Solicitation 72036724Q00001-Amendment0001_Questions and Answers.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development G.P.O. Box 295 Brahma Cottage, Maharajgunj

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Tel: 977-1-4234000 Fax 977-1-4007285 http://nepal.usaid.gov

DATE: February 16, 2024

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals from qualified consulting firms to support USAID’s Mission Action Plan for Local Staff (FSN) Empowerment: Solicitation Number 72036724Q00001 – Amendment No. 0001

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The purpose of the Amendment Number 0001 is to extend the proposal submission deadline till March 08, 2024, at 17:00 Hours, Nepal Time. This is also to provide answers to questions raised by prospective offerors. The length of this amendment is 15 pages, including the cover page. Please submit your revised proposals (technical and cost) based on the responses provided below within the extended deadline.

Please note that this amendment does not obligate USAID to execute an award, nor does it commit USAID/Nepal to pay for the cost incurred in the preparation and submission of requested documents. In addition, the final award cannot be made until the negotiation is finalized and until funds have been fully appropriated, allocated, committed through internal USAID/Nepal procedure. Further, you are not authorized to proceed with any of the work described in the SOW until you have received either a fully executed award or a written authorization from the Executive Officer (EXO)/Contracting Officer (CO). All other terms and conditions of the RFP remain unchanged.

Sincerely, Fredrick Onyango Supervisory Executive Officer

NOTE: USAID has received a total of 114 questions. Each question has been individually addressed, and in cases of repetition, we have referred to previously answered questions. We strongly encourage interested candidates to thoroughly review the responses provided below.

Queries received from interested firms with reference to Solicitation Number 72036724Q00001

Question 1: We are a US based firm – can the monthly sessions be completed virtually?

Response: USAID's intention is for the activity to occur in Kathmandu, where its staff are primarily situated.

However, the vendor may suggest a hybrid approach, incorporating virtual platforms such as Google tools for certain engagements.

Question 2: We could envision potential onsite visits for one or more of the conversation sessions and the facilitation training. Would there be a training room to meet? Would we need to rent a training room?

Response: USAID will provide training and meeting rooms. This will be in Kathmandu. The vendor is required to coordinate with Contracting Officer (CO)/Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to reserve rooms according to the agreed-upon schedule and specifications, which will be finalized upon onboarding.

Question 3: As my firm prepares to draft a proposal, I wanted to verify one thing. Do you request each monthly training session be in person, virtual, or a hybrid model?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 4: Within the SOW, it doesn’t state if the 12 interaction sessions are done via online tools or are they in person. If so, what city will this be located?

Response: The training will be focused on USAID staff based in Kathmandu. Most sessions are expected to be held in-person, while some may take place virtually. Please also refer to the response to questions

1& 2.

Question 5: Which, if any, 'learning-oriented interaction' sessions (12), ‘conversation sessions' (12), and '1-

1' follow-up consultations' (as needed) can be conducted virtually vs. on-site? We do serve OCONUS agencies and often recommend a mix of on-site and/or virtual sessions. Would USAID Nepal be open to 1 or 2 on-site sessions (i.e.: a 2 or 3-day kickoff event with multiple training sessions and/or a similar closing

'course/session completion event'). Or, do you require that all sessions and 1:1 sessions be conducted on-site in Nepal?

Response: Most sessions are intended to take place on-site in Kathmandu, but certain sessions may be suitable for hybrid models. The decision will depend on the proposal submitted and will be collaboratively finalized with CO/COR during the vendor's onboarding. Please also refer to the response to questions 1&

2.

In addition to what’s shared in the Scope of Work, following are illustrations of topics to be covered through the small-groups learning-oriented session for local staff and larger-group facilitated conversations for anyone interested.

Potential topics to be covered during small-group learning-oriented session for local staff:

- Self-performance management;

- How to prepare for an interview;

- How to facilitate, communicate, and give feedback constructively;

- How to organize meetings well.

Potential topics to be covered during larger-group facilitated conversations for interested staff Mission-wide:

- How to constructively give feedback to each other;

- Building inclusive communications and management;

- How to build trust and respect;

Questions and Answers

72036724Q00001

- How to foster collaborations;

- Deepening inclusive development through Mission activities.

Question 6: Do you require documentation and takeaways from 1:1 sessions for internal reporting purposes, or just the 'learning-oriented interaction' sessions and 'conversation sessions'?

Response: Documentation and takeaways are meant for the learning-oriented interactions and facilitated conversations with groups. Not for 1:1 sessions.

Question 7: Can sessions be facilitated virtually, or do you require in person learning? What is the number of staff anticipated to participate in the learning sessions? How many members of the FSN Advisory

Committee are there?

Response: Please refer to question 1. We are expecting anywhere from 30-60 staff to participate in the group sessions. We have about 17 members in the UAC.

Question 8: Do you have a preferred format for the cost proposal and cost breakdown (e.g., information you want to ensure is present, etc.)?

Response: USAID has not designated a specific format for the cost proposal. However, the vendor is expected to use their good judgment to present details in a clear, comprehensive manner, ensuring all necessary information is included. Additionally, notes to clarify and substantiate the budget may be provided as needed.

Question 9: Does USAID anticipate the need for all trainers and coaches to be expatriates, all local trainers and coaches, or a mix of expatriate and local trainers and coaches?

Response: USAID is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. It encourages the formation of teams that reflect a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Question 10: Will the training be held on USAID premises, or do offerors need to budget for the workshop venue?

Response: Please refer to question 2.

Question 11: Should equipment costs be included in the budget?

Response: When the training is held in USAID premises, USAID can provide a laptop to project on the white screen, sound system, and flip charts and markers as needed.

Question 12: In the Cost Proposal, is USAID expecting a cost breakdown with line items for each cost category, including for each consultant/trainer and each indirect cost item?

Response: Please refer to question 8.

Question 13: Should the cost breakdown with person days be by deliverable, consultant, or another means of organizing?

Response: Please refer to question 8.

Question 14: Should offerors submit the technical proposal and cost proposal together or separately?

Response: USAID encourages vendors to exercise their good judgment in determining the most suitable method for submitting both the technical and cost proposals. The emphasis is on ensuring accessibility and clarity in the submission process.

Question 15: Is there a page limit for the technical proposal?

72036724Q00001 Response: USAID prefers short, concise, and well-written proposals. The vendor is expected to focus on clarity and relevance in conveying key information. However, there is no strict page limit for the technical proposal.

Question 16: In the Technical Proposal, do offerors need to submit past performance references or just a narrative summary of our technical expertise to undertake the responsibilities proposed in the Statement of

Work/Scope of Work?

Response: USAID encourages interested candidates to provide information and evidence of relevant previous experience in a clear, concise, and compelling manner within the Technical Proposal. Offerors may exercise their judgment in determining the details that will strengthen their case and demonstrate their ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Statement of Work/Scope of Work.

Question 17: Should technical proposals be organized by the criteria in the Evaluation Criteria (paragraph

8) or by the list in the Proposal Submission Instructions – summary of technical expertise, detailed approach, and work plan -- (paragraph 12)?

Response: As per the proposal submission instructions mentioned in Section 12 of SoW, also highlighting evaluation criteria as relevant.

Question 18: Can some training where international experts may be required (e.g., DEIA) be conducted partly remotely with international experts attending by videoconference?

Response: Please refer to question 1.

Question 19: What type of interviews will local staff conduct that will be the subject of training (Section 3, first bullet point), e.g., key informant interviews, job interviews, etc.?

Response: This point is primarily geared toward ‘how to prepare for job interviews’.

Question 20: How many staff will participate in the training?

Response: USAID expects anywhere from 15 to 60 staff to be involved in various sessions.

Question 21: How does this program tie into larger mission initiatives so that staff can connect the knowledge on each topic and apply it?

Response: As noted in the Scope of the Work, this initiative aims to equip staff with knowledge, skills, and information and align with Agency-wide priorities such as localization1, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and

Accessibility (DEIA2), and local staff empowerment.

Question 22: What framework exists for staff to utilize the skills? What support is there for them to apply these skills?

Response:USAID staff will have the space to engage with the vendor to learn and apply the knowledge gained over the course of their regular duties.

Question 23: Is it going to be issued under GSA schedule or as a stand-alone contract?

Response: It is a stand-alone contract.

1 Shifting towards locally led development, with a focus on engaging local actors, including FSNs, to respond to development challenges, create partnerships, engage with local systems, and promote inclusion of historically disempowered communities. USAID’s local staff play a crucial role in this shift towards greater local ownership and sustainable development results.

2 Ensuring a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workforce that reflects the countries in which

USAID operates, with a focus on empowering local staff and recognizing their skills.

72036724Q00001 Question 24: Will an updated RFP be released with additional requirements and a revised PWS?

Response: The answers to the questions sent by the interested offerors (to prlama@usaid.gov) as of

February 12, 2024 will be posted on the sam.gov as an amendment.

Question 25: Under the “Conversations Series, with all staff” section, it says 1.5 to 2 hours, while in the Key task and deliverables sections it is 2-3 hours, which number to consider?

Response: Please consider Section 4, Key Tasks and Deliverables. The specific work plan - including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 26: Considering 3 major assignments, is a separate report required for each one?

Response: Yes, a separate report is required for each deliverable, and it will be outlined in the contract.

Question 27: What is the geographical code of the proposal?

Response: Kathmandu, Nepal

Question 28: Is the training will require a venue outside the embassy? or completely remote?

Response: Please see response to question 1 and 2.

Question 29: Should the trainers be Nepali citizens?

Response: Please see response to question 9.

Question 30: If it is going to be full remote training, why do we need to budget for a group accident insurance

- considering the maximum budget is just $100k?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 31: Is it going to be a commercial contract?

Response: Please see response from Question 23.

Question 32: Is there a suggested budgeting template to be used?

Response: Please see response to question 8.

Question 33: Will there be a travel CLIN? What should be the ceiling?

Response: Please see response to question 8.

Question 34: Will there be an extension in submission of proposal?

Response: Yes, the proposal submission deadline is now extended till March 08, 2024 at 17:00 hours, Nepal Time.

Question 35: We are planning to team up with another contractor to provide services for offering our services for the DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) services, which are our core expertise.

Could you provide us with the contact information of past or potential vendors/contractors that we could work with to bid on the call?

Response: USAID/Nepal will not be able to provide such contact details.

Question 36: I am assuming that this would be delivered virtually via Zoom or Teams? Would this be a correct assumption or are you looking for local/live sessions?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

mailto:prlama@usaid.gov

72036724Q00001 Question 37: How many total participants will be in the program? You do specify coaching 15 potential facilitators - but it is unclear how many people will be participating in the learning events.

Response: Please see response to questions 20 and 37.

Question 38. Regarding the "Train the Trainer" aspect of the proposal. This is where you mention the up to

15 staff will be coached as facilitators. Are we simply training them in facilitation or are we training them to deliver the program we would provide this year?

Response: The awarded contractor/vendor will train the staff to enhance their facilitation skills. Additionally, the vendor may invite some staff, if available, to join as co-facilitators during certain sessions to practice these skills further.

Question 39. I am writing to ask if the services provided by the proposal winner will need to be delivered in-person or online?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 40. We would like to understand the anticipated number of participants for the training sessions

(excluding TOT sessions, for which the specified number is 15 as per the solicitation). This detail will help us tailor our approach to suit the size of the audience and ensure an impactful learning experience for all.

Response: Please see response to questions 20 and 37.

Question 41: Could you please confirm whether the training sessions are expected to place within the

Kathmandu Valley or outside the valley? This detail will assist us in planning logistics effectively.

Response: Kathmandu valley.

Question 42. Is the training expected to be conducted in person, remotely, or a combination of both?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 43. If remote training is acceptable, are there specific platforms or technologies preferred for conducting virtual sessions?

Response: Yes, preferably hosted on the Google platform.

Question 44. Are there any logistical arrangements or considerations that need to be addressed, such as venue requirements for in-person training or technical requirements for virtual sessions?

Response: Please see response to questions 1 and 2.

Question 45. Are there specific criteria or qualifications for the local staff who will be participating in the training sessions?

Response: It will be open to all local staff.

Question 46. Can the training content be tailored or customized based on the needs of the participants?

Response: Yes. The specific work plan - including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 47. Are there preferred timeframes for the training sessions, considering the monthly schedule mentioned in the document?

Response: The specific work plan - including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 48. How many individuals are expected to undergo coaching for building facilitation skills?

72036724Q00001 Response: USAID expects anywhere from 15 to 20 to express interest and participate.

Question 49. Are there any logistical arrangements or considerations that need to be addressed, such as venue requirements for in-person training or technical requirements for virtual sessions?

Response: Please see response to questions 1, 2, and 43.

Question 50. Are there specific performance metrics or indicators that should be considered?

Response: USAID expects the contractor to use their good judgment to share information clearly and in a compelling manner.

Question 51. Will the successful contractor be responsible for providing projectors, screens and sound systems for the in-person training sessions? Or are these resources readily available at the designated locations?

Response: Please see response to question 11.

Question 52. Are there any limitations or specific preferences regarding the involvement of US-based companies in delivering this program?

Response: No, this opportunity is open to US-based companies as well.

Question 53. We have a query regarding the eligibility of an academic institution to apply for this contract.

We do, however, also have a consulting arm within our company and would like to know if applying through this wing is more appropriate.

Response: There are no restrictions on the kind of institution that can apply.

Question 54. The SoW mentions that ‘external experts’ will be drawn to organize monthly sessions and that the provider will 'determine external experts in consultation with USAID’s Foreign Service national (FSN)

Advisory Committee (UAC).’ Is the provider expected to identify the experts or does USAID have a pool of experts that the provider will be expected to work with? Should the experts be Nepalese, living in Nepal, or could they travel from abroad or join virtually?

Response: USAID expects the vendor to share information in a clear and compelling manner, including who the contractor will engage and why. The specific work plan - including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor. USAID anticipates the vendor to propose experts with relevant experience as required by the SOW; this opportunity is open to those that meet the requirements.

Question 55. Regarding the ToT on facilitation, do you have an expectation on the length and/or frequency of these sessions or is it up to the provider to determine?

Response: USAID expects the vendor to propose these details.

Question 56. A few of the activities involve consultation with the FSn Advisory Committee (UAC). Does

USAID have a minimum or maximum number of hours in mind for these consultations? Would the provider be able to join existing UAC meetings as a forum for consultation or would the consultations need to be scheduled separately?

Response: USAID expects the vendor to propose these details in a clear and compelling manner. Close coordination and collaboration with UAC members is expected and will be provided as part of the contract’s support.

Question 57. Will USAID provide the facilities, technology (e.g. power point, projector, etc), and participant supplies (e.g. water, pens, notebooks, etc) for the activities?

72036724Q00001 Response: These resources are available at USAID.

Question 58. Should the provider budget include the cost of printing materials (e.g handouts) and purchasing learning tools (e.g. sticky notes, flip charts, etc.) or will these be printed and/or provided by

USAID?

Response: Please refer to the response to question 11. Beyond the equipment mentioned, the vendor is expected to apply good judgment to propose costs for items deemed essential.

Question 59. Should the group access insurance be purchased in Nepal, or can it be purchased from a US or global company (if it covers the activities in Nepal)?

Response: This should be at the discretion of the offeror.

Question 60. Firstly, Is there a specific subject like that your organization prefers on the submission made electronically? Secondly, the financials of the submission can be part of the technical proposal or should it be a separate excel file.

Response: There is no specific subject line requirement for the email submission. Interested candidates are advised to use their discretion in packaging and submitting the requested information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

Question 61.Could you please clarify if the services are expected to be provided in person, online, or through a hybrid approach?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 62. Will all sessions for Learning Interactions, Conversation Series and Coaching be held onsite in Nepal, specifically in Kathmandu?

Response: Please see response to question 1

Question 63. Are there any venues or workshop spaces provided by USAID that can be used at no extra charge, or will the vendor need to arrange and pay for such spaces?

Response: Please see response to question 2.

Question 64. Does the total budget of $100,000 include fees, travel expenses, and accommodation for external experts in consultation with USAID’s FSN Advisory Committee?

Response: Yes, the total maximum budget is $100,000 inclusive of all costs associated with this assignment as mentioned in Section 7 of SoW.

Question 65. Will USAID provide support for obtaining Business visas for any external experts or consultants who may need to travel to Nepal for this project?

Response: All travel arrangements need to be managed by the vendor itself.

Question 66. What are the roles or ranks of the 15 learners?

Response: USAID staff will come from various offices and roles.

Question 67. How will USAID define or measure success for this program? What are the learners' expectations? It’s fine if you don’t have a full view of metrics here, a glimpse into success is helpful.

Response: The vendor should refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to effectively package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Specific details regarding deliverables are provided in section 4.

72036724Q00001 Question 68. Regarding the background provided: USAID/Nepal is undergoing a transformation towards locally led inclusive development, necessitating changes in processes, culture and mindsets. This initiative aims to equip staff with knowledge, skills and information and align with Agency-wide priorities such as localization, DEIA and local staff empowerment.

● Why are you all deploying this initiative now?

Response: The vendor should refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to effectively package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner

● If USAID has engaged in past development programs, what gaps were left? What did not work and what worked well?

Response: The vendor should refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to effectively package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner

● Can you share a few challenges this group is facing in regards to development?

Response: The vendor should refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to effectively package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner

● Are there any expectations that the learners’ new skill sets will transfer to the Nepali community they are serving? Simply, how will this program affect the learners’ work within the community?

Response: The vendor should refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to effectively package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

Question 69. The topics of discussion such as negotiation, media engagement, and others listed in the

RFP, are these topics requested by the staff? Maybe via a survey? Would like an idea around what they deem necessary for their development.

Response: The topics illustrated came through requests from the staff. The specific work plan - including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 70. Are there plans to renew the program after year one, possibly with the same vendor awarded?

Response: There are currently no definitive plans in place for renewal, it remains contingent upon the assessment of ongoing needs and the effectiveness of the program in achieving its objectives.

Question 71. Interactions for Learning, Local Staff targeted: SOW states a monthly 2 to 3 hour session.

a. Is this once per month?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. The specific work plan -including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with USAID’s Foreign Service National

(FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC) once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

b. Can this be done virtually on zoom or similar medium?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 72. Conversation series, with all staff: Monthly 1.5 hr to 2 hr session

a. Is this once per month?

72036724Q00001 Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. The specific work plan -including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with USAID’s Foreign Service National

(FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC) once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

b. Can this be done virtually on zoom or similar medium?

Response: Please see response to question 1 and 43.

Question 73. Coaching: train the Trainer

a. Is this once per month?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. The specific work plan -including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with USAID’s Foreign Service National

(FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC) once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

b. Can this be done virtually on zoom or similar medium?

Response: Please see response to question 1 and 43.

Question 74. If questions 1-3 must be done in person, can they be done in one visit monthly over 1-3 days to Kathmandu, NP?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. The specific work plan -including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with UAC once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 75. If this contract is awarded to a U.S. based company, is travel and lodging compensated for or should we just include it on the pricing breakdown?

Response: All costs associated with this assignment should be included in your cost proposal as mentioned in Section 7 of SoW.

Question 76. The SOW does not mention POST contract training or requirements. Is the contract budgeted for deliverable of videotaped sessions that can later be used as digital training courses with fees paid to the contractor ongoing as subscription based?

Response: The scope of this solicitation does not include provisions for post-contract training or the development of digital training courses for ongoing subscription-based fees.

Question 77. We would like to confirm that the Mission will be responsible for arranging logistics for all meetings and events held under this SOW.

Response: Please refer to the responses provided to questions 2 and 11. While USAID can assist in booking rooms within the Embassy, the vendor is expected to provide additional coordination and logistical support. The specific work plan, including the schedule and duration of events, will be determined collaboratively with USAID’s Foreign Service National (FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC) once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 78. Can the Mission please provide the number of FSN staff who are going to be participating in the Interactions for Learning, local staff targeted portion of the SOW?

Response: Please refer to response to questions 20 and 37.

72036724Q00001 Question 79. Can the Mission please provide the number of staff who will be invited to the Conversation

Series, the all staff portion of the SOW?

Response: Please refer to response to questions 20 and 37

Question 80. Can the Mission please confirm the preferred delivery modality for the following portions of the SOW:

a. Interactions for Learning, local staff targeted: in person, online or hybrid?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

b. Conversation Series, with all staff: in person, online, or hybrid?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

c. Training of Trainers on facilitation skills: in-person, online or hybrid?

Response: Please see response to question 1.

Question 80. Have the topics for the Interactions for Learning portion of the SOW already been selected, or will the contractor work with the UAC to finalize topics?

Response: The scope of work offers illustration of the topics of interest to staff. The service provider is expected to collaborate with the UAC to finalize the topics.

Question 81. Will the experts for the Interactions for Learning be convened by the Mission or should the contractor budget for their selection and inclusion in the proposal? Does the Mission envision the experts to be facilitators skilled in those topic areas, or do they wish to have experts in the subject matter that the contractor supports through facilitation of those sessions with the FS staff?

Response: The responsibility for convening experts, as well as determining the type of experts required for various sessions, lies with the contractor, and it should be reflected in the contractor's budget. The contractor is expected to propose and present this information clearly, concisely, and persuasively in their proposal. The vendor will have the flexibility to independently hire experts, and they can seek guidance from USAID as needed before confirming these experts to support the facilitation of sessions.

Question 82. In the SOW, under 3. Scope of Work, the third bullet states: "Coaching: offer Training of

Trainers (TOT) on facilitation skills to selected, interested staff." Under 4. Key Tasks and Deliverables, a bullet states, "Coach up to 15 USAID local staff to build and practice facilitation skills." Could you please clarify if you would like the bidder to propose:

A) a ToT, which would involve a training for 15 local staff to prepare them to train others on facilitation skills

(note that this would include the development and delivery of a Facilitation ToT curriculum) or B) individual or group coaching that helps 15 local staff build their own facilitation skills but does not focus on supporting them to train others on facilitation?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. The specific work plan -including cadence and duration - will be determined in collaboration with USAID’s Foreign Service National

(FSN) Advisory Committee (UAC) once the contract is awarded to the successful contractor.

Question 83. We would like to inquire whether the applicant must be an individual consulting firm or if a consortium consisting of two consulting firms with a lead contractor is permitted to apply for the contract.

We appreciate any clarification on this matter.

72036724Q00001 Response: It is entirely at the discretion of the service provider whether to bid as an individual consulting firm or as a consortium consisting of two consulting firms. Both options are permissible.

Question 84. Has USAID/Nepal had a Mission Management Assessment conducted by the Regional

Bureau within the past 3-5 years because of management issues at the mission involving local staff issues?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner

Question 85. Has USAID/Nepal had any previous experience with mentoring/coaching FSN local staff in the past 5-7 years?

Response: While USAID/Nepal has not had extensive formal experiences in this regard, there have been a few in-house initiatives aimed at mentoring and coaching FSN local staff members.

Question 86. Does the Mission plan to provide this mentoring/coaching to all FSNs, a cross-section in all development sectors or focus on specific staff groups?

Response: The current solicitation is exclusively for USAID/Nepal staff members. Therefore, the mentoring/coaching opportunities outlined in this context are specifically tailored for our internal team. The sessions will all be optional, and participants may vary, depending on interest and availability. For further information on participants, please refer to responses to questions 20 and 37.

Question 87. What is the total number of FSNs, education level and number of years with USAID/Nepal, and grade levels?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. For further information on participants, please refer to responses to questions 20 and 37.

Question 88. Can the winning firm use the existing USAID facilities as applicable & available?

Response: Please refer to the response in question 2.

Question 89. How many FSNs will go through this program?

Response: Please see response to question 20 and 37.

Question 90. What is the anticipated cohort/class size for the training?

Response:We are expecting a total of 150 staff members to be involved in these sessions

Question 91. Will it be issued under the GSA schedule or as standalone contract?

Response: Please see response to question 23.

Question 92. Will it be a commercial contract?

Response: Please see response to question 23.

Question 93. Will a revised RFP with additional requirements and an updated PWS be issued?

Response: Please see response to question 24.

Question 94. In the "Conversations Series, with all staff" section, the duration is specified as 1.5 to 2 hours, while in the KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES section, it is stated as 2-3 hours. Which duration should be considered?

Response: Please see response to question 25.

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a. Will each 2-3 hour session be segmented into 90-minute slots?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

b. If these sessions take place online, can we propose limiting it to a maximum of 90 minutes?

Response: Please refer to the response in question 1. In addition, the contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

Question 95. What is the expected coaching hours for a maximum of 15 staff members? Since the RFP says the cadence and duration will be determined post-award.

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose

Question 96. Will contractor be allowed to have a local partner to leverage local skill set available and language aspects. If yes, can the local partner be a company or individual only?

Response: The contractor has the flexibility to propose what they deem most appropriate. They may choose to involve local or international institutions, individuals, or a combination thereof, and determine the structure of the partnership accordingly. Applicants should refer to the information provided in the scope of work to effectively propose and present the necessary details in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

Question 97. With regard to three major assignments, is a separate report required for each?

Response: Please see response to question 26.

Question 98. What is the geographical code for the proposal?

Response: Please see response to question 27.

Question 99. Will the training necessitate a venue outside the embassy or be entirely remote?

Response: Please see response to questions 1 and 2.

Question 100. Should the trainers be citizens of Nepal? Or expats can also be proposed?

Response: Please see response to question 9 and 96.

Question 101. What does this Mission mean when using the word "coaching"? How does USAID define coaching? Is it synonymous with facilitation skills or teaching, or is it something different?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose

Question 102.Will the training be delivered in the local language or English?

Response: English; some sessions targeted to Nepali staff may benefit from Nepali language instructors/facilitators.

72036724Q00001 Question 103. What is the technical infrastructure of the mission? Is there reliable tech connectivity/internet infrastructure? Which platform is preferred – Zoom or MS Teams? Since video capability is crucial for these training sessions.

Response: Please refer to questions 1, 2, and 43.

Question 104.Is there an incumbent? How was it conducted before – virtually or in-person? Can the mission share any lessons learned?

Response: There is no incumbent. Please refer to question 1.

Question 105.How does MBC (Merit based compensation) inform the topics to be addressed in this SOW?

Response: The illustrative topics of interest identified for the learning series and even the group facilitated sessions are aligned with the transition underway at USAID as a result of the MBC. The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.

Question 106.How many FSNs (Foreign Service Nationals) will be present per session?

Response: Please refer to the response to questions 20 and 37.

Question 107. What has prompted the sudden need for this training program?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose

Question 108. Is there a possibility of a proposal submission extension?

Response: Please see response to question 34.

Question 109.Will there be a potential extension in the period of performance?

Response: There are no plans for the extension in the period of performance.

Question 110.How many CVs need to be submitted? Is there a page limit for CVs?

Response: This should be at the discretion of the offeror.There is no page limit for CVs. The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose and package the required information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Please refer to the response to question 15 on page limit.

Question 111. What is the page limit for the technical section?

Response: Please see response to question 15.

Question 112.How many past performances need to be included? Is there a page limit for past performances?

Response: Please refer to the response to question 16 and 15.

Question 113. Do subcontractors need to be registered with SAM (System for Award Management)?

Response: No. The subcontractors however must obtain an Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The 12-character, alpha numeric value. This applies to the vendor and subcontractor but the prime contractor must be registered in SAM once selected and prior to approval of the contract.

72036724Q00001 Question 114.We would like to recommend an onsite visit to kick off a program of this size and duration.

Would this be added to SOW?

Response: The contractor is expected to refer to the information outlined in the scope of work to propose

- End of questions -

Queries to response_ Solicitation Number 72036724Q00001