Amendment 1 to Sol 72011123R00001.pdf

(x)

72011123R00001 x x 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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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.

x

N/A

Not Applicable

720111

00000 USAID/Armenia

11/10/20220001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

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

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

10/17/2022

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

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

The purpose of this Amendment to the solicitation is to provide clarifications as included in the attached document (ATTACHMENT A - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS).

All other terms and conditions of the solicitation document remain unchanged.

---End of Amendment 0001---

Period of Performance: 06/01/2023 to 05/31/2028

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

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Abdullah Akbar

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

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

Abdullah Akbar Digitally signed by Abdullah Akbar Date: 2022.11.09 18:51:25 +04'00'

Amendment #0001; Solicitation # 72011123R00001 USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia

ATTACHMENT A - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

# Questions USAID Response

1. Section L.7 on page L-5 of the RFP states that the Phase One proposal submission is limited to six (6) pages. Please confirm that this limit of six pages includes the cover page.

Yes, the 6 page limit includes the cover page.

2. Section L.7 states Phase 1 must use Times New Roman 11-point font. Section L.9 indicates the Technical Proposal must use Times New Roman or equivalent font, font size 11-12. Section L.10 states Cost/Business proposals must use 12-point Times New Roman font, and 10-point font for charts, graphs, and tables. Could USAID clarify that the preferred font requirements across all volumes across both Phase 1 and Phase 2 is Times New Roman 11-point font with 10-point font available for use with charts, graphs, and tables across all volumes for Phase 1 and 2?

For both, Phase 1 and 2, as well as for the cost proposals, the offerors must use Times New Roman or equivalent font, font size 11-12, and the layout must be readable. Offerors may use font size 10 for text in graphs, charts, tables, and text boxes, so long as the text is legible.

3. Could USAID provide an estimate of when it expects to provide Advisory Notifications to Phase 1 offerors?

USAID plans to provide Advisory Notifications to Phase 1 offerors in Mid January 2023.

4 Page 4 of the PDF (the continuation sheet for SF33) identifies three CLINS, Section B.3 (pages B-1 and B-2) indicates four CLINS, and Attachment J.6 “Budget Spreadsheet Example” indicates both four and 12 CLINS (see pages 184-187 of the PDF). Could USAID clarify the correct number of CLINS?

The number of CLINs are as follows:

0001 - Technical Assistance CPFF Objective 1 & Objective 2 0002 - Technical Assistance CPFF Objective 3 0003 - Supplemental Technical Assistance IDIQ Objective 4 0004 - Grants Under Contract

5 Could USAID confirm in which volume Attachment J-3, the SF LLL – Lobbying Disclosure Form, should be inserted and in which order?

SF LLL - DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES should be included in the COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL along with REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS

6 Could USAID confirm whether the Branding and Marking Plans should be submitted as a separate volume (see Section L.6 Proposal Delivery Instructions, page L-4, under “For Phase 2”) or as part of the Cost/Business Proposal (see Section L.10 Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business Proposal, Part 9 – Branding and Marking Plan, page L-17)?

Branding and Marking Plans will be submitted for Phase II under Part 9 to the Cost/Business proposal as described in the solicitation document (page L-18).

7 Section F.2 indicated Task Orders may have a maximum period of performance of no more than five years. However, sections C.5.4

Individual task orders have a maximum period of performance of no more than 5 years and may not exceed the overall period of performance of the contract.

Objective 4 (on page C-9) suggests indicates that Task Orders will generally be limited to a maximum of two years. Could USAID clarify the potential duration of Task Orders?

8 Under D.2 (on page D-1), USAID states the name of the activity is “Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia”, but then states “in every public event or document and in discussions with the Government of Armenia and other counterparts, the Contractor must identify the activity as “USAID Conserving Biodiversity” in each reference.” Could USAID confirm this should state “USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia” instead?

Yes, confirmed.

Replace “USAID Conserving Biodiversity” under item c. of D.2 COMPLIANCE

WITH BRANDING STRATEGY AND BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION &

MARKING PLANS with “USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia”.

9 In Section F.4 (Performance Standards) on page F-2, USAID provides a set of general assessment areas that “will be included in the basis of the evaluation.” However, item a) of that list is blank.

Could USAID indicate whether that is a typo or whether there should be an additional assessment area indicated under item a)?

Yes, this is a typo. The list should read as follows:

a. Quality of Product or Service

b. Schedule

c. Cost Control

d. Business Relations

e. Management

f. Small Business Utilization

g. Other areas (If applicable. For example: security)

10 Section F.6.1 “List of Reports and Deliverables” on page F-3 states that the Grants Manual must be completed within 90 days of the award effective date. Would USAID consider adjusting the deadline for the Grants Manual to being due 120 days from the effective date of award, after the annual work plan and AMELP are approved, to ensure alignment across all three documents?

No. The due date for Grants Manual remains 90 days.

11 In Section H.7 “CLIN0003 Clauses – Additional Requirements for Personnel,” on page H-4, would USAID remove Limitation 1 under section H.7(a) given that biodatas do not include salary history?

It is the offeror’s/contractor’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the limitation described under item (a)(1) of H.7.

12 Could USAID clarify the documentation required to demonstrate Accounting System Adequacy in the absence of a written opinion from the cognizant federal auditor (CFA) or the cognizant federal agency official (CFAO) (Section F.8.5.2 Award Types(c) page F- 20)?

Please see the following excerpt presented under item (c) Adequate Accounting System that provided clarification for the citation when there is no written opinion from the cognizant federal auditor (CFA) or the cognizant federal agency official

(CFAO) :

“If the Contractor does not have an accounting system that has been determined adequate by the CFA or CFAO, but believes its accounting system is adequate, the

Contractor must state so in its proposal. As part of the TO-level evaluation process the Government will obtain the necessary review by the CFA. The Contractor will be required to allow the CFA to review the accounting system and correct (or have a timely action plan to correct) any issues identified as precluding the system from being adequate.”

13 Would USAID consider permitting an additional Questions Period for Phase 2 for offerors that receive an Advisory Notification and are invited to Phase 2?

Yes. USAID will provide about 10 days for the Question Period for Phase 2.

14 Could USAID kindly clarify how representations and certifications must be included in the Cost Volume for Phase 2? Does USAID require the full Section K to be included as provided in the solicitation, only those sections not included in SAM.gov, or proof of representations and certifications from SAM.gov (e.g.

screenshots of completion) with missing sections provided in Section K attached?

The offerors are required to ensure that complete representations and certifications are provided to USAID.

15 The solicitation includes a summary of the local compensation plan in Section L.10 (c)Part 3 – Proposed Costs on page L-12. Would USAID consider providing the full Local Compensation Plan (inclusive of benefits)?

No. USAID provided the summary of the local compensation plan as an indicator of the market rates in the country.

16 Section B.3 (“Contract Line Items (CLINS), page B-2) provides a plug figure of $8,000,000, but section L.10 (“Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business Proposal,” page L-13), provides a plug figure of $400,000. Would USAID confirm that the plug figure for GUCs is $8,000,000?

Hereby, USAID confirms that the plug figure for GUCs is $8,000,000.

17 Could USAID provide instructions regarding where that the second table that appears on page 190 (“Please list the personnel proposed, their job title, current annual salary and proposed starting salary”) must appear in the cost volume (e.g. in the Budget Summary Cost Sheet: Level of Effort tab, a separate tab, or in the Cost Narrative)?

The referenced table should be submitted as a separate sheet (LOE tab) in the budget spreadsheet and described in the budget narrative.

18 Section B.5 (page B-5) showcases labor category groupings to be used for budgeting purposes under CLIN 003, inclusive of a Project Manager category. However, labor category groupings listed in

Please change the title of the “Project Manager” to “Task Manager” under Labor Category Groupings in the table under (b) Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR) on page B-5.

Section L (g), page L-17 do not include the Project Manager category. Can USAID please clarify the discrepancy and indicate whether the Project Manager category is to be included in CLIN 003? Please note, Section B.5, page B-4 states “Contracting Officer has determined that a key (full-time) technical manager is not necessary or required to administer the basic IDIQ. Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders.” Therefore, would this exclude the Project Manager category from CLIN 003?

Also, please add the following requirements for the Task Manager in Section L (g) on page L-17.

● a CCN senior level project manager - 200 days total

19 Can USAID please confirm that Offerors are allowed to apply a fixed fee to costs under CLIN 003?

No fixed fee should be applied to the total plug figure amount for CLIN 0003. The plug figure of $4,124,957 is for the Total Estimated Cost + Fee.

20 Labor category grouping CDRs are currently located after L.10(h) Part 8 on page L-16. Given CLIN 003 labor category grouping CDRs and supporting documents are required in the Cost/Price Narrative and budget template and referenced in J-6, it appears as if L.10(g) at the bottom page L-16 is misplaced. Can USAID clarify its appropriate location?

Labor category grouping CDRs must be submitted as part of the Cost/Business proposal.

21 Please confirm non-major subcontractors, per Section L.10(c)Part 3

– Proposed Costs, are not required to submit detailed budgets, and that in lieu of a detailed budget, the “Budget – Summary Cost Sheet: Subcontracts Dollar Costs” would provide a sufficient level of information for USAID to determine whether the proposed subcontract is reasonable and realistic.

The requested information is optional for non major subcontractors. However, sufficient information must be provided for USAID to determine whether the proposed subcontract is reasonable and realistic, as stated in the second paragraph of the referenced section.

22 Section L Part 3, page L-15 states “The Offeror must also propose a maximum fee ceiling that will be applied to GUC line items.”

However, Section B.5, page B-3 states “fee ceiling is not applicable to Grants Under Contracts (GUCs), if any, or other costs that have a separate fee ceiling established in the contract.” Can USAID please confirm if a separate fixed fee ceiling is to be established for GUCs and if this fixed fee ceiling is to be applied to GUCs under CLIN 004?

The plug figure for GUCs is $8 million inclusive of fixed fee. GUCs will support achieving the objectives of all four activity components.

23 Section L Part 4 Letter of Commitment (Subcontractors) on page L- 15 requires a LOC from each subcontractor. However, Part 5 Subcontractor Information also requires a LOC from each

Letter of Commitment (Subcontractors) should be included under Part 5 - Subcontractor Information.

subcontractor. Can USAID clarify where the Subcontractor Letters of Commitment must be included and consider providing a single location for them?

24 Institutional Capability will be evaluated Phase Two, per Section M.3 on page M-2; however, it is not included in Section L.9.b as Content of the Technical Proposal in Phase 2. Can USAID confirm that the Institutional Capability section from Phase 1 is not expected to be resubmitted with Phase 2 of the Technical Proposal?

Yes, there is no need to resubmit the Institutional Capacity for Phase 2. USAID will use the Institutional Capacity information and evaluation from Phase 1.

25 For budget and work planning purposes, would USAID please provide a tentative start date for the Program?

The expected start date of the program is June 2023.

26 Would USAID please confirm that offerors invited to Phase Two will have an opportunity to ask any remaining clarifying questions for the full proposal submission?

Yes, please see answer to question #13 above.

27 Page L-5, Section L.7 Instructions for the Preparation of the Phase One Proposal states “The Phase One technical proposal submission is limited to six (6) pages including the cover page and must be written in plain English,” while the same section under Institutional Capacity subsection states “This Institutional Capability section must not exceed six (6) pages:”

a. Would USAID please confirm that Phase 1 submission should be 7 pages total including one Cover Page?

Please see answer to question #1 above.

28 Pages B-2 and B-3, Sections B.4, Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee, and Obligated Amount for CLINS 0001 and 0002; and B.5, Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee, and Obligated Amount for CLIN 0003 notes that estimated cost, fixed fee, and obligated amounts are provided for CLINS 0001, 0002, and 0003, however, the estimated cost, fixed fee, and the obligated amount is not provided for CLIN 0004 – Grants Under Contract.

a. Would USAID please incorporate CLIN 0004 or clarify its absence?

Please see answer to question #22 above.

29 Page B-4, Section B.5, Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee, And Obligated Amount for CLIN 0003, Subsection 4. B, Level of Effort, states “the fee set forth in B.4 is based upon furnishing the level-of-effort specified in paragraph A.”

Yes.

a. As this section is for CLIN 0003, would USAID please clarify if this reference should instead refer to the fee set forth in Section B.5?

30 Page B-4, Section B.5. Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee, And Obligated Amount for CLIN 0003, Subsections 4. B, Level of Effort, refers to “Government-issued Task Orders and must not exceed the amounts set forth in Section B.8 Supplemental Technical Assistance IDIQ CLIN 0003.” Moreover, page B-9, Section B.8 is titled as Multi- Year Contract and Cancellation Ceiling.

a. Would USAID please revise this reference as applicable?

Please replace the reference to Section B.8 with Section B.5 under Part B. of 4.Level -of-Effort on page B-4.

31 Page C-6, Section C.5 Detailed Work Requirements, Subsection C.5.2. Objective 2 - Greater economic resilience through improved export competitiveness of targeted sectors states that “The activity is not intended to stand up new industry organizations”.

a. Would USAID allow contractors to consider nurturing and facilitating businesses to form a new association or industry organization, should the contractor find a great need for it based on preliminary research and on the rapid assessments performed under task 2.1 - Conduct sector assessments of tourism, agriculture, and high-tech sectors under Objective 2?

The sustainability of organizations created by the activity is of vital importance for USAID. If the contractor identifies a great need, supported by research and based on market drivers, they may consider facilitating businesses to form a new association or industry organization through technical assistance. Please note that grants are intended to be results driven rather than for standing up new industry organizations.

32 Page C-7, Section C.5 Detailed Work Requirements, Subsection C.5.2. Objective 2 - Greater economic resilience through improved export competitiveness of targeted sectors, Task 2.1 Conduct sector assessments of tourism, agriculture, and high-tech sectors.

Moreover, page C-10, Subsection C.5.5. lists the Contract Deliverables.

a. These assessments are not currently part of the deliverables mentioned on page C-10. Would USAID please confirm that these should be added under section C.5.5?

The tourism, agriculture, and high-tech sector assessments are mentioned under Section C.5.5 Contract Deliverables. Item # 5 “Number of sector assessments completed” under Objective 2 on pg. C-10 references these assessments.

33 Page C-4, Section C.5.1, Objective 1, states “the Contractor must provide technical assistance and in-kind grants to public sector organizations that help the government achieve four of the objectives assigned to the Ministry of Economy under the government’s 2021-2026 Action Plan.”

USAID advocates competition. However, there might be cases when a justified exception to competition may be needed.

a. Would USAID please advise if it is expected that these in-kind grants to be competitively awarded consistent with ADS 303, or

b. Is it anticipated providing exceptions to competition, as these grants are to be awarded to public sector organizations?

34 Page C-15, Section C.7, Grants Under Contract, states “GUCs will be used to support achieving the goals in Objectives 2 and 3. GUCs will also be used under Objective 4.” However, page C-4, Section C.5.1, Objective 1, states “the Contractor must provide technical assistance and in-kind grants to public sector organizations that help the government achieve four of the objectives assigned to the Ministry of Economy under the government’s 2021-2026 Action Plan.”

a. Would USAID please clarify if Section C.7, Grants Under Contract should be revised to include grants under Objective 1 as well?

See answer to question #22 above.

35 Page D-1, Section D.2.c, Compliance with Branding Strategy and Branding Implementation and Marking Plans, states the Activity Name is “USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia,” but the Contractor is instructed to identify the activity as “USAID Conserving Biodiversity” in each reference.

a. Would USAID please confirm the name of the Activity is “USAID Economic Foundations for a Resilient Armenia,” and should be identified as such?

Please see the answer to question #8 above.

36 Page D-1, Section D.2, Compliance with Branding Strategy and Branding Implementation and Marking Plans.

a. Given the anticipated amount of collaboration, partnership, and involvement of government counterparts under this Activity, would USAID please clarify if there will be a blanket waiver or instruction for acknowledging, branding, and marking with host government entities, to aid in the completion of the Branding and Marking Plan in Phase 2 of the Solicitation? Or

b. is the Contractor expected to request case-by-case deviations or approvals for co-branding with host government counterparts?

The Contractor is expected to request case-by-case deviations or approvals for co-branding with host government counterparts.

37 Page F-4, Section F.6.1, List of Reports and Deliverables, includes a “Participant Training Report.” However, this report is not further defined or explained in Section F.6.

a. Would USAID please clarify if this deliverable should be deleted?

The Contractor should provide participant training reports on implementation of participant training and exchange programs for capacity building as it is defined by ADS 253. It should reflect at a minimum on the:

a) objectives of the training,

b) description of training ( activity(ies), curriculum, agenda, etc.);

c) target audience (list of participants and or description of the target audience, etc.);

d) report on the results of the training (e.g. level of knowledge before and after);

e) formulates conclusions, provides recommendations for the future.

38 Page F-4, Section F.6.2, Mobilization Plan, states “the Contractor’s Chief of Party is required to arrive in-country no later than 30 days following the contract award date.” Page F-13, Section F.7, Key Personnel, however, states that all three Key Personnel “must be in the country by no later than 30 days after contract award.”

a. Would USAID please clarify if the 30-day mobilization requirement applies to all three Key Personnel or just the Chief of Party?

It applies to the Chief of the Party. If feasible, USAID would encourage the Contractor to mobilize all three key personnel no later than 30 days following the contract award date.

39 Page H-4, Section H.7.a.1, CLIN 0003 Clauses – Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, states “if, during Contract performance, the Contractor proposes salary or wages for a new individual(s) that exceeds 3% ceiling of the individual’s current salary or wage or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years, the Cognizant Contracting Officer’s approval is required.”

a. Would USAID please consider removing this limitation, as the requirement to request and verify past salary history through the 1420 form was eliminated and, as a matter of policy, Contractors no longer request past salary history information from candidates for equity purposes?

See answer to question #11 above.

40 Page H-4, Section H.7.a.2, CLIN 0003 Clauses – Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, states there is “a ceiling on the reimbursable base salary or wage paid to personnel under the Contract equivalent to the maximum annual salary rate specified in Section H.52 above.”

Please revise the referenced section as follows:

“(2) In addition, there is a ceiling on the reimbursable base salary or wage paid to personnel under the Contract equivalent to the maximum annual salary rate specified for Senior Executive Service (SES) Agencies without certified SES

a. As there is no Section H.52 in the Contract, would USAID please revise this reference?

Performance Appraisal System unless an advance written waiver is granted by the USAID Procurement Executive.”

41 Page H-4, Section H.7.d, CLIN 0003 Clauses – Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, states “annual salary increases (e.g. cost of living and merit increases and other) of 3 percent ceiling of the current labor pool may be granted once a year.”

a. Would USAID please clarify if the 3% ceiling on annual salary increases is tied to an individual person’s salary, or if it is tied to the position’s budgeted amount?

b. If the 3% ceiling on annual salary increases is tied to an individual person’s salary, would USAID please consider increasing the annual salary percentage limitation for an individual person to comply with the organization’s internal policies and account for inflation?

The 3% escalation is tied to the position’s budgeted amount. Also, the escalation rate at 3% is typical for government contracts and is reasonable based on the market research for wage escalation

42 The following questions are related to the application of AAPD 16- 02, Revision 3, itemized as follows:

a. H.21 Media and Information Handling and Protection:

AAPD 16-02 notes this clause is not required for “any equipment that is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract that does not require the use of the equipment.” As the purpose of the Contract does not appear to be to procure IT services/supplies, would USAID please advise if this clause is required?

b. H.36 Limitation on Acquisition of Information Technology:

AAPD 16-02 notes this clause is required when the contract requires “use of the services or equipment or system(s) or requires the use of the services or equipment to a significant extent in the performance of a service or the furnishing of a product. This requirement is not applicable for any equipment that is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract that does not require the use of the equipment.” As the purpose of the Contract does not appear to be to procure IT services/supplies, would USAID please advise if this clause is required?

a. The clause is required.

b. The clause is required.

c. The clause is required.

d. The clause is required.

e. The clause is required.

c. H.38 Software License Addendum: AAPD 16-02 notes this clause is required when the contract is “for new software licenses or to renew existing licenses.” As this does not appear to be the purpose of the Contract, can USAID advise if this clause is required?

d. H.39 Skills and Certification Requirements for Privacy and Security Staff: AAPD 16-02 notes this clause is not required for “any equipment that is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract that does not require the use of the equipment.” As the purpose of the Contract does not appear to be to procure IT services/supplies, would USAID please advise if this clause is required?

e. H.40 Security Requirements for Unclassified Information Technology Resources: AAPD 16-02 notes this clause is not required for “any equipment that is acquired by a contractor incidental to a contract that does not require the use of the equipment.” As the purpose of the Contract does not appear to be to procure IT services/supplies, would USAID please advise if this clause is required?

43 Page H-19, Section H.36 Nonexpendable Property, and Information Technology Resources states “the Contractor must request approval from the Contracting Officer before acquiring any nonexpendable property.”

a. Would USAID please confirm that the definition of the nonexpendable property referenced here is consistent with AIDAR 752.245-70 and AIDAR 752.245-71?

Yes.

44 Page L-5, Section L.7, Cover page states “…major subcontracts (defined as subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort).” Page L-6 under Section L.8.2. Past Performance Matrix states “… major subcontractor (i.e., one whose proposed costs exceed 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost).”

The CLIN 0003 is counted towards the 20% threshold for the major sub-contractor definition.

a. Would USAID please confirm that $4,124,957 for the CLIN 003 Supplemental Technical Assistance IDIQ does not count towards 20% threshold for a major sub-contractor definition?

45 Page L-6, Section L.8.2.a Past Performance Matrix, states the Offeror must “list at least five of the most recent… and relevant activities/projects that best illustrate the offeror’s performance for services similar to those described in Section C.”

a. Would USAID please confirm that the five relevant activities/projects should be for the Offeror’s entire team (including subcontractors), as opposed to five relevant activities/projects per entity?

The past performance information should be submitted for a total of five projects including subcontractors.

46 Page L-7, Section L.9 Instructions for Preparations of the Phase Two Proposal states “Offerors must use 8.5 by 11 inches (210 mm by 297 mm) paper, single-spaced pages with margins no less than one inch on each border. Offerors must number each page consecutively. Offerors must use Times New Roman or equivalent font, font size 11-12, and the layout must be readable.” Moreover, page L-10, Section L.10 Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business Proposal, states “cost/business proposals must be written in English on A4-size, 216mm by 297mm paper and typed using 12-point Times New Roman font size.”

a. Would USAID please consider aligning the formatting instructions for the Cost Proposal with the Technical Proposal formatting for consistency purposes?

Please see the answer to question #2 above.

47 Page L-13, Section L.10.c Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business Proposal, under Grants under Contract (GUCs), states “offerors are instructed to use a plug figure of $400,000 over the course of performance to account for GUCs.” Moreover, all other references to the Grants Under Contract in the RFP are to $8 million in grants.

a. Would USAID please confirm the above-referenced plug figure of $400,000 should be $8 million instead?

Please see the answers to question #16 and #22 above.

48 Could USAID please confirm that past performance information should not be submitted with Phase one Proposal (Institutional Capability).

The past performance information should not be submitted with Phase One.

49 L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF THE PHASE

ONE PROPOSAL, instructions for the Cover Page describe major subcontractors as follows: defined as subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort.

Could USAID please confirm that information on any subcontractor with a prominent part of the technical effort but expected to perform less than 20% of the offeror's total proposed cost shall be included in the Cover Page of the phase one proposal while Past Performance Information (after Phase I) should only be submitted for the Prime Contractor and any subcontractor who performs at least 20% of the offeror's total proposed cost.

See answer to questions #44, 45 and 48 above.

50 L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF PAST

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION states that The Past Performance Information section must include:

o Past Performance Information Cover Page o Tab 1 - Past Performance Matrix Tab 2 – Small Business Concern Performance Matrix.

Could USAID please clarify whether the Past Performance Reference Form should also be submitted in the Past Performance information section?

Yes.

51 In addition to Key personnel Resumes, does USAID want to see in the proposal, a recruitment/personnel matrix of identified and recruited experienced personnel and institutions to participate in teams for prospective task orders under Objective 4? If so, should this be included as an annex to the technical proposal?

No, there is no need to submit a recruitment/personnel matrix.

52 The RFP for EFRA states on the cover page that the “estimated value of award at $23-25 million, including an IDIQ component estimated at $4,124,957. Also the Cost-Reimbursement- Completion component of the contract includes Grants Under Contract (GUC) estimated at $8 million” meaning that an estimated 50% of the overall budget is reserved for the GUC and IDIQ over a

● Please see the answer to question #22 above.

● Please see the answer to question #22 above.

● Yes, USAID confirms that the IDIQ resources reserved within the $4.1m budget estimate may contribute to deliverables specified in Section C.5.5.

● So far no earmarked funds are planned to be utilized.

● Please see the answer to question #22 above.

proposed 5 year POP. Taking into the extensive set of requirements in Section C and F where significant staffing will be needed to deliver results across three Objectives, please clarify the following:

o What does USAID view as acceptable usage of the $8 million Grants Under Contract fund and/or what is not permissible?

For example, can it be used to support workshops, training programs or conferences; is it permissible to use it as part of blended finance or other transactions that might be part of the IMP, as well as to procure or develop any specialized software for said

IMP.

o Please confirm that GUC funds cannot be used to support Objective 1, as it is excluded from the narrative in Section C.7 Grants Under Contract.

o Please confirm that IDIQ resources reserved withing the $4.1m budget estimate may contribute to deliverables specified in Section C.5.5. Please confirm that local, regional, or international experts may be contracted with said funds to deliver targeted assistance to local stakeholders.

o Given the specificity of the amount included for the IDIQ, please advise if any earmarked funds are being utilized which would generate additional report, data tracking, and related activities that the core team has to deliver. Please clarify when funding is expected to be applied to CLIN 0003 and how those services are expected to be delivered (timing) over the contract term.

o Would USAID consider a different distribution of funds between core programming, GUCs, and the IDIQ?

53 Section B.3 - Please confirm that the funds anticipated to support Grants under Contract will be fully funded and dispensed to the Contractor in advance of the release of grant funds to recipients.

Additionally, confirm that the reserved amount ($8M) is inclusive of Grants management; if that is not the case, which CLIN is envisioned to support the resources to solicit, evaluate, and monitor the grants program. Please confirm that the reserved amount is inclusive of indirect costs consistent with the Contractor’s cost accounting standards.

The payments for the GUCs will be done through a Letter of Credit (LOC).

Payment for the other CLINs will be done by the direct reimbursement method.

Also, see answer to Question #22 above.

54 Section B.5 – Please clarify whether CLIN0003 is envisioned to support cost reimbursable, time and materials and/or fixed price task orders. The intent of the CLIN is flexibly respond to emerging and dynamic requirements. The flexibility afforded by all three contract types corresponds to engaging local, regional, international specialists/experts as consultants and subcontractors. In particular, it may be most cost effective to engage local and regional subcontractors on T&M basis.

It is up to the offeror to propose the type of subcontracts that will allow it to accomplish the expected results in the most effective and efficient manner.

55 Section M.3 – Please confirm that Statement of Work objectives for: Gender and Inclusion (C.6.4), Sustainability of Efforts (C.6.5), Local Capacity Development (C.6.6), and Coordination with Other USG and Non-USG Programs (C.6.7, C.6.8) will be evaluated as the elements of the technical approach.

The technical approach will be evaluated as stated under Factor 1: Technical Approach at Section M.3 PHASE TWO - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

EVALUATION FACTOR

56 Section L.5 Phased Evaluation Process – Voluntary Down-Select Process outlines the two phase procedure USAID has opted to utilize for this procurement. Please clarify how the Capacity Statement required for Phase I which will generate the advisory notices will be scored/evaluated and how those results will be reflected in Phase II, given that it is listed as Factor 3 under M.3 Phase Two – Technical Proposal Evaluation Factor. Please also further clarify how the Phase I submission will be balanced with or considered against the Past Performance material required under Factor 4, considering that if firms are cleared from Phase I to Phase 2 they have already demonstrated they have the past performance/institutional capacity to deliver the program.

The Institutional Capability for Phase I will be evaluated for the offeror’s capacity and experience to successfully perform and manage the Section C requirements, including supplemental technical assistance performed under task orders, and particularly how it will unlock productive use of financial capital that has catalytic effects to achieve the activity objectives. It then will be used as an input for the Phase II evaluation.

Past Performance is a separate evaluation factor and will be evaluated in Phase II as described under Factor 4: Past Performance on page M-3. Past performance evaluates an offeror’s quality of service performed.

57 Section L.7 includes the following language defining a major subcontractor for purposes of this procurement – “major subcontracts (defined as subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort).” At other points in the RFP only the numerical definition is applied however, so please clarify how the Mission is interpreting this term. We would strongly recommend the most flexible interpretation of this term to permit offerors to incorporate local implementing partner as subcontractors to the maximum extent possible in keeping with Administrator Power’s push for locally driven implementation.

Please see answer to questions #44, 45 and 48 above.

58 Please confirm that Prime Contractor will maintain the flexibility and privity to propose across CLINS 0001 - 0003 subcontractors consistent with the New Partners Initiative and Localization Initiative who do not maintain cost accounting systems and will therefore be engaged on a time and materials basis with appropriate measures applied to ensure that reasonableness of negotiated labor rates.

Please see answer to question #54 above.

59 Regarding B.3 CLINS on pages B-1 – B-2, could USAID please confirm that CLIN 0004 Grants Under Contract plug figure is inclusive of both indirect costs and fee??

Please see answer to question #22 above.

60 Section H.4.e. on page H-2 states that: “The Contractor shall award such grants only to non-governmental organizations. The amount of such grants shall not exceed $100,000, not to exceed $7.625 million in total, for U.S. non-governmental organizations unless an exception is provided in writing by the Contracting Officer (and further approved by the Mission Director).” Per 302.3.4.13.c.(1), Award Amount Threshold: “The total value of an individual grant to a U.S. NGO must not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), as defined in 48 CFR Section 2.101. This limitation to the SAT does not apply to grant awards to non-U.S.

NGOs.” Would USAID consider revising section H.4.e to align with ADS 302?

The $100,000 limitation for the grants is not a policy restriction. This limitation is based on programmatic consideration and reasonableness for grants to both US and local non governmental organizations.

61 Section F.4 Performance Standards, on page F-1-F-2, lists general assessment areas that will be included in the basis of the project

Please see answer to question #9 above.

performance evaluation. However, one (a.) is missing. Could USAID please include the missing assessment area?

62 Section F.6.4 on page F-6 notes “As an annex to the work plan, the Contractor must submit an updated annual Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (AMEL) plan that includes objectives, expected results, and indicators” and Section E.3 on page E-2 notes “Subject to the other terms and conditions of this Contract, the COR, in consultation with the Contractor, may modify the AMEL Plan at any time to reflect changing priorities and circumstances.”

Could USAID clarify whether the updated AMEL Plan is to be submitted as a separate document or as an annex to the Annual Work Plan?

The updated AMELP should be submitted as an annex to the work plan.

63 Per Section F.7 Key Personnel, specifically on page F-14-F-15, could USAID please clarify what is meant by “resident” for the COP and DCOP positions?

The term “resident” means full time COP/DCOP residing in Armenia for the duration of the contract.

64 Section L.7 on page L-5 notes that for Phase I technical proposals, “Offerors must not use a type smaller than Times New Roman 11 font,” but makes no reference to font size for graphs, charts, tables, and text boxes, whereas Section L.9 on page L-7 notes that offerors may use “may use font size 10 for text in graphs, charts, tables, and text boxes, so long as the text is legible.” May offerors use font size 10 for text in graphs, charts, tables, and text boxes in Phase I technical proposal?

Please see answer to question #2 above.

65 Section L.8.2 on page L-6 says the “Description of the performance” (L.8.2(a)2.c) and a “Short explanation of why the activity is relevant (e.g., in terms of recency, dollar value, relevant work, etc.)” (L.8.2(a)3) are each limited to 100 words. Given the format of the Past Performance Matrix, would you please allow 100 words for each of the following three fields: Scope of work or complexity/diversity of tasks, Skills/Expertise required, and Why is the work relevant?

The 100 words limitation is for the explanation section why the activity is relevant.

66 Section L.9 on page L-9 notes that the “Technical Approach should also include a results framework that demonstrates how the overall goal and objectives of the activity will be achieved. As the

No, USAID will not consider moving the results framework to an annex.

Technical Approach is limited to 12 pages, would USAID consider moving the results framework to an annex?

67 Section L.10 on page L-10 requires A4-size paper for the cost proposal, while the other proposal sections require 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Could USAID please confirm that Offerors also may use 8.5 x 11-inch paper for the cost proposal?

Please see the answer to question #2 above.

68 Section L.10(c)(b), Grants Under Contract, on page L-13 lists a plug figure of $400,000 for GUCs, while the cover page and Section B.3 list a plug figure of $8,000,000. Could USAID please confirm which plug figure is correct?

Please see the answers to questions #16 and #22 above.

69 Regarding Section L.10(g) [second occurrence] on pages L-16 – L- 17, could USAID please confirm that Offerors may budget the ODCs for CLIN 0003 as a lump-sum figure per year?

No budget breakdown is requested for CLIN 0003. The offerors must submit Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR) per the Labor Category Groupings presented in the table on page B-5. Also, the offerors must propose the fixed fee for CLIN 0003 which should be within the Total Estimated Cost + Fee of $4,124,957 for CLIN 0003. The ODC amount of $1 million is over the life of the contract.

70 Regarding Attachment J.6 Budget Template on page 184, could USAID please confirm that Offerors may use their own standard budget template, provided the major cost items are ordered in the same way as USAID’s budget template?

Could USAID please confirm that proposed subcontractors must meet the 20% budget threshold to be considered “major subcontractors” for cost proposal requirements?

The budget template is provided as a guide for the offerors to develop the cost proposal with an intent to standardize the cost proposal format for ease of analysis and evaluation. Thus, we encourage the offerors to follow the structure and logic of the template. Proposed subcontractors must meet the 20% budget threshold to be considered as major subcontractors.

71 In Section M, e.g., EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD, part M.1 General Information, (a) it is stated, “…Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint.” a. With this statement in mind are bidders required to provide a budgetary treatment (rough order magnitude) in the phase 1 submission? b. Or does the phase “initial proposal” refer only to elements required for Phase 2 submission?

The referenced statement from M.1 General information is for Phase II. The requirements for Phase I submission are presented in Section L.7 INSTRUCTIONS

FOR PREPARATION OF THE PHASE ONE PROPOSAL.

72 Can a bidder use DocuSign or some other digital signature application to sign a proposal cover page?

Yes.

73 If the cover page only takes up half a page, can the phase 1 submission use the additional white space on the cover page to begin the “Institutional Capability” Factor treatment?

No. the content of the cover page must be the following:

Cover Page Including (1) the RFP name and number, (2) the name of the Offeror,

(3) the Offeror’s address (4) name, title and signature of the authorized representative, and (5) the Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Offerors must also provide the name, address, and UEI of any major subcontracts (defined as subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort). The cover page must not list the names of non-major subcontractors or other resource partners.

74 Page 17, Section B.7(a), Payment of Fixed Fee, states: “The Government will pay the Contractor for performing this contract the fixed fee specified in the Schedule.” Further on page 95, Section I.1, Notice Listing Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference, includes “752.216-70: Award Fee (May 1997)” which is not consistent with the contract type.

Question: The offeror respectfully requests removal of 752.216-70, Award Fee, in consideration of the award being a Cost Reimbursement-Completion consistent with FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee.

The 752.216-70: Award Fee (May 1997) is hereby removed from the solicitation.

75 Page 41, Section F.6.1, List of Reports and Deliverables, states:

“Gender Equality, Female Empowerment, and Social Inclusion (GESI) Integration Plan is due within 60 days of the effective date of award. This timeline assumes that the offeror will need to complete a detailed and targeted GESI Analysis within 30 days after award. With this stated timeline an offer would be limited in their ability to generate a detailed and context specific GESI Analysis based upon comprehensive primary data collection activities with relevant Government of Armenia and Private Sector Actors. Without such analysis, the offeror would not be able to generate a GESI Integration Plan that is evidence based and validated with activity stakeholders.

Question: The offeror respectfully requests an extension of the submission deadline for the Gender Equality, Female Empowerment, and Social Inclusion (GESI) Integration Plan to no later than 180 days after the effective date of award.

The due date for Gender Equality, Female Empowerment, and Social Inclusion (GESI) Integration Plan is hereby extended to 90 days.

76 Page 118, Section J, List of Attachments, includes as Attachment J-

3: “SF LLL - DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES.”

However, Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders, does not request SF LLL in the submission of the cost volume Question: The offeror respectfully requests confirmation that it is not required to submit a completed SF LLL as part of its cost volume.

Please see the answer to question #5 above.

77 Page 118, Section J, List of Attachments, includes as Attachment J-

6: “BUDGET TEMPLATE CPFF.”

Question: The offeror respectfully requests USAID provide the budget template in an editable Excel file.

USAID will not provide the excel file of the template to avoid issues with formulas and potential errors. Offerors are requested to create the excel spreadsheet using the budget template as a guide and adjust it, if necessary, to align with their cost structure.

Also, please see the answer to question #70 above.

78 Page 140, Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposals, states: “Offerors must not use a type smaller than Times New Roman 11 font.”

Question: The offeror respectfully request USAID confirm that offerors may use font size 10 for text, in graphs, charts, tables, and text boxes.

Please see the answer to question #2 above.

79 Page 146, Section L.10(b), Part 2- Section B, states: “Offeror must fill in all parts of Section B where “TBD” or “to be filled in at the time of award” is indicated; specifically, Offeror must fill in Sections B.3, Section B.5; Section 5(b)(2) and Section B.6 with the information applicable to the cost proposal.”

Question: The offeror respectfully requests confirmation from USAID that Section B.4, Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee, and Obligated Amount for CLINS 0001 and 0002, “TBD” sections should be filled in by the offeror.

Yes.

80 Page 148, Section L.10(c)b, Instructions for…