20210309 Amendment No. 2 RFP 72038820R00007, FtF Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

1 12

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

03/09/2021

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

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

Office of the Acquisition & Assistance C/O American Embassy, USAID/Bangladesh USAID/Bangladesh 6120 Dhaka Place C/O American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara

Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Prospective Offerors 72038820R00007

3/9/2021

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers X is extended. is not extended.

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

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

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

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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

The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate questions received and answers thereto into the RFP as an integral part of the Solicitation. See also the Revised No. 1 to the RFP.

Except as so stated, all other terms and conditions in the original RFP remain the same.

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

Previous edition unusable STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

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

William Sedlak

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

/S/

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

3/9/2021

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

Questions Received Pertaining to RFP No. 72038820R00007 and Corresponding USAID Answers:

1. Use and appreciation of Crisis Modifier/Emergency Response- $1,000,000, what will be the role for this contract

USAID: As stated in paragraph C.11 CRISIS MODIFIER AND/OR EMERGENCY RESPONSE, the Contractor is not authorized to spend the $1,000,000 budgeted for crisis or emergency response unless the Contracting Officer provides written approval for the Contractor to do so. It is possible that this $1,000,000 will not be obligated by the Government or liquidated by the Contractor if there is no occurrence that fits the description of crisis or emergency response provided therein.

2. Construction Services – Is this amount with Construction company? How this Contract should deal with this fund?

USAID: As provided in paragraph L.7, part 3 bullet (a) 4, the Offeror must use the plug figure of $6,000,000 for Construction work planned for under the Contract. This plug figure includes construction-related costs, including the cost of A/E services, surveys, testing, studies, or other services necessary to carry out the construction activities.

3. How much construction supervision is expected from This Contract Daily/Weekly/Monthly/As and when required?

USAID: This largely depends on the Offeror’s technical approach to successfully meet the RFP’ requirements.

Offeror's must define their monitoring approach to ensure that all construction activities are planned and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Contract (Ref. C.10).

4. Can one company may with different management team could attend/participate QA support system?

USAID: The Contractor under this award is responsible for Quality Assurance and Quality Control for the infrastructure activities proposed and approved as part of the Contract SOW. Please Refer to the Construction Implementation Plan (CIP) requirements in Paragraph F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES (page 28). The FTF Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Support Activity, a.k.a, Quality Assurance Support Activity is a separate award that will provide technical support to USAID to monitor this Contract (ref. C.18). The same company cannot hold both awards. The following is added to C.10 INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS:

“The Contractor is also responsible for establishing quality assurance and quality control procedures, which will be defined in the CIP. The Quality Assurance Support Activity is a separate third-party entity which will support USAID/Bangladesh in conducting design reviews, construction monitoring, health and safety monitoring, and environmental compliance monitoring. However, this does not relieve the Contractor of their responsibility for maintaining appropriate quality assurance and quality control throughout design and construction phases.”

5. We understand that nationwide Road Structures Data Management System (RSDMS) is in use, but not in all

Districts and that the Contractor will need to assist LGED to roll it out to all Districts. Will the new updated software incorporate AADT data and have an interface to incorporate the expected collection of data on road accidents at the district level (to incorporate these Expected Results under Objective 1) or will these need to be address with separate databases?

USAID: The level of assistance to LGED will be determined after award, based on consultation with LGED and approval of the COR.

6. Under Objective 2, is there a database or list of such facilities that are classified as needing “rehabilitation” given that there is an ongoing predecessor project?

USAID: There is no such database. Projects will be coordinated with other USAID activities and LGED on an ongoing basis.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

7. Pursuant to Part 5 – Past Performance of the RFP, it notes that relevant contracts would be those with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher, with a period of performance falling within the last three years, and involving similar work as in Section C. It is our experience that contracts of a similar nature do not always pass the construction cost through the implementing partner’s budget. In many cases, the contractor providing engineering services remains responsible for engineering design, procurement assistance and/or construction supervision oversight and recommending or signing off on payment for the civil works construction contractor. Would USAID accept relevant contracts with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher combining the direct contract value for engineering services with the value of the construction that is supervised? This will satisfy the comparison of “like with like”.

(Alternatively, USAID may consider contracts with a total cost of say $3-$4 million if they cover relevant program activities excluding civil works costs. This cost range is typical for engineering service contracts on multi-lateral bank funded projects that are similar in nature and overall size to this procurement.)

USAID: Yes, USAID will accept relevant contracts with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher combining the direct contract value for engineering services and other technical assistance with the value of the construction that is supervised.

8. Part 5 – Past Performance – refers to “all partners of a joint venture” with respect to providing past performance information. Please clarify that this also applies to all major subcontractors and that the past performance references of the prime and major subcontractors will be considered during evaluation.

USAID: Past Performance information is not required for a major subcontractor.

9. On the qualifying period of performance, we believe that the restriction to the last three years would limit the competition especially since such projects are limited in number and COVID has also impacted new procurements in the last year. Would USAID consider a timeframe of 10 years, which would enable a greater number of Offerors to demonstrate their experience and capability?

USAID:. Thank you. USAID agrees to expand this to allow Past Performance Information for the past five years. Part 5 Past Performance of Paragraph L.7 COST PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS is revised in its entirety with the following:

“Part 5 - Past Performance

(1) For relevant contracts not in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must use the “Past Performance Information Sheet” (included as Attachment J) to list past performance information using the form. Relevant contracts would be those with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher, with a period of performance falling within the last five years, and involving similar work as in Section C. To meet the $10,000,000 threshold, the total cost may be a combination of direct contract value for engineering services and technical assistance plus the value of construction that is supervised. All applicable fields in Attachment J.5 must be completed. Offerors must not submit past performance information for contracts in CPARS.

(2) Provide for each of the contracts the information that is required per Attachment J.5 “Past Performance Information Sheet.” USAID recommends that you alert the contacts that their names have been submitted and that they are authorized to provide performance information concerning the listed contracts if and when USAID requests it.

(3) If extraordinary problems impacted any of the referenced contracts, provide a short explanation and the corrective action taken (FAR 15.305(a)(2)).

(4) Describe any quality awards or certifications that indicate exceptional capacity to provide the service or product described in the statement of work. This information is not included in the page limitation.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

10. Would USAID consider adjusting the requirement that all key personnel are to come from the prime?

USAID: This is to revise the requirement on Key Personnel that only the COP will be employed by the Prime.

Paragraph F.6 KEY PERSONNEL is revised as follows:

“F.6 KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor has the ultimate responsibility for managing this Activity and achieving the desired performance results. Key personnel must have the requisite skill set to implement the approach set forth in Section C, achieve sustainable results, and coordinate and cooperate with a wide range of stakeholders as well as complement other USAID-and donor-funded programs.

All key personnel must be full-time, located in Bangladesh, and the COP must be employed by the prime contractor. USAID anticipates that this Activity will require a mix of long and short-term expatriate and local staff, along with home office support staff and management. The Contractor must utilize the most appropriate and cost-effective staffing mix to achieve the objectives of this project, including support from LGED staff in the supervision and monitoring of construction work. To support the Journey to Self-Reliance, the Contractor will identify and develop Bangladeshi talent and expertise in this sector. The Contractor will establish annual targets for the utilization of local long-term and short-term experts and subcontractors to implement the Activity. The Contractor’s performance in achieving the target will be factored into their Management performance evaluation rating…”

11. Per No. 3 – ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE, page 86 of the RFP – notes that the term

“subcontractor” includes only those identified subcontractor(s) budgeted in excess of 20% of the overall proposed budget. If $1,000,000 is plugged for Crisis Modifier and/or Emergency Response and $6,000,000 for Construction, could individual subcontractors whose budget exceeds 20% of the remaining total budgeted amount (meaning for services rendered outside the plugs – i.e., the Program Activities), and not of the overall budget, be considered to be major subcontractors?

USAID: The 20% is calculated on total proposed costs/budget, including $1M plug figure for Crisis Modifier and/or Emergency Response and $6M plug figure for Construction.

12. Would USAID/Bangladesh consider a three-week extension to the deadline to allow more time for all Offerors to formulate responses to the RFP?

USAID: Currently, we do not plan for any extension to the closing date of the RFP. However, please monitor the website regularly for any potential updates.

13. Attachment J.4 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet contains the 2018 version of the 1420-17 form, which was updated by USAID in September 2019 to remove the salary history requirement. Will USAID please provide the updated Biodata Sheet, “OMB Control No. 0412-0520; Expiration Date: 3/31/2021” and instruct Offerors to submit that version?

USAID: Yes. Please use the OMB Control No. 0412-0520; Expiration Date: 3/31/2021 version of form AID 1420-17 for submission. Accordingly, section J.4 is revised. Thank you.

14. Section D.4 Feed the Future Trademarking and Branding on page 23 states, “Under these regulations and provisions, the BS/MP does not need to be submitted until after award of this RFP. Thus, the initial cost/management application is not required to include a BS/MP.” However, Section L.7 Cost Proposal Instructions Part 7 on page 91 states, “Offeror must prepare and submit with the technical proposal, a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan to implement the USAID Branding Strategy described below.” We have the following two questions:

• Can USAID please confirm that offeror’s do not need to submit a BS/MP with the proposal?

• If USAID will require Offeror’s to submit a BS/MP, can USAID please clarify whether it should be submitted as an Annex to the Cost Proposal?

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

USAID: Thank you. BS/MP is to be submitted as an annex to the Technical Proposal. Paragraph D.4 is replaced in its entirety with the following:

“D.4 FEED THE FUTURE TRADEMARKING AND BRANDING

Per ADS 320.3.4, a special determination signed by the USAID Administrator in December 2014 authorized the Feed the Future initiative to issue its own naming, marking and branding guidance for use by USAID and its implementing partners. It is the first (and currently only) Presidential Initiative to receive this exception.

Per this determination, USAID contracts, grants and cooperative agreements awarded on or after January 1, 2015, which are funded by the USG’s Feed the Future initiative must include the Feed the Future logo in addition to USAID’s identity on communication products. The Contractor is required to comply (and ensure compliance by partners) with USAID’s branding and marking requirements set forth in 2 CFR 700.16 with Feed the Future specific guidance located at feedthefuture.gov.”

15. Section F.6 Personnel, under Deputy Chief of Party, on page 32 states, “A graduate degree or higher in agriculture engineering or related technical field, with a minimum of ten years’ experience in international development.”

• Because USAID is requiring this position to be filled by a CCN, would USAID please consider allowing candidates with a minimum of twelve years of experience with a bachelor’s in lieu of a graduate degree [consistent with the FAR]?

USAID: Yes. USAID agrees to substitute a graduate degree with a minimum of twelve years of progressive experience in the required fields. The DCOP’s description and qualifications are revised to reflect this change under section, F.6 KEY PERSONNEL of the RFP.

“The Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) will support the COP with regard to day-to-day implementation and management matters relating to the Contract. The DCOP will also provide support in assuring that all assistance provided under the contract is technically sound and appropriate for the needs to be addressed and for the successful planning, execution, monitoring, control, and contract closure. The DCOP will also support the facilitation of communication and close coordination with all stakeholders of the activity. The DCOP must have:

● A minimum of twelve years of progressive experience with a Bachelor degree or 10 years with a higher degree in agricultural engineering or a related technical field;

● Minimum of 10 years’ experience in international development;

● Minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing Agricultural Infrastructure programs; and,

● Supervisory experience of long-term field staff and short-term technical assistance, third country, and/or local experts.

16. Section F.6 Key Personnel on page 31 states, “All key personnel must be full-time, located in Bangladesh and employed by the prime contractor.” Will USAID please consider allowing Offerors to have the Deputy Chief of Party, Infrastructure Program Manager or Monitoring & Evaluation Manager be employed by a subcontractor?

USAID: Yes. Please see response to Question No. 10.

17. Section C.12 on page 17 lists, “Reduction in travel distance, travel cost and travel time required to transport agricultural commodities to market,” as required indicator. However, Section C.9 on page 9 states, “No new roads will be constructed. All road work must be conducted on GoB-owned lands.” Because the Contractor will not be constructing new roads, we respectfully request that USAID remove the aforementioned indicator. Will USAID please revise or remove the “reduction in travel distance, travel cost and travel time required,” indicator from the

RFP?

USAID: Rehabilitating the roads will reduce travel costs and time. It will also reduce travel distances because motorists will not have to consider alternate roads, which may be longer, to reach destinations.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

18. In Section C.9, IR 1.2 Expected Results on page 10, USAID lists the following expected results:

● LGED collects and uses annual average daily traffic (AADT) and roughness data to facilitate impact assessments of road projects;

● Each supported LGED District develops annual maintenance and repair plans, and effectively implements those plans in accordance with their Rural Roads and Culverts Maintenance Guidelines;

● Each supported LGED District has capable Mobile Maintenance Teams (MMT) for routine road maintenance;

● Users of improved roads understand and avoid practices that damage the infrastructure or reduce its longevity;

● LGED collects data on the number of road accidents and the Districts use this information to develop accident prevention plans; and

● LGED Districts and Upazilas effectively use the updated Road Structures Data Management System software for asset management.

Because these expected results are outcomes that can only be achieved by LGED, and not directly by the Contractor, we respectfully request that USAID remove or revise these Expected Results. For example, revised Expected Results may focus on outputs within the Contractor’s control, rather than outcomes for LGED. Will USAID please update the RFP accordingly?

USAID: The Activity is intended to build the capacity of LGED to be able to carry out the expected results outlined in the solicitation. Therefore, the success of the Activity's capacity building efforts will be measured on how well LGED is able to carry out these responsibilities.

19. Section C, IR 2.2 on page 11, lists an expected result as, “Value of agriculture-related financing accessed (cash or in-kind) through public private partnerships as a result of USG assistance.”

• Could USAID please define agriculture-related financing?

• Could USAID please clarify who will be providing the agriculture-related financing and who is the intended recipient(s)?

USAID: Please see page 110 of the Feed the Future Indicator Handbook.

20. Will USAID allow Offeror’s to present its Organigram/Organizational Chart/Management Structure on an 11x17 tabloid size paper as long as it does not exceed one 11x17 page?

USAID: Yes.

21. Section C.10 Construction Tendering on pages 15-16 states, “Prior to any construction activity, the Contractor must receive written agreement from LGED, Upazila, or management committee that they will operate and maintain the finished work, and the Contractor must certify that the LGED, Upazila, or management committee has the current capacity to do so. If there is no LGED, Upazila, or management committee, the Contractor must establish one and build its capacity to an appropriate level before considering any construction activity, or not do any construction in that area.” Given the close involvement required with LGED and the BoG, it may be outside of our legal authority to establish and build such a committee. Will USAID please provide additional guidance on how the Contract should establish and build a management committee?

USAID: If there is no management committee or public authority to take ownership of the construction object, then it will not be sustainable to proceed with construction. However, there may be cases where it makes sense to work with the LGED and the GOB to build the capacity of or establish a new management committee in order to proceed with the construction. In such cases the process for establishing and building a management committee will vary from case to case.

https://www.agrilinks.org/sites/default/files/revised_ftf_indicator_handbook_clean_version_20190926.pdf

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

22. H.17.e on page 41 States that "Unless the consultant is an employee of the contractor, they are considered subcontractors subject to the applicable clauses and requirements." L.7.10 (pg. 86) states “For the purpose of this section, the term “subcontractor” includes only those identified subcontractor(s) budgeted in excess of 20% of the overall proposed budget as reflected in the Cost Proposal over the entirety of the performance period.” Can USAID please confirm that if the work performed by the consultants is less than 20% of the overall proposed budget, they are not deemed to be a subcontractor?

USAID: H.17.e simply explains how USAID and the Contractor will administer consultancy services, which is as subcontracts. L.7.10. (pg. 86) focuses and provides proposal preparation instruction to the Offerors on submission requirements regarding proposed major subcontractor(s) whose subcontracting budget is in excess of 20%.

23. H.27(pg.47) The heading states "H.27 Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance for 2015-2020." Can USAID confirm that DBA in place should be for years 2021-2026 instead of 2015-2020?

USAID: Thank you. Section H.27 “DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015-2020” has been replaced with “H.27 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE” The remaining of the provision remains unchanged.

24. Section K.8 52.209-13 (pg.76) Can USAID remove this clause from the contract, as the functions described in the clause do not pertain to the Activity in the solicitation?

USAID: No. IAW FAR 9.109-5 Solicitation provision, the provision shall be included in all solicitations for the acquisition of products or services (including construction) that exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold, other than solicitations for the acquisition of commercial items.

25. Section L.6.3 on page 86 states, “subcontractor” includes only those identified subcontractors budgeted in excess of 20%....”

• Can USAID please confirm that this is the definition of major sub per Section L.7.3.1?

• Can USAID confirm that not naming a subcontractor at this time will not negatively affect the Offeror’s bid?

USAID: Major subcontracts are those with a proposed budget that are in excess of 20% of the Prime Offerors’ proposed costs. Evaluation of specific subcontractors or absence thereof will follow L.6.2 and M.2.2 STAFFING

PLAN AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE, MANAGEMENT APPROACH, AND MOBILIZATION PLAN.

26. Section L.7, Part 1 (p.88) Part 1-Letter and Standard Form (SF)33 states that “Offerors must make their proposals valid for at least 90 days” while section L.5 states that “Proposals must state that they remain valid for 180 days from proposal submission date.” Can USAID confirm that 180 days is the correct proposal validity and revise the solicitation accordingly?

USAID: Proposal validity must be 180 days from the proposal submission date. Section L.7 Part 1 is revised to reflect this change as follows:

“Part 1 – Letter and Standard Form (SF) 33 The Offeror must submit the cover page (Section A) of this Solicitation [Standard Form (SF) 33, "Solicitation, Offer, and Award"], with Blocks 12 through 18 completed, with the original signature of a person authorized on behalf of the Offeror to sign the offer. Along with the signed form SF 33, the Offeror must also submit a cover letter typed on official organizational letterhead and signed by a person who has signatory authority for the organization.

27. Section B.7 clarifies that there will be no cancellation ceilings while section L.7, Part 2 states that “Offerors must also propose cancellation ceilings for each year of the contract.” Can USAID confirm that Offerors are not expected to propose cancellation ceilings?

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

USAID: No. The Offerors are not to propose a cancellation ceiling and the indirect cost rates. Section L.7, Part 2 is marked as “Reserved”

“Part 2 – Reserved”

28. Section L.7, Part 3(a)(1) (p.89). Since costs must be accounted for in the summary budget, can USAID please confirm that offeror should add a subcontractor line item to the budget?

USAID: Yes. The proposed costs must be complete and in full. As such, the Offerors must include proposed subcontracting costs in the proposed budget and include this in the summary budget.

29. Section L.7, Part 3(a)(8) (p.90). In Section F.7 the RFP notes that a 6-day work week is approved for STTA. Can

USAID confirm that Offerors may prepare budgets in accordance with this 6-day work week approval?

USAID: The Offerors may budget for adequate STTA LOEs based on their proposed technical approach and not to exceed an authorized 6-day work week.

30. Section L.7, Part 3(a)(9) (p.90) states, “The Prime's and any subcontractors' NICRA information (as applicable) to support proposed indirect rates and proposed ceiling indirect cost rates in accordance with B.5 and B.6.” B.5 and B.6 do not indicate the need for indirect cost rate ceilings. Can USAID please confirm Offerors are not required to propose ceilings on indirect cost rates?

USAID: No, the Offerors are not required to propose ceilings on indirect cost rates. Please also see Response to Question No. 27.

31. Per RFP section L.7 part 3(a)(9) and (b)(3) Indirect Cost information, Offerors and each major subcontractor

“must include a complete copy of its most current NICRA or other documentation from its cognizant Government Audit Agency, if any, stating the most recent provisional indirect cost rates. The proposal must also include the name and address of the Government Audit Agency, and the name and telephone number of the auditor” (pg.89).

Can USAID confirm that Offerors should use the provisional indirect rates in the NICRA to price the proposal even if the Offeror has submitted updated provisional rates for review to the cognizant Government Audit Agency but these rates have not yet been approved and incorporated as provisional rates in the NICRA?

USAID: While Section B will not list indirect cost rates either provisional or final, the Offerors (and the proposed subcontractors) must apply indirect cost rates indicated in their respective NICRAs when preparing the Business Proposal. A copy of the most current NICRA must be provided to substantiate the proposed budget.

32. Section M.2 (pg.94) Technical Evaluation Criteria. Can USAID please provide additional guidance on what concrete metrics and key performance indicators will be used to evaluate the technical approach and understanding, staffing plan and organization structure, management approach and mobilization plan, and organizational capacity and experience?

USAID: The Offerors must refer to requirements contained in the overall RFP, the proposal preparation instructions, and the evaluation criteria when preparing their Technical and Business Proposals.

33. Section C.9 (pg. 9) Can USAID provide a list of specific USAID and GoB environmental and social safeguards requirements that the Contractor is to comply with during the Activity performance?

USAID: It is mentioned in paragraph C.10 INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

34. Section L.6 (pg. 86) states, “Staffing Matrix (not to exceed 3 pages): A matrix of staff primarily responsible for the implementation and management of the Activity. This shall present, at a minimum, the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications of these positions.” Will USAID please confirm that this Annex is not included in the Technical Proposal page count? It is not expressly stated in Section L.

USAID: The Staffing Matrix is not part of the Technical Proposal page limit.

35. Section L, Part 5 (pg. 91) states, “Relevant contracts would be those with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher, with a period of performance falling within the last three years, and involving similar work as in Section C. All applicable fields in Attachment J.5 must be completed.” therefore, we assume that the construction activities conducted under the contract will be significantly lower in value than the total estimated contract value. Will USAID please consider reducing the relevancy dollar value threshold to at least $3 million dollars per referenced contract? We believe this provides a more realistic assessment of a company's ability to effectively and efficiently support the respective work under this important contract.

USAID: Please refer to Response to Question No.7. USAID considers the $10,000,000 or higher threshold to be a combination of direct contract value for engineering services and technical assistance plus the value of the construction that is supervised.

36. Section H.28, (pg.48) Cloud Computing. Will USAID provide the contractor access to GovCloud or will the contractor be required to identify and procure space for Cloud services from a third party?

USAID: USAID will not provide to the Contractor any access to Government’s Cloud Computing associated with this Activity implementation. The Offerors must budget all costs adequately for its own Activity implementation.

37. Section L.6 (pg. 85) states, “Technical Proposals are limited to 25 pages.” Based on the level of information required to incorporate a technical approach to all of Section C, SOW, will USAID please consider expanding the page to a "not to exceed" 40-page limit? The additional space will allow each offeror to more effectively define an approach.

USAID: No. Information must be succinct/concise.

38. I.2 (pg.57) FAR language states that "Any notice given by any of the parties hereunder shall be sufficient only if in writing and delivered in person or sent by telegraph, cable, or registered or regular mail as follows".

• Can USAID confirm that "in writing " also denotes that any notice sent via email is an acceptable form of communication between any of the parties?

• Can USAID clarify what date is correct for FAR 752.7013, October 1989 or June 2020?

USAID: This clause 752.7013 has been revised pursuant to class deviation #M/OAA/DEV-AIDAR-20-03c in AAPD 18-03 Revision 1, “Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” Paragraph I.2 lists both the clauses“AIDAR

752.7013 Contractor-Mission Relationships (OCT 1989) and DEVIATION (JUN 2020).”

39. It is the contractor’s understanding that based on Section I.1 pg. 55-56, the terms and conditions, and Section B.4

Contract Budget and Ceiling, the contractor is expected to issue lump-sum construction subcontracts to perform the Activity. Can USAID confirm the validity of this course of action?

USAID: USAID does not understand the question. The plugged $6,000,000 construction plug figure is included to simplify Cost Proposal preparation for Offerors. During implementation of the Activity, the Contractor will issue fixed price construction contracts as needed under this budget line item.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

40. Would USAID consider providing bidders with a 2-week deadline extension for submission of proposals given the short turnaround between questions being submitted (Feb 28) and answers being released related to the submission deadline (March 16)?

USAID: Please see Response to Question No. 12.

41. C.3, Page 5. Are the Zones of Influence that are of focus for this Activity, the same Zones of Influence where the previous seven-year FTF Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Program was implemented?

USAID: Yes.

42. C.9, page 10. Can USAID provide more information about LGED’s Road Structures Data Management System software (including the software type and timeline for rolling out the new system)?

USAID: At this time USAID cannot provide more information on this.

43. C.10, Page 13. In this section, it is stated that “The Contractor must perform construction activities and their monitoring in accordance with the approved Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). The Contractor is responsible for implementing all IEE conditions pertaining to activities to be funded under this contract.” Can USAID provide a copy of the IEE?

USAID: A copy of IEE will be provided upon the Contract award.

44. C.18, page 20. Could USAID confirm that the “Quality Assurance Activity” the same as the “FTF Bangladesh

Agricultural Infrastructure Support Activity”? When will this contractor be on-board and what is the objective or scope of the FTF Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Support Activity, if they are not the same?

USAID: The FTF Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Support Activity (activity #9 on page 19) is the same as the Quality Assurance Support Activity referenced in C.18 and throughout. The start date of this Support Activity is still TBD. Activity #9 on page 19 is replaced with the following:

“9. FTF Bangladesh Quality Assurance Support Activity”

45. C.18, Page 21. Throughout the RFP document, USAID is asking the offeror to provide technical assistance, training, capacity building, etc..to LGED. At the same time, LGED is supposed to provide review and oversight of the offeror’s work. Also, the Quality Assurance Activity (QAA) contractor will have an oversight and review role that seems to overlap with LGED’s. Please refer to last 3 paragraphs on page 21 about the role of LGED and the QAA contractor. It appears that this relationship might lead to some execution issues during the implementation, to inefficiency in execution that will delay implementation, and to some contradictory reviews from both parties.

Would USAID consider limiting LGED’s role capacity building and the QAA to review/oversight? We understand that some coordination needs to occur with LGED in order to meet their standards and since they will be responsible for road maintenance, for example.

USAID: This Activity and the Quality Assurance Support Activity aim to build the capacity of LGED to be able to carry on the interventions of both Activities beyond the cessation of USAID funding. As noted under Cross-Cutting IRs (C.9, page 12), most capacity building around infrastructure planning and implementation is expected to be targeted at the District and Upazila level. However, as indicated in C.18, LGED Headquarters still has a role in monitoring the infrastructure activities. Where there are disputes, the CO, in consultation with the COR, will make the final determination.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

46. F.6, Page 31. In this section, it is noted that “The Contractor must utilize the most appropriate and cost-effective staffing mix to achieve the objectives of this project, including support from LGED staff in the supervision and monitoring of construction work.” Is the Offeror authorized to compensate LGED for their support?

USAID: Activity funds are not to be used in proposals to compensate for LGED staff’s labor as salary supplement to Host Government’s employees is not allowable. However, the Offeror may plan for a cost-effective staffing plan, taking into consideration support from LGED staff in the supervision and monitoring of construction work.

47. H. 17, Part D, Page 40. In Part D, the limitation for annual salary increases is listed as “TBD%”. Would USAID please advise whether there is a maximum percentage for this placeholder for budgeting purposes, or clarify if the Offeror is supposed to propose a percentage maximum?

USAID: This TBD% is based on the Successful Offeror’s personnel policy and as final successfully negotiated.

48. J, Part 3, Page 67. Since key personnel are not expected to be named in the proposal and CVs are not to be included for the Key Personnel, could USIAD confirm that Form AID-1420s are not required for Key Personnel? If these forms are required, should we be using the attached form (which expired in 2018) or new Form which expires in 2021?

USAID: The Offeror may name/propose any identified individuals, including Key Personnel, in the proposals.

However, Key Personnel is not an evaluation factor used in the proposal evaluation other than those specified in section M of the RFP.

The form AID 1420-17 is required for any identified/named personnel in order to substantiate the proposed labor costs.

Please use the OMB Control No. 0412-0520; Expiration Date: 3/31/2021 version of form AID 1420-17 for submission.

49. L.4, Part H, Page 84. The solicitation states, “offerors and each proposed subcontractor must complete Section K of this solicitation.” Would USAID please confirm that only major subcontractors (>20% of the budget as defined in L 6) are required to complete Section K? In addition, would USAID please advise how subcontractors should complete portions of Section K that are inapplicable to the subcontract given the size, place of performance, or other factors?

USAID: Yes, only the Prime Offeror and the major subcontractors (>20% of the proposed budget) will have to submit/complete Section K. Any parts of Section K that are deemed inapplicable, must be identified/marked with clearly stated reason/explanation.

50. L.6 Page 86. In regards to the staffing matrix, is USAID expecting the staffing matrix to include names and qualifications for key personnel only or should the staffing matrix not include any names, and provide the positions/roles and responsibilities and then the qualifications for the personnel (both key and non-key) that we identify in our organizational chart?

USAID: The Staffing Matrix consists of both identified/named and unidentified/unnamed (TBD) positions that are responsible for the implementation and management of the Activity and presents at a minimum roles, responsibilities, and qualifications of these positions.

51. L.6 Page 86. Is the intention of USAID to have bidders not propose personnel (including names) for the Key

Personnel positions? If bidders have personnel selected for the Key Personnel, should they include them?

USAID: The Offeror may name/propose any identified individuals, including Key Personnel, in the proposals.

However, Key Personnel is not a separate evaluation factor used in the proposal evaluation.

Amendment No. 2 to RFP No. 72038820R00007 Feed the Future Bangladesh Agricultural Infrastructure Development Activity

52. Part 7, Page 91. In this section, it is stated that the “Offeror must prepare and submit with the technical proposal, a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan to implement the USAID Branding Strategy described below.

The Offeror’s branding implementation plan and marking plan must be an attachment to its technical proposal and will not be included in the page limitation.” For conformity purpose, since this direction is under the Financial proposal, should this plan be submitted as an appendix to the Technical or to the Financial Proposal?

USAID: Please submit a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan as an annex to the Technical Proposal.

While there is no limit on the page number of these plans, they must be concise.

53. L.7 Part 5, Page 91. The RFP says that “Relevant contracts would be those with a total cost of $10,000,000 or higher, with a period of performance falling within the last three years”. Can USAID clarify whether the period of performance falling within the last 3 years means started during the past three years, or ended during the last 3 years. For example, can bidders include a project that ended in March 2018?

USAID: Please submit Past Performance Information of Activities being implemented during the past years. USAID expanded the period from the past three years to five year (See also Response to Question No. 9). As such, the Past Performance Information to be submitted will include those implemented in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

54. L.7, Part 8, Page 92. The solicitation states, “Offerors must submit those portions of Section K not available online in this section.” Would USAID clarify which portions need to be completed and where the Offeror can find these sections?

USAID: The Offeror must review the RFP’s Section K (from K.1 to K.16) against the online portion contained in their registered SAM.gov account to ensure that a complete set, when combined, of Representations and Certification is submitted as Part 8 of Business Proposal.

55. L.7, Part 9, Page 92. In this section, it is stated that the “Offerors must provide Biographical Data Sheets

(Attachment J) for all key personnel. Offerors must also include letters of commitment signed by each person proposed as key personnel confirming their present intention to serve in the stated position and their present availability to serve the project.” Since USAID is not asking to provide resumes for Key personnel, please confirm that no Biographical Data Sheet nor letters of commitments are required to be submitted.

USAID: The form AID 1420-17 is required for any identified personnel in order to substantiate the proposed labor costs.

56. L.7, Part 10, Page 92. The solicitation states, “Offerors must provide Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).”

Would USAID confirm that the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities for (SF-LLL) is required only from Major subcontractors (>20%) and not from all subcontractors, especially local subcontractors?

USAID: SF- LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” must be submitted by those receiving more than $100,000 in federal funds, to disclose any lobbying of federal entities (a) with profits from federal contracts or (b) funded with non-federal funds.

[END OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS]

[END OF AMENDMENT No. 2]

“F.6 KEY PERSONNEL