72016819R00006_questions_answers.pdf

72016819R00006 (Energy Policy Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina [EPA])

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q.1 Although USAID originally informed interested bidders not to treat the $8 million estimate as a ceiling, the current estimated amount of $7.5 million represents a 6% reduction in resources with no corresponding changes to the scope of work. In order to ensure exceptional delivery with limited resources, would USAID consider outlining key scope of work priorities?

A.1 It is up to the contactor to propose and justify its approach to achieve the results.

Q.2 Can you provide guidance on the level of effort expected (Total Labor Hours, Labor

Hours by Key Team Members, etc.) to complete the Performance Work Statement

(PWS)?

A.2 It is up to the contactor to propose and justify its approach to achieve the results.

Q.3 Can you provide guidance on the qualifications (Education, Years of Experience, and

Expertise) for the personnel that will complete the Performance Work?

A.3 Personnel evaluated to the extent to which the proposed candidate matches the PD and demonstrates the ability to meet the program objectives.

Q.4 In trying to calculate annual work hours for this project (72016819R00006), does USAID use 2,080 (i.e. 40 hours/week * 52 weeks) for employees/contractors according to the

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Federal Standard? If NO, Please advise on how many hours per year are established for full time under this contract? Does the USAID calculate annual work hours based on 2,080, 1920, 1860, or “other” please state?

A.4 In calculating annual work hours for this project, USAID uses 2,080 (i.e. 40 hours/week *

52 weeks) for employees/contractors according to the U.S. Office of Personnel

Management Federal Standard, and we review personnel policies of the offeror.

Q.5 Is this the first issue of this solicitation (is this a re-compete of an existing USAID requirement or a new requirement?

A.5 This is a re-solicitation for this requirement. Additionally, the previous Energy Policy

Activity is AID-168-14-00002.

Q.6 Can you advise on if there were/are an incumbent provider(s) for these services? If Yes –

Who is/are the incumbent(s) and can you provide previous contract number?

A.6 AID-168-C-14-00002 Energy Investment Activity. AEAI is the incumbent.

Q.7 If there is an incumbent, is there a reason the known incumbent may be precluded from bidding on this new or existing requirement?

A.7 No.

Q.8 Is this requirement part of a Multiple Award Schedule/Contract or a Single Award

Schedule/Contract?

A.8 This requirement is a single award contract.

Q.9 Has U. S. Agency for International Development held preliminary meetings with specific contractors interested in responding to this solicitation?

A.9 No.

Q.10 Is it estimated that full funding exists for this solicitation? If so, is there an intended

Maximum/Minimum funding threshold?

A.10 Full funding exists for this solicitation and, per page 98 of the solicitation, $7.5 million dollars is the maximum funding threshold.

Q.11 Is the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination in force with this RFQ? If so, can you advise a) What SCA/Wage numbers are applicable? And b)

What City and State SCA Wage Determination takes precedence?

A.11 No, the the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination does not apply to this requirement as the work for this requirement will be performed outside of the United States.

Q.12 Does this requirement stipulate that the proposed bidder must hold an active Form

DD254 Facility Clearance "PRIOR TO BEING AWARDED” this contract?

A.12 No, as the contractual work will not require an active Secret/Top-Secret Facility

Clearance.

Q.13 If an active Form DD254 Facility Clearance is required will arrangements be made to assist and provide adequate time to process the required paperwork or are bidders without

DD254 Facility Clearance not advised to participate?

A.13 No, as the contractual work will not require an active Secret/Top-Secret Facility

Clearance.

Q.14 For areas where strict requirements exist for an active Secret/Top-Secret Facility

Clearance would government accept a Contractor Teaming Agreements (CTA) under The

GSA Construct that fulfills Facility Clearance requirement?

A.14 No, as the contractual work will not require an active Secret/Top-Secret Facility

Clearance.

Q.15 For areas where strict requirements exist for the number and types of past performance as a PRIME Vendor; would the government accept a Contractor Teaming Agreements

(CTA) under The GSA Construct that fulfills Past Performance requirements?

A.15 For purposes of past performance, Offerors may reference instances in which proposed subcontractors were the prime contractors.

Q.16 Are there VAT exemptions in Bosnia-Herzegovina?

A.16 USAID provides assistance to the contractor in obtaining the Tax Exemption Certificate subject to the Contractor’s registration in BiH as a local or international business and attendance at, and completion of, a briefing on BiH VAT laws and procedures.

Q.17 Section I.11 752.229-71 Reporting of foreign taxes (JUL 2007). Would USAID provide assistance in obtaining Tax Exemption Certificate to the contractor after award?

A.17 USAID provides assistance to the contractor in obtaining the Tax Exemption Certificate subject to the Contractor’s registration in BiH as a local or international business and attendance at, and completion of, a briefing on BiH VAT laws and procedures.

Q.18 Sections H.12(b). Would USAID consider granting blanket waiver to treat TCNs the same as USNs for payment of salaries in USD and allowances and differentials to enable the contractor to attract high quality technical support from the region required for the success of this activity?

A.18 No. However, the prime contractor does have the ability to have subcontracts.

Subcontracting rules, regulations, and responsibilities apply for consultants/other subcontractors.

Q.19 Section F.4.1(b) states that the three Key Personnel Positions – Chief of Party, Legal and

Regulatory Expert and Energy and Sector Reform Expert – must be provided for full-time performance for the term of this contract unless otherwise agreed to by the contracting officer. In order to ensure sustainability and to best meet the required outcomes of the project, would USAID be amenable to proposing other arrangements for the full-time key position of Energy and Sector Reform Expert?

A.19 Yes, note that offerors must justify the use of personnel and provide the justification in the proposal.