HICD RFP questions and answers.docx

Request for Proposals (RFP)- 72011420R00002 USAID Georgia Human and Institutional Capacity Building (HICD) Activity Questions and Answers

1. Please confirm that the NAICS code 541618 is the classification for this acquisition.

The code 541618- Other Management Consulting Services applies to this acquisition.

2. Will USAID consider providing the offerors with the most recent Local Compensation Plan so that the offerors can use it as part of the salary survey for determining the proposed salaries of the local staff?

Please see attached the Summary of Local Compensation Plan.

3. Section C.3, Paragraph 3.1.1, Long-Term HICD Services to SUPPORT institutions with low commitment and low capacity, 4th bullet States that “The Contractor will have the requisite internal capacity to carry out PAs and implement multiple performance solutions through its subcontractors. It will also retain the capacity to subcontract additional services or short-term technical assistance (STTA) experts in case the subcontractors do not have the required expertise.” Please confirm that performance solutions are to be carried through local subcontractors and local employees, and local consultants of the prime contractor.

The Contractor will carry out the majority of performance assessments and implement the majority of the selected performance solutions through its local subcontractors and local employees. Given the complex nature of performance assessments and performance solutions, the local subcontractors and local employees may not have the requisite capacity/expertise to provide some of these HICD services. In such cases, the Contractor will subcontract additional external (local or international) consultancy services.

4. Section F.6, REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS, DELIVERABLES, states “The Contractor will submit the following reports to the COR: Annual Work Plans. The Contractor will submit the first-year work plan to the COR no later than 60 (ninety) calendar days after the effective date of the award.” Please clarify if the Annual Work Plans are due 60 or 90 days after the effective date of the contract.

It is a misprint in brackets it should be 60 (sixty) calendar days.

5. Section F.6, Reports and Deliverables or Outputs, states “Final Branding and Marking Plan. See Section D for details. Due within 60 days after contract award.” Section L.7, Instructions for the preparation of branding and marking plans, on page 88, states “The successful Offeror will submit a detailed Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and a Marking Plan (MP) within thirty (60) days after the contract start date.” Please confirm the BIP/MP is due sixty (60) days after award.

The BIP/MP is due within 60 (sixty) days after award.

6. Section G.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative, states that “USAID/Georgia delegates the international travel approval authority to respective Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).” And Section H.11, AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (JAN 1990) states that “Prior written approval by the Contracting Officer is required for all international travel directly and identifiably funded by USAID under this contract. The Contractor shall therefore present to the Contracting Officer an itinerary for each planned international trip …” Please clarify whether the authority to approve international travel lies with the CO or COR.

If the International Travel was included in the budget and was approved as part of the award, the COR should concur with this travel. In case of unbudgeted new travel, the CO should approve it.

7. Section L.4, L.4 Submission/delivery instructions, page 78, states “For Section K, Offerors shall comply with FAR Clause 52.204-7, System for Award Management and complete the annual representations and certifications electronically via the Online Representations and Certifications and other Statements of Offerors website at via the System for Award Management.” Please confirm that USAID does NOT require offerors to submit any portion of section K in writing as part of this proposal, and that having completed the online certifications in SAM are considered to be in compliance with this requirement.

Each offeror must submit a completed section K with their offer.

8. Please confirm whether Section K should be submitted for the prime contractor and major subcontractor.

We confirm.

9. Section L.5, Instructions for preparation of technical proposal, page 80, states “The combination of the Technical Approach and the Staffing Approach is limited to 23” and Factor 3, Past Performance Summary, Paragraph 1 states that “Briefly describe how the Offeror's Past Performance, and its team, is relevant to performance of the Contract. (Past Performance Summary, no more than 3 pages, and included in the 20-page limit” "). Please confirm which page limit is correct.

The page limit, including the Technical Approach, Staffing Approach, and Past Performance Summary of no more than 3 pages, is 20 pages. The Cover Page, the Cover Letter/Executive Summary, Table of Content, and Annexes do not count to this page limit.

10. Section L.5, Instruction for Preparation of Technical Proposal, Required order of Technical Proposal:

a. Paragraph 2 requires offerors to submit “Cover Letter or Executive Summary”. Would USAID consider allowing both a cover letter of one page in addition to an executive summary of two pages? - NO

b. Section L.5, Paragraph 2 states that the page size is “standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper,” and Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation and Submission of the Cost/Business Proposal, paragraph 1 states that the size is A4-size, 216 mm by 297 mm paper. Please confirm if standard 8 1/2" x 11" paper may be used for the Technical and Cost Proposals. 8 ½ x 11

c. Paragraph 7.b Results Table; Please clarify what is required to include in the results table or whether there is a required format. There is no required Format

d. Paragraph 7.d Resumes (Resumes not to exceed 2 pages for each individual and are not included in the page limitation). Please confirm that Resumes are required for Key Personnel only. Yes. Resumes are for Key Personnel only.

e. Paragraph 7.e lists Letters of Commitment for Key Personnel as an annex to the Technical Proposal, however, Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation and Submission of the Cost Business Proposal, Paragraph (i) Part 9 - Employee Biographical Data Sheets for Key Personnel states, “Offerors must provide Biographical Data Sheets (SF-1420-17) for all key and non-key identified personnel. Offerors must also include letters of commitment signed by each person proposed as key personnel confirming their present intention to serve in the stated position and their present availability to serve the project.” Please clarify the requirement and whether letters of commitment shall be included in the technical proposal or the Cost Proposal. Please include letters of commitment in the Technical Proposal.

f. Section L.5, Paragraph 7.g lists Initial Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan as an annex to the Technical Proposal, however, Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation and Submission of the Cost Business Proposal, Paragraph (h) Part 8-Branding and Marking Plan states that “Offeror(s) shall submit a preliminary BIP and MP (not to exceed two pages) as a separate annex to the cost proposal, which complies with Section D.” Please clarify if the BIP and MP are to be included in the Technical Proposal or the Cost Proposal. Please include as an Annex to the Cost Proposal.

11. Section L.6 Technical Approach, Factor 2: Staffing Approach, states that: “Offerors are required to provide: An effective organizational/management structure. At a minimum, this should include a description of: The capacity of selected local subcontractors to provide the majority of the HICD services. Please confirm our understanding that majority of the HICD services are to be provided by local subcontractors and local employees, and local consultants of the prime contractor.

The Contractor will provide the majority of the HICD services through its local subcontractors and local employees. Given the complex nature of HICD services (e.g. performance solutions), the local subcontractors and local employees may not have the requisite capacity/expertise to provide some of the HICD services. In such cases, the Contractor will subcontract additional external (local or international) consultancy services.

12. Section L.6, Technical Approach, Factor 3, Past Performance Summary states that “The Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide (1) a summary of its relevant Past Performance, and (2) a completed Past Performance Information Questionnaire (reference Section J) for itself and each major subcontractor” and paragraph 2 of the same section states that “List in the Annex up to five of the most recent (within the past five years) and relevant projects managed by the Offeror.” Please clarify if this is Annex F: Section L.6.3 Project List and Past Performance References.

Yes, it is.

13. Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation and Submission of the Cost Business Proposal, Paragraph (i) Part 9 - Employee Biographical Data Sheets for Key Personnel states, “Offerors must provide Biographical Data Sheets (SF-1420-17) for all key and non-key identified personnel.” Please confirm that Biographical Data Sheets (SF-1420-17) are required for all proposed personnel, not only key personnel.

Please provide Bio Data Sheets for Key Personnel at this stage.

14. Section M.2, Evaluation Factor 3: Past Performance Summary, Page 82, defines a major subcontractor as “one whose proposed cost exceed 20% of the proposed total cost” while Section L.7, Instructions for Preparation and Submission of the Cost/Business Proposal, Paragraph (b)(2) provides that “ A major subcontractor is considered one whose proposed cost exceeds 15% of the offeror's total proposed cost.” Please advise which percentage is correct.

Please use 20%.

15. Please confirm the closing time for the submission date of proposals is 05/05/2020 at 11am Georgian Standard Time, per the RFP cover page. Please note, the General Information section for this procurement on beta.SAM.gov is not consistent with the time zone and lists it as 05/05/2020 11am EDT.

The closing date for submission of proposals is May 15, 2020, 11:00 Georgian standard time as indicated in the revised RFP.

16. Section L.5 on page 80, states that “each page and paragraph numbered consecutively”. Please confirm that consecutive numbering requirement applies to pages only, and not paragraphs.

The numbering applies to pages only.

17. Please confirm that an Acronym List is allowed outside of the page limit for the technical proposal.

Acronym list will not be counted towards the page limit.

18. Section L.5, Instructions for Preparation of Technical Proposal on page 80 states: “the combination of the Technical Approach and the Staffing Plan is limited to 23 pages.” Further down, per the required order of the technical proposal, the breakdown of proposal sections by page limits does not appear to add up to 23 pages. Can USAID confirm both the total number of pages for the technical proposal, as well as page breakdown by section as applicable?

The page limit, including the Technical Approach, Staffing Approach, and Past Performance Summary of no more than 3 pages, is 20 pages. The Cover Page, the Cover Letter/Executive Summary, Table of Content, and Annexes do not count to this page limit.

19. Page 9, Section 3.1.1 heading “Long term HICD services to support institutions with low commitment and low capacity”. Please clarify whether the “low commitment” reference is intentional, or if it is supposed to read “high commitment and low capacity”?

For the detailed definitions of commitment and capacity, used in the RFP in the context of Georgia’s Journey to Self-Reliance, please refer to footnote #4 on p. 9 of the RFP.

20. Does USAID have a preferred template for Annex B, Results Table, or are offerors free to propose their own template? Also, please clarify the definition of “results” and provide guidance on what should be included in the table?

Offerors are free to use their own template that best illustrates the results to be achieved. Please refer to the summary of the planned end results and indicators on pp. 7-8 of the RFP.

21. Please clarify if Annex C “Management Structure Chart” is referring to the chart in support of the “Organizational Structure of the entire project team” referenced on page 80, Section L.5? Are the two terms referring to the same structure?

Yes.

22. Please confirm that submission of formatted resumes and letters of commitment are required ONLY for Key Personnel?

Please submit them for Key Personnel.

23. Can USAID share a Local Compensation Plan for Georgia?

Please see answer No.2

24. Can USAID confirm the definition of a major sub? Section L.6, Factor 3: Past Performance Summary on page 82 defines a major subcontractor as “one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the proposed total cost”, whereas Section L.7 (b) Part 2- Proposed Cost/Prices on page 83 defines it as “one whose proposed cost exceeds 15% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.”

Please use 20%.

25. Would USAID suggest a plug number for Partnership Development Fund and Grants cost categories?

Please ignore Partnership Development Fund and Grants cost elements, as they are not applicable for this acquisition.

26. In reference to Section L (b) (G), can USAID clarify what supporting information it would deem as “sufficient” to determine the reasonableness of subcontractor’s cost.

Please see FAR Part 15.4 and FAR Part 31

27. Page 84, Section L.7 (F), USAID provides instructions on what detail should be provided to support communication costs. However, “Communications” is not presented as a separate cost element in the table provided in Section L.7 (3) on Pages 85-86 outlining budget format and cost breakdown. Could USAID confirm if (1) communication costs should be included under the “Other Direct Costs” cost element, OR (2) if budget template on pages 85-86 should be modified to include cost element “Communications”?

The Communication cost element can be included under Other Direct Costs.

28. Section L.7, pages 82-85, includes the details on what minimum information is required to be provided for each cost element listed in budget format table on pages 85-86, with the exception of “Partnership Development Fund” and “Grants”. Would USAID provide more details on what minimum information is required to support these two cost elements?

Please ignore Partnership Development Fund and Grants cost elements, as they are not applicable for this acquisition.

29. If a subcontractor policy is not to provide their sensitive data (specifically, labor rates and indirect rates) to the prime and requires them to provide it directly to USAID, could USAID a) confirm that this is acceptable, and b) confirm if it is acceptable for the prime to NOT include sensitive/”unsanitized” labor rate and indirect rate details for the subcontractor in prime’s submission, noting that the subcontractor will provide those “unsanitized” details directly to USAID.

Prime may not include labor rates in their proposal and subs can submit them directly to USAID separately.

30. Could USAID clarify the specific format and the level of detail to be provided in the “detailed budget” referenced in Section L.7 (b) (2)?

There is no specific format. Under the detailed budget we would like to see cost elements with breakdowns and related calculations with formulas.

31. On page 80 under Section L.5 Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal there is no mention of whether an Acronym List is allowed to be included and whether it would count against the page count. Can USAID indicate whether we are allowed to include an Acronym List that will not count against the page limit?

Offerors can include an Acronym List, which will not count to the page limit.

32. The instructions on page 80 state the resumes not to exceed 2 pages for each individual should be submitted as a required annex. May USAID confirm that offerors should submit resumes for key personnel only.

Please submit resumes and bio data sheets for key personnel.

33. On page 82 under Section L.5 Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal, the RFP states that a major subcontractor is any subcontractor whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the proposed total cost. In Section L.7 Preparation of the Cost Proposal (pg. 83), the RFP then states a major subcontractor is any whose proposed cost exceeds 15% of the proposed total cost. Can USAID kindly clarify which proposed cost percentage offerors should use in the preparation of their proposal?

Please use 20%.

34. On page 82 Section L.5 Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal, they include 7g. Initial Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan. In Section L.7. In Section L.7 Preparation of the Cost Proposal (pg. 87), the RFP then states Part 8 - Branding and Marking "Offers shall submit a preliminary branding and marking plan (not to exceed two pages) as a separate annex to the cost proposal. Can USAID kindly clarify whether the branding and marking plan should be included as an annex to the technical or cost proposal?

Please see Answer No. 10 (f)

35. L.7 page 83 states that offerors must submit cost/business proposals in MS Word, Adobe PDF, and MS Excel format files. May USAID confirm that Offerors shall submit the Cost/Business proposal narrative in either PDF or MS Word format?

Please submit your cost proposal in the PDF format. The budget should be in Excel. Please provide formulas so that we see how you arrived at specific figures.

36. At L.7(b)(2) page 83 USAID instructs offerors to provide a complete detailed budget by cost element. The instructions at L.7(b)(3)(A)-(K) go on to describe various cost elements. However, different offerors have unique Cost Accounting Standards regarding the categorization of costs that are recognized and accepted by USAID, and the description provided for the categories of cost is not universal. May USAID clarify that Offerors may modify the table at L.7(b)(3), p. 85 At L.7(b)(2) page 83 USAID instructs offerors to provide a complete detailed budget by cost element. The instructions at L.7(b)(3)(A)-(K) go on to describe various cost elements. However, different offerors have unique Cost Accounting Standards regarding the categorization of costs that are recognized and accepted by USAID, and the description provided for the categories of cost is not universal. May USAID clarify that Offerors may modify the table at L.7(b)(3), p. 85 of the solicitation in accordance with their own categorization of costs, and that the detailed cost narrative may be organized accordingly?

All offerors must submit adequate cost information. Please note that small businesses are exempt from CAS requirements.

37. At L.7(b)(2) page 83 the instructions state that the offeror must provide "a complete detailed budget, including the budgets for each subcontractor". May USAID confirm that the requirement to include subcontractor detailed budgets applies only to major subcontractors, as defined in the solicitation?

Requirement applies to major subcontracts.

38. At L.7(b)(2) page 83 the instructions state that "[a]ll formulas must be displayed". May USAID confirm that all formulas, including elements and parameters used in those formulas should be accessible in the MS Excel version of the Cost/Business proposal, and not that all formulas should be displayed either in lieu of or in addition to the output of such formulas? That is, can USAID confirm that the number, not the formula calculating that number, may be displayed in each cell.

Any calculations should use formulas in the cell. They do not need to be displayed separately or in lieu of the output.

39. The instructions at L.7(b)(3)(A) page 84 state that offerors "must separate expatriate and cooperating country national labor categories for short/long-term and administrative staff". May USAID clarify whether a) Offerors should propose "labor categories" for all USN, TCN, and CCN employees and independent contractors, or b) Offerors should categorize all USN, TCN, and CCN employees and independent contractors as "administrative" or "non-administrative" staff. If b) may USAID provide, for the purposes of this solicitation, it's definition for "administrative" and "non-administrative" staff to ensure consistency across Offeror proposals?

LCATS should be separate for each category of personnel.

40. The instructions at L.7(b)(3)(J) page 85 state that USAID will average the ceiling rates for offerors proposing an annual ceiling rate on indirect rates "and use that figure for evaluation purposes". USAID's "Best Practices Guide for Indirect Costing" (ADS 302mbl_111714, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/302mbl.pdf), states that "Indirect cost rates should not be considered in award decisions or negotiations since indirect cost rates are approved by the Government for standard application on all federal awards and by their nature do not compare across organizations, given the diverse accounting practices and methods for determining rates. The practice of direct or indirect charging is not an indicator of best value." May USAID confirm that Offerors' indirect costs will not be used for evaluation purposes and remove all such references in the solicitation. Alternatively, may USAID provide an explanation describing how Offeror's indirect rates will be used for the purposes of evaluation?

Indirect cost will not be evaluated but must be provided.

41. May USAID clarify what costs Offerors should include in the "partnership development fund" and how this fund would differ from grants under contract.

Please ignore Partnership Development Fund and Grants cost elements, as they are not applicable for this acquisition.

42. On page 80 Section L.5 Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal, USAID instructs offerors to include a letter of commitment for key personnel in the technical proposal annex. On page 87 L.7 Preparation of the Cost Proposal, the RFP denotes in Part 9 that offerors must include letters of commitment for key personnel. Can USAID kindly confirm if offerors should include LOCs for key personnel in both the technical and cost proposal?

Please submit them in the Technical Proposal.

43. Can USAID provide a copy of the current local compensation plan for Georgia in order to guide offerors in the preparation of their proposals?

Please see the answer No.2

44. Can USAID estimate when it plans to make an award and start the program?

The estimated award day will be August 2020.

45. The amended RFP published on SAM.gov on April 8 shows a closing date of May 8, 2020. However, the SAM.gov system still shows a submission deadline of May 5. Please confirm that proposals are due on May 8.

Please see the answer No.15

46. The amended RFP published on April 8 does not appear to have any changes to the original RFP other than the due date. Please confirm that nothing else in the original RFP was changed in the April 8 RFP.

We confirm that no changes were made other than the proposal submission date and correct PDF format.

47. The instructions in Section L.5 on page 80 say that “each page and paragraph” should be numbered consecutively. We note that numbering each paragraph consecutively poses a burdensome challenge when editing and formatting the document. We request that USAID delete the requirement for numbered paragraphs.

Please see answer No.16

48. The instructions in Section L.5 on page 80 contain two different page limits for the Technical Approach and Staffing Approach. Please clarify whether the page limit is 23 pages or 20 pages.

The page limit, including the Technical Approach, Staffing Approach, and Past Performance Summary of no more than 3 pages, is 20 pages. The Cover Page, the Cover Letter/Executive Summary, Table of Content, and Annexes do not count to this page limit.

49. The instructions in Section L.5 on page 80 note that an Illustrative Work Plan is required as an annex. There are no details provided for this Work Plan in the instructions, nor is it mentioned in the evaluation criteria. Please provide a description of what this Work Plan should include, what time period it should cover, and how it will be included in the evaluation of technical proposals. If it is not factored into the evaluation of proposals, we suggest that this requirement be removed and instead be part of the initial deliverables after contract award.

Offerors are required to include an illustrative, year 1 work plan based on the understanding that a detailed and specific annual work plan will be finalized after contract award. The illustrative work plan will be considered in relation to and in the context of an offeror’s technical approach, the summary of the planned end results and indicators (pp. 7-8 of the RFP), and approximate total numbers of HICD services and interventions (p. 13 of the RFP).

50. The instructions in Section L.5 on page 80 note that a Results Table is required as an annex. There are no details provided for this Results Table in the instructions, nor is it mentioned in the evaluation criteria. Please provide a description of what this Results Table should include, what time period it should cover, and how it will be included in the evaluation of technical proposals. If it is not factored into the evaluation of proposals, we suggest that this requirement be removed and instead be part of the initial deliverables after contract award.

Offerors are free to use their own template that best illustrates the results to be achieved. The Results Table will be considered in relation to and in the context of an offeror’s technical approach, the summary of the planned end results and indicators (pp. 7-8 of the RFP), and approximate total numbers of HICD services and interventions (p. 13 of the RFP).

51. The instructions in L.6 Factor 3: Past Performance Summary refer to a “Past Performance Information Questionnaire (reference Section J).” We did find included in the RFP documents a Past Performance template, but it is not labeled as Section J. Please confirm that the template provided with the RFP is indeed Section J and that this is the only Past Performance Questionnaire that offerors should use.

Yes. Please use the Past Performance Information Questionnaire.

52. The instructions on in section L.7 on page 83 request that the Cost Proposal be written on size A4 paper. The technical proposal is supposed to be written on letter-size paper. Please confirm that these two different paper sizes are indeed the correct instructions.

Please see Answer No.10

53. Page 22 states that the annual work plan is due no later than “60 (ninety)” calendar days after the effective date of the award. Will the annual work plan be due 60 or 90 days after the award?

Please see answer No. 4

54. Page 78 indicates that offers will only be considered if they include completion of the representations, certifications, and other statements of offerors outlined in section K, however, section K is not included in the instructions for the technical or cost proposals (pg. 80-87). Could USAID please confirm that section K must be included in the cost volume?

Please include a completed Section K as an annex to the cost proposal.

55. The instructions on pages 81-82 under Staffing approach require offerors to include qualifications and experience of key personnel. Similarly, the evaluation factors under Staffing Approach on page 90 only refer to key personnel. Please confirm that offerors should only address the qualifications and experience of key personnel and that only key personnel will be evaluated.

Please refer to Section M2 on pp. 89-91 of the RFP because the Key Personnel's qualification and capacity are not the only consideration under Factor 2 Staffing Approach.

56. Required annexes (pg. 80) instructs offerors to include resumes of personnel – please confirm that offerors should only include resumes of key personnel.

We confirm.

57. Part 9 of the cost proposal (pg. 87) is titled “Employee Biographical Data Sheets for Key Personnel”, however the instructions directly below instruct offerors to “provide Biographical Data Sheets for all key and non-key identified personnel”. Under Salary and Wages (pg. 83), offerors are also instructed to provide biodata sheets for all personnel, including short and long term, and key and non-key personnel. Should offerors provide Biodata sheets for all proposed personnel, or only for named key personnel?

Please provide bio-data sheets for Key Personnel.

58. Under “Factor 3: Past Performance” (pg. 82) major subcontractors are defined as having more than 20% of the proposed total cost, however under “Part 2 – Proposed Costs/Prices” (pg. 83), major subcontractors are defined as one whose proposed cost exceeds 15% of the offeror’s total cost. Are major subcontractors defined as having more than 15% or more than 20% of the offeror’s total cost?

Please use 20%

59. In order for offerors to develop a better understanding of local market rates and provide the best value to USAID, could USAID please release the entire latest local compensation plan for Georgia, including both salary and benefits?

Please see the answer No. 2

60. The RFP mentions the needs of local institutions to obtain international certification in management systems, develop HR and financial management systems, and data gathering abilities. Should the bidder budget for any ICT procurement or certification costs to support these local institutions?

Bidders may include costs related to obtaining certification in management systems, HR and financial management systems, and data gathering abilities.

61. Does USAID anticipate the Center of Excellence (CoE) to have any physical facilities such as an office or training room. If the CoE is an online tool, should the bidder anticipate hardware (servers) and software costs to establish the center?

As noted on p. 81 of the RFP, offerors are required to propose a viable model (e.g. as a physical space, in close coordination with an existing local educational/academic entity, or an accessible digital platform) for the establishment of a CoE with a clear plan that ensures financial feasibility and sustainability. Offerors will need to propose costs in accordance with the proposed model.

62. On page 84, from l.7(b)(I) for the RFP, USAID directs offerors to have a breakdown of seminars and conferences, including the subject, the venue, and the duration of proposed conferences and seminars. This RFP reflects a five-year contract which will see the project adapt and evolve to meet the needs of its counterparts. Considering the need to review, analyze, and re-assess interventions, can USAID not require specific venues and exact subjects/durations to be named for each conference, training, or seminar event?

Offerors can include an illustrative, annual breakdown of seminars and conferences that can support the HICD services without indicating specific venues.

63. Under the budget template displayed on page 85, USAID lists Grants as a cost element, but grants are not mentioned in Section C. Can USAID please give some direction on their expectations on the amount of grants, the number, and their recipients?

This table is illustrative and was presented as a template. Grants are not applicable for this acquisition.

64. Under the budget template displayed on page 85, USAID lists the Partnership Development Fund as a cost element, but this fund is not mentioned in Section C. Can USAID please give some direction on their expectations on purpose of the fund as opposed to grants or other project activities and the expected monetary size?

Please ignore Partnership Development Fund and Grants cost elements, as they are not applicable for this acquisition.

ATTACHMENT

Local Compensation Plan Summary The following is a summary of the U.S. Mission wages for local personnel, who are subject to the Local Compensation Plan (LCP). The figures noted are stated as gross annual, and based on a 40 hour work week/80 hour pay period, 2080 hours per year.

Non Professional Staff: GEL 21,243 annual- GEL 38,586 annual Professional Staff:

· Junior Level Personnel GEL 31,925 annual -GEL 54,089 annual

· Mid-Level Personnel GEL47,155 annual -GEL 91,024 annual

· Senior Level Personnel GEL 76,842 annual -GEL 139,531 annual

Senior management with highly technical expertise:

GEL 151,311 annual – GEL 211,839 annual

Note: Approximate salaries are based on average Mission salaries, which may or may not reflect the fair market value of institutional Contractor employees.