72027920R00001_Amendment_1.pdf

(x)

72027920R00001 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

720279

00000 USAID/Yemen

12/23/20190001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

12/05/2019

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

Yemen Continuous Learning Program (YCLE).

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to questions from potential offerors, and to revise the solicitation as a result of addressing these questions.

(Continued on next page)

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Zachary Clarke

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

Sol_72027920R00001 Amendment #0001

CONTINUATION PAGE

Accordingly, the following changes have been made:

1. B.4. Line Items, delete the table and replace with the following:

Item No Supplies/Services (Description) Amount 00001 Base - Evaluation Services

Estimated Cost Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost + Fee 01001 Option 1 - Evaluation Services

Estimated Cost Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost + Fee 02001 Option 2- Direct costs.

Estimated Cost Fixed Fee

Total Estimated Cost + Fee Total Base plus Options

2. Section F.5.c.2, delete the following paragraph in its entirety:

“The DCOP plays a key role in supporting the program Chief of Party to effectively achieve the results defined in the contract. The DCOP’s primary responsibilities include ensuring overall compliance with USAID rules and regulations, financial management, international and local personnel recruitment and management, subcontractor management, project start-up, and project close-out.”

3. Section F.5.c.2 paragraph a) delete and replace with the following:

a) Educational Requirements/Preferred Qualifications:

● An advanced university degree in relevant subject areas, preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Administration or International Business or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject areas, if the candidate meets all the other requirements mentioned under F.5.c.2.b., Desirable Experience.

4. Section F.5.c.2, last bullet under paragraph b), delete “COP” and replace with “DCOP”.

5. Section F.5.c.3, delete the below two paragraphs in their entirety:

“This individual is responsible for leading and managing the technical work related to performance monitoring under this contract. Among other relevant tasks, the Senior M&E Specialist leads/oversees the review of project level M&E plans, and support such technical work as reviewing reporting methods, carrying out training needs, designing reporting tools and advising DO teams on their M&E work.

The individual oversees, recruits for, and participates in evaluations and assessments throughout the life of the contract. S/he ensures the short‐term technical experts and evaluation team members recruited under this contract are of a high caliber and possess the required technical expertise. The Senior M&E Specialist may also serve as the evaluation team leader of select evaluations conducted under this contract to be identified.”

6. Section F.6, item D. in the schedule is revised as follows:

D. Collaboration, Learning and Adaptive Management Services

M&E trainings and workshops Year 1 - 5 per year Year 2 - 3 per year Year 3 - 2 per year Year 4 - 2 per year Year 4 - 2 per year

Learning events Year 1 - 10 per year Year 2 - 5 per year Year 3 - 5 per year Year 4 - 5 per year Year 5 - 5 per year

7. Section L.4 AIDAR 752.204-70 PARTNER VETTING PRE-AWARD REQUIREMENTS paragraph b.2, first sentence is revised as follows:

“(2) The contracting officer notifies the offeror when to submit the USAID Partner Information Form. For this solicitation, USAID will vet after the contracting officer establishes the competitive range/makes an award determination.”

8. Section L.7 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, paragraph (b) Page Limitation, add “or similar” in the second sentence after “Times New Roman font.”

9. Section L.7, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical proposal, (d) Organization, delete Annex B: Key Personnel Roles and Qualifications.

10. Section L.8, Management, Staffing and Organizational Capacity, delete 3rd paragraph and replace with the following:

“The Offeror must include as part of its proposal a letter of commitment signed by each person proposed as key personnel confirming their present intention to serve in the stated position within a reasonable amount of time after contract award.”

11. Part J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS, add Attachment J.3 Geographic Coverage of USAID/Yemen Activities

Section L.11, Part 8 – Subcontracting Plan on page 97, delete “Dec 2016” in both instances and replace with “Nov 2019”.

USAID RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS FROM POTENTIAL OFFERORS

1. Due to the complexity of the RFP’s scope of work and the upcoming holidays, would USAID consider extending the proposal deadline by an additional two weeks, to January 30, 2020?

USAID Response: Due to constraints and time considerations an extension is not be feasible and unless further notice is given bidders are expected to meet the original deadline in order to be considered.

2. Collaboration with the COR is mentioned throughout the RFP. We have the following related questions:

1. What is the geographic location of the A/CORs for the current USAID Yemen awards?

USAID Response: A/CORs for current Yemen awards are geographically widespread. Locations range from Yemen, Israel, Germany, Jordan, and the United States.

2. Could USAID provide guidance on how the contractor is envisioned working with A/CORs?

USAID Response: While the contractor will work most directly with the YCLE COR, USAID expects the contractor to maintain communication and continuous workflow with the A/CORs for additional implementing mechanisms.

3. Should offerors plan to travel for face to face meetings or communicate only by email/phone?

USAID Response: Offerors should plan to communicate primarily by email and telephone, with in-person meetings scheduled whenever possible.

3. To best assist offerors with partnering with the Mission, can USAID please clarify the location of the USAID/Yemen program office?

USAID Response: The USAID/Yemen program office is geographically dispersed, with operations in Riyadh, Frankfurt, and Washington DC.

4. Section C.3.1, page 14, second bullet, indicates the contractor will develop the PMP. Will it be possible for Mission Program Office and Technical Office staff to all be in the same geographic location, at least for a few days, to conduct workshops to develop the PMP?

USAID Response: The contractor will support USAID/Yemen’s Program Office and technical teams to complete, improve, and update the PMP to meet the criteria indicated in ADS 203.3.3 as necessary. The dynamic environment in Yemen makes it difficult to foresee logistics and attendance for potential future workshops.

5. May offerors add a two-page Executive Summary to the proposal and not have it count against the 15-page limit?

USAID Response: USAID/Yemen does not request an Executive Summary for this requirement..

6. Does USAID anticipate any impact evaluations will be conducted under this award?

USAID Response: At this time, impact evaluations are not a priority under this award.

7. Are there current Yemen donor coordination meetings to which USAID participates?

USAID Response: Yes. USAID currently participates in multiple international donor groups that focus on (1) education, (2) economic growth, (3) governance, and (4) health.

8. Section L.7 (b), Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, page 87, states the proposal must be written using Times New Roman font point 11. Would USAID consider allowing offerors to use a different font type and a font size smaller than pt. 11, but still legible, for graphs, tables, textboxes and figures?

USAID Response: Offerors may use different font type than Times New Roman not smaller than font point 11 for the proposal. For graphs, tables, textboxes in figures, offerors may use smaller font type than pt 11 but not smaller than 9-point. Please note the last paragraph in Section L.7 (b) states: “Text in graphs and charts must not have a font size smaller than 9-point.”

9. Section C., Scope of Work, page 12 states: “YCLE will serve as USAID/Yemen’s centralized performance management support mechanism.” We have the following related questions:

1. Does the Mission have a current performance management information system for storing IP performance indicator data that is reported to USAID?

USAID Response: Yes.

2. If not, does the Mission anticipate that the contractor will need to develop or deploy such a system during the early years of the contract, pending eventual adoption of the USAID/W Development Information System (DIS)?

USAID Response: USAID does not expect the contractor to develop a new system during the early phases of the contract.

3. What is the Mission's plan and timeframe for adopting DIS?

USAID Response: DIS is currently in the pilot stage of development with other USAID Missions. There is currently no timeline in place for a DIS launch with USAID/Yemen.

10. Section C.3.1.1, Third Party Monitoring, Verification and Reporting Services, page 14, states: “The

COR will work with the technical offices and the Contractor to maintain a tracker of monitoring assignments, which will be updated at least bi-weekly.” Can USAID confirm if this means once every two weeks or two times per week?

USAID Response: Bi-weekly, defined in this context, requires an update every two weeks.

11. Section C.3.1, Component 1, page 14, fourth bullet, states the contractor will: “provide support for the planning and conduct data quality assessments.” We have the following related questions:

1. When was the most recent DQA conducted of the data USAID/Yemen reports annually to Washington?

2. During what year of the contract will the next DQAs need to be conducted?

USAID Response: Information will be disclosed to the contractor upon award. Although DQAs are required to be completed at least every three years, bidders should anticipate the need to conduct DQAs potentially every year of the contract.

12. Section C.3.1.1, Third Party Monitoring, Verification and Reporting Services, under item A, page

15, lists: “engaging local accounting/audit firms.” We have the following related questions:

1. Can USAID please provide more information about the type of financial data that will need to be collected/reviewed as part of the TPM?

2. If auditors are engaged to collect/review this data will they need to travel to sites outside of major cities?

3. Can USAID provide more information about the scope of financial monitoring?

USAID Response: Financial data that will need to be collected includes standard expenditure reporting, normal accounting information and general financial management data. The Contractor must ensure third party monitors are able to operate in all areas of Yemen where USAID operates.

13. Section C.3.4 Component 4, page 23 states: “The Contractor must organize and facilitate trainings, workshops, training-of-trainers sessions and related events for USAID staff and partners.” In what geographical location does USAID anticipate that training for USAID staff will be provided?

USAID Response: Although actual meetings may take place anywhere in the MENA region or Germany, for proposal purposes, please assume the meetings will take place in Amman, Jordan.

14. Section C.3.4 Component 4, page 24 states: “The Contractor must support the organization of quarterly partner M&E meetings…The Contractor must support the quarterly M&E meetings with the DO teams.” We have the following related questions:

1. In what geographical location does USAID anticipate that quarterly partner M&E meetings will occur?

2. In what geographical location does USAID anticipate that quarterly DO team M&E meetings will occur?

USAID Response: USAID recommends that any M&E meetings and related events take place in the MENA region.

15. Section C.3.5, under the second bullet, page 25, USAID states: “Update and maintain an online knowledge management portal to serve as a clearinghouse for USAID data.” Does USAID have a current knowledge management portal for this data?

USAID Response: Offerors can assume limited pre-existing resources related to this may be available, but should also assume the award holder may be asked to create new tools if and when appropriate as well. Specific details of pre-existing tools will be disclosed to the successful offeror upon award.

16. Section F.5, Key Personnel, point 1, page 31, describes the requirements for the Chief of Party.

We have the below related questions:

1. The COP requires a Masters plus a minimum of 10 years’ experience. Given the emphasis on management expertise, we respectfully request that USAID allow additional years of work experience to count in lieu of an advanced degree.

2. The COP requires comprehension of written and spoken Arabic. Would USAID consider making these criteria preferred instead of required?

USAID Response: The 10 years of experience in project management and comprehension of written and spoken Arabic are both listed as “desirable” on page 31 in the RFP.

17. Section F.5, Key Personnel, point 2, page 32, describes the requirements for the Deputy Chief of Party. Would USAID consider allowing the offeror to suggest its own staffing structure with regards to the DCOP and adapting the “desirable experience” criteria accordingly? For example, allowing the offeror to field a more technically focused DCOP to lead M&E technical work and having administration and finance handled by an Admin and Finance Director?

USAID Response: Please note, this amendment deleted roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Chief of Party and M&E Specialist. In terms of desirable experience, the offeror should adequately justify that the proposed DCOP is able to perform their primary responsibilities as defined by the offeror.

18. Section F.5, Key Personnel, point 3, page 32, describes the requirements for the Senior M&E Specialist. We have the below related questions:

1. Does the designation of the Senior M&E Specialist as a Local Hire position mean that the position must be based in Yemen, or can it be based in Jordan?

2. Can USAID please provide additional clarification about the designation of the Senior M&E Specialist as a Local Hire position, in combination with the requirement that the Senior M&E Specialist advise DO teams on their work, since the DO teams are not located in Yemen. Can USAID please address this apparent discrepancy?

USAID Response: The Senior M&E Specialist can be hired locally within the MENA region, and should advise DO teams regardless of the DO team’s location.

19. Section F.5.c.2, under Desirable Experience for the DCOP candidate, page 32, USAID lists: “The COP should have demonstrated ability…” Can USAID clarify if this is only a requirement for the COP or if it applies to the DCOP as well?

USAID Response: This criteria applies to both the COP and DCOP. This amendment to the RFP revised the language accordingly.

20. Section F.6, Reports and Deliverables or Outputs, page 34, under section C of the anticipated deliverables table, states: “3-4 strategic communications and dissemination products” are required per month. However, there is no mention in Section C of strategic communications and dissemination products. Could USAID please provide more information on the types of communications/dissemination products that are envisioned?

USAID Response: In Section C.3.4, Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptive Management Services, USAID lists (1) MEL related trainings, workshops, and coaching for USAID staff and partners; and, (2) learning events for USAID staff, partners, and other stakeholders. In this section, there is a list of Contractor tasks, including MEL-related communications and outreach, which could consist of: case studies, success stories, learning and donor coordination events, social media monitoring, communication campaigns, and other activities in all media formats considered necessary as part of USAID Yemen’s MEL work.

21. Section F.6, Reports and Deliverables or Outputs, page 36, for item 8- Information

Dissemination, explains that “the Contractor is responsible for disseminating findings and lessons learned from M&E activities completed under this contract.” However, this is not discussed in Section C. Could USAID please provide more information about this deliverable?

USAID Response: Dissemination of findings and lessons learned from M&E activities to COR/AORs is standard practice for an M&E activity.

22. Section L.7, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical proposal, (d) Organization, lists

Annex B: Key Personnel Roles and Qualifications. Can USAID please clarify and provide additional details on what offerors should include in this annex?

USAID Response: Annex B has been deleted with this amendment.

23. Section L, Management, Staffing and Organizational Capacity, page 89, states: “The Offeror must include as part of its proposal a letter of commitment signed by each person proposed as key personnel confirming their present intention to serve in the stated position immediately upon award.” As staff may need to provide notice to their current employers, would USAID consider lifting this requirement such that staff report for duty within a reasonable amount of time after award?

USAID Response: USAID accepts this suggestion.

24. Section B.4, Line Items, pages 6-7, requires the contract budget to be broken down by Contract

Line Items (CLINs) for the Base Period and each Option Period, and for the Fixed Fee to be allocated separately against Direct Costs and Indirect Costs for each Period. Because the Fixed Fee will be calculated and proposed as a percentage of the combined total of Direct and Indirect Costs, we request that the Fixed Fee for each period remain as one total amount under one CLIN, and not split between Direct and Indirect Costs. This would also be consistent with Section B.3, Estimated Cost, Fixed Fee and Obligated Amounts, where the fixed fee for each period is one total amount, as indicated in Sections B.3.1.a, B.3.2.a, and B.3.2.b, on page 6.

USAID Response: Please note that the Section has been revised with this amendment.

25. To assist offerors with the budgeting of salaries for CCN staff in Jordan and Yemen, will USAID please provide copies of the current USAID Local Compensation Plans for Jordan and Yemen?

USAID Response: USAID cannot publicize this information. Please send an email to usaidyemensolicitations@usaid.gov if you would like to receive a copy of Local Compensation Plans for Jordan and Yemen.

26. We are interested in your RFP No.: 72027920R00001 - YEMEN CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND EVALUATION ACTIVITY, and we would like to know if it’s possible for local firms with the required capacity and experience to participate and provide proposals.

USAID Response: Any qualified organization may submit a proposal. Please follow instructions in Section L of the solicitation for the preparation of proposals.

General Questions

27. Given the Christmas and New Year holidays, will USAID consider extending the submission deadline to January 31st?

USAID Response: Due to constraints and time considerations, an extension is not feasible and unless further notice is given, offerors are expected to meet the original deadline in order to be considered.

28. Does USAID anticipate that the COR for YCLE will be based in Jordan?

USAID Response: At the present time, the COR for YCLE is unlikely to be based in Jordan.

29. Does USAID anticipate that waivers for Third Country Nationals to travel into Yemen may be approved during the YCLE period of performance?

USAID Response: The travel policy for US government funded travel to Yemen is evolving; however, currently there are no restrictions on third country national travel to Yemen.

30. On pg. 9, Section C.2.1, USAID notes the “geographic dispersion of USAID CORs and AORs.”

Can USAID clarify where CORs and AORs are located for activities in Yemen?

mailto:usaidyemensolicitations@usaid.gov

USAID Response: AORs and CORs for current Yemen awards are geographically widespread. Locations range from Yemen, Israel, Germany, Jordan, and the United States.

31. On pg. 83, Section L.4, USAID describes the pre-award partner vetting requirements. Can USAID confirm whether Offerors are required to submit the USAID Partner Information Form for vetting at the proposal stage?

USAID Response: Offerors are not required to submit Partner Information Forms (PIFs) at the proposal stage. The offerors will be notified by the Contracting Officer separately when to submit PIFs.

32. On pg. 86, Section L.6 and the cover page, USAID notes a different solicitation number than the upper right hand corner of each page in the body of the solicitation. Can USAID please clarify what is the correct solicitation number?

USAID Response: The solicitation number in the upper right hand corner of each page is missing one digit. The correct solicitation number is 72027920R00001.

Technical Questions

33. On pg. 20, Section C.3.2, USAID refers to impact evaluations, noting that this “may entail sub-contracting with institutions or firms.” Section F.6.A, however, does not include any impact evaluations in the project workload. Can USAID clarify whether impact evaluations are expected to be performed under YCLE?

USAID Response: At this time, impact evaluations are not a priority under this award.

34. On pg. 25, Section C.3.5, USAID notes that the Contractor must “support the transition to an implementation of USAID’s DIS.” Does USAID have an estimated timeframe for when the DIS rollout will occur for the Mission?

USAID Response: DIS is currently in the pilot stage of development with other USAID Missions. There is currently no timeline in place for a DIS launch with USAID/Yemen.

35. On pg. 32, Section F.5.3, USAID notes that the Senior M&E Specialist is a local hire position.

Can USAID clarify whether “local” refers to the position being based in Yemen or Jordan?

USAID Response: The local hire position can be based in Yemen or Jordan.

36. On pg. 33, Section F.6.A, USAID lists “Performance Monitoring” as one of the subcomponents under Performance and Operational Contextual Monitoring and Verification Services, noting that it will require periodic updates. Can the Mission clarify whether these are the same as the monitoring and verification reports described in Section C.3.1.1.E?

USAID Response: Yes, Section C.3.1.1.E expands on the ‘Performance Monitoring’ subcomponent.

37. On pg. 33, Section F.6, USAID notes that 30 “third party site level monitoring and verification services” are expected per month.

a. Can USAID elaborate on what the M&V services entail?

b. Can USAID elaborate on the breakdown of M&V services across the 15 activities? Does

USAID intend for two M&V efforts per activity per month?

USAID Response: USAID elaborates on M&V in Section C.3.1: Performance and Operational Context Monitoring and Verification Services, starting on page 13. USAID will disclose the breakdown of M&V services during the annual work planning process.

38. On pg. 35, Section F.6.B, USAID notes that the Contractor must submit Monthly Third Party Monitoring Reports.

c. Can USAID clarify whether these are the same as the bi-weekly monitoring and verification reports described in Section C.3.1.1.E on pg. 16? If yes, can USAID please confirm that the reports are to be submitted on a monthly rather than bi-weekly basis?

d. Will USAID consider combining the requirement for Monthly Third-Party Monitoring Reports with that reflected in point 3 – Monthly and Quarterly Progress/Status Reports?

USAID Response: While reporting requirements may ultimately flex to meet reality of conditions on the ground, for the purposes of bidding on this RFP the offeror should plan to meet the stated reporting requirements in the scope.

39. On pg. 36, Section F.6.B, USAID notes that the Contractor must submit “associated raw data of all evaluations, assessments, in-depth research, polls, surveys, and baseline surveys conducted under this contract.” USAID’s Open Data Policy requires submission of organized and structured datasets and considers submission of unstructured qualitative data to the Development Data Library as optional (per FAQs to the Open Data Policy). Given the high level of effort required to appropriately de-identify unstructured qualitative data typically used for MEL activities (such as transcripts, interview responses, and focus group notes) and relatively limited benefit of public access to such data in light of the potential risks to respondents, would USAID consider requiring submission only of anonymized raw quantitative data?

USAID Response: While data management and reporting must be adaptive to reality on the ground, the offerors for this solicitation should respond to original requirements including that which is in question here unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.

40. On pg. 88, Section L.7.d, USAID notes the organization of the technical proposal, where Annex A is for the Organizational Chart for YCLE and Annex B is for Key Personnel Roles and Qualifications. In Section L.8, USAID indicates that the staffing and management plan must “include an organizational chart demonstrating lines of authority and staff responsibilities, accompanied by position descriptions.”

a. Can USAID clarify the difference between position descriptions and staff responsibilities?

b. Can USAID clarify whether position descriptions should be included with Annex A or Annex B or elsewhere?

c. If Annex B, should the Offeror include only the position descriptions for Key Personnel?

d. Should Annex B include required/preferred qualifications for Key Personnel or actual qualifications of our proposed Key Personnel?

e. To minimize clutter in the organizational chart and make it easier to read, can the Offeror include staff responsibilities and position descriptions in Annex A as separate pages from the organizational chart or provide this information in the Management, Staffing, and Organizational Capacity section of the technical proposal?

USAID Response: Please note Annex B has been deleted with this amendment.

41. On pg. 89, Section L.10.1, USAID notes that the Offeror is required to “list in an annex to the technical proposal up to three of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal.” Can USAID confirm that the Offeror and each major subcontractor can each submit up to three contracts for performance information?

USAID Response: Yes, the Offeror and each major subcontractor should each submit up to three contracts for performance information

42. On pgs. 89-90, Section L.10.1, USAID notes that Offerors must submit CPARs or Past Performance Information Forms for each listed past performance contract, as well as “describe the relevance of the referenced contracts.” Can USAID confirm that CPARs and descriptions of each contracts’ relevance can be placed into Annex E: Past Performance Information Forms?

USAID Response: Yes. CPARs and descriptions of each contract’s relevance should be placed into Annex E: Past Performance Information Forms.

43. To allow for innovative and streamlined staffing approaches, will USAID allow for flexibility in restructuring the titles, roles, and qualifications of the Key Personnel?

USAID Response: The contractor must have a (1) Chief of Party, (2) Deputy Chief of Party, and Senior M&E Specialist that meet the required qualifications listed in the RFP. Please note that roles and responsibilities for the Deputy Chief of Party and the M&E Specialist have been deleted with this amendment.

Cost Questions

44. On pg. 92, Section L.11, the table indicates that the Offeror should prepare a cost proposal for the base years and two option years. However, the projected workload reflected in Section F.6 on pgs. 33-34 shows planned CLA activities only for years 1-3. To prepare a cost estimate for the option years, can USAID provide estimated numbers of M&E training and workshops and learning events in Years 4 and 5?

USAID Response: Please use the following numbers for budgeting purposes.

D. Collaboration, Learning and Adaptive Management Services

M&E trainings and workshops Year 1 - 5 per year Year 2 - 3 per year Year 3 - 2 per year Year 4 - 2 per year Year 4 - 2 per year

Learning events Year 1 - 10 per year Year 2 - 5 per year Year 3 - 5 per year Year 4 - 5 per year Year 5 - 5 per year

45. On pg. 93, Section L.11.5, USAID notes that the “Offeror must provide a consolidated travel chart (including subcontractor travel).” Can USAID clarify whether the travel chart needs to include both travel within Yemen and international travel, including travel to/from Yemen?

USAID Response: Yes, the travel chart should include travel within Yemen and international travel, including to/from Yemen.

I. General

46. Revisions to and approval of the Yemen Programming Approach (YPA) for the next strategy period appears to have been delayed; is it possible for offerors to receive the new (proposed if not approved) YPA given how instrumental it is to YCLE?

USAID Response: Information about the new YPA will be disclosed to the contractor upon award.

47. Attachment J.1 lists current Mission awards. Most are scheduled to end during 2020 and 2021 and this implies Mission project and activity design work associated with follow-on programming and awards. Could the Contractor be requested to support these USAID efforts other than by preparing assessments, special studies and/or evaluations that could contribute to design work?

USAID Response: As stated in the RFP, the contractor may be asked to help support USAID/Yemen’s Program Office with strategy, project and/or activity design.

48. F.3 states the place of performance is Yemen and Jordan. Please confirm that USAID anticipates the YCLE Contractor will be based in Amman, Jordan.

USAID Response: The YCLE Contractor can, but is not required to be based in Amman, Jordan.

II. Component 1

49. Section, C.3.1.1 – Third Party Monitoring, Verification and Reporting Services

The statement of work is clear on what is required in terms of approach, i.e., the what, but not on the question of scope, how much. While Attachment J.1 provides the list of awards, what is not given is the geographic coverage of programming, nor the implementing partner (IP) work plans and activity-level monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plans which will serve as the basis for third party monitoring (TPM)/verification planning, and thus estimation of level of effort (LOE) and cost. (Section F.6 does indicate 30 TPM deliverables per month, but there is no sense of the LOE.) Without such detailed information being provided to all offerors, the incumbent is given a distinct and improper advantage.

When other Missions with significant TPM/verification requirements (e.g., USAID/Afghanistan’s Monitoring Support Project awards) have faced a similar issue, they leveled the playing field by providing geographic detail of the requirement and a plug-figure of estimated person-days LOE. All offerors were required to use the same LOE as a starting point.

USAID Response: Given the fluent environment in Yemen the current geographic locations of the USAID/Yemen activities are constantly changing and may not reflect the future geographic locations.

However, for proposal purposes, please assume that current geographic coverage is indicative of future year coverage, see Attachment J.3, which is added to the RFP with this Amendment. As stated in Section M.2 of the RFP “For overall evaluation purposes, technical factors when combined are considered significantly more important than cost/price factors.” In addition, the RFP provided a range of $15-20 million for the total estimated cost of this procurement. Thus, the proposed LOE will not be a determining factor for selecting a successful offeror.

50. Illustrative Contractor tasks include “conduct general health and potential family planning compliance monitoring.” By definition verification covers compliance, please provide further detail on why health and family planning are singled out in this task.

USAID Response: General health and potential family planning compliance monitoring reflect the needs of current activities in Yemen.

51. C.3.1.2 – Performance Management Support Services

Item “D” is “develop MEL training plans for IPs.” How does this work differ from that later described under Component 4, item “1” “MEL-related trainings, workshops and coaching for USAID staff and partners”? Is it that the “partners” in the latter are all local entities and not/not IPs?

USAID Response: Item D and Component 4, Item 1 are overlapping services. “Partners” in this sense could be both local entities and IPs.

52. Item “E” is “performance data analysis” and mentions the Mission’s “performance management information system.” Can more information be provided about this system? Is it the same as the “online knowledge management portal” mentioned in Section C.3.5? Is it an on-the-shelf system such as DevResults or a custom-system developed for the Mission?

USAID Response: Yes, “online management portals” and “performance management information systems” are synonymous. Further information about online performance and knowledge management systems will be disclosed to the contractor upon award.

III. Component 2 – Evaluation Services

53. Impact evaluations (IEs) are mentioned at the bottom of pg. 20, but not again. Will IEs be required under the award?

USAID Response: At this time, impact evaluations are not a priority under this award.

54. C.3.2.1 – Performance Evaluations

To better inform both proposed staffing and costing, will the Mission provide an estimate of the number of anticipated performance evaluations (PEs) based either on the current evaluation plan or past experience?

USAID Response: For proposal preparation purposes, USAID/Yemen estimates three performance evaluations per year. Further information about the number of anticipated performance evaluations will be discussed during the annual work plan process.

55. Three (3) evaluations per year are illustratively noted in Section F.6, Reports and Deliverables or Outputs. In addition to this number, does the Mission anticipate conducting any PE work through means other than the YCLE award; i.e., through a buy-in to PPL-managed central M&E awards, in conjunction with which YCLE may provide support in developing the statement of work?

USAID Response: The YCLE activity is intended to be the sole M&E award at this time.

IV. Component 3 - Analysis and Reporting Services

56. This component covers survey work both to establish baseline data associated with performance indicators. To the degree that such indicators are the responsibility of one or more IPs, normally surveys are conducted by them for their baseline data needs. Can USAID clarify the responsibilities for this work vis-à-vis the YCLE Contractor and activity-level IPs?

USAID Response: The YCLE Contractor is expected to work collaboratively with the IPs to retrieve baseline data and must remain flexible in terms of work division.

57. Surveys can be costly, especially if they are nationwide and conducted using field enumerators versus cellphone. To better inform staffing, local partnering and costing decisions by offerors, can USAID provide any estimate of the number and scope of required surveys?

USAID Response: For proposal purposes, USAID anticipates 3-4 surveys per year. This requirement will be further discussed during the annual work planning process.

V. Component 4 – CLA and Adaptive Management Services

58. Will the Mission define what it means by “partners” and provide further information about the range of Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) stakeholders that might benefit from capacity building or offered learning events?

USAID Response: “Partners” in this sense could be both local entities and IPs.

59. Can any details be provided to offerors on the M&E community of practice mentioned on page 24?

USAID Response: M&E community of practice refers to the AOR/CORs, Technical teams, and Implementing Partners.

60. Quarterly MEL meetings with development objective (DO) teams are required. Do these teams include only USAID staff, or outside members as well? What is the physical location of USAID staff in DO teams? What is the physical location of (most) Mission IPs? If, respectively, Frankfurt and Amman, please confirm the venue(s) for trainings, workshops, events and meetings required under this component of the award.

USAID Response: For proposal purposes, Offerors should assume the location is Amman, Jordan with 20 participants attending each training and/or workshop.

61. Will the Mission please identify the source of the MEL “existing Agency training materials and resources” which the Contractor may be able to use or adapt for use under YCLE? Is this a reference to materials on the Learning Lab? Will the Contactor be given access to materials available on ProgramNet and/or those developed by other Agency MEL support platform awards?

USAID Response: Existing Agency training materials and resources will be a compilation of standard data collection from activities in the current portfolio, Mission management records, and repositories from previous awards with similar scopes to this solicitation. The successful Contractor will receive specific details during contract implementation.

VI. Component 5 – Program Support

62. Will USAID please confirm that the knowledge management portal to be updated and maintained by the YCLE Contractor currently exists. If so, please provide additional detail. If not, confirm if its development falls within the scope of Component 5.

USAID Response: Offerors can assume limited pre-existing resources related to this may be available, but should also assume the award holder may be asked to create new tools if and when appropriate as well. Specific details of pre-existing tools will be discussed with the Contractor as the information becomes available.

63. Will USAID please clarify how the events mentioned in the final bullet of required tasks differ from those covered under Component 4, item “2.”

USAID Response: These required tasks overlap, as the contractor is expected to support USAID staff and partners with MEL-related trainings (Component 4) in addition to providing the USAID/Yemen Program and Technical Offices with performance management assistance (final bullet).

VII. Section F.5 – Key Personnel (KP)

64. Senior M&E Specialist: This KP is noted as a local hire position. In addition to the technically sophisticated technical responsibilities and desired experience noted, the incumbent of this position also may play a significant role in Component 4 MEL capacity building. Will USAID allow offerors flexibility in proposing either this position or the DCOP as a local hire?

USAID Response: Yes, USAID will accept either (or both) the DCOP and Senior M&E Specialist as a local hire, as long as the candidates and the overall team has the requisite expertise.

VIII. Section F.6 – Reports and Deliverables or Outputs

65. While under item “6” submission to the Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) is covered, the submission of data sets to the Agency’s Development Data Library (DDL) is not.

Please confirm if this is an award requirement.

USAID Response: It is prescribed in Section H.21 of the RFP.

IX. Section L.4 – Partner Vetting Pre-Award Requirements

66. Please confirm if this AIDAR requirement applies to the following:

Any and all Partner sub-contractors (Item “3” on pg. 84 states, “…when the subcontractors are subject to vetting.”) USAID Response: Vetting is required for key individuals of all subcontracts under that contract for which consent is required under (48 CFR) FAR clause 52.244-2, Subcontracts. Please see AIDAR 704.7004-3 Subcontracts.

67. Please provide a definition of the “key individuals” associated with the Partner whom will be vetted per the AIDAR and USAID Form 500-13. (referenced at the bottom of pg. 84). Please confirm whether proposed KP are considered “key individuals” and must be vetted.

USAID Response: Below is the definition of Key Individual from AIDAR 704.7002.

“(1) Principal officers of the organization's governing body (e.g., chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary of the board of directors or board of trustees);

(2) The principal officer and deputy principal officer of the organization (e.g., executive director, deputy director, president, vice president);

(3) The program manager or chief of party for the USG-financed program; and

(4) Any other person with significant responsibilities for administration of the USG-financed activities or resources, such as key personnel as described in Automated Directives System Chapter 302. Key personnel, whether or not they are employees of the prime contractor, must be vetted.”

68. Please confirm if other non-KP staff must be vetted.

USAID Response: Please see definition of Key Individual from AIDAR 704.7002 to determine if non- KP staff must be vetted. If and when the offeror is requested to submit their PIFs, you will be instructed to contact Vetting Support Unit first to ensure understanding of the requirements and what must be submitted to assist in streamlining and expediting the process.

X. Section L.10 – Past Performance

69. For evidence of past performance outside the Contractor Performance Assessment reporting

(CPAR) system, the request for proposal (RFP) describes a process to be followed and says this information should be sent “in advance of the proposal submission date and time.” Does the Mission have a set time in advance in mind, or simply by the time the technical and cost proposals are submitted?

USAID Response: The CPAR should be submitted by the time the technical and cost proposals are submitted.

70. Please confirm if the information should be sent directly by the referee(s), or if they sent to the offeror who submits it. While it should be sent to the e-mail addressed specified for receipt of proposals, how should it be identified in the message to ensure it gets into the “right file”?

USAID Response: The information should be sent directly by the referee. The email subject line should contain solicitation number 72027920R00001, and the name of the offeror they are providing references for can be either in the subject line or in the email body.

XI. Section M.3 – Technical Proposal Evaluation Factors

71. Factor 2, Technical Understanding and Approach, is brief and notes as a “criteria” demonstration of a “general strategy to successfully perform all the tasks described in Section C, Statement of Work.” Please confirm that technical proposal evaluation criteria also pertain to the technical proposal instructions contained in Section L.9, Technical Understanding and Approach.

USAID Response: Yes, it also pertains to the technical proposal instructions in Section L.9.

Technical Proposal Questions

72. On page 32, section F.5.c.2.a., would USAID consider changing the educational requirements of the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to a Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject areas (preferably in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Administration or International Business) instead of an advance university degree, if the candidate meets all the other requirements mentioned under F.5.c.2.b., Desirable Experience?

USAID Response: Yes.

73. On page 32, under section F.5.c.2.b. Desirable Experience for DCOP, could USAID confirm that the last bullet should say “The DCOP should have demonstrated ability: to assemble, quickly and effectively...” instead of COP?

USAID Response: These capabilities are desirable for both the DCOP and the COP.

74. According to Section L.7.b on page 87, the “technical proposal must be submitted in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, along with a Microsoft Word copy of the technical proposal body.” Can USAID confirm that “technical proposal body” is not referring to the annexes as it is difficult to combine the entire Technical Proposal into a Word document?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that Microsoft Word copy of the technical proposal body shouldn’t include annexes.

75. According to section L.8 Management, Staffing and Organizational Capacity, “Offeror must demonstrate that it can provide specialized long‐term and short‐term technical assistance for the contract...” Would USAID consider adding in another annex for a short-term technical assistance matrix?

USAID Response: USAID will not accept another annex for a short-term technical assistance matrix for this proposal.

76. According to page 89 of the RFP, “For all contracts listed above the Offeror is required to submit as part of its proposal, the most recently submitted contractor performance assessment report (CPAR) that is available in the CPAR System (CPARS). For each referenced contract that is not in CPARS, the contractor must request that referees send the following information directly to USAID using the format provided in Attachment J.2 Past Performance Information Form.”

a. Can USAID please confirm that if all of the Offeror’s selected contracts for past performance have CPARS, the Offeror only needs to list them in Annex E – Past Performance Information Forms?

b. Can USAID also confirm that the submitted CPARs should be included in Annex E - Past Performance Information Forms?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the narrative summary of your organization's use of small business concerns over the past three years should be included in should be included in Annex E.

77. According page 90 of the RFP, the Offeror “must describe relevance of the referenced contracts in its proposal.” Can USAID confirm that this narrative should be included in Annex E – Past Performance Information Forms?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the relevance of the referenced contracts should be included in Annex E, in item 5 of the Past Performance Information Form.

78. Can USAID confirm that the “narrative summary of your organization's use of small business concerns over the past three years,” in section L.10.2.3.A, on page 90, should go in Annex F – Recent eSRS reports/SF 294s?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the narrative summary of your organization's use of small business concerns over the past three years should be included in Annex F.

79. In section L.10.2.3.C, on page 91 of the RFP, the directions mention that the “Offeror may provide a brief summary of the type of work each SB concern provided to your organization.”

Can USAID please confirm this brief summary for the type of work each SB concern provided can be included in Annex F – Recent eSRS reports/SF 294s?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the brief summary for the type of work each SB concern provided can be included in Annex F – Recent eSRS reports/SF 294s

Business Proposal Questions

80. According to page 97, section L.11, Part 8 – Subcontracting Plan, Offerors must use the (1)

Subcontracting Plan Template (Dec 2016); and (2) Attachment: Small Business Participation Plan Template (Dec 2016) found at https://www.usaid.gov/business/small_business/subcontracting-program for the Subcontracting Plan.

a. Can USAID please confirm that the templates Offerors should use are from November 2019, as those are the ones provided in the link?

b. Can USAID also please confirm that Offerors other than small business…