SOL-72044219R00005_-Green_Future_Activity-Amendment_2.pdf

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

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

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

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

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

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

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

FACILITY CODE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

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

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

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

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

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

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

15C. DATE SIGNED

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

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

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

PAGE OF PAGES

6. ISSUED BY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X)

CODE

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

Previous edition unusable

Javier O. Castano, Contracting Officer

The purpose of this amendment is to provide responses to the potential offerors’ questions and make necessary changes in the solicitation.

(continued on page 2)

USAID/Cambodia Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) #1 Street 96 Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

To All Potential Offerors 72044219R00005

1 17

See Block 16C

05/03/2019

5/29/2019

72044219R00005, Amendment 02

Specifically, this solicitation is amended as follows:

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

1. At Section D.3 BRANDING STRATEGY, at the sentence that reads “Within 45 days after the award, the Contractor will submit”, DELETE this sentence in its entirety and REPLACE it with the following: “Within 90 days after the award, the Contractor will submit”.

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

2. At Section F.9 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS, update the table to REVISE the due date for deliverable #2 (Annual Work Plan) to read as follows: “Within 90 days after the effective award date, and subsequent annual work plans will be due 60 days prior to the end of the USG Fiscal Year.”

3. At Section F.9 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS, update the table to REVISE the due date for deliverable #3 (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan) to read as follows:

“Within 90 days of the effective award date.”

4. At Section F.9 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS, update the table to REVISE the due date for deliverable #4 (Gender Action Plan) to read as follows: “Within 90 days after the effective award date.”

5. At Section F.9 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS, update the table to REVISE the due date for deliverable #5 (Communication Plan) to read as follows: “Within 90 days of the effective award date.”

6. At Section F.9.2 - Annual Work Plans, under the heading Work Plan Purpose and Standards, DELETE the following bullet:

• “A summary annual budget showing costs for major interventions for each Objective;”

7. At Section F.9.2 - Annual Work Plans, under the heading First Annual Work Plan, DELETE the sentence that reads “The first annual work plan will be due 60 days after the effective award date” and REPLACE it in its entirety with the following: “The first annual work plan will be due 90 days after the effective award date”

8. At Section F.9.2 - Annual Work Plans, under the heading First Annual Work Plan, DELETE the sentence that reads “Together with the first annual work plan, the Contractor will provide a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, Gender Action Plan, Communication Plan, Climate Risk Assessment, Sustainability Plan and Exit Strategy, and Grants Under Contract (GUC) Manual” and REPLACE it in its entirety with the following: “Together with the first annual work plan, the Contractor will provide a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, Gender Action Plan, Communication Plan, Climate Risk Assessment, and Sustainability Plan and Exit Strategy.”

9. At Section F.9.3 – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, DELETE the sentence that reads “It is to be submitted for approval within 60 days of the effective award date.” and REPLACE it in its entirety with the following: “It is to be submitted for approval within 90 days of the effective award date.”

10. At Section F.9.4 – Gender Action Plan (GAP), at the sentence that reads “The Contractor will submit a draft Gender Action Plan (GAP) within 60 days after the effective award date”, DELETE this sentence in its entirety and REPLACE it with the following: “The Contractor will submit a draft Gender Action Plan (GAP) within 90 days after the effective award date.”

11. At Section F.9.5 - Communication Plan, at the sentence that reads “The Contractor will submit a

Communication Plan within 60 days of the effective award date”, DELETE this sentence in its entirety and REPLACE it in its entirety with the following: “The Contractor will submit a Communication Plan within 90 days of the effective award date.”

SECTION L – INSTRUCITONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

12. At Section L.7.1(i), DELETE the sentence that reads “The Offeror must use the Contractor Past

Performance Information template as per Attachment J.4 as the Annex G of the technical proposal” in its entirety and REPLACE it with the following: “The Offeror must use the Contractor Past Performance Information template as per Attachment J.4 as the Annex F of the technical proposal”

13. At Section L.8 – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, DELETE the requirements for “VI. Management and

Staffing Plan” in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“VI. Management and Staffing Plan

1) Management and Staffing Plan

2) Key Personnel”

14. At Section L.8 - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, DELETE the following requirement for technical proposal submissions: “VII. Past Performance Information”

15. At Section L.8 – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, CHANGE the technical proposal section number from “VIII. Annexes” to “VII. Annexes”

16. At Section L.8 – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, DELETE the list of annexes and REPLACE it with the following:

“Annex A: Table summarizing the proposed minimum qualification requirements of the Key Personnel positions, and the qualifications of each candidate;

Annex B: Key Personnel resumes with references (limit of 4 pages per individual);

Annex C: Letters of Commitment of Key Personnel;

Annex D: Preliminary Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Table;

Annex E: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Approach (limit of 10 pages); and

Annex F: Contractor Past Performance Information (Attachment J.4)”

17. At Section L.9.1, Part 6 – Subcontractor Information, at the second bullet, DELETE “and applicable terms and conditions”.

18. At section L.10 – INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (BIP) AND MARKING PLAN (MP), at the sentence that reads “The Offeror should submit a preliminary BIP and MP (not to exceed two pages) as a separate annex to the cost/business proposal (Annex F).”, DELETE this sentence in its entirety and REPLACE it with the following “The Offeror must submit a preliminary BIP and MP (not to exceed two pages) as a separate annex to the cost/business proposal.”

SOLICITATION ATTACHMENTS

19. In Attachment J.5(1), DELETE the sentence that reads “This Activity is proposed for five years, o/a December 2019 through December 2024” in its entirety and REPLACE it with the following: “This Activity is proposed for five years, o/a October 2019 through October 2024.”

QUESTIONS IN RESPONSE TO 72044219R00005

20. See Annex 1 for questions and answers

ANNEX 1 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

General Question

1. Because the RFP was released on May 3, 2019 and the proposal submission deadline is June 7th

(effectively June 6th for US-based small business offerors) this means that—allowing for the Memorial Day US holiday—there are only 24 business days available to prepare offers. And during this time period, there are, additionally, 8 local Cambodian public holidays. This array of (especially) local holidays greatly impedes communication with local organizations and local staff.

This proposal requires several unusual elements: a Performance Work Statement, associated fee schedules and cancellation ceilings, and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. The combination of brief response period, multiple extra proposal elements, and extensive public holidays presents a significant obstacle to developing strong, responsive proposals meeting USAID’s needs. In addition, the opportunity was only announced to be set-aside for Small Businesses one month prior to the release of the solicitation, limiting the amount of time available for Small Businesses to seriously consider it and more actively prepare for it.

Question: Will USAID therefore please consider extending the proposal submission deadline until June 27, 2019?

Answer: See Solicitation Amendment #01.

Section D

2. Question: Section D.3 Branding Strategy (p. 7) requires submission of a Detailed Communication

Plan within 45 days of award; Section F.9 (p. 14) requires submission within 60 days. Please clarify.

Answer: See specific changes.

Section F

3. Question: Section F.9 (p. 14) states the GUC Manual is due within 90 days of the effective award date; Section F.9.2. (p. 16) states the GUC manual is to be submitted with the First Annual Work Plan 60 days after the effective award date; Section F.9.6. (p. 19) also requires submission within 90 days of the effective award date. Please clarify the submission deadline.

4. Section F.9.2 Annual Work Plans, First Annual Work Plan says “… Together with the first annual work plan, the Contractor will provide a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan, Gender Action Plan, Communication Plan, Climate Risk Assessment, Sustainability Plan and Exit Strategy, and Grants Under Contract (GUC) Manual.” (RFP p. 16). But RFP Section H.11. (c) states that “Low climate risk does not require the development of specific plans to address climate risk… An initial CRM assessment is included in the IEE, which determined that this is a LOW risk.” (RFP p. 33)

• Question: Can USAID please confirm our understanding that a Climate Risk Assessment is NOT required to be submitted together with the First Annual Work Plan or subsequent Work Plans unless any moderate or high climate risks are discovered?

Answer: A Climate Risk Assessment is NOT required unless any moderate or high climate risks are discovered during implementation.

• Question: Can USAID please confirm that the GUC Manual is due within 90 days of the effective award date, and not with the first Annual Work Plan?

Answer: Yes, see specific changes.

• Question: Given the limited budget and associated limitations in LTTA team size, Home Office and Short-Term Technical Assistance staffing support, will USAID consider allowing 90 days for submission of the Gender Action Plan (which also needs to be based on a Gender Analysis, see: F.9.4, RFP p. 18) and MEL plans, so that it would be required no less than 30 days after submission of the First Annual work plan?

5. Question: Section F.9.2 Annual Work Plans states “At a minimum, the work plan will include:…A summary annual budget showing costs for major interventions for each Objective;…” Given the limited budget available for this project, and the additional effort required to track and estimate budgets by major interventions, let alone Objectives, we respectfully request that USAID delete this requirement from the Annual Work Plans.

6. Question: Section F.9.2 (p. 16) states that a Climate Risk Assessment and Sustainability Plan and Exit Strategy are due with the first annual work plan. These two components are not included in the table in Section F.9. Please clarify requirements of these two components.

Answer: A Climate Risk Assessment is required to be submitted with the first annual work plan, if applicable. The Exit Strategy is to be submitted as part of the Annual Work Plan.

7. Question: Section F.9.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plan says: “The MEL Plan will incorporate the contractor’s final PWS Matrix and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).”

(RFP p.17). Can USAID please confirm that a draft matrix summarizing the Performance Work Statement (PWS) should be included in the Technical Proposal prepared by the Offeror? If so, should it be included as an Annex or as part of Section IV – Technical Requirements, of the Technical Proposal?

Answer: No, a PWS Matrix is not expected in the proposal as this is a request under a Contract deliverable during implementation.

8. Question: Section F.9.8 Geographic Information System (GIS) Data (p. 20); please describe the format and data required for this quarterly submission.

Answer: See ADS 579saa https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/15396/579saa.pdf.

This is only applicable for activities/interventions that have a defined, sub-national, geographic boundary. Activity location data is expected to be collected through an app that is currently being developed for USAID/Cambodia by the USAID GeoCenter. The app standardizes administrative boundaries with the smallest unit at the commune level, and allows entry of point location data for villages or other activity/intervention locations. This Activity location data collection is in alignment https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/15396/579saa.pdf with USAID’s planned roll-out of the Development Information Solution (DIS), currently in pilot phase.

Section G

9. Question: Section G.7 Short-Term Personnel and Meetings (p. 27); please define “short-term personnel” and when travel authorization is required. Is this different than the requirements of Section H.21 (p. 42)?

Answer: Regarding Short-Term personnel, see AIDAR 752.202-1, specifically USAID Definitions Clause—Supplement for USAID Contracts Involving Performance Overseas (JUN 2009), sub-part (f). Regarding travel, see Section H.21 for additional information.

10. Section G.7 (c) Meetings with counterparts: The contractor must inform the COR on all meetings with the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) counterparts, and seek advance concurrence from the COR.

• Question: What is the expected involvement of the Mission related to program implementation or the use of RGC counterparts?

Answer: This Activity is expected to coordinate with the Ministry of Environment.

• Question: At what level does USAID require concurrence with counterparts (sub-national levels e.g. village, commune, district, province) or only when meeting with higher-level counterparts at the national level?

Answer: USAID/Cambodia does not require concurrence for meetings with counterparts at the sub-national level. For any meetings at the Secretary of State level or higher, the Contractor must seek concurrence from the COR.

• Question: At what level does the Mission need to interact with the RGC?

Answer: USAID/Cambodia interacts with the RGC from the commune/village level to the Minister.

• Question: What are examples of activities with RGC where the mission needs to be involved?

Answer: An example of activities with the RGC where USAID/Cambodia needs to be involved is any meeting to discuss the scope and technical approach. USAID/Cambodia does not expect to attend all information gathering or information sharing meetings with sub-national or technical level RGC counterparts. Any requests from the RGC to implement specific activities should be brought to the attention of the COR for concurrence.

Section H

11. Question: Section H2 Authorized Geographical Code says “The authorized geographic code for procurement of goods and services under this award is 937 (the United States, the Recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source). (RFP. p. 28). Can USAID please confirm that regionally based organizations with significant relevant, current work in Cambodia, though otherwise excluded by Geographic Code

937, may nonetheless be considered eligible to become recipients of USAID assistance through Grants under Contract component?

Answer: Only organizations that meet the requirements of Geographic Code 937 will be eligible. See https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310

12. Question: Section H.3 Language requirements says: “(a) The Contractor will produce all reports and deliverables in Standard English.” (RFP p. 28). Can USAID please confirm that communication material including leaflets, posters, videos, etc. for the target audiences under this Activity are not considered contractual deliverables and may be developed only in Khmer without also being translated into English?

Answer: Communication materials for target audiences such as leaflets, posters, and videos do not need to be translated into English. However, a translation may be requested to demonstrate the effectiveness of the messages, and to promote the Activity per the approved Communication Plan.

Section J

13. Question: PART III, Section J refers to SF LLL - DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES that can be accessed at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Please confirm if SF LLL needs to be completed and submitted as part of the Cost Proposal for the Prime and any Major Subcontractors?

Answer: Confirmed. The forms need to be completed for both prime contractor and proposed major subcontractors.

14. Question: Attachment J.3 Summary Local Employees Pay Scale. Can you provide additional criteria (education, years of experience, etc) for the different FSN grade levels or point us to a resource available to find this data?

Answer: The required education, years of experience, knowledge, etc. criteria of the proposed local hire personnel depends on the Offerors’ personnel policies and practices. The salary range provided in Attachment J.3 is to provide the offeror information on the Mission’s prevailing compensation. Please also refer to Page 89 of the solicitation regarding 1. Salaries and Wages. The following grade/level provides general information to offerors regarding the professional level and experience.

FSN 10 -12 Senior level (Technical/Sr. Support staff i.e. Accounting, Financial Analyst/ Procurement/IT)

FSN 7-9 Mid-level (Technicalassistant/Admin/Secretary/Accountant/HR/Procurement/IT)

FSN 4-6 Clerical level (Junior Secretary/Receptionist/Supply clerk)

FSN 1-3 Laborer (Driver, Mail Clerk, Janitor, Operator, etc.)

15. Question: Section J.5 (5) Enabling Environment for Collective Action, second paragraph states “This

Activity aims to increase public access to information necessary for Cambodian citizens to meaningfully engage in decisions that affect them, and to empower citizens to hold the government accountable for carrying out their mandate to protect Cambodia’s environment. The Contractor will seek opportunities for citizen engagement to increase the transparency of institutions that are responsible for protecting Cambodia’s natural resources and improve their responsiveness to the needs of the citizens whose livelihoods depend upon the sustainable management of Cambodia’s https://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/300/310 http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ natural resources.” If there is any open retaliation or opposition by the government against the contractor as a result of communications campaign activities, what safeguards will USAID provide to the contractor and/or how will USAID intervene with the government given the political climate?

Answer: The Statement of Objectives is intended to focus on non-controversial, positive messages.

The Contractor must navigate the dynamic political and economic context in Cambodia to achieve the Objectives.

16. Question: Section J.5 (5) Social and Environmental Safeguards – last sentence states that “The Contractor will provide social land environmental safeguards to be used throughout implementation to ensure personal safety, to protect personal and sensitive information, and to protect the environment and natural resources.” What type of safeguards does the contractor need to take into consideration for personal safety while in the field?

Answer: Safeguarding Contractor staff is the responsibility of the Contractor. Operating conditions in Cambodia include risks to the safety of implementing partners and beneficiaries. Some risks to USAID implementing partners include disclosure of personal information, and cyber-security risks.

For implementing partners working in rural areas, risks include dangerous road and travel conditions, and conflict between forest patrols and illegal loggers. This Activity is not intended to work extensively in remote areas. The Contractor should assess potential risks to staff and beneficiaries, and have plans in place to mitigate and respond to potential risks.

17. Question: Section J.5 (5) Geographic focus areas states “This Activity will have a national audience,” however, it also re-iterates that USAID/Cambodia’s biodiversity projects cover the Prey Lang extended landscape (PLL) and Eastern Plains (EPL) (Attachment J.5, Section 5). National level advocacy is needed to support protection of EPL and PLL, so it is still not entirely clear what the geographic scope is for this activity. Would USAID like outreach and communication messages under this activity to be broadcast nationwide, but only focus on PLL and EPL? Or would USAID like nationwide outreach and communication messages to cover all of Cambodia’s forested landscapes (e.g. including the Cardamoms, as well as PLL and EPL)?

Answer: This Activity is expected to define target audiences for the most effective protection of Cambodia’s forests and biodiversity. These target audiences may include a nationwide audience, an urban audience, or communities living in or near protected areas. The Contractor will have flexibility to work outside of USAID/Cambodia’s current target geographic areas. The Contractor is encouraged to collaborate with other USAID activities and NGOs working to protect forests and biodiversity, and amplify their advocacy and outreach.

18. Question: Section J.5 (5) Geographic focus areas states “This Activity will have a national audience…” and then goes on to highlight work in two geographic areas: Prey Lang and Tonle Sap as well as the Eastern Plains. The Theory of Change section in J. 5 says “This is a nation-wide activity…” (RFP J. 5 p. 10). Can USAID please provide additional guidance on the proportional focus of the work required? Is the work to be more national in scope or more regionally focused?

Answer: USAID/Cambodia intends the Activity to have a high-profile national presence. The Contractor will have flexibility to work outside of USAID/Cambodia’s current target geographic areas. The Contractor will assess the need for a national focus vs. the advantages of working in the current target areas to leverage collaboration with other USAID activities to achieve the Objectives.

19. Section J.5 (5) Harmonization and coordination amongst USAID partners, donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, and others – second bullet states “Develop a public, locally appropriate, sustainable, knowledge management.”

• Question: Will the knowledge management platform be housed within existing USAID systems or will the contractor host the media until program closeout?

Answer: The Contractor should find a sustainable host for the knowledge management platform to be maintained and operated after the Activity ends. This should be included in the Exit Strategy. Any project-specific websites will need additional approvals from USAID.

• Question: As the RFP notes, Facebook is widely used in Cambodia and can be a powerful knowledge sharing platforms. In addition, several other online platforms focusing exclusively on data consolidation for Cambodia already exist. Is the Contractor for this activity required to develop a new platform or is the Contractor permitted to leverage or extend existing platforms to fulfill USAID’s objectives?

Answer: The Contractor is permitted to leverage or extend existing platforms. Keep in mind that per Guidance for Standalone Websites (https://www.usaid.gov/info_technology/xweb ) - "USAID stand-alone project sites must be approved by the USAID Website Governance Board prior to site development." Further, per the Graphics Standards Manual (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM_03_05_2019.pdf) - "All websites produced for USAID projects by contractors must have the approval of the Website Governance Board and must display correct disclaimer language as specified in ADS 557." See ADS 302.3.5.19 USAID-Financed Third Party Web Sites for additional information.

20. Question: Section J.5 (5) contains a paragraph on Adaptive Management (RFP J. 5 pp 9-10). But the Cover Letter says USAID/Cambodia is planning a “…five year performance-based, cost-plus-fixed-fee, completion type contract to perform the services described in the attached solicitation.” Can USAID please offer additional guidance to offerors on how these 2 approaches might be reconciled?

Answer: The Performance Work Statement should take into account the need for adaptive management while focusing on the required results as indicated in the Statement of Objectives.

USAID has the right to request a modification to the Performance Work Statement during implementation if necessary.

21. Question: Section J.5 (5) contains a paragraph requiring a “Theory of Change for biodiversity interventions” (RFP J. 5 p. 10) And Result 1.1 requires “Research conducted on (a) target audiences' perceived benefits of biodiversity and forests, and (b) their perceived barriers to protection of biodiversity and forests, particularly in Prey Lang and the Eastern Plains.” (RFP J. 5 p. 5). Since the Result 1.1 Activities will inform the Theory of Change, can USAID please clarify whether Offerors must develop a Theory of Change as part of the proposal, or, alternatively, during the life of the project?

Answer: The Theory of Change may be included as part of the proposal. The Theory of Change may be revised to incorporate learning and adapting throughout implementation of the Activity.

22. Question: Section J.5 (5) Cross-cutting Issues. Are these to be interpreted as guidelines when delivering the objectives/meeting the goals or constraints as to how the objectives should be met?

https://www.usaid.gov/info_technology/xweb https://www.usaid.gov/info_technology/xweb https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM_03_05_2019.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1869/USAID_GSM_03_05_2019.pdf

Answer: Cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, public-private partnerships, and science and technology, should be integrated throughout the interventions and technical approach. The Contractor will be required to report annually on these issues.

Section L

23. Section L.2 (c)(1) says “Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages…” (RFP p. 76). RFP Section L.7.1 (a) says “Electronic responses are required for this solicitation. Hand delivered proposals (including commercial courier) and facsimile transmission will not be accepted.” (RFP. P. 81)

• Question: Can USAID please confirm that only electronic submission is permitted?

Answer: Only electronic submissions of proposals are accepted for this solicitation in accordance with Section L.7.1.

24. Question: Section L.2 (c)(2) The first page of the proposal. May the information required on “the first page of the proposal” be instead included on a cover page that does not count toward the 30 page limit?

Answer: No.

25. RFP Section L.2 (c)(3) says “If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time…” (RFP p.76). The Cover Letter to the RFP says, “All proposals in response to this solicitation must be submitted … no later than June 07, 2019, 0900 (9:00 AM) Cambodia Time.”

• Question: Can USAID please confirm that, unless extended, the submission deadline is June 07, 2019, 0900 (9:00 AM) Cambodia Time?

Answer: See Solicitation Amendment #01.

26. Throughout the solicitation, Past Performance information is required to be submitted in three separate instances:

1) Section L.7.1 (i) in advance by May 31, 2019 (p.81);

2) Under section 7 of the Technical Proposal (Section L.8, p. 83); and

3) As Annex F (Section L.8, p. 83).

• Question: These seem to be duplicative requirements. Please confirm that the only requirement regarding Past Performance information is to submit Annex F in advance by May 31st. If that is not the case, please confirm what past performance information is required to be submitted in the technical proposal and how it relates to page count limit.

Answer: Regarding Section L.7.1, see Solicitation Amendment #01. Regarding Section L.8, early submission of past performance is requested but not required. Accordingly, offerors who have submitted early past performance information do not need to re-submit past performance information in the full proposal. Offerors who do not submit early past performance information must include so per the instructions at L.8. See specific changes for further updates.

27. Question: Section L.8 Technical Proposal. Please confirm that the Acronym List, Table of Contents, Cover Letter, and Past Performance Information (Attachment J.4) do not count toward the 30 p. limit of the Technical Proposal.

Answer: All listed sections, unless otherwise indicated, count towards the stated page limitation. See specific changes above regarding the past performance information section.

28. Question: Section L.8 Technical Proposal states: “The page limitation for the Technical Proposal is 30 pages.” (RFP p.82). Can USAID please confirm that the page limitation for the Technical Proposal of 30 pages excludes the: I. Cover Letter, II. Table of Contents, and III. Acronym List?

Answer: The sections indicated above are subject to the page limitation.

29. Question: Section L.8 says “the overall page limitation for the annexes is 30 pages.” (RFP p.83). Can USAID please clarify if there is a page limit for each individual annex, and if so, what that limit is for each Annex? Can USAID please clarify if there is a page limit for the CVs and if so, what that limit is?

30. Section L.8 Technical Proposal includes conflicting guidance between the outline and the detailed instructions provided in Sub-Sections L.8.1, and L.8.3: Please confirm the following:

• Question: The Preliminary Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Table will be included as Annex D of the Technical Proposal, and not under Section IV. Technical Requirements (p. 84)?

Answer: Correct.

• Question: The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Approach will be included as Annex E of the Technical Proposal and not as a sub-section (number 3, p. 84) under Section IV.

Technical Requirements?

Answer: Correct.

• Question: Section VI. Management and Staffing Plan of the Technical Proposal will only include two sub-sections: a. Overall Management and Staffing Plan, and b. Key Personnel positions, and not three sub-sections as indicated in the outline: (1) Key Personnel, (2) Management Approach, and (3) Staffing Plan (p. 83)?

31. Question: Section L.8.1 Factor 1 (1) requires a Performance Work Statement with: “…specific interventions and activities proposed to achieve the Activity Goal and Objectives…” and RFP Section L.8.1 Factor 1 (2) requires additionally a Technical Approach with “…approach, interventions, and methodologies fulfill the SOO to achieve the Activity Goals and Objectives.” (RFP pp. 83-4).

Because there appears to be some overlap and lack of definition between the Performance Work Statement, and the Technical Approach, can USAID please clarify what is required in each?

Answer: The Performance Work Statement will be included in the award to replace the Statement of Objectives. Whereas, the Technical Approach of the proposal will provide a narrative discussing how the Offeror will carry out interventions to meet the Activity Goal and Objectives.

32. Questions regarding Section L.8.1 (3) MEL Approach:

• Question: Is a standard indicator for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance programming required for this Activity?

Answer: The solicitation states: “The Contractor will measure USAID indicators for Biodiversity (EG.10.2), Sustainable Landscapes (EG.13), and Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DR.4) that are required, if applicable” (https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/).

• Question: Is a standard indicator for Sustainable Landscapes programming required for this

Activity?

Answer: The solicitation states: “The Contractor will measure USAID indicators for Biodiversity (EG.10.2), Sustainable Landscapes (EG.13), and Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DR.4) that are required, if applicable” (https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/).

• Question: The 2016 Global Climate Change Standard Indicator Handbook states that, “Sustainable landscapes programming slows, halts, or reverses greenhouse gas emissions from land use, including forests and agricultural ecosystems.” Do activities measured by Sustainable landscapes indicators have to directly address GHG emissions reductions and/or climate change? Can activities that promote advocacy for improved forest protection, and so indirectly reduce GHG emissions in the long-term, be measured under sustainable landscape indicators?

Answer: This Activity is not expected to report on direct GHG emissions reductions.

Sustainable Landscapes (EG.13) indicators are “Required as Applicable.”

(https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/)

33. Question: Section L.8.3 (b) Key Personnel Positions. Please clarify the following statement:

“Offerors may propose up to five (5) key personnel positions, not to exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of employees of the Activity, whichever is greater.” We are unsure what is meant by “whichever is greater.” With 3 to 5 key personnel, this would require the program to have 60-100 employees to not exceed the 5% target and this seems excessive.

Answer: The number of positions is a not to exceed figure. This language is derived from ADS

302.3.5.4 - Key Personnel, which states that “The number of key personnel designated for any contract must not be more than five individuals or five percent of the contractor employees working under the contract, whichever is greater.”

34. Question: Section L.8.3 (b) Key Personnel Positions says “The offeror may propose up to five key personnel positions, not to exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of employees of the activity, whichever is greater.” (RFP p.86). Can USAID please verify this wording? As written, this would require offerors who wish to propose 5 Key Personnel to propose an additional 95 staff, but the budget will not support such a large https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ https://www.state.gov/foreign-assistance-resource-library/ number of staff.

Answer: The number of positions is a not to exceed figure. This language is derived from ADS 302.3.5.4 - Key Personnel, which states that “The number of key personnel designated for any contract must not be more than five individuals or five percent of the contractor employees working under the contract, whichever is greater.”

35. Question: Section L.8.3 (b) says “The Offeror must propose a Chief of Party and specify at least two to four additional key persons in accordance with F.6.” (RFP p. 86). Section F.6(f) says “The Contractor must not replace any of the key personnel without advance written consent of the Contracting Officer” (RFP p. 11). Can USAID please clarify if the two to four additional “key persons” are to be proposed as Key Personnel and meeting the definitions and requirements as defined in F.6 or revise this section as appropriate?

Answer: Yes, in accordance with Section F.6.

36. Section L.8.3 (b) says “The proposed key personnel position [emphasis added] must have the following experience and skill sets (as appropriate):

- Demonstrated experience in managing international development programs, including demonstrated sensitivity to local cultural and political context, cooperation among other donors and development projects, and host country institutions.

- Proven expertise in evidence-based adaptive management, communications and/or marketing;

biodiversity and/or wildlife protection; and sustainable landscapes management and/or forest protection.

- Strong interpersonal, leadership, administrative, management, presentation, reporting, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

- Ability to perform at a high level and apply diplomacy skills with a wide range of stakeholders (i.e., national, provincial, district and local government officials, private sector, NGOs, CSOs, target audiences, and beneficiaries).

- Experience integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment issues within outreach, education, communications, behavior change, biodiversity, and forest protection activities.

- Experience in Asia, or other countries with similar cultural and political dynamics.” (RFP p.

86)

• Question: Since this text refers to a “key personnel position” (singular) can USAID please confirm that this list of experiences and skills applies only to the Chief of Party?

Answer: The requirements apply to all proposed key personnel.

37. Section L.8.3 (b) says “Offerors must clearly demonstrate the professional qualifications, education, and relevant experience of its proposed Key Personnel and explain how they meet the minimum qualification requirements.” (RFP p. 86)

• Question: Can USAID please confirm our understanding that if offerors wish to propose key personnel in addition to the Chief of Party, offerors should create and include position descriptions containing minimum qualifications for these additional key personnel positions and then demonstrate how proposed candidates meet those requirements?

Answer: Yes.

• Question: Can USAID please confirm that the “minimum qualification requirements” refer to the six bullets of experience and skill sets listed in the middle of p. 86?

Answer: The solicitation asks for offerors to propose the minimum requirements for Key Personnel. The proposed Key Personnel must also meet, at a minimum, the experience and skill sets requirements per the bullets in Section L.8.3.b. The offeror must explain how the proposed Key Personnel meet the requirements of the bullets and also the minimum position requirements as proposed by the offeror for each Key Personnel position.

38. Question: Section L.8.4 Factor 4 – Past Performance, states that “The Offeror must include a Past Performance Summary Chart as part of the Technical Proposal which briefly describes the past performance in projects of similar scope, size, complexity and geographic location” (RFP p. 87). Can USAID confirm that there is no specific table format required for the Past Performance Summary Chart?

Answer: There is no table format. See specific changes regarding past performance information, which will be submitted as an Annex to the Technical Proposal. Also see Attachment J.4.

39. Question: Section L.8.4 (b) says: “List in an annex to the Technical proposal up to five of the most relevant contracts during the past three years (a combined total for the prime and major subcontractors) for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal, using the template provided in Attachment J.4.” (RFP p.87). As the RFP was released as a total set aside for U.S. Small Businesses, will USAID please consider allowing past performance information of the most relevant contracts during the last 5 years for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal?

Answer: USAID confirms that past performance information must be up to five of the most relevant contracts during the past three years.

40. Section L.9.1 Submission Instructions says “Offerors will submit a Cost/Business Proposal which will be analyzed as part of the overall evaluation as indicated in Section M.3.” (RFP p. 88)

Section M.3 says “Evaluation points will not be awarded for cost. The proposed cost/price will be evaluated for reasonableness and realism in accordance with FAR 15.404. Evaluation of the cost proposal will include a cost analysis to establish reasonableness of the Offeror’s price (including the reasonableness of the fee proposed); a cost realism analysis to determine what the Government should realistically expect to pay for the proposed effort, the offeror’s understanding of the work, and the offeror’s ability to perform the contract in accordance with the proposed technical approach; and price analysis (cost plus fixed fee) to verify that the overall price offered is fair and reasonable.

If the proposed cost is considered to be unrealistic, the Offeror’s proposed cost will be adjusted upward or downward to reflect more realistic costs. Therefore, the evaluated cost, including fee, will be used in making a selection decision. Unrealistic cost proposals may result in a re-evaluation and concurrent rescoring of Technical Proposals. Such re-evaluation based on cost or realistic cost analysis could negatively impact the technical rating and overall rating of the proposal.” (RFP pp.

101-2)

But the RFP cover letter says “Cost proposals will be evaluated for cost reasonableness and cost realism as part of a best-value determination for contract award…” [emphasis added]

• Question: Because the cover letter and Section M are inconsistent, can USAID please clarify the precise criteria used for evaluation of cost proposals? Will a best value determination be made, as the cover letter says, or will cost realism and cost reasonableness be the sole criteria?

Answer: Please refer to Section M.1(b) of the solicitation.

41. Question: Section L.9.1 Part 2 (c)(1) Salaries and Wages says “Offerors should submit a request for a waiver with the cost proposals for any proposed TCN LTTA employees, if applicable.” (RFP p. 90).

However, Section L.9.2 General Assumptions and Other Instructions says “Under this RFP, Third Country Nationals (TCNs) do not have a waiver authorization for salaries above the local compensation plan (See AIDAR 722.170).” (RFP p. 96). Can USAID please confirm that Offerors may request a waiver in order to provide compensation to TCNs in excess of the local compensation plan?

Answer: USAID/Cambodia will consider all applicable waiver requests for TCN employees in accordance with AIDAR 722.170 for approval by the Mission Head of Contracting Activity.

42. Question: Section L.9.1 Part 2 (c)(9) Indirect Cost. Is the submission of 2 years of audited or reviewed financial statement waived for newly formed organizations?

Answer: The Offeror must provide sufficient information for USAID’s pre-award responsibility determination as required by FAR Part 9.

43. Question: Section L.9.1 Part 2 (c)(9) Indirect Costs says “Offerors may propose a single ceiling rate covering the term of award or a ceiling rate in each applicable contract year. If an annual ceiling rate is proposed, USAID will average the ceiling indirect rates and use that figure for evaluation purposes.” (RFP p.91). Please confirm that Offerors are not required to propose ceilings on indirect rate(s), and that this is optional (as implied by the use of the word “may”)?

Answer: Correct, offerors have the option to propose a ceiling as part of their cost/business proposal.

44. Question: Section L.9.1 Part 6 Subcontractor Information states “A discussion and agreement on type(s) of subcontract(s) to be used, and applicable terms and conditions, and approximate percentage of each type of work to be subcontracted.” Please clarify what is meant by “applicable terms and conditions.”

45. Section L.9.1 Part 6 – Subcontractor Information, says “The proposal must include a letter, on subcontractor letterhead, and signed by an authorized representative of each subcontractor, which specifically contains the following:

- The subcontractor's agreement to be included in the offeror's proposed teaming arrangement; and

- A discussion and agreement on type(s) of subcontract(s) to be used, and applicable terms and conditions, and approximate percentage of each type of work to be Subcontracted”. (RFP p. 96)

• Question: Should Offerors include requests for Consent to Subcontract for all proposed subcontractors in this section?

Answer: Preferred but not required.

• Question: Can USAID please clarify whether the information regarding “A discussion and agreement on type(s) of subcontract(s) to be used, and applicable terms and conditions, and approximate percentage of each type of work to be Subcontracted” should be included in the Subcontractors’ Letter of Commitment or in the request for Consent to Subcontract?

Answer: There is no specified location.

• Question: Can USAID please clarify what is meant by the “type of work to be subcontracted”?

Answer: The nature of the subcontract scope of work.

46. Question: Section L.9.2 General Assumption and Other Instructions, second bullets point says, “Under applicable cost principles, taxes and duties for which there is not an available exemption are allowable costs.” (RFP p. 96). Can USAID please clarify if there is a bilateral agreement or other mechanism in place which exempts USAID Contractors from payment of VAT and/or other types of taxes and duties, and if so, will USAID provide the successful Offeror with such an exemption letter or otherwise facilitate tax exemption?

Answer: USAID/Cambodia has a Bilateral Agreement in place dated October 25, 1994 entered into by the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Government of the United States of America. According to the Bilateral Agreement, all property, including supplies, materials, equipment, or funds introduced into or acquired in the Kingdom of Cambodia used or to be used in connection with the furtherance of the purposes, programs, projects and operations for which assistance is made available pursuant to the Bilateral Agreement is exempt from, among other things, any tariffs, customs duties, import and export taxes, taxes on purchase or disposition and any other taxes or similar charges in the Kingdom of Cambodia. For Value-Added Tax (VAT), we have reached an agreement with the General Department of Taxation to implement a system that VAT paid during the implementation of our USAID-funded projects will be reimbursed to the organization through USAID. For Non-VAT, the current practice is that the respective organization will be, in coordination with USAID, responsible to request tax exemption when the purchase takes place.

47. Question: Section L.9.2 General Assumption and Other Instructions, sixth bullet point states that “offerors should assume a contract start date on or about October 2019;” Attachment J.5. SOO (1) PURPOSE states the activity is proposed for 5 years, o/a December 2019 through December 2024.

Please advise if the offeror should assume an October or December start date.

48. Question: Section L.10 Instructions for the Preparation of the BIP and MP says: “The Offeror should submit a preliminary BIP and MP (not to exceed two pages) as a separate annex to the cost/business proposal (Annex F).” (RFP p.97). Can USAID please clarify if there are any Annexes A, B, C, D, and E in the cost/business proposal that should be submitted by the offeror, and what type of information should be included in those annexes?