BISM Amend. 4 Annex 1 Questions and Answers.pdf

RFP No. 72029423R00006 Amendment No. Four (4) Annex A – Questions and Answers

BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT MECHANISM (BISM)

ANNEX A - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q1. With Reference to Section M.2.II, Offeror Experience, it is stated that 2 of the 5 similar Construction Experience projects shall be “Vertical structure/ Buildings “.

It is our understating that this term includes many Construction structures such as Bridges, reservoirs, and other vertical concrete structures. Please confirm.

Additionally, if part of a project includes large administrative buildings more than 400m2 in area and 4 stories in height, worth more than 2 million dollars, is it okay to use this to comply with the 2 “Vertical structure/ Buildings “Projects Requirement?

USAID Response: Vertical structures/buildings referenced in Section M.2.11 of the RFP include public and residential buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, residential projects, commercial and industrial projects including steel frames structures. The work under these structures include infrastructure works, installations, extensions, rehabilitation and finishing works. Administrative buildings are considered vertical structures/buildings but bridges and reservoirs are not.

Q2. With Reference to Section L.7, Response to Eligibility Requirements, it is required to submit a PCU Contractor Classification Certificate. Please confirm that this is enough to satisfy the requirement and there is no requirement for the Classification Certificate from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

Additionally, since obtaining a PCU Classification certificate for a JV will take some time, if both companies of the JV Comply with the classification requirements, is it okay to submit both certificates on behalf of the JV? If it is okay, will there be an increase in the eligibility requirements page count from 3 to 4?

USAID Response: Please refer to Amendment No. 4 which revises the requirement by requesting the following:

1. Provide a Valid Company Registration Certificate issued by the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy (MONE).

2. Provide a valid company registration from the Palestinian Contractors Union (PCU).

3. Provide a valid Contractor Classification Certificate issued by the National Classification

Committee - Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MOPWH).

With regards to the classification certificate that is to be obtained from the National Classification Committee - Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MOPWH), yes It is acceptable to submit both certificates on behalf of the JV. This has been clarified under Amendment No. 4 and the eligibility requirements page limitations have been revised accordingly.

In addition, and as a reminder, please note that as requested under Section L.8, Part 7, the Offeror (the JV) must submit, as an attachment to the Business Proposal, the Corporate Charter, By-Laws, or Joint Venture or Partnership Agreement. In addition, the teaming arrangements must be identified, company relationships must be fully disclosed, and respective responsibilities and method of work must be expressly stipulated.

Q3. With Reference to Section L.7.B.VIII. Factor 4: It is mentioned that the total of 5 of the most recent and relevant contracts with a minimum value of $1,500,000, currently being implemented or completed during the last three (7) years.

Please clarify the number of years. Whether three or seven.

USAID Response: This factor is revised to request a total of five (5) recent and relevant contracts with a minimum value of $1,500,000, which are currently being implemented or completed in the last seven (7) years.

Q4. Referring to section C.7.3, Permits and Approvals, it is mentioned that the subcontractor/contractor shall have grade 4 or 5 Gemel classification. Since Gemel 5 is for projects worth more than 50 million, would it be okay to reduce the requirement to Gemel 2 which is for projects up to 10 million, more than the estimated single project threshold of 250 thousand to 3 million.

USAID Response: Please refer to amendment No. 4. The classification requirement is therefore revised to the Grade 2 or 3 Gemel classification. The classification grade 2 or 3 gemel will be specified in each respective RFTOP and will be based on the magnitude of the proposed project(s).

Q5. We kindly ask you to extend the proposal deadline.

USAID Response: Please refer to Amendment No. Four (4). The closing date for receipt of proposals has been revised to July 30, 2023.

Q6. In the BISM RFP document page 139 – paragraph (h) point No. (1) “Complete Standard Form 33…”, this form is not one of the attachments. Please advise.

USAID Response: Please refer to Amendment No. Four (4). Standard Form 33 has been added as an attachment under Section J of the RFP.

Q7. In the BISM RFP document page 146 – section VIII, paragraph (a), “………Past Performance Matrix in Attachment J-8…...…”, J-8 is not one of the attachments. Please advise.

USAID Response: Attachment J-8 ‘Past Performance Matrix’ is provided under Amendment No. 4.

Q8. Due to the upcoming holidays almost one week will be off for all local companies and employees, in addition to the tightness of time frame given to study and prepare the RFP proposal, kindly consider extending the questions deadline and the proposal submission closing date.

USAID Response: Amendment No. Four (4) extends the RFP Closing date to July 30, 2023.

Q9. Section L.7, subsection B, Item IX.2 references Attachment J-8. In addition, Section L.7, subsection B, Item VIII Factor 4 requests information to be provided in accordance with the Past Performance Matrix in Attachment J-8. Can you please clarify the location of Attachment J-8 and/or provide it?

USAID Response: Please refer to the response provided under Question No. 7 above.

Q10. The bid documents have conflicting information. It indicates that it is an electronic submission but references “printing and the need for three-ring binders.” Are you able to clarify?

USAID Response: Section L.6 of the RFP requires that Offerors submit their proposals solely in electronic format. Physical copies are not necessary. Please refer to Amendment No. 4 which deletes the following sentence from the RFP “submitted in three-ring binders with sections separately tabbed….”

Q11. Please confirm about the quantity of the Primary Engineer Field Offices, knowing that there will be two sites in two cities.

USAID Response: Two offices shall be provided. Please refer to the requirements of Section 01015, Paragraph 3-12, and Sections 01590 and 01591.

Q12. With reference to [Part II in the ATTACHMENT J-5 - Past Performance Report], please elaborate the meaning of Performance Assessment (to be completed by Agency) ?

USAID Response: The offeror must provide a project description and complete Part 1 of Attachment J-5. USAID will complete part II of Attachment J-5 and assess the offeror’s past performance using information sourced from CPARS as well as feedback obtained from references.

Q13. Can you explain the item 2.5, and what drawings describes it?

USAID Response: It’s unclear where the reference to item 2.5 comes from. If from the Tubas BOQ, the reference describes main elevation (wall and screen) reference drawings. AR-0801/AR-

0802/MW-04.

Q14. Please extend the RFP closing date since the task order needs more study in the field.

USAID Response: Kindly refer to the response provided under Question No. 5, above.

Q15. Our Company is interested to work with your organization , but it is classified grade one-B in building , Two in roads. Can you please review Section B (registration and classification ) page 143 , to keep the minimum requested registration grade from building grade one -A to building grade one , please clarify ?

USAID Response: The required contractor’s qualifications and classifications remain unchanged.

Q16. According to clause F8 P.60, the needed key personnel required to implement the program are the IDIQ Manager

Q16.1 Is it necessary to attach a CV and mention the name of the person who will occupy this job position at this stage.

USAID Response: No. This information and documentation is not required at this stage.

Q16.2 One of the specifications required for this position is a U.S.-equivalent BS degree or higher; DO the engineers who graduated from a Bachelor of Engineering from Palestinian or European universities fulfil this requirement.

USAID Response: Engineers who have obtained a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from

Palestinian or European universities, which are considered equivalent to U.S. standards, fulfil this requirement.

Q17. According to Section H2, page 16 of the Task Order, should names & CVs of the mentioned positions attached to VOLUME II / Task Order Technical Proposal?

USAID Response: At this stage, Offerors are not required to provide the names and attach the CVs of the mentioned positions in section H.2 of to VOLUME II / Task Order Technical Proposal.

Kindly also refer to the response provided under Question 16.1 above.

Q18. Based on section C.7.3 Page 26 in BISM (At a minimum, the Contractor/subcontractors must have the following permits and certificates………TILL THE End) Is it required in this stage to nominate subcontractor whom had all the needed qualifications to work in East Jerusalem including his details; Because its mentioned in page 152 in Part 9 - Consent to Subcontractors N/A – No Subcontractors must be authorized under the IDIQ award;

please advise?

USAID Response: There is no requirement to nominate subcontractors at the proposal stage.

Q19. With Reference to J.2.B - 08410-Page 3: It is mentioned that the Aluminum Supplier should be SCHUCO - Germany, but it is also written between the brackets; NAPCO - Palestine. So, kindly clarify this contradiction.

USAID Response: Aluminum supplier is SCHUCO. NAPCO – Palestine will be deleted by amendment.

Q20. With Reference to the BOQ - Tulkarem Site/ Bid Item 12.11, Please confirm that Detail D3- EX04 is for the Boundary fence since it has a different elevation in sheet AR0305. Please Advise.

USAID Response: The correct reference is sheet AR0305 and detail EX-10. Detail D3 EX04 will be deleted by amendment.

Q21. Partner information form in PDF format was attached with BISM RFP. In addition, another form in MS Word format was attached as J.6 with RFTOP. As the two forms are not identical, kindly advise which form to use.

USAID Response: The Form to be filled out and submitted is the one in MS Word format which was provided as Attachment J.6.

Q22. Kindly confirm that no maximum limit of JV members is stated for the offeror responding to the RFP.

USAID Response: There is no restriction as to the number of JV members forming one JV/Offeror.

Q23. I kindly request further clarification regarding the rates for the Task Order packages, specifically related to direct and indirect costs.

Based on our understanding, we would appreciate confirmation that the rates provided in Part 2b of the RFTOP/TO Bill of Quantity cover both direct costs (including labor, material, and equipment) and indirect costs (such as staff salaries, office expenses, insurance, transportation, etc.) specifically associated with this particular job.

USAID Response: That is correct. The rates provided under the RFTOP Bill of Quantities must cover all costs associated with implementing and completing the work.

Q24. In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) # 72029423R00006 for the Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism (BISM) project. We have carefully reviewed the RFP documents, particularly PART1 SECTION B (P3/P157), and would appreciate your clarification on the following queries:

Q24.1 Contract Scope and Payment: Please confirm our understanding that the contract is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, where the selected contractor will provide main contractor services for the entire contract period, which is extended for five years. It is our understanding that the main contractor will receive fixed fees continuously for these services, irrespective of the number of Task Orders issued.

USAID Response: That is incorrect. The award is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type of contract. No costs will be incurred on the IDIQ level. All requested work will be carried out under Task Orders. The type of issued Task Order will depend on the work requested. Please note that the $58 million is the overall ceiling not that actual obligation.

Q24.2 Task Order Pricing: We understand that Task Orders will be priced based on the market value and the scope of work provided by the A/E firm at the time of issuance. The main contractor will assemble a team for each Task Order, and the pricing will be based on burdened ceiling daily rates for each labor category.

USAID Response: The burdened ceiling daily rates are applicable to cost reimbursement type Task Orders only. These will not be applicable under Fixed Price type Task Orders. To further clarify, Attachment J.4 under the RFP includes a Request For Task Order Proposal that will result in a Firm Fixed Unit Price Task Order. Fixed fee and burdened ceiling daily rates are not applicable under that type of award.

Q24.3 Subcontracting: Clarification is requested regarding subcontracting arrangements for Task Orders. Can the main contractor subcontract specific packages of work to local contractors, while retaining full management and coordination responsibilities under the IDIQ contract?

USAID Response: Yes, the prime contractor can subcontract specific packages of work to local subcontractors. However, the amount of work performed by the prime contractor shall be equivalent to at least twenty-five (25) percent of the total amount of work to be performed under each specific task order.

Q24.4 Fixed Fee Percentage: As per BISM Section L8 Part 2 (Page 149), we note that the proposal's fixed fee percentage should not exceed 10% of the contract value, as stated in FAR 15.404-4. Kindly confirm our understanding of this requirement for IDIQ contractor.

USAID Response: Please note that the fixed fee will be applicable to Task Orders that are not Fixed Price. Yes, in accordance with the FAR, this percentage shall not exceed 10% of the contract amount. However, please note that this is also subject to negotiation with USAID prior to a cost-type Task Order award.

Q25. Two firms intend to form a joint venture to respond to the above subject RFP, one of the firms - to be the leader of the JV - is registered in sam.gov and has NCAGE number, DUNS number and Unique Entity ID (UEI), while the other member of the JV does not. Kindly confirm that the JV can use the registration of the registered firm for the purpose of submitting a proposal in response to the RFP.

USAID Response: Please refer to Amendment No. 4 which revised the SAM requirements applicable at the proposal stage.

Q26. Reference is made to the received amendment no. Two (2) dated June 27, 2023, the list of tables of content for file Attachment J.2.B is mixed-up & not matching the content of file J.2.B.

Please revise & up-date the file.

USAID Response: The table of contents for file Attachment J.2.B has been revised under RFP Amendment no. 4 to include the missing divisions.

Q27. Drawing MW 04 Tulkarem Youth Development Resources Center is missing. Please supply.

USAID Response: The subject drawing has been added under Amendment No. 4.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/sam.gov__;!!ETWISUBM!xGXe_YVAhbN45wXl94L5SaNA-agjj9RCYQl98QcHpzOuNnJbXgaSa07_IlrQgkiMpvvp99yOqY0xVp_CA0xS$

Q28. BOQ Item 4.2 called to use galvanized steel rod 6 mm, and galvanized steel brackets for stone cladding which comply with detailed drawing CO01 & CO03 and contradicts with drawing CO02 which called to use 10 mm H&B 435 SS stone angle. Please clarify.

USAID Response: Brackets are to be applied each 1 meter high (2 stone rows) and to be 6 mm instead of 10 mm. The detail has been modified under Amendment no.4.

Q29. Drawing CO03 Tulkarem YDRC requires the use of large stone pieces like 600*500*200 mm can we form it from more than one piece.

USAID Response: Proceed as currently required by Drawing CO03.

Q30. BOQ Items 7.1 & 7.1 1 "stone mosaic tiles (5x10x1 cm) Wall Tiles for parapets” these items are repeated, we think that Item 7.1 must be modified to cover Glazed Porcelain tiles for toilets and kitchen. Please clarify.

USAID Response: BOQ Item 7.1 (Tulkarem) will be revised to read Supply and Install Glazed Porcelain for toilets and kitchen. Price shall include white round aluminum edges, sand with cement filling (Class 7) and epoxy grouting, as per drawings nos. WC 01 - WC 07 and as required by the specifications. The item will be modified by amendment.

Q31. The approved manufacturer list for wooden doors are all located in US, we tried to contact them but they don’t reply. Please confirm if local carpentry manufacturer can be approved.

USAID Response: Local carpentry manufacturers complying with specification requirements will be accepted. The item will be modified by amendment.

Q32. Tulkarem Youth Development Resources Center BOQ Item 8.8 c, details of computer lab benches are missing. Please supply

USAID Response: A detail has been added under amendment no. 4. See detail CW-03

Q33. BOQ item 9.1 “Aluminum works” called for SCHUCO system or equivalent, and drawing ARI 301 called for NABCO system 50000 or equivalent. Kindly confirm what is to be followed since the two systems are not equivalent.

USAID Response: All aluminum works are SCHUCO systems and profiles. Delete NABCO SYSTEM 50000

Q34. Steel & Aluminum works:

Q34.1 : Tulkarem Youth Development Resources Center

Q34.1.i : There is contradiction in windows schedule drawing ARI 201 since the description is Napco 7700 while in the other column at the same schedule is 50000 system. Please clarify.

USAID Response A34.1.i.: All aluminium works are SCHUCO systems and profiles. Delete NABCO SYSTEM , All aluminium works shall comply with item 9.1. The drawings will be modified by amendment.

Q34.1.ii : Please add BOQ line to cover aluminum doors D-Al till D-A4.

USAID Response A34.1.ii.: According to item 9.1, all doors and windows within curtains are included in curtain price item. Door No. D-A4 will be added by amendment, refer to BOQ item 9.1.D. Other doors are included in curtain price.

Q34.1.iii : Please specify the thickness and specification of 60 min fire rated glass for doors D-Al till D-A4.

USAID Response: A34.1.iii.: Fire rated glass is not required. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q34.1.iv. Item 9.1, the glass must be “ double tempered glass system with mirror from outside” which contradict with drawing ALW 01 & AR1201, 6-12-6 laminated glass is required. Please specify what is requested.

USAID Response A34.1.iv.: Glass is double tempered, without lamination, and must be thermal break as per specifications and BOQ item. Drawings will be modified by amendment.

Q34.1.v. Glass as per drawings, 6-12-6 mm and it must be 60 min fire rated, this type of glass can’t comply with fire rated glass specification, accordingly please specify the requested glass.

USAID Response A34.1.v.: Fire rated glass is not required. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q34.1.vi. Item 9.10 called for laminated tempered glass panel 10 mm and as per drawing it must be 60 min fire rated glass, these type of panels are not sealed to fit the fire rated test regulation. Please clarify.

USAID Response A34.1.vi.: This item is not fire rated. Drawing will be modified by amendment (refer to AR 13-01)

Q34.2. Tubas Youth Development Resource s Center Q34.2.i. Please add BOQ line to cover aluminum doors D-Al till D-A5

USAID Response A34.2.i.: According to item 9.1 all doors and windows within curtains are included in curtain price item

Q34.2.ii. Please add BOQ line to cover aluminum doors D-Gl & D-G2, also confirm that these doors must be 60 min fire rated and more detail needed for the approved glass thickness and sealant type to comply the fire rated specification.

USAID Response A34.2.ii.: According to item 9.10 all doors are included in the price of the partitions panels. Fire rated glass is not required. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q34.2.iii. Please specify the thickness and specification of 60 min fire rated glass for doors D-Al till D-A5.

USAID Response A34.2.iii.: These door are double glazed tempered glass as per curtain specifications

Q34.2.v. The thickness of requested glass is 6-12-6 mm and it must be 60 min fire rated as per drawing ARI 301 , and as per drawing ARI 201 it must be and 90 min fire rated, this type of glass can’t comply with fire rated glass specification. Please specify.

USAID Response A34.2.v.: Fire rated glass is not required. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q34.2.vi. Item 9.10 called for laminated tempered glass panel 10 mm and as per drawing it must be 60 min fire rated glass, these type of panels are not sealed to fit the fire rated test regulation. Please clarify.

USAID Response A34.2.vi.: Fire rated glass is not required. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q35. Reference to BOD Tulkarem Detail D2/EX11 the frame for the parking gate is profile 80x80x2.65mm while according to DI /EX 12 the profile is 100x100x4mm. Please clarify.

USAID Response: The profile is 100x100x 4mm. Drawings and details will be modified by amendment.

Q36. Reference to BOD Tulkarem Detail D2/EX11 the horizontal members for the parking gate are profile 80x40x2.65mm while according to D1/EX12 the member is 16mm Steel Rod. Please clarify.

USAID Response: Detail D2/ EX-11 is correct. Detail D1/EX-12 will be modified (80*40* 4 mm) by amendment.

Q37. Reference to BOQ Tulkarem Item 8.5 "Supply and install wooden opening door (1H-Fire rated) 60x1 50cm" but according to BOD Tulkarem D2/CW01 mentioned " fire rated steel door".

Please clarify.

USAID Response: Item 8.5 will be deleted by amendment. Refer to item 9.12

Q38. Reference to BOD Tulkarem Detail D1/EX13 -Site Benches. Please clarify if the solid wood slats for the seat top & the backrest will be made from one piece or two pieces.

USAID Response: A combined two pieces is acceptable.

Q39. Please provide us the civil and Electrical and Mechanical Drawings for the tender name ;

Expansion of Tubas Youth Development Resources Center And Expansion of Tulkarem Youth Development Resources Center .

USAID Response: Missing drawings were previously provided by amendment.

Q40. Can you please specify which section or document demonstrates the submission procedure and what documents are required to be submitted?

USAID Response: Please refer to Section L which includes the set of instructions, conditions and notices to offerors. Specifically, Section L.7 includes the instructions for the preparation of the technical proposal and Section L.8 includes the instruction for the preparation of the business proposal.

Q41. Book of details drawing for the finishing works and External Works, such as CO5, CO6. etc.

are missing. Please supply.

USAID Response: Missing drawings were previously provided by amendment. Drawing MW-04–

Tulkarem will be added by amendment.

Q42. Referring to Item 6.1 plaster for ceilings, please indicate the special acoustic additives needed.

USAID Response: The information has been added under Amendment No. 4.

Q43. Referring to Item 12.13 Pin Waste Basket, please supply us with the detail.

USAID Response: Refer to detail EX- 09.

Q44. Referring to Item 5.1 d Blocks 25cm, this size is not available in the local market, could we use block 15+10 cm instead.

USAID Response: Yes

Q45. Referring to Item 5.1 e Blocks 5cm, this size is not available in the local market, could we use 10 cm block instead.

USAID Response: Yes

Q46. Referring to (Tubas YDRC) Item 3.01 a & b Steel Roof, more detail for method of installation and construction detail are requested.

USAID Response: The contractor shall provide method of installation as part of its shop drawing submittals.

Q47. Referring to (Tubas YDRC) Drawing AR0801 (North Elevation) & AR0903 there are Metal cubes grid, please add item line in the BOQ to cover this work and more details and specification for this item is requested.

USAID Response: This item is included under item 9.11

Q48. Regarding the requested “Volume I: Technical Proposal for Basic Infrastructure Support Mechanism RFP IDIQ”, is there a specific limit for the number of annexes that could be included in the proposal?

USAID Response: The requested annexes are listed under the instructions provided in Section L of the RFP. Additional annexes not in line with the instructions will not be reviewed.

Q49. a. With reference to sub-clause B.6: LABOR of the RFP and Labor category-grouping table.

Is it required at this stage to submit CV for each position listed in this table? If, yes, should the CVs be part of the Technical Proposal?

b. Is the Contractor obligated to keep all these personnel and pay for them during the entire period of IDIQ contract or is he just obligated to hire them for each task order?

USAID Response: a. No CVs are requested at the RFP proposal stage. b. No, the contractor is not obligated to keep all these personnel the full duration of the IDIQ. The listed Labor under section B.6 are potential labor categories to be requested under future Requests for Task Order Proposals (RFTOPs) based on the project needs and the nature of the required work.

Q50. For the IDIQ manager position:

Q50.1 Is it a full time or part time position?

USAID Response: The level of effort for the IDIQ manager will be determined by the Offeror based on the requested work to be carried out under the Task Orders.

Q50.2 How will the Contractor be paid for this position?

USAID Response: Please refer to Section B.6 ‘Labor’ of the RFP which states the following:

“(a) Central management costs will be handled through the following method:

The Contractor will be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs as specified in a Task Order issued to the Contractor.”

Q51. With reference to sub-clause H.20 1.1 VAT and Customs Duties – Local Contractors Registered with the PA: It is mentioned that “USAID must provide the PA Customs and VAT Department with a letter that a contract has been awarded and request approval for the Contractor to be authorized to issue 0% VAT invoices under the USAID Contract”.

Q51.1 Considering the unique conditions of Gaza strip and the objection from the Customs and VAT Department of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to authorize Contractors from Gaza to issue the “0% VAT Invoice” and instead they just permit them to issue the “Exempted VAT Invoice” which in turn does not allow the Contractors to refund the VAT. Therefore, we are kindly request to confirm that the Customs and VAT Department of the Palestinian Authority (PA) will authorize the Contractors from Gaza to issue the “0% VAT Invoice” under this Contract.

USAID Response: In the case of Gaza Contractors, USAID is unable to request a Zero (0%) VAT invoice from the De Facto Government. It is the contractor's responsibility to coordinate with the appropriate palestinian entity to obtain VAT refunds. For Gaza Contractors, it may be necessary to undergo a new company registration in the West Bank to enable the issuance of Zero VAT invoices as required by the Palestinian Authority.

Q51.2 In addition, Please advise if there is a possibility to authorize potential subcontractors to issue the “0% VAT Invoice” under the USAID Contract - Task Orders.

USAID Response: Only the prime contractor is authorised to issue the O% VAT Invoice.

Q51.3 As there is a considerable delay in VAT refund process by the Ministry of Finance of PA, please advise if there is any special arrangement to accelerate the VAT refund process under this USAID Contract during the Task Orders period.

USAID Response: It is the contractor's responsibility to coordinate with the Palestinian Ministry of Finance for the VAT refund process.

Q51.4 What is the possibility that the USAID will pay VAT for the Contractor in special and exceptional cases.

USAID Response: USAID will not pay any VAT for the contractors.

Q52. Section C.7.3, why is it required to have an Israeli bank account where the IDIQ contract is for Gaza/West bank contractors? Will the USAID pay for the subcontractor directly? If; Yes. What is the Contractor role in this case?

USAID Response: In accordance with Israeli regulations, subcontractors registered in Israel for work in East Jerusalem, classified as grade 2 or 3 gemel, are required to process an Israeli bank account. USAID will not directly make payments to subcontractors. The responsibility for transferring funds for services rendered rests with the IDIQ contractor, who must deposit the payment amount into the subcontractors’ Israeli bank account.

Q53. Please clarify the following points related to section VIII. FACTOR 4: PAST PERFORMANCE (Reference Section M.2.IV):

Q53.1 Paragraph (c) requested to “Describe any quality awards or certifications that indicate exceptional capacity to provide the service or product described in the statement of work ….”

However, the last statement of the same paragraph requested to “describe the Significant problems that must be explained with details include.”.

USAID Response: Paragraphs (b), (c ) , and (d) have been revised under amendment 4 to the RFP.

The first sentence of paragraph (c ) was deleted and the remaining content of the paragraph was added to paragraph (b) including the seven (7) types of significant problems that may have impacted any of the reference contracts. In addition, the numbering of paragraph (d) was revised to (c ).

Q53.2 It seems that the numbering of subsequent paragraphs needs to be revised: 1. Cost increases, 2. Performance delays, 3. Quality of work, 1. Customer satisfaction issues, etc.

USAID Response: The numbering of the subsequent paragraphs were revised under amendment no.4.

Q53.3 Paragraph (d) require the same as paragraph (C).

USAID Response: Amendment No. 4 of the RFP revises the numbering of the paragraphs.

Q54. Could you please provide us with the 3D models (in native format) for the two projects to better understanding?

USAID Response: The 3D models will not be made available. Please refer to the Pre-Bid Meeting Presentation for 3D images included therein.

Q55. Referring to RFP/Part 10/Page 152, should the offeror submit the required documents alongside their financial proposal during the bidding stage? Or, will these documents be requested just prior the project award, considering the big size of these documents (Hundred of Pages) .

USAID Response: Offerors must submit all of the required documents listed under section L.8, Part 10, page 152 of the RFP as part of their business proposal.

[END OF ANNEX ONE]