4. SWIFT 6 RFP Amendment 03.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

I

PA

E OF PAGES

I

3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER

5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

06/13/2023 REQ-COTl-22-000092

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

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, 2) reply to timely questions submitted by the offerers (see Attachment 1), and 3) amend Attachment J.21 and Attachment J.22.

A subsequent amendment to the RFP will be posted that addresses questions related to information Technology 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. 03

AMENDMENT NO. 03 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. Contractors who were Off- Ramped in accordance with H.12 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.”

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 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. 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 165 of the RFP, delete ATTACHMENT J.21 and replace with the following:

ATTACHMENT J.21 – Cost-Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Programs)

ATTACHMENT J.21 - Amended Cost-Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Programs)

11. On page 165 of the RFP, delete ATTACHMENT 22 and replace with the following:

ATTACHMENT J.22 – Cost-Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Support)

ATTACHMENT J.22 - Amended Cost-Price Evaluation Matrix (SWIFT-Support)

12. 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.”

13. 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)”

14. On page 36 of Attachment J.7, delete the table from Section M.2 in its entirety and replace with the following:

FACTOR FACTOR NAME Importance/Weight

Factor 1 Corporate Capabilities* 2nd most important Factor

Subfactor 1.A

Fast and Flexible Programming* Most important subfactor (under Factor 1)

Subfactor 1.B

Operations* 2nd most important subfactor (under Factor 1)

Factor 2 Approach to Transition Programming Most important Factor

Subfactor 2.A

Case Study: Illustrative Task Order Program Implementation Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Subfactor 2.B

Case Study: Implementation Scenarios Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Factor 3 Management Approach 3rd most important Factor

Subfactor 3.A

IDIQ and Task Order Home Office Management Most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

Subfactor 3.B

Activity Manual 2nd most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

Subfactor 3.C

Environmental Considerations Approach 3rd most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

Factor 4 Past Performance 4th most important Factor

Factor 1 Corporate Capabilities and Experience* 2nd most important Factor

Subfactor 1.A

Fast and Flexible Programming* Most important subfactor (under Factor 1)

Subfactor 1.B

Operations* 2nd most important subfactor (under Factor 1)

Factor 2 Approach to Transition Programming Most important Factor

Subfactor 2.A

Case Study: Illustrative Task Order Program Implementation Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Subfactor 2.B

Case Study: Implementation Scenarios Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Factor 3 Management Approach 3rd most important Factor

Subfactor 3.A

IDIQ and Task Order Home Office Management Most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

3.B

Activity Manual 2nd most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

Subfactor 3.C

Environmental Considerations Approach 3rd most important subfactor (under Factor 3)

Factor 4 Past Performance

15. On page 41 of Attachment J.7, delete the table from Section M.4 in its entirety and replace with the following:

Factor 1 Corporate Capabilities* 2nd most important Factor

Subfactor 1.A

Recruitment, Deployment, and Support of Technical Assistance*

Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 1)

Subfactor 1.B

Operations* Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 1)

Factor 2 Approach to OTI Program Operations Technical Assistance Support

Most important Factor

Subfactor 2.A

Case Study: Illustrative Task Order Implementation and Management

Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Subfactor 2.B

Case Study: Implementation Scenarios Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Factor 3 Management Approach 3rd most important Factor

Subfactor 3.A

IDIQ and Task Order Home Office Management Only subfactor

Factor 4 Past Performance

Factor 1 Corporate Capabilities and Experience* 2nd most important Factor

Subfactor 1.A

Recruitment, Deployment, and Support of Technical Assistance*

Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 1)

Subfactor 1.B

Operations* Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 1)

Factor 2 Approach to OTI Program Operations Technical Assistance Support

Most important

2.A

Case Study: Illustrative Task Order Implementation and Management

Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Subfactor 2.B

Case Study: Implementation Scenarios Of equal importance with other subfactor (under Factor 2)

Factor 3 Management Approach 3rd most important Factor

Subfactor 3.A

IDIQ and Task Order Home Office Management Only subfactor

Factor 4 Past Performance

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 14

Attachment 1: SWIFT 6 RFP Questions and Responses

OVERALL COMMENT:

SWIFT 6 RFP Amendment 3 continues responses to questions received before the original deadline posted on the RFP (May 30, 2023). The questions in Amendment 2 and Amendment 3 are numbered consecutively (i.e. the numbering of questions in Amendment 3 continues from Amendment 2, and therefore start with Question #61).

For Phase One proposal submissions, please follow the Section L instructions for Phase One in the main RFP document, pages 181-190, and do not submit any cost information in Phase One proposals. In addition, in accordance with the Questions and Responses in Amendment 2, please submit all Phase One proposal documents as a PDF (with Optical Character Recognition).

QUESTIONS SPECIFIED AS SWIFT-PROGRAMS (UNRESTRICTED)

61. On page 11 of 12 of the Attachment J.12 – Illustrative Case Study_Patriam, USAID has amended the TAP plug figures as follows: $8M (GUC), $1M (STTA), $1M (DDGS) for a total base period TAP of $10M reduced from the $15.6M in the draft RFP/J.12 attachment provided earlier in 2023. However, in the Illustrative Case Study, USAID has not changed the average number of TAP activities on page 9 of 12, noting that "it envisions developing approximately 75 activities per year over a five (5) year base period". The original plug figures make the average activity $41,600, in alignment with USAID’s statement on page 38 of 194 of the SWIFT 6 RFP document that notes "Historically, average activities are valued at approximately $50,000-$70,000 and last between three to six months." However, with the new TAP plug figures, 75 activities per year results in an average activity of $26,666 (well below OTI's historical averages.)

Having much smaller activities at a high volume while still maintaining a plan for two offices and robust OTI operational footprint (CR, 2 STAs, and AA), has serious implications on labor within the organizational chart annexes as well as throughout the Case Study and Implementation Scenario Responses for which the Offer will need to adequately account.

Would USAID please consider either amending the RFP to increase the TAP plug figures or reduce the annual activities to provide better alignment with historical averages and OTI's desire to have two offices and a robust OTI platform? RESPONSE:

USAID is not amending the Illustrative Case Study information in Attachment J.12.

On page 11 of Attachment J.12 “Illustrative Case Study,” Section A.3 of the information for the Case Study Implementation Planning Exercise (SWIFT- Programs), the assumptions note that “the Implementation Planning Exercise utilizes a twenty (20) month base program only.” In accordance with this, the TAP plug figures provided on page 11, Section B (for a total of $10M) should be applied to the twenty (20) month base program only, for the purposes of extrapolating an average monthly TAP burn rate for the Implementation Planning Exercise. For the other Case Study-related annexes, Offerors should assume the same average monthly TAP burn rate for the entirety of the program (throughout all five [5] years), and should plan on approximately 75 activities per year, as noted on page 9 of Attachment J.12.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 15

62. Can USAID/OTI please confirm if offerors should use the information, plug figures, and assumptions listed for the Implementation Planning Exercise (Attachment J.12 A.

General Illustrative Task Order Information), such as the twenty (20) month base program and the $10 million TAP pool, when designing the following Case Study Annexes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H? RESPONSE: On page 9 of Attachment J.12 - Illustrative Case Study, the background information states that “OTI explains that it envisions developing approximately 75 activities per year over a five (5) year base period.” These parameters should be applied to all Case Study-related annexes, except that the Implementation Planning Exercise (Annex H) should be depicted over twenty (20) months. As also noted in Question 61 above, Offerors should assume the same average monthly TAP burn rate, extrapolated for the Implementation Planning Exercise, for the entirety of the program (throughout all five [5] years).

63. Section L—Phase Two Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or

Respondents. L.8.2.1. A-B: Please confirm that responses to Section A. Case Study:

Illustrative Task Order Implementation and Section B. Case Study Implementation Scenarios are to be based on a five (5)-year base period program and not a twenty (20)-month base period except for the Case Study Implementation Planning Exercise (Annex H), which is to be based on a twenty (20)-month base period. RESPONSE: Yes, USAID confirms that responses to Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.1.A “Case Study:

Illustrative Task Order Implementation and Management” and L.8.2.1.B “Case Study: Implementation Scenarios” are to be based on a five (5)-year base period program, with the exception of the Case Study Implementation Planning Exercise (Annex H), which is to be based on a twenty (20)-month base period. USAID’s decision to include only twenty (20) months for the Implementation Planning Exercise was to simplify what would have been repetitive columns in the Implementation Planning Exercise table template.

64. On page 12 of 47 of Attachment J.07- Phase Two Sections L and M, I. Scenario 1 –

Proving Responsive Amid Shifting Needs, USAID’s directions require description of "the relevant programmatic, operational, and/or regulatory obstacles present in demonstrating the program’s responsiveness to this priority and propose how they can be mitigated" In the subsequent bullet, USAID also requests the offeror describe "potential challenges and mitigating measures".

As both obstacles and challenges refer to the TAP activity response and are very similar in nature, would USAID consider removing the requirement for the potential challenges and mitigating measures to reduce redundancy? RESPONSE: USAID is not amending the language or requirements in Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.1.B.i, page 12 (Scenario 1). The first instructional bullet on page 12 pertains to potential obstacles with regard to the description and parameters of the entire scenario, keeping in mind the elements included in the original Case Study (as described in Attachment J.12), while the second instructional bullet on page 12 pertains to potential challenges to the Offeror’s specific proposed TAP activity.

65. Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.1 Approach to Transition Programming, Page 12, Scenario 2 states: “The program has recently entered its second year of programming when, during a regular SMT meeting, the OTI CR raises the possibility of activating the Task Order’s Ramp-Up option.” We have the following questions:

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 16

a. Would USAID please confirm if the mentioned Ramp-Up option does or does not include a time extension?

b. If it does include a time extension, how many months and will there be inclusion of supplemental Transition Initiatives/operational funds to complement the Economic Support Funds?

RESPONSE: In accordance with Section C.4.1.1 “Phases and Options,” a Ramp- Up Option (unlike an Option Year) is activated during the Full Implementation Phase based on increased funding realities or program expansion needs. The Ramp-Up Option in the Case Study Scenario 2 does not increase the period of performance of the illustrative Task Order.

66. On page 13 of 47 of Attachment J.07- Phase Two Sections L and M, iii. Scenario 3 -

Managing Uncertainty, USAID directs the Offeror to "Describe the considerations and approaches to managing the program’s reputational risk, given the need to balance assistance to government entities and demonstrators." However, USAID also states in the scenario prompt that " The OTI CR notifies SMT that the USAID Mission has requested all direct assistance to the government be paused..." This prompt may be interpreted to infer that the Program cannot provide funding or other assistance (e.g. in-kind grants, DDGS) to the government.

In this case, would USAID please clarify what is meant by "need to balance assistance to the government" or amend the direction in the second bullet? RESPONSE: USAID amends the second bullet of Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.1.B.iii, Scenario 3, page 14 to read: “Describe the considerations and approaches to managing the program’s reputational risk, given the need to maintain a relationship with government entities and demonstrators alike, despite providing differing levels of assistance to each group."

67. For the Case Studies, can USAID please clarify if Key Personnel would be named and included at the proposal stage for Patriam or if they would be submitted for approval upon award? If it is the latter, could USAID provide an estimated timeframe for how long the approval process would take once candidate submission is completed by the implementing partner? RESPONSE: For the purpose of the Case Study, Offerors should assume that they submitted named Key Personnel candidates at the proposal stage for Patriam Transitus Program RFTOP, and also assume the Key Personnel are available upon Task Order award.

68. Solicitation Attachment J.7 page 8, L.8.2.1.A.i. Start-Up Organization Chart (Annex A)

(a), states, “The chart must also demonstrate what long-term positions will assume long-term responsibility, if applicable, for roles initially implemented by start-up personnel.”

a. Did USAID/OTI mean to write instead? The chart must also demonstrate what short-term positions will assume long-term responsibility. RESPONSE: No.

Start-Up Team personnel are short-term. Offerors must demonstrate what long-term positions will assume any roles initiated by Start-Up Team positions.

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 17

69. Solicitation Attachment J.7 page 8, L.8.2.1.A.i. Start-Up Work Plan (Annex B), might USAID/OTI consider increasing the page limit of this plan to four (4) pages?

RESPONSE: No, USAID is not increasing the page limit of this Annex.

70. Solicitation Attachment J.07, Page 16, L.8.2.3 A, states, “(including management of grants under contract and small grants)”. Given Section C.4.1.2A underscores the importance of procurement capacity in this 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”, might USAID/OTI expand this list to include management of a high volume of procurements, in particular in-country and local procurement, from design through award? RESPONSE: Attachment J.7, page 16, Section L.8.2.3.A, the last sentence of the first paragraph, provides a list of “the most relevant indicators of performance.” It is up to Offerors to decide which of their programs to submit in the Past Performance Short Forms to respond to the indicators of relevancy as listed.

71. Solicitation Attachments J.07, page 17 L.8.2.3 B. and Attachment J.17, columns I-L, "Check only those services that constituted a significant component of the total LOE that the Offeror was responsible for." Would USAID/OTI consider removing “significant” as a qualifier for Project Components? RESPONSE: No, USAID will not remove “significant” as a qualifier.

72. Solicitation Attachments J.07, page 17 L.8.2.3 B., "Total quantity of grants must be provided for the number of Grants Under Contract and in-kind grants," would USAID/OTI consider broadening the definition of grant? RESPONSE: USAID amends this sentence to read: "Total quantity of grants must be provided for the number of Grants Under Contract, in-kind grants, sub-grants, and/or sub-awards."

73. (Unrestricted SWIFT Programs and Restricted SWIFT Support) Solicitation Attachment

J.07, Page 17, L.8.2.3 B A. Past Performance Matrix (Annex O) states, “Project Components: Mark “X” under each component that was a part of the project. Check only those services that constituted a significant component of the total LOE that the Offeror was responsible for. Total quantity of grants must be provided for the number of Grants Under Contract and in-kind grants. Each marked component must be supported by the narratives provided on the Past Performance Short Forms. USAID reserves the right to validate the information submitted on the Past Performance Matrix. And see the related Attachment J.18 the template for Annex O.

a. Given OTI's acknowledgement in the RFP that the Contractor's procurement capability is exceedingly important, might OTI consider adding the following Project Components to J.18, the template for proposal Annex O: Procurement of Goods (and quantity), including local procurements; Procurement of Services (and quantity) including local procurements; Procurement of STTA (and quantity), including engagement of in-country STTA; Provision of goods, services, and STTA to local, in-country organizations; Provision of goods, services, and STTA to host government entities; and Provision of goods, services, and STTA to regional bodies and/or organizations. See amended attachment J.18 with the cells that include proposed changes highlighted in yellow. RESPONSE: USAID

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 18 is not revising this section, except as otherwise indicated in Question 72 and in the Amendment 03 Continuation Sheet.

74. Solicitation Attachment J.07, Page 7, L.8.1, would USAID/OTI consider 10pt Arial font for the annexes/figures on 11”x17” paper? RESPONSE: Please reference SWIFT 6 RFP Amendment 02, which responded to a similar question with: Offerors may use Arial font size 9 for text boxes, graphics, and text in tables, charts, and graphs.

75. Solicitation Attachment J.7 Page 38 Section M.3.1.1 A. (i) Case Study Start-up

Approach. Please confirm that Offerors are allowed to present individuals who will work with the prime Contractor and subcontractors to start-up OTI task orders. If Offerors are expected to present and describe the individuals who will work on OTI task orders, please also confirm that the names of these individuals may be included in the Start-up Organization Chart and the Start-up Work Plan. RESPONSE: In the instructions for Factor 2 (see Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.1), USAID does not instruct Offerors to present named individuals. Additionally, USAID does not state in the evaluation criteria for Factor 2 (see Attachment J.7. Section M.3.1) that it will evaluate named individuals’ qualifications. Offerors may present subcontractors that they have named in other parts/Factors of their proposals, as part of their Factor 2 Approach to Transition Programming.

76. Solicitation Attachment J.7 Page 38 Section M.3.1.1 A. (ii) Case Study Organizational Structure and Staffing. Please confirm that Offerors are allowed to present individuals who will work with the prime Contractor and subcontractors during the full implementation phase and that the names of these individuals may be included on the Full Implementation Organization Chart and in the Roles and Responsibilities Matrix.

RESPONSE: Please see response to Question 75.

77. Solicitation Attachment J.7 Page 39 Section M.3.1.1.B. Please confirm that Offerors are allowed to present and name the individuals who would lead the response to the implementation scenarios for the prime Contractor and subcontractors. RESPONSE:

Please see response to Question 75.

78. Solicitation Attachment J.7 Page 39 Section M.3.1.2 A. Subfactor 3.a. Please confirm that Offerors are allowed to present the names of the specific individuals, beyond the IDIQ Manager, who will serve as the prime Contractor and subcontractors’ home office task order management staff? RESPONSE: In their responses to the instructions for Factor 3 (see Attachment J.7, Section L.8.2.2.A.ii), Offerors may, but are not required to, include the names of home office Task Order management staff.

79. Solicitation Attachment J.7 Page 40 Section M.3.1.3 (c). Given 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 USAID/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".

a. Can USAID/OTI consider amending (c) to read, Relevance will be determined based on a number of factors: operating in complex transition environments, programming mechanisms and approaches consistent with the SWIFT 6 TAP (including management of grants under contract, small grants, and large volumes

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 19 of procurements of goods, services, and STTA especially local/in-country procurements that support local organizations and/or host governments to implement activities), program objectives, and/or management structure.

RESPONSE: USAID is not amending this section. It is up to Offerors to decide which of their programs to submit in the Past Performance Short Forms to respond to the indicators of relevancy as listed. Please also see the response to Question 70.

80. RFP Section B.6 on Page 9 of 194 states that “ as described in Section B.5(a), the inclusion of Fixed Fee on GUC costs, if any, will be negotiated at the Task Order level by the TOCO.” However, B.5(a) makes no such reference but does link to section C.4.1.2;

however, that section doesn’t provide any further information. Attachment J.25 Fee & Indirect Cost matrix does not request a fee ceiling for TAP-GUCs (or indirect rate information). Attachment J.21 Cost-Price Evaluation matrix includes a 3% given GUC fee. Given all of this, please confirm the following:

● Fees on GUCs will be allowable under resulting TOs; RESPONSE: Per Section

B.5, “The fee on Grants under Contracts (GUCs), if any, will be negotiated at the Task Order level by the TOCO.”

● For the evaluation matrix, Offerors are to stick with the 3% GUC Fee given in template/Attachment J.21; RESPONSE: Yes, Offerors are to use the plug figure 3% GUC Fee in Attachment J.21 - Cost Price Evaluation Matrix.

● Offerors may add row(s) and column(s) to Attachment J.25 to reflect applicable indirect rates on TAP-GUC costs but are not to propose a GUC fee ceiling at the IDIQ level. Offerors should expect to negotiate GUC fees at the TO level.

RESPONSE: Yes, in accordance with the directions at the bottom of Attachment J.25 - Fee and Indirect Cost Matrix, “In the Direct Costs portion of the matrix, Offerors can modify the rows to reflect indirect rate structures based on their NICRAs or other documents.” Offerors are NOT to propose a GUC fee ceiling at the IDIQ level, as there is no row in the Transition Activities portion of the matrix to do so.

81. RFP section B.7 Labor, paragraph (a), page 9 of 194, states that IDIQ management costs – including time for the IDIQ manager – must be structured as part of the Contractor’s indirect costs. However, USAID requests Ceiling Daily Rates for the IDIQ Manager; Attachment J.21 (rows 49 and 50) lists LOE for the IDIQ Manager; and Attachment J.23 requests CDRs for the IDIQ Manager.

Section B.7 says that “the IDIQ Manager may be included as labor under SWIFT 6 Task Orders to the extent that the IDIQ Manager provides direct services required under individual Task Order scopes of work”. This means that their function/role on the TO is not as an IDIQ Manager, but would instead be something else (e.g., start-up manager;

technical advisor; etc.).

Would USAID please confirm that inclusion of the IDIQ Manager in the CDR chart and evaluation matrix was in error, or otherwise clarify the apparent discrepancy with the language in B.7 paragraph (a)? RESPONSE: The inclusion of the IDIQ Manager in the CDR chart in RFP Section B.7 and Attachment J.21 - Cost Price Evaluation

Contractor Questions related to SWIFT 6 20

Matrix is not an error. As stated in Section B.7, IDIQ Manager LOE costs spent on IDIQ management tasks must be recouped as part of the Contractor’s indirect costs.