expatriates?

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A47. See response to Q46.

Q48. Attachment J.3 – Cost/Price Matrix – Fringe Benefits Section Question: Could USAID please confirm that organizations that charge fringe benefits for CCN Field-Based Staff as an Other Direct Cost (ODC) are permitted to leave the ‘Fringe on 1.C’ and ‘Fringe on 1.G’ fields (Rows 38 and 43 of the ‘3. Detail Budget’) tab with a fringe benefit and base fields blank, as associated Fringe / Social benefits would be budgeted within the ‘7. Other Direct Costs (ODCs)’ section of the budget?

A48. See response to Q46.

Q49. Attachment J.3 – Cost/Price Matrix, Worksheet 3. Detailed Budget requests that Offerors propose fringe on 1.B, Long-Term TCN Field-Based Staff, 1.C, Long-Term CCN Field-Based Staff, 1.F, Short-Term TCN Field-Based Staff, and 1.G, Short-Term CCN Field-Based Staff in Rows 37, 38, 42, and 43. Because not all Offerors have fringe benefits for TCNs and CCNs as part of their NICRA, and because fringe on TCN and CCN staff will vary depending on the country where a Task Order is implemented, can USAID instead provide plug figures for consistency among Offerors?

A49. See response to Q46.

Q50. Attachment J.3 – Cost/Price Matrix – General Question Question: Could USAID please confirm that offerors are not permitted to include additional line items in the following budget categories, in which USAID has provided plug figures?

a. Consultants, Travel and Transportation, Allowances, Equipment, Other Direct Costs, Sub-Contracts, and GUCs.

A50. Correct. Offerors must not adjust any lines where plug figures are provided.

Q51. Attachment J.6 Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Work Overview Chart: Do these assignments apply to the entire IDIQ for the full period of performance or is Attachment J.6 only applicable to the illustrative scenario and accompanying illustrative year one budget?

Please also clarify how “technical work proposed” should be answered if this form applies to the entire IDIQ.

A51. Per Section L.9, Part 9 of the RFP, Offerors must provide a completed Attachment J.6 “based on estimates for all potential awards under the IDIQ as a whole” and “Offerors should evaluate the entire scope of work to determine the percentage of anticipated technical effort.”

RFP SECTION K

Q52. Pg. 149, Para. K.1: Reference: Notice Listing Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference.

Section K.1 (page 149) includes FAR 52.237-8 (Restriction on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals) in the clauses incorporated by reference.

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Question: 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?

A52. No.

Q53. Can USAID please confirm that Section K, Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of the Offeror, is required only from the prime offeror and major subcontractors?

A53. Section K representations are required only from the prime offeror, not major subcontractors. Per Section L.9 Part 3 paragraph (2), the Offeror must complete the annual certifications and representations electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website and must also complete and submit in the proposal those portions of Section K that are not available in SAM. For Offerors submitting as a joint venture, the Joint Venture must complete the annual certifications and representations electronically via the SAM website and submit in the proposal those portions of Section K that are not available in SAM. Each member of the Joint Venture must also complete its individual annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM website and complete and submit in the proposal those portions of Section K that are not available in

SAM.

RFP SECTION L

Q54. Pg 168 Para. L.2 52.215-1.(c)(2); Pg 175 Para. L.8.1: Reference: On page 168, the RFP states: (2) The first page of the proposal must show…On page 175, the RFP lists the title page requirements.

Question: The instructions on these pages do not match. Please clarify the correct instructions for Offerors to follow.

A54. Please follow the instructions under Title Page requirements in Section L.8.1.

Q55. Page 173: RFP language: Offerors must use 8.5 inch by 11 inch (or size A4, 210mm by 297mm) paper size.

Given the need to show capability across all technical areas, would USAID please allow an 11x17 page size for large graphics/tables/charts to count as a single page? This would alleviate Offerors that are attempting to get Capability, Management, and a Comprehensive Technical Approach into the 30 page limit.

A55. No.

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Q56. Section L.8.1 Organization of Technical Proposal on page 174 states that, “text in tables, charts, graphs, headers and footers may be smaller than font size 11 but no smaller than font size 9 and must be legible.”

‐ Will USAID please clarify that Offerors may use a font other than Times New Roman, providing it is no smaller than font size 9 for text in tables, charts, graphs/graphics, headers and footers?

A56. Offerors may use either Times New Roman or Arial font of a size no smaller than 9 for text in tables, charts, graphs/graphics/figures, headers and footers. Offerors must use Times New Roman font of a size no smaller than 11 for all other text (including text boxes).

All text must be legible. The RFP has been amended accordingly.

Q57. Section L.8.1-Organization of Technical Proposal (page 174) states: “Offerors must utilize Times New Roman font of a size no smaller than 11 (including text boxes). Text in tables, charts, graphs, heads and footers may be smaller than font size 11 but no more than font size 9 and must be legible.” We have the following related questions:

a. Could USAID clarify whether graphics/figures can be smaller than font size 11?

b. Would USAID allow Offerors to use a font other than Times New Roman for text boxes, figures, tables, charts, graphs, headers and footers?

A57. See response to Q56.

Q58. Section L.8.1-Organization of Technical Proposal (page 174) outlines the page limits for the proposal. Could USAID kindly confirm that appendix divider pages will not count towards the overall page limit?

A58. Confirmed. Divider pages will not count towards the overall page limit.

Q59. Page 175: RFP language: Offerors must describe their capability to carry out the work required under this RFP as detailed below.

To confirm, for the Institutional Capacity section of the RFP, Offerors are instructed to provide their organizational capability to meet all technical areas in the SOW. They are not required to propose a technical approach to complete those technical areas of the SOW. Technical approach is limited only to the Illustrative Programming Scenario.

A59. USAID will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with Section M.3 of the RFP.

Q60. Are offerors expected to demonstrate corporate capabilities for every technical sector or can we specialize and/or propose mobilizing experts as required depending on the scope of a specific RFTOP?

A60. USAID will evaluate technical proposals in accordance with Section M.3 of the RFP.

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Q61. Page 177, Section L.8.2.1, requests a Home Office Organizational Chart as an appendix to the Institutional Capacity and Management Approach. Can USAID clarify which of the following the Home Office Organizational Chart is meant to show:

● the organizational structure for the illustrative IDIQ Management Team the Offeror would put in place for the central management of the IDIQ

● the chart showing the illustrative IDIQ Management Team as well as other Home Office staff supporting and interacting with the IDIQ Management Team

● the Offeror’s entire corporate home office organizational structure

A61. The RFP has been revised to clarify that an IDIQ Management Team Organizational Chart is required showing the illustrative IDIQ Management Team, including position titles, lines of communication and reporting and supervision (if applicable). The chart may include other home office staff supporting the IDIQ Management Team, if any.

Q62. Would USAID please confirm that the Home Office Organizational Chart requested on page 177 of Section L.8.2.1. is intended to reflect the “position titles, lines of communication and reporting and supervision (if applicable)” of the Illustrative IDIQ Management Team referenced in the final bulleted point on page 176?

A62. See response to Q61.

Q63. Page 177: RFP language: Offerors must propose through the Illustrative Programming Scenario below how they would propose to carry out the work under Section C and the RFP based on their overall understanding of programming and operations...

What is the estimated transition period for the Illustrative Programming Scenario?

What is the estimated period of performance for the Illustrative Programming Scenario?

A63. Under Section L.8.2.2, Illustrative First-Year Workplan Based on the Illustrative Programming Scenario the bullet “Transition to full Implementation” has been revised to “Start-up phase to full implementation.” Offerors should determine timelines appropriate to the scenario. The RFP has also been revised under Section L.8.2.2, Narrative Responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario, to clarify that Offerors’ response to the Illustrative Programming Scenario is for a first-year period of performance within an overall three-year program and total budget of $15 million.

Q64. Section L.8.2.2, Technical Approach (page 178), instructs offerors to propose in their response for the Illustrative Programming Scenario how they would address the requirements of the RFP. Would USAID kindly provide offerors with a period of performance and a total value for the Illustrative Programming Scenario?

A64. The RFP has been revised under Section L.8.2.2, Narrative Responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario, to clarify that Offerors’ response to the Illustrative

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Programming Scenario is for a first-year period of performance within an overall three-year program and total budget of $15 million.

Q65. Pg. 180 Para. 8.2.2: Reference: Narrative responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario This section states, “Offerors should clearly state all assumptions”.

Question: Please clarify what type of assumptions offerors can make and if offerors have flexibility to make assumptions about the security and operational limitations that might affect their technical approach.

A65. Offerors should state any assumptions they are making that affect their approach to responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario.

Q66. Section L.8.2.2 (page 181) notes that we must “utilize adaptive management in the field and work in concert with USAID to achieve maximum programmatic impact.” Could USAID please clarify who will be the contractor’s USAID counterpart/daily point of contact in the project office and in Washington, D.C.?

A66. As a global IDIQ, P4P2 may be used in a variety of countries. Each task order will provide details as to the USAID POCs, TOCOR, and TOCO for that task order.

Q67. On p.181 Section L.8.2.2 Illustrative Programming Scenario USAID requests a proposed organizational structure; for purposes of comparison could USAID provide an estimated duration and budget for the overall program activity?

A67. Please see response to Q64.

Q68. For the Illustrative Programming Scenario, can USAID please provide the illustrative duration of the entire project, and the budget size for the overall project as well as the first year of the project? These parameters will help to inform Offerors’ proposed programming ideas and their responses regarding the organizational and management structures and staffing for the Operations component of the narrative response.

A68. Please see response to Q64.

Q69. P. 181 states that the narrative responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario should address “initial, relevant, sequenced, and cost-effective operational steps and programmatic activities.” Can USAID please clarify “initial”? Is this referring to the first 12 months of a project, or a shorter period of time?

A69. Initial refers to the start-up phase of programming.

Q70. On p.181, Section L.8.2.2 Illustrative Programming Scenario, could USAID specify if a programming idea is defined as a singular or multiple grant activity?

A70. This language in the RFP has been revised. Offerors must propose three specific programmatic activities, including at least one GUC.

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Q71. On page 181 of the RFP, USAID asks Offerors to “provide brief descriptions of three (3) initial illustrative programming ideas to be implemented via Grants Under Contract.” Related to this requirement, can USAID please respond to the following questions:

a. Are Offerors limited to describing only programmatic ideas that can be implemented through Grants Under Contract? If so, are Offeror’s expected to describe three individual grants, or can they propose, for example, three separate GUC streams/mechanisms with illustrative GUCs for each?

b. Are the three proposed GUCs meant to be awarded and implemented within the first year of the project?

c. Are there any requirements that Offerors should consider in terms of the maximum dollar value and duration of GUCs?

d. Can Offerors’ illustrative proposed GUCs be for both local and international organizations, or are they meant to be limited to local organizations?

A71. This language has been revised in the RFP.

a. Offerors must propose three specific programmatic activities, including at least one

GUC.

b. The proposed programmatic activities, including at least one GUC, are intended for the first year of the program.

c. GUC value must be within the limitations provided in Section H.11 of the RFP, as applicable.

d. This is up to the Offeror to determine.

Q72. In Section L.8.2.2 - Technical Approach, page 181, the RFP requests that Offerors describe three initial illustrative programming ideas to be implemented via GUCs. Can USAID confirm that Offerors these three programming ideas are to be in addition to other illustrative programmatic activities implemented directly by the Offeror?

A72. See response to Q70 and Q71.

Q73. Will USAID please provide a Task Order budget ceiling to inform responses to the 3 initial illustrative programming ideas? Will this ceiling differ for small business versus large business offerors?

A73. See response to Q64. There is no difference in ceiling for small business versus large business offerors.

Q74. Section L.8.2.2, Technical Approach, Illustrative First Year Workplan Based on the Illustrative Programming Scenario, (page182), states: “Offerors must address an overall understanding of the key technical issues…”

a. Could USAID kindly confirm that offerors should demonstrate their understanding of key technical issues in the Narrative, responding to the Illustrative Programming Scenario rather than the First Year Workplan?

b. If not, would USAID kindly elaborate on how Offerors should demonstrate an overall understanding of the key technical issues within the First Year workplan?

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A74. The bullet “An overall understanding of the key technical issues” under Section L.8.2.2, Illustrative First Year Workplan Based on the Illustrative Programming Scenario, has been removed from the RFP.

Q75. Section L.8.2.1 Institutional Capacity and Management Approach on page 182 states, “Offerors must provide an Illustrative First-Year Workplan that demonstrates their understanding of the technical areas cited in Section C, the RFP, and its linkages to the Illustrative Programming Scenario. The First-Year Workplan will not count toward the technical page limit and will be evaluated as part of the technical proposal and must not exceed four (4) pages.”

Based on this section, we have the following two (2) questions:

‐ Given the robust narrative requirements of the Illustrative First-Year Workplan (e.g.

specific programmatic interventions, operational/organizational systems and processes and personnel) as well a timeline for all actions, deliverables and tasks, will USAID allow Offerors to include an additional one (1) page on 11x17 paper for a table/gantt chart?

A75. No.

Q76. Page 182: RFP language: Indicators of relevant performance are projects of similar scope and complexity.

USAID states, “Indicators of relevant performance are projects of similar scope and complexity.”

Given the unpredictable size and number of Task Orders to be issued under P4P2, confirming that scope and complexity are the only indicators to be evaluated to determine relevancy, and size of the projects will not be considered as a part of the evaluation criteria.

A76. Indicators of relevancy include scope and complexity as described under L.8.2.3(a).1 and do not include size of the projects.

USAID will also consider past performance information available in CPARS.gov for the offeror’s (and each partner of a joint venture) two largest (total awarded dollar value) Federal contracts or orders with a period of performance falling within the last five years, if deemed relevant based on the relevancy indicators mentioned above.

Q77. Page 183: RFP language: Where possible, Offerors should provide past performance information that has been reported and evaluated in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). USAID may use past performance information obtained from sources other than those identified by the Offeror.

In what section would the Government like to see information from CPARS?

A77. This refers to the Past Performance Short Forms (Attachment J.2) that are to be submitted as part of the proposal. Where possible, the Past Performance Short Forms submitted should be for projects that have been reported and evaluated in CPARS.

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Q78. Pg 185, Para. L.8.2.3.2: Reference: 2. In the Past Performance Short Form for each project, provide a list of contact names, job titles, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, explanation of relevance to the proposed acquisition and a description of the performance to include:

● Scope of work or complexity/diversity of tasks,

● Primary location(s) of work,

● Period of performance,

● Dollar value,

● Contract type, i.e., fixed-price, cost reimbursement, etc.,

● Type and extent of subcontracting (if any), and

● If extraordinary problems impacted any of the referenced contracts, provide a short explanation and the corrective action taken (FAR 15.305(a)(2)).

Question: Attachment J.2 lists items 1-11 for Offeror’s to complete. These instructions do not appear to match. Please clarify the correct instructions.

A78. Provide the information as outlined in Attachment J.2 Past Performance Short Form, which essentially captures the information outlined in Section L.8.2.3(a).2.

Q79. How many past performance references are permitted or required for team members that are not major subcontractors or JV partners? If permitted, how will they be weighted in the evaluation of past performance?

A79. Past performance references are not required for team members who are not major subcontractors or joint venture partners.

Q80. Section L.9 – Instructions for the Cost/Business Proposal; Part 2 – Proposed Costs/Prices Question: Could USAID please confirm that the Cost/Price Matrix (attachment J.3) is intended to provide only Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR), Fringe Benefits, Indirect Costs, and Fees on an illustrative basis based on the provided USAID plug figures (provided in red within the excel document) and that there is no requirement/ expectation for offerors to provide a costing approach or other budgetary documents in response to the Illustrative First-Year Workplan included as an Appendix to the Technical Proposal?

A80. Correct, per Section L.9, Part 2 of the RFP, “The Cost/Price Matrix serves as the basis for final ceiling daily rates, indirect cost rates, and fees that will be bound in the final contract.” There is no requirement for Offerors to propose costs in relation to the Illustrative First-Year Workplan.

Q81. Section L.9 –…