SOL 72011423R00009 Amendment 0001.pdf

(x)

72011423R00009 x x

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 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

720114

0131, Tbilisi, Georgia 29, Georgian-American Friendship Av USAID/Georgia Regional Contracting Office

10/10/20230001

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

09/15/2023

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 the Amendment 001 to the Solicitation is to provide answers to questions from the prospective offerors as stated in the Attachment 1, Answers to Questions, and to amend the Solicitation.

In addition, the Solicitation is hereby amended as follows:

1. Under Section K.4. (page 92), DELETE “The North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611” and REPLACE with “The North American Industry

Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541618”.

2. Under Section H.4, paragraph 3 (page 48), DELETE the first sentence and REPLACE with:

“The Contractor will be authorized to use Grants Under Contract to issue grants to local

Continued ...

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)

Alexis McGinness

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 .

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 2

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

72011423R00009/0001 entities, to support the activities under the relevant components of the activity. The

Contractor may issue in-kind grants to relevant

Government of Georgia stakeholders”.

3. Under Section I, page 73, DELETE FAR 52.222-2

Payment For Overtime Premiums.

4. Under Section L.7, page 123, DELETE “Any pages beyond these twenty pages will NOT be given to the evaluators and will not be evaluated” and

REPLACE with “Any pages beyond these twenty-six pages will NOT be given to the evaluators and will not be evaluated”.

----- End of Amendment 001 -----

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Solicitation 72011423R00009, Amendment 0001

Contract Section Questions Response

Cover Page

1. "“… its period of performance is based on the Section 889 Modified Foreign

Assistance (FA) Waiver USAID received from the Director of National Intelligence

(DNI), which expires on September 30, 2028. Therefore, although this is anticipated to be a five year period of performance, the base period will be for four years and four months (e.g., 52 months) and an option period for an additional eight (8) months.” Working back 52 months from September 30, 2028, should we assume a project start date of June 1, 2024?

Offerors should not assume that the project start date will be June 1, 2024.

General

2. Can USAID kindly provide an anticipated start date for the Green Transportation and Logistics Program?

USAID anticipates a start date anywhere between January 2024 thru June 2024 as there are numerous factors that could impact the procurement and start date.

Cover Page

3. The Cover Page states, “the North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) Code is 541618 Other Management Consulting Services.” In contrast, Section K.4 states “The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541611.” Can USAID please confirm the applicable

NAICS Code and its size standard?

The correct NAICS code for this acquisition is 541618. Please see amended language set forth above.

Section B

4. We would respectfully request that B.6 be deleted to align with 2 C.F.R. § 1108.85 and allow for the awardee to apply the indirectrates approved by the cognizant agency responsible for approvingtheir indirect rates.

Section B.6. does not contradict 2 CFR 1108.85 as this section does not preclude

USAID from establishing an advance understanding of a ceiling for indirect rates.

Section C, H

5. “…the Program will use up to $6 million in Grants Under Contracts (GUC) as one of the tools that will be used to implement the program.” Please clarify whether the

$6M ceiling is for the GUC and CFP together? Or is there a separate ceiling for each?

The $6M GUC ceiling amount is different from the amount of funds that may be used under the CFP. There is no ceiling for the amount allocated to the CFP as such amount should be based on the offeror's technical approach to meet or exceed the Section C requirements and achieve activity objectives and results.

Section C

6. Grants Under Contract refers to “Global Development Alliances (GDAs) as defined by USAID.” It is our understanding that the GDA APS closed on August 31, 2023 and was replaced by the Private Sector Collaboration Pathway (PSCP) GDA. Will

USAID confirm that GDAs in this context refer to activity-based partnerships between the private sector and the program with cash and/or in-kind contributions from each party?

USAID defines GDAs as a partnership where USAID and the private sector work together to develop and implement market-based approaches to solve development challenges. Activities under a GDA leverage and apply our respective assets and expertise to advance core business interests, facilitate private sector-led development, and drive sustained development impact.

Section C

7. Does USAID prefer offerors to refer to the East-West trade route using a particular term, e.g., the Middle Corridor, Trans-Caspian Corridor, etc.?

For the context of this activity, the Middle Corridor is the common way to refer to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).

Section C

8. Subject to available program funds and programmatic priorities, will the Program be able to coordinate, organize and fund activities in other countries to enhance

Middle Corridor performance? Would all such activity have to be organized through an existing USG-funded program in such countries?

The place of performance is the county of Georgia. There may be some expenses outside of the country such as participation in events or professional exchanges where such participation benefits components of the activity. The Middle

Corridor is transnational so it makes sense to stay abreast of regional developments and to coordinate with other US Missions and donors.

Section C

9. The RFP mentions collaborating with USAID Industry Led Skills Program, USAID

Resilient Communities Program, and the USAID Local Governance Program. Do those programs have any indicators the same as USAID requires for USAID Green

Transportation and Logistics Program? If so, will results be allocated to each program?

Each USAID/Georgia activity is required to collaborate with other USAID projects. In regards to results, methodology should be explained in project monitoring plans.

Section C

10. Will USAID facilitate collection of data and access to stakeholders in other Middle

Corridor countries?

The implementing partner will be able to connect with local USAID missions and bilateral or regional projects in those countries, but should not rely on USAID to provide data and stakeholder access in other countries.

Section C, H

11. The Grants Under Contract amount up to $6,000,000 appears to be high in comparison with the overall value of the RFP program and requirements

($24,500,000). Kindly consider decreasing the GUC amount and provide a fixed

GUC plug figure for consistent pricing among offerors.

USAID declines to provide a GUC plug figure as Offerors are expected to determine the amount appropriate based on their technical approach. The ceiling amount of grants is $6,000,000; offerors may opt to apply a smaller amount.

Section C

12. Page 16. Paragraph 1 states that Grants must require a minimum of 1:1 matching, wherever possible. Could USAID provide additional guidance regarding the expectations and the required cost-match ratio of 1:1 for award of matching grants? Could USAID replace the “matching” requirement with “leveraged funds”

Grants require a minimum of 1:1 matching. "Wherever possible" should be interpreted as there being flexibility to allow for exceptions. Matching means additional non-USAID funds coming either from the beneficiary or a third party.

In this case, "Matching" means "leveraged funds", but not all "leveraged funds"

(as in the case of debt) mean "matching". Within this framework, the offeror has flexibility in proposing their grant making policy.

Section H

13. Section H.4 indicates each grant must include a minimum 1:1 matching requirement and strive for more when possible, and Section C.8 indicates grants must require a minimum of 1:1 matching wherever possible. To open up the possibility of issuing fixed amount awards (FAAs) if appropriate, will USAID kindly confirm this match can be in the form of leveraging (which would include anything of value that is measured, such as financial contributions, third-party contributions, donated services or property, etc.) or grantee contributions to the activity?

See response to #12.

Section H

14. Can USAID confirm that the language in paragraph 3 on page 48 issuing “GUCs to relevant GoG stakeholders” refers to only in-kind grants?

Please see amended language. In-kind grants, technical assistance, or other activities by the recipient to or for the benefit of a partner government entity may be issued to relevant GoG stakeholders.

Section D

15. Section D.4 indicates the contractor must “flow down” the branding and marking requirements in accordance with 2 CFR 700.16 to grantees. Since 2 CFR 700 is not applicable to non-U.S. grantees, would USAID revise this reference to the branding and marking requirements outlined in ADS 303 and the standard provisions?

As outlined in ADS 303.3.6.2.f., "It is a Federal Statutory and regulatory requirement (see Section Section 641, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and 2 CFR 700.16) that all overseas programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities that USAID partially or fully funds under an assistance award or subaward must be appropriately marked with the

USAID identity."

Section F, I

16. Section F.4 prohibits overtime pay, and Section I incorporates FAR 52.222-2

Payment for Overtime Premiums (JUL-1990). Will USAID please confirm that overtime payment is authorized in accordance with FAR 52.222-2?

Please see amended language, deleting FAR 52.222-2 from Section I. Section F.4 shall be binding, which prohibits overtime pay.

Cost Proposal

17. Will USAID confirm that Offerors with an approved purchasing system may provide information to adhere with Advance notification of intent to subcontract procedures outlined in FAR 52.244-2(e)(2) of Alternate I instead of seeking consent in accordance with FAR § 44.202-2.?

Confirmed.

Section K

18. Section K.1 (page 89) incorporates FAR 52.237-8 Restriction on Severance

Payments to Foreign Nationals. Given the requirements of Georgia’s labor law, which requires payment of severance in some instances, we respectfully request that USAID replace FAR 52.237-8 with FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of Limitation on

Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals.

Georgia Labor Code does not mandate severance pay for project staff who are employed for a definite duration. This is a 5-year activity, and it is not reasonable to budget 1-month salary for employees hired on the 5-year employment contract. If the staff member leaves, e.g., because of the reorganization or downsizing of the project, there should be sufficient funds in the budget line item to pay compensation for the separation with economic reasons.

Section L

19. Please confirm that form J3 Past Performance Matrix is not constrained by the page size defined in the RFP.

As set forth in Section L.6, this document may be submitted as an Excel spreadsheet and is not required to be provided as a PDF. As such , there is no applicable page size.

Section L

20. "“Note regarding Key Personnel: Offeror must not submit actual candidates for the proposed Key Personnel in the Technical Proposal. Offerors are only to submit proposed qualifications for the key personnel.”

We understand that key personnel should not be named.

May the offeror name non-KP in the proposal?

Offerors must not provide the names of any personnel.

Section L

21. Section L.7 (paragraph at the bottom of page 123) indicates that the technical proposal (which includes the technical approach and management and staffing approach) is limited to 26 pages, but later in the same paragraph USAID indicates that pages beyond twenty will not be given to evaluators. Will USAID confirm that the technical volume is limited to 26 pages and does not include Institutional

Capacity, and allow offerors to reassign section page limits within the overall page limit of the volume?

Please see amended language, amending the sentence "that pages beyond twenty will not be given to evaluators' to instead state " that pages beyond twenty-six will not be given to evaluators."

Section L

22. Can USAID clarify if they will be evaluating 20 pages or 26 pages? What is the correct page count offerors should be writing to?

See response to #21.

Section L

23. Section L.8.6 (b) states that “A summary (not full copies) of the Offeror and major subcontractor's personnel policies used for formulating the cost proposal and in effect at the time the offer is submitted, especially regarding salary and wage scales, fringe benefits, merit increases, promotions, leave, differentials, travel, and per diem regulations.” Will USAID kindly confirm if major subcontractors without USAID experience need to include this summary in addition to a copy of their personnel policies?

Correct.

Section L

24. Please confirm that the FAR requirement 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees will be satisfied by providing the information specified in RFP Section L.8, paragraphs ‘Salaries and Wages’ Personnel’ and ‘Fringe

Benefits.’

As per FAR 22.1103, FAR 52.2222-46 requires that offerors submit for evaluation a total compensation plan setting forth proposed salaries and fringe benefits for professional employees working on the contract. Supporting information will include data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure. Plans indicating unrealistically low professional employee compensation may be assessed adversely as one of the factors considered in making an award. Offerors should submit information in accordance thereto, and may require additional information beyond that specified in Section L.8 in order for USAID to adequately evaluate costs.

Section L

25. RFP Section L.5 provides instructions that all attachments must be in MS Word, Adobe PDF, or MS Excel readable format. Kindly clarify that Offeror can submit cost proposal in excel and PDF readable format and MS Word submission is not required for Cost Proposal.

Offerors are not obligated to provide the cost proposal as both a Adobe PDF and

MS Word format though both versions are appreciated.

Section L

26. USAID is requesting “Table of Management Positions” that should include the

“proposed minimum qualifications of the Key Personnel positions” and “other strategic and technical positions.” Could USAID clarify if all proposed positions should be included in this table or provide the definition for ‘strategic and technical positions’?

Only the proposed "management positions" that are either key personnel or deemed "strategic and technical" to the offeror need to be included. Other

Management positions that the offeror does not consider necessary to include may be ommited. "Strategic and technical" is not defined in this RFP but as a general guideline you may interpret as the omission of said personnel would make it difficult to achieve the goals described in your proposal.

Section L

27. USAID is requesting an “Organizational Chart displaying the activity’s anticipated staffing structure and office(s) with lines of authority and general descriptions for all home office and field employees.” Could USAID clarify the requirement for

‘general descriptions’? Is USAID requesting written narrative or position titles, levels, and expected duration (e.g., short-term, or long-term)?

USAID defers to Offerors to make their own determination as to what should be included in the organizational chart, acknowledging the page and font size limitations.

Section L

28. Page 130, paragraph 3, Section L. 8. 3 states: “Offeror must explain how the proposed budget aligns with its anticipated technical approach to the utilization of grants, including intended purpose and approach regarding the use of grants to allow USAID to determine that the costs are realistic.” Could USAID please clarify what level of detail is required at the proposal stage in the cost volume vs. the technical proposal for the grants program?

There is no specified level of detail required in the cost proposal to assist in the determination as to whether the proposed amount of grants is realistic.

Offerors must provide adequate information within the technical proposal and, as supplemented if deemed necessary in the cost proposal, for USAID to make a determination that the proposed amount is realistic given the Offeror's proposed technical approach. This requirement is specific as to making a determination that the cost is realistic whereas the TEC may separately evaluate whether the proposed amount and approach is adequate to meet the contract requirements and achieve the program objectives and results.

General

29. Does USAID anticipate transferring vehicles or other significant inventory/property to the Green Transportation and Logistics Program from other

USAID-funded activities?

While assets may become available, your proposal should not include this assumption.