Attachment 1_72048223R00002 DISP_Amendment1_Questions and Answers.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1_QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

GENERAL

1. Can we acquire US govt’s Unique Entity ID (UEI) as an organization unregistered for security purposes in either Myanmar or Thailand? And if not, how we might still be able to apply for DISP GUC?

USAID Answer: Any organization that is planning to apply for any USG funding should have an UEI. This takes time to be processed so the sooner it is started the better.

Please see “Get a Unique Entity ID” to obtain UEI for your organization.

2. Is there a US Disbursing Office or Mission Controller in Burma to assist with currency conversion, and will there be exchange fees associated with currency exchange?

USAID Answer: USAID/Burma will not assist with the hard currency conversion.

3. Will an OFAC license automatically be granted to the awarded entity’s business bank account? Alternatively, can local grants under contract awardees in Burma be disbursed directly through the US embassy?

USAID Answer: The contractors must comply with U.S. sanctions with respect to Burma enforced by OFAC. USAID/Burma is not involved in the payment transaction between the prime contractor and subcontractors/grantees.

4. Can an accountant that provides the financial review (for a small business applicant) subsequently act as the project accountant, given that they will have actively reviewed the project’s accounting requirements?

USAID Answer: Please refer to your own organizational policy.

5. We have begun researching and initiating outreach to US-based Burma-focused NGOs.

However, would your office happen to have a list of USAID-approved or -recognized private HEIs and educational entities within Burma?

USAID Answer: No.

6. Additionally, would you be able to share the list of 174 coup-run HEIs to avoid?

USAID Answer: Offerors are responsible for gathering this information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uv1YNAsINk

7. Is USAID’s DISP scholar funding covered with the NDAA Burma Act that President Biden signed on December 23, 2022? If not included in the NDAA, does the NDAA include plans for education?

USAID Answer: The Burma Act is an authorization act, not an appropriation law. As this contract will be funded with fiscal year 2022 funds, the appropriation law for those funds apply to this award. It is not known if the Burma Act will apply to future year education funds.

8. Can we apply for funding by collaborating with partners from local organizations and universities and partners from international organizations and foreign universities?

USAID Answer: Yes. The contract will be awarded to a single prime Contractor, but offerors are free to propose subcontracts or other teaming arrangements that align with their proposed technical approaches. Refer to RFP Section H.10 Consent to Subcontract, page 55.

9. We would like to work with and cooperate with local groups, ethnic groups, and CSPs as a subcontractor because our programs are intended for regional development and human centered approaches. Is there a limit to the number of subcontractors? Is it acceptable to call the quota at the appropriate moment since the bid will be transparently called?

USAID Answer: There is no limit to the number of subcontracts an offeror can propose; this should be aligned with the proposed technical approach.

10. Financial responsibilities are such an important issue for every applicant to handle a budget for five years. When we submit a proposal for USAID’s DISP project, which legal documents shall be submitted?

USAID Answer: Please refer to RFP Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to

Offerors for instructions regarding requirements for proposal submissions.

11. Can a company be both contractor and subcontractor with different brand names?

USAID Answer: Any eligible entity can submit the offer as a prime offeror as well as to team up with another prime offeror as subcontractor.

12. Will there only be one contractor for this project?

USAID Answer: Yes, the award will be to a single prime contractor. However, the contractor may propose subcontracts in accordance with its proposed technical approach, as described in RFP Section H.10 Consent to Subcontract, page 55.

13. How are portfolio review sessions conducted (Zoom?), and what are the expectations?

(Presentation? Primarily discussion?) Can we invite partners to these meetings? Will these sessions include other USAID-funded organizations in Burma?

USAID Answer: See RFP Section F.6.h Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), page 39 for a general description of Quarterly Portfolio Reviews. USAID will discuss any preferred or required formats for these reviews with the contractor after the activity is awarded.

14. We may possibly pursue a small business joint venture with another entity. As this would be submitted with a separate UEI from the one originally assigned to the entity, would this preclude our entity from submitting its own independent proposal?

USAID Answer: Any eligible entity can submit the offer as a prime offeror as well as to team up with another prime offeror as subcontractor.

15. Would a UK based entity qualify to apply under Code 937 as a "cooperating" country?"

USAID Answer: No, the procurement of this RFP is under AGC 937; U.S., Host Country and Developing Countries. The UK is not under this code and a waiver would be needed to award to an organization outside AGC 937.

SECTION B - SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

16. Pg. 8-9, B.5. Contract Budget: Paragraph a) states: “The contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item.”

Would USAID allow any budget flexibility between the budget line items?

USAID Answer: No.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

17. DISP RFP doesn’t cover Bangladesh. The majority of Rohingya are now in Bangladesh, we'd like to enquire about the reason for Bangladesh's exclusion and whether will still be able to reach those in Bangladesh under this grant? As USAID is now considering Burma and Bangladesh jointly for crisis response, evidenced through documents available on the Burma USAID website (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/2023-01- 31_USG_Burma_and_Bangladesh_Regional_Crisis_Response_Fact_Sheet_2.pdf), we are questioning the significance of this to DISP and whether it will mean that under DISP, we might still be able to continue our online programming for Rohingya students in Bangladesh (primarily outreach, admissions counseling and in-program mentoring for online higher education programs) if we continue to have no actual ground presence?

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/2023-01-31_USG_Burma_and_Bangladesh_Regional_Crisis_Response_Fact_Sheet_2.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-02/2023-01-31_USG_Burma_and_Bangladesh_Regional_Crisis_Response_Fact_Sheet_2.pdf

USAID Answer: DISP is unable to provide support to students in Bangladesh at this time due to political sensitivities of the current situation; this includes support for virtual programming. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) is providing humanitarian assistance to assist vulnerable Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. See https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/burma-bangladesh for more information.

18. As the GUC for HE is only $3m of the total $8.3m available, is it likely that more than one consortium will be selected?

USAID Answer: Please refer to page 24 of RFP, section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUC) and Alumni Association resources: “Grants will be awarded to a selection of local, regional, and U.S. HEIs and non-governmental entities to build networks and sustainable relationships; conduct research; facilitate dialogue; execute policy studies; and conduct other activities which advance the outcomes discussed above”. There are no predetermined specifications as to the number of awards that can be made, only that they remain within the total GUC funding amount.

19. Are you able to give us any indication as to how the GUC disbursement will be phased, whether that will take place in one 5-year grant or maybe in two phases of initially a 2-year grant potentially followed by another 3 years?

USAID Answer: Please refer to page 24 of RFP, Section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUC) and Alumni Association resources. The GUC mechanism will offer flexibility to respond to emerging needs and opportunities as identified by USAID and organizations and individuals on the ground. The Contractor will manage the GUC component according to programmatic need; the number, duration, and value of GUC awards is not predetermined.

20. We will be applying under GUC to scale up our work with scholarship and higher education providers to conduct outreach, admissions mentoring and in-study counseling services to Rohingya students to improve their access to and completion of online scholarship programs (and potentially in-person scholarship programs for the small number who have documents to travel internationally). In which case, we’d like to receive your advice on whether you think we should be connecting with potential contractors now to inform them of our services in order to aid the design of their DISP applications? Or if we should just wait to connect with the contractor until after we’ve secured GUC?

USAID Answer: USAID shared the contact list from the pre-solicitation conference to enable those present to directly reach out to others. While USAID cannot participate in the networking process due to the competitive nature of the DISP procurement, USAID actively encourages communication and collaboration at all stages of DISP implementation. This is reflected in the localization guiding principle (refer to RFP Section C.3.a Guiding Principles):

“The implementation of this Activity will be greatly strengthened by drawing upon the expertise of numerous local NGOs, locally established partners, and private HEIs working on the ground in Burma.”

https://www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/burma-bangladesh

21. Are we able to join more than one consortium to apply for GUC?

USAID Answer: USAID has no restrictions in this regard. Please note, applications for GUCs will not be accepted until post award when the successful offeror issues a request for applications for GUCs. Organizations wishing to participate in the implementation of DISP should work with each other to determine the optimum structure for working together to achieve DISP goals.

22. Can funded service learning projects led by HE scholarship recipients that include the active participation of primary and secondary education students be counted toward the $5M “basic education” GUC target?

USAID Answer: Service learning is a required component of each beneficiary’s training program (refer to RFP Section C.4.b Scholarships, (4) Service learning requirement, page 20);

it is not necessary to use GUC funding to meet the service learning requirement. The use of basic education funding for GUC-supported activities is described in RFP Section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUC) and Alumni Association resources, pages 24-25.

23. In the RFP there are guidance and support documents and tools to assist with digital security. Are any of these documents publicly available?

USAID Answer: The Cybersecurity Primer introduces the concept of cybersecurity as a development challenge, presents opportunities to integrate cybersecurity throughout programming, and highlights cyber threat trends by sector. Partners, donors, governments, and development practitioners can use this Primer to gain a basic understanding of cyber threats, cybersecurity, and cyber resilience and understand how USAID will incorporate cybersecurity throughout its programming.

24. If assessment of student-owned devices is required for compliance with FAR Part 4.2101, are there current USAID protocols in place to assist with handling this?

USAID Answer: The prohibition applies at the prime contract level because the prime contractor is the only “entity” that USAID “enters into a contract” with; USAID does not directly “enter into a contract” with any subcontractors, at any tier. However, it is the contractor’s responsibility to determine whether it uses the supplier’s or subcontractor's “covered telecommunications” equipment or services as described in FAR 4.2102(a)(2).

The interpretation also applies to student-owned devices.

25. We are considering the inclusion of displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh as part of our basic education and pre-academic service mission. We feel that this community deserves access to both basic education and scholarship opportunities, and will be important drivers in promoting an inclusive Myanmar, but physical safety and risk of arbitrary arrest currently preclude most Rohingya from finding long-term residence in Myanmar. Given that many in this https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/10-26-21_EXTERNAL_CyberPrimer-CLEARED-accessible.pdf community may not be able to find long-term residence in Myanmar post-graduation, would we need to exclude this community from program participation?

USAID Answer: See response to question 17.

26. Page 17, Section C.4.b Scholarships. The RFP describes the definition of USG scholarships and financial assistance to include "assistance for expenses accrued while furthering one's education, such as housing...” However, page 19 states that the DISP activity

"will be unable to provide living expenses for all potential learners”. Can USAID please clarify whether the Contractor will be providing for all possible expenses for each learner per the definition of scholarships, or if the Contractor will customize the scholarships package depending on the circumstances of each learner?

USAID Answer: In order to reach the highest number of potential beneficiaries, DISP Activity offerors should propose scholarship funding strategies that make maximum use of activity resources. The diversity of the potential scholar population is an important factor to consider in designing strategies for meeting their needs.

27. Page 19, Section C.4.b Scholarships. Would USAID consider providing a target percentage for the amount of the budget that should go directly to students scholarships as defined by USAID?

USAID Answer: USAID believes that the analyses the Contractor will conduct in the first three months after activity award - e.g., RERA, GESI, Inclusive Development Action Plan, and Annual Work Plan - will provide critical and timely information for establishing concrete and realistic DISP targets in the current complex operating environment. USAID did not specify a target percentage of budget for scholarships up front, as this could limit operational flexibility. Use of budgeted resources will also differ depending on offerors’ proposed approaches and strategies.

28. Page 20, Section C.4.b Scholarships. USAID explains that high risk scholarship candidates "will be considered only for in-place study programs.” Can USAID confirm that high risk candidates can take online regional courses?

USAID Answer: Yes, confirmed.

29. Page 20, Section C.4.b Scholarships. Can USAID confirm scholars have the opportunity to pursue service learning through three mechanisms: 1) participation in the Contractor's extracurricular programming, 2) application to the GUC, and 3) application to the alumni grants fund? Are scholars able to pursue all three opportunities for funding or will they only receive funding for their projects through one mechanism?

USAID Answer: See response to question 22. Service learning and extracurricular programming are required components that the contractor must provide to each scholar as part of their scholarship program. The application for GUCs is open to organizations, individuals, and cohort groups as described in RFP Section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUC) and Alumni Association resources, pages 24-26.

30. Page 20, Section C.4.b Scholarships. Can USAID confirm that offerors can fund extracurricular opportunities through three mechanisms: 1) as part of the core academic program scholars receive 2) through the GUC fund during the scholarship period and after scholarship completion and 3) through the alumni grants fund?

USAID Answer: See response to question 29.

31. On page 26, Section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUCs). The RFP states that the Contractor must create an Alumni Grants Fund. Would USAID please confirm that this fund is to be included in the $8.3 million for GUCs?

USAID Answer: Yes, the Alumni Grants Fund is to be established as part of the $8.3 million total funding for GUCs, with the total not to exceed $300,000 as stated in the RFP (page 26).

32. Page 26, Section C.4.d Grants Under Contract (GUC) and Alumni Association resources. The RFP states, “The Contractor must integrate DISP alumni into the existing LSP Alumni Association." Could USAID please provide a summary of LSP’s current Alumni Association activities to ensure alignment across projects?

USAID Answer: Because the LSP Alumni Association is new, USAID/Burma has no written information to share at this time. Once the DISP Activity begins implementation, the Contractor will be able to ascertain the current status of the LSP Alumni Association and determine strategies for integrating alumni-related interventions.

33. C.4.b(1), Page 18 of 128 In the third paragraph under 1) Target beneficiaries and fields of study it notes that, “To support and improve health service delivery in hard-to-reach areas, the Activity may receive health resources to invest in workforce capacity building through provision of both didactic and experiential training in malaria, HIV, TB, and other infectious diseases, to build skills in field epidemiology, program planning and management, and service delivery”. Can USAID please confirm that scholarships related to health sector workforce needs are not dependent on receipt of funds specifically for that purpose (“health resources”)?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that scholarships related to health sector needs are not dependent on receipt of funds specifically for that purpose. USAID higher education funding for scholarships is open to supporting different sectors, as described in the RFP (page 18).

During activity implementation USAID will advise the contractor if sector-specific funding becomes available that carries restrictions on the type of scholarships that can be supported with that funding, and will work with the contractor to ensure that any relevant guidelines are followed.

34. C.4.b.2 Page 20 of 128 Under 2) Outreach, recruitment, and selection of candidates it notes that, “The Contractor must take active measures to reduce the possibility of scholars requesting protected status or asylum in participating regional countries.” It goes on to note an example where the Contract must assess each scholarship candidate as low, medium or high risk to return to their country upon completion of the studies. In this context, if the Contractor does take those steps and a scholar does seek protected status or asylum will the Contractor be looked upon negatively or penalized (either informally or formally through a CPAR)?

USAID Answer: Neither USAID nor the contractor can anticipate every eventuality that could occur during activity implementation. The contractor must carry out the due diligence and active ongoing monitoring of scholars described in the RFP; these are the requirements for which the contractor will be held responsible.

35. C.4.b.2, Page 20 of 128 Under 2) Outreach, recruitment, and selection of candidates it notes that, “the Contractor is responsible for ongoing monitoring of scholars during their period of study to flag any potential issues with individuals, and for supporting scholars in the process of transition back to their home residences as they complete their programs”. In this context what does USAID mean by “potential issues” and who should be “flagged” or informed about those issues?

USAID Answer: Potential issues under DISP are any circumstances which could negatively impact a scholar’s ability to successfully complete his/her program of study. The USAID COR is the contractor’s first-line point of contact for DISP technical implementation.

36. Section-C, page 11 of 128 notes that the activity will not support or work through state-controlled entities inside Burma". Please explain more.

USAID Answer: Inside Burma, DISP will exclusively support activities with non-governmental, civil society, private HEIs, and/or other private educational entities. In other countries, DISP is free to work with both public and private institutions.

37. Pg. 17, C.4.b Scholarships: The RFP states that the Contractor must recruit, identify, and place students in training programs, such as “undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, professional certificate programs, community college programs, post-secondary vocational programs, and pre-academic bridging programs that prepare students for higher education.” This list does not include doctoral programs that were listed in the previous RFI/Scope of Work; however, are doctoral programs desired training programs under the DISP Activity?

USAID Answer: This is not an all inclusive list, “such as” indicates these are examples.

Doctoral programs may be included.

38. Pg. 17 1) Target beneficiaries and fields of study: The RFP states that “target beneficiaries will primarily be youth up to the age of 40 years old.” Can USAID please confirm whether all target beneficiaries will be over the age of 18 years old?

USAID Answer: The requirement for use of USAID higher education funding is that it be used to improve learning outcomes for youth and adults at or above the post-secondary school and tertiary levels or their equivalents. If youth have completed secondary schooling before the age of 18, they would be eligible for DISP scholarship funding. Refer to RFP Section C.4.b Scholarships, page 17, regarding the types of training eligible for support:

“Examples of such training include undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, professional certificate programs, community college programs, postsecondary vocational programs, and pre-academic bridging programs that prepare students for higher education.”

39. Pg. 21 5) Pre-academic and language training: Can USAID please confirm if there is a preference for programs where English is the language of instruction for all academic and training programs offered to DISP scholars?

USAID Answer: The language of instruction for DISP supported scholars should be tailored to the needs and abilities of the proposed targeted beneficiaries, and the opportunities most relevant for and available to them. There is no requirement that programs be in English.

40. Pg. 21, 6) Higher Education Institution selection: The RFP requires the Contractor to identify potential education providers. Can Offerors include letters of support from higher education institutions as an annex to their proposal?

USAID Answer: Yes, but support letters are not required.

41. Pg. 24-26 1) Grants Under Contract: The RFP states that the U.S. Congress has awarded $5 million in funding to support GUCs in basic education. We understand that a solicitation was released under the OASIS IDIQ that has a scope of work related to supporting basic education in Burma. Could you please share that solicitation with bidders so that we can better plan to avoid duplication of efforts with this new program?

USAID Answer: No, the solicitation released through OASIS is not related to this solicitation.

42. The RFP listed six regional countries for targeted scholarships (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Could this also include Singapore, as we would like to explore possible partnership opportunities with NUS?

USAID Answer: The Contractor must conduct in-person scholarship activities in Burma or in selected USAID-presence countries in the Asia region as specified in the RFP (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Virtual scholarship opportunities can originate from any country.

43. What kinds of SMEs are covered when USAID says to support SMEs? What kind of support does it mean?

USAID Answer: The DISP RFP does not mention support to SMEs. It is possible that SMEs could contribute to DISP as skills trainers for scholars; as providers of service learning opportunities, internships, or apprenticeships; as employers of trained scholars; or as contributors to the design of appropriate job skills training curricula, for example.

44. Do recipients need to complete the course of study before the completion of the 5 year program?

USAID Answer: Yes.

SECTION F– DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

45. Page 30, Section F.3 Place of Performance. On page 30, USAID notes the place of performance is “both Burma and Asia”, but on page 12 USAID states the activity will work in Burma and in selected USAID presence countries in the Asia region (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). Can USAID please confirm the countries of performance?

USAID Answer: See response to question 42. As described in the RFP, the Contractor shall perform the services described in Section C in both Burma and selected USAID-presence countries in Asia (Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand). The Contractor may also perform certain tasks outside of Burma and Asia (such as in the Contractor’s home offices or elsewhere related to drafting strategy, drafting, or compiling reports, etc.) as appropriate.

SECTION G– CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

46. Will invoices be paid on a monthly or quarterly basis?

USAID Answer: The reimbursement payment will be on a monthly basis.

SECTION H– SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

47. Page 51, Section H.2 Authorized Geographic Code. The authorized geographic code is defined as “the United States, the recipient country, and developing countries other than advanced developing countries, but excluding any country that is a prohibited source.”

Thailand is on the ADS list of advanced developing countries, but on page 10 of the RFP, USAID notes that students will gain access to higher education in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand through this program. Can USAID please clarify whether

Thailand is included or excluded as a source country for this opportunity?

USAID Answer: An offeror from Authorized Geographic Code 937 is eligible for this procurement. To procure services from any country outside of 937 will require a waiver.

48. Pg. 51, H.2. Authorized Geographic Code: This paragraph states: “The authorized geographic code under the resultant contract is 937.” Since the performance of contract will take place in Burma and other regional countries that may fall outside geographic code 937, would USAID change the geo code to 935 (any area or country including the cooperating country, but excluding foreign policy-restricted countries)?

USAID Answer: If a waiver is not approved prior to award, the contractor may request a waiver.

49. Is it possible for a prime contractor to approve subcontractors if their projects are added without losing that status? If so, would it be able to subcontract only some of the projects in accordance with Prime?

USAID Answer: The contract will be awarded to a single prime Contractor, but offerors are free to propose subcontracts or other teaming arrangements that align with their proposed technical approaches. Refer to RFP Section H.10 Consent to Subcontract, page 55.

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

50. Does the limitation on subcontracting (52.215-22 and -23, ‘no more than 70% amount awarded to subcontractors’) include individual contractors/consultants? Do GUCs count toward the limitation on subcontracting?

USAID Answer: The proposed subcontract’s value includes individual consultants. GUCs do not count toward the limitation on subcontracting.

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

51. Pg. 78, Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template: Most tables in the Budget Narrative

Template specify whether to provide information for Year 1 Costs only or for the entire period of performance. Could USAID please clarify whether the following tables in the

Budget Narrative template should contain cost information for Year 1 only and/or cumulative cost information over the entire period of performance:

○ V. Fringe Benefits (pg. 5).

○ VI. Allowances, Table. Summary of Proposed Allowance Costs per Individual

(pgs. 6 - 7).

○ VII. Travel, D. Proposed Other Travel Costs (pg. 9).

○ IX. Other Direct Costs, Program Activity Costs table referenced at the bottom of page 11.

○ XI. Indirect Costs, A. Summary of Proposed Indirect Costs and B. Application of the Overhead Indirect Cost Rate (pg. 12).

USAID Answer: The majority of cost estimates are based on year 1 with an escalation rate for out years. This is why the narrative only has tables for year 1 of some costs. Offerors should provide as much information as necessary to facilitate USAID’s review process of the budget proposal. Attachment J.2 provides cost information for the subsequent years over the entire period of performance. The budget narrative should not be a repeat of all of the tables in the Excel budget.

52. Pg. 78, Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template, VII. Travel, D. Proposed Other Travel

Costs, pg. 9: For the Local Ground Transport category, the Unit No cell includes the number eight (“[x] trips 8”). Could USAID please confirm if the Local Ground Transport trips are limited to eight and over which period of time?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that Local Ground Transport is not limited to eight.

53. Pg. 78, Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template, XI. Indirect Costs, C. Application of G&A

Indirect Cost Rate, Pg. 12 - 13: Could USAID please clarify the cost information requested in the chart regarding the application of the offeror’s G&A Indirect Cost

Rate? For example, would USAID like to see the base amount upon which the G&A rate is applied for each cost category per year? Further, for the last row, should offerors include the total G&A dollar amount or the percent?

USAID Answer: Pages 12 and 13 of J.1, “Table C. Application of G&A Indirect Cost Rate”, requests base amount for each cost category per year resulting in total G&A dollar per year, with applied G&A rate (percent).

54. Item J.2 Budget Template, Detailed Price Budget and Detailed Sub Budget: Under section 4A Programmatic Travel, would USAID prefer that offerors provide the airfare, ground transportation, and per diem for each cost category as a total for each year? Or separate lines for costs related to the same trip? For example, if in Year 1, there are 2 international trips, each with airfare, ground and per diem, would USAID prefer to see one line for each cost category with an average unit cost and total for both trips? Or would USAID prefer to see two separate lines for airfare (one for each trip), two lines for ground, and two lines for per diem, particularly if the unit costs for each trip are different?

USAID Answer: Yes, all in one line item. The breakdown of travel must be explained in the budget narrative.

SECTION L– INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

55. Page 108, Section L.6.c Content. Page 108 outlines the 30-page Technical Proposal structure as:

(1) Technical Approach

(2) Management and Staffing Plan

(3) Key Personnel

(4) Corporate Capability; and

(4) Past Performance *.

However, “Past Performance Information” is also listed as Annex D. Can USAID please confirm that Past Performance should be submitted only in Annex D, and not as a separate section in the page-limited Technical Proposal?

USAID Answer: USAID will use information in Annex D to evaluate and score past performance. While the offeror may choose (but is not required) to demonstrate past performance capabilities within the Technical Proposal, the information in Annex D will serve as the basis for the overall evaluation and scoring of past performance.

56. Page 112, Section L.6.h Past Performance. The RFP indicates that “For contracts in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Offerors are requested to provide the completed CPARS reports”. For contracts not in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) Offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must submit the Past Performance Information Sheet (J.7).” Additionally, Attachment J.7 states that “The form is not required if the below information is available in the Government past performance systems.”

A. Page 112, Section L.6.h Past Performance. Can USAID please confirm if offerors are required to submit a Past Performance Matrix for each project, regardless of whether it is available in the Government past performance system, in addition to the Past Performance Information Sheet (J.7) only for projects not available in the Government past performance system?

USAID Answer: The offeror must submit Past Performance Information Sheet (J.7) for contracts not in CPARS.

B. Page 112, Section L.6.h Past Performance. Can USAID please clarify that if a project contract is in CPARS, then the offeror must also provide the CPARS report? Or if offerors only need to provide the Contract Name and Number for Contracts with CPARS Reports.

USAID Answer: The offeror must provide the complete CPARS report.

C. Page 112, Section L.6.h Past Performance. Can USAID please clarify in what format bidders should submit the CPARS reports for selected past performance projects in CPARS.

USAID Answer: The Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide performance information for itself and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 10% of the Offeror’s total proposed cost) using the Offeror’s own Contractor Past Performance Matrix.

57. Pages 110-111, L.6.f Key Personnel. The RFP states that “candidates and their CVs will not be evaluated.” Will USAID please consider removing “Annex B – Key Personnel Curricula

Vitae” from the proposal stage, and only requiring this information during the pre-award process for the successful Offeror?

USAID Answer: The RFP remains as written.

58. Page 118, L.7.c Part 2 – Proposed Costs/Prices. The RFP states that "the Offeror must incorporate fixed fee amounts tied to the deliverables in F.6 (25 percent) and indicators/targets in F.6.h (75 percent)." However, F.6.h provides only a notional list of indicators without any targets. Can USAID please confirm whether the Contractor must 1) select notional indicators from the illustrative indicators in F.6.h and 2) propose its own corresponding targets for the proposed fee schedule?

USAID Answer: Offerors may select notional indicators from the illustrative indicators in F.6.h, as well as any custom indicators they choose to propose that are aligned with their technical approach. They should then propose their own corresponding targets for the proposed fee schedule.

59. Page 117, Section L.7.c Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices. The RFP states that the

“Offeror should use the structured approach offered by the General Services Administration

(GSA) to show its analysis” of fixed fee. Would USAID consider allowing applicants to use the approach outlined in FAR 15.404-4 for their analysis of fixed fee?

60. In order to calculate the funding, we have problems putting the amount pursuant to "cost plus fixed-fees". So, we want to know the salary rate criteria for fixed fees, including travel allowance, per diem, fees for consultant staff, and key personnel. And we are curious whether we can apply for cross-cutting concern.

USAID Answer: USAID does not have criteria to provide outside of the guidance from the

FAR. The offeror should refer to its organizational operation policy and regulation regarding personnel compensation, allowances, and per diem etc.

61. Section L.7c(3) Page 117 of 128, Grants under Contract notes that, “No indirect costs or fee will be applied to the GUC funds unless specified in terms and conditions of the Contractor’s

NICRA”. Could USAID kindly confirm that the word “fee” should be removed from this sentence since this is a separate cost category that would not be in a Contractor’s NICRA?

Related, if the Offeror proposes an additional fee (exclusive of fixed fee) on the GUCs where would USAID want to see that fee reflected in the budget?

USAID Answer: No indirect costs or fee will be applied to the GUC funds unless specified in terms and conditions of the Contractor’s NICRA. If the Offeror is proposing a fee on GUCs, this must be separate from the fixed fee. See J.2_Budget Template.

62. B.4 Page 8 of 128, L.7.c(3), Page 120 of 128, As the AMELP is due 90 days after the start of the period of performance (per the reporting chart on page 35 of the RFP) how does USAID envision that the proposed fee schedule to be finalized and agreed to when the Contract is issued and signed (per the language in the 4th paragraph under Fixed Fee on page 118 and per the language noted under B.4 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE on page 8?

USAID Answer: USAID envisions to include the selected offeror’s proposed fee schedule at time of award. USAID noted this on page 119 of the RFP, “USAID notes that this is illustrative at the proposal stage and will be finalized pending the approval of the AMELP.”

63. L.6.h Page 111 of 128 Section L.6.h Past Performance (See M.3.e) states, “See Annex D for submission instructions”. Would USAID please confirm that the Past Performance submission should not be part of the 30-page Technical Application, but will be evaluated and scored as Annex D?

USAID Answer: USAID will use information in Annex D to evaluate and score past performance. While the offeror may choose (but is not required) to demonstrate past performance capabilities within the Technical Proposal, the information in Annex D will serve as the basis for the overall evaluation and scoring of past performance.

64. Pg. 108, L.6.c Content, Pg. 111, L.6.h Past Performance, and Page 111-112 Annex D- Past Performance Information: The RFP requests Past Performance information to be included in the Technical Proposal and as Annex D: Past Performance Information.

However, in the instructions on page 111, the RFP indicates that the offeror use the Annex D instructions for the Past Performance section. Does USAID intend for Past Performance information to be included in the Technical narrative? Or is the information requested under Annex D- Past Performance Information, pg. 111-112, only meant to appear in the annex?

USAID Answer: See response to question 63.

65. Pg. 110, L.6.f Key Personnel: The solicitation states that offerors should specify up to five positions as Key Personnel. The solicitation also notes that offerors “must include recommended position descriptions for all proposed Key Personnel positions, including all requirements necessary for selecting a successful candidate.” Please confirm if the position descriptions should be outlined in the Technical Narrative only or included in Annex B: Key Personnel Curriculum Vitae (optional)? If Offerors submit optional CVs, could USAID confirm that a Position Description should accompany the CV?

USAID Answer: Please follow instructions in the Key Personnel section quoted in the question, and in RFP Section L.6.h Past Performance, ANNEXES, Annex B - Key Personnel

Curriculum Vitae. Position descriptions need not be repeated if the instructions do not specify it.

66. Pg. 112, Annex D - Past Performance Information: The RFP asks offerors to “list up to five (total for both the prime and each major subcontractor, with the majority of reports for the prime) of the most recent and relevant contracts for similar projects, excluding any assistance activities (e.g., under grants or cooperative agreements).”

Would USAID consider allowing offerors to provide past performance for recent and relevant cooperative agreements?

USAID Answer: No, please refer to the instructions quoted in the question and as stated in the RFP.

67. Pg. 114, L.7.a.5 General: The paragraph requests the Offeror to provide Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) numbers for the prime offeror, team member organizations from any teaming arrangement, and major subcontractors in the cost proposal. Would USAID waive the UEI requirement if the team member organizations from any teaming arrangement, major subcontractors and subcontractors in the cost proposal are Burmese entities?

USAID Answer: We cannot guarantee a waiver will be approved. It is up to the contractor to submit the waiver request with justification.

68. Pg. 114, L.7.a General - Cost Proposal: The solicitation notes that the Cost Proposal has no page limit but is strictly limited to the documents outlined in L.7 and L.8. Would USAID allow an Offeror cover page and table of contents before the SF 33?

69. Pg. 116, Other Direct Costs: Security Costs: The solicitation notes the requirement to submit a separate budget line for security costs. Some costs related to a security plan may already be included in other line items and not easily separated. For example, the cost of a security guard may be included in the monthly office rent. Would USAID consider allowing the security cost line item to include only additional security-related costs that are easily itemized?

USAID Answer: The RFP instruction remains unchanged.

70. Pg. 118, Salaries, Budget Narrative, Section IV. Direct Labor Salaries, pg. 3-4: Could USAID confirm that offerors are required to include current and proposed salaries for named staff members in the budget narrative?

USAID Answer: Offerors are not required to provide the current salary of the identified potential employees.

71. Budget Narrative, Director Labor Salaries, pg. 3 and Budget template: For staff members who may be located in the region (outside of Burma), and who may not be considered expats and who would be long-term on the activity, can USAID confirm the appropriate labor category?

USAID Answer: We cannot answer this question based on the information provided. If this question is asking if a Thai national living in Thailand and working on the activity would be considered a TCN or expat, the answer is no.

72. Pg. 118, Fixed Fee and Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template, XII. Fixed Fee, pg. 13:

Would USAID allow offers to submit a modified version of GSA Form 1766 Structured Approach Profit/Fee Objective to show the fee analysis as it is required to be included in the budget narrative?

USAID Answer: Yes.

73. Pg. 118, Fixed Fee and Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template, XII. Fixed Fee, pg 13:

Would USAID like offerors to submit a proposed fee schedule referenced in the RFP in the Fixed Fee section of the Budget Narrative? If not, is there another preferred location in the Cost Proposal for the fee schedule?

USAID Answer: Yes.

74. Pg. 120, L.7.e Part 4 - Subcontracting Plan and Item J.1 Budget Narrative Template, X.

Subcontracts pg. 12: In the Budget Narrative Template under section X. Subcontracts, the instructions state: “In order for consent to subcontract to be given at the time of the award, the Offeror must address each of the elements in FAR § 44.202-2 in Part 5 of its cost proposal.” However, in the RFP on page 120, Part 5 is the Joint Venture Information and Part 4 is the Subcontracting Plan. Could USAID please clarify where the offeror should include the FAR 44.202-2 information for consent to subcontract?

USAID Answer: Please refer to Attachment 3_J.1_revised Budget Narrative Template.

75. Would you be able to share an example of a structured approach for profit analysis?

GSA Form 1766 appears to be geared toward construction projects.

USAID Answer: Please refer to FAR 15.404-4 Profit.

76. According to the requirements of project funding, any applicant shall submit the organizational structure. In this regard, we want to know about subcontractors. Do we need to include the organizational structure of the subcontractors when submitting the application?

USAID Answer: Please refer to RFP Section L.6.e, Management and Staffing Plan, page 109.

Refer also to instructions for Annex A - Organizational Chart, page 111: “The Offeror must submit an organizational chart/organigram that clearly describes the proposed structure of the project team, including key personnel”.

77. No covered telecommunication devices are intended to be purchased through the grant, however, in L.8 (a)(4)(i)(a.), has the agency waiver deadline already expired in August 2022?

USAID Answer: No.

78. Can headers and footers be formatted outside of the 1-inch proposal margin?

USAID Answer: Please follow instructions contained in RFP Section L.6.B Page Limitation, pages 107-108.

- End of Attachment 1_Questions and Answers –