RFP_72011519R00004_Amendment_0002.pdf

RFP 72011519R00004

Eliminating Tuberculosis in Central Asia (ETICA) Questions & Answers

1. Can USAID please clarify if the technical proposal should be 25 or 30 pages (per page 85 of the RFP)?

Answer: As part of Amendment 1, section L.6(a), Page limitations, page 86, is revised to say 25-page.

2. Can USAID please extend the submission deadline to allow the offeror more time to develop a well-integrated proposal?

Answer: No.

3. Is the Contractor Past Performance Information (pg 85, 88-89 of RFP) the same as Annex

4 Contractor Past Performance Information (pg 86, 89 of RFP)? Is the information only needed as Annex 4? Is anything needed in the Technical Proposal narrative?

Answer: Past Performance Information is only required under Annex 4.

As part of Amendment 1, Section L.6 (b), Technical Proposal, page 85, has been revised.

Number 3, Contractor Past Performance Information is deleted. In addition, L.6(c)3, Contractor Past Performance Information is DELETED in its entirety and ADDED to Annex 4: Past Performance Information.

4. Can the Offeror include past performance information for subcontractors who fall below the 25% of total cost threshold?

5. What is the anticipated start date for ETICA?

Answer: Anticipated start date is no later then end of fiscal year.

6. Objective 2 Result 2.1: This result expects 90% increase in DR-TB treatment each year and is not realistic taking into consideration high level treatment rates in the countries.

For example, in Kazakhstan reported rate is close to 90% of DR cases on treatment. So to increase the percentage of detected DR-TB cases (all forms) initiated on appropriate treatment by 90% or more would not be possible. Can USAID elaborate what will be the target for Year 2?

Answer: This indicator is expected to measure the progress made in treatment coverage for DR-TB cases detected. As part of Amendment 1, the language is revised as follows, “out of all detected DR-TB cases, 90% or more are receiving appropriate treatment.” For instance, if 2000 DR-TB patients were detected in Year 2, then at least 90% of them (1,800 people) should receive appropriate treatment.

RFP 72011519R00004

Eliminating Tuberculosis in Central Asia (ETICA) Questions & Answers

7. The Quality Assurance Surveillance matrix in the QASP includes one result per objective, but there are several results per objective in Appendix J. Should the other results be added?

Answer: Offeror are expected to complete the rows highlighted in yellow under each expected results. As stated in the Attachment J.3, section 4.2 of the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) “[t]he surveillance plan may include key indicators contained in the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL Plan); however, the QASP should be briefer and focus on the most impactful interventions planned. As such, it should not be as detailed as the MEL Plan, with the focus instead being on defining and ensuring the quality of the key services or deliverables.”

8. Does the Offerer need to submit a performance standard document as part of the QASP in the proposal stage?

9. Regarding PWS Instructions on pg 87 of RFP. The RFP requires efforts to ensure monitoring and high-quality of activities. Is this in lieu of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan?

Answer: No. It’s not in lieu of the MEL Plan. Section L.6(c)1a, Technical Approach, pages 86-87, is REVISED as follows for clarity:

“The PWS must use the following outline:

Background/introduction (1 page). This should include the Offeror's Theory of Change (please see https://usaidlearninglab.org/library/theories-change for a description of USAID's Theory of Change).

Implementation Approach to meet Objectives:

o Narrative of task/activities;

o Quantitative results expected from the activities; and o Efforts to ensure monitoring and high-quality of activities.

Summary/conclusion (0.5 page).”