Attachment J.14 Questions and Answers.pdf

Attachment J.14 Request for Proposals 72039120R00004

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Mobilization Activity (KPRM) Questions and Answers l

S.# QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1. On page 100, Section L.7.c Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices, USAID states that for Fixed Fee, “The Offeror must incorporate fixed fee amounts tied to the deliverables in F.6 (25 percent) and indicator/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C (75 percent). The Offeror is not required to tie fee to all of the indicators/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C, but must select more complex indicators/targets while showing a progressive achievement of results over the life of the contract. The Offeror must propose an overall target that increases annually as well as a “minimum achievement” target which must be greater than zero.”

Considering that the in-country operating environment in Pakistan is often subject to unforeseen delays and challenges (including the changing of staff at GoP entities as well as security related incidences), would USAID reconsider its request to have 75 percent of fixed fee tied to indicators? While offerors are likely to be confident in their ability to achieve output and outcome indicators, having said indicators tied to fixed fee puts an immense amount of risk on the offeror/implementing partner as well as on the client.

USAID’s requirement for a Fixed Fee outlined under Section L.7.c Part 2 “Proposed Cost/Prices”, Sub-Section 3. “Budget Line Item Definitions” with regards to deliverables and indicators/targets remains unchanged.

2. On Page 2, Attachment J.1, section 1.3 Period of Performance, USAID states that the required performance period is four years (two years with additional two optional years), however page 6 (Section J.7 Performance Work Statement Results and Indicators) asks for results and indicators for 5 years of implementation. Please clarify.

As stated under Attachment J.1, Section J.3, the period of performance is anticipated to be a two-year activity with the possibility of two one-year extensions in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Additionally, Section F.2 Period of Performance states “The period of performance for this contract is two years, plus 2 one-year option periods.”

Section J.7 governing “Performance Work Statement Results and Indicators” of the “Statement of Objectives,” which is attached to the Request for Proposals as Attachment J.1, has been amended to reflect this implementation period.

3. On page 9, Attachment J.1, section J.8 Key Guiding Principles for Implementation, under the “Sustainability”, it says, “The Contractor will effectively and accurately assess both the commitment and capacity of counterparts in NMDs to work in relevant political, social and economic sectors including its ability to work across these sectors.”

We understand the word NMDs is used for GoKP since the Newly Merged Districts do not yet have political and economic institutions.

Please clarify.

NMDs (Newly Merged Districts) refers to the provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pursuant to the 25th Amendment as described under Section J.2 governing the “Scope” in the “Statement of Objectives.”

4. Solicitation Reference F.2(b) Is a separate NOC from the Government of KP needed to implement this project in addition to NOC from Government of Pakistan (Ministry of Interior)?

The offerors are required to complete all Registration and No Objection Certificate requirements of the Government of Pakistan as mentioned under Section F.2(b) of the Request for Proposals.

This will include securing a No Objection Certificate from the provincial Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The contractor is expected to affirmatively research and understand applicable requirements pursuant to implementation.

5. Solicitation Reference F.3 (a) & (b) Is a successful bidder required to travel and implement activities in Newly Merged Districts (NMDs)? If so, can USAID please provide an estimation of percentage of work to be implemented in NMDs?

Under this Solicitation, the contractor can put forth its own proposal, which would involve more or less travel within the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs). Any such travel would need to be informed by security conditions on the ground and the operational environment. USAID/Pakistan is not dictating a specific percentage of work to be implemented in the NMDs.

6. Solicitation Reference H.19 (b) Would USAID allow Unique Condition Work Allowance (UCWA) as part of local compensation plan for CCNs?

In addition to Section H.19(b) of the Request for Proposals, the offerors should also refer to Section L.7.c, Subsection 3. Budget Line Item Definition, Salary, that states “Direct salary and wages should be proposed in accordance with the Offeror’s personnel policies and meet the regulatory requirements.” The offerors should propose direct salary and wages in accordance with their organizational personnel policies.

7. Solicitation Reference Attachment J.1Section J.7 Can {Redacted Name} propose more indicators in the proposal in addition to those mentioned in section J.7?

The statement of objectives gives the offeror an opportunity to come up with the approach they want to adopt in order to achieve the Goal and the three mandatory objectives.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, Attachment J.1 is amended to reflect the necessary changes to the required and illustrative indicators. The offeror may change indicators, add additional indicators, or use its own indicators.

8. What is USAID’s preferred name for this activity? "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Mobilization Activity" or "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Resource Mobilization Activity”?

USAID’s name for this activity is "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Mobilization Activity’’.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, Section B.1 Purpose and Section D.3 have been amended.

9. Sections B.5 Contract Budget, and B.5.a of the RFP note that “the Contractor must not adjust [contract line item] 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.” In section B.2 however, The terms and conditions specified under Sections B.2 and B.5 of the Request for Proposals remain unchanged.

the RFP states that the contract type is a CPFF Completion type contract and that the “Contractor must perform the services and provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C, D, and F.” Given that the contract type is a CPFF-Completion type where the contractor should be held to deliverables and outputs only, we respectfully request that USAID remove the language from B.5 and B.5.a on line item restrictions.”

10. Section H.11 (b) of the RFP states “the contractor is required to request COR concurrence and CO approval for the purchase of non-expendable property that is not identified in the approved budget as required by CIB 92.25 available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/defailt/files/docurments/1868/cib92_ 25.pdf.”

Per the noted website, CIB 92.25 has been archived. Can USAID kindly provide an updated reference for this requirement?”

Archived CIB 92-25: Non-Expendable AID-Owned Property in Contractor's Custody is replaced by AIDAR Clause 752.245-70 Government property, which is mentioned in Section H.11(a) of the Request for Proposals.

11. Section H.19 (b) of the RFP requires offerors to adhere to a Local Employee Compensation Plan. We respectfully request that the above-mentioned salary restriction be removed from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section I.1, which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold.

The salary restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.700.

The offeror’s established Local Employee Compensation Policy must be in accordance with AIDAR 722.170 and AIDAR 752.7007 respectively.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/defailt/files/docurments/1868/cib92_25.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/defailt/files/docurments/1868/cib92_25.pdf

12. Section L.6.c.7 requires three past performance information sheets, each not to exceed 3 pages. USAID has also provided Attachment J.9 Past Performance Matrix in Excel.

Could USAID kindly confirm whether offerors should use the Matrix or past performance reference sheets?

Offerors are required to submit both the Past Performance Information sheets and duly filled out Attachment J.9 Past Performance Matrix in Excel.

13. Section L.6.c.8 on Page 97 states “Annex C: List of Recent eSRS reports, as set forth in Section L.6 below; additionally, please include the narrative described in Section L.6.c.8.” Section L.6.c.8 in the RFP concerns the First Year Work Plan and Mobilization Plan. Could USAID confirm the appropriate narrative USAID intended?

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, Page 97, reference to Section L.6.c.8 is being replaced by Section L.6.c.7(d)(3)(B).

14. On page 102-103, Section L.7.c Part 2, Seb section 3, Fixed Fee states that “the Offeror should use the structured approach offered by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) to show its analysis” on fee. Can USAID kindly provide the GSA structured approach or confirm if the Offeror should follow the USAID guidelines on fee structure?”

The Offerors can formulate a fee structure by using USAID guidelines (FAR 15.404-4) on fee structure and must explain the basis of its fee estimation, including the proposed basis of calculation, percentage and maximum dollar amount.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation is being amended to reflect an update to Section L.7.c Part 2, Sub section 3.

15. Section F, Page 17 – Section F.3 states, “The Contractor shall perform services in Pakistan described in Section C above through office in Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).” However, in Section L.7.c on Page 102 the RFP states, “USAID anticipates that the contractor will have a central office based in Islamabad, Pakistan.”

Please confirm that USAID anticipates one office only in Peshawar.

USAID anticipates one office only in Peshawar.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation is being amended to consistently reference a single office in Peshawar.

16. Section I, Pages 68-70 – Please confirm that Partner Information forms do not need to be submitted as part of the cost proposal.

Partner Information forms are not required to be submitted as part of the cost proposal.

Offerors in the competitive range will be asked to submit the Partner Information form directly to the designated vetting official specified in Section I.11(d).

17. Section L, Pages 96-99 – With reference to Sections L.6.c and L.6.c.7 regarding the required past performance information, please clarify what information is to be included in the body of the proposal, as opposed to the annexes.

As part of the technical proposal, the offerors must present information that demonstrates their relevant past performance to successfully manage programs of similar nature, size and complexity. As part of the annexes, offerors are required to submit both the Past Performance Information sheets and duly filled out Attachment J.9 Past Performance Matrix in Excel.

18. Section L, Pages 96-97 – With reference to Section L.6.c, regarding Annex A: Detailed MEL Plan, the RFP states, “See section L.6.c.6,” which are instead the instructions for the chapter on Organizational and Management Capacity. Will USAID provide additional instructions for Annex A?

Annex A: Detailed MEL Plan is in F.6.5 instead of L.6.c.6

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation has been amended to reflect the presence of the MEL Plan in Section F.6.5.

19. Section L, Page 97 – With reference to Section L.6.c, regarding Annex C: List of Recent eSRS Reports, the RFP states, “please include the narrative described in Section L.6.c.8,” but that section appears to be missing. Will USAID provide additional instructions for Annex C?

Please refer to answer No. 13

20. Section L, Page 97 – With reference to Section L.6.c, regarding Annex D: Small Business References, the RFP states, “See Section L.7,” which are the Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost Proposal. Will USAID provide additional instructions for Annex D?

Annex D: Small business reference - is referenced in L.6.c.7(d) not L.7.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation is being amended to reflect the presence of Small Business References in Section L.6.c.7(d).

21. Section L, Page 98 – With reference to Section L.6.c.7, please confirm that only the offeror and major subcontractors must submit performance information.

Please also confirm that the offeror and major subcontractor may each submit three.

Section L.6.c.7(a) requires both the offeror and the major subcontractor to each submit three past performance references.

22. Section L, Page 103 – Section L.7.c states, “Further, the fixed fee calculation should only include the direct costs of the Prime Offeror less the costs of the subcontractor(s)’s proposed fee, if any, as the base of calculation.”

Will USAID consider removing or revising this language for offerors to apply fixed fee calculation according to their policies and procedures, which may include the subcontractor(s)’s proposed fee in the base of the calculation?

The terms and conditions specified under Section L.7.c of the Request for Proposals remain unchanged.

23. Section L, Page 103 – Section L.7.c states, “Grants under Contract must also be excluded as they are covered by the Grants Fee described below.” Please confirm that USAID does not envision a Grants under Contract pool under this activity.

There are no Grants under Contract pool under this activity.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation is being amended to remove the language on Grants Under Contract in the first paragraph on page 103 and all additional references to grants.

24. Section L, Page 107 – With reference to Section L.7.j, USAID states that the Offeror must submit a separate list of all known subcontractors, sub-awardees, as well as resource partners (i.e., organizations collaborating with the Offeror in a partnership) and that the list should be included in Annex B of the technical proposal.

Please confirm that Offerors should include this list in Annex B of the technical proposal rather than in the cost proposal.

Offerors must strictly follow the requirement as stated on page 107 to provide the list within Annex B of the technical proposal. The requirement in Section L.7.j holds.

25. Section L – In the solicitation USAID does not mention requiring key personnel CVs as an annex. Will USAID allow Offerors to add these documents to the submission as an annex to the technical proposal?

The Offerors can provide the key personnel CVs as an Annex.

26. Section L – With reference to the instructions for the preparation of the cost proposal, will USAID provide an exchange rate to ensure more consistent comparisons among bidders?

USAID operates in the currency of United States Dollars.

Any reference to an exchange rate should be expressed and clearly articulated by each offeror.

27. Section M, Page 109 – Section M does not mention what role monitoring and evaluation has in the evaluation factors for award.

Offerors are instructed to include the MEL plan in an Annex.

Should Offerors assume that the M&E approach will be evaluated as part of the technical approach?

M&E approach will be evaluated as part of the technical approach.

28. Attachment J.1, Page 1 – The SOO notes that the KPRM activity will contribute to sub-IR 1.2.3: Civic engagement increased. Can USAID provide a definition of how “civic engagement” is defined in the Mission’s PMP?

Civic engagement, particularly among women and marginalized groups, increases trust between citizens and the local government;

it is an important way for citizens to hold their government accountable. Due to the historical lack of proper governance in former FATA, there had not been adequate engagement between communities in FATA and their representatives. As Government of Pakistan reforms move forward and as the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), formerly known as FATA, become incorporated into the Government of KP as per the 25th Amendment, USAID will support activities that promote frequent dialogue and consultations between the NMD communities and their local government representatives, including trainings for community organizations on how to engage with local governments, and activities that promote the participation of citizens and civil society organizations in social service delivery, natural resources management, and local budget processes.

USAID will support interventions to increase awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities. Increasing awareness of citizen’s rights will particularly be important for women, who have traditionally been left out of community dialogue and have had no legal representation within the jirga system. USAID will also work to electronic build the capacity of Pakistani civil society organizations and U.S. NGOs to work with the government to promote the civic engagement of women and marginalized groups.

Stakeholders at all levels (public and private sectors, elected representatives, local bodies, and communities) will be engaged to improve oversight of government performance. By supporting a transition to a more open and accountable government, Pakistan’s commitment to self-reliance is strengthened.

29. Attachment J.1, Page 4 – The SOO states, “On the tax administration side, the representative bodies from unorganized market sectors are not connected to the public sector at large, which creates a gap in formulating effective policies.” Please explain what is meant by “representative bodies from unorganized market sectors” and specify the representative bodies to be addressed by

KPRM.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, the solicitation Attachment J.1 “Statement of Objectives” is being amended to remove the language, “On the tax administration side, the representative bodies from unorganized market sectors are not connected to the public sector at large, which creates a gap in formulating effective policies.”

30. Attachment J.1, Page 4 – The SOO states that KPRA’s “business processes and documentation remain paper-based.” Can USAID please specify which processes and documentation are paper-based, given that KPRA already has an e-registration and e-filing system in place for GSTS declarations?

E-filing is mandatory at KPRA for the taxpayers but the KPRA itself is still paper-based which makes the organization less effective. Building the internal capacity of the Revenue Authority will make it more effective and positively affect the revenue generation. The details under section J.5 Problem of Attachment J.1 provides background in strengthening the institutional capacity of KPRA by improving its systems.

31. Attachment J.1, Pages 4-5 – Under Objective 1, the objective-level result is listed as “increased percentage of tax declarations filed,”

The Performance Indicator Reference Sheet for the KPI’s is not developed yet, however the complete procedure for e-filing of a whereas under Other Key Performance Indicators on Page 7, the indicator is listed as “increased percentage of declarations filed electronically.” Could USAID please clarify:

a. Are this result and KPI meant to be one and the same?

b. Given that e-filing is now mandatory at KPRA, how is this KPI defined?

return is prescribed under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sales Tax on Services (Filing of Returns) Rules, 2013, and the contractor is expected to review that guidance thoroughly.

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, Attachment J.1 is amended to reflect the necessary changes to the required and illustrative indicators.

32. Attachment J.1, Page 5 – Under IR 1.1, the first sub-result listed is “online systems on GST registration developed.” Given that KPRA already has an e-registration system in place, can USAID please clarify what is expected under this sub-result?

KPRA has an existing e-registration system in place, however, developing the institutional capacity of KPRA will ensure that staff have the skillset to improve and tailor this existing system to meet institutional needs. We are not looking at developing a new system through this activity.

33. Attachment J.1, Pages 5-7 – Under the overall Goal on Page 5, the second result refers to the “percent of target population” reporting simplified and harmonized business processes, whereas under Required Indicators on Page 7, the indicator for the same result refers to the “percent of taxpayers.” Can USAID please define the target population for this indicator, e.g. active taxpayers and/or inactive (e.g., unregistered or non-compliant) taxpayers?

The statement of objectives gives the offeror an opportunity to come up with its own approach in order to achieve the Goal and the three objectives. However, the three objectives are contractually required and must be addressed.

The offerors may use the illustrative indicators and/or identify others that will be used to monitor outputs and outcomes. The proposed MEL plan should include a sufficient number of indicators to accurately reflect achievements and track progress over the life of the contract. There is no set number that should be proposed.

34. Attachment J.1, Pages 5-7 – With reference to the provided indicators, can USAID please provide technical definitions for terminology and outcomes in these indicators, so Offerors have a consistent understanding of USAID’s vision on how to measure success for the KPRM Activity?

Please refer to the Answer No. 33.

a. With reference to the indicator under IR 1.1, “Decreased hours spent by taxpayers to meet revenue obligation,” can USAID please clarify what is meant by “revenue obligation,” and what motivations or roles taxpayers have in it?

b. With reference to the indicator under IR 1.2, “Percent change in awareness of voluntary tax compliance,” can USAID clarify whose awareness (civilian or government) is to be changed, and why the voluntary nature of tax compliance is relevant?

c. With reference to the indicator under IR 2.1, “Number of people demonstrating enhanced capacity on policy analyses,” can USAID specify how it defines “enhanced capacity” for this indicator?

d. With reference to the indicator under Other Key Indicators, “Number of declarations processed electronically,” can USAID confirm if “processed” refers to declarations that are accepted by the KPK government’s electronic tax filing system?

35. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – Under IR2.1, the second sub-result is “number of people demonstrating enhanced capacity on policy analyses.” However, on page 5, the SOO states that the GoKP Finance Department requires capacity-building for tax policy analysis. Can USAID please clarify if IR2.1 is intended to encompass other GoKP staff as well as KPRA staff?

The problem statement/background indicates the general problems related to the capacity of the GoKP departments including the Finance Department. Through this particular activity, USAID intends to work only with KPRA.

36. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – Under Other Key Performance Indicators, the third KPI is listed as “number of people using online GST

The primary beneficiary of the online GST system is the taxpayers including businesses and individuals who are using the system.

system.” Can USAID please clarify if “people” refers to taxpayers (businesses or individuals) rather than the actual number of persons?

If “number of people” is indeed the unit of measurement, can USAID please clarify how this number is to be defined? For example, are we counting the number of tax professionals utilizing the system? Or perhaps the number of staff-persons at each business who are using the system?

37. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – Bullet three of Objective 3 provides the Sub-Objective "Strategy for integration amongst taxation authorities developed". Can USAID please confirm that "taxation authorities" refers only to authorities within KP Province?

Yes, it refers only to authorities within KP Province.

38. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – The RFP cover letter states "USAID/Pakistan intends to award a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract for a period of two years plus 2 one-year option periods from the date of award ...". On Page 6 of Attachment J.1, a "five year implementation period" is referenced, and the Attachment J.2 budget template accounts for a five-year period.

Could USAID please indicate which of these is correct?

Please refer to answer No. 2

39. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – The SOO states, “The PWS must demonstrate an understanding of USAID/Pakistan’s priorities and strategy, as described in the Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).” Could USAID please provide a copy of the

CDCS?

USAID/Pakistan’s Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) is being refined.

Section J.7 of Attachment J.1 has been amended to delete the reference to the CDCS.

40. Attachment J.1, Page 6 – USAID references indicators at the Objective and Intermediate Result level that are “contract objectives/results”, “required,” and “other key performance indicators.” Some of these indicators are listed in multiple categories. Can USAID please clarify which indicators are

Please refer to the answer number 33.

contractually required and thus must be included in Offeror MEL Plans, and which indicators are illustrative only?

41. Attachment J.1, Pages 6, 7, and 15 – The SOO references an “Institutional Development Index.” Can USAID clarify whether this Index is to be developed by the Offeror? Alternatively, is this Index sourced from publicly available data, and if so, can USAID direct Offerors to the source of the data for this Index?

The offeror is required to develop an index to measure the institutional capacity during the life of the activity.

42. Attachment J.1, Page 7 – Under Other Key Performance Indicators, the last KPI is listed as “taxpayers’ perception of services provided.”

Can USAID please clarify what this indicator is intended to measure?

This indicator will measure the general perception of the taxpayers related to overall effectiveness and efficiency of KPRA.

43. Attachment J.1, Page 7 – The SOO states, “The Contractor must collect data on all applicable Foreign Assistance Standard Indicators and the custom indicators of the Mission’s Performance Management Plan.” Can USAID provide a list of all of the applicable indicators from the Mission’s PMP or confirm that all applicable indicators from the Mission’s PMP are currently included in Attachment J.1?

All applicable indicators of the Mission PMP are already included in the Attachment J.1.

44. Attachment J.1, Pages 5-7 – Once the answers to these questions have been provided, can USAID please change the wording of the required indicators to be more precise?

Attachment J.1 is amended to reflect the necessary changes.

45. Attachment J.1, Page 7 – The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning section references the Theory of Change twice, but a Theory of Change is not pointed out in either Attachment J.1 or the RFP.

Could USAID confirm that the Theory of Change is the following quoted text from Page 3 of Attachment J.1 or, if not, provide the Theory of Change? "A more transparent and efficient tax collection system combined with greater awareness and understanding of taxpayers to comply with their legal obligations while holding

The quoted text is the theory of change for this activity.

Attachment J.1 is being amended.

public servants accountable will increase the GoKP’s self-reliance in the short- and long-term as it plans for extending the tax system to the NMDs in the post tax exemption period."

46. Attachment J.1, Page 7 – The SOO lists “other key performance indicators” and notes that some data may be available with KPRA.

For cost planning purposes, can USAID confirm which indicators will have data available with KPRA and whether it is recent enough (and valid) to serve as a baseline?

The contractor is expected to coordinate with KPRA for the baseline information of the illustrative indicators on this point.

47. Attachment J.1, Page 8 – Attachment J.1 references a specific "mapping phase" of the activity. Could USAID please indicate if this is a required activity phase or if this is merely indicative language?

This is an indicative language to emphasize the importance of inclusion and engagement of all stakeholders. Mapping phase refers to the preferred sequence or planning of activities in the inception phase of the activity.

48. Attachment J.1, Page 10 – With reference to the section on Gender Considerations, the SOO refers to a Gender Analysis. Could USAID please clarify if this is a reference to another document or another section of the RFP?

Please refer to Amended Attachment J.1 for the revised language.

49. Attachment J.1, Page 10 – In both Attachment J.1 and Section F.6, the RFP requires a Gender Action Plan as a start-up deliverable.

Section F.6.7 also states that “gender action plans” are required at the activity level for specific interventions. Could USAID please clarify if the activity-level gender action plans are to be included in the Gender Action Plan deliverable due within 60 days of Contract award, or whether these are separate deliverables?

Activity-level gender action plans are to be included in the Gender Action Plan deliverable due within 60 days of the Contract award.

50. Attachment J.1, Page 10 – With reference to the section on Flexibility of Scale and Adaptability, the SOO states, “The contract will operate regionally … The SOO allows for significant variability across the districts…” Given that KP has 35 districts (including the NMDs) and KPRA currently operates in relatively few districts

The contractor will identify the districts in close coordination with KPRA after award. The majority of the effort (2/3rds to 3/4ths) should be directed towards the NMDs and Peshawar District.

outside of Peshawar, what is the anticipated geographic scope of KPRM activities? In how many districts does USAID anticipate that KPRM will conduct taxpayer awareness and/or other activities? If possible, please break down by NMDs and non-NMDs.

51. Attachment J.1, Page 12 – With reference to the section on Cultural Norms, the SOO requires conducting a conflict analysis at start-up, as well as a Do No Harm Analysis “that demonstrates an understanding of the nuanced context of the conflict in each proposed target area.”

a. Can USAID please clarify the difference between the conflict analysis and the Do No Harm analysis? Is the latter also supposed to be performed at start-up, or is it to be performed as needed throughout implementation when the project enters a new geographic area?

b. Additionally, Section F.6 does not list the conflict analysis as a deliverable. Can USAID please clarify if a deliverable is required with this start-up activity?

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals Attachment J.1is amended to remove this requirement.

52. Attachment J.1, Page 13 – Section J.9.6 states, “The vast majority of the activities under the contract will not be in English… all translations need to be thoroughly vetted by the Offeror prior to submission to USAID/Pakistan.”

a. Are all deliverables expected in English and local languages, or is this dictated by the activity?

b. When deliverables are produced in English, does USAID expect them to be translated into Pashto prior to submission to USAID?

The deliverables are expected to be in the language that is dictated by the activity; feasible for the achievement of the objectives as specified in the solicitation.

c. Objective 2 focuses on capacity-building of KPRA staff.

Does USAID expect these activities to be conducted in English or Pashto?

d. Objective 3 focuses on developing strategies for coordination frameworks. Does USAID expect these activities to be conducted in English or Pashto?

53. Attachment J.1, Page 13 – With reference to the section on Language and Translation, the SOO states, “Offeror is required to put their illustrative activities in a tabular form.” Can USAID please clarify if these Results tables are to be included in the Technical Approach or in the MEL annex?

The table is part of the MEL plan.

54. Attachment J.1, Pages 13-15 – Offerors are instructed to fill out a matrix and include a performance standard. Can USAID please define what is meant by “performance standard,” and whether performance standards are to be submitted for each illustrative activity? If performance standards are envisioned as targets, can USAID confirm that those targets that are contingent upon the baseline studies and GoKP data sources listed in the SOO can be listed as “to be determined”?

Please refer to Attachment J.1 Section J.9.6 which states that, “The Offeror is required to put their illustrative activities in a tabular form to indicate what their performance standards will be for the proposed activity and how they propose to monitor the results contributing to the objective as well as the overall goal of the project. Offeror should feel free to add any more required services to achieve the objective and fill the corresponding details in the table accordingly.”

55. Attachment J.3, Page 2 – With reference to the section Direct Labor Salaries, the summary table provided asks Offerors to summarize the number of individuals proposed for each labor category by contract year. Can USAID please confirm:

a. Whether Offerors should include all positions anticipated or just named positions at this point?

The Offeror must include all categories of positions anticipated along with the total number of positions.

b. Whether Offerors should list the total number of positions under each labor category in the column, “Initial Number Proposed”?

56. Attachment J.3, Page 3 - With reference to the section Direct Labor Salaries, can USAID please confirm that Offerors are only to list the named personnel in charts A-D?

The Offeror should list all anticipated (Determined/To Be Determined) personnel in the chart.

57. Attachment J.3, Page 3 – Considering the that the updated Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID Form 1420-17) no longer includes historical salary information in lieu of market value rationale to be provided in box 16 of the form, will USAID consider removing the following requirement? “The Offeror must justify any deviation, if any, between the proposed daily rate and the current daily rate for an individual.”

Attachment J.3, Page 3 of the Request for Proposal has been amended to eliminate the justification of any deviation.

58. On page 96, USAID writes, “Annexes to the technical proposal must be separately tabbed and identified and are limited to the following: Annex A: Detailed MEL Plan (See section L.6.c.6.; not to exceed 10 pages).”

However, Section L.6.c.6 is focused on, “Organizational and Management Capacity.” Can USAID confirm that Annex A:

Detailed MEL Plan should see “Section F.6.5” instead of “Section L.6.c.6”?

The Request for Proposal has been amended to refer to Section F.6.5.

59. On page 97, USAID outlines a request for “Annex F: Mobilization plan (See section L.6.c.8.ii.” Then, on page 22, USAID outlines a request for, “F.6.2 Pre-Mobilization Plan and Budget.”

Information regarding the pre-mobilization plan and budget will be included as part of Annex F.

Can USAID confirm that information regarding the pre-mobilization plan and budget will be included as part of Annex F and not as a separate Annex?

60. In Attachment J.1, USAID outlined required indicators on pages 6-7 (which lists three indicators) as well as in the table on page 13-14 (which lists two indicators)

Can USAID please clarify the final and approved list of required indicators?

Through Amendment number 1 of this Request for Proposals, Attachment J.1 is amended to reflect the necessary changes to the required and illustrative indicators.

61. On page 68, Section I.10, USAID states that, “An offeror that has not passed vetting is ineligible for award.”

Can USAID kindly provide insight as to how long the pre-award vetting process is? As this solicitation is free and open and encourages companies who are not yet operating in Pakistan to apply, it would be helpful to know how long the vetting process is likely to be so this detail can be included in offeror mobilization plans.

The pre-award vetting process takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks in general.

62. On page 100, Section L.7.c Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices, USAID states that for Fixed Fee, “The Offeror must incorporate fixed fee amounts tied to the deliverables in F.6 (25 percent) and indicator/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C (75 percent). The Offeror is not required to tie fee to all of the indicators/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C, but must select more complex indicators/targets while showing a progressive achievement of results over the life of the contract. The Offeror must propose an overall target that increases annually as well as a “minimum achievement” target which must be greater than zero.”

Please refer to answer No. 7

Please confirm that offerors should select indicators (to establish 75 percent of the fee) from the list of the indicators mentioned in J.7 Performance Work Statement Results and Indicators. If offerors should not select indicators from this section, please clarify what indicators should be selected and/or this list of indicators can be found.

63. On page 100, Section L.7.c Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices, USAID states that for Fixed Fee, “The Offeror must incorporate fixed fee amounts tied to the deliverables in F.6 (25 percent) and indicator/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C (75 percent). The Offeror is not required to tie fee to all of the indicators/targets in Attachment J.1 Section C, but must select more complex indicators/targets while showing a progressive achievement of results over the life of the contract. The Offeror must propose an overall target that increases annually as well as a “minimum achievement” target which must be greater than zero.”

Please confirm that offerors can bundle deliverables outlined in F.6 to develop 25 percent of the fee structure.

Yes.

64. On Attachment J.2, Budget Template, please confirm if offerors can add a separate tab to include the proposed fee schedule.

Offerors must submit cost proposals in accordance with Section L.7 and comply with the submission requirements for the Fixed Fee as outlined therein. The Offeror may add line items to the Budget Template if necessary but should comply with the template categories as much as is practical.

65. On page 2, Attachment J.1, Section J.2 Scope, 3) Improve Coordination Frameworks Within and Across Taxation Systems, USAID states that “KPRM activity will be based in Peshawar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP).” Then, on page 102, L.7.c Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices, Section Other Direct Costs, USAID states that “USAID anticipates that the contractor will have a central office based in Islamabad, Pakistan.”

Please confirm that USAID expects the Contractor to establish two offices, one on Peshawar and one in Islamabad.

USAID anticipates one office only in Peshawar.

The Request for Proposals has been amended to consistently reference a single office in Peshawar.

66. Please provide a copy of Attachment J.8. Attachment J.8 is the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, which has been posted along with the Request for Proposals.

Please follow the link below to access the form:

https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/sflll.pdf

67. A Can USAID kindly confirm that Attachment J.8 SF LLL— Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is to be placed in the Cost Proposals with Section K (Part 3)?

The Offeror can submit the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities with its Cost Proposal.

https://eca.state.gov/files/bureau/sflll.pdf