Amendment_01_-_72039118R00011.pdf

Annex - I

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Solicitation No. (RFP) : 72039118R00011 Training For Pakistan-III

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Page 9, Section C3, Statement of Work, states, “USAID/Pakistan technical teams have numerous participant training activities in their technical programs to which, in part, the Contractor will respond in implementing TFP-III.” Can USAID please provide an illustrative example of a TFP-III response to a technical team’s training activity?

USAID Response: An example could be where the technical team requests for TFP-III support in providing training to beneficiaries under one of their existing activity. TFP-III will make all the arrangements e.g. identification of training service provider, logistical arrangements and manage training cost.

2. Page 11, In Section C4, Specific Technical Requirements, the box titled, “Training Management

Systems Functions and Services Table” 8. Ongoing Expert Consultation refers to “each project’s overall Training Plan.” Can USAID please clarify what is meant by “project” in this context?

USAID Response: Project means award/contract/implementation mechanism.

3. Page 14, Section C.4.2.a, Participant Training Interventions, mentions the possibility of long-term academic studies in the U.S., in Pakistan or in third countries. However, the Illustrative Usage Table on p. 9 mentions long-term academic programs (a total of 4 participants) only in third countries.

a. Does the Mission anticipate requesting long-term academic programs in the U.S., and if so for how many participants?

USAID Response: The Mission is not anticipating any long term academic programs in the U.S.

b. Does the Mission anticipate requesting long-term academic programs in Pakistan, and if so for how many participants?

USAID Response: Not at this stage, however, the need may arise at a later stage. The Mission cannot confirm the exact number of participants at this stage.

4. Page 19, Section C.4.4. and Page 20, Section C.4.6. refer to a Performance Management Plan (PMP).

The table of deliverables on Page 31, Section F.6 does not include a PMP, but instead includes a Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan. Page 107, Section L.6.5 Annexes indicates that the offeror should submit a “Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan.” Can you USAID please confirm what type of plan the offeror should submit with the proposal as a draft and after award as a final deliverable?

USAID Response: Section-C of the solicitation is amended to use the term “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL). The requirement for submission of “Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan” in section L.6.5 is removed.

5. Page 21, Section C.4.8 primarily discusses the general goal of using participant training tools and interventions to develop the capacity of Pakistani organizations and institutions. It also mentions developing specifically “the capacity of local Pakistani organizations, to the extent possible, in all participant training functions and systems.” Page 27, Section C.9.2, Roles and Responsibilities, states that the prime contractor “is encouraged to substantially involve a local sub-Contractor.” To what extent does USAID desire for one or more local Pakistani organizations to develop the specific capacity to administer USAID participant training programs like Training for Pakistan? Is it the Mission’s intention for TFP-III to include development of this specific type of capacity?

USAID Response: Offerors are encouraged to engage local subcontractors; however, it is not a mandatory requirement. It is up to the offeror on how they present their implementation approach.

6. Page 25, Section C.8.1.a.IV and V includes among the qualifications of the Training Manager and

Communications and Outreach Specialist “At least 7 years of experience in managing participant training activities with background of design and administration of training.” As the term “participant training” is a USAID-specific term, can USAID confirm the Mission will consider training design and management experience that is not USAID-funded and not specifically called “participant training” to be relevant for satisfaction of these requirements?

USAID Response: Yes.

7. Page 25, Section C.8.1.a.V of the RFP indicates that the Communications and Outreach Specialist requires a minimum of “7 years of experience in managing participant training activities with background of designing and administration of training”, and “A Bachelor’s degree in education/teaching/ human resources development/ project management/ social science or a related technical field is highly desirable”, both requirements identical to the minimum qualifications for the Training Manager. However, page 106, Section L.6.3, Staffing and Management Approach - table, indicates that the minimum requirements for the Communications and Outreach Specialist are “At least 5 years of experience in the development and implementation of increasing awareness of a service or a product among Pakistani audiences is highly desirable” and “A Bachelor’s degree public relations/ communications/ marketing/ social science or a related technical field is highly desirable.”

Can USAID please provide clarification on the qualifications for this position?

USAID Response: Section C.8.1. Key Personnel is amended to clarify the qualification requirement for Communications and Outreach Specialist.

8. On page 25, section C.8.1. paragraph V., the RFP says that the Communication and Outreach

Specialist qualifications include “At least 7 years of experience in managing participant training activities with background of designing and administration of training.” This appears to be the same qualifications for the Training Manager and may be an error. Please clarify if there are any corrections needed to the qualifications for the Communications and Outreach Specialist.

USAID Response: Section C.8.1 of the solicitation is amended to provide clarification on the Communication and Outreach Specialist qualification requirements.

9. Page 26, Section C.9.1, USAID Technical Teams, states, “Training programs will be funded through budgets developed by each technical team, with funds coming directly from each technical team’s allocation […].” Does the technical team’s allocation cover only direct expenses for the training intervention, or does it also cover a share of indirect/administrative costs associated with delivery of an intervention?

USAID Response: The funds from technical teams will cover all cost i.e. direct and indirect cost.

10. Regarding the “Illustrative Usage Table” on page 9 of the RFP:

a. Should offerors develop their cost proposal based on this table? If not, please provide information regarding assumptions offerors should make about creating budgets

USAID Response: Section “L.7.2 Part 2: Proposed Costs/Prices” is amended to provide further guidance on developing cost proposal.

b. For the row titled, "Partnerships and Faculty Exchanges”? Do the numbers refer to the number of separate programs or the number of participants involved? Will Pakistani academics travel to the United States, or Third Countries, or would US academics travel to Pakistan? Would these be short or long term programs?

USAID Response: Partnership and faculty exchanges are short term and the table indicates the illustrative number of participants. Section “C.3.STATEMENT OF WORK” of the solicitation is amended to provide further clarification.

c. Does the numbers in the row titled “Follow-on Programs, seminars, workshops, etc” refer to the number of separate programs or the number of students involved. If the answer is number of programs, how many students will participate in each program/workshop/seminar, etc. ?

USAID Response: These are separate events to be conducted on need basis. But these are illustrative numbers; actual number of events/participants is unknown at this stage. Section “C.3.STATEMENT OF WORK” of the solicitation is amended to provide more clarification.

11. Section C.2. at the bottom of page 8 notes that “USAID/Pakistan’s current TFP-II project concludes in May 2018. Under the follow-on TFP-III, the Contractor will build on the current project achievements, successes, and lessons learned.” Is there a report from TFP II that summarizes the lessons learned? In order to ensure fairness in competition, please upload to FBO the reports from TFP II that include the key lessons learned.

USAID Response: This information is included in the Quarterly and Annual Reports of TFP-II which are already available at USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) (https://dec.usaid.gov). The final report of the project is due in early July 2018. Please see “Section J.10 - List of REFERENCES”.

12. The RFP includes requirements related to HICD (p. 9 and p. 21), including conducting “systematic performance assessments”, developing solutions packages, and designing and establishing performance monitoring systems for Pakistani organizations. Neither the technical approach instructions in Section L.6.1 nor the evaluation factors in section M on p. 117 include any mention of this part of the scope of work, and the staffing/key personnel requirements do not include any positions with this expertise. This type of work goes well beyond training needs assessments and the design, provision and monitoring of participant training. If HICD interventions are to part of the scope of work, then please clarify how many Pakistani organizations are to be selected for such engagements (full performance assessment, solutions design and implementation, performance monitoring system, etc); and what if any related criteria will be used to assess offerors’ proposals.

This will enable bidders to understand parameters for including this element in the technical approach, staffing plans, and budgets.

USAID Response: Per Section “C.4.8. Local Capacity Development”, capacity development interventions may include participant training or other activities related to HICD’s Knowledge and Skills component. The full HICD model would not be used under this mechanism instead knowledge and skills part of the model. The offeror’s proposal will be strictly evaluated based on the evaluation criteria provided in Section-M.

13. On page 20, section C.4.5, the RFP says that the Contractor will prepare a Branding and Marking plan to be submitted within 45 days of the award. Section L.8 on page 115 requires that offerors submit a Branding Implementation Plan as an annex to the cost proposal. We suggest that section L.8 be removed and that the successful offeror submit a Branding and Marking plan within 45 days of the award.

USAID Response: Section C.4.5. Branding Strategy and Marking Plan is amended. USAID is not making any changes in the submission requirement of “BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND THE MARKING PLAN” per Section L.8 of the solicitation.

14. On page 21, section C.6., the RFP refers to “pass-through costs”. What does USAID consider to be

“pass-through costs?”

USAID Response: Section C.6 - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT is amended and the requirement for pass-through cost is removed.

15. On page 22, section C.7. the RFP refers to a Gender Assessment done under TFP II that is still current and says that it is attached to the solicitation. We do not find this report attached to the solicitation.

Please clarify.

USAID Response: SECTION J-LIST OF ATTACHMENTS is amended and the Gender Assessment Report is attached as J.11.

16. Are there any activities or long-term training participants that will carry over from TFP II and be the responsibility of the contractor for TFP III?

USIAD Response: No.

17. Under Post-Training Support, the RFP mentions that the contractor will solicit proposals from alumni for post-training support awards in amounts up to $10,000. Is this something the contractor should budget for or will the funding for this come from separate USAID funds?

USAID Response: The offeror shall consider the cost relating to Post-Training support for alumni in the proposed budget.

18. Are there any areas on Pakistan where in-country will not take place or is it anticipated the in-country training will take place throughout all areas of Pakistan? IS it anticipated that trainings will overall target certain regions of the country?

USIAD Response: In country training may take place anywhere in Pakistan.

19. Can the Mission provide more information regarding the Participant Training Working Group such as number of members and if Mission technical teams are part of the group?

USAID Response: The working group may consist of relevant Mission Staff, Implementing Partners and any other Stakeholder directly involved in the participants training activity.

20. On pg. 19 the RFP notes that “The contractor will create and maintain a database of all training service providers, U.S., third country, and in-country.” Could USAID please provide more details about the breadth and depth of its expectations for the database? Is this a database USAID expects to be created at the start of the contract or is this a database that will be populated with training providers as the contract is implemented?

USAID Response: Please see section “F.6.9 Alumni Database” for further details on the database requirement.

21. To assist with the development of proposals, can USAID provide more information about what has been achieved with the USAID Alumni Association?

USAID Response: Additional information relating to Alumni Association may be found in the Quarterly and Annual Reports of Training for Pakistan – II, which are already available at USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) (https://dec.usaid.gov).

22. On pg. 23 under the COP responsibilities, the last bullet refers to visiting field offices and oversight of programming and staff. Is USAID anticipating the contractor establishing several field offices throughout Pakistan in addition to the office in Islamabad?

USAID Response: The offeror may propose additional offices, depending on their approach of implementing Training for Pakistan – III. However, the mission has no preferences.

23. On pg. 27, the RFP refers to the establishment of a USAID/Pakistan centralized database. Can

USAID confirm that this is a new database that will have to be created and maintained by the contractor, be secure, and allow for USAID access? In addition, is this the same database as the training provider database or a separate one?

USAID Response: Requirements on page 27 is further explained in Section-F.6.9 Alumni Database.

24. USAID has instructed offerors to use a plug figure of $11,000,000 over the life of the project for

Participant Training Activities. USAID also states that “Offerors shall estimate how this amount will be allocated between the project years”.

A. Are all the activities and material costs presented in C.4.2 (including labor to implement the interventions and services) covered under the $11,000,000 Participant Training Activities plug figure and should not be accounted for elsewhere in the budget? If not, please describe what the $11,000,000 will pay for.

USAID Response: All costs directly related to the participant training e.g. instructional cost, travel & transportation, and participant cost (accommodation & M&IE etc.) shall be budgeted under Participant Training Activities. Please see ADS 253 for Participant Training Cost.

B. Since the disbursement of Participant Training Activities are dependent on requests for interventions from various USAID/Pakistan sector teams and USAID/Pakistan’s collaboration with other agencies within the USG, can USAID suggest a fixed yearly breakdown of the total $11,000,000 plug figure?

USAID Response: The offeror shall consider the “ILLUSTRATIVE USAGE TABLE” in Section-C.3 in developing their yearly budget under the “Participant Training Activates” line item.

C. On page 20 section C.4.4.c Post Training Support refers to funds up to $10,000 that may be provided under individual task orders to fund alumni ideas/initiatives. Would these funds be covered under the $11,000,000 Participant Training Plug figure? If not, can USAID advise approximately how many alumni ideas/initiatives may be funded and what line item they should be budgeted under?

USAID Response: Yes, the Post Training Support cost should be budgeted under Participant Training Activities line item.

D. Under Page 27, C.9.2, USAID expects that interventions and logistics will be provided through competitive outsourcing. Would funds towards interventions and logistics services for participant training activities (such as subcontracts to local firms for travel booking and visa facilitation or escort/interpreters and English language verification) be covered under the $11,000,000 participant Training plug figure.

USAID Response: Yes.

25. Page 8, C.2, Background – When does USAID/Pakistan expect its new five-year CDCS will be ready for implementation?

USAID Response: USAID/Pakistan expects that the new CDCS to be approved by fall 2018.

26. Page 14, C.4.2.a, Participant Training Interventions – Community Connections is mentioned in this section. From a Google search, it appears that Community Connections is a program ran by World Learning beyond Pakistan. Is the inclusion of Community Connections in this section requiring coordination with World Learning’s program, or is Community Connections an activity that the TFP III contractor would be required to develop and carryout on its own?

USIAD Response: The TFP-III contractor would be required to develop and carry out its own Community Connection activities.

27. Page 20, C.4.4.c Post Training Support – States that "funds up to $10,000 may be provided and administered under individual task orders to fund graduate/alumni innovative ideas and initiatives".

a. By individual task orders, does USAID mean that the TFP III contractor would issue task orders to individuals?

USAID Response: Yes, the contractor will be required to issue individual task orders to qualified Individuals.

b. What are the parameters of those funds?

USAID Response: The contractor will have to develop a plan along with operation manual explaining the criteria/process of awarding and managing task orders.

c. Is each task order $10,000 or is $10,000 available for the entire TFP III?

USAID Response: Each task order is up to $10,000.

d. Is a task order limited to one year?

USAID Response: It depends on the idea of graduated alumni but should be less than a year.

28. Page 21, C.R.9, Windows of Opportunity. It states that: "The Contractor will support programs requested from other agencies that are in line with USAID/Pakistan Mission strategic result framework and approved by the COR." Does USAID expect the contractor to actively engage with (i.e., canvass all) other USG agencies in Pakistan to determine (and possibly accommodate) their training needs? Or are the other USG agencies expected to initiate requests which the COR and contractor will then consider?

USAID Response: The contractor would work with other USG agencies through COR.

29. Page 21, C.R.9, are other USG agencies currently using the incumbent contractor for services? If yes, which USG agencies and what services?

USAID Response: Participant training services are used by United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA).

30. Section C – What transition is expected from the current TFP II implementing partner to the TFP III implementing partner?

USAID Response: The contractor will be required to coordinate and follow-up with the existing Alumni Association and Participants Training Working Group (PTWG).

31. Section C – Have systems or training materials been developed, and which are owned by USAID, that will be transferred from the TFP II implementing partner to the TFP III implementing partner? If yes, please list and describe each and USAID’s intent for them to be reused in TFP III.

USAID Response: The TFP-III contractor will facilitate/manage training events. The contractor is not expected to design and conduct training in house. Therefore, no training material will be transferred to TFP-III contractor.

32. Section C.4, paragraph one (1) of the solicitation states: “Under the technical direction of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), the Contractor will design and implement a training management system.”

a. Which training management system is currently used by the USAID Mission in Pakistan?

USAID Response: Training Management Systems Functions and Services Table is already provided in Section C.4 of the solicitation.

b. Is there an educational/training management system in place that USAID wants the successful offeror to use, or does the Mission seek to investigate other training management systems?

USAID Response: No, the offeror must comply with the approach provided in section C.4 of the solicitation.

c. To what extent does the Mission foresee the level of participation and/or cooperation by its interagency partners (DHS and DOS) impacting implementation? In other words, does the successful offeror need to address other interagency partners' interests beyond those of USAID, its IPs, and Pakistani governmental authorities?

USIAD Response: For all U.S based participant training activities, coordination would be required with DHS and DOS for J-I visa Process, while using Training Information Network (TraiNet) and Visa Compliance System (VCS).

d. Does USAID encourage local partners to partner exclusively with one prime offeror or is non-exclusivity preferred?

USAID Response: USAID does not have any preference while engaging local partners.

33. The cover letter notes that the total estimated cost of this activity is between $15-20 million. The current project, TFP II, had a budget of $33.9 million. We conducted a comparison of the expected number of trainees noted in the solicitations for both TFP II and TFP III, using information in the September2017 Annual M&E report for TFPII and the illustrative Usage Table on page 9 of the RFP for TFPIII.

We found that while the mix of types of programs have changed, the overall number of participants appears to be about 6,000 for both programs. Specifically, long-term US Academic Programs component of TFP II has been removed, but the number of short-term US trainees under TFP III is some 4 times larger than under TFP II, the number of in-country training participants under TFP III is roughly double that of TFP II, and TFP III includes a partnerships and faculty exchanges component that was not part of TFP II. Please explain USAID’s rationale for lowering the total estimated cost from TFP II to TFP III by 50% while requiring roughly the same level of outputs.

USAID Response: Based on the Mission’s experience of implementing TFP-II and other similar activities, the estimated range of $15-20 Million is developed. Revealing the estimated cost range for the contract does not mean that Offerors should necessarily strive to meet the maximum amount estimated. Offerors must propose costs that they believe are realistic and reasonable for the work required.

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

1. With reference to the Submission Schedule table in Section F.6 on page 31, do the words “effective date of the contract” refer to the date on which the contract is signed or the date on which the contractor receives a notice to proceed after obtaining a Non-Objection Certificate?

USAID Response: The effective date of the contract is when the Contracting Officer's sign the contract.

2. Page 31, Deliverables Table – The Annual Training Plan and Budget is due within 60 days of the effective date of the contract in the first year. The scope discusses conducting a training needs assessment. This doesn’t seem feasible in the time from the award of the contract given that mobilization is needed. Would USAID consider adjusting the due date for this deliverable? If not, please describe what activities are expected for a training needs assessment during this short period of time.

USAID Response: The contractor will work with the technical teams to identify the training needs and develop the Annual Training Plan. Training Needs Assessments of a particular sector and organization will be conducted on a need basis. The Mission does not see any need for adjustment in the due date for submission of Training Plan.

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment J.7 – Please provide a Word version of the Contractor Performance Report.

USAID Response: MS Word version of attachment J.7 is uploaded on FBO.gov.

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1. Page 103, L.5.1.1.2, Format, specifies “The Offeror must submit its proposal in the format as follows:

(1) Microsoft Word for the Technical Proposal.” For ease of submission, would USAID consider allowing a PDF submission with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for the Technical Proposal?

USAID Response: USAID is not making any changes in the proposal submission requirements. The proposal must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of Section-L of the solicitation.

2. Page 106, Section L.6.4.a.1: The instructions direct the offeror to ‘list in an annex to the technical proposal up to three of the most recent and relevant awards . . .” The second point in this section clarifies what type of information should be listed for contracts that are not in CPARS. Can USAID please clarify if Attachment J.7 - Contractor Performance Report should be used for all awards, regardless of CPARS?

USAID Response: The form provided in Section J.7 shall be used for all contracts that are not in CPARS. Section “L.6.4 Contractor Performance Information” of the solicitation is amended to provide more clarity.

3. Page 107, Section L.6.5.3.: Do we need to submit three completed letters for each candidate or the contact information only? (Reads like the former.)

USAID Response: Three completed letters for each candidate is required.

4. Page 108, Section L.7.2.c.4, Detailed Budget, “Offerors must allocate a minimum of $11,000,000 over the life of the project for the Participant Training Activities. These funds are included in the estimated cost range, and this line item only includes funds to be disbursed. Costs for administration of the fund shall appear in other line items” – Can you USAID please further explain what they mean by the above paragraph?

USAID Response: Offerors must allocate a minimum of $11,000,000 over the life of the project for the Participant Training Activities. These funds are included in the estimated cost range, and this line item shall only include funds to be disbursed directly for Participant Training Activities. Costs for administration of the training activities shall appear in other line items. Section L.7.2.c.4 is amended to provide more clarity.

5. Page 108, L.7.2, Proposed Costs/Prices – For the $11 million plug for Participant Training Activities, USAID notes that it only includes funds to be disbursed. Please clarify what is meant and how this ties back to Section C requirements.

USAID Response: Section C.3 of the solicitation provides an illustrative table of number of participants and events expected during the five year life of the activity. Offerror must estimate how this amount will be allocated between the project years, bearing in mind the events and trainings listed in Section C.3. To provide more clarity, Section “L.7.2 Part 2: Proposed Costs/Prices” is amended.

6. Page 109, Section L.7.2.1.1.iv, Currently, the exchange rate of Pakistani Rupees to US Dollars is

116.28 PRK to 1.00 USD. Would USAID consider allowing offerors to do their own exchange rate analysis or would USAID please provide an updated exchange rate?

USAID Response: Section L.7.2.1.1.iv of the solicitation is amended with revised exchange rate.

7. Page 110, Section L.7.2.1.3.ii, Travel and Transportation states, “All travel shall be budget in coach class business accommodations.” Given that coach class and business class are often two distinct classes (and prices), can you USAID provide further clarification on the type of travel that should be budgeted?

USAID Response: All travel shall be budgeted in economy class accommodations. Section L.7.2.1.3.ii of the solicitation is amended.

8. Page 110, Section L.7.2.1.5, Supplies: Would USAID please consider changing the language in this section to not include type and unit number? There are some supply costs that offerors use historic or average costs for and providing a unit type and number may not be possible.

USAID Response: USAID is not making any change in section L.7.2.1.5. The offeror must comply with the instructions provided in Section-L of the solicitation.

9. In section L.7.2.1 under Supplies, USAID has asked that the Offeror must specify all supplies that it expects to purchase and that the specification must include type, unit number, and unit cost. Because supplies are defined as items that are expected to be fully consumed through use and are not subject to being tracked by established inventory systems (per USAID - ADS - Chapters 331, 518, examples of such supplies are pens, pencils, paper products, diskettes, tape, etc) may the Offeror instead budget for startup and monthly maintenance costs of office consumables?

USAID Response: The offeror must comply with the instructions provided in Section-L of the solicitation.

10. Page 111 and 112, Section L.7.2.1 includes #7 Participant Training Activities (page 111) and # 8. vi.

Program Activities (page 112). Can USAID please clarify the difference between #8 Program vi.

Activities and those under #7 Participant Training Activities or give an example of what costs would go under Program Activities vs. costs to be included under Participant Training Activities?

USAID Response: Solicitation is amended and requirement for “Program Activities” under section L.7.2.1.8.vi is removed.

11. Page 111, Section L.7.2.1.7.i, Participant Training Activities, indicates that offerors should include $11,000,000 for all participant training activities over the life of the project. Given that Participant Training Activities include costs that fit into other line items in the budget, including travel and transportation (e.g., flights for U.S. short-term programs), subcontract (e.g. STTA consultant to lead in-country training), and other direct costs (e.g. workshop and seminar supplies), where should the offeror include those costs - under 7. Participant Training or under the relevant line item (travel & transportation, subcontract, ODC, etc.)

USAID Response: All costs directly related to the participant training e.g. instructional cost, travel & transportation, and participant cost (accommodation & M&IE etc.) shall be budgeted under Participant Training Activities. Please see ADS 253 for Participant Training Cost.

12. On page 107, Section L.6.5 the RFP says that offerors shall include a Draft Activity Monitoring &

Evaluation Plan as an annex to the technical proposal. However, sections F.6 on p. 31 and C.4.4 on page 19 says that the Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan will flow from the Mission Participant Training Plan. We suggest that the requirement to submit a draft PMP be removed from the list of annexes, as it can only be properly developed once the Mission Participant Training Plan is in place.

USAID Response: The requirement for submission of “Draft Activity Monitoring & Evaluation Plan” is removed. Section “L.6.5 Annexes” is amended to reflect this change.

13. One of the eight Direct Cost line items is Participant Training, which has a plug figure of

$11,000,000. According to B.5 of the RFP, USAID will reimburse for allowable indirect costs on the basis of the contractor’s NICRA. Based on the multitude and varied activities and items USAID has accounted for under the plug figure of Participant training (described in C.4.2.a. – C.4.2.g. and other possible areas mentioned in the above question), does USAID have any guidance or restrictions on indirect cost and fee application on the Participant Training Direct Cost line item. In L.7.2, USAID states that "Costs for administration of the fund shall appear in other line items". If administrative costs cannot be fully recovered through indirect charges, will USAID accept direct costs to support the administration of the fund?

USAID Response: For the purpose of this solicitation, USAID has no specific guidance or restrictions on indirect cost and fee application on the Participant Training Direct Cost line item.

Administrative cost may be budgeted as a direct cost, as long as it is consistent with the offeror accounting practices, in line with the applicable cost principles (FAR Part-31) and instructions provided in Section-L of the solicitation.

14. In section L.7.2.1 under Other Direct Costs/Direct Facilities Cost, USAID has requested specific information for the cost of any facilities need to perform program activities. This includes unit cost (rent), the time period the facilities are needed, and the number of facilities. Since TFP-III is a five year program whose needs for direct facilities are based on assessments and analysis, yet to be developed training strategies, and highly customized training programs, would USAID consider less specific requirements for budget forecasts in this category?

USIAD Response: To evaluate cost in accordance with Section-M of the solicitation, USAID require the information listed in Section-L. The offeror must comply with the instructions provided in Section-L of the solicitation.

15. Can USAID provide detail (including monetary amounts or percentages) of all benefits and allowances authorized by the U.S. Embassy for its CCN employees? This would ensure that all offerors comply with local labor law and host country fringe benefits.

USIAD Response: Please see Section “J.5-Summary of Mission Local Compensation Plan”. In addition, the Offeror must take in to consideration the requirements of AIDAR 752.7007

PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007).

16. Page 106, L.6.4, Contractor Performance Information – It appears that all past performance information should be placed in an annex and not as part of the 20-page technical volume. Should any past performance information be included in the 20-page technical volume?

USAID Response: Yes, the offeror may submit all past performance as an annex to the technical proposal. However, there is no restriction on providing any additional past performance information with in the 20-page technical proposal.

17. Page 106, L.6.4, Contractor Performance Information – This section does not reference Attachment

J.7. Should the attachment be used as the format in providing the required information under L.6.4?

USAID Response: Attachment J.6 is “Information to be included in letter for Key Personnel”.

Whereas, Attachment J.7 is “Contractor Performance Report”. Please use Section J.7 for providing Past Performance Information. Section L.6.4 Contractor Performance Information and Section L.6.5 Annexes are amended to provide additional information and refer the correct attachment.

18. Page 107, L.6.5, Annexes - #4 references attachment J.8, which is the IEE. J.7 is the past performance report format. Is this where USAID would like past performance information for L.6.4 included?

USAID Response: Attachment J.6 is “Information to be included in letter for Key Personnel”.

Whereas, Attachment J.7 is “Contractor Performance Report”. Please use Section J.7 for providing

Past Performance Information. Section L.6.5 Annexes is amended to provide correct reference to the attachment.

19. Page 112, #9 Indirect Costs – v(2) requires that base cost compositions along with derived rates be independently certified by an accounting firm. For small businesses with cost accounting systems, these numbers can be produced directly by the cost accounting system and the data in the cost accounting system is audited by an accounting firm. Is that sufficient to meet this requirement rather than have the accounting firm provide a certified letter on the proposed indirect rates?

USAID Response: The proposed indirect cost rates must be certified through an independent audit by a certified accounting firm. USAID believe that the instructions in section-L of the solicitation on indirect cost are very clear. It is up to offeror on how to meet this requirement.

------- End of Annex - I -------

72039118R00011

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 119

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) (X) DESCRIPTION SEC. (X)

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ______________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

04/30/2018 X

PAKISTAN

USAID/Pakistan Office of Acquistion and Assistance U.S. Embassy Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 Islamabad, 4400, Pakistan

See item 7

1400 06/18/2018

Faisal Jawad fjawad@usaid.gov

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

Alina Menicucci

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

Solicitation No.: 72039118R00011

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

STANDARD FORM 33

SECTION B—SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE

B.3. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4. BUDGET

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS

B.6. REIMBURSABLE COSTS

B.7. PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

B.8. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING

SECTION C—STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. PURPOSE

C.2. BACKGROUND

C.3. STATEMENT OF WORK

C.4. SPECIFIC TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

C.5. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

C.6. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

C.7. GENDER CONSIDERATIONS

C.8. STAFFING AND ORGANIZATION

C.9. CONTRACTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION D—PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2. BRANDING

D.3. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

SECTION E—INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE . 29

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

SECTION F—DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE . 30

F.2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4. AUTHORIZED WORK DAY/WEEK

F.5. REPORTS/DELIVERABLES

F.6. SUBMISSION SCHEDULE

SECTION G—CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

G.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

G.4. TECHNICAL DIRECTION

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G.5. PAYMENT & PAYING OFFICE

G.6. AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION OF PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

G.7. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

SECTION H—SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

H.2. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.3. DEFENSE BASE ACT INSURANCE AND SERVICES

H.4. 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

H.5. AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012)

H.6. AIDAR 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004)

H.7. AIDAR 752.7036 IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)

H.8. AIDAR 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS

(AUGUST 2013)

H.9. AIDAR 752.204-72 USAID FACILITIES AND USAID'S INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (MAY 2016) (DEVIATION NO. M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-16-2C)

H.10. ADS 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (NOVEMBER

2017) 50

H.11. ADS 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA

LIBRARY (DDL) (OCTOBER 2014)

H.12. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM

H.13. ANTI-FRAUD HOTLINE

H.14. AMMONIUM NITRATE AND CALCIUM AMMONIUM NITRATE

RESTRICTION (SEP 2011)

H.15. SECURITY CONDITIONS AND REPORTING

H.16. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

H.17. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.18. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATION TO INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES

H.19. LOGISTIC SUPPORT

H.20. PROHIBITION OF ASSISTANCE TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS

H.21. AMERICAN CITIZENS SERVICES REGISTRATION

H.22. 52.203-99 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT

REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (JULY 2016) .. 58

H.23. NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

H.24. MANAGING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

SECTION I—CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K—REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

SECTION L—INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

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Acronym List

ADS USAID’s Automated Directives System TFP-III Training for Pakistan – III AIDAR USAID Acquisition Regulation CCN Cooperating Country Nationals CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO Contracting Officer COP Chief of Party COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

CPARS Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

CPFF Cost plus Fixed Fee CSO Civil Society Organization DEC USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse DFID U.K. Department for International Development DO Development Objective DQA Data Quality Assessment DUNS Data Universal Numbering System EU European Union

EXO/SSO USAID’s Executive Office/Security & Security Office

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation FMD Financial Markets Development GOP Government of Pakistan GST Pakistan’s General Sales Tax ICT Information Communication and Technology IMF International Monetary Fund NGO Non-governmental organization NICRA Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement OAA USAID’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance OPM USAID’s Office of Program Management PII Personally Identifiable Information RFP Request for Proposal SAM System for Award Management SOW Scope of Work STTA Short-Term Technical Assistance TA Technical Assistance TCN Third Country Nationals USAID United States Agency for International Development USAID CST USAID Contractor Salary Threshold USG United States Government VAT Value Added Tax

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SECTION B—SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B.1. PURPOSE

The purpose of Training for Pakistan-III (TFP-III) is to provide participant training services for capacity development of USAID/Pakistan’s contractors, grantees, partners under government-to-government assistance programs, and directly to the Mission.

B.2. CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion contract. For the consideration set forth in the contract, the Contractor for TFP-III (“Contractor”) must provide the deliverables and outputs described in Section C and Section F.

B.3. TOTAL ESTIMATED COST AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The total estimated cost for the performance of the work required for the contract, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The fixed fee, if any, is $TBD. The total estimated cost plus fixed fee, if any, is $TBD.

(b) The total obligated amount available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the

Contractor (and payment of fixed fee, if any) for performance under the contract is $TBD. The Contractor must not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) 52.232.22, “Limitation of Funds”. In accordance with Section-F, the Contractor must not exceed the Pre-Mobilization Budget to be proposed by the Contractor after award until otherwise notified in writing by the Contracting Officer.

B.4. BUDGET

Line Item Total

1. Personnel $

2. Fringe Benefits $

3. Travel and Transportation $

4. Equipment $

5. Supplies $

6. Subcontracts

7. Participant Training Activities $ 11,000,000

8. Other Direct Cost (ODC) $

TOTAL DIRECT COST $

9. Indirect Cost $

TOTAL ESTIMATED COST (EXCLUDING FIXED FEE) $

10. Fixed Fee $

TOTAL COST PLUS FIXED FEE $

(a) The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any

6 | P a g e of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor, does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract. Also, the Contractor must not adjust these amounts without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.

(b) The Contractor agrees to furnish data that the Contracting Officer may request on costs expended or accrued under this contract.

(c) Without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must not exceed the total estimated cost set forth in the budget or the total obligated amount, whichever is less.

B.5. INDIRECT COSTS

(a) Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, USAID/Pakistan will reimburse allowable indirect costs on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases pursuant to the contractor’s current executed Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA):

Description Rate Base Type Period

% 1/ 1/ 1/

1/ Base of Application:

Type of Rate:

Period:

(b) The Contractor will make no change in its established method of classifying or allocating indirect costs without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

B.6. REIMBURSABLE COSTS

(a) The U.S. dollar costs allowable will be limited to reasonable, allocable, and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 31 (Contract Cost Principles), FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment,” FAR 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” FAR 52.232-20, “Limitation of Cost,” and FAR 52-232-22, “Limitation of Funds,” if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, “Documentation for Payment.”

B.7. PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

(a) Fixed Fee under this Contract is [TBD]. In accordance with FAR clause 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee”, 1/60th of [TBD] will be paid every month over the period of five years. Remaining Fee will be paid on successful completion of the project.

(b) In accordance with FAR clause 52.216-8 “Fixed Fee”, USAID reserves the right to withhold a reserve not to exceed $100,000. The Contracting Officer shall release 75 percent of all fee withholds under this contract after receipt of an adequate certified final indirect cost rate proposal covering the year of physical completion of this contract, provided the Contractor has satisfied all other contract terms and conditions, including the submission of the final patent and royalty reports, and is not delinquent in submitting final vouchers on prior years’ settlements.

The Contracting Officer may release up to 90 percent of the fee withholds under this contract

7 | P a g e based on the Contractor’s past performance related to the submission and settlement of final indirect cost rate proposals.

B.8. MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT AND CANCELLATION CEILING

USAID/Pakistan considers this contract non-severable. Therefore, as a multi-year contract as defined in FAR 17.103, the contract remains subject to the requirements contained in FAR 17.106. However, as a cost-reimbursement contract, USAID/Pakistan will authorize the reimbursement for all allowable costs incurred by the Contractor pursuant to FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” As a result, the Contractor will not incur any costs that require amortization over the contract’s period of performance in the event that the Contracting Officer cancels the contract pursuant to FAR 52.217-2. Thus, $0 will serve as the cancellation ceiling for each cancellation date. Accordingly, no requirement to include cancellation dates in the contract exists.

[END OF SECTION B]

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SECTION C—STATEMENT OF WORK

Training…