Amendment_No_01_72011718R00003.pdf

(x)

72011718R00003 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 telegram 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 telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

720117

00000 USAID/Moldova

09/18/20180001

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

08/29/2018

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 date, 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 is to answer the questions received in response to the solicitation and post the revised RFP. Attachment A provides the responses to the questions, and Attachment B highlights the changes in yellow in the revised solicitation.

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)

Maria Televantos

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

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 .

Attachment A RFP 72011718R00003, Amendment 1

USAID MOLDOVA ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLES PROJECT (MEERP)

REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATIONS

# Question Answer 1 Do the electric utilities have peak, off-peak, and seasonal rates? No. The same rate is applied.

2 Have there been any previous studies of solar potential for the schools? Have the schools already been ranked as potential candidates for the addition of solar? Have there been energy audits of any of the schools? Is there any published consumption records for the schools?

No specific studies on the solar potential for schools have been conducted recently. No schools have been ranked as potential candidates for the addition of solar, though there are several tens of schools that have been repaired/refurbished with support from international and bilateral donors.

Some schools have passed through the procedure of energy audits. To USAID’s knowledge, there are no published consumption records for the schools.

3 Is there a standard power purchase agreement for selling power to the utilities?

Every utility has its own purchase agreement that is crafted in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Renewables (Law Nr. 10, from 26 February 2016)

4 Would USAID consider removing the TOC from the page count? No. The table of contents is included in the page limitation.

5 Do resumes and biographical data sheets need to be submitted for non-key personnel?

Biodata sheets are required for all proposed personnel in the cost proposal, but resumes are only required for key personnel as part of the technical proposal.

6 Is the Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and a Marking Plan (MP) to be included in an Annex and not counted in the 25-page proposal? Would USAID please provide the Branding Strategy?

Per Section L.8 of the RFP, the Branding Strategy and Marking Plan is part of the cost proposal, not an annex to the technical proposal. Therefore, there is no limitation on the Branding Strategy and Marking Plan. Please see Section D.2 of the RFP for Branding Strategy information.

7 Is it acceptable that the page size for Past Performance Information Sheet exceed 8.5 x 11?

No, please use the page size indicated in the page 85 of the solicitation (8 1/2 x 11)

8 Top of Page 89 states that “Evidence of Responsibility for prime and major subcontractors (if requested by the CO): “Page 96 states “The

Yes, the evidence of responsibility for prime and major subcontractors must be provided as part of cost proposal. The RFP has been revised to remove “if offeror must submit sufficient evidence of responsibility for the Contracting Officer to make an affirmative determination of responsibility….”

a. Are Evidence of Responsibility for prime and major subs required?

b. If so:

i. Should they be submitted with proposal or,

ii. At award?

requested by the CO” for clarity that it is required at the stage of proposal submission.

9 Does a Local Compensation Plan exist to act as a guide for CCN Labor Rates

c. If yes, can one be made available?

d. If no, would USAID provide/recommend other acceptable sources which may be used?

We cannot provide the Moldova Local Compensation Plan (LCP), but the highest salary in the LCP is $55,614.

10 On “Environmental Compliance and implementation”, Does the contractor bear the cost of environmental compliance and implementation of the pilot projects? If yes, is there a plug figure?

Yes, the Contractor will bear the cost of environmental compliance and implementation of the demonstration projects. The cost of environmental compliance will vary from site to site, but the “Demonstration Projects” plug figure already includes the cost for environmental compliance.

11 Page 8, Section B.5, the Government notes that cost allowability will be determined by various regulatory structures. However, the award is set-aside for U.S. Small Business, all of which must comply with FAR 31.2 cost principles as for-profit entities. As such, please consider deleting the references to 2 CFR 215 and 2 CFR 230 in this section.

Thank you for pointing this out. We have removed these references from Section B.5 in the amended RFP.

12 Page 8, Section B.7, Ceiling on Indirect Costs, please consider removing the requirements of this section. For small businesses, these ceilings can present undue risk over the long-term. Moreover, Section B.6.b provides USAID with sufficient ability to manage risk around indirect cost rate changes.

We have taken this into consideration and removed the ceilings on indirect costs in the amended RFP.

13 Page 36, Section H.3, Authorized Geographic Code, states that “The authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services

If waivers are necessary, they will be considered post-award with adequate justification from the contractor. A blanket waiver will not be considered at under this contract are 110 and 937.” Since installation materials under demonstration projects may be sourced from neighboring countries that keep higher quality materials in stock, would USAID consider replacing geographic code 937 with code 935 so that advanced developing countries are included, which would mitigate the need for geographic code waivers post award?

this time.

14 Page 86, Section L.7, 1. Cover Letter defines major subcontractors as those “whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.” Would USAID kindly consider revising the definition of major subcontractors to “those expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort”, especially considering the plug figure of $3.25M for demonstration projects and the variety of specialties required to implement the project successfully?

The definition of a major subcontractor has been revised as requested.

Offerors are reminded that they must indicate in the cover letter of their proposal any major subcontractors.

15 Page 90, Section L.8, A. Salaries and Wages, states “Completed biographical data sheets, Form AID 1420-17 (forms may be obtained at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/), must be provided for proposed key personnel.” Please confirm that biodata sheets are only required for key personnel candidates.

No, biodata sheets are required for all proposed personnel.

16 Page 92, Section L.8, H. Demonstration Projects, states “Offerors must use the plug figure of $3,250,000 over the five-year period ($2,000,000 for the base period and $1,250,000 for the option period) as included in the summary budget. This plug figure does not include the cost of technical assistance.” Page 12, Section L.7.2, Demonstration Projects, states “As part of the Demonstration projects, the Contractor must fund the installation subcontracts, or material, installation labor and all miscellaneous cost directly associated with the implementation of the demonstration project.”

Please confirm that the plug figure for demonstration projects

The plug figure for demonstration projects excludes Task 2a: Selection of Project Sites, Monitoring from Task 2c, and applicable indirect costs.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ excludes:

● Task 2a: Selection of Project Sites, Task 2b Design, Installation, and Commissioning, and Task 2c: Monitoring and Maintenance (technical assistance); and

● Applicable indirect costs.

17 Page 92, Section L.8.E states that 1420 biodata forms must be provided for all consultants. However, often at this stage of the procurement process, consultants are unnamed. Would USAID accept “TBD” consultant listings with explanation in the narrative as to how the rates are proposed and how they comply with fair market principles?

Yes, as long as the rates are adequately justified, this approach is fine.

18 Page 97, Section L.8.M, Branding Strategy and Marking Plan, states that “Offerors must submit a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and a Marking Plan (MP) that complies with Section D.” Please confirm that Offerors should submit a BIP and MP as part of the Cost Proposal.

Per Section L.8 of the RFP, the Branding Strategy and Marking Plan must be submitted as part of the Cost Proposal.

19 Page 27, Section F.7, Key Personnel, please confirm that the Chief of Party may be based in Moldova or in another location.

The Chief of Party must be based in Moldova. The RFP has been revised to clarify this.

20 Page 85, Section L.7, states that the Technical Proposal is limited to 25 pages total. Please confirm that technical proposal sections do not have individual page limits and that offerors are free to allocate the 25 pages as they see fit.

Yes, this is correct.

21 Page 85, Section L.7, please confirm that offerors may include a title page and a list of acronyms in the Technical Proposal, to be excluded from the 25-page limit.

If offerors choose to include a title page and acronym list, then they will be counted towards the 25-page limit. As noted in Section L.7, the page limitation will be calculated by the total number of pages of the entire technical proposal PDF.

22 Page 85, Section L.7, please clarify which font type and size offerors should use for proposal text and kindly confirm that a smaller font size may be used for tables and graphs.

Offerors must a readable font size. Typically this means font size 12, and smaller, but readable font sizes may be used for tables and graphs.

23 Page 85, Section L.7, provides a listing of the required Technical This is correct. Any pages beyond these 25 will not be given to the evaluators

Proposal sections/components. Please confirm that Offerors should present the required information within this 25-page limit, without adding annexes or attachments, beyond this page limit.

and will not be evaluated.

24 Page 86, Section L.7.2.1, Management Approach, states “The Offeror must describe the roles and responsibilities of Home Office staff, Field Office staff, their assigned management and decision-making authorities, and the relationship the Offeror will have to any subcontractors/sub-Awardees.” Please clarify if the implementing partner awarded the TO will be required to establish a field office in Moldova or elsewhere for this project.

The Contractor must establish one project office in Chisinau (the RFP has been revised to clarify this). No field office at the regional or local level is required, as the distance from Chisinau to any village of Moldova is relatively short and can be reached within one business day.

25 Page 87, Section L.7.2.b, states “Resumes also must have at least three references for each position with full contact information (name, position, relationship, email address, and telephone number).” Please confirm that a total of three references are required for the COP candidate, and not three references for each position held and listed in the COP candidate’s resume. Also confirm that no references are required for any other proposed personnel.

This is to confirm that a total of three references are required for the COP only. The language has been clarified in the revised RFP.

26 Page 87, Section L.7.3 limits the Institutional Experience and Capacity section to only include examples from the Offeror and any major subcontractors. Would USAID please consider revising the RFP to afford Offerors the opportunity to include experience from any and all subcontractors, to best showcase the depth and breadth of experience available within Offerors’ consortia?

No, only major subcontractors will be evaluated under this criterion; however, USAID has changed the definition of major subcontractor in the revised RFP.

27 Page 87, Section L.7.4, limits the required past performance information to contracts between $3 million to $20 million. Capping the value of relevant contracts to $20 million may exclude key projects with scopes relevant to the MEERP and unnecessarily limits the past performance information that a prime offeror can present, adversely affecting the fair evaluation of past performance. Would USAID please consider revising this requirement so that offerors may present past performance information for contracts that exceed $20 million in value, at least for the small business prime?

We have changed the RFP to allow more flexibility. Contracts over $3 million will be considered of relevant value.

28 Page 88, Section L.7.4.a.2, Past Performance, states “Provide for each of the contracts listed above a list of contact names, job titles, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and a description of the performance as requested in Attachment J.2.” Attachment J.2 however only requests references if a CPAR is not available. Would it be acceptable to provide current names and contact information in all cases, as some of the contacts may have changed from the

CPAR?

Yes

29 Pages 98-99, Section M.2 provides the Technical Evaluation Criteria. Please clarify how these criteria (Technical Approach, Management Plan, Institutional Experience and Capacity, and Past Performance) are ranked against each other in terms of value, relative weight, or order of importance for purposes of the evaluation.

We apologize for this oversight. The evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance.

30 Does this project fall under Moldovan protocols exempting local hires from taxes and benefits?

Contractors must follow all local labor and tax laws when hiring local staff.

USAID is not aware of the protocols referenced in this question.

31 Is a budget for option years required? Yes, please see Section L.8 for more information.

32 Under Task 1, a regulatory fast track for RES would need to be specific to the range of RES options found to be most economically sound. Is there a minimum number of RES options that need to be considered or is PV the only RES option?

The minimum RES option to be considered is the PV; however, wind is another option which could be potentially explored.

33 Under Task 1, net metering is presented as the main way to make RES/PV viable in Moldova. The seasonal load profile for Moldova (higher demand in winter heating season) would seem to limit the economic benefit from the seasonal energy credit shift that is a component of net metering. Are other alternatives or incentives also to be investigated?

Net metering is not the single success factor for RES/PV in Moldova. It’s an incentive benefit for ultimate users. Task 1 mandates the Contractor to investigate other alternatives and incentives schemes.

34 Under Task 2, it is stated that the schools must “own and operate” The schools shall own and operate their PV systems after the maintenance their RES. Is it possible for a commercial entity to “own and operate” the RES and for the beneficiary school to participate under a lease or lease purchase agreement with the private implementing entity?

contract expires. If during implementation a different approach is agreeable with the schools’ management, the USAID COR will definitely consider it.

35 The RFP details in section B.4.a that "Demonstration Projects" cost line "does not include the cost of technical assistance." Please confirm whether technical assistance is thus included inside the direct costs line?

Yes, Technical Assistance is included in the direct cost line.

36 In section B.5, the RFP notes that cost allowability will be determined by various regulatory structures. However, the award is set-aside for US Small Business, all of whom must comply with FAR 31.2 cost principals as for-profit entities. Would USAID consider striking the references to 2 CFR 215 and 2 CFR 230?

Thank you for pointing this out. We have removed these references from Section B.5 in the amended RFP.

37 Would USAID consider striking the requirements of B.7, ceilings on indirect costs? For small businesses, these ceilings can present undue risk over the long-term; similarly, Section B.6.b provides USAID with sufficient ability to manage risk around indirect cost rate changes.

We have taken this into consideration and removed the ceilings on indirect costs in the amended RFP.

38 Section L.8.E details that 1420s must be provided for all consultants;

however, often at this stage consultants are unnamed. Would USAID accept “to be determined (TBD)” consultant lines with explanation in the narrative as to how the rates are proposed and in line with fair market principals?

Yes, as long as the rates are adequately justified, this approach is fine.

39 Under Task 1, “Business and Ownership Models,” on page 12, the RFP promotes “innovative financing and ownership models … to enhance uptake of distributed PV. These include third party leasing, rent-a-roof programs, community solar….” But on page 13, the RFP mentions that the “beneficiary schools will own the rooftop systems.” This seems contrary to the lease or a rent-a-roof option discussed earlier. Please clarify.

These are two different tasks, so the statements are not contradictory. Task 1 is general and applicable to the entire industry. Best practices and knowledge shall be developed and promoted within the industry under Task 1. Private sector participants may successfully learn and apply such models and the Activity may support implementation of such models by providing Technical Assistance. Task 2 covers demonstration projects with schools, and the schools shall own their PV systems to ensure sustainable operations. See also Answer 34.

40 Are all the expenses related to the demonstration project’s feasibility study, development, negotiations and implementation for all parties (schools, ministries, etc.) considered “all miscellaneous costs directly associated with the implementation of the demonstration project” (see page 12)?

Yes.

41 Task 2b: Design, Installation, and Commissioning states that “co-financing options will be mainly secured by the beneficiaries.” Can USAID provide insights or information regarding whether local business are familiar with and experienced in applying for co-financing through the entities identified in the RFP? Is it expected that this this leveraged co-financing will be in place before the commercial applicant submits the application or is it expected that the Contractor will support the applicant’s efforts to find co-financing with IFIs, Energy Efficiency Fund, local banks, and Prime Capital?

Yes, there are local businesses familiar with and experienced in applying for co-financing. It is an expectation that the project will deal with few fairly capable businesses that are ready to invest the bulk of the resources for their project. The commercial applicants (businesses) will secure their part of co-financing independently with their own resources or loans.

42 What kind of support in creating financing products for Prime Capital is envisioned for the Contractor?

This task must be implemented only if required, which is dependent on the Prime Capital’s need. As a result of the economic analysis and demonstrational projects implemented with commercial entities, the Contractor will be in a good position to advise Prime Capital on development of a viable, affordable financing product for the private sector, that can be easily absorbed by potential project beneficiaries and other private firms interested in RES investments.

43 The “Expected Results” section of Task 2 mentions “beneficiaries saving operation budgets through selling electricity back to the grid.” Is the adoption of net metering policies within Moldova a necessary prerequisite of Task 2 activities?

The Net metering mechanism has already been adopted and is in Art. 39 of the Law on Renewables (Law Nr. 10, from 26 February 2016).

44 Is there scope within the budget for the Contractor to support the pre-feasibility studies that interested applicants are required to conduct in order to apply for Task 2a funding?

Yes. This question is in reference to the work with the private sector beneficiaries that are interested in RES investments. The Technical Assistance, which may include pre-feasibility assessments, is the main contribution towards the projects developed with the private companies.

45 Regarding the classroom education, the Contractor must prepare two basic courses for at least three groups each of potential designers and installers on the theory and practical knowledge of solar PV system design, installation and operation. How many people are expected to be in each class?

It is up to the Contractor to determine the appropriate number of people to attend these courses in order to ensure future access to a capable specialist resource pool that will help with the implementation of the demonstrational projects while also increasing the availability of PV installers in Moldova.

46 The instructions for Attachment J.2 request up to five of the most recent and relevant contracts. Are cooperative agreements also acceptable?

No, only contracts are acceptable.

Issue Date: August 29, 2018 Questions Due: September 12, 2018, 9:00 a.m. Chisinau Time Closing Date: October 4, 2018, 4:00 p.m. Chisinau Time

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72011718R00003

Moldova Energy Efficiency and Renewables Project (MEERP)

The United States Agency for International Development in Moldova (USAID/Moldova) is seeking proposals from U.S. small business concerns for the USAID Moldova Energy Efficiency and Renewables Project (MEERP). Subject to availability of funds USAID anticipates awarding a single Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Contract. The total estimated cost of this acquisition is in the range of $9 – $11 million (including option). The period of performance is anticipated to be up to three (3) years, with the possibility to exercise a two (2)-year option. The authorized Geographic Codes are 110 and 937. USAID/Moldova sets aside this procurement for U.S. Small Business entities.

The purpose of this contract is to assist Moldova with fulfilling its commitments to the Energy Community Treaty, comply with its renewable energy acquis, and to make progress towards integration of the energy sector with the EU countries. The contract aims to enhance Moldova’s energy security by assisting with development of the legal and regulatory environment for public and private investment in small scale renewable energy installations and energy efficiency.

The applicable NAICS Code is: 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. All qualified U.S. small business offerors are invited to submit a proposal.

Questions and comments related to this RFP must be submitted electronically to Moldovasolicitations@usaid.gov, with a copy to me at mtelevantos@usaid.gov by the deadline stated. Answers to questions received in writing will be made available to all offerors through an amendment to the RFP and posted on www.fbo.gov.

Please refer to Section L for information regarding proposal requirements. It is extremely important that electronic submissions be made by the date and time indicated above. Proposals received after the closing date and time will be processed as late and handled in accordance with FAR 15.208. Electronic submissions must be sent to the following address:

Moldovasolicitations@usaid.gov. No other form of submission will be accepted.

Issuance of this RFP in no way obligates the U.S. Government to award a contract nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Furthermore, the Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

Thank you for your interest in USAID programs.

Sincerely, ______/S/_______ Maria Televantos Regional Contracting Officer mailto:Moldovasolicitations@usaid.gov mailto:dharter@usaid.gov http://www.fbo.gov/ mailto:moldovasolicitations@usaid.gov

Attachment B RFP No.: 72011718R00003, Amendment 1

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Contents

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

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

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 PROJECT PURPOSE

C.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

C.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

C.4 CROSS-CUTTING

C.5 EXPECTED PROJECT OUTCOMES:

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2 BRANDING STRATEGY

D.3 BRANDING AND MARKING POLICY

D.4 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OF PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

F.5 AUTHORIZED WORK DAY / WEEK

F.6 DELIVERABLES AND REQUIRED REPORTING

F.7 KEY PERSONNEL

F.8 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2013)

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S AUTHORITY

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

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G.4 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.5 PAYING OFFICE

G.6 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.7 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

G.8 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.9 CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE AND PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

H.2 INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.4 LOGISTICS SUPPORT

H.5 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002)

H.6 AIDAR 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004)

H.7 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012)

H.8 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

H.9 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.10 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014)

H.11 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOV 2017)

H.12 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY

H.13 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL) (OCT 2014) 38

H.14 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

H.15 LIMITATION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DEVIATION NOs. M/OAA-

DEV-FAR-18-2c and M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-2c) (APRIL 2018)

H.16 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

H.17 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUNE 2018)

H.18 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

H.19 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.20 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.21 CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016)

H.22 AIDAR 752.204-72 ACCESS TO USAID FACILITIES AND USAID'S INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO. M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-18-2c))

H.23 ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBILITY (APRIL 2018)

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I.2 AIDAR CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (MAR 2015)

I.3 FAR 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989)

I.4 FAR 52.229-8 TAXES-FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS (MAR 1990)

I.5 AIDAR 752.7101 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES (JUN 2008)

I.6 AIDAR 752.7025 APPROVALS (APR 1984)

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I.7 FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I.8 FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (Mar 2000)

I.9 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION

I.10 FAR 52.203-19 – PROHIBITION ON REQUIRING CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY

AGREEMENTS OR STATEMENTS (JAN 2017)

I.11 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)

I.12 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

I.13 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM

EMPLOYEES OF WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS (APR 2014)

I.14 FAR 52.204-23 – PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND

SERVICES DEVELOPED OR PROVIDED BY KASPERSKY LAB AND OTHER COVERED

ENTITIES (JUL 2018)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS

K.1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2 FAR 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATION (JAN 2018)

K.3 FAR 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2015)

K.4 FAR 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JUL 2013)

K.5 FAR 52.209-11 REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING DELINQUENT TAX

LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (FEB 2016)

K.6 FAR 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS-

CERTIFICATION (JUNE 2018)

K.7 FAR 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS REPRESENTATIONS (OCT 2014)

K.8 FAR 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

K.9 FAR 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

K.10 FAR 52.225-2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE (MAY 2014)

K.11 FAR 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION (OCT

2015)

K.12 FAR 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE—COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES (APR

2005)

K.13 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY

K.14 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS

K.15 SIGNATURE

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L.1 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.2 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

L.3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.4 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L.5 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.6 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

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L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1. GENERAL INFORMATION

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.3 COST/BUSINESS EVALUATION

M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE

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PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to obtain services as described in Section C - Statement of Work.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion Contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must accomplish the performance objectives and provide the results, deliverables and output as described in Section C and Section F, and in accordance with the performance standards specified therein.

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

a) The total estimated cost for the base period and option period required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $ [inserted at award]. The fixed fee, if any, is $ [inserted at award]. The total estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $ [inserted at award].

b) The estimated cost for the base period required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $[inserted at award]. The fixed fee for the base period is $[inserted at award]. The estimated cost plus fixed fee for the base period is $[inserted at time of award].

c) The estimated cost for the option period required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $[inserted at award]. The fixed fee for the option period is $[inserted at award]. The estimated cost plus fixed fee for the option period is $[inserted at time of award].

d) Within the estimated cost plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph B.3.a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance hereunder is $ [inserted at award]. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount nor will the Government be responsible for costs incurred should the Contractor do so.

B.4 PRICE SCHEDULE

a) The following is the contract budget:

ITEM Base Period Total

Option Period Total

Total

Direct Costs Demonstration Projects* $2,000,000 $1,250,000 $3,250,000 Indirect Costs Total Minus Fixed Fee Fixed Fee Total Estimated Cost

*Does not include the cost of technical assistance or indirect costs

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b) The inclusion of any costs in the above cost categories does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR § 52.216-07, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract. Also, these amounts 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.

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs reimbursable under this contract will be limited to those costs determined to be necessary allocable, allowable, and reasonable as determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Contract Cost Principles), FAR 52.216-7, (Allowable Cost and Payment), and FAR 52.216-8, (Fixed Fee), if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003 (Documentation for Payment).

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

a. Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect costs, USAID will reimburse allowable indirect costs on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases pursuant to the Contractor’s current executed Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement:

Description Rate Base Type Period % 1/ 1/ 1/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

b. The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

Payment of fixed fee, subject to the terms stated in FAR 52.216‐8, may be made upon receipt of a proper invoice. Subject to FAR 52.216‐8, Fixed Fee, payment of fixed fee shall be allocated based upon the proportion of the invoiced amount in the period covered by the invoice to the total estimated cost of the periods of the contract not including fixed fee.

[END OF SECTION B]

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SECTION C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

MOLDOVA ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEABLES PROJECT (MEERP)

C.1 PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of this project is to assist Moldova with fulfilling its commitments to the Energy Community Treaty, comply with its renewable energy acquis, and to make progress towards integration of the energy sector with the EU countries. The project aims to enhance Moldova’s energy security by assisting with development of the legal and regulatory environment for public and private investment in small scale renewable energy installations and energy efficiency.

This project must contribute to USAID/Moldova’s CDCS DO2 Intermediate Results, namely, IR 2.1: Improved Economic Foundation for Growth, and IR 2.2: Improved Private Sector Competitiveness in Selected Industries. Energy efficiency and renewable resources are key components for ensuring economic growth, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, improvement of national security and public health.

At a national level, scaling installations of solar PV will result in increased domestic power production and the reduction of electricity imports. The development of the solar industry will also create many new jobs in engineering, procurement and installation of the equipment, including U.S. business opportunities. At the end user level, rooftop solar provides opportunities for cost savings. Effective branding at the schools and other demonstration projects will help increase awareness of USAID support for Moldova’s development.

C.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Moldova has one of the lowest energy security ratings in the world, (ranking 116th in 125 countries evaluated by the World Energy Council), lacking basic diversification of sources causing vulnerability to energy supply disruption, manipulation of energy prices, corruption and abuse for political gain. This impedes economic growth, leaves the economy highly vulnerable to price shifts, draws governmental and private sector resources away from other priority issues, and creates dependence upon foreign energy suppliers. Moldova relies heavily on imports of electricity from “Moldavska Gres” located in Transnistria, with potential alternative imports from Ukraine. The recent conflict with Russia in the Donbass region and Crimea, however, has jeopardized this power source. Ukraine, in fact, is itself suffering from power shortages.

Improving energy efficiency, utilization of renewable energy sources (RES), and energy security are among the main priorities of the National Development Strategy ‘Moldova 2020ʼ, National Energy Strategy of Moldova through 2030 (NES), and Moldova’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP)1.

According to NES and NREAP, 159.5 MW of additional renewable energy capacity is targeted by 2020. Despite the ambitious targets set at the national level, the implementation of renewable energy projects is slow and only 5.2 MW of capacity was installed by the end of 2015, out of which only 2.38 MW was solar energy. A number of obstacles have prevented wide-scale adoption of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems at the residential and commercial level. The lack of regulatory guidelines for distributed PV permitting results in large delays as distribution companies have no mandates to process applications. Project economics are hampered by the lack of an implemented net metering protocol that will allow customers to be compensated for electricity sold to the grid. Large-scale deployment is hindered by a lack of tested business

1 https://www.energy-community.org/dam/jcr:4b3ef508-7809-4a67-92f2-c2fb5b31d356/NREAP_2014_MD.pdf

10 | P a g e models for developing projects and operating and maintaining installed systems. The sector may also require additional incentives, to properly incentive distributed energy systems among targeted customer groups.

Moldova’s Law on Promoting the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources will come into force at the end of March 2018. The new rules, which transpose EU Directive 2009/28/EC on promotion of the use of renewable energies, will introduce changes intended to incentivize the deployment of distributed energy resources in the residential and commercial sectors. For instance, the law will include net-metering for renewable energy power stations with capacity up to 100 kW, enhancing the economic viability of these projects. The law also includes requirements for non-discriminatory access to the grid, priority dispatch of electricity generated from renewable energy, guaranteed purchase for eligible producers selected through competitive auctions, and minimization of curtailment.

C.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES

Considering commitments to the Energy Community to utilize renewable resources at the level required by the Energy Community EnCT acquis, Moldova must resolve key issues hindering the application of distributed renewable resources, including but not limited to: 1) establishment of a regulatory environment and enhanced project economics; 2) market development through demonstration projects and outreach; 3) institutional capacity building and educational programs for renewable energy deployment.

In supporting such reforms, the MEERP project development objectives are to: (i) reduce energy dependence of selected publically-owned municipal school buildings by implementing Renewable Energy (RES); (ii) demonstrate the commercial viability of the installed technology and provide models to help attract investment into energy efficiency and renewable energy projects; and (iii) enhance the policy and regulatory environment for energy efficiency and renewable energy development.

The Moldova Energy Efficiency and Renewables Project (MEERP) must partner with Moldova’s Energy sector Regulator (ANRE), Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure, electric utilities, municipal governments, local community organizations, municipal organizations, and the private sector to achieve the stated development objectives.

In order to realize the project objectives, three components must be carried out. These include:

(i) (RES) and Energy Efficiency (EE) policy and regulatory support, (ii) demonstration projects in schools and commercial buildings, and (iii) market development and outreach.

Task 1. Renewable Energy(RES) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Policy, Regulatory and Utility support Key Stakeholders: Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MoE), ANRE, Distribution Utilities, etc.

Under this task, the contractor must take a comprehensive approach to addressing the policy, regulatory, and utility barriers to scaling up distributed renewable energy resources in Moldova.

The passage of Moldova’s new law on Promoting Renewable Energy Resources is an important first step in this process, but additional support is required to realize the full potential of these cost effective resources. Other illustrative activities under this project include: Project level economic analysis: The implementation of a net-metering protocol provides an opportunity for enhanced project economics across all customer classes. Nonetheless, project pay-back periods will be strongly influenced by a number of variables across different customer classes.

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The contractor must undertake an analysis across different customer categories for a variety of locations and representative load profiles to determine the project economics of distributed PV and inform discussion regarding alternative incentive schemes.

Application, licensing and permitting: International experience has demonstrated that a mandated and fast-tracked application process is necessary to avoid lengthy, and costly, project implementation delays. The contractor must work with key stakeholders to develop a mandated multi-tracked application, licensing and permitting process. The contractor must provide support to ANRE on tariff setting methodology. Technical support must also be provided to the distribution companies to perform grid impact studies for larger systems, or a high concentration of systems on a single feeder, if required.

Equipment Standards and Grid Codes: The Contractor must reach a consensus among regulators, utilities, project developers and customers on appropriate distributed energy equipment standards and grid codes, this being essential to ensure effective system operation, reduce costs, streamline permitting processes, and enhance long term grid stability.

Business and Ownership Models: Globally, a variety of innovative financing and ownership models have been utilized to enhance uptake of distributed PV. These include third party leasing, rent-a-roof programs, community solar, and community choice aggregation approaches.

The contractor must analyze policy and regulatory barriers to such models, provide technical assistance to overcome such barriers, and prioritize piloting of these schemes under Task 2 activities.

Expected Results Task 1:

The project must assess the need and must work on development of draft regulations to be submitted to the MoE and ANRE for consideration. It is expected that the draft documents will include regulations concerning the use of net metering, licensing procedures and tariff setting methodologies, among others. Most regulations will be required to support implementation of the Demonstrational projects. Others will be a result of the Demonstrational Projects’ key lessons learnt.

Task 2. Demonstration Projects Key Stakeholders: Ministry of Education, project developers, DSOs, Energy Efficiency Fund, etc.

This component must focus on accelerating the commercial viability and development of RES through demonstration projects (test and measure the effects of program changes) on schools and businesses. The demonstration projects must serve as test cases for effective implementation of task 1 outcomes such as the net metering schemes, new technology standards and grid codes, and streamlined permitting and application process. It is envisioned that a large component of the project site selection, feasibility, economic analysis, and system installation will be performed by private installers with appropriate oversight and support from USAID’s prime contractor.

The Contractor must implement Demonstration projects in schools and in businesses. As part of the Demonstration projects, the Contractor must fund the installation subcontracts, or material, installation labor and all miscellaneous cost directly associated with the implementation of the demonstration project.

Task 2a: Selection of Projects Sites Project identification and selection will be based on a set of criteria developed during the inception of the project and approved by USAID. It is expected that 70% of the demonstration

12 | P a g e budget will be spent on schools and 30% on businesses. The capacities of most systems are expected to range from 20 to 100 kW. The project identification and selection process must commence with public announcement of the planned activity, request for applications (including preparation of all necessary application forms and data information), followed by survey of potential partner municipalities and a more detailed evaluation of applications that meet the minimum eligibility criteria.

At a minimum, demonstration project site selection criteria must include the following:

• Level of support by the school administration, municipal government, business owner of the project. A local cost share of up to 20% of the total project costs will be sought for school projects. For business installations, the project will cover up to 20% of project costs.

• Selection of the building with respect of its geographical location, sun exposure, size and overall projected project economics.

• Positive results of roof (or related structure) integrity and required technical parameters necessary for installation of a PV solar system.

• Environmental aspects/impact of the installation

• Likelihood of commercial installations to be replicated at other similar facilities without USAID support.

Structural assessments might also be required to confirm the rooftop area, rooftop strength, the capacity of the upper level transformer, and the capacity of the existing cable line.

Task 2b: Design, Installation, and Commissioning A competitive process must be utilized to select solar installation companies to perform the design and installation work. Workshops must be held with appropriate stakeholders from the installation companies, utilities, permitting agency, and benefiting facility to review best practice design, installation, and maintenance protocols. School system design must include consideration of options, such as highly visible real time energy monitoring billboards, and accessibility to key system components, to maximize the educational and public relations impact of the installations.

For the school projects, where possible, the Contractor must engage with the Energy Efficiency Fund of Moldova to leverage funding or expand the project to include additional elements of energy efficiency (lighting, wires replacement, rooftop reinforcement, etc.). If schools can trim their energy budgets through efficiency improvements like new LED lighting, they will have more to spend on the important things like salaries and textbooks.