7200AA21R00097 P0002 Questions and Answers.pdf

RFP No. 7200AA21R00097 Amendment 02 Procurement Service Agent HIV/AIDS

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

General Questions

Attachment J.13

We cannot access the “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” via the link provided or with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Would USAID provide an alternate link or a copy?

Attached in Sam.gov

J.13 -- Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

The J.13 document link appears to be inactive. Can USAID please provide the latest document?

Attached in Sam.gov

Page 1, Cover Letter, Paragraph 4

The RFP Lists 3 dates: Issuance Date, Closing Date/Time for Questions, and Closing Date and Time for Receipt of proposals. Paragraph 4 states:

“Prospective offerors must submit questions, past performance information, and proposal by email…by the times and dates indicated above”

Given that no time and date is indicated above for the submission of past performance information, can USAID confirm that these are considered as part of the main proposal and are due on the same date as the proposal?

Cover letter revised. Instructions are provided in Section L.

Attachment

J.11 PSA-

Can USAID please confirm which figure is correct— $486,700,000 (as shown in Section L.8.2) or

The RFP lists the annual plug for commodities and logistics as $486,700,000, which is correct. The

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

HIV_Budget_T emplate

$407,438,073 (as shown in the Attachment J.11 PSA- HIV Budget Template)?

template is revised.

Attachment J.11“Yearly Spend Assumption” tab

Under this tab, the yearly assumed commodity and logistics spend is listed as $407,438,073. However, the “iii.CLINx001-x005_Prime” tab and Section L.8.2 (page 225) and L.8.3B (page 228) of the RFP list the annual plug for commodities and logistics as $486,700,000. Could USAID please confirm which of these is correct?

The RFP lists the annual plug for commodities and logistics as $486,700,000, which is correct. The template is revised.

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget_T emplate.xlsx Tabs (i)-(vi)

In the CLIN structure and Base/Option Period details there is no breakout for TRANSITION-IN and TRANSITION-OUT. Will the RFP be revised to include those two additional Periods as discrete CLINs / Periods in the CLIN structure?

No.

RFP; J.11

Budget225, L.8.2.a.i

The period of performance for the Base Period is “Effective Date through September 30, 2028.” Please specify the effective date so that pricing will be accurate.

The Effective Date is not known at this time.

Specific to the cost proposal instructions and Attachment J.11, please refer to section L.8.2.a for budgetary assumptions.

Attachment

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget_T emplate

The CLINx006_Prime and CLINx006_Sub(x) include columns titled “RESERVED.”

Can USAID please confirm that Offerors need not enter any information in the columns titled

“RESERVED”?

Yes / Revised.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget_Te mplate.xlsx

"Tabs ""iii.CLINx001-x005_Prime"" and ""iii.CLINx001-x005_Sub(x)""; Rows 8, 11, 14, 27, 30, 33, 69, 70, 71, 83, 85, 87.

Tab ""iv. Program Staffing Detail"", Column L.

Tab ""v. Program Activity Detail"", Column B."

These cells contain references to SOO Objective 1:

Commodities Procurement, SOO Objective 2:

Commodities Delivery, and SOO Objective 3: End-to- End Visibility. Can USAID confirm that these three references to SOO Objectives 1, 2, and 3 are the same as those "categories" described in the J.1 Statement of Objectives, paragraph C.6 which are: Commodity Procurement, Commodity Delivery, and Information Technology and Management?

The Objectives of this RFP are outlined in Section C.7 “Performance Objectives, Results, and Performance Standards”.

Attachment

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget_T emplate

Attachment J.11 PSA-HIV_Budget_Template;

CLIN001-x005_Prime, CLIN001-x005_Sub(x), Program Staffing Detail, Program Activity Detail, Detailed Travel tabs

The SOO Objectives in Attachment J.11 tabs differ from the SOO Objectives included in Attachment J.1, Section C.7. The budget template lists the following as Objectives:

SOO Objective 1: Commodities Procurement SOO Objective 2: Commodities Delivery SOO Objective 3: End-to-End Visibility

The SOO Objectives in Attachment J.11 have been corrected. Amended template has been uploaded to sam.gov.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

Could USAID please confirm that Objectives 1,2, and 3 in the budget template are not equivalent to the SOO Objectives listed in Attachment J.1, Page 254, Section C.7 Performance Objectives, Results and Performance Standards?

Attachment

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget_T emplate

All tabs: Would USAID please confirm whether, for budgeting purposes, offerors should budget for closeout costs in Year 5 of the base period?

Offerors should include transition-in costs in year 1 of their budget and transition-out costs in year 10.

Attachment J.7 Page 225, L.7.4 Factor 3: Past Performance Information (PPI), a) 1)

Section L.7.4 says “Each past performance form shall not exceed 1000 characters per relevant contract, task order, grant or cooperative agreement” but the J.7 Excel form indicates a narrative with 5000 characters. Please confirm if 5000 characters excluding spaces is the correct requirement.

Section L.7.4 is amended to 5000 characters which does not include spaces.

Attachment J.8 Subcontracting Plan Template

The Subcontracting Plan Template states: “Enter total % of contract to be subcontracted (regardless of business type).” Could USAID please confirm whether the contract value used to calculate “total % of contract to be subcontracted” should be inclusive of the commodities cost plug?

No. Offerors shall exclude the commodity costs plug figure from the percentage calculations.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

Attachment J.9 USAID Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template

Page 4, Section 2. Goals (j): “Use the “Small Business Utilization Plan Template,” Attachment A, to provide a description of ALL products and/or services to be subcontracted under this contract and percentage (%) of work.”

Could USAID please confirm that the Attachment A “Small Business Utilization Plan Template” referenced in Attachment J.9 USAID Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template is the same as Attachment J.8 Subcontracting Plan Template?

The attachment number has been corrected to Attachment J.8.

J.9

USAID_FY_202

3_Statuatory_S B_Utilization_T emplate; Pages 2 and 3.

This template is for FY 2023. Should we use the FY2023 template as provided or will USAID provide a template for FY 2024?

The template has been updated to reflect the FY 2024 goals.

J.8 Subcontracting Plan Template (Rows 8 - 21)

Could USAID confirm that the percentages in the Subcontracting Template are against the "Total Subcontracting Dollars" and not "Total Contract Dollars".

The “Total Contract Dollars” is correct. The subcontracting percentages shall exclude the commodity plug figure.

17 N/A Request USAID provide the contract ceiling value for the PSA-HIV contract.

See section B.3.

18 N/A Will USAID provide a Notice-to-Proceed (NTP) date to mark the official start of the contract? This will allow

No. Please refer to section L.8.2.a for budgetary assumptions required for all offerors.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer for more accurate pricing and provide an equal basis for bid comparisons.

Performance J.7 Past Performance Information Template.xlsx Assessment QA Tab

Row 1 "SAMPLE ---- PAST PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA ---- (See RFP section M, Annex H, criteria 5a - 5e)" Sheet

In reviewing the Past Performance Information Template (J.7), is the final tab, “Performance Assessment QA,” we assume that the tab is to be completed by the program Awarding Entity and returned to us for inclusion in the Annex G submittal?

This sheet references See RFP section M, Annex H, criteria 5a - 5e; and we assume that USAID meant RFP Section M, subsection 4.4.3: Factor3 - Past Performance, letter d, criteria 1-6. Could USAID please clarify if the “Performance Assessment QA” tab is to be completed by the Awarding Entity and inserted by the bidder, one assessment tab for each program citation?

This tab has been deleted.

J.3 Collaboration Slide Slide 2 - Product Sourcing

Will USAID provide a 2023 (or Control Tower-generated) sample demand date file to offerors?

No further information is available at this time.

21 Data Link - J.5 To enable all Offerors to have insight into the ongoing product transitions and new product categories can

Historical data is updated annually and posted to USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

USAID provide up-to-date historical product ordering data (to include all of 2023)?

(DEC) as referenced in Attachment J.5 (and is independent from any NextGen RFP). Please continue to monitor the DEC for future data updates.

RFP; J.11

Budget 34, F.2;

60, G.13.b;

225, L.8.2.a;

J.11

Please confirm that the Base Period is five years, as it is inconsistent in these areas:

● In the J.11 Pricing Template, the Base Period is defined as 5 years.

● In RFP F.2 and L.8.2.a, the end date of the Base Period is listed as 9/30/28. This does not allow for a full 5 years in the Base Period.

● In RFP G.13.b, the Base Period is defined as 4 years.

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

● The table in G.13.b is now made generic to avoid further confusion.

● The final base and option periods will be determined at time of award.

Please see section L.8.2(b) for instructions related to cost/pricing.

23 J.8 Sub Plan

In Attachment J.08 Matrix tab, should Contractors use the current USAID FY2024 Goals (as of 01/12/2024) rather than the FY2023 Goals showing in the Attachment (or will USAID update the J.8 form)?

Yes, the template has been updated to reflect the FY 2024 goals.

J.9, SB

Utilization

In Attachment J.9, should Contractors use the current USAID FY2024 goals (as of 01/12/2024) rather than the FY2023 goals showing in the Attachment (or will USAID update the J.9 form)?

Yes, the template has been updated to reflect the FY 2024 goals.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

J.11 Budget

J.11 PSA-

HIV_Budget Template

Would USAID provide guidance for requirements for the types of investments for the 3 periods of program in the cost spreadsheet for ITS so that responses across proposals are standardized and evaluations conform to Section M?

USAID is unable to provide a response to this question as this context of the question is unclear.

J.5. Supply

Chain Data

How many countries would be represented by your manufacturers & suppliers base from where products are dispatched?

Refer to historical product ordering data.

J.5. Supply

Chain Data Do you have a pareto analysis on the logistics volumes for those dispatch countries?

No further information is available at this time.

USAID

01_Historical_ global_supply_ chain_ALL_TOs

Would USAID confirm that shipped quantity indicated is in kg?

No further information will be provided at this time.

USAID

01_Historical_ global_supply_ cha in_ALL_TOs

Can USAID provide transport key indicators for the volume: Number and type of containers per country and lane for sea?

No further information will be provided at this time.

USAID

01_Historical_ global_supply_ chain_ALL_TOs

Can USAID provide transport key indicators for the volume: Number of shipments and tonnage (in kg) per country for AIR?

No further information will be provided at this time.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

USAID

01_Historical_ global_supply_ chain_ALL_TOs

Some of the data is not reflecting incoterms (e.g., HQ, NUS, NET, POR). What are these referring to?

No further information will be provided at this time.

USAID

01_Historical_ global_supply_ chain_ALL_TOs

DAP incoterm general include here customs clearance and offloading? Any other services required?

No further information will be provided at this time.

Section B

Page 14/267 (PDF p.16), B.3(d), CLIN Table

In the CLIN structure and Base/Option Period details there is no breakout for TRANSITION-IN and TRANSITION-OUT. Will the RFP be revised to include those two additional Periods as discrete CLINs / Periods in the CLIN structure?

No.

Page. 17/267 (PDF p.19), B.7, Budget Tables

In the CLIN structure and Base/Option Period details there is no breakout for TRANSITION-IN and TRANSITION-OUT. Will the RFP be revised to include those two additional Periods as discrete CLINs / Periods in the CLIN structure?

No.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

18, B.8 Labor [paragraph 2]

The factors noted for consideration in determining salaries under this Contract and any resulting subcontract note the inclusion of a recent relevant salary history as a determining factor. Since USAID officially changed its approach to establishing compensation, as of October 2019, to a market-based approach, can USAID clarify the appropriate combination of factors for determining salaries?

Compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007. See amended language in B.8.

19, B.9 Indirect Costs

B.9 Indirect Ceilings are to be completed at the time of award. How is the Government going to determine the ceiling rates?

Ceiling rates are to be proposed by offerors as informed by current and/or provisional NICRAs. .

Section C

Page 257, Sub-section C.7, paragraph beginning with “Result 4a”

Under Objective 4, Result 4a references “Attachment J.12 for median unit pricing of select commodities in FY21 and FY22.” However, Attachment J.12 is the Biographical Data Sheet, and an attachment with medium unit pricing of select commodities appears to be missing from the RFP. Would USAID please share this document?

The information is found in Attachment J.5 -historical data. RFP Updated.

38 Page 253, C.6.1 Commodities to be purchased, 3) Laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables

All molecular reagents, services, and DBS commodities for HIV Viral Load/EID services will be handled under the diagnostics PSA award.

RDT, other laboratory tests, general laboratory

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

Would USAID please further clarify specifically the type of laboratory tests, equipment, reagents, and consumables intended to be procured via PSA HIV, given the scope of the Diagnostics PSA.

consumables and equipment will be covered under the PSA HIV award. Please see the historical procurement data for more details.

Page 256, Section C.7

Performance Objectives, Results and Performance Standards, Objective 2, Result 2c: “Overall Mission’s satisfaction with contractor’s annual work plan performance is solicited by the contractor and provided to USAID…”

Given that PSA HIV will not have annual work plans with Missions, could USAID please consider revising the language of Result 2.c to read “Overall Mission satisfaction with Contractor’s performance is solicited by the Contractor and provided to USAID with regards to (at a minimum)…”?

No. The Annual Work Plan will contain detailed budgets by country, set per the Country Operational Plan (COP) process, which will serve as the “Mission annual work plan.” Therefore, it is USAID’s expectation that Mission’s satisfaction for each country the PSA HIV is procuring for is solicited. See clarification in updated Section F.14.

Page 256, Objective 3, Result 3.a

Please clarify what commodity categories are considered core commodity categories. The RFP has been updated to clarify.

Page 256, Section C.7, Performance Objectives, Results, and Performance Standards, Objective 2. Performance Standards 2b.1 and 2b.2 both reference a Staffing Assessment & Alignment Plan. However, Section F.5, Table F.1, which lists all contractually required reports and

The word “Plan” has been amended to “section” in section F.14. The language in C.7 has been amended to reflect the Staffing & Alignment plan is part of the Annual Work Plan.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer deliverables, does not include a Staffing Assessment & Alignment Plan. Would USAID please provide guidance and details about the content of the Staffing Assessment & Alignment Plan?

Page 256;

Objective 3;

Result 3b and 3c

Request USAID confirm that offerors partnering with a local (international) company that meets the small business requirements under the SBA guidelines can receive credit for meeting small business percentage requirements in the RFP?

No. The Contracting Officer has not applied FAR 19.000(b) to this RFP.

Page 261, Section C.10.1

Relationship to Other Activities and Redundancies, Strategic Risk Management and Mitigation Award.

Would USAID please confirm that there will no longer be an SRM contract as part of the NextGen Suite of Contacts?

No. This determination has not been made.

219, L.7.2..Annex C;

252, C.6.c

ITS requirements for global procurement and logistics often vary somewhat from customer to customer and project to project. As such, USAID’s ITS requirements are unique. Having multiple highly specific ITS functionality (e.g., EPCIS standard) be already ‘in-use’ unfairly restricts competition and gives unfair advantage to the incumbent. Would USAID consider revising relevant language to have an existing/in-use system but make highly specific requirements be already developed / ready to deploy?

No. USAID continues to support global standards implementation, specifically GS1 standards and EPCIS as recommended by the Food and Drug Administration. The agency needs to ensure the PSA HIV pharmaceuticals data is identified, captured and shared via an interoperable methodology to document product status, location, movement and chain of custody.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

219, L.7.2.Annex C Written Plan

The majority of relevant HIV suppliers do not yet adhere to the GS1 EPCIS standard. We understand that transition to this standard takes time to realize and are committed to realizing such a standard.

However, the requirement for this to be already developed / in-use gives unfair advantage to the incumbent contractor (e.g., incumbent development/knowledge of specific Control Tower requirements). We respectfully request that the EPCIS standard be a requirement with transition to this standard occurring post-award.

The agency needs to ensure the PSA HIV pharmaceuticals data is identified, captured and shared via an interoperable methodology to document product status, location, movement and chain of custody. In addition to agency need, requiring this commercially available capability upon contract execution ensures that the US taxpayer does not subsidize the cost of deployment, directly or indirectly.

219, L.7.2.Annex C Written Plan

Can USAID clarify what they understand to be the distinction between VMI and VMS?

See RFP Section L.7.2 Factor 1: Technical Approach, Section: Annex C for amended language.

220, Annex C Demo

Can USAID provide examples of what they understand to be “other distribution activities”?

Updated RFP language to include “such as importation and clearance processes”

220, L.7.2.Annex C

How long after proposal submissions would the Demos be held?

Scheduling will depend on many factors, thus further information is not available at this time.

220, L.7.2.Annex C

Would USAID permit us to select the composition of our demonstration team to ensure we have the proper subject matter experts available? Can USAID provide this confirmation with the next Amendment so that presenters have adequate time to prepare?

The Offeror may select its demonstration team, which is limited to seven (7) people in total. See revised language.

50 Page 255 Objective 2: Contractor demonstrates AGILITY to The process will depend on each country and

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer respond to dynamic HIV/AIDS and other health commodities’ program requirements.; First paragraph; Last sentence."

Regarding the sentence "Deliveries are anticipated to be made directly to a defined delivery destination, e.g. at country customs, central medical stores, or service delivery facilities, as directed by the USAID COR." Request USAID provide clarification on the role of the In-Country Logistics (ICL) contractor in determining delivery destinations?

their current supply chain context. The PSA HIV contractor will take directions on delivery location from the USAID COR as part of its annual work plan and associated annual performance standard.

222, L.7.3.Annex E

Can we propose additional Key Personnel and include additional resumes? Certain experts are required to make the program run smoothly, and adding them as key personnel would benefit USAID by forging a stronger commitment.

Yes - additional Key Personnel and their resumes can be proposed. Please see amended instructions.

Page 250 C.3 section d Items 1 & 2

C.3 references using current catalog managed by Chemonics, and references the USAID product catalog defined by www.ghsupplychain.org (Table F.1 item 11 – Reference F.16 – Online Catalog ), none of the data shown in the received historical data files or USAID online catalog reference the data points required in J.15 1.3.1. Is the assumption that the PSA will continue to use the catalog created and managed by Chemonics? If yes, will the PSA be given digital access to all the data for each trade item? If no, will

The Offeror is expected to manage its own product catalog including master data from manufacturers and mappings to global standards such as UNSPSC and GPC. The Offeror’s ITS will exchange data including product master data with the NextGen CT and participate in a data governance process to ensure data integrity and validation.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer the PSA be required to create a new catalog structure that is unique to each trade item with all pertinent data (GPC Codes, UNSPSC Codes, Color Codes, etc.)?

222, L.7.3.

Annex F

Please confirm that the Excel template required to be completed under Annex F is Attachment J.8 Subcontracting Plan Template (Subcontracting Plan & Small Business Utilization Matrix), and not Attachment 9, which is referenced three times in the section.

In Attachment J.9 there is a reference to Attachment A and Attachment A is Attachment J.8. The attachment number has been corrected to Attachment J.8.

54 223, L.7.4

The first paragraph is incomplete. It states, “The Past Performance Information (PPI) comprises Annex G.

Annex G shall must provide information regarding its prior experience with contracts/orders of similar size, scope and complexity as PSA HIV. The Past Performance Information (PPI) will:” but there is no list or other information that follows. Please provide missing information.

Section L.7.4 has been amended to address the missing language.

Page 253 C.6.2 Manufacturers and Suppliers

We noticed that attachment J.5 was referenced in the RFP documents, but there does not appear to be a corresponding J.5 attachment provided in the solicitation document list. Can USAID provide guidance on the J.5 attachment?

Please refer to Section J: Attachments. There you will locate four (4) different methods for accessing all historical data referenced in the RFP.

Attachment J.5 is posted on USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse and updated annually for all NextGen offerors.

56 Page 253 C.6.1 As C.6.1 and C.6.2 reference J.5 Historical No. The historical data categories provided to all

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

Commodities to be Purchased & C.6.2 Manufacturers and Suppliers

Procurement Data, will USAID provide all of the detailed trade item information included in the historical procurement data file to offerors?

offerors will remain consistent across all USAID NextGen solicitations.

57 Page 252 C.6

Scope of PSA HIV Activities, bullet C Information Technology and Management

To ensure data integrity and validation to GS1 standards and overall project requirements in our ready to deploy ITS, how quickly will all GS1 code tables and vendor / manufacturer information be available to interface, to include all current UNSPSC, GPC, Color Codes, etc.?

The Offeror is expected to manage its own product catalog including master data from manufacturers and mappings to global standards such as UNSPSC and GPC. The Offeror’s ITS will exchange data including product master data with the NextGen CT and participate in a data governance process to ensure data integrity and validation.

RFP, J.1 SOO

225, L.8.2.b;

253, C.6.1.b

RFP L.8.2 (a)(ii) includes an annual spend which differs from the yearly spend assumptions in J.11, budget template. Would USAID please provide forward projection numbers?

No. Additionally, Attachment J.11 has been updated.

59 251, C.5

Please clarify the difference between “over 50 countries” listed in RFP C.5 and the 38 countries listed in J.11 Budget sheet. Does the difference affect the proposal?

No, these are different topics. The J.11 Budget sheet lists the 38 countries we currently work in and their commodity spend. Please use this list for the proposal.

60 252, C.6.a In the statement, “The PSA HIV contactor is the sole buyer of quality assured HIV/AIDS health

The RFP has been amended as follows: “The PSA HIV contactor is the main buyer of quality assured

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer commodities for USAID,” please clarify the word ‘sole’ and how it relates in the transition of host countries taking over PSA activities and also buying commodities.

HIV/AIDS health commodities for USAID.” USAID anticipates that some countries may elect to procure ARVs through bilateral mechanisms.

252, C.6.b.2 Which are currently (2023) used INCO terms to the final delivery destinations by the incumbent?

All historical data categories provided to all offerors will remain consistent across all USAID NextGen solicitations.

252, C.6.b.2 What are the percentage of the deliveries per commodity type (e.g., ARV, VVMC, Condoms, Lab consumables, Food, etc.) for the different INCO terms?

USAID will not provide this information. Please refer to all historical data categories provided to all offerors which will remain consistent across all USAID NextGen solicitations.

252, C.6.b.2 In this bullet, please define the terms ‘seller’ and

‘buyer’.

RFP language updated to clarify.

64 253, C.6.1; J.11 What is the difference between the Commodities in the budget sheet and the RFP C.6.1 Commodities?

The list in the budget sheet is shorter than RFP C.6.1.

C.6.1 and the budget sheet have been aligned to match.

65 253, C.6.1

Does USAID have logistics requirements available for the different commodities and logistics in general to ensure quality during transit (e.g., temperature control requirements, etc.)? Where could those be found?

Please refer to all historical data categories provided to all offerors which will remain consistent across all USAID NextGen solicitations

66 253, C.6.1.3 Please clarify whether “Laboratory equipment, reagents, and consumables” would be procured in

Please see the updated Section C.6.1 of the RFP for amended language of Commodities to be

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer the PSA Lab, Diagnostics and Molecular Diagnostics contract versus this PSA HIV contract.

If overlap, please provide details regarding the differences.

procured.

254, C.6.4 In case no registration is available, who is responsible to organize the waiver to allow importation?

Currently, the implementing partner with an on the ground presence (GHSC-PSM) is the best fit for obtaining waivers, as they are located within the country and have the closest relationship with the government entities which require signatures for the waivers. Under NextGen, this action could be done by CompTA or ICL or the USAID Mission.

In the rare event that neither CompTA or ICL operate within the country where the waiver is needed and the USAID Mission can not take on the responsibility themselves, the PSA HIV contractor may need to take on the responsibility.

255, C.7 Will there be a list of reason codes shared by USAID for each KPI?

No, but we encourage the offeror’s to submit a list of proposed reason codes.

255, C.7.1a For the Performance Standard 1a, please confirm the

OTD is to be reported 365 days from day 90 after the contract start date.

Yes.

70 255, C.7.1c Please define ‘other customers’ in Result 1c “Offeror’s ITS provides USAID and other customers relevant operational data and visualization.”

Please see updated language in Section C.7.1c.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

71 255, C.7.1c

Please provide the exact meaning or explanation of the phrase, “as well as other operational requirements of USAID such as online ordering and conducting of system maintenance.”

Updated language in C.7.1c to clarify.

72 256, C.7.2a.1 Based on the phrase, “and any other supply chain awards,” please list the current awards referenced to get a better understanding of the scope.

“Any other supply chain awards” could include, but is not limited to, USAID/Mission bilateral supply chain technical assistance awards and other central awards not currently named in this

RFP.

73 256, C.7.2a.1

Do all other NextGen contractors have this same Performance Standard for data sharing and use agreements in their contracts? If not, it is suggested to harmonize this in the awarding and contracting phase for those contracts.

The ICL Award will have a similar performance standard.

74 256, C.7.2b1 How does the project start-up relate to the contract start date?

Corrected to ‘contract start date’.

256, C.7.2b1;

C.7.1a

Are the Performance Standards 2b1-2 in sync with Performance Standard 1a (assuming a team must be in place to realize OTD)?

Performance Standard 2a is in regards to ensuring data sharing agreements are in place.

Performance Standard 2b measures appropriate staffing. Performance Standard 1a measures whether the awardee has been able to deliver at least 80% of the commodities on time. While all performance standards are inter-related and some may be connected with others, we are not sure what “in sync” is referring to for these

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer particular Performance Standards.

76 256, C.7.2c

Regarding Performance Standard 2c:

a) How is current mission’s satisfaction surveyed and reported?

b) How many respondents and countries are in these surveys?

c) What is the response rate?

d) Would USAID consider other surveys and

‘satisfaction’ indicators such as NPS?

a) The incumbent sends a client satisfaction survey to all country programs that it provides procurement and logistics services to.

b) The incumbent most recent survey received approximately 40 responses.

d) Net Promoter Score (NPS) is not a useful metric for purposes of this requirement.

77 256, C.7.3a Under Performance Standard 3a, would USAID please define “core commodity categories” and its products?

The RFP has been updated to clarify.

78 256, C.7.3b

Please define “Locally sourced procurements.” Commodities sourced from the same Region (Africa, Asia, Latin America, etc) as the recipient of the commodities. The RFP has been updated to clarify.

79 256, C.7.3b Where does “locally led management functions” in the Result 3b come back in the Performance Standard 3b?

The RFP has been updated to clarify.

80 256, C.7.3b What is considered as eligible for the 3% year over year increase (is it sourced, contracted, and procured value)?

Value of products procured during the fiscal year.

The RFP has been updated to clarify.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

81 256, C.7.3b Is it correct that “commodity value” could be rephrased as “commodity spend” as in Performance Standard 3c?

Yes. (adjusted Standard 3b, not 3c). The RFP has been updated to clarify.

82 257, C.7.3c

Is Performance Standard 3c mainly about growth in the commodity spend in the African continent, or equally in the number of these value-adding manufacturers?

Section C.7.3c of the RFP has been amended for clarity.

83 257, C.7.4a-c

a) Within Results and Performance Standard 4a-c, how would performance evaluations take global supply chain disruptions into account (e.g., COVID, Red Sea)?

b) For situations like these, would USAID consider adapting Performance Standards or KPIs during these periods?

Yes. USAID expects the awardee to propose amendments to performance standards in the Annual Work Plan, in unusual circumstances such as COVID. USAID will review and discuss with the awardee to agree to such amendments as stipulated in Section F.14.

84 257, C.7.4a-b

a) How will general inflation and global cost increases that cannot be influenced by the PSA be taken into account?

b) Would USAID consider re-examining Results 4a and 4b performance standards based on agreed operational plans (strategic commodity and logistics service sourcing) and results?

a) The offeror should consider long term agreements to lock in fixed prices for procurement of goods and services.

b) In unusual circumstances, such as global pandemics, USAID expects the awardee to propose amendments to performance standards as appropriate and will review and discuss with the awardee to agree to such amendments.

85 257, C.7.4b It is understood that the ICL partner will be responsible for in-country logistics, which makes that

a) See answer below…

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer the landed costs will consist partially of costs negotiated by PSA and partially by the ICL partner.

a) Should we read Total landed costs as the costs until the point of delivery that PSA is responsible for?

b) Would USAID consider re-examining Results 4b?

b) Yes, USAID has reconsidered this performance standard and has replaced it with a clearer cost related performance standard. Please see the updated RFP, section C.7.4b.

86 260, C.10.1 In-Country Logistics (ICL) Award: As ICL is responsible for clearing, does this mean PSA is not required to deliver products based on D-Incoterms?

No. In cases where products cannot be delivered using D-incoterms, the ICL or CompTA contractor may step in to assist, if they are operational in that country. Who is responsible for clearing products will be determined on a country by country, contractor by contractor basis.

87 259, C10.1 Can USAID provide specific examples or models of successful collaboration they envision or have observed in similar contexts?

The incumbent, GHSC-PSM, has successfully collaborated with other GHSC implementing partners such GHSC-QA and GHSC-RTK during and after the launch of the GHSC program in 2015 - 2016. These relationships remain active and have proven beneficial to the program. They were done through memoranda of understanding where parties agreed to certain roles and responsibilities not addressed in each of their awards.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

88 259, C10.1

How does USAID distinguish the responsibilities between the PSA contractor and ICL contractor for performance standard 4b?

USAID has reconsidered this this performance standard and has replaced it with a clearer cost related performance standard. has been removed and replaced. Please see the updated RFP, section C.7.4b.

89 263, C.10.6 What is the targeted effective date of the contract for the new awarded contractor?

There is no target effective date:

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

90 263, C.10.6 What period of transition is envisioned?

The total length of the transition period for the PSA will be determined by the active Purchase Orders that the incumbent is managing while the new contractor starts up. As such USAID cannot definitively state a hard transition timeline, but the expectation is that the awardee will be up and running as fast as possible, managing the majority of the commodity orders within 3 months.

260, C10.1 QuTI

In reference to the phrase, “QuTI will develop...,” what is in place versus what is changing as the RFP says ‘develop’ and when is this strategy in place?

The language provided in C.10.1 is boilerplate across all NextGen RFPs. No further information is available.

Section F

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

Page 34, Sub-section F.2, paragraph (a);

page 225, Sub-section L.8.2, paragraphs (a) and (b)

Sub-sections F.2(a) and L.8.2(a) reference a base period of performance of five (5) years through September 30, 2028. Sub-section L.8.2(b) also states, “Offerors should understand that these dates will NOT be the actual period of performance.” Would USAID confirm that the reference in Sub-section F.2 reflecting a period of performance through September 30, 2028, is also not the actual period of performance?

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21). Therefore the entire period of performance is unknown.

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

Page 42, Section F.7, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan, (MEL Plan), Subsection e, 4) Average Shelf-life remaining for warehoused commodities definition:

Please clarify the definition of this required KPI:

“Average shelf-life remaining for warehoused commodities, in months (by product): (1) Numerator:

Sum of shelf-life remaining, in months, at the end of the quarter (2) Denominator: Total number of commodities, at the end of the quarter”

This Indicator has been revised. See RFP Section F.7 e.4.ii. USAID

Page 40; F.6 Transition and Mobilization Plan

This transition/mobilization plan is due 60 days after award but the mobilization occurs at contract award.

Does USAID need the mobilization information required in F.6 -- e.g., Identification of all critical paths and supporting steps to a successful and timely launch, including on-boarding all key and other personnel, Contractor affixed timelines to each critical path and supporting steps and described systems and processes it will use to ensure timelines

While a detailed transition plan is due 60 days post award, USAID expects offerors’ to immediately work and collaborate with the incumbent to achieve a seamless transition.

Proposals must include a narrative that clearly describes offeror’s understanding of the task and provides broad strokes of their plans to address the items 1 through 5 that are listed in F.6.b. The RFP has been modified to clarify.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer are met, Contractor developed plans for troubleshooting and addressing issues to immediately correct any issues that may arise during mobilization -- prior to the mobilization at contract award?

95 Page 32, F.30.a Does USAID have a preference if the ITS Manager Key Personnel position is budgeted in CLIN 001 or CLIN 006?

The ITS Manager and any LOE associated with the ITS should be budgeted under CLIN 006.

Page 34, F.2.a and Page 225, L.8.2.a.i

Given the base period is 5 years, should the estimated end date year be 2029?

The base period is dependent on Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21). Please see section L.8.2(b) for instructions related to cost/pricing.

Section G

Page 60, Sub-section G.13, paragraph (b)

The award fee schedule in Sub-section G.13(b) outlines a period of performance of four (4) base years plus two option periods of three (3) years each.

This information contradicts information in SF-33, Sub-section F.2, Sub-section L.8.2, and the PSA HIV Budget Template in Attachment J.11, which all present a period of performance comprising a base period of five (5) years, an option period of three (3) years, and a second option period of two (2) years.

Would USAID confirm that the award fee schedule should be consistent with the period of performance outlined in SF-33, Sub-section F.2, Sub-section L.8.2,

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

● The table in G.13.b is now made generic to avoid further confusion.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer and Attachment J.11? Please see section L.8.2(b) for instructions related to cost/pricing.

Page 54, G.2 Would USAID consider issuing a letter of credit under this Contract?

No.

Page 60, Section G.13(b)

– Payment of Award Fee (table)

This section of the RFP shows a 4-year base period and two 3-year option periods.

However, in multiple other sections, USAID has stated that the period of performance includes a 5-year base period, a 3-year option period 1, and a 2-year option period 2.

Could USAID kindly confirm that the period of performance includes a 5-year base period, a 3-year option period 1, and a 2-year option period 2?

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

● The table in G.13.b is now made generic to avoid further confusion.

Page 60, G.13.b.1

Elsewhere in the RFP and the budget template, the period of performance is defined as a base period of 5 years, an option period 1 of 3 years and an option period 2 of 2 years. The table in this section has a base period of 4 years and an option period 2 of 3 years.

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

● The table in G.13.b is now made generic to

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

Could USAID please confirm that the duration of base period is 5 years and the two option periods are 3 years and 2 years, respectively, totaling 10 years?

avoid further confusion.

determined at time of award.

Please see section L.8.2(b) for instructions related to cost/pricing.

Page 60/267 (PDF p.62), G.13(b), Payment of Award Fee Table

In the CLIN structure and Base/Option Period details there is no breakout for TRANSITION-IN and TRANSITION-OUT. Will the RFP be revised to include those two additional Periods as discrete CLINs / Periods in the CLIN structure?

Offerors should include transition-in costs in year 1 of their budget and transition-out costs in year 10.

Page 60/267 (PDF p.62), G.13(b), Payment of Award Fee Table

The Base Period is shown as 4 Years, whereas in Attachment J.11 it is 5 Years. Also Option Period 2 is shown as 3 Years, whereas in Attachment J.11 it is 2 Years. Request USAID confirmation of correct Period of Performance nomenclature.

● The actual base period is unknown at this time, due to future legislative impacts related to Section 889 of the NDAA (2019) (See FAR 4.21).

● The RFP cover letter states a generic base period with two option periods, and section F.2 comports with waivers discussed H.25.

● The table in G.13.b is now made generic to avoid further confusion.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

60, G.13 Award Fee

Will the Government allow for provisional billing (i.e., 80%) of the Award Fee on a monthly basis to be trued-up when finalized at year end?

No. The Contracting Officer has determined that the Award Fee will be paid annually in accordance with FAR 16.401(e)(3). However, the base fee is allowed to be billed monthly as it is fixed upon execution of the contract (see FAR 16.305 and 52.216-8).

Section H

Page 98/267 (PDF p.100), H.29(a)

If Offeror carries their own DBA insurance, can Offeror utilize the existing DBA coverage/rates, or do the USAID rates referenced at the web site in Section H.29(a) override Offeror's coverage?

AIDAR 752.228-3, incorporated by reference into Section I of the RFP, outlines the circumstances under which a Contractor is not required to have the USAID DBA coverage.

Page 98, Section H.29 Worker's Compensation Insurance, para (a)

Section H.29, para (a) states: The Contractor agrees to procure Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance pursuant to the terms of the contract between USAID and USAID’s DBA insurance carrier unless the Contractor has a DBA self insurance program approved by the Department of Labor or has an approved retrospective rating agreement for DBA.

Can the government please clarify if the contractor is required to procure Defense Base Act insurance that is equivalent to the terms of the contract between USAID and USAID's DBA insurance carrier or is the contractor required to procure DBA insurance through the contract between USAID and USAID's DBA insurance carrier? (assuming the contractor does not have a DBA self-insurance program and/or does

AIDAR 752.228-3, incorporated by reference into Section I of the RFP, outlines the circumstances under which a Contractor is not required to have the USAID DBA coverage.

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer not have an approved retrospective rating agreement for DBA.)

Page 98/267 (PDF p.100), H.29(a)

Provided link "https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners" leads to "Page not Found" error. Request the provision of the correct link.

The link in the RFP has been updated.

Page 95; H.22

RESTRICTIONS

AGAINST

DISCLOSURE

(MAY 2016)

(DEVIATION

NO. M-OAA-

DEV-AIDAR-

22-06c)

Will the Government please confirm that specific information to be protected will be identified and marked as Confidential, FOUO, SBU, or some other method to know what information is to be protected?

Yes, USAID confirms that specific information to be protected will be identified.

Section H

Page 105;

52.237-7 Indemnificatio n and Medical Liability Insurance

52.237-7 INDEMNIFICATION AND MEDICAL LIABILITY

INSURANCE JAN 1997 is incorporated into the RFP by reference. This FAR clause requires that offerors obtain Medical Malpractice Insurance. Given that the PSA contract is a Procurement as a Service (PaaS) contract, request USAID advise if removing this clause from the schedule would be an appropriate action.

This clause remains in the RFP.

Section K

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

Page 177, Sub-section K.1, table

The table in Sub-section K.1 lists FAR 52.237-8 as a clause “incorporated by reference” into the contract.

Given the guidance in FAR 37.113-1 and the possibility of a future task order being performed overseas, we request that USAID remove FAR 52.237- 8, Restrictions on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals, and replace it with FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of 3 Limitation on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals, to prevent conflicts with applicable local employment laws.

This clause remains in the RFP.

177, K.1 FAR

52.237-8 Restriction on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals

Consistent with the guidance in FAR 37.113-1 and that the anticipated contract will be performed overseas, we respectfully request that USAID include in Section I FAR 52.237-8 and FAR 52.237.9 Waiver of Limitation on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals to prevent conflict with applicable local employment laws in the cooperating country (ies).

No.

Section L

Pages 214, Section L.6(e)(5) –

Offer Acceptability: “Submissions per e-mail should not exceed 10MB in total file/data size.” Could USAID kindly increase the attachment size limit to 25 MB, as was specified for the Integrated Procurement Service Agent solicitation, to reduce the number of attachments needed for proposal submission?

112 Page 216, Sub-section L.7 states that “If proposals contain Yes, we will allow 9 point Calibri font on tables, USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

Section Reference

Question Answer

Section L.7, paragraph (d)(iv) graphics, tables and charts or text boxes must be no less than 12-point font, sans serif, as to not unduly interfere with readability.” The use of a smaller font, such as a 9-point sans serif font, for tables, charts, and text boxes would help format these elements as close to the relevant narrative text as possible, thereby improving readability and presentation. In addition, full- page graphics, such as organizational charts for large, complex programs like NextGen PSA HIV, would be difficult to present in 12-point font on a Letter-sized page with 1-inch margins. A smaller font, such as a 9-point sans serif font, would ensure responsiveness while improving readability and presentation in this case. Would USAID allow offerors to use a 9-point sans serif font in tables, charts, and text boxes?

charts and text boxes.

Page 216;

Section L.7

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE NON-

COST (TECHNICAL) FACTORS; subsection d) Electronic Submission Would USAID consider allowing 10pt.

font for the document headers and footers?

Yes / amended.

114 216, L.7

Would USAID please add a two-page Executive Summary to introduce the team and top highlights since Annex A does not allow us to mention company names.

No.

Page 216;

Section L.7.d.iv

Will the government allow 11x17 pages (i.e., org chart), and will 11x17 be counted as 1 or 2 pages?

USAID NextGen Global Health Supply Chain

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Question Answer

116 216, L.7.d.iv Will USAID allow 11x17 tabloid size paper for larger tables or graphics, such as the Organizational Chart, and count it as just one page?

No.

216, L.7.d.iv Would USAID allow a Table of Contents to be included with each volume?

No.

Page 216;

Section L.7

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE NON-

COST (TECHNICAL)…