3._SPC_Questions_&_Answers_Round_2.pdf

SPC Questions/Answers (received by December 11, 2018 0800 Hanoi time)

Q1. The Theory of Change states: "If USAID/Vietnam invests in existing Vietnamese institutions promoting greater sustainability by strengthening institutional capacity and the capacity to design and deliver relevant trainings targeting local officials, then these institutions will be competitive...."

I bolded those two words because my question is whether it was intended that there be a comma between them.

That is, do I interpret this as saying that USAID theorizes that if it invests in VN institutions that promote sustainability by strengthening institutional capacity... (as opposed to VN institutions that promote other things or those that promote sustainability by other means), then the institutions will be more competitive. (That's the as-written, "no comma" interpretation.)

Or should I assume a comma and interpret this as meaning that USAID theorizes that USAID's investment in VN institutions will strengthen institutional capacity and thereby promote the sustainability of the institutions themselves (as opposed to sustainability as a broader societal outcome).

This may be hair-splitting, but I am trying to discover whether, in USAID's theory, it matters whether the partner/client institutions have a sustainability focus (no comma), or if USAID is interested solely in bolstering capacity and sustainability of institutions, regardless of the institutions's mission/focus (with comma).

Even with the comma, I might argue that institutions focused on sustainability will add value over and above what one would expect from those that only get as far as transparency and accountability. In other words, I would say that good economic governance should include at least the opportunity to evaluate development proposals and plans from a sustainability perspective. But with the comma, I might not want to take for granted that USAID is thinking about that the same way.

Can you clarify or elaborate on that?

A1. We have slightly amended the Theory of Change. Please see it in the Statement of Objectives attached to this Amendment 2.

Q2. Could USAID please clarify the definition of what qualifies an institution as a “Vietnamese institution” for purposes of this bid? Does the institution need to be located in Vietnam and/or registered in Vietnam? Are there other requirements for an institution to be considered local?

A2. For the purposes of this solicitation, a Vietnamese institution is defined as an existing institution in Vietnam at the time of release of the solicitation that both has some type of mandate to provide capacity training to local officials and has already provided training opportunities related to public administration.

Q3. Could USAID please provide information on which Government of Vietnam institutions were consulted in the development of this RFP so that bidders may consider which Government of Vietnam stakeholders to engage in writing the PWS to facilitate buy-in and streamline program startup?

A3. USAID is looking to the offeror to propose the institutions.

Q4. We have identified some potential local training partners that are Government of Vietnam institutions or government-affiliated institutions.

Q4.1. Would USAID authorize monetary grants under contract to Government of Vietnam institutions under the SPC contract?

Q4.2. Would USAID authorize in-kind grants under contract to Government of Vietnam institutions under the SPC contract?

A4. In general, for both questions Q4.1 and Q4.2, we will look to offeror’s proposal to make a determination whether grants under contract would make sense in the SPC award. Given the requirements of ADS 302, it is unlikely that monetary grants under contract would be approved.

Offerors are responsible for understanding the requirements for working with government institutions outlined in the ADS when putting together their proposal.

Q5. Would USAID please clarify if international public organizations (IPOs) are eligible to participate in this solicitation as either a prime or a subcontractor?

A5. Yes, they are eligible so long as they meet the requirements of geographic code 937 and accept all terms and conditions in the contract, including the audits and records requirements.

Q6. Could USAID kindly provide the results framework for the Trade and Growth Project as noted under Q&A #31, but not attached?

A6. We have attached the Result Framework in this Amendment 2 package. Thank you for the notice.

Q7. I would like to ask if our association [name of an organization] based in France is eligible to submit a proposal.

A7. Based on the information provided, the organization is not eligible to submit a proposal under the authorized USAID geographic code 937.

Q8. What does time and date that the Project starts if our proposal is accepted?

A8. The estimated time and date for the program starts are anticipated around June 2019.

Q9. Even if the proposal does not require to include the budget, can we submit the budget estimation in order to provide more details for what we intend to do?

A9. No.

Q10. Are the budget materials counted in the page limitation?

A10. Please review Section L. See answer A9.

Q11. How many references are expected for each key person? The guideline says there are three but does not mention there are three for each of them or for all three people?

A11. Each Key Personnel must have 3 references.

Q12. How many submissions per (prime) organization are allowed? Is “organization” defined as “campus-wide” or “system-wide”?

A12. One organization can submit only one proposal as a prime contractor. “Organization” is defined as the established legal entity.