72011424R00007 Amendment 0001.pdf

(x)

72011424R00007 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

GEORGIA

720114

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

05/15/20240001

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 the Amendment 0001 to the Solicitation is to provide answers to questions from prospective offerors and to revise certain sections of the solicitation and as set forth in the Attachment 1, Answers to Questions.

See continuation pages for additional details.

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 .

RFP No. 72011424R00007

Amendment No. 001 Continuation Pages:

The purpose of the Amendment 001 to the Solicitation is to provide answers to questions from prospective offerors as set forth in the Attachment A, Answers to Questions, and to revise certain sections of the solicitation.

The Solicitation is hereby amended as follows:

1. On the cover page:

a. DELETE the activity title in the Subject: “USAID Collaborating, Capacity, Learning and Adapting Supporting Services” and REPLACE with “USAID Data-Driven Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CCLA) Support Services activity”.

b. DELETE the entire sentence “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” and REPLACE with: “Base period of performance is four years and the option period is one year”. Please note that if the successful offeror does not require a Section 889 waiver, the contract base period will be five years.

2. Under Section B.5, page 2, DELETE the entire paragraph and REPLACE with:

“B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

The contract clause entitled “Allowable Cost and Payment (AUG 2018)”, FAR 52.216-7, specifies that the indirect cost rates shall 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 contractor’s negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases.”

3. Under Section B.6, DELETE the entire section entitled “ADVANCE UNDERSTANDING ON CEILING INDIRECT COST RATES AND FINAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR INDIRECT COSTS” and REPLACE with “RESERVED.”

4. Under Section F.7.1, DELETE the referenced “Section F.26” and REPLACE with the “Section F.10”.

5. Under Section F.7 Deliverables table, Delete the “business days” and REPLACE with “calendar days”.

6. Under Section L.7 FORMAT, page 126, second paragraph, DELETE the following reference “Phase 1 & 3 Submission Format” and REPLACE with “ Phase 1 and 2”.

7. Under Section L.2, DELETE the entire sentence “ The Government contemplates award of one Cost-Reimbursement-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract resulting from this solicitation” and REPLACE with “The government contemplates a Cost Reimbursement Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) TERM contract resulting from this solicitation.”

8. Under Section L.4, page 123, (i) Offer Validity, DELETE the reference Phase 3 in the statement ”Proposals submitted in Phase 3” and REPLACE with “Proposals submitted in Phase 2”. There will be only two phases : Phase 1 and Phase 2.

9. Under Section L.4 (h), page 123, DELETE the reference “Section L.7” and REPLACE with “Section L.6”.

10. Under Section L.5, page 124, DELETE the entire statement “ Phase 2 – Offerors will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing technical evaluation Factor 4” and REPLACE with “Phase 2 - Offerors will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing technical evaluation Factor 3."

11. Under Section L.5, page 123, DELETE the following reference “as further described in Section L.9” and REPLACE with “as further described in Section L.8.”

12. Under Section L.7, second paragraph, DELETE the reference “Phase 3” and REPLACE with “Phase 2”. There will be only two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2.

13. Under Section L.8, page 127, DELETE “2. Institutional & Management Capacity (5 pages, included in page limit)” and REPLACE with: “ 2. Institutional & Management Capacity (6 pages, included in page limit)”.

14. Under Section L.9.1

a. On page 130 last paragraph, DELETE the following statement “ and should prioritize representation from local organizations”.

b. On page 130, DELETE the entire anticipated agenda for oral presentation and REPLACE with:

The anticipated agenda for oral presentations is as follows:

Session Time Allocated Contracting Officer Introduction 5 minutes

Session 1: Offeror Presentation of General Technical Approach 20 minutes

Issuance of Case Scenario & Break 35 minutes Session 2: Offeror Presentation of Case Scenario Response 20 minutes

Conclusion of Oral Presentation 5 minutes

15. Under Section L10.2, page 134, DELETE the reference to B.3(c).

16. Under Section L.10.10, page 142, DELETE the reference to “Section L.17” and REPLACE with “Section. L.12”.

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

RFP 72011424R00007 - Amendment No. 001 Attachment A

No. Questions Response

May 29th at 10:00 am Tbilisi time.

1 On the RFP’s cover page, the Phase one submission deadline is stated as May 29 th 10:00

AM Tbilisi Time. However, on SAM.gov, it’s listed as May 27th at 10:00 AM Tbilisi time.

Can USAID confirm the correct submission date?

This confirms that the Phase One submission deadline is as set forth in the RFP cover page, 2 Cover Page and Sam.gov. Please confirm the due date for the proposal: the cover page indicates that the Phase I submission is due on May 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM Tbilisi time. Sam.gov lists the deadline as May 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM UTC+04. Thank you for confirming which of these is the correct submission date.

Please see above.

3 For planning, we request that USAID issue an extension 10 days in advance of the submission date if responses to questions will not be available by this time. This is very helpful for planning, particularly for resource constrained small businesses.

As Phase 1 requires Offerors to prepare a short written proposal in response to Evaluation Factor 1: Institutional and Management Capacity, USAID declines to provide additional time for preparation of this phase.

4 We request that you send the revised solicitation with highlighted changes. Given the minimal changes to the RFP itself, all changes are reflected in this Amendment No. 1 and no revised highlighted solicitation is provided.

5 Cover Page and Page 1, Section B.1. Please clarify the name for this activity: the RFP references it as both “USAID Collaborating, Capacity, Learning and Adapting Supporting Services” (cover page) and “USAID Data-Driven Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CCLA) Support Services activity” (page 1). Please confirm which name offerors should continue to use.

USAID Data-Driven Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CCLA) Support Services activity.

6 The cover page of the RFP states the period of performance is four-year base and 8-month option period, while page 135 Section L.10.3 states the period of performance is a base-period of four year and option period of one year. Can USAID please clarify the period of performance, specifically for the option period?

Please see Amendment No. 1, correcting the cover page to reflect that the base period of performance is four (4) years and the option period is one (1) year. Please note that if the successful offeror does not require a Section 889 waiver, the contract base period will be five years.

7 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. 1a. Could USAID please clarify the option and base period duration? 2b. The Base Period will be for four (4) years and the Option Period will be for one

(1) year: If the option period is less than one year, could USAID please shift a proportionate amount of LOE to the base period as the current allocation is equivalent to 1/5 of the total?

Please see response above.

8 The cover letter states, “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”, alternatively on page 26, Section F.2 Period of Performance states, “The Base Period will be for four (4) years and the Option Period will be for one (1) year”. Would USAID please clarify the anticipated period of performance for the base and option periods?

Please see response above.

9 The cover page states the base period of performance will be 4 years and 4 months (52 months) and the option period will be 8 months. Section F.2 states the base period of performance will be 4 years (48 months) and the option period will be one year (12 months).

Can USAID please confirm if Offerors should plan for a 48-month base period with a 12-month option period, or plan for a 52-month base period with an 8-month option period?

Please see response above.

10 The cover letter states the period of performance is a base period of four years and four months and an option period of eight months, whereas section F.2 that’s the base period is four years and the option period is one year. Can USAID please confirm the base period is four years (48 months) and the option period is one year (12 months)?

Please see response above.

11 Please confirm that the Period of Performance will consist of a 48-month base and 12-month option.

Please see response above.

12 1. Cover page 1 text reference, 2nd paragraph: “...period of performance of five (5) years.” 2.

Cover page 2 text reference, 1st paragraph: “... 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” 3. F.2 pg.26 text reference “The Base Period will be for four (4) years and the Option Period will be for one (1) year”. 4. L.10.3 text reference: “ ... proposed costs should reflect that the Base Period will be four years and Option period will be one year.” 5. Budget template: layout of budget indicates a base period of five (5) years with an option period (length of period not indicated). Please provide clarity on the base and option performance periods.

Please see response above.

13 Please confirm that Attachment J.2 Budget Template may be revised to reflect the contract periods reflected above.

Yes.

14 On page 135 it says "Note that due to the expiration.... which expires on September 30, 2028, proposed costs should reflect that the Base Period will be four years and Option period will be one year, separately on cover page; herefore, 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." Can USAID clarify how long the base period is and how long the Option period is? Can also USAID confirm that F.4 LEVEL OF EFFORT on page 27 reflects the correct expect lengths of the base period and option periods?

Please see response above. The LOE tables should reflect these same base and option period lengths.

15 Can USAID please confirm that the estimated budget of $XXM [intentionally removed] is inclusive of the base and option periods and clarify how the option period will be triggered/activated?

There is no budget ceiling or estimated budget for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee Term Contract.

16 On page 1, Section B.2 states, "This is a Cost-Reimbursement-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) term type contract" but section L.2, page 121 states "The Government contemplates award of one Cost-Reimbursement-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract." a. Could USAID please confirm which type of contract it will be?

Please see Amendment No. 1, correcting this clerical error under Section L.2.;

the Government contemplates a Cost Reimbursement Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) TERM contract.

17 Section B.2 states the anticipated award will be one cost-plus- fixed-fee term form contract.

Section L.2.52.216-1 indicates the award type will be one cost-plus-fixed-fee completion type contract. Can USAID please confirm which contract type will be awarded?

See response above.

18 Page 121, Section L.2. Please confirm the contract type. Section L.2 refers to a CPFF completion type contract, whereas Section B.2 refers to a CPFF term type contract.

Thank you for confirming the contract type.

See response above.

19 Section L.2 states the contract type will be CPFF completion, whereas the rest of the RPF refers to CPFF term and includes LOE requirements, which align with a term-type contract.

Can USAID please clarify section L.2?

See response above.

20 Given the scope of work for this activity, and the nature of CLA being results-driven, the scope of work includes a number of deliverables that can clearly serve as benchmarks for contractor performance, and the preference for the CPFF completion type over CPFF term type contracts “whenever the work, or specific milestones for the work, can be defined well enough to permit development of estimates within which the contractor can be expected to complete the work” listed in FAR 16.306(d)(3), a CPFF Completion type contract may be more appropriate for this procurement. Can you please change the award type from CPFF Term to CPFF Completion.

Additionally, in Section L.2, the contract type is listed as CPFF Completion is listed as the contract type.

USAID declines to change the contract type. As stated above, the contract type is a CPFF TERM type contract.

21 The business forecast indicates a budget range of $10-$24.99M. Based on the total days of effort, can USAID provide an approximate budget ceiling for this opportunity?

USAID declines to provide an approximate budget ceiling for this opportunity.

22 Would USAID please provide an anticipated ceiling for this activity? As this is a Cost Reimbursement plus TERM contract, USAID has provided the LOE requirements and will not provide the anticipated cost ceiling.

23 Given that this RFP is a small-business set-aside, would USAID please consider removing the requirement that Offerors propose indirect ceiling cost rates? Indirect ceiling cost rates can pose a significant risk to small businesses, which are more likely to face changes in indirect rates due to their smaller portfolios and have fewer resources to absorb any losses.

After further consideration of concerns raised by several offerors, USAID is amenable to excluding indirect cost rate ceilings. Therefore, section B.6 is deleted (and noted as "Reserved" to maintain the subsequent numbering). In addition, please see further revisions to Section B.5.

24 Section B.6 requires Offerors to propose indirect cost rate ceilings. This creates an undue burden on small businesses to manage indirect rates. Given this is a total small business set aside, would USAID reconsider removing clause B.6?

Please see response above.

25 Page 3, Section B.6. Offerors are required to propose ceilings on indirect rates. While small businesses make every effort to maintain competitive rates and overall wrap rates (year-on-year multipliers), the effect of any one contract on a smaller base can significantly change our indirect rates; and therefore USAID has often removed this requirement in small business set-asides. Would USAID please consider removing this requirement?

Please see response above.

26 Section B.6: As contractor indirect costs are progressively increasing due to inflation, and recent regulatory changes will require a number of additional administrative costs to remain compliant, identifying future indirect cost rate ceilings is both difficult and potentially forces contractors to operate at a loss in future years. Is it possible to remove the indirect cost rate ceiling requirement?

Please see response above.

27 Could USAID please confirm that in the tables on page 2, Section B.4 "Technical Assistance" is only a heading and not a category we need to fill in?

This is correct, "0001 - Technical Assistance" is used herein as a header. As per Section L.10.2, Offerors should fill in the amounts under the sub-CLINs (a)

- (c) and the total Base /Option CLIN amount.

28 Section B.4(a) states, “The following itemized budget sets forth the estimates for reimbursement of collar costs for cost categories and the fixed fee.” (emphasis added).

Section B.4(b) then states, “The amount 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.” We kindly request USAID remove (b) from section B.4 so that the Contractor will have the flexibility to bill up to the contract ceiling and fixed fee total without needing to submit a budget realignment when they need to move funds if they need to move funds between direct and indirect.

USAID declines to make this change.

29 The following are the general workstreams that the Contractor must perform: 1. Data 2.

Learning 3. Adapting 4. Collaboration and Capacity. Question: Could USAID please provide an expected division of labor among the four workstreams, as this will enable Offerors to budget most accurately?

Due to the demand driven nature of this activity, USAID declines to provide an expected division of labor among the four workstreams.

30 Does USAID/Georgia have an estimated LOE allocation per workstream, or should we plan for an equal LOE and resource allocation across the workstreams?

Please see response above.

31 Page 27, Section F.4. Please provide a percentage estimate of how USAID envisions the total level-of-effort (LOE) being allocated to each Workstream.

32 Does USAID have a list of illustrative private sector partners that the Contractor would be expected to engage with, either directly or through a set of IPs? If so, would USAID consider providing the list at this time?

USAID does not have a list of illustrative private sector partners.

33 Regarding Section C.3 Approaches, Localization, would USAID kindly share any specific localization indicators that USAID/Georgia is currently tracking and may wish to see progress through the life of the CCLA award?

The Agency and missions are going through a pilot exercise of identifying specific localization indicators. USAID will share with the successful offeror when the process is complete later this year.

34 Please confirm any target LOE that must be allocated to local Georgian entities as defined within USAID/Georgia’s localization targets.

There is no specified target LOE determined by USAID. These targets will be incorporated and agreed upon as part of the Activity MEL Plan development.

35 Section C.3, Localization, we note that “USAID/Georgia will work with the Contractor to identify select Georgian government, nongovernmental, or private sector entities that play a critical role in advancing Georgia’s locally led and long-term development solutions.” Has this work been started by USAID/Georgia? If so, please confirm whether an existing list of partners for locally led development will need review and updating? Additionally, would USAID/Georgia consider sharing key localization successes and challenges to date?

This work has not yet commenced. The Contractor is anticipated to work with the Mission and relevant IPs to develop a list and keep updating it on a quarterly basis (as part of the work plan).For localization-related updates, offerors can follow USAID/Georgia's website: https://www.usaid.gov/georgia

36 Section C. The current statement of work does not specifically address this activity’s delivery of evaluations. Could USAID/Georgia please specify if they expect evaluations under this contract? If so, how many per year and of what type (e.g., performance vs.

impact) to inform offeror budgeting and staffing?

The mission does not anticipate requesting performance or impact evaluations to be conducted under this scope of work.

37 Section C. Task 1.1 (pages 8-9). Could USAID/Georgia provide an estimated number of polls and/or surveys per year to inform offeror budgeting?

This number is currently undetermined. For budgeting purposes, offerors may assume two per year.

38 Section C.5.1, Task 1.1. Conduct Data Collection, Polls, and Surveys, we note the following: “e. Administer surveys and public opinion polls, collecting, systematizing, analyzing and presenting survey data at the national and subnational level.”

Does USAID/Georgia have an illustrative number of surveys and polls per year that it will require, particularly those requiring national coverage, including hard to reach / inaccessible locations?

Please see response above.

39 What type of surveys or poles need to be done? How often? How many people will be involved in the survey?

Please see response above.

40 Section C.5.1, Task 1.1. Conduct Data Collection, Polls, and Surveys, we note the following: “f.

Conduct third-party monitoring in inaccessible parts of Georgia to collect, analyze, and present performance and other contextual data through sub-contracts or other arrangements.” Does USAID/Georgia anticipate this to be an ongoing TPM requirement, or periodic? Is there an estimation of numbers of site visits per year required?

USAID anticipates that the TPM requirement would be periodic. This number is currently undetermined.

41 Section C.5.1, Task 1.1. Conduct Data Collection, Polls, and Surveys, we note the following: “h. Collect, synthesize, analyze and/or present data for select performance indicators included in the Mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP).”

May we assume that these are beyond IP contributions to the PMP and relate more specifically to Mission-specific PMP indicators? How many such indicators the Contractor will be required to collect routinely?

Yes, this is related to the PMP, however the number of such indicators has not yet been determined.

42 Section C.5.1, Task 1.1. Conduct Data Collection, Polls, and Surveys, we note the following: “i. Input data into USAID’s Development Information Solutions (DIS)....”

Our experience is that IPs usually have their own access rights to enter their own performance data on DIS. Please confirm that USAID/Georgia 1) does not currently expect IPs to enter their respective performance data into DIS themselves, and 2) has or will direct IPs to provide CCLA with all performance data on a quarterly or other basis within agreed timelines to enable CCLA to meet USAID data entry schedules reliably.

IPs have access to DIS and enter data themselves; however, additional training to manage the process more effectively may be requested.

43 Section C.5.1, Task 1.3. Create Repository of Existing Studies Conducted by IPs Without Replicating the DEC, we note the requirement for a “searchable database within the Google Suite.” Please confirm that USAID/Georgia currently uses Google Suite, and that staff are generally familiar with Google Suite functionalities, or whether personnel will require start-up training in the use of wider Google Suite functionalities before drilling down to database design, development, testing and training?

USAID utilizes Google Suite applications as its main platform. Georgia staff are generally familiar with Google Suite functionalities, however, as set forth in Task 3.4, additional training on the use of these applications may be required.

44 We note that “USAID/Georgia’s CDCS is valid through May 2025 with a possible extension.” For resource planning for this intensive activity, please clarify, has USAID/Georgia decided to develop a new CDCS from May 2025, or is planning on extending the current CDCS? If the latter, when would work be required to begin development of the new CDCS?

There is currently no determination as to whether or not the current CDCS will be extended; there is no current timeline for commencing the development of a new CDCS.

45 Regarding Section C.5.2 Task 2.3 Facilitate the Development and Implementation of the CLA Agenda and Implementation Plan, we note that “…the Contractor must develop and annual collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) Agenda and Implementation Plan at the start of each year.” Has USAID/Georgia developed a Learning Agenda that spans the life of the CDCS, that informs the Annual Learning Agenda, and that is reviewed and updated regularly? Or does USAID/Georgia require a new Learning Agenda every year?

USAID does not currently have a learning agenda. The Contractor in consultation with USAID will determine whether such agenda should merely be updated each year or a new agenda required each year.

46 Has USAID/Georgia identified a set of “learning networks” that CCLA should interact with, or is this the determination of CCLA and its consultations with IPs and other local stakeholders?

No learning network has currently been identified.

47 In Task 2.3, there are specific activities listed to develop a CLA agenda and implementation plan. The plan is to include a schedule of all learning events (internal and external). Can the Mission share any schedules of learning events or examples of past learning events that have been held in the recent past? In Task 2.4, USAID notes “the Contractor must organize logistics for the [learning and knowledge sharing events], covering allowable costs of participants”. To what extent does USAID currently provide per diem to participants (especially government officials)? May USAID please confirm the logistics outlined in Task 4.2 (i.e., “renting out space to hold meetings, providing refreshments/office supplies/etc., and facilitating training/learning events/co-creation events. This may also include providing required information technology support to learning and training events.”) May USAID confirm these are expected to be covered under 2.4 too?

The Mission does not have an example to share at this time. Contractors must follow all USAID and USG regulations pertaining to allowable costs for events.

Offerors should assume that they will be responsible for all logistical support for such events, which will differ depending on the event.

48 Task 3.1 focuses on communities of practice. USAID notes it “currently operates internal communities of practice among its staff...and two external communities of practice for implementing partners.” Would USAID provide more details for the two external communities of practice for implementing partners, such as their focus, how they meet/interact; and who all participates from USAID, IPs, local stakeholders, etc.?

While the current CoPs focus on a) Private Sector and b) Youth, USAID will work with the Contractor to determine future efforts. All community of practice efforts follow the Agency's best practices in collaborating, learning, and adapting. https://usaidlearninglab.org/cla/cla-toolkit/understanding-cla

49 For Task 3.4, does USAID/Georgia currently have any core capacity-building trainings? If so, may you please provide an illustrative list of topics? Is there a preferred method for these courses (e.g., asynchronous vs in-person/virtual)?

50 Under Task 4.1, USAID notes its current practice of conducting pause and reflect sessions.

May USAID please confirm the frequency of these pause and reflects at each level (mission, leadership, and office)?

USAID does not intend to pre-determine at this time; rather the frequency and levels will be determined during the work planning phases.

51 In Task 4.2, also focused on providing logistical organization, while there is explicit mention of venue, catering, and supplies, there is no reference to allowable costs of participants? Is this also expected under 4.2 (as it is under Task 2.4)?

Similar for Task 2.4 and 4.2, the Contractor may charge allowable costs in accordance with the applicable Agency regulations.

52 Would USAID consider asking offerors to plan to delay the implementation of Task 4.3 Provide Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) Services to the Mission’s Strategic Partners (Section C – Page 19 and 20) and Task 4.5 Provide Exchange Visitor Support Services (Section C – Page 20) to coincide with the nd of the ongoing Georgia HICD activity?

This would reduce what we believe would be unnecessary duplication.

USAID/Georgia will ensure there is no unnecessary duplication of effort.

53 Regarding Section C, under Workstream 4, Task 4.3, it states “The Contractor must provide HICD/performance improvement services to a select group of the Mission’s strategic partners, including government, nongovernmental, and private sector entities”. Does USAID envision a transition plan of HICD activities from the current HICD program to CCLA (scheduled to close December 2025)?

Please see response above.

54 Page 19, Task 4.3. Please confirm that USAID envisions the same scope and scale for Task 4.3 as the current HICD activity.

Please refer to the SOW (Task 4.3) of the RFP.

55 Page 19, Task 4.3. What is the estimated number of strategic partners USAID envisions receiving HICD services each year?

USAID does not intend to pre-determine this number at this time; rather this will be determined as part of the work planning process.

56 We have noted the inclusion of a Workstream focused on Human and Institutional Capacity Development (HICD) for strategic partners. We recognize the critical importance of this aspect to the success of the project and are committed to its robust implementation. To ensure that our proposal meets the expectations of USAID and effectively plans for the complexity and scope of this Workstream, could you please provide further guidance on the following aspects:

How intensive and extensive is the scale and scope of the HICD Workstream expected to be?

The level of resources, including staffing, expertise, and budget, that USAID envisages will be necessary to effectively deliver on this Workstream.

The level of effort will be determined during the work planning process.

57 Can USAID provide some guidance on Task 4.3 Provide HICD Services to the Mission’s Strategic Partners that would help inform budgeting including an approximate number of long-term and short-term HICD interventions as well group coaching sessions? Would USAID consider providing a plug figure for the HICD task to ensure consistency across various bids?

Please see response above.

58 Under Task 4.4, when referencing the Young Development Professionals Program for Georgian Youth, USAID notes the contractor must provide “a living stipend to offset the cost of employees living and commuting in Tbilisi” so it may “recruit from communities outside of Tbilisi.” Would USAID confirm this assumes that the contractor should budget for lodging and commuting costs for those employees outside or further than a daily commute to Tbilisi?

Offerors must include allowable costs only, in line with the applicable Agency regulations. USAID does anticipate living costs will be part of such stipend.

59 What exactly should be in this training program? How long must the program be? How often should we do it? How many people will participate? Will it be virtual or physical training?

Please see responses above.

Capacity-building training sessions are needs-based, and they vary depending on the specific requirements of each partner entity. The methodology for such courses will be determined as part of the work-planning process.

60 Please confirm, are there any restrictions that may prevent local organizations from supporting task 4.5 Provide Exchange Visitor Support Services.

USAID ensures that the functions carried out by the contractor do not constitute an Inherently Governmental function. Please refer to AD 252 (Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors) for details:

61 Page 20, Task 4.5. Please provide the estimated duration for exchange visits. The duration of visits is not relevant.

62 Section C.5.1. The contractor must seek to undertake this workstream in a manner that systematically builds the capacity of partner entities, most likely the GOG’s economic cadre and university researchers, though potentially other entities and organizations. Question:

Could USAID please clarify who it is referring to when it says economic cadre”?

Government officials involved in economic policymaking and implementation.

63 Regarding Section C.5.3 Task 3.5 Provide Short-Term Technical Assistance (STTA) Services to USAID, can you please clarify how USAID/Georgia currently identifies need for STTA, including medium-term TA involving embedding CCLA personnel into the USAID/Georgia Mission? Or is this for the contractor to propose, based on its understanding of USAID Mission operations? Can you give an indication of the likely demand for medium-term placements (# per year / LOE per placement)?

STTA services are identified based on the statement of work for every individual assignment. There are no STTAs currently embedded into the Mission. The COR will work with the Contractor to develop specific requirements for each STTA service. Under Task 3.5, likely demand for STTA services is around 1 per quarter (4 per annum).

64 Section C.6.1. states, "The Contractor must have office space in downtown Tbilisi...that can accommodate large meetings (40-50 people minimum)";, yet Section C.6.2. states, It is expected that a small team of core staff will be required to manage the program in Tbilisi, though others need not be located in Tbilisi; Can USAID verify their expected frequency of meetings for at least 40-50 people to be held in the Contractor's Tbilisi office space?

Depending on the frequency of hosting meetings of this size, especially when otherwise the office space will be maintained for a small core team of LTTA personnel and rotating STTA, it may be more cost effective to maintain a smaller office space and rent meeting space as necessary throughout the life of the program.

Offerors must budget for an office space that can, in addition to its cores staff, accommodate large meetings (40-50 people minimum).

65 Section C.6.1. specifies that Contractors must establish an office and operations in Tbilisi, including directions on the neighborhood, all of which is standard. However, the section further specifies that any Contractor office must be able to accommodate large meetings of 40-50 people minimum, a significant number given the commercial real estate/office market in the Tbilisi location specified. Is this a requirement or may offerors propose some combination of local partner and/or hotel/conference center space to accommodate?

Please see response above.

66 Office Requirements. Source office space for project activities that can accommodate large meetings (40-50 people minimum). For the offeror to budget for the appropriate size of office space and furnishings, it will assist the Offeror to know what the furnishing is required for the meetings. Must the Offeror make allowance for chairs and tables, or only chairs for the meetings?

Offerors must budget for all furnishings (including chairs and tables) that will help accommodate large meetings of at least 40-50.

67 We note the requirement in task 4.2 for “renting out space to hold meetings either on a one-off or long-term basis.” Please confirm indicative space requirements, and length of tenure estimates for any long-term leasing of meeting space. Additionally, please confirm that we may assume this to be for life of award. Please clarify whether this is the same or a separate and concurrent space requirement as detailed on page 21 whereby “The Contractor must have office space in downtown Tbilisi (Vake, Vera, Mtatsminda, Rustaveli, Freedom Square) that can accommodate large meetings (40-50 people minimum).

Please see response above. For budgeting purposes, Offerors must assume that the space will be required for the life of the project.

https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-200/252

68 "USAID will explore the opportunity to have the Contractor embed at least one staff member at

USAID/Georgia’s office....” Will USAID provide government equipment (eg.

Computer/laptop,etc.) to the Contractor’s staff member who will be embedded at the USAID/Georgia’s office?

Offerors should not assume that USAID will provide government equipment.

69 We note the possible requirement to embed at least one staff member in the USAID/Georgia offices. Given the breadth of activities across the workstreams, please clarify which workstream / activities you anticipate the bulk of LOE for such embedded CCLA staff to support. This will inform the identification of suitable candidates.

USAID does not intend to pre-determine who will be an appropriate staff to embed; rather this will be determined as part of the work planning process.

70 Does USAID envision CCLA issuing any GUCs? If so, will there be a plug figure for the budget and what would be objective/s would the GUCs pursue?

No, grants are not contemplated under this contract.

71 Is there any frequency chart for all this training? Do we have to test the course members at the end?

Frequency of trainings will be determined as set forth in the Statement of Work and via work planning.

72 Does USAID expect the contractor to have Grants Under Contract for this program? If yes, could USAID provide an estimate for the grants pool?

Please see response above.

73 For the LOE calculation, will USAID allow offerors to convert hours to days of LOE using a factor of 8?

No, LOE must be shown in days, to be included in F.4 of the resulting contract.

74 In accordance with ADS 302.3.6.9(a)(4), will USAID allow the budget to be built using hourly rates as opposed to daily rates?

Please see response above.

75 Are there any minimum or maximum full and part-time employee limitations? Please see response above.

76 Would USAID please consider providing a copy of the Mission’s current PMP for reference?

This document will be provided to the Contractor after award.

77 Could USAID please confirm that LOE provided under fixed-price contracts may be counted in the LOE totals as long it is clearly documented using a methodology agreed-upon with USAID? It is likely that some of the assignments carried out under this activity will be procured through fixed-price contracts.

For LOE used in a subcontract to count for the prime contract, the contractor would have to use a FFP LOE term subcontract (FAR 16.207). LOE under a firm fixed price completion contract will not be counted.

78 On page 31, Section F.7.1. Key Personnel states, “The Contractor must nominate qualified candidates for proposed Key Personnel positions described in Section F.26…” however there is no section F.26 included in the solicitation. a. Could USAID please clarify if this is a reference to Section F.10 Key Personnel or if there is additional guidance offerors should follow?

Please see Amendment No. 01, correcting this clerical error to reflect that the correct reference is to Section F.10 (not F.26)

79 The clause references key personnel positions described in Section F.26. Please confirm that the reference should be to Section F.10.

Please see response above.

80 For budgeting purposes, is USAID able to provide an estimated start date of the program? USAID anticipates making award upon completion of the procurement process, which is currently expected in FY25 Q1.

81 Noting that Phase 2 submissions are expected to be due on or about September 30 and oral presentations will follow soon thereafter, is the contract award expected before the end of 2024? For pricing and resource commitment purposes, what expected start date should be assumed?

Please see above.

82 When does USAID anticipate the award would be made? Please see above.

83 Section F.7, deliverables table (pages 29-31). Could USAID/Georgia please clarify if the days referenced in the table are calendar days or business days?

The days referenced are calendar days.

84 May USAID please confirm the quarterly work plans will always include “a list of notional activities under the four work streams for the following three quarters”. For example, Y1Q3 work plan would include detailed activities for Y1Q4 and notional activities for Y2 Q1-3?

Yes.

85 Should the travel plan also include travel for the Exchange Visitor Services or just for project staff?

Offerors should only budget for project staff travel.

86 Considering the strategic nature of services provided under the SOW and the preclusion from supporting Implementation Contracts for future activities - would it be preferable to understand an offeror’s current engagements as an implementation support prime contractor or subcontractor, and how independence will be achieved in context of CDCS development support, Portfolio Reviews, feedback loops, pause and reflect sessions, etc.? Should offerors present the OCI Mitigation Plans as part of the Phase 1 submission since it may impact the assessment of Institutional and Management Capacity?

As to Phase 1, offerors must follow the instructions set forth in Section L.8.1.

As per Section L.10.11, the OCI Mitigation Plan is not required at Phase 1.

87 Would USAID consider changing the geographic code to 935, which allows for the procurement of goods and services from any country, except prohibited sources, rather than having two distinct geographic codes?

USAID declines to change the geographic code.

88 Would USAID consider revising this requirement so that it is clear that STTA positions need concurrence only if not included in the work plan? Given the demand-driven nature of this activity, Offerors will not be able to accurately specify the expected STTA positions in the proposal.

Any requests to revise Special Requirement H.12 will be visited post-award. It is not anticipated that any such revisions would impact the proposal submission.

89 Page 56, Section H.12. The RFP states, “USAID will not accept salary rates that exceed 3% of those rates set forth in the accepted cost proposal, for Year 1.” This seems to limit the proposed salaries for the entire period of performance of the contract. Would USAID consider revising the language to “salary rates that exceed 3% of the approved rate from the previous contract year?”

USAID declines to revise the language. The restriction only applies to the salary rates above 3% of the accepted cost proposal for Year 1.

90 The note under section H.12 states, “USAID will not accept salary rates that exceed 3% of those rates set forth in the accepted cost proposal, for Year 1.” We understand this to mean USAID expects all candidates recruited after contract award to accept starting salaries that are no more than 3% higher than the salary estimates used in the proposal.

While offerors will use market information to budget, they often use averages, which means that a selected candidate may in fact have a starting salary that is more than 3% above the salary used to estimate the budget. As such, we kindly request the removal of this note so that the Contractor and be replaced with a statement requiring each starting salary stay within the Contractor’s Compensation Plan ranges. This will allow the Contractor to recruit the best candidate and offer the salary appropriate for the position and their experience, even if it’s more than 3% above the salary used to estimate the budget.

USAID declines to revise the language.

91 Salary Rates. Text reference: “Note: USAID will not accept salary rates that exceed 3% of those rates set forth in the accepted cost proposal, for Year 1.” Which salary rates is USAID referring to? Please provide clarification.

92 Section H.12(a): Can you please clarify if the compensation plan will only apply to Georgian and Third Country nationals? Do the 10% annual salary increase requirements only apply to full-time project staff, or do they also apply to home office management staff? Can you please clarify if the restriction only applies to initial salary requests in year 1?

- The plan applies to all field-based, full time project staff.

- The 10% annual salary increase requirements apply only to full-time project staff.

- The restriction only applies to initial salary requests in year 1.

93 Place of Performance. The project’s location of premises is currently unknown and will only be known after the award when the Offeror seeks premises. The Offeror should not fill-in section K.10, right?

Offeror may indicate TBD, Georgia.

94 Section L.1., pg.121 Provisions. Text reference: “The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer.” 1.What format must the appropriate information be presented, Word or PDF, etc.? 2.With which volume, i.e. Technical or Cost Proposal, is the information to be submitted as an annex?

This is in reference to the solicitation provisions that are incorporated by reference.

95 Section L.4 (h), pg.123 Submission address. L.4 (h) relates to Closing Date and Time. Text reference: “...submitted to email addresses included in Section L.7...” Section L.7 is the Format section and contains no email addresses. Section L.6 contains the email addresses for proposal submission. Please provide clarification.

Please see Amendment No. 01, correcting the reference on page 123 from Section L.7 to Section L.6.

96 On page 124, Section L.5 Phased Evaluation Process states that, “Phase 2- Offerors will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing technical evaluation Factor 4…” However, on page 129, Section L.9 Instructions for preparation of phase 2 technical proposal does not reference a written technical proposal but rather states “Phase 2 oral presentation materials consisting of: 1. Cover page 2. Session 1 Slide Deck (General Technical Approach)” on page 131, Section L.9.2 Phase 2 oral presentation materials format. a. Would USAID please confirm that the oral presentation and slide deck are considered the technical proposal and that there is no requirement for offerors to submit a technical proposal narrative in phase 2?

Please see Amendment No. 01, revising Section L.5 on page 124 to state instead, "Phase 2 - Offerors will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing technical evaluation (sic Factor 4)..."

97 On page 124, Section L.5 Phased Evaluation Process states that, “Phase 2- Offerors will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing technical evaluation Factor 4…” However, on page 145, Section M.3.4 states, “Phase 2: Evaluation Factor 4: Past Performance, Factor 4 Past performance will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 15.305(a)(2)” a. Would USAID please confirm that Factor 4 will be evaluated using the past performance matrix submitted as part of phase 1?

Correct. Please see response above, in which language as per Amendment No. 1 revises the language under Section L.5 to reflect that the written technical proposal in Phase 2 is addressing technical evaluation Factor 3 (Management and Staffing Plan) and not Factor 4 (Past Performance).

98 Section L.5, page 124, says that for Phase 2, the Offerors will be required to submit a written technical proposal. Section M.3.2 says Factor 2.1 is General Technical Approach. In which phase is the Technical Approach submitted since there is no mention of it under Phase 1 or 2?

Please see response above.

99 Regarding Section L, p. 124, it states “Phase 2—Offers will be required to submit a written a) technical proposal addressing…