Amendment 0001 SOL72011424R00004.pdf

(x)

72011424R00004 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

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

04/26/20240001

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

04/26/2024

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:

a) provide answers to questions from the prospective offerors;

b) incorporate revisions to the Solicitation document and provide revised Solicitation;

c) extend the deadline for proposals submission to June 11, 2024, 09:00 AM, Tbilisi, Georgia time (GMT/UTC +4).

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)

Samuel Kraegel

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)

72011424R00004/0001

Accordingly, the following changes apply to the

Solicitation:

1) Answers to questions from the prospective offerors are provided in Attachment 1 to this

Amendment;

2) Revised Solicitation is attached to this

Amendment;

3) The deadline for proposals submission is June

11, 2024, 09:00 AM, Tbilisi, Georgia time

(GMT/UTC +4).

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

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

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

ATTACHMENT 1, Solicitation 72011424R00004, Amendment 0001

Questions Answers

1. Sections B.2 (p5) and L.2 (p108) both indicate that USAID intends to award a Cost-Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract, however Section B.7 (p7) states that fee will be paid each month, upon receipt of a proper invoice. Given the above, we respectfully request that USAID modify or remove Section G.5 (p45), which refers to payment upon completion of deliverables, and revise the contract type to be consistent with the omission of G.5.

No change

2. Section C.3.1 (page 11) states that Offerors must propose targets against the indicators provided for Component 1;

Component 2 (page 12) provides minimum targets but does not mention the Offeror proposing targets. Accordingly, can

USAID confirm that: a)Offerors should propose minimum targets for the “Mandatory Direct Measures” of Component 1 and either validate or adjust the “Key Contractual Results” of Component 2? b)Inclusion of these targets may be incorporated in a table as an optional Annex C which does not count against the Technical submission page limit?

a) Section C.3.1 has been revised. Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures."

They are not required to adjust the Key Contractual Results. The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures.

b) Offerors must adhere to the page limit (as revised), any inclusions beyond what is requested in the

RFP will not be evaluated.

3. Section C.5 (p16) refers to an amount for Grants Under Contract “set forth in Section B.6.” We note that the numbering in

Section B proceeds from B.5 to B.7. Please confirm that the reference in Section C.5 should be to “B.4” and that no sections were inadvertently omitted from Section B.

Section B has been revised. Please see revised RFP.

4. Section F. 6 page 27 states the need for “Weekly Updates and Meetings” will be determined by the COR, however page 33

Section F.6.12 states these updates and meetings are required weekly. Can USAID kindly confirm that Section F.6 is correct?

Section F.6.12 has been revised. The Contractor must hold regular meetings and provide supporting documentation as directed.

5. Section L.6 page 112 states that offerors must include past performance for no more than five awards over the past three years. Given recent shifts in the region’s geopolitics and economic landscape, would USAID consider extending this period to five years?

No change. FAR 42.1503(g) specifies, "Agencies shall use the past performance information in CPARS that is within three years of the completion of performance of the evaluated contract or order".

6. Section L.6 page 113 states that for those past performance activities that do not have a CPAR, the referenced organization must complete and send directly the Past Performance Reference Form to USAID/Caucus. Given that non-USAID donors may not be familiar with USAID requirements and do not otherwise contribute to an offeror’s proposal development effort, this requirement can place an undue burden on donor offices. Can USAID please therefore clarify how a referee’s failure to reply by the Past Performance deadline would affect evaluation of the Offeror’s proposal?

Offerors must adhere to instructions contained in Sections L.4, L.5, and L.6 of the RFP. Please refer to

RFP Section M.3, Factor 4, for information regarding Past Performance evaluation .

7. Section L.5 page 110 states offerors must include a cover letter as part of their submission, however Section L.7 page 114 does not include this requirement among the list of sections. Can USAID kindly confirm that: a) A signed cover letter is required in addition to the Cover Page? b)The cover letter does not count against the 26-page limit?

The cover letter is the same as the cover page and limited to one page. It does not count against the 26-page limit. Please see revised Section L.7

8. Please confirm that offers can include a one-page executive summary, not to be counted against the 26-page limit. No executive summary was requested in the RFP.

9. Section L.7 page 116 states that the Organization Chart should include general descriptions for all home office and field office employees. Given that Annex A will provide descriptions of all core project positions’ roles and qualifications, can

USAID kindly confirm that descriptions beyond the titles and reporting lines are not required in the Organizational Chart?

Section L.7 is revised. USAID confirms that descriptions beyond the titles and reporting lines are not required in the Organizational Chart. The offerer can provide position descriptions in Annex A, Table of

Management Positions.

10. Section M2 page 129 states that “The price analysis will utilize standard deviation methodology.” Given this approach requires offerors to anticipate the likely pricing submissions of other implementing partners to determine their cost proposal rather than solely the realism, allocability, and allowability of costs per their own approach, would USAID consider allowing all technically successful Offerors the opportunity to submit best and final offers to final selection?

The evaluation process will be performed as specified in section M.2 of the RFP. Offerors should submit their best offer at initial proposal submission stage.

11. Please confirm that offerors can utilize their own excel templates for the budget ensuring to match the required budget elements from J.2?

Confirmed. Offerors may use their own templates as long as all mandatory information is included.

Note that formulas and references must be included, clearly visible , and unlocked.

12. Given the week-long Georgian holidays taking place between May 3-10, 2024, would USAID consider extending the proposal submission deadline to offset this and ensure inclusive engagement of local stakeholders in the proposal development process?

Past Performance submission deadline remains May 28, 2024. Proposals submission deadline is extended to June 11. Please see revised RFP.

13. RFP page 48, Section H.1 Authorized Geographic Code allows for 937 and 110, which exclude procurement from developed countries such as those in the European Union. Given EU markets are likely the most accessible Western markets for

Georgia, utilizing EU vendors/professional services providers could add a lot of value to this project. Would USAID please consider expanding the Geographic Code to allow procurement of goods and services from developed countries as well?

No change. Exceptions during implementation may be considered with sufficient justification.

14. RFP page 112, Section 6. Instructions for Preparation Subcontractor Past Performance Submission states “Solely for purposes of past performance evaluation (e.g., not for cost proposals or other purposes within this RFP), “major subcontractor” is defined as a subcontractor whose proposed level of effort exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total effort.”

a. Would USAID please confirm that the 20% of LOE applies to the offeror’s total effort including grants under the contract pool?

Confirmed

15. RFP page 114, Section 7. Instructions for Preparation of Technical Proposal states “The Technical Proposal, including

Technical Approach and Management and Staffing Plan, is limited to 26 pages total and be written in English…” While the page limitation in the below-numbered list says the following: 1. Cover Page (1 page, not included in page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (12 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (no more than 4 pages, not included in limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (no more than 2 pages, not included in the limit)

a. Would USAID please clarify the page limit for the Technical Approach; Institutional Capacity; and Management and

Staffing Approach sections together and separately, and update the RFP accordingly?

The page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

16. RFP page 114, Section 7. Instructions for Preparation of Technical Proposal states “Charts, graphs, text boxes, and tables may use no less than Calibri font size 9 ”. a. Would USAID please confirm that this list includes graphics as well?

Confirmed

17. RFP page 8, Section C.2.1 General Background and Problem Analysis lists four “sectors as most likely to help generate inclusive employment and/or environmentally friendly economic growth for Georgia: 1) tourism and hospitality; 2) light manufacturing; 3) digital industries; and 4) solid waste management.” While RFP page 17. Section C.6.1 Innovations and

Digital Solution is listed under Section C.6 Additional Cross-Cutting Requirements and Considerations a. Would USAID please clarify if digital industries are considered as a targeted sector, or are intended as a cross-cutting support?

b. Similarly, would USAID please clarify if Solid Waste Management is a targeted sector or intended as a cross-cutting support sector?

Digital industries and solid waste management are considered as most likely to generate inclusive and environmentally friendly economic growth. USAID also includes Innovations and Digital Solutions in the cross-cutting requirements because we ask that bidders consider appropriate and innovative use of technology throughout the program. Offerors should incorporate solid waste management into their proposals in a way that they believe leads to the greatest development impact.

18. RFP page 8, Section C.2.1 General Background and Problem Analysis lists light manufacturing as one of the target sectors to focus on.

a. Would USAID please confirm whether they have defined specific priority subsectors?

b. Would USAID please confirm whether food processing is included in the Mission’s definition of light manufacturing?

USAID has not defined priority subsectors within the light manufacturing sector. Food processing is not included in the Mission's definition of light manufacturing.

19. Would USAID please clarify if business process outsourcing (BPOs) is included in their definition of the digital industry sector?

The digital industry sector may include business process outsourcing

20. RFP page 13, Section C.3.1. Detail Description of Components lists one of the key contractual results “At least $5 million of non-donor resources mobilized for local development priorities.” Would USAID please provide more clarification about this result and specifically whether it is a subset of the contractual result “at least $50 million in new investment facilitated in the target sector”?

USAID's standard indicator of "Value ($) of non-donor resources mobilized for local development priorities" is defined by USAID as follows:

"The indicator is a sum of the total value in USD ($) of non-donor resources contributed to achieve local development priorities as a result of USAID projects and activities. See definition of “non-donor resources” and “local development priorities” below. Resources must meet the following two criteria to be counted under this indicator:

(1) Non-donor resources can come from any source excluding bilateral and multilateral development agencies (i.e: USAID, DFID, World Bank, etc). Look at our FAQ sheet on the "Measurement" section on the LCS Policy page for more details.

(2) Resources can include financial or in-kind resources (i.e: volunteer hours, meeting space, equipment and supplies,cost-sharing and matching, leverage etc.).

(3) Resources must be mobilized for local development priorities. Local development priorities are desired results identified by local actors.

Resources must be contributed during the reporting period to be counted toward this indicator.

Approaches to identifying local development priorities:

Local development priorities may be identified through a co-creation or co-design process, through listening activities, or through other activities designed to understand local interests and perspectives which inform USAID activity design. While local development priorities should ideally be identified during activity design, they may also be updated and/or expanded throughout the course of implementation through stakeholder feedback, pause and reflect events, or other monitoring and learning efforts."

USAID's standard indicator of "Value of investment facilitated in target sectors" is defined by USAID as 21. RFP page 6, Section C.5 Grants under Contracts (GUC) & Catalytic Financial Pool (Subcontracts) states “To encourage and de-risk these changes, the Program will use up to the amount set forth in Section B.6, not to exceed $6 million, in Grants Under

Contracts (GUC) as one of the tools that will be used to implement the program.” Section B.6 seems to be missing from pages 5-7, Section B – Supplies or Services/Prices. Would USAID please revise Section B to include B.6?

This pertains to section B.4. Please see revised RFP.

22. If specified, would USAID please provide parameters on the amount to be set aside for the Catalytic Financial Pool? Offerors should propose an amount for the Catalytic Financial Pool that is consistent with their technical approach.

23. RFP 76, Section I.4 FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services states that “the option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months.” Would USAID please confirm that this clause refers to any possible extension beyond the 5th option year only?

That is the intention of this provision.

24. RFP page 117, Section L.8.2 Part 2 – Section B states "Offeror must fill in Section B.3(a)-(c), B.4, B.5 and B.6" Would USAID please remove the requirement to fill out section B.3.c, since that section pertains to the Government's obligation and incremental funding strategy, which is not a decision contractors can make?

Yes. Please see revised RFP.

25. Section C.3.1 (page 11) states that “the Offeror must propose ambitious, yet realistic targets” for mandatory contextual measures and mandatory direct measures listed on the same page. As contextual measures can be influenced by forces that are not within the control of the contractor, would USAID confirm that offerors are not required to set targets for contextual measures at the proposal stage?

Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures." The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures. The selected offeror will still be required to report regularly on Mandatory Contextual Measures.

26. Section K.1 (page 84) incorporates FAR 52.237-8 Restriction on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals. Georgia’s labor law requires organizations registered under the laws of the government of Georgia to pay severance to employees who are continuously employed for 30 consecutive months, regardless of the type of employment agreement. As the above-referenced clause places contractors in a position of getting questioned for legitimate costs of doing business, would USAID replace FAR 52.237-8 with FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of Limitation on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals?

Georgian Labor law does not require severance payments to employees who are employed for a defined employment term. As this activity has a defined period of performance, budgeting of severance for all staff is not a reasonable cost. In cases where an employee leaves due to circumstances like project reorganization or downsizing, there should be sufficient remaining funds in the line item to cover appropriate separation compensation.

27. Section L.8.2 (page 117) states that the “Offeror must fill in Section B.3(a)-(c), B.4, B.5 and B.6”; however, the RFP does not include Section B.6. Would USAID provide Section B.6 so that offerors may fill it in as required?

Please see revised Section B numbering.

28. Given the orthodox Easter holiday in Georgia, the Memorial Day holiday in the US, and to allow for the meaningful participation of local partners in the development of proposals, would USAID kindly consider extending the deadline for proposals to June 14, 2024 and for past performance submission to June 7, 2024?

Proposals submission deadline is extended to June 11, 2024. Past Performance submission deadline remains May 28, 2024. Please see revised RFP.

29. On page 2 in the cover letter, the RFP includes: “The principal geographic codes for this contract are 937 and 110… .” a. Can

USAID please confirm which countries are included in geographic code 110?

b. Would USAID consider including Eastern European countries such as the Czech Republic for this contract?

Definitions of Authorized USAID Principle Geographic Codes can be found in ADS 310.

30. On page 11, Section C.3.1 of the RFP includes: “Success in achieving the above objectives will be measured in accordance with the following indicators, for which the Offeror must propose ambitious, yet realistic targets.” Can USAID please confirm that the offeror should propose “ambitious yet realistic targets” for the direct measures or performance indicators, but not for the contextual measures or context indicators?

Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures." The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures. The selected offeror will still be required to report regularly on Mandatory Contextual Measures.

31 On page 11, Section C.3.1 of the RFP includes the following Mandatory Direct Measure: “Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2 equivalent, reduced, sequestered, or avoided with USG assistance (EG.12-6)”Can USAID please confirm whether proposed targets are required for the indicator EG.12-6?

“Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2 equivalent, reduced, sequestered, or avoided with USG assistance (EG.12-6)” is a Mandatory Direct Measure. Offerors are required to propose performance targets for this indicator.

32 On page 16, Section C.5 includes: “the Program will use up to the amount set forth in Section B.6, not to exceed $6 million, in Grants Under Contracts (GUC) as one of the tools that will be used to implement the program.” Can USAID confirm to which Section B.6 refers as there is no Section B.6 on pages 6 or 7?

Section B has been revised and this reference has been corrected. Please see revised RFP.

33 Please confirm that Offerors shall propose small business goals against USAID’s agency subcontracting goals for FY24.

USAID’s subcontract goals for FY24 include: 16% Small Business, 5% Small Disadvantaged Business, 5% Service-Disabled

Veteran-Owned Small Business, 5% Women Owned Small Business, and 3% HUBZone.

Yes.

34 On pages 111 and 126, Sections L.5 and L.9 of the RFP reference a “Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan

(MP).” However, the template contained as Attachment J.6 is titled: “Communications & Outreach Strategy & Marking

Plan.” Further, Section F.6 on page 26 references the “Strategic Communications Plan” as a deliverable due “Within 90 days following the effective award date.” Can USAID confirm that Offerors are to submit a “Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP)” as referenced in Section L rather than a Strategic Communications Plan, which will be due 90 days after award?

Confirmed. Using the template in Attachment J.6, Offerors must submit their Branding Implementation

Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) as part of their proposal submission.

35 On pages 112 and 113 of the RFP, Section L.6 contains “Instructions for Preparation of Contractor Past Performance

Submission.” There are multiple required items referenced that are not contained in the Past Performance Information

Matrix Sheet (Attachment J.3).

a. Please confirm that Offerors are to submit an excel version of the Past Performance Information Matrix Sheet

(Attachment J.3) as a separate attachment to the Contractor Past Performance Submission volume that must contain all requirements listed under L.6;

b. Please confirm that a complete “Contractor Past Performance Submission” volume must contain all other required

“narrative” elements relating to past performance information requirements as a stand-alone word or PDF file. These items include responses to: i. Any extraordinary problems impacted any of the referenced contracts

ii. Description of any quality awards or certifications that indicate exceptional capacity to provide the service or product described in the statement of work.

iii. Description of items related to the Performance in Using Small Business (SB) Concerns.

c. Please confirm that USAID will allow offerors to include a separate Cover Page, Table of Contents, and List of

Acronyms to be submitted as part of the Contractor Past Performance Submission volume?

a. USAID confirms that Offerors should use the Past Performance Information Matrix Sheet

(Attachment J.3). b. Confirmed. c. Confirmed.

36 On page 113, Section L.6 (b) includes: “For those activities for which a CPARS report is not available, Offeror must request referenced organizations submit the Past Performance Reference Form (Attachment J.4) to USAID/Caucasus.” Given that

Offerors cannot guarantee that the referees indicated on the Past Performance Reference Forms will return the required information by the deadline of May 28, 2024 at 09:00 AM Tbilisi Time, would USAID consider: a. Removing this requirement and allowing Offerors to provide this information via the standard Past Performance Short Form Template; or by b.

Removing the requirement that PastPerformance Reference Forms be received by USAID/Georgia by the specific deadline.

If the Past Performance Reference Forms are still required, please confirm that these may be submitted as word files so they can be filled in by Offerors and Referees.

a. No change. b. Past Performance submission deadline remains May 28, 2024. Submission in Word format is acceptable.

37 On page 114, Section L.7 states that “The Technical Proposal, including Technical Approach and Management and Staffing

Plan [must be] submitted in Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF. Since fully compiled Microsoft Word files can get quite large and may have trouble with email MB limits, would USAID consider removing the Microsoft Word requirement and allowing

Offerors to submit complete Technical Proposals as Adobe PDF files only?

Offerors are not obligated to provide the technical proposal as both a Adobe PDF and MS Word format though both versions are appreciated.

38 On page 114, Section L.7 includes: “The Technical Proposal, including Technical Approach and Management and Staffing

Plan, is limited to 26 pages total.” However, the same section goes on to state that the Technical Approach should be limited to 12 pages, the Institutional Capacity section should be limited to 3 pages, and the Management and Staffing

Approach should be limited to 4 pages. Since this is only 19 pages, please confirm that the Technical Proposal including all sections should be limited to 26 pages unless noted otherwise as follows: 1. Cover Page (1 page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (12 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

The page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

39 On page 114, Section L.7 includes: “The Technical Proposal…is limited to 26 pages total.” Would USAID consider allowing

Offerors to include an additional 1-page Executive Summary as part of the Technical Proposal that is not subject to the current 26-page limit?

No executive summary is requested. However, the page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

40 On page 117, Section L.8.2 includes: “Offeror must fill in all parts of Section B where “TBD” or “to be filled in at the time of the award” is indicated; specifically, Offeror must fill in Section B.3(a)-(c), B.4, B.5 and B.6 with the information applicable to the cost proposal.” There is no Section B.6 in the RFP, can USAID confirm which section “B.6” is referencing that needs to be filled in by Offerors?

Offerors must fill-in Sections B.3, B.4 and B.5. Please see revised RFP.

41 On page 117, Section L.8.3, item iii includes: “Offerors are expected to utilize the budget template provided as Attachment

J.2 with respect to the summary and detailed budgets.” Can USAID confirm that the offerors may utilize their own templates when aligning them with the budget template in Attachment J.2?

Confirmed

42 On page 123, Section L.8.3 (Fixed Fee) includes: “It is not expected that a fee will be applied to other than direct costs for sub-awards.” Given that indirect costs are a standard component of the total price of any good or service, and tracking subcontractor indirect costs versus direct costs would be administratively cumbersome during implementation, we request that USAID remove the requirement that fee only be applied to subcontractor direct costs.

No change.

43 On page 123, Section L.8.5, item (b) includes: “Offeror must also submit the annual Combating of Trafficking of Persons certification as described in Section K.” Would USAID kindly confirm, in line with FAR 52.222-56, that the certification regarding TIP Compliance Plan is to be submitted at time of award by the apparently successful awardee, and not as part of the proposal submission?

Offerors must submit the annual Combatting of Trafficking of Persons certification as part of their cost proposal.

44 On page 125, Section L.8.7, item (c) includes: “The information set forth below must be provided for each proposed subcontractor … [including] … A discussion and arrangement on type(s) of subcontract(s) to be used, and approximate percentage of each type of work to be subcontracted.” Would USAID clarify what it means by “each type of work to be subcontracted”?

This refers to subcontract types (Firm-Fixed Price, Time & Materials, etc)

45 Page 12, Section C.3: Under Key Contractual Results, could USAID please confirm that at least $50 million in new investment should be facilitated across all sectors combined?

USAID confirms that at least $50 million in new investment should be facilitated across all sectors combined. Please see revised RFP.

46 Page 16, Section C.5 states that, “The Program will use up to the amount set forth in Section B.6, not to exceed $6 million.”

Please confirm that the $6 million figure includes both GUCs and the Catalyctic Financial Pool?

GUCs alone are not to exceed $6 million. The amount for the Catalytic Financial Pool is unspecified.

Offerors should propose an amount for the Catalytic Financial Pool that is consistent with their technical approach.

47 Page 16, Section C.5 references Section B.6, which does not appear to be included in the solicitation. Could USAID please confirm that this reference is correct?

Reference is B.4. Please see revised RFP.

48 Page 112, Section L.6: Please confirm that five total past performance award examples that the Offeror must include may include award examples from “itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor?”

Offerors must provide Past Performance information for themselves, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor in accordance with instructions included in Section

L.6.

49 Page 45, Section G.5: Please confirm if USAID would like bidders to provide a fee table proposing “pertinent deliverables”?

Will a portion of fee be allowed on work completed and invoiced monthly?

Fee table is not required. Payment of Fixed Fee will be in accordance with Section B.6.

50 Page 114, Section L.7 states that “The Technical Proposal, including Technical Approach and Management and Staffing Plan, is limited to 26 pages total.” Could USAID clarify that this (twenty-six) 26-page limit includes the Cover Page, Annex A: Table of Management Posi ons, and Annex B: Organiza onal Chart as well?

The page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

51 Section B.6 is missing from the RFP. Could USAID kindly provide the missing information? Section B has been revised and this reference updated.

52 Considering that AIDAR 732.401 and ADS 636 provide authority and guidance, respectively, for advances to contractors where a contract includes a grants under contract (GUC) program, can USAID confirm that they will allow Offerors with

Letters of Credit (LOC) to use and make drawdowns from their LOC for disbursements to grantees?

A Letter of Credit may be used for GUCs in accordance with ADS 636.3.6.2

53 Would USAID kindly consider allowing offerors to submit a 1-to-2-page executive summary that does not count towards the current 12-page limit of the technical proposal?

No.

54 Considering the extensive scope of work of the solicitation, would USAID kindly consider adding additional pages to the current 12-page limit of the technical proposal?

USAID updated page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

55 For budgeting purposes, would the USAID Georgia Mission or an implementing partner be in possession of a vehicle from previous or outgoing programs that could be disposed to the implementer awarded the activity for use in implementation?

This is a cost-reimbursement mechanism. Offerors should budget for all costs they believe necessary for implementation.

56 Will USAID kindly consider allowing Letters of Support from resource organizations and collaborating partners to be included as an Annex C to the Technical Proposal?

Submissions beyond those listed in Section L of the RFP will not be evaluated.

57 Part C.3.1 states (on p. 11) that “the Offeror must propose ambitious, yet realistic targets” for “Mandatory Contextual

Measures” and “Mandatory Direct Measures” -- please confirm the successful Offeror will set the targets for both the contextual and direct measures upon award, and does not need to propose quantified targets in the proposal at this stage.

Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures" in their proposal. The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures. The selected offeror will still be required to report regularly on Mandatory Contextual Measures.

58 Part C.3.1 lists (on p.11) “Mandatory Contextual Measures,” including the following two: - “Share of Georgia’s trade with

EU/Russia/China in target sectors”

- “Share of trade with Russia/Europe/China of USG beneficiaries in target sectors". Would USAID kindly consider adapting these measures as follows? - “Share of Georgia’s trade with EU in target sectors”

- “Share of trade with Europe of USG beneficiaries in target sectors”

Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures" in their proposal. The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures. The selected offeror will still be required to report regularly on Mandatory Contextual Measures. Mandatory Contextual

Measures have not changed.

59 May offerors submit targets for indicators after award because some indicators require a baseline as noted in Section 3.1

(page 13) and the MEL Plan is due 90 days after award per Section F.6 (page 26)? If targets are required, may we submit them in an annex to the technical proposal?

Offerors should propose targets for "Mandatory Direct Measures" in their proposal. The RFP has been modified to no longer require targets for Mandatory Contextual Measures. The selected offeror will still be required to report regularly on Mandatory Contextual Measures.

60 Section C.5 (p.16) refers to Section B.6, however, there is no Section B.6 listed/described in the RFP. Can you please clarify the numbering in Section B and the language of B.6?

Correct reference is Section B.4. Please see revised RFP.

61 As a cover letter is required with the submission of the proposal (L.5, p. 110), may offerors include one as part of their technical proposals? It is not currently listed in Section L.7 (p. 114) as a component of the technical proposal package.

Cover letter/page is the first listed linclusion in Section L.7

62 Please confirm that the page limit for the technical proposal comprises 25 counted pages for the entire volume, as listed in

Section L.7 (at the bottom of page 114), notably 19 pages for the proposal’s main text, and 6 pages for the annexes—as the cover page, table of contents and list of acronyms are non-counting

The page limit is revised, as follows:

1. Cover Page (1 page, does not count against page limit)

2. Table of Contents (Does not count against page limit)

3. List of Acronyms (Does not count against page limit)

4. Technical Approach (13 page limit)

5. Institutional Capacity (3 page limit)

6. Management and Staffing Approach (4 page limit)

7. Annex A: Table of Management Positions (4 page limit)

8. Annex B: Organizational Chart (2 page limit)

Not including the Cover Page, Table of Contents, and the List of Acronyms, the proposal has a limit of

26 pages.

63 Per Section L 7.4 (p.117), the Organizational Chart is to cover the activity’s staffing structure, with lines of authority and general descriptions for home office and field employees. Would USAID kindly define what the general descriptions entail?

Section L.7.4 has been revised. The general descriptions in the Organizational Chart can include simply the position title. The offerer can provide position descriptions in Annex A, Table of Management

Positions.

64 In reference to L.7.8, please confirm that USAID would like all subcontractor information set aside in Part 7 rather than including it in Parts 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Subcontractor information must be provided in accordance with Section L.8.7

65 In reference to L.8.3 Part 3, what exchange rate would USAID like the offerors to use, for the LCP and other budget estimates?

Offerors are advised to use the National Bank of Georgia exchange rate.

USAID Green Economy Program

RFP #72011424R00004

Contents:

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES 4

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) 7

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 19

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 22

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 23

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 42

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 47

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES 65

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 80

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 81

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 105

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 126

Section B – Page 2

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES/PRICES

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide technical assistance and services described in detail in Section C, Statement of Work, for the implementation of the USAID Green Economy Program.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract. For the consideration set forth in the contract, the Contractor must provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F and comply with all contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The Total Estimated Cost of the base contract for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, is [ TBD ]. The Total Fixed Fee is [ TBD ].

The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee, if any, is [ TBD ].

(b) The Total Estimated Cost for the performance of the work under the option period, if exercised, exclusive of fixed fee, is [ TBD ]. The Total Fixed Fee is [ TBD ]. The Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee, if any, is [ TBD ].

(c) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee specified above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee) for performance hereunder is [ TBD ] . The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount, unless authorized by the contracting officer pursuant to the clause of this contract entitled “Limitation of Funds

(APR 1984)” FAR 52.232-22.

(d) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through [ TBD ] .

B.4 BUDGET

(a) The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for reimbursement of dollar costs for cost categories and the fixed fee.

Base Contract (TBD, 2024 - TBD, 2028)

CLIN Item Total ($)

0001a Direct Costs TBD

Section B – Page 3

0001b Grants under Contract $6,000,000

0001c Catalytic Financial Pool TBD

0001d Indirect Costs TBD

0001e Fixed Fee TBD

Base (CLIN 0001) Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee

TBD

Option Period (TBD, 2028 - TBD, 2029)

CLIN Item Total ($)

0002a Direct Costs TBD

0002b Grants under Contract TBD

0002c Catalytic Financial Pool TBD

0002d Indirect Costs TBD

0002e Fixed Fee TBD

Option (CLIN 0002) Total Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee

TBD

[Note to Offerors: For purposes of offeror proposals, the Base Period will be a total of four years (e.g., forty-eight months) and the Option Period will be for a total of twelve months.

The total period of performance of base plus option year must not exceed five (5) years. The dates for the Base Period and the Option Period will be established at time of award based on award date]

[Note: If the successful offeror represents that the Section 889 FA Waiver is not required, the final award may be altered to have a single CLIN combining the total amounts of the Base Period and Option Period.]

(b) The amounts in the above cost categories may not be adjusted without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.

Section B – Page 4

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (JUN 2013)”, FAR 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates must be established for each of the contractor’s accounting periods that apply to this contract. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs shall be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases.

B.7 B.6 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

USAID will pay a proportion of the Contractor’s fixed fee each month pursuant to FAR 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” upon the receipt of an invoice deemed proper by the USAID/Georgia Office of Financial Management. The paying office is USAID/Georgia, Office of Financial Management, as specified in Section G.7.

B.8 B.7 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures), FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8 Fixed Fee, FAR 52.232-20 Limitation of Cost, FAR 52.232-22, Limitation of Funds, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 Documentation for Payment.

END OF SECTION B

Section C - Page 5

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of the USAID Green Economy Program (“Program”) is to 1) enhance the competitiveness and capacity of target economic sectors; 2) integrate with Western markets; 3) create remunerative employment opportunities; and 4) reduce those sectors’ environmental footprint.

C.2 BACKGROUND

C.2.1. General Background and Problem Analysis

Georgia’s economy has demonstrated significant resilience in the face of global economic challenges, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 epidemic, and the manipulation of key economic sectors by Russia and its allies for political gain. Further, while Georgia’s economy has grown, it has not benefited all citizens equally, leading to a shortage of high-value employment opportunities. USAID has identified the following sectors as most likely to help generate inclusive employment and/or environmentally friendly economic growth for Georgia: 1) tourism and hospitality; 2) light manufacturing; 3) digital industries; and 4) solid waste management. Food processing is not included in USAID Georgia’s definition of light manufacturing. The digital industry sector may include business process outsourcing. The continued success of Georgia’s economy relies heavily on protecting its natural resources, especially in the tourism and hospitality industries. To increase access to Western markets and protect economic drivers, Georgia must also reduce its environmental footprint.

In 2021, the tourism and hospitality sector accounted for 7.2 percent of GDP. To maximize the potential in this sector, there is a clear need for Georgia to continue pursuing high-value travelers. This pursuit demands enhancements in service and product quality, broadening the spectrum of offerings, and further development of tourism infrastructure. The forthcoming EU Association Agreement's tourism legislation in 2023-2024 promises to introduce new regulatory standards and requirements and will continue to shape the sector's future.

There have been recent efforts to modernize and increase competitiveness of Georgia’s light manufacturing sector. All value chains in this sector demonstrated positive nominal growth in 2022 compared to 2021, with the highest growth observed in the construction materials value chain (21.6%). The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector in Georgia is also witnessing an evolution, largely due to digital transformation initiatives, the expansion of e-governance, and improved access to high-speed internet and other digital services. These advancements promote economic growth, generate more jobs, and raise the overall living standards of the Georgian population. For example, the ICT software value chain income value

Section C - Page 6 in 2022 was 6 times higher compared to income in 20201.

Moreover, significant strides have been made in Georgia's solid waste management (SWM) sector, including recycling, with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and public health.

Progress in this sector has been achieved through a combination of technical assistance, policy changes, capacity building, and infrastructure development. This sector underpins success in others, as the ability to manage waste and protect the environment is required to sustain the tourism and hospitality industry, and can supply additional resources to the light manufacturing and ICT sectors through recycling and resource recovery activities. Furthermore, introducing circular economy principles in all targeted sectors would benefit environmental sustainability as well as make those sectors more resilient.

C.2.2. Relationship to the USAID/Georgia’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy

(CDCS)

The Program will support Development Objective 3: Inclusive High-Value Employment Opportunities Provided through Increased Economic Growth. The majority of the Program will directly support Intermediate Result (IR) 3.2: Competitiveness of Key Sectors Increased. A portion of the work will also support IR 3.1 Last Gaps in Euro Atlantic Oriented Economic Reforms Addressed, as additional regulations are needed to improve competitiveness, access Western markets, and reduce the environmental footprint of Georgia’s key economic sectors to support the EU Association Agreement and eventual EU Accession. Additionally, the Program will counter malign influence by diversifying Georgia’s economy making it less vulnerable to economic manipulation.

C.2.3. Development Hypothesis

IF enterprises in target sectors sustainably improve their productivity; IF enterprises in target sectors increase their capacity to meet Western market requirements; IF additional private sector investment and…