Amendment 1 - RFP72016722R00009.pdf

RFP No. 72016722R00009-01 USAID/Kosovo Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity

RFP Amendment 1 Date of Issuance: September 12, 2022 Revised Closing Date and Time: October 17, 2022, at 9 a.m. Kosovo Time

Subject: Amendment No. 1 to the Request for Proposals (RFP) #72016722R00009

Activity Title: USAID/Kosovo Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity

The purpose of this amendment is to:

a) provide answers to the questions submitted by interested offerors;

b) to amend the original solicitation; and

c) to extend the submission due date until October 17, 2022.

The original RFP#72016722R00009 is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the attached RFP included within this posting.

All changes in the amended solicitations are highlighted for ease of reference.

Attached are:

1) The amended solicitation RFP#72016722R00009 for the USAID/Kosovo Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity.

2) Answers to Questions submitted with respect to the solicitation for the USAID/Kosovo’s Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity.

USAID appreciates the time and effort put into preparing proposals in response to this solicitation.

RFP# 72016722R00009

Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity

Questions and Answers

1. Question: Considering August leave for many counterparts and candidates, and the holiday in early

September, would USAID please consider extending the submission deadline by one week, to September 21, 2022, at 5 p.m. Kosovo time? As a note, a 5 p.m. Kosovo submission time would allow for confirmation of receipt during D.C. business hours that day.

Answer 1: The due date of proposal submission is hereby extended. The deadline for proposal submission is now October 17, 2022 at 9 am Kosovo local time.

2. Question: Section B.4 and the SOO indicate the GUC fund may be up to $2 million, while Section L.8 says a minimum of 16% of the total budget should go toward GUCs. Would USAID consider keeping the “up to $2 million” requirement and removing the 16% stipulation to allow offerors to propose a GUC fund that is in line with their proposed PWS?

Answer: USAID confirmed that 16% stipulation on the GUC has been removed. Section B.4 and Section L.7 are now aligned to “up to $2 million.”

3. Question: The table in Section F.5 (p. 15) states, “Year 1 Work Plan [is] due forty-five (30) calendar days after Award.” Under Description of Report Content 3. Annual Work Plans, the initial work plan is also due 30 calendar days after award. Would USAID consider revising the due date to 45 calendar days to allow the project adequate time to onboard key technical staff, who will be critical for work plan development? If USAID adjusts the work plan submission date, please confirm that the AMELP submission date also will be adjusted to 45 days so the contractor may ensure that indicators and targets reflect work plan activities.

Answer: The table in Section F.5 (p. 15) has been updated to reflect forty-five (45) days for year one of the Work Plan and AMELP. Subsequent Annual Work Plan, AMELP and QASP must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

4. Question: Section H.4 (a)(1) (p. 28) states, “If, during contract performance, the contractor proposes salary or wages for a new individual(s) that exceeds 5% ceiling of the individual’s current salary or wage or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years, the Cognizant Contracting Officer’s approval is required.”

We respectfully request that the above-mentioned language be removed from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section H.3 (page 28), which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The salary restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

Answer: The language in section H.4 (a)(1) (p.28) is revised to align with Section H.3. USAID confirms that direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel shall be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principle applicable to this contract.

5. Question: Section H.5 (p. 29) states, “The authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this contract is 937 (the United States, the Cooperating Country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited about:blank source).” Would USAID consider revising the authorized geographic code to 935 to include EU countries?

Answer: The authorized geographic code for this activity is 937. See Section H.5. The authorized geographic code will not be revised.

6. Question: Section H.19 (p. 44) indicates, “The main purpose of these grants to CSOs, media, and other non-governmental partners is to support initiatives under the objectives of the activity. No funds will be provided through grants to government partner entities.” However, the regulations allow contractors to execute solely in-kind grants to government entities. Would USAID confirm that solely in-kind grants to government entities will be allowed under this contract, pursuant to

ADS 302.3.4.13?

Answer: Although in-kind grants to government entities are allowable under ADS 302.3.4.13, they will not be included in the Grants Under Contract (GUC) for this activity, as this activity is designed to provide technical assistance and expertise to the Government of Kosovo, and the GUCs are to be provided to non-U.S. organizations, Kosovo-based private entities, nonprofit and for-profit non-governmental organizations, as the idea is to empower existing local organizations and institutions to come up with innovative ideas in promoting investment and diversified financial products and services.

7. Question: Section L.6 (d) (p. 91) indicates, “Only major subcontractors are required for the proposal submission, the definitions is provided below:

Major subcontractors are those expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort. All major subcontractors will need approval by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR part 52.244-2 and part 44.202-2.”

But Section L.7.7 (B) Annex 4 (p. 95) states, “The offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide performance information for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost) in accordance with the following.” Would USAID please clarify the specific requirements for major subcontractors?

Answer: Section L.6 and Section L.7.7 are now aligned and define major subcontractors as those expected to perform at least 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost or is deemed critical by the offeror in achieving the objectives and tasks in the contract.

8. Question: Section L.7.7 (p. 93) Content of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) lists the technical approach and the management approach as part of the PWS. Would USAID please confirm that only the technical approach is part of the PWS and will be incorporated into Section C of the resulting contract? This would allow offerors to speak more flexibly and add detail on partnerships (e.g., consortium partners) in the management approach without requiring Section C changes in the future, should the approach adapt to emerging needs and circumstances.

Answer: Section L.7 has been revised and the Technical Approach is now the only component of the PWS.

9. Question: Section L.8 Part 2 (D) (p. 98) requires offerors to “complete ATTACHMENT J.2– BUDGET TEMPLATE (‘Travel Table’ worksheet),” but there is no travel table worksheet included in Attachment J.2. Would USAID kindly share a revised budget template to include this missing travel table worksheet or remove this requirement from the RFP?

Answer: USAID confirms that there is no Travel Table Worksheet. Reference to the travel table worksheet requirement has been removed from the RFP.

10. Question: Considering the solicitation denotes the “procurement will be conducted through full and open competition, under which any type of organization (large or small commercial [for profit] firms, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations) is eligible to compete…”

Can a European (Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Nordic) international NGO be eligible to apply?

Answer: The geographic code of 937 restricts eligibility of organizations applying to an activity because the eligible organizations need to either be an organization registered in the United States of America, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source. A current list of developing countries can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1876/310maa.pdf.

11. Question: Considering the “authorized geographic code for the procurement of goods and services under this acquisition is 937”, and that a Locally Established Partner would offer services in the country through teams already present (or to be hired for this purpose), therefore, compliant with the Source and Nationality application of 22 CFR 228, Can such Locally Established Partner apply as Prime and/or Sub?

Answer: Yes, Locally Established Partners can apply as a Prime and/or a Sub.

12. Question: With apologies for seemingly similar queries, Considering this “procurement will be conducted under full and open competition procedures pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).”

Can a Locally Established Partner apply as Prime and/or Sub?

Answer: Yes, Locally Established Partners can apply as a Prime and/or a Sub.

13. Question: Because questions are due approximately two weeks before proposals are due, would USAID consider extending the due date of proposals by one to two weeks? This would allow Offerors to have sufficient time to incorporate USAID’s answers to questions. If so, would USAID please consider extending the due date prior to publishing answers to all questions?

Answer: The due date of proposal submission is extended. The deadline for proposal submission is October 17, 2022 at 9 am Kosovo local time.

14. Question: The RFP sets forth a maximum email transmission size of 25 MB. Can USAID confirm this size limit? Past experience suggests that a lower size limit will lower the chances of emails being quarantined. Can Offerors submit their proposals in multiple email transmissions?

Answer: Offerors can submit their proposals in multiple email transmissions. Each email submission package shall not be larger than 25 MB. Section L.5 (i) of the RFP is updated to reflect this with greater clarity.

15. Question: Please confirm that the anticipated award date for this contract is still 11/30/2023, as stated in the USAID Business Forecast.

Answer: USAID confirms that the estimated award date of the Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity is 5/15/2023. The USAID Business Forecast is updated accordingly.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1876/310maa.pdf

16. Question: Please confirm whether the evaluation factors for Past Performance, as described in Section M, are to be justified by content provided in the 25-page Performance Work Statement under “Management Approach”. Or, if Offerors are to satisfy this requirement with Annex 4, “Past Performance Information”.

Answer: Past Performance will be evaluated under Management Approach. Past Performance Information should be submitted as part of the Annex 4: Past Performance Information Sheet and it is not included in the 25-page limitation.

17. Question: Please confirm that up to 3 past performance references are to be submitted by the prime offeror and each major subcontractor.

Answer: USAID confirms that Offerors should submit up to three past performance references for the Offeror and three for each subcontractor.

18. Question: Page 94 of the RFP requires detailed information for three references for each Key Personnel proposed. Please confirm whether this reference information is within the page limit for CVs. We kindly request that Annex 1 include a Key Personnel Reference Summary table.

Answer: USAID confirms that the detailed reference information of the Key Personnel may be provided on an additional page attached to the resume or included in the three pages.

19. Question: Please confirm whether offerors and major subcontractors can submit Past Performance Information for programs that ended in 2017.

Answer: Correct, offerors can submit Past Performance Information for programs that ended in 2017.

20. Question: Page 91 of the RFP states that “Any items embedded within a document must be objects only, not links.” Please confirm that offerors may include links in footnotes to provide accurate citations.

Answer: USAID confirms that items embedded with documents must be object only, not links.

Offerors can not include links in footnotes as part of the proposals.

21. Question: Section K.3 of the RFP (Representations and Certifications) is left blank. Can USAID clarify the NAICS code and size standard for this solicitation?

Answer: NAICS code for this RFP is 541990. The small business size standard is $16.5 Million.

Section K.3 of the RFP is updated accordingly.

22. Question: In Attachment J.8, what information is requested from the Offeror by item 8, “[Past Performance] Type and Extent of Subcontracting?”

Answer: USAID confirms that Attachment J.8 is hereby deleted in the RFP by this amendment.

Offerors need to complete only Attachment J.6 - Past Performance Information Sheet.

23. Question: To improve readability, please consider exempting the Offeror’s Past Performance Matrix (Attachment 4) from the Section L.6 font and formatting requirements in order to accommodate fitting the matrix’s 13 columns’ worth of information neatly on one page.

Answer: The Past performance Matrix (Attachment J.4) is deleted in the RFP by this amendment.

Offerors need to complete only Attachment J.6 - Past Performance Information Sheet.

24. Question: Can Offerors make minor changes to the J.2 Budget Template?

Answer: In efforts to reduce proposal burden for Offerors and reduce time to award the contract, USAID has developed a Budget Template in MS Excel. Any changes will delay the award process.

25. Question: The RFP on page 97 states, “For each major subcontractor (defined as one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the Offeror’s total proposed cost) the Offeror must include a full detailed budget worksheet linked to the Prime’s in the same spreadsheet.” However, within the J.2 Budget Template Attachment, the instructions indicate that any Subcontractor must have a separate detailed budget worksheet (i.e., tab). Can USAID clarify this discrepancy?

Answer: For each subcontractor, the Offeror must include a full detailed budget worksheet linked to the Prime’s budget worksheet in the same spreadsheet.

26. Question: Page 6 of the RFP defines “major subcontractor” as a subcontractor that is performing 20% or more of the contract or is deemed critical by the offeror in achieving the objectives and tasks in the contract. Should a subcontractor not meet the 20% budget threshold but is still deemed critical, do the following submission requirements apply to the subcontractor:

a. Evidence of Responsibility

b. Detailed budget

c. Past Performance Information

d. NICRA/audited financials

Answer: USAID confirms that Offerors should submit Evidence of Responsibility; Detailed budget; Past Performance Information and NICRA/audited financials for the “major subcontractor” (a subcontractor that meets definition of “major subcontractor” in the RFP).

27. Question: Please confirm that only offerors and major subcontractors are required to submit Evidence of Responsibility as part of their cost submission.

Answer: USAID confirms that only offerors and major subcontractors are required to submit Evidence of Responsibility.

28. Question: Please confirm that all proposed subcontractors, regardless of major subcontractor status, are required to submit Letters of Commitment.

Answer: Letters of Commitment are required only for major subcontractors.

29. Question: Do all Subcontractors (regardless of major versus non-major status) need to submit Section K?

Answer: USAID confirms that Section K applies only for major subcontractors (as defined in the

RFP).

30. Question: Are Offeror’s required to propose ceiling rates on indirect rates?

Answer: No, offerors are not required to propose a ceiling on indirect rates.

31. Question: Section H of the Budget Narrative calls for “Construction Costs.” Can USAID clarify this cost and/or remove it from the RFP?

Answer: The Investment Promotion and Access to Finance Activity does not envision any construction under this RFP. Reference to “Construction Cost” in Section H has been removed from the RFP by this amendment.

32. Question: Attachment J.2 Budget Template does not include a travel worksheet, despite the RFP mentioning it under Section D of the Budget Narrative. Should Offerors create their own travel worksheet? Or, will USAID be updating J.2?

Answer: USAID confirms that there is no Travel Table Worksheet. Reference to the travel table worksheet requirement has been removed from the RFP. Offerors may create their own travel worksheet.

33. Question: Section A of the Budget Narrative states, “Biographical Data Sheets are required for all long-term, short-term expatriates and for all short-term and long-term cooperating country personnel being proposed.” Because USAID is not requesting names or CVs of non-Key Personnel, are Offerors required to provide Biographical Data Sheets for all named personnel, or just Key Personnel?

Answer: Contractors are required to submit the Biographical Data Sheets only for Key Personnel.

34. Question: Section H.4 (d) of the RFP on Page 29 includes a blank for the annual salary increase ceiling. Can USAID clarify whether USAID has a preferred ceiling or whether Offerors should propose their own ceiling?

Answer: Annual salary increase not more than 3% percent may be granted after the employee’s completion of each twelve-month period of satisfactory services under the contract. See section H.4 (d) for detailed information.

35. Question: Section H.4 (d) of the RFP on Page 29 refers to a local compensation plan (LCP). Can USAID please provide that LCP to Offerors? If not, can USAID clarify what the current LCP maximum daily rate is? Can Offerors propose daily rates higher than the LCP for CCNs if such rates comport with Offeror’s own compensation policies (AIDAR 752.7007).

Answer: The current Local Compensation Plan for USAID/Kosovo starts from a minimum range of €9,935 to maximum of €63,273 (gross). Offerors can propose daily rates higher than LCP for CCN’s if such rats are comfortable with Offeror’s own compensation policies and are within market rates of similar position for similar complexity of work.

36. Question: Can Offerors propose a mix of goals, targets, and/or deliverables for their Fee Distribution Schedules? By example, can Offerors use proposed deliverables from Section C and pre-established deliverables from Section F.5?

Answer: Yes. The proposed fixed fee schedule should be tied to the objectives, deliverables, or outputs of section C and F of the RFP.

37. Question: Can Offerors propose more than $2 million in grants if it comports with their Technical Approach? Or, is $2 million the maximum for grants?

Answer: Offerors cannot propose more than $2 million for grants. As per Section B.4 of the RFP, the amount of up to $2,000,000 is exclusively reserved for GUC.

38. Question: We kindly request that USAID provide the following reports mentioned in Attachment J.1:

a. “Market System and Constraints Analysis” report from the USAID/Kosovo COMPETE

Activity

b. Report by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on the financial needs of SMEs in Western

Balkan countries.

Answer: USAID confirms that reports mentioned in the Attachment J.1 are hereby added to the RFP and posted with these Answers and the amended solicitation:

a. Attachment J.7 - USAID Export-led Growth Activity - Market System Constraints Analysis and

b. Attachment 8 - Assessment of financing needs of SMEs in the Western Balkans countries

- Synthesis Report

39. Question: Regarding the Mobilization Plan on pages 16-17, please confirm whether the required Mobilization Plan, as part of the proposal, is an implementation matrix or narrative form, or both.

Answer: Annex 3: Mobilization Plan shall describe a proposed approach to ensure rapid, efficient and effective operational start-up, and the information shall be included as a matrix with an optional narrative providing the required information.

40. Question: We kindly request that USAID/Kosovo provide the indicators as they relate to the CDCS Results Framework.

Answer: Below are indicators that were foreseen on CDCS Results Framework. The list of the indicators will be adapted accordingly after the award:

-Value of new private sector investment leveraged as a result of USG assistance.

-Percent change in value of international/regional trade in targeted sectors supported by USG.

-Number of market linkages created.

-Increased net value of exports as a result of market linkages.

-Amount of investment mobilized (in USD) as a result of USG assistance.

-Number of firms that obtained standards/quality certification.

-Number of new product quality certifications obtained.

41. Question: Section L.7.7.B of the RFP indicates that the COP must be an employee of the Prime Contractor. Can USAID confirm that the COP must be an employee of the Prime Contractor upon award, and not at the time of bidding?

Answer: USAID confirms that COP must be an employee of the prime Contractor upon award.

42. Question: Are Letters of Commitment required for Key Personnel?

Answer: USAID confirms that Letters of commitment for Key Personnel are required.

43. Question: How is USAID defining “prominent part” regarding the classification of Major versus non-Major Subcontractor? Should Offerors use their own discretion in determining a Major Subcontractor who is proposed to do less than 20% of the total cost?

Answer: “Major Subcontractor” is a subcontractor that is performing 20% or more of the contract, or is deemed critical by the offeror in achieving the objectives and tasks in the contract.

44. Question: Are there page limitations for Annex 1, Annex 3, and Annex 4?

Answer: There are no page limits unless specifically indicated in the RFP, however in accordance with Section L.5, Offerors should be specific, complete, and concise.

45. Question: Can USAID explain the difference between the Management Approach, which is part of the 25-Page limitation, and Annex 1?

Answer: The Management Approach is within a 25-page limitation. While Management Approach requests to summarize the approach and list minimum qualifications of key personnel, the Annex 1 of the RFP requires the Resumes of Key Personnel and chart of the organizational structure. The management Approach and Annex 1 is revised accordingly.

46. Question: Is it understood that Annex 1 should be limited to the following:

a. Organizational Chart for Staff

b. Organization Chart for Partners

c. Staffing Plan / LOE Matrix

d. Key Personnel Resumes with References

e. Qualification Statement for Key Personnel Positions Please confirm.

Answer: Annex 1 of the RFP has been updated to provide clarity.

47. Question: The Section L.7.7 (B) instructions for Annex 1 – Organizational Structure and Key Personnel provide that the Offeror must submit three charts: an organizational chart showing lines of reporting among long-term team members; a second chart demonstrating the relationship between the Offeror and other offices; and a third chart, the staffing plan, showing titles, names, and proposed LOE for personnel on the activity team. Is it acceptable for the Offeror to consolidate the first and second charts? If not acceptable, can USAID please confirm that each chart should be prepared starting on a new page?

Answer: Annex 1 of the RFP has been updated to provide clarity.

48. Question: Can Offerors propose names of non-Key Personnel (LTTA and STTA)? Or, should Offerors name Key Personnel only (and hire other staff via a competitive process after award)?

Answer: Offerors can propose names of non-Key personnel, however they are not required to.

Offerors should use a competition process to hire the qualified personnel to implement this activity.

49. Question: Page 93 of the RFP states that responsibilities should be “stated in terms of the Offeror/Contractor must.” Does this mean that Offerors should refrain from using the specific name of their organization? Or can offerors reference their name and specific experience within the

PWS?

Answer: Offerors need not refrain from using the specific name of their organization. This requirement is solely intended to convey what the contractor “must” do as a contractor under the Performance Work Statement. .

50. Question: Please clarify if Offerors are required to use both Attachment J.6 - Past Performance Matrix and Attachment J.7 - Past Performance Information (PPI) Form?

Answer: Offerors are required to submit only Attachment J.6 - Past Performance information Sheet. RFP has been updated by this amendment to provide clarity.

51. Question: Page 111 of the RFP states that the Activity will help “government institutions and agencies like KIESA unlock potential for developing the private sector.” Will USAID please identify which other governmental institutions and agencies the Activity should support as counterparts?

Answer: The offeror should marshal its research, knowledge, expertise, and know how to identify relevant government institutions and agencies in a manner responsive to the objectives of this solicitation.

52. Question: Page 112 of the RFP states that grants may be awarded to “non-governmental entities offering innovative ideas promoting investment and establishing diversified financial products.”

Does “non-governmental” in this context mean NGOs or does it mean any organization that is not part of the government? Is the Activity permitted to make grants to individual firms?

Answer: Per the USAID ADS Glossary, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is considered any non-governmental organization or entity, whether non-profit or profit-making, receiving or providing USAID-funded assistance under an assistance instrument or contract.

53. Question: Page 113 of the RFP references “new public private partnerships.” Does this mean public private partnerships as defined by the Kosovo Law on Public-Private Partnerships? If not, will USAID provide a definition of “public private partnerships” in the context of this Activity?

Answer: Public Private Partnerships are not defined by the Kosovo Law. A public private partnership is a partnership where public and the private sector work together to develop and implement market-based approaches to solve development challenges.

54. Question: Will the “incentive structures” and “subsidies” mentioned in the Results section on page 113 of the RFP be provided directly by the Activity to investors? Or should Offerors assume that these programs will be funded by additional/external resources?

Answer: This activity will provide technical assistance and grant funds to innovative ideas for specific products or services. “Incentive structures” and “subsidies” should be provided from the Government of Kosovo. This could be done through revised policies that would help attract investors, and also better utilize already existing grant funds and subsidies of the Government of Kosovo..

55. Question: Would USAID/Kosovo consider providing a two-week extension of the proposal submission due date? Providing an extension would allow Offerors adequate time to incorporate any new guidance from answers to questions.

Answer: The due date of proposal submission is extended. The deadline for proposal submission is October 17, 2022 at 9 am Kosovo local time.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ADS_Glossary.pdf

56. Question: Section No. 3, Annual Work Plan within the table on page 15 under Section F.5 states “Year 1 Work Plan due forty-five (30) calendar days after Award.” Could USAID/Kosovo please clarify that the Year 1 Work Plan is due within thirty (30) days after the Award, as consistent with page 17, “Section 3. Annual Work Plans”?

Answer: The table in Section F.5 (p. 15) and Section F.5.3 has been updated to reflect forty-five

(45) days for the year one of the Work Plan and AMELP. Subsequent Annual Work Plan must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

57. Question: Page 92, Section L.6 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal: Can Offerors include a 1-page cover/transition letter (in addition to the Cover Page) that is not included in the 25-page limit?

Answer: Offerors cannot include a 1-page cover/transition letter in addition to Cover page.

58. Question: Section L.6(b) on page 91 states, “Charts, tables, and graphics may be in a smaller font, but not less than 10 pt.” Could USAID/Kosovo kindly also allow text boxes that are in no less than 10 pt.?

Answer: USAID confirms that “Charts, tables, and graphics may be in a smaller font, but not less than 10 pt.” Text boxes that are less than 10 pt are not allowed.

59. Question: Section L.6(d) on page 91 states, “Only major subcontractors are required for the proposal submission, the definition is provided below: Major subcontractors are those expected to perform at least 20% or a prominent part of the technical effort. All major subcontractors will need approval by the Contracting Officer in accordance with FAR part 52.244-2 and part 44.202-2.” If Offerors propose non-major subcontractors in addition to the major subcontractor(s), could Offerors include information on proposed non-major subcontractors within the proposal submission?

Answer: Yes, offerors should provide information for the proposed subcontractors in the proposal submission.

60. Question: Pages 93-96, Section L.7.7 Content of the Performance Work Statement (PWS):

a. It is our understanding that the sub-sections of the PWS are “A. Technical Approach” and

“B. Management Approach”, and that “Annex 1: Organizational Structure and Key Personnel” including resumes, “Annex 2: Draft AMELP and QASP”, “Annex 3:

Mobilization Plan”, and “Annex 4: Past Performance Information” are not considered as sub-sections of the PWS, and therefore are not required to be written in PWS language.

Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm if this understanding is correct?

Answer: Section L.7.7 of the RFP has been revised to provide clarity.

61. Question: Pages 93-94, Section L.7.7, Annex 1: Organizational Structure and Key Personnel states, “The Offeror must describe how it plans to set up its management structure and office(s) to implement the activities, accomplish the results, meet the indicator targets proposed in the Technical Approach, and to implement the draft AMELP and the draft QASP. The Offeror will submit an organizational chart showing lines of reporting among long term team members. A second chart will demonstrate the relationship between the Offeror and other offices (e.g. Offeror’s headquarters office, USAID, partners, etc.). The third chart will be a Staffing Plan showing titles, names and proposed LOE for personnel that will form part of the activity team. The Staffing plan should have a narrative of the roles and responsibilities of the Activity’s team.” Could

USAID/Kosovo please confirm that the Organizational Structure, the Staffing Plan narrative, and the three charts described above do not have a page limit?

Answer: USAID confirms that there are no page limitations on the Annexes unless specified in the

RFP.

62. Question: Page 94, Key Personnel, states “There are no minimum qualification requirements for proposed key personnel. However, Offerors must propose minimum qualification requirements in this section. The Offeror must include Qualifications (position description, roles and responsibilities and minimum requirements for skill sets) for each proposed Key Personnel (not to exceed two pages per position) which will form the basis for future Key Personnel replacements” At the same time, it states in “Annex 1 – Organizational Structure and Key Personnel (Required)” that “The Staffing plan should have a narrative of the roles and responsibilities of the Activity’s team.” Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm that Offerors should describe roles and responsibilities for proposed key personnel within the Staffing plan narrative, and not within the two-page Qualifications description for each Key Personnel?

Answer: Section L.7.7 Content of Performance Work Statement of the RFP has been updated to provide clarity.

63. Question: Page 94, Key Personnel states “The Offeror must explain how the skills, interpersonal skills, experience, and education of the key personnel will help the Offeror implement the activities, accomplish the results, and meet the indicator targets proposed in the PWS and the draft AMELP.”

Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm that Offerors should provide this written explanation within the two-page Qualifications description for each key personnel?

Answer: Section L.7.7 Content of Performance Work Statement of the RFP has been updated to provide clarity.

64. Question: Page 94, Key Personnel, states “Resumes must not exceed three pages in length.” Within the same section, it states “References for key personnel must be included in the two pages.” Further in the same section it states “Each key personnel resume must include three references…” Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm that the three references for each key personnel must be included in the three-page resume and not in the two-page Qualifications description?

Answer: Section L.7.7 Content of Performance Work Statement of the RFP has been updated to provide clarity. Resumes of Key Personnel are limited to three pages. Offerors can use an additional page for the references.

65. Question: Page 94, Key Personnel, states “Each key personnel resume must include three references with the following information:

1. Description of the project on which the person worked;

2. Description of the relationship of the person providing the reference to key personnel;

3. Email address; and

4. Telephone number.

a. Since Offerors will provide a description of the project within the resume, could USAID/Kosovo kindly confirm that Offerors should list the name of the project on which the person worked, in the references section?

Answer: Yes. Offerors can utilize an additional page for the references.

66. Question: Pages 94-95, Section L.7.7, Annex 3: Mobilization Plan: Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm that Annex 3 has no page limit?

Answer: USAID confirms that there are no page limitations on Annex 3.

67. Question: Pages 95-96, Section L.7.7, Annex 4: Past Performance Information: Could USAID/Kosovo please confirm that Annex 4 has no page limit?

Answer: USAID confirms that there are no page limitations on Annex 4.

68. Question: Could USAID please provide the current Local Compensation Plan (LCP) for Kosovo?

Answer: The current Local Compensation Plan for USAID/Kosovo starts from a minimum range of €9,935 to maximum of €63,273 (gross). See Answer 36.

69. Question: Page 103, Section L.8 (Part 8): Could USAID please confirm that Evidence of Responsibility is required for the Offeror and major subcontractors only?

Answer: Yes, Evidence of Responsibility is required only for Offeror and major subcontractors.

70. Question: Page 97, Section L.8 (Part 2 (D): Could USAID please confirm that Offerors may make changes to the budget template provided in Attachment J.2 as long as the overall categories, ordering and structure remain the same? (i.e.. in terms of corporate branding, colors, fonts, etc.)

Answer: In efforts to reduce proposal burden for Offerors and reduce time to award the contract, USAID has developed a Budget Template in MS Excel. Any changes will delay the award process.

71. Question: Page 99, Section L.8 (Part 2 (J) states “Offerors may propose a single ceiling rate covering the term of award or a ceiling rate in each applicable contract year. If an annual ceiling rate is proposed, USAID will average the ceiling indirect rates and use that figure for evaluation purposes.” Could USAID please confirm that indirect ceilings are not required for U.S. small business Offerors and local Kosovan subcontractors?

Answer: USAID confirms that indirect ceilings are not required for U.S. Small Business and local Kosovan subcontractors.

72. Question: Page 99, Section L.8 (Part 2 (G) - Grants Under Contract (GUCs) states “Offeror must provide information sufficient to determine reasonableness of costs proposed for each year.

Detailed information on proposed grant activities must be provided in the budget narrative.” And in the Budget Template in J.2, it is stated “USAID is not expecting detailed budget breakdowns for grants: the estimated number of grants per year and total estimated amount for each grant is sufficient. If an illustrative group of grantees is proposed, Offerors must also provide a narrative, supporting how those funds will be distributed among an illustrative group of grantees.” Could USAID please clarify what level of detail is required at this proposal stage for the grants program?

Answer: Offeror should provide sufficient information on proposed grants in order for USAID to determine the reasonableness. It is sufficient to have an estimated number and amount of grants per year and the total estimated amount over the life of the activity.

73. Question: Page 101, Section L.8 (Part 2 (K) - Fixed Fee states: “The contractor must propose the Fee Distribution Schedule as per the Illustrative fee payment and delivery schedule presented in the table below. There is no such table included in Section L however. Can USAID please confirm that the Offeror should complete the table in Section B.7.- 2., Illustrative Fee Distribution Schedule or whether USAID intended to provide a more detailed list of illustrative deliverables to be fee-bearing?

Answer: USAID confirms that Offerors should complete Section B.7.2 Illustrative Fee distribution. The Illustrative Fee distribution table is only Illustrative, Offerors are required to propose the final Fee distribution schedule as they considered appropriate.

74. Question: Could USAID please confirm that the project will receive an official exemption to local Value Added Tax (VAT)?

Answer: USAID confirms that the project will receive an official exemption to local value Added Tax (VAT).

75. Question: Section L.5.d of the RFP (page 90) provides a required email subject line for proposal submission. For convenience of the recipient, please confirm that Offerors may add (to this subject line) pertinent information such as the Offeror’s name and whether the email relates to the cost or technical proposal volume.

Answer: Yes, the Offeror can add pertinent information in the email subject line. Section L.6 Delivery Instructions have been updated to provide clarity.

76. Question: The instructions for Annex 4 (page 96) refer to templates for both the Past Performance Matrix and the Past Performance Information Form but does not specify which is to be used. Since the same information is requested in both forms, please confirm that only the Past Performance Information Forms are required.

Answer: USAID confirms that only Attachment J.6- Past Performance Information Sheet is required to be submitted.

77. Question: In Section L.7.7.B on page 93 of the RFP, the following instructions are located beneath the sub-heading for Annex 1 (Org Structure and Key Personnel): “The Offeror *must describe how it plans to set up its management structure and office(s)* to implement the activities, accomplish the results, meet the indicator targets ...” (emphasis added). Please confirm that this discussion should be presented as part of the Management Approach, rather than in an annex.

Answer: Correct, discussion needs to be provided in the Management Approach part. Section L.7.7 has been updated to provide clarity.

78. Question: Please confirm that the 25-page limitation referred to on page 92 applies to the Performance Work Statement, which is to be comprised of the Technical Approach and Management Approach.

Answer: USAID confirms that 25-page limitations apply to Technical Approach and Management Approach.

Question: Section L, Paragraph (D) of the RFP states “ . . .Offerors must also complete Attachment J.2 - Budget Template ('Travel Table worksheet)."Attachment J.2. did not include the Travel Table worksheet. Shall Offerors use their own travel table?

Answer: Offerors should use their own travel table worksheet. The Travel Table requirement has been removed.

79. Question: We would like to request that USAID consider extending the submission deadline for this proposal until September 30th.

Answer: The due date of proposal submission is extended. The deadline for proposal submission is October 17, 2022 at 9 am Kosovo local time.

80. Question: Cover Page, Section L - There is no NAICS code identified in the solicitation. Could USAID identify which NAICS code will be used for this program?

Answer: The NAICS code for this solicitation is 541990. See the answer to question number twenty-two (22).

81. Question: Section B.5, Page 6 - Can USAID clarify how they are defining major subcontractors in this RFP? It is mentioned in Section B.5 that, in addition to exceeding 20% of the total budget, a major subcontractor is defined as being “deemed critical by the offeror in achieving the objectives and tasks in the contract.”

Answer: Yes, Major Subcontractor” is a subcontractor that is performing 20% or more of the contract, or is deemed critical by the offeror in achieving the objectives and tasks in the contract.

82. Question: Section B.7.1 Fixed Fee, Page 7 - The Payment of Fixed Fee section provides instructions that USAID will pay the base fee pursuant to FAR 52.216-7 and FAR 52.216-8. Given that Section B.2 states that this is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion type contract and does not include any base period, kindly clarify or delete the “Base Fee” payment requirement.

Answer: Payment of fixed fee will be made upon the receipt of an invoice deemed proper by the USAID/Kosovo Financial Management Office in accordance with FAR 52.216-8. Section B.7.1 is updated.

83. Question: Section B.7, Page 8 - Our interpretation is that USAID would like deliverables and results as a part of this fee schedule; however, we’d request that this table not be broken out by project year, as results can be multi-year efforts to achieve.

Answer: The fixed fee distribution table on the Section B.7.2 Payment of Fixed fee is only an illustrative fee distribution schedule. The Offerors can propose Fixed Fee schedules as they deem reasonable.

84. Question: Section F.5, Page 15 and 17 - In Section F.5 on page 15 of the RFP, can the Government confirm that the Year 1 Work Plan will be due forty-five days after award, as indicated by the text of the table, and not thirty days after award, as indicated by the parenthetical and later in the section on page 17.

Answer: The table in Section F.5 (p. 15) has been updated to reflect forty-five (45) days for the year one of the Work Plan and AMELP. Subsequent Annual Work Plan must be submitted within thirty (30) calendar days after the beginning of each fiscal year.

85. Question: Section F.6, Page 22 - Is this requirement of Key Personnel being 100% LOE tied to a particular individual or the position’s LOE? For example, could an individual be transferred into a key personnel position mid-implementation, having received the appropriate approvals?

Answer: Requirement of Key Personnel being 100% LOE is tied to a position’s LOE.

86. Question: Section F.6, Page 22 - Would USAID support a staffing approach that begins with an expatriate COP who will eventually be replaced by a local COP?

Answer: USAID confirms that proposed expatriate COP may be replaced by local COP by the third or/and fourth year of implementation of activity.

87. Question: Section H.4(a)(1) Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, Page 28 - The initial salary approval requirement in Section H.4(a) Limitations is based upon the new individual’s salary history from the preceding three (3) years. We ask that this limitation be removed, consistent with the elimination of requiring salary history information under USAID’s updated biographical datasheet, and in line with Section L.8 Personnel, where the RFP stipulates that salaries and wages must be proposed in accordance with the Offeror’s personnel policies.

Answer: Direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel shall be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract. Section H.4 (a) (i) is updated in the RFP by this amendment.

88. Question: Section H.4 (a) (2), Page 29 - Section H.4(a)(2) states that “there is a ceiling on reimbursable base salary or wage paid to personnel under the Contract equivalent to the maximum annual salary rate specified in section H.2;” however, this reference should be to Section H.3.

Answer: Reimbursement of the employee’s base annual salary plus overseas recruitment incentive, if any, must not exceed the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (USAID CST) stated in USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 302. Reference of Section H.4(a)(2) on page 29 has been corrected to reflect the correct reference.

89. Question: Section H.4(d), Page 29 - In Section H.4(d) on page 29 of the RFP, can the Government clarify what section it is referring to when it mentions Section H.X?

Answer: Section H.4 (d) of the RFP is updated.

90. Question: Section H.4 (d), Page 29 - Section H.4. (d) references the local compensation plan, but the LCP was not made available in the solicitation. Could USAID please provide a copy of the current Mission LCP?

Answer: USAID is not authorized to share a copy of the current Local Compensation Plan, but is sharing a relevant compensation range instead. The current Local Compensation Plan for USAID/Kosovo starts from a minimum range of €9,935 to maximum of €63,273 (gross).

Additionally, local compensation should be informed by market research and consistent with the cost principles and local market conditions.

91. Question: Section I FAR 52.215-12, 52.215- 13, and 52.215-21 - Page 53 Pursuant to FAR 15.403- 1 Prohibition on Obtaining Contractor and Subcontractor Certified, Cost or Pricing Data Certification shall not be obtained for acquisitions. Kindly confirm that certified cost or pricing data is not required to be submitted by offerors under this competitive RFP and, if not, remove the FAR clauses 52.215-12, 52.215-13, and 52.215-21 included in the RFP.

Answer: USAID confirms that certified cost or pricing data is not required. Section I of the RFP has been updated.

92. Question: Section I.1, Page 55 - In Section I.1, Page 55 of the RFP, the Government incorporates FAR 52.229-8 Taxes-Foreign Cost-Reimbursement Contracts. To aid in compliance with this clause and the development of the contractor project planning, can USAID please:

• Confirm if the resultant contract will be exempted from host/recipient country taxes – e.g., VAT, duties, and income tax (for US and local teaming partners and their personnel). • Provide offerors with copies of any applicable bilateral agreements or similar relevant document between the Government of Kosovo and the U.S. Government.

Answer: USAID confirms that the project will receive an official exception to local value Added Tax (VAT) and will provide relevant supporting documentation to vindicate this exemption. . See the answer to question number 75.

93. Question: Section L - Please confirm the expected validity period for submitted proposals.

Answer: USAID confirms that the validity period for submitted proposals is 60 days unless otherwise offered by the offerors. See block 12 of the SF 33 form in the RFP.

94. Question: Section L.1, Page 88 - In Section L.1 on page 88 of the RFP the Government incorporates by reference FAR 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee. Can the Government confirm the inclusion of this clause was unintentional, as this clause has a placeholder for the bid guarantee amount and no bid guarantee amount was otherwise identified by the Government?

Answer: USAID confirms that clause FAR 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee was unintentional. The Section L.1 of the RFP is updated to reflect the deletion of this clause.

95. Question: Section L.8 Part 2 (D), Page 98 - Section L.8 Part 2 (D) states that Offerors must also complete ATTACHMENT J.2 BUDGET TEMPLATE ‘Travel Table’ worksheet. However, the Attachment does not have a Travel Table Worksheet. Please provide a template or allow offerors to use their own.

Answer: The Travel Table requirement has been removed. Offerors can use their own travel Table Worksheet.

96. Question: Section L.8 Part 2 (J), Page 99 - Section L.8 Part 2 (J) Indirect costs states “offerors may propose a single ceiling rate covering the term of award”. Since there is no ceiling on indirect rate requirement in Section B, we ask that this language be removed.

Answer: USAID confirms that there is no ceiling rate requirement in this RFP. Section L.8.Part 2(j) has been revised to align with this.

97. Question: Section L.8 Part 2 (K), Page 101 - Section L.8 Part 2 (K) states that “The contractor must propose the Fee Distribution Schedule per the Illustrative fee payment and delivery schedule presented in the table below;” however, no table is included in this section. Is USAID referencing the illustrative table in Section B for contractors to complete?

Answer: Section L.8 has been updated, and now…