Answers to RFP Questions.pdf

Answers to the Women’s Empowerment and Leadership Activities' RFP Questions

1) On page 84, the RFP 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 . Please clarify. 1) Is USAID requesting that the offeror also include past performance information and teaming agreements for all subcontractors, including the major subcontractor.? 2) Is USAID requesting that past performance information and teaming agreements be provided only for the major subcontractor?

USAID Response: Offerors must provide past performance information and teaming agreements for all major subcontractors.

2) On page 85, the RFP states that “the Offeror’s technical solution for each stated result must propose the Performance Standards” using the example provided. Can USAID confirm whether the table is part of the 25-page limit for Annex 1.

USAID Response: Yes. If the Offeror chooses to utilize a table format for the Performance Work Statement, then this table is part of the 25-page limit for Annex 1.

3) Section B.6, Indirect Cost, Page 7:

A company’s indirect rates are widely acknowledged to be proprietary and sensitive financial information, the disclosure of which would result in competitive harm and, consistent with the Trade Secrets Act, should therefore be protected from such disclosure to third parties, (including prime contractors whom may be competitors on other Procurements). Thus, we respectfully request that the Major Subcontractor’s indirect rate information not be included in Section B.6 or any part of the final Prime Contract. Please acknowledge your acceptance of this clarification and request for protection of proprietary company financial data.

USAID Response: Contractor indirect cost rates will be removed from Section B.6. Please see revisions on p. 8 of the amended RFP.

4) The SF 33 of the RFP indicates a 45 day offer acceptance period, however pg. 80 includes language that requires an offer to remain available for acceptance for 180 days. Can USAID please clarify?

USAID Response: The SF-33 has been revised to state 180 days.

5) On page 88 of the RFP, USAID requests biodatas for all key personnel as well as for "All individuals to be sent outside the United States." Can USAID clarify whether this includes just U.S. expatriates who will work overseas or whether it was intended to include TCNs and CCNs?

USAID Response: Please see AIDAR 752.7001, biodata forms are required for all key personnel and all individuals to be sent outside the United States.

6) O n pg. 92 of the RFP, USAID indicates that offerors must not propose any fixed fee on the value of grants unless they support activities or tasks in the PWS. Given that it would only make sense to propose grants that would contribute to the achievement of project objectives and support PWS programming, but that identifying specific grantees and deliverables for individual grants is not possible at the proposal stage, may offerors propose a separate fixed fee on grants payable on a prorated grants expenditures basis?

USAID Response: The precise language from the RFP is as follows:

p. 107: If an Offeror proposes a Grants Under Contracts (GUC) component, it must not apply Fixed Fee to the value of the grants unless those grants will perform activities or tasks that are part of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Performance of activities or tasks that are part of the PWS is a subaward. This is distinct from a grant that would simply transfer a thing of value in order to contribute to the achievement of project objectives. Fee must not be applied on grants if they are simply transferring a thing of value to a recipient in support of the activity’s objectives. Fee may be applied to subawards.

7) Will USAID provide a letter of credit for advance financing for grants under this contract?

USAID Response: USAID will consider making available LOC facilities post-award.

8) Page 8, B.8, Should we propose a payment schedule as part of the cost proposal?

USAID Response: Please see page 107 of the RFP: “Offerors must submit a fixed fee payment schedule that assigns fixed fee payments to specific deliverables consistent with the proposed performance standards.”

9) Page 14, F.6, Can USAID clarify that COR approval will not be required for each international STTA to work a 6 day work week?

USAID Response: COR approval will be required.

10) Page 29, H.2 (d) and (h)– Given the new biodata form which no longer requires historical salary information, and in line with the subsections (b) and (c) of this section, will USAID consider removing references to proposed salaries being approved by the CO if the consultant or employee salaries are 3% higher than either the current salary or wage or the salary or wage received during the preceding year?

USAID Response: Please note the revised clause (H.2 Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation), found on p. 29 through p.31 of the amended RFP.

11) Page 30, H.2 (g) – Will USAID consider replacing 3% with 5% for annual staff ceiling increases without USAID approval?

USAID Response: No, Offerors must budget in accordance with the RFP.

12) Page 82, Section L.8.A. Can USAID confirm that the offeror can also use 9 point font or above for text boxes and graphics?

USAID Response: Yes, Offerors may use a 9 point font or above for text boxes and graphics.

13) On page 82, Section L.8 USAID refers to a “draft work plan”. In the list of annexes and other references to required information for submission, a draft work plan is not indicated.

Can USAID please clarify if a draft work plan is required?

USAID Response: The mention of the draft work plan on page 82, Section L.8 B is an error. A draft work plan is not required for submission in the proposal. Please see revision on page 97 of the amended RFP.

14) Page 83, L.8, Is it acceptable to submit the technical proposal in Adobe PDF given the limited capacity of the email server?

USAID Response:Confirmed. The Offeror must submit its proposal as follows: (1) compatible PDF with Optical Character Recognition for the Past Performance Proposal; (2) compatible PDF with Optical Character Recognition for the Technical Proposal; (3) compatible PDF with Optical Character Recognition for accompanying budget narratives; (4) text accessible Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for budget and other cost-related tables; and (5) PDF for Signature Pages. Please see revision on page 96 of the amended RFP.

15) Page 84, L.8.4.b, Can USAID confirm that the organizational chart can be submitted as an Annex in the technical proposal and does not count towards the 10 pages?

USAID Response: The organizational chart counts towards the 10-page limit of the Introductory Statement.

16) Page 84, L.8.4.b, USAID asks that the offeror “detail the required qualifications relevant to each proposed position”. Can USAID confirm that it is acceptable to include this information in Annex 4 rather than in the 10 page Introductory Statement?

USAID Response: In the Management Approach and Staffing section of the Introductory Statement, the Offeror must briefly introduce the proposed key personnel position(s) and their roles and responsibilities. Detailed description of the roles and responsibilities of the key personnel, qualifications relevant to each proposed position, LOE, and position location can be provided in Annex 4.

17) Page 87, L.9 Part 2 (iii) – Can USAID please clarify budget breakdown by Outcome?

Does this mean that USAID would like to see CLIN type detailed budgets by Objectives 1

– 3?

USAID Response: Yes, Offerors must provide a tab that shows the budget breakdown by Outcome.

18) Page 88, L.9 Part 2 (iv) – Likewise, can USAID please provide more information on the budget narrative “including separate sections to support the budget by outcome section”.

Does USAID want a narrative at the line item level based on the categories provided in attachment J.5 as well as a narrative by outcome? To what extent should the narrative by outcome be detailed as much of the information would be repetitive?

USAID Response: Offerors must follow the instructions under section L.9 Part 2 “Prepared Costs/Prices and Cost Proposal Narrative” beginning on page 102 of the amended RFP. Offerors must provide a detailed budget narrative to support their budget submission. The budget template has been revised. Please see attached new budget template (J.5 of the amended RFP).

19) Page 88, L.9 Part 2 (viii)(A) – Please confirm that biodata forms are only required for key personnel and any HQ staff or consultants named in the budget who will travel outside of the United States and that we are not required to submit biodatas for other named CCN personnel.

USAID Response: Please see response to Q.5.

20) Page 92, L.9 Part 4 – Please confirm that USAID does in fact want full copies of the Offeror’s personnel policies and procedures included with the cost proposal.

USAID Response: Yes, USAID requires full copies of the Offeror’s personnel policies and procedures.

21) Page 92, L.9 Part 4– What should an offeror do if the offeror’s personnel policies and procedures do not cover all of the items listed in L.9 Part 4?

USAID Response: It is the Offerors responsibility to submit its policies and procedures as requested, if they exist, at time of proposal submission. USAID is not requesting policies and procedures be created for purposes of proposal submission.

22) Pg. 95. In the evaluation criteria, USAID references that the “Technical Approach” is considered the most “important” section in terms of scoring. The evaluation criteria for the Technical Approach refers only to the PWS. However, in Section L of the RFP on page 83 there are four parts to the “Introductory Statement”, including the Technical Approach;

Sustainability and Self Reliance Approach; Management Approach and Staffing; and Past Performance. Can USAID please indicate how the Sustainability and Self Reliance Approach will be scored?

USAID Response: The sustainability and self-reliance approach should be integrated within the PWS as noted on page 98 of the amended RFP. The evaluation of the Technical Approach will cover the Technical Approach section of the Introductory Statement and it supplements Annexes 1, 2 and 3 as described at the top of page 99.

23) The RFP makes reference to USAID/Jordan’s 2020 – 2025 CDCS. Can USAID provide access to this document?

USAID Response: The USAID 2020-2025 CDCS has not been approved yet. Once approved, the 2020-2025 CDCS will be published at https://www.usaid.gov/jordan . Please see attached the Draft Results Framework for the 2020-2025 CDCS template (J.8 of the amended RFP).

24) Page 18 of the RFP states: The COR will provide a list of Mission PMP indicators for the activity . Can USAID provide the list of Mission PMP indicators to Offerors?

USAID Response: The Mission PMP indicators will be provided after the award of the contract.

25) Section H.9- Grants Under Contract: Can a recipient receive multiple separate and unique GUCs during the life of the Activity?

USAID Response: Yes.

26) Section L.7- Proposal Submission: Can USAID confirm that the technical proposal may be submitted in Adobe PDF format?

USAID Response: See response to Q.14.

27) Page 82 of the RFP states: This delineation must be clear in the Technical Approach, PWS, QASP, Draft Work Plan, and any other relevant portion of the proposal. The RFP instructions do not indicate where the Draft Work Plan should be included in the Offeror’s proposal. Can USAID please confirm if a Draft Work Plan is required at time of proposal submission and if so, that it can go in an Annex and not count towards the page limit?

USAID Response: See response to Q.13.

28) Section L.8.A- Would USAID consider adding a one-page executive summary exclusive of the 10 page introductory statement?

USAID Response: No, an executive summary is not a requirement.

29) Page 84 of the RFP states: The management approach must also include an organizational chart showing all proposed staff and their lines of reporting. This will include a description of the roles and responsibilities of the staff (including but not limited to key personnel, managers, technical staff, short and long-consultants, subcontractors) linked to the achievement of the interventions proposed under the PWS. It will also include a proposed level of effort and where they will be based. The Offeror is expected to include Jordanian staff to the fullest extent possible. Would USAID consider allowing the organizational chart, and the description of role & responsibilities, linked achievements to the proposed interventions, LOE, and position location, to be included as a matrix in an Annex, rather than the body of the proposal?

USAID Response: See responses to Q.15 & 16.

https://www.usaid.gov/jordan

30) Section L.8-4.b, Key Personnel- Can USAID provide a maximum number of proposed key personnel allowed?

USAID Response: Offerors must determine the appropriate number of key personnel necessary and suitable for ensuring the objectives articulated in Attachment J.1 are fully met. However, the number of key personnel designated must not be more than five individuals or five percent of the contractor employees working under the contract, whichever is greater. Please see revisions on page 99 of the amended RFP.

31) Page 85 of the RFP states: The Offeror’s technical solution for each stated result must propose the Performance Standards (example below) in accordance with Attachment J.1 of the solicitation… Can USAID confirm if the Performance Standards table is included in the 25 page limit for Annex 1?

USAID Response: See the response to Q.2.

32) Page 86 of the RFP states: Position descriptions for each proposed key personnel position, other than Chief of Party, are limited to 1 page each and must clearly describe their roles and responsibilities linked to the achievement of the interventions proposed in the PWS and the required qualifications relevant to the position. Can USAID please confirm there is no position description required for the Chief of Party?

USAID Response: A position description and qualifications for the Chief of Party are required.

Please see revisions on page 101 of the amended RFP.

33) Section L.9- Cost Proposal: Can USAID confirm that the budget narrative along with Parts 3-9 may be submitted in Adobe PDF format?

USAID Response: Please see response to Q.14.

34) Attachment J.1: Would USAID be able to provide Offerors with the new USAID/Jordan

CDCS 2020- 2025?

USAID Response: See response to Q.23.

35) Attachment J.1: Page 8 of the SOO states: Offerors will develop and implement a communication strategy… Can USAID please confirm that the strategy is a deliverable to be submitted after award and not at the time of proposal submission?

USAID Response: Confirmed.

36) In Section H.2(d) on page 29 of the RFP, USAID notes states that the initial starting salaries for all proposed USN/TCN/CCN salaries that are 3% higher than the employee’s current salary or that of the preceding year will need to be approved by the Contracting Officer. However, page 88 of the RFP states, “Salaries and wages for long term staff must be based on the requirements of the positions proposed and NOT on the proposed individual’s salary histories.” The new 1420 was also provided with the bidding document which does not require salary history. Could USAID please confirm that the clause in Section H.2(d) clause does not apply given the revised guidance on proposing market-based salaries as opposed to salary history?

USAID Response: Please see answer to Q. 10.

37) In Section L.8 on page 86 of the RFP, USAID provides a list of illustrative skill sets of key and non-key personnel. Would USAID allow offerors to include a matrix or chart presenting roster of proposed non-key personnel and short-term technical advisors as part of Annex 4?

USAID Response: Yes. Offerors may include a matrix or chart as part of Annex 4.

38) Page 2 of Attachment J.1 references Jordan’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025, however it is not available on the internet. If available, could USAID please provide it to all offerors?

USAID Response: See the response to Q.23.

39) Page 3 of Attachment J.1 references the National Strategy for Women in Jordan (2020-2025), however it is not available on the internet. If available, could USAID please provide it to all offerors?

USAID Response: The National Strategy for Women in Jordan is not a public document .

40) Pursuant to Section H.2 (f), could USAID please confirm that the 2019 CCN salary scale effective July 21, 2019 is the most up to date Mission Local Compensation Plan?

USAID Response: We do not understand your question as the Mission Local Compensation Plan or the salary table is not referenced in H.2(f).

41) Section L.9 Part 2 (ii) references “Prime Cost Tab of the Budget Template (J.6)”, however the budget template provided with the RFP (J.5) includes only a summary budget tab.

Can USAID please clarify?

USAID Response: The mention of Attachment J.6 is an error. Attachment J.5 “Sample Budget Template” has been revised to include the “Prime Cost Tab, Subcontractor Cost Tab, Summary Budget, Personnel List and Costs by Outcome. Please find the revised budget template as attachment J.5 of the amended RFP. Please see revisions on page 102 of the amended RFP.

42) The table in Section B.6 does not call for the inclusion of indirect ceiling rates, however Section L.9 (J) mentions indirect cost ceiling requirements. Could USAID please clarify if offerors are required propose indirect cost rate ceilings?

USAID Response: Offerors may propose indirect cost rate ceilings but are not required to do so.

43) Will USAID please consider extending the deadline for applications to August 7, 2020?

in the wake of limitations due to COVID-19.

USAID Response: The deadline for receipt of proposals is now July 24, 2020.

44) Could USAID please provide a copy of the current local compensation plan for Jordan?

USAID Response: It is Mission policy that the Local Compensation Plan is not shared to the public.

45) Page 14 F.5 Key Personnel: USAID states “Chief of Party (COP); and Other key personnel (to be inserted at time of award). In recruiting the other Key Personnel, the Contractor must identify candidates who exhibit the appropriate combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills and expertise.” Page 84 L.8 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal: USAID further states “In addition to the Chief of Party Key Personnel position, the Offeror is free to propose additional Key Personnel positions as deemed appropriate and necessary for ensuring the objectives articulated in Attachment J.1 are fully met. The Offeror must describe the personnel’s roles and responsibilities linked to the achievement of the interventions proposed in the PWS. The Offeror must detail the required qualifications relevant to each proposed position and explain why they are to be considered key to the successful implementation of the Activity. The Offeror must also describe how the proposed individuals to fill these positions have the educational backgrounds and expertise needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the positions for which they are proposed.” Can you please clarify the proposal requirements for Key Personnel?

USAID Response: See response to Q.30.

46) Page 29 H.2 Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation (e) Replacement Staff: Please provide clarification on this clause. Is the COR required to approve all non-key personnel staff on the project if an original candidate is not available at time of award? Or, with this clause, is USAID simply limiting required rate approvals for non-key personnel? Requiring approval for all staff changes would be burdensome and could cause delays in startup and effective project management. Since fee is tied to outcomes, please consider removing an approval requirement to enable the implementer to work swiftly and make the progress that is required.

USAID Response: The COR will provide technical approval of non-key personnel.

47) Page 39 H.23 Indirect Costs for Non-U.S. Organizations: Can offerors propose the de minimis (10%) indirect cost rate in their budget for local partners? Can local partners that propose the de minimis rate in their budget receive pre-award consent?

USAID Response: The 10% de minimis indirect cost rate is found in regulations governing Assistance and does not apply to Acquisition.

48) Page 88 Part 2 (V): How should non-major subcontractors costs be reflected in the overall activity budget? Should their budget summary sheet be included in the budget package and calculated as a part of Contractual (Subcontract/Consultants) costs in the Prime's budget?

USAID Response: Yes, Offerors should include non-major subcontractor costs in the activity budget and reflect these costs in the Contractual line item.

49) Page 91 (K) Fixed Fee (if any): There are a variety of factors - particularly COVID-19 -that are totally out of the implementers control, that could impact timelines, and certain outcomes or deliverables. Please consider removing this requirement and reverting to a standard CPFF fee structure. This requirement - especially when applied during a global pandemic in which a second and potentially third wave of infections are anticipated - puts an extreme burden of risk on a small business.

USAID Response: No, Offerors must propose a reasonable fee schedule that takes into consideration such risks.

50) Page 88 (A) Salaries and Wages: Recent USAID guidance eliminated the use of Biographical Data Sheets to ensure greater pay equity on USAID projects. On Page 29, Section H.2(d) states that CO approval is required for proposed salaries for USN, TCN, and CCN employees and consultants that are 3% higher than an employee’s current salary or wage. Section H.2(h) on page 30 repeats this requirement for short-term employees and consultants. In contrast, Section H.2(b) and (c) on page 29 indicate that salaries should be based on “market value”.

Similarly, Section L.9, Part 2(viii)(A) on page 88 states, “Salaries and wages for long-term staff must be based on the requirements of the positions proposal and NOT on the proposed individuals’ salary histories.” USAID also requests submission of the revised Biographical Data Sheet, which does not require a proposed individual to disclose his/her salary or consultant rate history. Considering these variables, could USAID please confirm that salaries for long-term staff and rates for short-term staff or consultants should be based on market value and not on proposed individuals’ salary histories? Further, could USAID please amend or remove the text in Sections H.2(d) and (h) related to CO approval for proposed salaries or consultant rates based on salary history limitations?

USAID Response: Please see response to Q. 10.

51) On Page 87, Section L.9, Part 1: The RFP requires an original signature on the SF-33.

Since USAID has requested an electronic submission, could USAID please confirm that a scanned or electronic signature would be sufficient?

USAID Response: A scanned or electronic signature will be sufficient.

52) On Page 87, Section L.9, Part 2(iii): Could USAID please confirm that the Budget Structure by Outcome may be a summary budget presentation according to Attachment J.5?

USAID Response: Offerors must provide a tab that shows the budget breakdown by Outcome.

The budget broken by outcome is different from the summary budget.

53) Can USAID provide a list of any equipment that is or will be available for transfer from closing projects?

USAID Response: No equipment is available for transfer from closing projects at this time.

54) On Page 92, Section L.9, Part 3: the RFP requires Offerors to “sign and date on the last page in the space provided” for Section K; however, Section K does not include a signature block. Could USAID please add a signature block to Section K.

USAID Response: A signature block has been added to Section K. Please see revisions on page 92 of the amended RFP.

55) On page 6 of Attachment 2, J.1 SOO, under c. Sustainability to Advance Self-Reliance, USAID states “Through the different interventions proposed in the PWS, sustainability will be highly embedded in order to ensure a steady flow of laws, regulations, policies and procedures are maintained and continued.” On page 4 of the SOO, under Objective 3, USAID states:

“Policies and regulatory frameworks have not been adequately supportive of gender equality in the workplace.” Can USAID please clarify whether the focus of the activities should be on creating a steady flow of laws, regulations, policies and procedures, or whether the focus should be on enforcement of those already in place?

USAID Response: The Offeror must propose interventions as they deem appropriate to accomplish the objectives of the SOO.

56) Please confirm that Grants Under Contract (GUCs) should not contain management or administrative expenses incurred by the contractor within the total budgeted amount of GUCs.

Instead, the management or administrative expenses incurred by the contractor should be separately budgeted for these grants.

USAID Response: If offerors wish to propose a GUC component, management or administrative expenses incurred by the contractor in the maintenance of the component must be budgeted separately.

57) RFP Section F.7 "Deliverables and Required Reporting" notes the requirement of a Security Plan within 90 days of the contract award date. Can USAID confirm that a draft security plan is not required to be submitted at the proposal stage?

USAID Response: Yes, a draft security plan is not required to be submitted with the proposal.

58) Per Section H.2, “ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (pages 29 and 30), the RFP describes salary increases as "one time" for a variety of employees. Does this mean they are entitled to only one salary increase over the life of the contract or one increase per year?

USAID Response: Personnel are eligible for one salary increase per year.

59) Per Section L.8, “INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (page 82), the RFP references a Draft Work Plan, but it doesn't seem to be mentioned elsewhere in the document. Is a draft work plan required as part of the proposal submission?

USAID Response: See response to Q.13.

60) Per Section L.9 Part 2 (A) "Salary and Wages" (page 88), the RFP states that "The Offeror must separate expatriate and CCN labor categories for short/long-term technical and administrative staff." This is the only mention of "labor categories" in the RFP. Can USAID confirm that the Offeror is not required to propose labor categories accompanied by ceiling daily rates for the cost proposal?

USAID Response: Offerors are not required to propose labor categories accompanied by ceiling daily rates although they may do so if they wish.

61) Per multiple mentions in the RFP (pages 84 and 95) and ATTACHMENT J.1, USAID describes inclusion of “partners new to USAID.” Can USAID clarify what constitutes “new to

USAID?”

USAID Response: “Partners new to USAID” refers to the definition of New Partner under the USAID New Partnerships Initiative ( https://www.usaid.gov/npi/npi-key-definitions ): “ New Partner: An individual or organization that has not received any funding from USAID as a prime partner over the last five years.”

62) Per Section L.8, Annex 4 (page 86), the RFP states “The Chief of Party is one of the Key Personnel positions required for the life of the contract.” Can USAID clarify whether a single Chief of Party is expected to commit for the life of the project or if the intent of the above https://www.usaid.gov/npi/npi-key-definitions statement is simply to state that the COP position must be present throughout the life of the project?

USAID Response: The COP position must be present throughout the life of the project. The Offeror should exercise good judgement on the impact of continuous change in personnel over the life of the project.

63) Per Section B.4, "Budget and Ceiling Price" (page 6), the RFP includes a table. Is the offeror required to include this completed table as part of the cost proposal? Can USAID clarify what information should be included in this table?

USAID Response: Section B. 4 will be completed by USAID at the time of award.

64) Can USAID clarify if a “major subcontractor” is defined as one whose proposed costs exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost, or 20% of the offeror’s total proposed LOE?

USAID Response: A major subcontractor is defined as one whose proposed costs exceed 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

65) Section L.8 “Management Approach and Staffing” (p84) describes the management approach which is to include an organizational chart showing, “all proposed staff and their lines of reporting. This will include a description of the roles and responsibilities of the staff (including but not limited to key personnel, managers, technical staff, short and long-consultants, subcontractors) linked to the achievement of the interventions proposed under the PWS. It will also include a proposed level of effort and where they will be based." Can USAID clarify what information needs to be included in the organizational chart and what should be included in the management narrative?

USAID Response: The Offeror is free to include information as it deems appropriate. See also responses to Q.15, 16 and 29.

66) Attachment J.1 references the “USAID/Jordan’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) 2020-2025” (pages 2 and 3), yet this document does not seem to be publicly available on the internet. Could USAID please make this document available for offerors?

USAID Response: See response to Q.23.

67) USAID requires a Draft Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) (Annex 2, RFP page

85) and a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Approach (Annex 3, RFP page 86) as parts of the proposal submission. Can USAID clarify the relationship between the two documents?

USAID Response: USAID, in coordination with the successful Offeror, may decide to combine the QASP and MEL Plan after the award of this contract. The QASP is a document developed by the contractor which serves as a tool to ensure that they are achieving the results and performance standards outlined in the contract. The MEL plan measures the impact of the achieved results.

68) Per Section L.8, “Annex 4: Position Description, Resumes and Letter of Commitment of Key Personnel,” (page 86), the RFP states that “Position descriptions for each proposed key personnel position, other than Chief of Party, are limited to 1 page each and must clearly describe their roles and responsibilities linked to the achievement of the interventions proposed in the PWS and the required qualifications relevant to the position.” Can USAID confirm the page limit for the Chief of Party position description?

USAID Response: The position description for the COP is also limited to one page. Please see revision on page 101 of the amended RFP.

69) Per Section 8, “Annex 5: Past Performance Documentation,” (page 87), the RFP states: “The Offerors must fill in Section A of the questionnaire for each of the contracts listed above.” Can USAID please confirm if “Section A” refers to PART I of Attachment J.4 “Contractor Past Performance Report?”

USAID Response: Yes, Section A refers to PART I of Attachment J.4 “Contractor Past Performance Report.” Please see revisions on page 102 of the amended RFP.

70) Attachment J.1, 7.g. “Communication Strategy” describes this document as required in addition to the Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan. Can USAID please clarify if offeror are expected to submit this document along with the Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan in its proposal submission? Unlike these two documents (RFP page 94), there is no mention of the development of a Communication Strategy in the RFP.

USAID Response: See response to Q. 35.

71) Attachment J.1, 7.d., "Grants Under Contract" (page 7) states that grants may go to the private sector. Is it possible to provide these grants directly to businesses, in support of component objectives?

USAID Response: Yes, private sector entities are eligible to receive grants.

72) In reference to Attachment J.1, 7.e., "Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation (CLA)" (page

8) and Attachment J.6, can USAID please provide clarity on the estimated start date of the Business Growth Activity, to allow for maximized collaboration?

USAID Response: Offerors must monitor the USAID Business Forecast for information on estimated activity start dates.

73) Could USAID confirm the start date for the activity?

USAID Response: Offerors must monitor the USAID Business Forecast for estimates of activity start dates.

74) Could you please provide the USAID Jordan CDCS for 2020-2025, referenced on p. 2 in Attachment J.1 Statement of Objectives? The CDCS available on the USAID website is for the period 2013-2020.

USAID Response: See response to Q.23.

75) Does USAID have any clarifications on how it would like to see integration of the USAID Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) of Program Participants within this activity?

USAID Response: As per USAID Policy on Protection From Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) ( https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/PSEA_Policy_Digital.pdf ), through its technical approach and award administration the successful Offeror will seek to prevent and reduce instances of SEA, ensure beneficiaries are able to access USAID-funded services and activities safely and are able to provide robust feedback to the successful Offeror to mitigate risk, and facilitate the secure reporting of SEA violations when they occur.

76) Section H.2 (g) Annual Salary Increases, pp.29-30, USAID stipulates: International Staff:

Project staff may be granted a one-time annual increase after their completion of twelve months of satisfactory service. The annual salary increase may not exceed 3% per employee regardless of the annual escalation pool in the budget, if any. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations, or exceeding the maximum SES established rate (AWCPAS) or the USAID CST, require the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer. CCN Staff: Project staff may be granted a one-time annual increase after their completion of twelve months of satisfactory service under the contract. The annual salary increase may not exceed 3% per employee regardless of the annual escalation pool in the budget, if any. Please clarify if offerors may follow their internal Annual Salary Increase (ASI) policy for staff annual merit increases, where an ASI pool of 3% (resulting salary adjustments are effective in April of each year) is created, and the 3% restriction is not applied to individuals?

USAID Response: Please see answer to Q. 10.

77) Section L.8 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, pp. 82-84 lists the sections of the Introductory Statement as follows: a) Technical Approach b) Sustainability and Self Reliance Approach c) Management Approach and Staffing d) Past Performance However, further in the same section, in second to last paragraph on p.83, sustainability and self-reliance approach is included as part of the Technical Approach section. Please clarify whether the Sustainability and Self Reliance Approach should be presented as a separate section.

USAID Response: This is an error. The Technical Approach and Sustainability and Self Reliance Approach are combined into one section, the Technical Approach section of the Introductory Statement. Please see revision on page 98 of the amended RFP.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/PSEA_Policy_Digital.pdf

78) Section L.8, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, pp. 86 includes submission requirements for Annex 4: Position Description, Resumes and Letter of Commitment of Key Personnel. In the fourth paragraph under this heading, there is a reference to “Illustrative skill sets of key and non-key personnel”. Please confirm that offerors are required to submit resumes, positions descriptions and letters of commitment only for the key personnel proposed and not for any of the other, non-key personnel.

USAID Response: The Offeror is required to submit resumes, positions descriptions and letters of commitment only for the key personnel proposed.

79) Section L.9, Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost Proposal, pp. 88 states, “Fully executed Biographical Data Sheets are required for (1) All individuals to be sent outside the United States…”. Please clarify whether this applies only to individuals placed in Jordan long-term or to US-based staff and consultants performing STTA services in Jordan as well.

USAID Response: Please see the answer to Q. 5.

80) Section J. p. 65 lists Attachment J.3, Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Work Overview, but Section L.9 does not mention it as one of the required documents in the Cost Proposal. Please clarify whether Offerors should be including this attachment in their Cost Proposal submission.

USAID Response: Yes, Offerors must submit the Prime and Major Subcontract Percentage of Work Overview with the cost proposal submissions. Please see revision on page 102 of the amended RFP.

81) On page 15, section F.7, Deliverables and Required Reporting, it indicates that the draft annual workplan is due within 30 days of the contract award date. Given the number of things that need to be mobilized immediately following award (onboard local team, develop a gender analysis, design a sustainability approach and roadmap, etc.) will USAID kindly consider updating the due date for the draft workplan from 30 days to 60 days?

USAID Response: The draft annual workplan is due 30 working days after awarding of the contract.

82) On page 83, section L.8, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, it states “1) Cover Page (1 page maximum): The proposal must be accompanied by a cover letter..."

Would USAID please clarify whether "cover letter" refers to the proposal's cover page rather than an additional letter or correspondence from the offeror?

USAID Response: The cover letter is not the proposal’s cover page and is an additional letter from the Offeror.

83) On page 86, section L, Annex 4 instructions, it states that the “position descriptions for each proposed key personnel position, other than Chief of Party, are limited to 1 page each”. Will USAID please confirm that offeror’s position description for the Chief of Party may be more than 1 page?

USAID Response: See response to Q. 68.

84) On page 29, section H.2(e), it instructs that replacement staff, with the exception of key personnel, initial salaries of new staff replacing those previously approved in the contractor’s final proposal revision do not require prior approval by the Contracting Officer, provided that the following conditions are met: the position has been authorized in the contract; the proposed rate is reflective of the market value; and does not exceed the approved salary for the particular position in the final proposal revision. The contractor must obtain COR approval of the individual’s technical appropriateness to work on program activities. If the proposed salary is in line with market value and does not exceed the ceiling, will USAID kindly consider removing the requirement for CO approval and stipulate that approval is only need from the COR?

USAID Response: No, USAID will not remove this requirement.

85) On Page 29, Section H.2.(f) of the Solicitation states that a ceiling has been established for CCN staff but does not list what the ceiling for CCN staff is. Could USAID kindly provide a copy of the current local employee compensation plan (LCP) for Jordan? Could USAID confirm the LCP max is the ceiling mentioned for CCN staff?

USAID Response: Please see answer to Q. 10.

86) On Page 29, Section H.2.(d) of the Solicitation, it instructs that the initial salaries for all USN, TCN, and CCN consultants or employees must not exceed a 3% increase from the employee’s current salary or wage or the annual salary or wage received during the preceding year. On page 30, Section H.2(h) it instructs that compensation for short-term employees or consultants must not exceed a 3% increase on the annual compensation received by the consultant during the preceding year. Individuals transitioning from full-time employment to a consultant often receive a higher wage increase to compensate for the loss of benefits. However, on page 90 in Section L.9. Part 2 (A) the Solicitation states that salaries and wages for long-term staff must be based on the requirements of the positions proposed and NOT on the proposed individuals' salary histories. Requesting salary history information is no longer a federally mandated requirement, resulting in changes to the AID 1420-17 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet that now do not require salary history. We respectfully request USAID consider issuing a modification to the Solicitation that would remove salary limitations prescribed by Section H.2.(d) and H.2 (h).

USAID Response:Please see answer to Q. 10.

87) On page 30, under Section H.2(g) Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, the RFP states “(g) Annual Salary Increases…the annual salary increase may not exceed 3% per employee regardless of the annual escalation pool in the budget, if any” We respectfully request that the above-mentioned restriction for salary increases of not more than 3% 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 51), 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 limitation on salary increases may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.700.

USAID Response: USAID will not remove this requirement.

88) On page 31, Section H.3, the authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this award as 937. To allow for maximum flexibility in partnerships to complete the outcomes included in the Statement of Objectives; would USAID consider using a different Geographic Code such as 935?

USAID Response: USAID will not change the authorized geographic code.

89) On Page 31, Section H.4, Nonexpendable Property Purchases and Information Technology Resources will include a list of equipment and/or resources the Contractor is authorized to purchase at award. Should additional nonexpendable property be necessary for project implementation, could USAID kindly clarify if the list included will be illustrative or if the Contractor would need USAID approval to purchase additional nonexpendable property?

USAID Response: Contracting Officer prior approval is required for purchase of nonexpendable property in accordance with FAR 52.245-1, “Government Property."

90) On page 35, section H.9 (e) the solicitation says that “The total value of an individual grant to a non-U.S. NGO must not exceed $200,000:” This significantly reduces flexibility in implementation. Given that there are no ceilings in the regulations, we kindly request that USAID remove this limitation.

USAID Response: No, USAID will not remove the limitation on size of individual grants under contract.

91) On page 39, section H.23, Indirect Costs for Non-US Organizations, it instructs that USAID will not give pre-award consent for local subcontracts that include indirect costs rates. Would USAID consider granting consent to subcontract for local organizations that charge indirect costs through a NICRA, have indirect costs substantiated through audited financials, or local organizations using the de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (per CFR 200.414(f))?

USAID Response: Please see answer to Q. 47.

92) On page 87, section L.9 of the solicitation states that the Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide the contractor teaming arrangements. Will USAID please confirm that this is only applicable for joint ventures?

USAID Response: No, all Offerors must submit the information on their contractor teaming arrangements.

93) On page 87, section L.9 Part 2 (ii) Detailed Budgets states that “The Prime Costs Tab of the Budget Template (J.6) is the recommended format for the cost detail information but may be adjusted to fit the individual offeror’s needs.” Attachment J.6 is the Business Growth (BG) RFI and in Attachment J.5, USAID provided a summary budget template, but did not include a detailed budget template. Could USAID please provide the template or remove this requirement?

USAID Response: The mention of Attachment J.6 is an error. Attachment J.5 “Sample Budget Template” has been revised to include the “Prime Cost Tab, Subcontractor Cost Tab, Summary Budget, Personnel List and Costs by Outcome. Please find attached the revised budget template.

Please see revisions on page 102 of the amended RFP.

94) On page 92, section L.9, part 3 states that the Offeror and each proposed subcontractor must complete section K “Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror.”

Requiring Section K for all planned subcontractors could limit offerors’ abilities to bring in new partners that would be highly beneficial to the project. Would USAID kindly consider requiring Section K from the Offeror and Major subcontractors?

USAID Response: It is the responsibility of the Prime contractor to obtain the appropriate Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror for all planned subcontractors as required by contract terms, Agency, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

95) On page 92, section L.9 part 4 requires the Offeror to submit a copy of its personnel policies and procedures. Do Offerors need to provide policies and procedures if they have prior federal contracting experience?

USAID Response: Yes.

96) On Page 87 of the RFP it states: The budget must include a tab that provides the budget breakdown by Outcome. Can USAID please confirm that Offerors can present the “Budget Structured by Outcome” as budget subtotals allocated by Outcome?

USAID Response: Confirmed.

# Reference Question

97) Would USAID provide an exchange rate for JOD to ensure uniformity across all cost proposals submitted under the RFP?

USAID Response: The official exchange rate is 0.708 (1 USD equals 0.708 Jordanian Dinar).

98) L.7 (b) Page 81 L.7(b) (page 81) states, "The Offeror must submit the proposal via e-mail with up to 4.5 MB limit per email compatible with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)." Can USAID please confirm that offerers can submit the proposal in PDF format (with the exception of the proposed cost/price Excel document)?

USAID Response: See response to Q.14.

99) L.8.5 (page 86) references qualifications for non-key personnel. Where/how would USAID like the offeror to address qualifications of its non-key personnel?

USAID Response: The Offeror must provide a brief description of the responsibilities and qualifications of its non-key personnel in the Management Approach and Staffing section of the Introductory Statement. Annex 4 of the Proposal is limited to key personnel: please see revisions on page 101 of the amended RFP.

100) L.9, Part 2, bullet iii Page 87 Section L.9, Part 2, Proposed Cost/Prices, bullet (iii) states, the budget must include a tab that provides budget breakdown by Outcome. Neither Section J.5 nor Section B.4 Budget & Ceiling Price provide the budget summary by Outcome. Could USAID clarify this requirement?

USAID Response: Please see response to Q.17.

101) L.8 (B) Page 83 Would USAID consider allowing offerors to include a 1-page executive summary that does not count toward the 10-page limit affixed to the introductory statement?

USAID Response: See response to Q. 28.

102) J.9 Part 2 (A) Page 88 Would the government please share USAID Jordan ’s Local Compensation Plan (LCP)?

USAID Response: Please see answer to Q. 40.

103) L.8 Page 84 Would USAID please confirm that it will endorse the awardee to obtain a Letter of Credit (LOC) from the Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) to administer the Grants Under Contract (GUC) element?

USAID Response: USAID will consider making available LOC facilities post-award.

104) L.8 Page 84 Would USAID consider adjusting the major contractor threshold from 20% to 10%? This adjustment would be incredibly empowering for small and disadvantaged businesses to present more inclusive consortiums for evaluation.

USAID Response: No, the major subcontractor threshold remains 20% of total costs.

105) L.8 Page 84 Would USAID please provide offerors with a more comprehensive template for the Draft Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)? This will ensure all offerors are able to respond with comparable submissions for the government to evaluate.

USAID Response: No, offerors must use the template on page 101 of the amended RFP to develop their QASP.

106) L.8 Page 86 Would USAID please confirm that offerors can submit past performance references for work performance under both acquisitions and assistance award? (i.e. contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements).

USAID Response: Only past performance for acquisition is relevant information for this opportunity.

107) Section D of Attachment J on Grants Section D page 7 of attachment J on Grants Under Contract states that only in-kind grants can be made to partner government entities. The RFP, section H.9, page 35 states that the total value of individual grant at 200,000 USD and 100,000 USD for non-U.S NGO and U.S. NGO, respectively. Under Contract Page 7 Does the 200,000 limit also apply to in-kind grants to partner government entities?

USAID Response: Yes, the $200,000 limit applies to in-kind grants to partner government entities.

108) Section D of Attachment J on…