3. SWIFT 6 RFP Amendment 02.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

I

PA

E OF PAGES

I

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER

5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

02 06/06/2023 REQ-COTl-22-000092

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

U.S. Agency for International Development See Block6 Office of Acquisition and Assistance Attn: M/OAA/CPS, USAID Annex 500 D Street SW Washington, DC 20547

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

Support Which Implements Fast Transitions (SWIFT) 6 Potential Offerors 7200AA23R00029

� SB. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

05/16/2023

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE I FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

� The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers D is extended. � is not extended.

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

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

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

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

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

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

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

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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

The purpose of this amendment is to 1) incorporate revisions to the solicitation (changes are described in the following pages, and 2) reply to timely questions submitted by the offerers (see Attachment 1).

This amendment addresses all questions that are pertinent to Phase One that were received by the due date and time. A subsequent amendment to the RFP will be posted that addresses all other questions received by the due date and time.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item SA or 1 OA, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

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

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

Previous edition unusable

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

Jaclyn Humphrey, Supervisory Contracting Officer

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

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

SWIFT 6 IDIQ RFP

Solicitation No. 7200AA23R00029

Amendment No. 02

AMENDMENT NO. 02 TO SOLICITATION #7200AA23R00029

The following revisions are hereby incorporated into this solicitation:

1. On page 78 of the RFP, delete Section F.2 in its entirety and replace with the following:

“F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

[Note to Offerors: The language “subject to the conditions set forth in Section H.38” in paragraph a. IDIQ Period of Performance below will be added to the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this additional language will be deleted from the award document.]

a. The period of performance for the contract, including all Task Orders, is twelve

(12) years from the effective date of award, from _____ (insert date) to _____ (insert date).

b. The ordering period is ten (10) years from the effective date of award, from _______ (insert date) to _____ (insert date).

c. Task Order performance may continue up to 2 years after the ordering period of ______ but must be completed by _____ (insert date) which is the end of the period of performance.

Individual Task Orders may not have a period of performance exceeding five (5) years.

The ordering period of the award is limited to ten (10) years. Task Orders may be issued during the ordering period specified in paragraph b. above with a maximum period of performance of no more than five (5) years not to exceed the contract end date set forth in paragraph a. above.

All TAP activities awarded under SWIFT 6 Task Orders must be completed and closed prior to the end date for each Task Order.”

“F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

[Note to Offerors: This language will be added to the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this additional language will be deleted from the award document.]

The period of performance for this contract is as follows, subject to the conditions set forth in Section H.39.

a. The period of performance for the contract, including all Task Orders, is twelve

(12) years from the effective date of award, from _____ (insert date) to _____ (insert date).

b. The ordering period is ten (10) years from the effective date of award, from _______ (insert date) to _____ (insert date).

c. Task Order performance may continue up to 2 years after the ordering period of ______ but must be completed by _____ (insert date) which is the end of the period of performance.

Individual Task Orders may not have a period of performance exceeding five (5) years.

The ordering period of the award is limited to ten (10) years. Task Orders may be issued during the ordering period specified in paragraph b. above with a maximum period of performance of no more than five (5) years not to exceed the contract end date set forth in paragraph a. above.

All TAP activities awarded under SWIFT 6 Task Orders must be completed and closed prior to the end date for each Task Order.”

2. On page 102 of the RFP, delete Section H.1.(4) in its entirety and replace with the following:

“More information about how to establish, implement, and manage electronic payment methods is available to contractors at http://solutionscenter.nethope.org/programs/c2etoolkit.”

“More information about how to establish, implement, and manage electronic payment methods is available to contractors at https://nethope.org/toolkits/usaid-digital-payments-toolkit/.”

3. On page 108 of the RFP, delete Section H.11.(c) in its entirety and replace with the

“A solicitation for an on-ramp event will be open to all eligible offerors not already holding a contract in the specific SWIFT component part of the event (SWIFT-Program unrestricted or SWIFT-Support restricted). Offerors who were not selected during the initial award of the IDIQ contract are eligible to compete for On-Ramping. Contractors who did not compete for the initial award of the IDIQ contract are eligible to compete for On-Ramping. Contractors who were Off- Ramped in accordance with H.X Off- Ramping are ineligible to receive a contract via On- Ramping. Previously awarded contracts and Task Orders will not be affected by an on-ramp event.”

“A solicitation for an on-ramp event will be open to all eligible offerors not already holding a contract in the specific SWIFT component part of the event (SWIFT-Program unrestricted or SWIFT-Support restricted). Offerors who were not selected during the initial award of the IDIQ contract are eligible to compete for On-Ramping. Contractors who did not compete for the initial award of the IDIQ contract are eligible to compete for On-Ramping. SWIFT-Program Contractors who were Off-Ramped in accordance with H.12 Off-Ramping are ineligible to receive a SWIFT-Program contract via On-Ramping.

SWIFT-Support Contractors who were Off-Ramped in accordance with H.12 Off- Ramping are ineligible to receive a SWIFT-Support contract via On-Ramping. Previously awarded contracts and Task Orders will not be affected by an on-ramp event.”

4. On page 138 of the RFP, delete paragraph 3 of Section H.33 in its entirety and replace with the following:

“If a Task Order is determined to be subject to vetting (see H.37), any subcontract vetting requirements take precedence over any subcontracting consent provided herein under this provision H.33.”

“If a Task Order is determined to be subject to vetting (see H.38), any subcontract vetting requirements take precedence over any subcontracting consent provided herein under this provision H.33.”

5. On page 139 of the RFP, delete Section H.39 in its entirety and replace with the

“H.39 FAR SUBPART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN

COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889) (DEC 2021) ALTERNATE I (JAN 2021)

[Note to offerors: This language is required for the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this language will be deleted from the award document.]

(a) The award of this contract is based on the Section 889 Modified Foreign Assistance Waiver USAID received from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), which expires on September 30, 2028. Accordingly, the Contractor must submit the FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, to the Contracting Officer, as soon as the contractor is no longer using any covered technology but no later than March 31, 2028.

(b) In addition to the disclosure requirements at FAR 52.204–24(e), if the contractor represents that it does use covered telecommunications equipment or services, the Contractor must describe the circumstances (including in-country circumstances) where the Contractor uses covered technology. This must include:

1. identification of whether the covered equipment and/or services are provided by third-party communications service providers, such as the internet, phone, utilities, or others;

2. the specific country(ies) where it is used; and

3. a description of the presence of any other covered technology, whether in any internal systems or elsewhere in the supply chain.

(c) If the contractor continues to use covered technology as of March 31, 2028 and there is no applicable waiver in place, the contract period of performance will end on September 30, 2028, as the Contractor is no longer legally eligible for an award. The Contractor will only be entitled to costs incurred through the period of performance including close-out costs. The contractor is not entitled to settlement costs associated with Termination for Convenience (FAR part 49). Any applicable fee will be adjusted commensurate with work completed as of September 30, 2028.

(d) The contractor is entitled to receive the guaranteed minimum if the contract ends before the ordering period expires.”

“H.39 FAR SUBPART 4.21 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN

COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (SECTION 889) (JUN 2023) ALTERNATE 1 (JUN 2023)

[Note to offerors: This language is required for the award if it is based on the Modified Foreign Assistance waiver. If the apparently successful offeror does not require a waiver, this language will be deleted from the award document.]

(a) The award of this contract is based on the Section 889 Modified Foreign Assistance Waiver USAID received from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), which expires on September 30, 2028. Accordingly, the Contractor must submit the FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, to the Contracting Officer, as soon as the contractor is no longer using any covered technology but no later than March 31, 2028.

(b) In addition to the disclosure requirements at FAR 52.204–24(e), if the contractor represents that it does use covered telecommunications equipment or services, the Contractor must describe the circumstances (including in-country circumstances) where the Contractor uses covered technology. This must include:

1. identification of whether the covered equipment and/or services are provided by third-party communications service providers, such as the internet, phone, utilities, or others;

2. the specific country(ies) where it is used; and

3. a description of the presence of any other covered technology, whether in any internal systems or elsewhere in the supply chain.

(c) If the contractor continues to use covered technology as of March 31, 2028 and there is no applicable waiver in place, the contract period of performance will end on September 30, 2028, as the Contractor is no longer legally eligible for an award. The Contractor will only be entitled to costs incurred through the period of performance including close-out costs. The contractor is not entitled to settlement costs associated with Termination for Convenience (FAR part 49). Any applicable fee will be adjusted commensurate with work completed as of September 30, 2028.

(d) The requirements of this clause do not apply to a contractor that at the time of the award represents at paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at FAR 52.204–26 that it “does not” use covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(e) The contractor is entitled to receive the guaranteed minimum if the contract ends before the ordering period expires.

(End)”

6. On Page 142 of the RFP, incorporate the following FAR clause by reference into Section I.2:

Number Title Date 52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application Jun 2023

7. On page 153 of the RFP, delete Section I.5 in its entirety and replace with the following:

“I.5 52.223-99 ENSURING ADEQUATE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR

FEDERAL CONTRACTORS (OCT 2021) (DEVIATION #M/OAA-DEV-FAR22-01c)

(JUN 2022)

(a) Definition. As used in this clause –

United States or its outlying areas means—

(1) The fifty States;

(2) The District of Columbia;

(3) The commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) The territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands; and

(5) The minor outlying islands of Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Palmyra Atoll, and Wake Atoll.

(b) Authority. This clause implements Executive Order 14042, Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors, dated September 9, 2021 (published in the Federal Register on September 14, 2021, 86 FR 50985).

(c) Compliance. The Contractor shall comply with all guidance, including guidance conveyed through Frequently Asked Questions, as amended during the performance of this contract, for contractor or subcontractor workplaces published by the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force (Task Force Guidance) at https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/. While at a USAID workplace, covered contractor employees must also comply with any additional agency workplace safety requirements for that workplace that are applicable to federal employees, as amended (see USAID’s COVID-19 Safety Plan and Workplace Guidelines (Safety Plan).

(d) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in subcontracts at any tier that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation 2.101 on the date of subcontract award, and are for services, including construction, performed in whole or in part in the United States or its outlying areas.

(End of clause)”

“RESERVED”

8. On Page 185 of the RFP, add Section L.5.(d) to read:

“For Phase One, all proposal documents must be submitted as a PDF (with Optical Character Recognition), except for Attachment J.21 “Cost Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Programs)” and Attachment J.22 “Cost Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT- Support)”. Attachments J.21 and J.22 must be submitted in Microsoft Excel format. For Attachments J.21 and J.22, calculations and formulas used in Excel spreadsheets must be visible and there must be no hidden or password protected cells or spreadsheets. All reference data and information must be made available for review.”

9. On page 192 of the RFP, delete the third bullet point in Section M.3.1.1, Subfactor 1.A in its entirety and replace with the following:

“USAID will evaluate the feasibility and suitability of the systems and resources identified to manage grants under contract, to carry-out rapid procurement for implementing activities (to oversee both direct procurement of goods and services as well in-kind procurement in support of GUCs), and to oversee small quick-impact activities.”

“USAID will evaluate the Offeror’s experience and capacity to manage grants under contract, to carry-out rapid procurement for implementing activities (to oversee both direct procurement of goods and services as well in-kind procurement in support of GUCs), and to oversee small quick-impact activities.”

10. On page 11 of the Attachment J.7, delete the first bullet point of Section L.8.2.1.A.iv in its entirety and replace with the following:

“Offerors must submit an Implementation Planning Exercise table (see Attachment J.14 template) outlining the number of proposed units for Program and Operations line items (including staff LOE, travel and transportation, and other direct costs (ODCs)) that would be envisioned for effective implementation of the OTI Patriam Transitus Program during the “Base Program” phases (Phases 1, 2 and 3), in accordance with the TAP plug figures and assumptions provided in Attachment J.12 - Illustrative Case Study. Offerors may reference Attachment J.15 - Cost Categories to distinguish between Program (CLIN

1) versus Operations (CLIN 2) line item categories, but no cost/price information is to be provided on the Implementation Planning Exercise table. The Implementation Planning Exercise table format cannot be modified except to incorporate additional rows for additional line items, such as additional staff positions or ODCs, and is not included in the maximum technical narrative page limit.”

“Offerors must submit an Implementation Planning Exercise table (see Attachment J.14 template) outlining the number of proposed units for Program and Operations line items (including staff LOE, travel and transportation, and other direct costs (ODCs)) that would be envisioned for effective implementation of the OTI Patriam Transitus Program during the “Base Program” phases (Phases 1, 2 and 4), in accordance with the TAP plug figures and assumptions provided in Attachment J.12 - Illustrative Case Study. Offerors may reference Attachment J.15 - Cost Categories to distinguish between Program (CLIN

1) versus Operations (CLIN 2) line item categories, but no cost/price information is to be provided on the Implementation Planning Exercise table. The Implementation Planning Exercise table format cannot be modified except to incorporate additional rows for additional line items, such as additional staff positions or ODCs, and is not included in the maximum technical narrative page limit.”

11. On page 30 of Attachment J.7, delete Section L.10, Part 3, Subsection 3 in its entirety and replace with the following:

“Waivers under FAR Part 4.2101 Prohibition On Covered Telecommunications And Video Surveillance Services and Equipment (December 2021)

(a) This solicitation and any resultant award(s) is subject to the requirements of section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) as implemented through FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-25 of this solicitation.

(b) Waivers.

(1) The submission of an offer where the Offeror makes a representation at paragraph (d)(2) of the provision at FAR 52.204–24 that it “does” use covered telecommunications equipment or services will mean the Offeror is seeking a waiver.

As part of the disclosure requirements under the provision FAR 52.204–24 submitted as part of the offer, the Offeror/Contractor must describe the circumstances (including in-country circumstances) where the Offeror/Contractor uses covered technology. This must include an identification of whether the covered technology is provided by communications service-providers, such as internet, cell phone, landline or others; the specific country where it is used; whether a Section 889-compliant alternative is or is not available in the specific country where the covered technology is being used based on the Offeror’s/Contractor’s reasonable inquiry; and a description of the presence of any other covered technology, whether it be in any internal systems or elsewhere in the supply chain.

(2) If an existing waiver does not apply, USAID does not guarantee that waiver requests from such an offeror will be considered; USAID may make an award to an offeror that does not require a waiver. Where agency needs do not permit time to obtain a waiver, USAID may move forward and make an award to an offeror that does not require a waiver. Per FAR 4.21, USAID will not make an award to an offeror(s) that does not receive the approved waiver.

(3) Where USAID decides to initiate the formal Agency waiver process:

(i) The CO will require the apparently successful offeror(s) to submit the information in paragraph (4) of this section. Alternately, offerors may provide the information with their initial proposal, at their discretion. Offerors must appropriately mark the appropriate portions of their submission as Proprietary Data where applicable.

(ii) For Indefinite Delivery contracts under (48 CFR) FAR subpart 16.5, waiver requests will be addressed prior to award of the basic contract.

(iii) In the event that the waiver is not approved, the Contracting Officer will notify the offeror.

(4) Additional submission requirements:

(i) A compelling justification for the additional time to implement the requirements under 889(a)(1)(B). The justification must:

a. State the amount of additional time requested to meet the requirements of the statute (No Agency waiver will be authorized to extend beyond August 13, 2022);

and

b. Provide an explanation supporting the requested time period, to include the time required to implement the Phase out Plan described below.

(ii) A full and complete laydown of the presences of covered telecommunications or video surveillance equipment or services in the entity’s supply chain to include:

a. Complete technical design documentation of where, how, and what covered equipment or services are being used by the Offeror;

b. Technical architecture diagram of where the covered technologies are being used (for the system, equipment, service); and

c. Description of how the covered technologies are being used, how often the covered technology is used by the Offeror, and what data traverses the technology.

(iii) A Phase-Out Plan for eliminating the covered equipment or services from the Offeror’s systems, including the covered equipment or services identified in the laydown. The Plan must include:

a. Description of how the Offeror will eliminate all covered equipment or services by the date specified in (4)(i)(b) above;

b. When applicable, milestones and timeframes for providing updates to the COR on the Phase-Out Plan implementation;

c. Identification of other available options;

i. Replacement of covered equipment and systems, as applicable;

ii. Accessibility of the alternative equipment and systems, as applicable; and

iii. In the case of covered services, the proposed use and availability of other service provider(s) without the covered technologies in the supply chain.

(iv) Pending waiver requests/Approved waivers:

a. Pending - Solicitation Number/title/Issuing Office (Mission or USAID/W) of those offers where the CO has requested the information under this provision.

b. Approved Waivers - Award number/title/Issuing Office (Mission or USAID/W).”

“Waivers under FAR Part 4.2101 Prohibition On Covered Telecommunications And Video Surveillance Services and Equipment (June 2023)

(a) This solicitation and any resultant award(s) is subject to the requirements of section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 (Pub. L. 115–232) as implemented through FAR 52.204-24 and FAR 52.204-25 of this solicitation.

(b) Waivers.

An Offeror that represents at paragraph (d)(2) of the provision at FAR 52.204–24 that it “does” use covered telecommunications equipment or services must, as part of the disclosure requirements under FAR 52.204–24 submitted in the offer, describe the circumstances (including in-country circumstances) where the Offeror/Contractor uses covered technology. This must include an identification of whether the covered technology is provided by communications service-providers, such as internet, cell phone, landline or others; the specific country where it is used; whether a Section 889-compliant alternative is or is not available in the specific country where the covered technology is being used based on the Offeror’s/Contractor’s reasonable inquiry; and a description of the presence of any other covered technology, whether it be in any internal systems or elsewhere in the supply chain.

Based on the information provided and other factors, USAID will make a determination whether an existing waiver will be used. In accordance with FAR 4.21, if a waiver is not used, USAID may make an award to another offeror.

(End)”

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 11

SWIFT 6 RFP Questions and Responses

QUESTIONS SPECIFIED AS SWIFT-PROGRAMS (UNRESTRICTED)

1. Given that the current proposal submission deadline of June 20th is the day after a US federal holiday, would OTI consider extending the submission deadline for Phase 1 of SWIFT Programs by one week to Tuesday, June 27th? RESPONSE: No, the deadline for Phase One submissions for both SWIFT 6-Programs and SWIFT 6-Support remains June 20, 2023. Offerors are, of course, able to submit their proposals in advance of the deadline.

2. Page 186 of the SWIFT 6 RFP states: “that Offerors may use Arial font size 10 for text boxes, graphics, and text in tables, charts, and graphs.” Given the extensive use of graphics, tables, charts and matrices required particularly in Phase 2, would OTI kindly allow for graphically designed elements to use a font type and size (smaller than 10pt font) that allow for better readability in terms of the graphic design for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of proposal submissions? RESPONSE: Offerors may use Arial font size 9 for text boxes, graphics, and text in tables, charts, and graphs.

3. In Section L.5, Phase One Proposal Delivery Instructions, on pages 184-185 of the RFP:

Will OTI please confirm that offerors may submit their Phase One proposals as a PDF?

RESPONSE: Yes, please submit all proposal documents as a PDF (with Optical Character Recognition), except for Attachment J.21 “Cost Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Programs),” which should be submitted in Microsoft Excel format.

Calculations and formulas used in Excel spreadsheets must be visible and there must be no hidden or password protected cells or spreadsheets. All reference data and information must be made available for review.

4. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: USAID does not specify the file format for proposal submittal. Could USAID please clarify if submissions should be done in Microsoft Word or as a PDF file, or both? RESPONSE: Please see response to Question 3 above.

5. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Are Offerors permitted to include an Executive Summary in the technical proposal? RESPONSE: If Offerors choose to include an Executive Summary it will be counted as part of the maximum pages allotted for either Phase One and/or Phase Two (depending on which Phase the Offeror submits it).

6. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Are Offerors required to insert dividers between each subsection of Corporate Capabilities and Experience?

RESPONSE: Dividers are not required between subsections of the technical narrative. Dividers are recommended (but not required) in front of each Annex.

7. Regarding page 191 of the SWIFT 6 RFP, Section M.2 Phase One Advisory Notification, we have the following related questions:

a. Would OTI consider providing a timeline for when the Advisory Notifications are anticipated to be sent out to Offerors following submission? RESPONSE:

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 12

USAID will do its best to send out Advisory Notifications in a timely manner, but at this point cannot specify a timeline.

b. Will the Advisory Notifications for all Offerors of both Programs and Support be shared on the same day? RESPONSE: USAID will strive to share Advisory Notifications for both SWIFT 6-Programs and SWIFT 6-Support on the same day.

8. (Page 184, Section L.4(j), USAID will follow a Voluntary Down Select Process with two

(2) phases. and (k), Additional Information on the Voluntary Down Select Process) Noting that all Phase One Offerors have the ability to move to Phase Two, whether determined viable or not:

● Is it USAID’s intention to award based on Phase Two submissions without discussions or will a competitive range be established after the initial Phase Two review is completed and Offerors will then be informed if they are within the competitive range or not, and if not then entitled to a debriefing? RESPONSE:

Please see Attachment J.7, Section M.5.

● And, during that debriefing, as the Phase One evaluation will play a role in determining whether the Offeror is within the competitive range or not, will Phase One evaluation information be provided? RESPONSE: All evaluation criteria, if applicable, will be included in a debriefing following Phase Two, following the guidelines in either FAR 15.505 or FAR 15.506.

9. L.7.2 Content of the Technical Proposal Phase One: For information shared regarding past proposal, does USAID/OTI have a preferred history of time within which relevant examples should be identified? (e.g., past 5 years, 10 years, etc.) RESPONSE: With the exception of the information submitted as part of Annex A (Program Examples Including Grants Under Contract), USAID is not specifying a time limit for examples in response to Section L.7.2 (Phase One), and Offerors should propose their most relevant experience and capacity.

10. Document 1, SWIFT 6 RFP, Section L.7.2.1, Corporate Capabilities and Experience

(See Factor 1, Section M.3.1), A. Fast and Flexible Programming, P. 187, Reference, “Awarding and Managing Grants Under Contract – The narrative must demonstrate the Offeror’s corporate experience and capacity managing a program with a significant number of small, in-kind grants.”

Q. In Phase I, USAID specifies that GUCs experience must demonstrate “the offeror’s corporate experience”. Restricting GUCs to only corporate experience disadvantages many small businesses from being in the competitive scoring range due to limited opportunities to administer grants as a small business. Would USAID consider allowing offerors to also submit GUCs experience of proposed key personnel? RESPONSE: The awarding and managing of grants is a fundamental component of the SWIFT- Programs statement of work. Prior corporate experience and capacity managing grants (either grants under contract or sub-grants/sub-awards) is required as part of Factor 1.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 13

11. L.7.2 CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – PHASE ONE, Offerors must include a table using the template in J.8 to show program examples including grants under contract, as Annex A. Does Annex A count towards the 8-page limit? RESPONSE: As stated in Section L.7.1 for Phase One, the “Program Examples Including Grants Under Contract” table (Annex A) is not included in the maximum technical proposal narrative page limitation.

12. L.7.2 CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – PHASE ONE, Offerors must include a table using the template in J.8 to show program examples including grants under contract, as Annex A. Due to the size and type of contracts usually reserved for SB concerns, small businesses do not often have access contracts with GUC components.

Would USAID permit SB concerns to include non-GUC subawards in this table? During the pre-solicitation meeting it was indicated that this would be possible. RESPONSE:

The instructions in Section L.7.2.1.A.ii (Phase One) for the “Program Examples Including Grants Under Contract” table (Annex A) state that Offerors “must submit a table, using the template provided in Attachment J.8, that must document programs in the last five (5) years that included GUCs (or subgrants/sub-awards)...” [emphasis/italics added].

13. Pages 187-188, Section L.7.2.1 Corporate Capabilities and Experience, A. (ii).

a. The general preference of OTI programs, as referenced in C.4.1.2.A is to develop and implement predominantly in-kind activities under the Transition Activities Pool. And OTI demonstrates this preference in Section C.4.1.2A which states that “approximately 70% of GUCs in OTI’s recent programs have been in-kind". Rather than transferring fiduciary and administrative management responsibility to a grantee, in-kind activities require the Contractor to directly procure goods and services. OTI underscores the importance of procurement capacity in this same section, which states “Given OTI’s emphasis on in-kind grants as an effective means to achieve programmatic impact, the Contractor’s procurement capability is exceedingly important in OTI program implementation”.

While the high-volume of in-kind TAP awards is unique to OTI, many USAID programs involve similar requirements. Many USAID programs involve a large volume of rapid direct procurements; however, these are carried out under the Other Direct Costs category of expenses and/or CLIN rather than as part of a fund intended to be used for predominantly in-kind Grants Under Contract. To level the playing field for offerors that have not yet implemented an OTI program, but have implemented USAID programs with similar requirements, might OTI consider amending Section L.7.2.1.A.ii and Annex A as follows.

i. Awarding and Managing Grants Under Contract and Procurements—The narrative must demonstrate the Offeror’s corporate experience and capacity managing a program with a significant number of small, in-kind grants and/or managing a program with a significant number of small procurements for program stakeholders including host governments, local organizations/entities, and/or beneficiaries. For reference, the average value of a TAP activity under a SWIFT-Programs Task Order is $50,000- $70,000 and each year a program will typically manage between 60 and 100 TAP activities worth $4-6 million.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 14

● Program Examples Including Grants Under Contract and/or Procurements (Annex A) -- To accompany the narrative the Offeror must submit a table, using the template provided in Attachment J.8, that must document programs in the last five (5) years that included GUCs and Procurements (or sub-grants/sub-awards/subcontracts) and provide the and provide the following statistics: the overall number of programs that included GUCs and Procurements (or sub-grants/sub-awards/subcontracts); the number of grants/procurements per program; the average size of grants/procurements (in U.S. dollars); types of grants (fixed amount award, in-kind, simplified, standard, etc.); the types of grantees (U.S. organizations, international non- governmental organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), national and/or sub-national governments, civil society organizations, etc.); types of subcontracts resulting from procurements (fixed-price subcontract, time & materials subcontract); the types of subcontractors (U.S. organizations, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), national and/or sub-national governments, civil society organizations, etc.); the beneficiary of the procurement (national and/or sub-national governments; local, national, or regional civil society organizations; etc.) and any other data points deemed relevant by the Offeror.

ii. Related to the above and to further level the playing field among offerors which have not yet implemented an OTI program, Attachment J, might OTI consider amending Attachment J as follows: Annex A: Program Examples Including Grants Under Contract and Procurements; Overall number of programs including GUCs/sub-grants/procurements (last 5 years): Number of procurements; Average Procurement Size (USD);

Types of subcontracts resulting from procurements; Types of subcontractors (U.S. organizations, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), national and/or sub-national governments, civil society organizations, etc.);

Beneficiary of the procurement (national and/or sub-national governments, local, national, or regional civil society organizations; etc.)

iii. See revised attachment J.8 with the cells that include proposed changes highlighted in yellow.

RESPONSE: USAID is not revising this section. The awarding and managing of grants is a fundamental component of the SWIFT-Programs statement of work.

Prior corporate experience and capacity managing grants (either grants under contract or sub-grants/sub-awards) is required as part of Factor 1. Attachment J.8 “Program Examples Including GUCs” (Annex A of proposal response) is to be used by Offerors to demonstrate this specific experience. Offerors may demonstrate in their narrative response to Section L.7.2.1.A.iii (Phase One) “Procurement” any relevant experience with procurement of goods and services that were then directly distributed to host country beneficiaries.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 15

14. Page 188, Section L.7.2.1 Corporate Capabilities and Experience, A. (iii), states:

“Procurement – The narrative must demonstrate the Offeror’s corporate experience and capacity to manage both the direct procurement of goods and services and in-kind procurement in support of grants under contract or sub-grants/sub-awards.”

a. In the interest of leveling the playing field for offerors that have not yet implemented an OTI program, might USAID/OTI consider rewording this to read “services and in-kind procurement in support of grants under contract, subcontracts, or sub-grants/sub-awards/sub-contracts.” RESPONSE: USAID is not revising this section. Offerors should note that in-kind support can include issuance of subcontracts in support of a grantee or sub-awardee.

Offerors may also describe relevant experience with procurement of goods and services that were then directly distributed to host country beneficiaries.

15. Page 188, Section L.7.2.1 Corporate Capabilities and Experience, B.(i), states, “For reference, initiating program activities means that OTI approves the first TAP activity or activities, typically through grants under contract in the TAP. Initial program activities are an important milestone in the start-up of an OTI program, not only to rapidly generate confidence during a transition, but also to feed the iterative process of action learning based on implementing and evaluating program activities.”

a. The way this is currently written suggests that examples of pertinent work experience require offerors to have prior experience implementing transition programming for OTI. Left written as is, this appears to create an unlevel playing field and unfair advantage to companies with experience implementing transition programming for OTI. Might USAID/OTI consider amending this as follows “For reference, initiating program activities means that OTI approves the first TAP activity or activities, typically through grants under contract in the TAP? Initial program activities are an important milestone in the start-up of an OTI program, not only to rapidly generate confidence during a transition but also to feed the iterative process of action learning based on implementing and evaluating program activities. Pertinent work experiences may also include programs where the Contractor initiated program activities requiring COR and/or Contracting Officer review, approval, and/or consent to subcontract and/or issue sub-awards.

RESPONSE: The sentence begins “For reference” to demonstrate how initiating program activities happens under a SWIFT program. It is up to the Offeror to demonstrate “how specific prior experience and corporate systems realistically demonstrate the capacity to fulfill this requirement for the SWIFT 6 IDIQ Contract” (as the previous sentence in the same Section states).

16. Page 192, Section M.3.1.1. Subfactor 1.A, states “USAID will evaluate the feasibility and suitability of the systems and resources identified to manage grants under contract, to carry-out rapid procurement for implementing activities (to oversee both direct procurement of goods and services as well in-kind procurement in support of GUCs), and to oversee small quick-impact activities”. Related to OTI's evaluation of resources, Section C.4.2.2 states, “Thus, it is critical to have a detailed knowledge of the operating environment inside the country and the human resources that will realistically be required to manage rapid response logistics for a primarily in-kind grant program.”

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 16

Section C.4.10.1 and C.5.9.1 also refer to OTI Technical Advisors as resources. And Section C.5.5 similarly refers to OTI's in-house M&E Advisors as resources. These sections taken together, suggest for OTI resources may be individuals. May USAID/OTI please clarify the following:

a. Can USAID/OTI please clarify what it is referring to and/or considers as “resources”?

b. Does the term “resources” refer to human resources?

c. If the term “resources” refers to human resources, should Offerors make references to specific individuals and include the names and profiles of individuals who the Contractor has identified to engage as resources to manage grants under contract, to carry-out rapid procurement for implementing activities (to oversee both direct procurement of goods and services as well in-kind procurement in support of GUCs), and to oversee small quick-impact activities.

manage grants under contract?

d. Are Offerors allowed to present the names and summarize the profiles of specific people/individuals the offeror will deploy and/or engage to support the implementation of USAID/OTI programs?

RESPONSE: USAID amends the 3rd bullet in Section M.3.1.1, Subfactor 1.A (Phase One), on page 192, to read “USAID will evaluate the Offeror’s experience and capacity to manage grants under contract, to carry-out rapid procurement for implementing activities (to oversee both direct procurement of goods and services as well in-kind procurement in support of GUCs), and to oversee small quick-impact activities.” [emphasis/italics added to denote the verbiage that has changed to provide clarification]

17. On Page 57 of 194 of the RFP, C.4.13 Authorized Workweeks, would the Government consider authorizing flexible work schedules if such schedules are consistent with Contractor’s personnel policies? RESPONSE: If a Task Order is awarded, these types of questions will be reviewed and determined by the Task Order Contracting Officer (TOCO) on a Task Order basis.

18. In Attachment J.7 “Phase Two Sections L and M”, Page 3, Section L.5.(g) “Questions” states: “Questions in response to this solicitation must be submitted……not later than the time and date indicated in the Advisory Notification provided at the conclusion of Phase One…”. This section seems clear that post Phase One submission and after the receipt of the advisory notice, Offerors will have a new opportunity to submit questions to USAID during the Phase Two response period. During the pre-solicitation Q&A period, USAID had originally said they did not intend to have a second Q&A after Phase One.

We would just like to confirm that USAID does intend to have a Phase Two Q&A opportunity as per this latest solicitation text, or if there is any confusion to respectfully request that USAID definitively includes a Phase Two Q&A period. RESPONSE: Yes, in accordance with Attachment J.7, Section L.5(g), page 3, USAID intends to indicate a time and date in the Advisory Notification for any additional questions regarding Phase Two. USAID will not entertain questions about Phase One proposal submissions at that time.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 17

19. L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Will Offerors be permitted to ask questions again between Phase One and Phase Two? RESPONSE: Please see response to Question 18 above.

QUESTIONS SPECIFIED AS SWIFT-SUPPORT (RESTRICTED SMALL BUSINESS SET-

ASIDE)

20. Given that the current proposal submission deadline of June 20th is the day after a US federal holiday, would OTI consider extending the submission deadline for Phase 1 of SWIFT Support by one week to Tuesday, June 27th? RESPONSE: No, the deadline for Phase One submissions for both SWIFT 6-Programs and SWIFT 6-Support remains June 20, 2023. Offerors are, of course, able to submit their proposals in advance of the deadline.

21. Page 186 of the SWIFT 6 RFP states: “that Offerors may use Arial font size 10 for text boxes, graphics, and text in tables, charts, and graphs.” Given the extensive use of graphics, tables, charts and matrices required particularly in Phase 2, would OTI kindly allow for graphically designed elements to use a font type and size (smaller than 10pt font) that allow for better readability in terms of the graphic design for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of proposal submissions? RESPONSE: Offerors may use Arial font size 9 for text boxes, graphics, and text in tables, charts, and graphs.

22. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: USAID does not specify the file format for proposal submittal. Could USAID please clarify if submissions should be done in Microsoft Word or as a PDF file, or both? RESPONSE: Yes, please submit all proposal documents as a PDF (with Optical Character Recognition), except for Attachment J.22 “Cost Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Support),” which should be submitted in Microsoft Excel format. Calculations and formulas used on excel spreadsheets must be visible and there must be no hidden or password protected cells or spreadsheets. All reference data and information must be made available for review.

23. Will the 2 page cover letter be evaluated as part of the evaluation criteria under Phase

1? What content does USAID OTI expect to receive in the cover letter? RESPONSE:

Reference Section M.4. A cover letter is not included in the page limitations of any technical element/evaluation criteria. It is up to the Offeror’s discretion regarding what to include in a cover letter.

24. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Are Offerors permitted to include an Executive Summary in the technical proposal? RESPONSE: If Offerors choose to include an Executive Summary it will be counted as part of the maximum pages allotted for either Phase One and/or Phase Two (depending on which Phase the Offeror submits it).

25. L.6.1 ORGANIZATION OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Are Offerors required to insert dividers between each subsection of Corporate Capabilities and Experience?

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 18

RESPONSE: Dividers are not required between subsections of the technical narrative. Dividers are recommended (but not required) in front of each Annex.

26. Regarding page 191 of the SWIFT 6 RFP, Section M.2 Phase One Advisory Notification, we have the following related questions:

a. Would OTI consider providing a timeline for when the Advisory Notifications are anticipated to be sent out to Offerors following submission? RESPONSE: USAID will do its best to send out Advisory Notifications in a timely manner, but at this point cannot specify a timeline.

b. Will the Advisory Notifications for all Offerors of both Programs and Support be shared on the same day? RESPONSE: USAID will strive to share Advisory Notifications for both SWIFT 6-Programs and SWIFT 6-Support on the same day.

27. If a small business offeror does not list subcontractors at the Phase I level, can they list subcontractors at the Phase II level? RESPONSE: In the case that major subcontractors are included in the Offeror’s submission, the proposed major subcontractors must be included in the Phase One submission. The definition of major subcontractors is provided in Section L.6 (Phase One), page 186 of the RFP.

Please also reference Attachment J.7, Section L.5(h), page 3, which states that “USAID will not accept any revisions to the Phase One proposal with the Offeror’s Phase Two proposal.”

28. Are offerors under the small business restricted support required to list subcontractors at

Phase 1 stage or can then be included or added at Phase 2? RESPONSE: Please see response to Question 27.

29. If a contractor wins an IDIQ award, is that contractor able to propose a subcontractor at the specific Task Order level, even if that subcontractor was not proposed or approved at the IDIQ level (e.g. part of the contractor’s IDIQ proposal)? RESPONSE: Yes.

Subcontractors can be proposed for work under specific Task Orders, even if they were not included as part of the IDIQ proposal.

30. Document 1, SWIFT 6 RFP, Section L.8.2.1,…