Amendment 1 RFP USAID Health Learning Questions and Answers.pdf

DATE: November 27, 2023

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No: 72036723R00008- Amendment No. 01

REFERENCE: USAID Health Learning

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The purpose of Amendment Number 01 is to provide answers to questions raised by prospective offerors and provide a revised RFP. The length of this amendment is 17 pages, including this cover page.

This amendment does not obligate USAID to execute an award, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of proposals. Furthermore, the U. S.

Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U. S. Government. All other terms and conditions of the RFP remain unchanged.

Sincerely, Abdullah Akbar Contracting Officer

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (Q&A)

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. As per the TOR, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Services of USAID Health Learning is for five years, however, the offer of the proposal is valid for 268 days. Can you please clarify it?

USAID Response: The validity of the offer refers to the time needed by USAID in the review, evaluation, and negotiation of proposals received, and time needed in completing the award of the contract with the apparently successful offeror. The contract period of performance for USAID Health Learning is five years.

2. We believe the survey questionnaires have already been developed by the USAID team and minor changes are required as per the needs. Kindly please let us know whether the survey tools need to be developed by us.

USAID Response: The questionnaires developed by previous and existing USAID health activities are available with USAID. USAID Health Learning will customize those tools and use them for data collection. The following questionnaires, tools are available with USAID:

1) Health and Nutrition Household Annual Survey, developed by USAID Suaahara II.

2) The Nepal Health Facility Survey was developed by the Ministry of Health and

Population of Nepal and the DHS program.This survey includes health facility inventory and client exit questionnaires, which are available publicly.

3) Municipality Health Systems Capacity Assessment tool, developed by USAID Strengthening Systems for Better Health (SSBH).

3. Engagement in multiple Activities: Context: We understand that there are multiple Activities planned for Nepal under USAID-funding such as Local Works, Nutrition, Better Health besides Health Learning.

Questions: How do those Activities interplay particularly with Health Learning RFP.

USAID Response: USAID Health Learning will provide MERL services to multiple health activities managed by the USAID Nepal Health Office. In particular, USAID Health Learning will implement annual and biannual surveys at household, health facility, and municipality levels, which will serve as baseline, midline, or endline for the following four major health activities:

1. USAID Integrated Nutrition activity

2. USAID Better Health activity

3. USAID Mass Communication activity

4. USAID Health Direct Financing Project https://dhsprogram.com/publications/index.cfm

USAID Health Learning will implement special studies for the USAID/Nepal Health Office that will be useful to the MOHP and health implementing partners. USAID Health Learning will NOT provide MERL services to Local Works, or other non-health activities funded by USAID/Nepal.

4. More specifically, can an organization submit proposal and could potentially implement more than one Activity?

USAID Response: The potential to implement more than one Health Office activity exists, however, USAID and the implementer must be aware and avoid any organizational or design conflict of interest.

5. Or, is there any limitation or preferred approach that affects USAID’s evaluation process of the proposals and ultimately the selection of entity for the implementation just because same organization has submitted proposal for more than one Activity?

USAID Response: There is no limitation on the number of awards an organization can have simultaneously.

6. We would like you to clarify the definition for Local organizations? Please specify? We, an Engineering Consultancy registered at GoN, Ministry of Industry, Office of Company Registrar, are we eligible to participate for the call? Furthermore, can multiple organizations as a consortium can apply for the call?

USAID Response: Local organizations/Entities of Nepal. Local entity means an individual, a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or another body of persons that—

(1) is legally organized under the laws of Nepal;

(2) has as its principal place of business or operations in Nepal; and

(3) is

(A) majority owned by individuals who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Nepal; and

(B) managed by a governing body the majority of who are citizens or lawful permanent residents of Nepal.

For purposes of this definition, “majority-owned’ and “-managed by” include, without limitation, beneficiary interests and the power, either directly or indirectly, whether exercised or exercisable, to control the election, appointment, or tenure of the organization's managers or a majority of the organization's governing body by any means.”

Multiple organizations can form a consortium to submit a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals.

7. Localization initiatives and partnership arrangement: Context: We really value the USAID initiatives on localization which this RFP intends to accelerate further. The RFP has clearly encouraged the employment of Nepali nationals, and Nepali subcontractors under this award. Moreover, RFP states that all key personnel need to be Nepali citizens. Similarly, RFP strongly encourages the contractor to engage, to the maximum extent possible, with other local organizations registered outside of Kathmandu to carry out the objectives of this contract.

Questions: Do these statements generally imply that, under this RFP, USAID’s preferred approach is to have a consortium of Nepali organizations as per the USAID’s localization initiatives rather than partnering with international organizations?

USAID Response: USAID has no preferred approach, as the forming of consortiums and partnerships is at the discretion of the offeror.

8. In the context of USAID's Health Learning bid, we seek to understand the feasibility and implications of an organization assuming dual roles in separate components of the project.

Specifically, for instance, can an institution serve as the lead entity for the Capacity Building objective while simultaneously supporting another lead organization in the Program Monitoring and Assessments objective? This consideration is under the premise that there will be no overlap in human resources and that other organizations may also be equipped to manage responsibilities in both areas. How can this be structured to ensure efficiency and avoid redundancy, given USAID/Nepal's overarching goals to enhance systematic MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) activities, and foster organizational learning and development?

USAID Response: Your organization may look into the possibility of forming a joint venture with the other lead organization, or submitting a proposal as the prime contractor with the other lead organization serving as a subcontractor. Nonetheless, I would suggest seeking legal advice on what is best for your organization and subsequent performance under the proposed contract.

9. If we understand fully, this RFP is for a full proposal or is it a concept paper proposal?

USAID Response: The RFP requires a full proposal.

10. Is there co-creation for the final stage?

USAID Response: Co-creation is not planned for this requirement.

11. Can USAID please elaborate any donor-GON or USG-GON negotiated per diems, allowable costs and allowances that are overarching in your engagement Nepal government personnel that may impact an Offerors cost proposal.

USAID Response: USAID does not have any negotiated per diem, allowable cost or allowances with Nepal Government personnel. For the purposes of the solicitation, allowable costs are evaluated based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 and the USAID FAR Supplement. Contractor allowances and per diem rates are evaluated based on the Department of State Standardized Regulation and the USAID FAR Supplement.

12. Can USAID please elaborate the intended collaboration with health sector stakeholders in conducting any of the outlined deliverables in section C and F.

USAID Response: USAID Health Learning must collaborate with other health activities managed by the USAID/Nepal Health Office. In particular, USAID Health Learning must collaborate with USAID Integrated Nutrition, USAID Better Health, USAID Mass Communication.

These activities will be managed by various international or local organizations selected through a procurement process. USAID Health Learning will also provide limited MERL support to USAID Health Direct Financing Project , which is a Government-to-Government (G2G) grant provided to the MOHP. USAID Health Learning will support the implementation of special studies and knowledge management and capacity building activities for USAID-funded health activities as mentioned in Section C of the RFP.

USAID Health Learning will also coordinate with USAID/Nepal’s Monitoring Evaluation and Learning contract “Learning for Development” (L4Dev).

USAID Health Learning will also collaborate with MOHP, provincial ministries, districts, and municipalities, as well as other health sector donors, in customizing surveys tools, implementation and data use.

13. USAID includes knowledge management as a component of Section C and F. Does USAID currently have a knowledge management system from prior projects that you would like offerors to utilize and continue to make accessible?

USAID Response: No; USAID Nepal does not have any knowledge management system from prior projects.

14. Can USAID clarify whether this contract falls under the USAID localization agenda and is restricted to local organizations?

USAID Response: Yes the contract falls under the USAID localization agenda and is restricted to local organizations. See answer to question 6 for more details.

15. Can USAID please elaborate how the USAID Health Office envisions this contract will involve local organizations in contracting?

USAID Response: USAID is fully committed to our localization initiative, which involves active collaboration working with local entities in the design, implementation and monitoring of development activities. As part of this effort, the current Request for Proposals (RFP) is restricted to local organizations. Upon finalization of the solicitation process, a contract will be awarded to one local organization. Subsequently, as part of the implementation of the project, the selected prime contractor will have the flexibility to enter into subcontracts with local organizations. This approach is structured to ensure not only completion of the contract deliverables but also to empower the prime contractor to engage and collaborate with additional local entities, which will maximize the involvement of local organizations in the project at large.

16. Please confirm if M.2.1 should reference to F.6. If not, please clarify.

USAID Response: Section M.2.1 should make reference to Section F.3 Deliverables and Required Reporting and not Section F.6.

SECTION B

17. It is mentioned in Section B.6 Payment Schedule, that the disbursement as per the payment schedule shall be made upon presentation of the voucher and the supporting documents.

We believe we need to present the VAT bill to your good organization and the expenses bills and invoices shall be retained at our end due to the legislation of the tax offices. We can provide you with a photocopy of the invoices/bills as proof of the supporting documents.

Hope this is fine with your good organization. Kindly request you to clarify on it.

USAID Response: Photocopies of invoices/bills as supporting documentation will suffice.

18. Funding and cost estimation: Context: We understand that payment will be linked to the performance as illustrated in section J.5 of the RFP. Similarly, section L.10 states that Offerors must also present a unit price in the format shown in Section B.3. But there is no specific format prescribed in section B.3 and total fixed price for the performance of work is mentioned as TBD.

Question: Could USAID clarify on total fixed price [budget ceiling] and the format in which budget details should be submitted along with proposal if budget details need to be submitted besides the ‘’performance schedule’’?

USAID Response: The payment schedule, Attachment J.5, will serve as the budget detail.

There is no budget ceiling amount given, the contract type is firm-fixed price, which will be inserted in section B.3.

19. Treatment of Value Added Tax: Questions: Would you also clarify the implication on Value Added Tax (VAT) in relation to the implementation of this Activity? Should the contractor submit the budget inclusive of VAT [13% applicable]? More specifically, whether the contractor registered for Value Added Tax will be subject to refund of the VAT amount?

USAID Response: VAT should be included in the total firm fixed price amount. The contractor/implementer is subject to refund of the VAT amount.

20. What is $ TBD used for the budget in RFP?

USAID Response: U.S. dollar amount To Be Determined

SECTION C

21. The methodology, sample size, fieldwork location, etc. on monitoring and evaluation of various programs; details of knowledge management and capacity development are not well defined. This has made it difficult for us to present a realistic budget for each and every activity and the total budget of the M&E Services. It would be better if you could provide us with the upper budget ceiling of each program and the total budget for the entire M&E services.

USAID Response: Offerors will need to submit their best estimate based on the requirements information provided. The proposed contract is on a Firm Fixed Price basis. An offeror's proposed price will be evaluated on the basis of fair and reasonableness.

22. Geographical coverage: Context: In the RFP page 10, it is stated that USAID/Nepal’s health activities are implemented at the national level and in all seven provinces, covering 66 districts and over 500 municipalities. Similarly, in page 12, it states, the health system capacity assessment must be carried out for up to 400 municipalities and selected provinces. Moreover, number of municipalities for individual profile is mentioned ‘up to 400’ for the years 2-5.

Questions: Given this context, is there clarity on how many and which particular provinces will be covered by this Activity? It will have major implication for some of the work packages such as household survey and health facility assessments. Are such surveys expected to be of national level representative or only concentrate in province/districts/local levels where USAID-funded projects are spread?

USAID Response: The household, and health facility assessments must provide representative estimates for multiple USAID-funded health activities. Nationally representative estimates are not expected. In each round, one survey must draw samples to provide representative estimates for multiple activities.

23. Technical scope of the RFP: Context: In page 11, RFP states that USAID Health Learning will be a key mechanism to provide MERL support for the following four bilateral activities which include: Integrated Nutrition, Mass Communication, Better Health and Health Direct Financing Project.

Questions: Does above stated provisions imply that the technical scope of this RFP will be within the boundary of specified four bilateral Activities or it is expected to spread across the scope of all 20 health related Activities of USAID that is mentioned in page 10 of the RFP?

USAID Response: The large surveys and assessments planned under Section “C.4.1 Program Monitoring and Assessment” are important for the four activities specified. Other MERL support will be spread across the scope of the health portfolio.

24. Special Studies and Assessments: Context: Under this component, RFT states that methods used may include formative research, client exit interviews, mystery client evaluation, qualitative assessments, and quantitative research utilizing appropriate designs to produce results that, in conjunction with annual surveys and other studies.

Question: Could USAID clarify on the scope of such studies and assessment to give a better picture on volume of work?

USAID Response: The topics for such special studies and assessments evolve over the life of the activity. Such studies will be designed and implemented at the request of USAID, USAID health implementation partners, MOHP, provincial health ministers, or select municipalities with which USAID partners. These studies will be small to medium-scale. National-level studies are not envisioned.

25. Internship Program: Context: We highly value USAID taking this approach to promote Youth for Development. However, in the RFP, nature of the internship and scope is described but scale of the program is not very clear.

Question: Is there any indicative number of the youth that USAID envisions to engage directly through internship program under this Activity?

USAID Response: A long-term internship for the same individual is not envisioned. Limited, short- to medium-term internships to support career advancement in MERL are desired.

26. Scope of Activity in terms of Entities: Context: RFP states that, under this activity, a wide range of technical assistance will be provided to USAID/Nepal’s HO, its IPs, GON entities, and local MERL organizations. Similarly, it also states that the Contractor must use the findings of the MERL capacity needs assessments of local partners implementing health activities. Questions: What does local MERL organization and local partners refer to in relation to this RFP? Moreover, could USAID provide some level of specificity in terms of expected number of entities including IPs, GoN entities Local MERL Organizations and local partners?

USAID Response: In the context of this RFP, “local MERL organizations” refers to the local sub-partners, sub-contractors of the USAID Health Learning activity (prime), if any, and other local research firms that work with other USAID-funded health activities. “Local partners” refers to the local organizations that are directly managing USAID funds or the local organizations that are sub-partners of USAID-funded health activities.

27. One of the major activities is Household Surveys, Health Facility Rapid Assessments (HFRA) and Client Satisfaction Surveys: – But frequencies (Baseline, midline and endline) are not mentioned. Is there way to know frequencies ?

USAID Response: Household Survey: page 13, RFP says, "They are intended to provide annual data to track program inputs, outputs, and outcomes to assess changes over time and within the life of the benefiting activities.” Health Facility Rapid Assessments: On page 13, the RFP says, "Conduct biennial rapid health facility assessments to track key supply-side indicators.” Client surveys must be annual.

28. Sub-national Governments Health Systems Capacity Assessments: The Contractor must support USAID Better Health and USAID Integrated Nutrition activities to conduct two rounds of health systems capacity assessments of local and provincial governments in select intervention areas. The health system capacity assessment must be carried out for up to 400 municipalities and selected provinces. There is no activity to improve the gap that was found during the Health Systems Capacity Assessments. Can the contractor propose for the activity ?

USAID Response: No requirement in response to the proposed health system capacity assessments has been planned yet. An organizational conflict of interest may exist for the contractor selected to perform work under USAID Health Learning.

29. Are the same activities given in this RFP to be included in the proposal?

USAID Response: Proposed interventions to meet the RFP requirements are at the discretion of the offeror.

30. Can we propose for capacity development only

USAID Response: All of the RFP requirements must be included in an offeror's proposal.

31. Which geographic regions are mandatory for this proposal?

USAID Response: USAID/Nepal’s health activities are implemented at the national level and in all seven provinces, covering 66 districts and over 500 municipalities.

32. Which provinces are mainly focused for this proposal?

USAID Response: There is no specific focus on any particular province(s).

33. Can USAID please disclose expected activities and funding under USAID - Nepal Government to Government assistance that interacts with the Health Learning activity to optimize planning and coordination.

USAID Response: Refer to page 12 of RFP. USAID Health Direct Financing Project 2023–2028 is a 5.5-year program that will support the MOHP in implementing the strategic priorities of the new Nepal Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHS-SP) 2023–2030. The USAID Health Direct Financing Project has a specific focus on improving the health outcomes of Nepalese by improving access to and quality of health services and strengthening the health system's capacity for equitable, accountable, and resilient health services. This agreement includes direct on-budget, on-treasury Redbook support to the following entities: a) the Federal MOHP; b) the

Karnali Province Ministry of Social Development; and c) three municipalities of Karnali Province in the initial year of the support, with the potential to expand to other municipalities or provinces in the latter years of the activity.

The estimated budget is USD 25 million. USAID funds under the USAID Health Direct Financing Project can be used for the following program elements: maternal, neonatal, and child health;

family planning; nutrition; water sanitation and hygiene; global health security; and health system strengthening.

34. Can USAID provide information on their preference for in-person or virtual training activities for increasing MERL capacity, and also elaborate on the target number of youth for the internship program? Additionally, can USAID share links or reports related to prior Health Learning instrument evaluations and portfolio reviews that may inform future operational research or evaluation requirements for the development objectives?

USAID Response: USAID encourages both in-person and virtual modes of training, depending on the content to be delivered, participant type, and the environment. Some training events will require in-person delivery and participation. The purpose of training is to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants; thus, every training event implemented under USAID Health Learning must ensure knowledge and skill enhancement.

The internship program is a small but important component of the USAID Health Learning activity. 1-2 youths per year; a short- to medium-term internship is desired.

All reports on USAID/Nepal Health Activities that are public are archived here: Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC). Refer to USAID/Nepal CDCS.

SECTION F

35. Performance schedule: Context: RFP include timeline for the deliverables on page 27 while Section J.5 also has payment schedule. However, the description of the deliverables does not exactly match in these two sections.

Questions: What should be considered as the final set of deliverables.

USAID Response: Page 27 of the RFP provides information on the contract performance deliverables, which are synonymous with the milestones/events of the payment schedule.

36. Moreover, are the offerors allowed to suggest any changes to the listed performance schedule in the best interest of the overall scope of the RFP?

USAID Response: Suggested changes by Offeror's to the Performance Schedule is not being considered.

https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/results-and-data/information-resources/development-experience-clearinghouse-dec https://2017-2020.usaid.gov/results-and-data/information-resources/development-experience-clearinghouse-dec https://www.usaid.gov/nepal/cdcs

37. Invisible texts on the RFP: Context: On the section TIMELINE FOR PERFORMANCE DELIVERABLES in page 27, ‘’Component C’’ is not visible in the Table. There are also other cells where partial text seems to be hidden, for example on second row of section b [CLA] of the same table. Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) of the same table. Question:

Could you clarify regarding the invisible text and provide full details if that was due to technical errors.

USAID Response:

Deliverables Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Remarks

C.4.1 Program Monitoring and Assessment

a. Household Surveys

Design document

1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Full Report 1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Report by activities

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

b. Health Facility Rapid Assessment (HFRA)

Design Document

0 1 0 1 0 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Full Report 0 1 0 1 0 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Report by activities

0 2-3 0 2-3 0 The deliverable will be determined during the work planning process

c. Client Satisfaction Surveys

Design Document

1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Full Report 1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be planning process

Report by activities

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

d. Sub-national Governments’ Health Systems Capacity Assessments

Design Document

0 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Profile of individual municipalities

0 up to up to up to up to

The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Summary (Full) Report

0 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

e. Special Studies and Assessments

Design Document

0 2 2 2 2 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Studies/Assess ment Report (Topic TBD)

0 2 2 2 2 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

C.4.2 Knowledge Management

a. Further and Deep-Dive Analysis

Design Documents per analysis per analysis per analysis per analysis per analysis

The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Further and deep-dive analysis:

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Visual products (Nepali or other local language)

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Visual products (English)

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process b.Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA)

Design Document per event type per event type per event type per event type per event type

The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Data analysis and use Learning sessions at sub-national levels

2 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

c. Planning and Review of the USAID Health Direct Financing Project

Design Documents per event type per event type per event type per event type per event type

The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

G2G annual review with GON (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)

3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

USAID, IPs and GON Joint field trips

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be

Deliverables Year

Year

Year

Year

Year

Remarks

C.4.1 Program Monitoring and Assessment

b. Household Surveys

Design document

1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Full Report 1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Report by activities

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

c. Health Facility Rapid Assessment (HFRA)

Design Document

0 1 0 1 0 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Full Report 0 1 0 1 0 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

Report by activities

0 2-3 0 2-3 0 The deliverable will be determined during the work planning process

d. Client Satisfaction Surveys

Design Document

1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

USAID/Nepal Health Implementation Partners Meeting/portfo lio review

1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be

Full Report 1 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates will be planning process

Report by activities

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

e. Sub-national Governments’ Health Systems Capacity Assessments

Design Document

0 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Profile of individual municipalities

0 up to up to up to up to

The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Summary (Full) Report

0 1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

f. Special Studies and Assessments

Design Document

0 2 2 2 2 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Studies/Assess ment Report (Topic TBD)

0 2 2 2 2 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

C.4.2 Knowledge Management

a. Further and Deep-Dive Analysis

Design Documents per analysis per analysis per analysis per analysis per analysis

The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Further and deep-dive analysis:

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Visual products (Nepali or other local language)

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Visual products (English)

3 5 5 5 5 The deliverable dates for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process b.Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA)

Design Document per event type per event type per event type per event type per event type

The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

Data analysis and use Learning sessions at sub-national levels

2 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

c. Planning and Review of the USAID Health Direct Financing Project

Design Documents per event type per event type per event type per event type per event type

The deliverable dates will be determined during the work planning process

G2G annual review with GON (Federal, Provincial, Municipal)

3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 3-5 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

USAID, IPs and GON Joint field trips

2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be

USAID/Nepal Health Implementation Partners Meeting/portfo lio review

1 1 1 1 The deliverable dates and quantity for a particular year will be determined during the work planning process

38. Format for the proposal submission: Context: In page 81 of the RFP, it says: The offeror must submit the proposal via e-mail with up to 10 MB limit per email compatible with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.). Again, in page 82, it states: All required aspects of the technical proposal as noted below must be combined into a single PDF, and the page limitation will be calculated by the total number of pages of the entire PDF.

Question: What is the right format for the submission of the proposal?

USAID Response: Please see Section L.9 and L.10 for the instructions for preparation of the proposal.

39. Is there any specific template for the proposal?

USAID Response: Please see Section L.9 and L.10 for the instructions for preparation of the proposal.

40. There is no mention of the budget template.

USAID Response: The Payment Schedule will serve as the Price Proposal.

41. Besides the Chief of Party (COP), we also need to propose four key positions. Should these four key positions be limited to the technical team, or should they also include roles in finance and administration?

USAID Response: The designation of proposed key personnel positions is at the discretion of the offeror. As stated in the RFP in Section F, key personnel positions should be proposed which are deemed critical to achieve the MERL objectives, and essential to the work being performed.

42. Is there a detailed budget format or any guidelines available for preparing the price proposal, in addition to the payment schedule?

USAID Response: The Payment Schedule will serve as the Price Proposal.