DELIVER_RFP_72049219R00001_Amendment_0001.pdf

(x) x

720492

00000

USAID Philippines

See Block 16C

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.

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 _____1______ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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 telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers x is extended,

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

NO.

72049219R00001

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

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

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

11/08/2018

X

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

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return _________1_________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

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

Anthony Raneses

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

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

Amendment 1 to RFP No. 72049219R00001

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

The purposes of this amendment are to provide USAID responses to the questions raised by the prospective Offerors, and issue the corresponding revised RFP. This amendment consists of two parts:

1. Part I - USAID Responses to Questions Received including Attachments

2. Part II - Revised Solicitation No. 72049219R00001 – RFP for DELIVER Activity

/s/ November 8, 2018

X

Solicitation No. 72049219R00001 Amendment 1 USAID/Philippines DELIVER Activity

This Amendment comes in two (2) parts:

1. Part I – USAID Responses to Questions Received including attachments (i.e., TRADE End of Project Report and Jobs Diagnostic power point presentation)

2. Part II – Revised Solicitation No. 72049219R00001 – RFP for DELIVER Activity

Part I – USAID Responses to Questions Received

The CLOSING DATE of this solicitation is extended from November 29, 2018 to DECEMBER 5, 2018. The closing time of 16:00 (Manila time) remains the same.

General Questions:

1. Would USAID provide an exchange rate?

USAID: The exchange rate to be used for the cost proposal and in the resultant contract is US$1 = PhP52.

2. Can USAID clarify if offerors are able to propose candidates that also were proposed in response to RFA 72049218RFA00011-RESPOND which at the time of submission of this proposal are likely to be pending? If so, will USAID allow offerors to replace candidates in the event that they become unavailable if they are approved as key personnel under RESPOND?

USAID: As indicated in Section L.5 of the RFP, Letters of Commitment from all proposed Key Personnel will be attached to the technical proposal.

3. Can USAID share the Initial Environmental Examination with offerors, or indicate when it will become available?

USAID: Once available, USAID will share the Initial Environmental Examination to all offerors.

4. Pages 66 – 99 are either miss-numbered or missing. Can USAID please confirm the correct page numbering?

USAID: See Part II of this amendment for the revised RFP with correct page numbering.

Section B – Supplies or Services and Price/Costs

5. Page 5, Section B.4 – Can USAID clarify if the $15M - $19.8 million estimate inclusive of CLIN 0002 estimate of $2M?

USAID: The $15M - $19.8 million estimate is inclusive of CLIN 0002 estimate of $2M.

6. Page 5, Section B.4 – Please confirm that contractors do not need to provide any detailed cost estimates for the CLIN 0002 and should only use the $2 million plug (separating out the fee) in their total contract value estimate?

USAID: The Offerors are not required to provide detailed cost estimates for CLIN 0002 Supplemental Technical Assistance.

7. Page 6, the tables titled ‘Base Period (Year 1 – Year 4) Fee Schedule’ and ‘Option Year 1 Fee Schedule’ are each listed as “an illustrative table to be filled in at the time of award” – Can USAID confirm that offerors should not include in their cost proposals a fixed fee schedule, and that it will be determined at contract award?

USAID: The Offerors are required to propose a fixed fee schedule in their cost proposals.

8. Page 6, Section B.5 – Payment of Fixed Fee for CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0003 states that the illustrative fee schedule should be filled in at the time of award, while on Page 122 of the RFP, cost proposal instructions state that Offerors must propose a fixed fee schedule as detailed under section B.5 Payment of Fixed Fee for USAID consideration.

a. Please confirm that Offerors should complete a fee schedule table at the time of the award and in coordination with USAID.

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question No. 7.

b. If offerors are required to submit a fee schedule at the proposal stage, please confirm that Offerors may include outputs, deliverables, and milestones under each sub-objective to build the fee schedule.

USAID: The Offerors may propose outputs, deliverables, and milestones for each sub-objective to build the fee schedule.

9. Can USAID confirm that all offerors should budget LOE for all proposed LTTA only in CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0003, even though some of their LOE may be used under Task Orders in CLIN 0002?

USAID: The Offerors should propose LOE for all proposed LTTA and STTA in CLINs 0001 and 0003.

10. Page 6, Section B.5 – Will USAID the contractor to propose additional deliverables/outputs to the fixed fee schedule at the time of award?

USAID: The contractor may propose additional deliverables/outputs to the fixed fee schedule at the time of award.

11. Page 7, Section B.6 – USAID has specified a maximum of 3,000 person days for this CLIN.

Referring to the section on CLIN002 in Attachment J.1 on page 153, presumably activities under this component will not strictly consist of dedicated short-term labor, but also some partial allocation of hours from long-term staff for CLINs 1 and 3. Does USAID expect offerors to build this into the cost?

USAID: The maximum 3,000 person days LOE apply to Government orders for technical assistance to be undertaken under CLIN 0002 Supplemental Technical Assistance.

Section H – Special Contract Requirements

12. Pages 32-33, Sections H.8(b)(1) and H.8(g) require offerors to establish salary ranges for all positions for this award and use a compensation plan during implementation. These restrictions may preclude offerors from complying with AIDAR 752.7007, incorporated in Section H.7, which states that “direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract.” Specifying the use of salary ranges and a compensation plan may result in offerors deviating from AIDAR 752.7007. We respectfully request that USAID remove the requirement to establish salary ranges and use a compensation, thereby allowing offerors to submit cost proposals in accordance with their established policies, procedures, and practice.

USAID: USAID will not remove Sections H.8(b)(1) and H.8(g).

13. Page 32, Section H.8(b)(3) states that “labor cost for third country nationals and cooperating country nationals shall not exceed the thresholds in the U.S. Embassy in Manila local employee compensation plan.” This restriction may preclude offerors from complying with AIDAR 752.7007, incorporated in Section H.7, which states that “direct compensation of the Contractor’s personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract.” Specifying that offerors not exceed thresholds in the local compensation plan may result in offerors deviating from AIDAR 752.7007. We respectfully request that USAID remove the requirement that labor costs for TCNs and CCNs shall not exceed the thresholds in the U.S. Embassy in Manila local employee compensation plan, thereby allowing offerors to submit cost proposals in accordance with their established policies, procedures, and practice.

USAID: USAID will not remove Section H.8(b)(3).

14. Page 47, Section H.32(14) states “Copies of all reports received from grantees will promptly be forwarded to the COR [contracting officer’s representative].” We respectfully request that USAID remove the sentence as there is no requirement for the contracting officer’s representative to receive grantee reports in the GUC authorizing language for ADS 302, nor in ADS 303. We also respectfully request that USAID remove the following sentence from the same section: “At the conclusion of the contract, the Contractor must consult with the Contracting Officer for direction as to which records must be transferred to USAID.” While USAID retains the rights to visitation and inspection for three years after the grant completion date, all records under this contract are considered property of the contractor and must be retained in accordance with the contractor’s records retention policies that originate from audit requirements.

USAID: USAID will not remove Section H.32(14).

15. Page 47, Section H.32(15) – Please note that the Required As Applicable Standard Provision entitled “Publications and Media Releases” was replaced by the Required As Applicable Standard Provision entitled “Submission to the Development Experience Clearinghouse and Data Rights (June 2012).” Since the provision does not contain a requirement to seek contracting officer’s representative approval before Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) submission, we respectfully request that the requirement to obtain written clearance from the contracting officer’s representative before submission to DEC be removed.

USAID: This sentence is revised to read as:

“(15) The Contractor must submit all reports, whether published or not, generated by the recipients under the grants program to USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) at http://dec.usaid.gov/.”

Section J – List of Attachments

16. Can offerors include additional “Desired Outcomes” in their proposed Performance Work Statement? Can offerors propose alternative “Desired Outcomes”?

USAID: The Offerors may propose additional desired outcomes.

17. Page 58, Section J List of Attachments – Can USAID please confirm that the SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities and Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan should be included as Appendices to the Cost Proposal?

USAID: The completed SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities and Certification Regarding Trafficking in Persons Compliance Plan must be submitted as appendices to the Cost Proposal.

18. Attachment J.1, 2 Purpose – USAID has indicated that the DELIVER activity will build on the work done by the Trade-Related Assistance for Development (TRADE), the Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE), and the Facilitating Public Investments (FPI) activities. Can USAID share the final reports of these projects?

USAID: The COMPETE (Contract Award Number AID-492-C-13-00008) final report is available at USAID’s Development Experience Clearinghouse website https://dec.usaid.gov.

The End of Project report for TRADE (Contract Award Number AID-492-C-13-00011) is attached to this amendment. The FPI project is still is ongoing.

19. Attachment J.1 – Has USAID agreed with the Government of the Philippines on the key counterpart agency for the DELIVER project. Given that some donors have had difficulty obtaining the Government’s no-objection on similar projects, does USAID see this as a problem?

https://dec.usaid.gov/

USAID: USAID has a current bilateral agreement with the Philippine Government on economic growth portfolio.

20. Page 132, Attachment J.1 – Statement of Objectives. The SOO states that this activity is informed by a number of analytical studies and broad-based multi-stakeholder consultations.

USAID’s recent Jobs Diagnostics for example identified the binding constraints to inclusive growth that, when relaxed, will contribute to higher growth potential for the economy and will promote more inclusive development.

a. Could USAID provide the other analytical studies referenced in this section of the RFP?

b. Could USAID provide a link to USAID’s recent Jobs Diagnostics report?

USAID: The jobs diagnostic power point (ppt) presentation is attached to this amendment.

21. Page 135 and 148, Attachment J.1 – Can USAID clarify the explicit work and the proportion of the SOO (specifically the activities under Objective 3) that will take place in the Mindanao region?

USAID: The work in Mindanao shall be determined and will be based on the approach that will be employed by the offeror. Through the DELIVER activity, USAID as necessary/appropriate, intends to support interventions in Mindanao in coordination with other USAID projects/activities or donor programs, so long as the interventions fit within the overall scope of DELIVER and within the framework of USAID’s strategies.

22. Page 144, the RFP states “The DELIVER activity will build on the gains achieved by the, and design …” Can USAID confirm what initiative this statement refers to?

USAID: USAID is referring to the convergence program between the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on logistics from a previous USAID program or other similar convergence programs where there is a convergence flavor to critical reforms to ensure greater collaboration among agencies involved in a particular reform program.

23. The RFP on page 152 states “Offerors are required to …. Ensure that the DELIVER activity is more climate-resilient and avoids mal-adaptation.” Can USAID provide a definition of the term mal-adaptation?

USAID: Maladaptation is development efforts that inadvertently increase climate risks as defined in USAID’s Climate Risk Management Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 201 (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/201mal_042817.pdf)

24. Page 153, section on CLIN002 in Attachment J.1 – Can USAID please clarify what contract mechanism(s) will be used for task orders under CLIN 0002?

USAID: The type of contract and fee for each Task Order to be issued under CLIN 0002 shall be negotiated and will be based on the nature of the work and associated risks.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/201mal_042817.pdf

25. Page 155 – The RFP states that, in addition to an office in Manila, “the Contractor is expected to work in cities under the USAID Cities Development Initiative program and/or conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.” Can USAID clarify if offerors are required to budget for multiple office spaces? Can offerors assume that CDI would provide office space?

USAID: Setting up of multiple office spaces is for the offeror to determine and propose.

26. Attachment J.7, US Embassy Philippines Local Compensation Plan –What is included in the

Fringe amount of PhP18,130?

USAID: The Php18,130 benefit in the US Embassy Philippines Local Compensation Plan represents annual Miscellaneous Benefits Allowance.

Section L – Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors

27. Section L.4 File format, would USAID please verify if PDF is accepted in conjunction with or in lieu of the Word File.

USAID: Yes.

28. Page 111, Section L.4 – Proposal Submission. What is the maximum size per email for submission?

USAID: Each email must not exceed 5MB in size.

29. Page 111, Section L.5 (A) General – The sequence of the sub-bullet points under Performance Work Statement section is not consistent with the sequence provided under Section L.5 (C) 3 Factor 1: Performance Work Statement, Page 114 onward. Would USAID please confirm the Order.

USAID: Below is the sequence for the bullet points under Performance Work Statement section:

• Overall strategy and understanding of context (including Causal Model/Logic Framework and Theory of Change)

• Technical Approach and Implementation Plan (including Gantt Chart and Illustrative First Year Plan)

• Gender Strategy and Plan (based on gender analysis)

• Sustainability

• Grants under Contract

• Supplemental Technical Assistance (CLIN 0002)

• Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

30. Page 111, Section L.5 (C) 3 Factor 1, (6) refers to Attachment B as the MEL plan which is not consistent with list of attachments provided under Section L.5 (A) General – Additionally can

USAID please confirm that no MEL section is required under the Performance Work Statement which is part of the 40 page limit.

USAID: A discussion of the MEL is required as part of the Performance Work Statement and will be counted against the 40-page limit. The MEL Plan is Attachment C of the technical proposal.

31. Page 111 – The RFP indicates that offerors should include a Theory of Change as part of the Overall Strategy and Understanding of the Context section of the Performance Work Statement.

Can USAID clarify how this theory of change is different (or the same as) the one the RFP includes on page 134?

USAID: The Offeror must include a discussion on its proposed theory of change that will substantiate USAID’s theory of change indicated in the RFP.

32. Pages 111 and 112, Section L.5 – Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal state that Offerors must include a Gantt Chart and an illustrative First Year Plan as part of the Performance Work Statement, while on page 112, the RFP states that the implementation plan for the entire project cycle with a draft detailed first year plan should be included in Attachment B. Please confirm that the Gantt Chart for the entire project cycle should only be included in Attachment B, as a non-counting annex to the technical proposal.

USAID: Gantt chart for the entire project cycle should be included in Attachment B.

33. Page 111, Section L.5 – Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal state that Offerors must include a Gantt Chart and an illustrative First Year Plan as part of the Performance Work Statement, while on page 112, the RFP states that the Implementation plan for the entire project cycle with draft detailed first year plan should be included as Attachment B. Please clarify the difference between a Gantt Chart and an illustrative First Year Plan.

USAID: The Gantt Chart is to present broadly the overall implementation plan of the entire project. The First Year Plan will describe in as much detail the activities for Year 1.

34. Page 112 – The RFP states that the Gender Strategy and Plan should be included in the Performance Work Statement. At the same time, on page 112 the RFP also lists the Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan as annex D. Can USAID confirm that the Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan only needs to be included as an annex?

USAID: A discussion of the Gender Strategy Plan is required as part of the Performance Work Statement and will be counted against the 40-page limit. The corresponding detailed plan is Attachment D of the technical proposal.

35. Page 112, Section L.5 (A) – General – List of Attachments. The letters for references to attachments do not seem to correspond to the attachment letters elsewhere in Section L of the RFP. Please confirm that offerors should use the list of Attachments as their guide to ordering attachments.

USAID: Below are the attachments that must come with the PWS. No additional annexes or attachments will be accepted.

A – List of Acronyms B – Implementation plan for the entire project cycle with draft detailed first year plan C – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan D – Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan E – Branding and Marking Plan F – Organizational Chart

G – Curriculum Vitae/Résumés of Key Personnel with three (3) references (provide full contact information: name, position, relationship, email address, and telephone number); and Résumés of proposed long and short-term personnel

H – Letters of commitment from proposed Key Personnel

I – Past Performance Information for both the prime contractor and partner organization/s including Past Performance Matrix

36. Page 112, Section L.5 (A) – Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal and Section L.6, 8 – Letters of Commitment (page 125). Please confirm that offerors must include subcontractor Letters of Commitment in both the technical (page 112, as Annex I) and cost (page 125, as section 8) proposals.

USAID: The Letters of Commitment from major subcontractors are to be included only in the Cost Proposal.

37. Page 112, Section L.5 (A) – Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal state that Offerors are required to submit resumes for key personnel, long- and short-term personnel.

Rather than submitting resumes for short-term personnel, would USAID allow Offerors to submit a short-term technical assistance matrix summarizing their proposed short-term consultants’ qualifications?

USAID: USAID will consider the submission of an STTA matrix summarizing the proposed long and short-term personnel qualifications.

38. Page 112 – The RFP states that the Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan should be included in the Performance Work Statement. At the same time, on page 112 the RFP also lists the Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan as annex C. Can USAID confirm that the Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan only needs to be included as an annex?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question no. 30.

39. Page 112, Section L.5(A) – The “Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan” is listed as

Attachment C, but in Section L.5(C)3(6) on page 117, it is listed as “Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning” and as Attachment B. Can USAID please amend “(Attachment B)” to read “(Attachment C)” per the organization of the proposal prescribed in L.5.A?

USAID: This is corrected in the revised RFP (see Part II of this amendment).

40. Page 112, Section L.5.A. – The “Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan” and the “Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan” are listed as attachments that do not count against the 40-page limit. Could USAID clarify if the “Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan” as well as the “Gender Strategy and Plan based on gender analysis” under “Performance Work Statement” should summarize the plans included as attachments?

USAID: A discussion of the “Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning” and the “Gender Strategy and Plan based on gender analysis” are required as part of the Performance Work Statement, with the corresponding details included as Attachments C (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan) and D (Gender Analysis and Gender Action Plan), respectively, of the technical proposal.

41. Page 112 – The RFP states that resumes of proposed long and short-term personnel should be included as Annex F. Given that offerors are likely to include numerous short-term personnel, can USAID consider replacing this requirement with an illustrative STTA matrix?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question no. 37.

42. Page 112 and Page 117, Section L.5.A and Section L.5.C.6 – On Page 112, the RFP lists “Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan as part of the “Performance Work Statement.” However, on Page 117, the RFP States that the “Data Plan and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan is part of Attachment B? Can USAID please clarify that the entire section can be part of Attachment B only?

USAID: See USAID’s answer to Question no. 30.

43. Page 113, Section L.5(C)1, Cover Page – In addition to the proposal cover page please confirm that Offerors can include a one page proposal cover letter signed by an authorized representative with authority to bind the Offeror.

USAID: The offerors may include a 1-page proposal cover letter signed by an authorized representative with authority and will not be counted against the 40-page limit.

44. Section L.5 (C) 3 Factor 1, (7) Results and Deliverables Table – Would USAID please confirm if the requested table counts against the 40 page limit or if it should be included in an Attachment.

USAID: The results and deliverables table is part of the PWS and is included in the 40-page limit.

45. Page 116, Section L.5.(C) (5), Gender Strategy and Plan – USAID says that “the contractor most adopt any of the seven output and outcome indicators”. Which seven indicators is USAID referring to?

USAID: Please see pages 1-2 of the Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy for the seven guiding principles found at:

(https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf)

46. Page 116, Section L.5(C)3(5) – Gender Strategy and Plan states that the gender action plan should be prepared as part of the MEL and implementation plan. Can USAID please clarify if this refers to the components of the performance work statement, or Attachments B, C, and D per the outline prescribed by Section L.5.A?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question no. 34.

47. Page 117, PWS, (6) – Please clarify the following: The Applicant must propose an illustrative life of project monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) plan with clear benchmarks and indicators that would permit tracking, evaluating, and reporting on progress and achievements of the results sought. Does USAID expect (a) annual benchmarks and performance indicator targets or (b) an initial listing of the benchmarks and indicators that offerors propose incorporating into a MEL plan after quantifying both as part of the post- award Co-Creation workshop?

USAID: The Offerors must propose initial benchmarks and indicators to permit evaluation by

USAID.

48. Page 118, L.5 (C) 4, Factor 2 – Key Personnel, Management and Staffing Approach. The RFP states that proposed position descriptions shall reflect a clear understanding of technical and management skills necessary to achieve the results. Then again on page 119 under Key Personnel the RFP states “For each key personnel proposed, the position description must not exceed one page.” Can USAID confirm that offerors should only include position descriptions for Key Personnel?

USAID: The Offerors should include position descriptions only for each proposed key personnel.

49. Page 118, Section L.5.C.5 – Factor 2: Key Personnel, Management, and Staffing Approach, states the organization chart should “be provided in an annex to the Technical Proposal.” Can USAID clarify if the organization chart should be provided in the body of the personnel and management section or as an attachment?

USAID: A discussion of the proposed organizational chart must be included in the body of the Key Personnel, Management, and Staffing Approach section. The organizational chart is Attachment F of the technical proposal.

50. Page 118, Section L.5 (C) 4 – Factor 2: Key Personnel, Management, and Staffing Approach https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1865/GenderEqualityPolicy_0.pdf states that the organizational chart referenced is to be included in an annex. The list of attachments on page 112 (section L.5(A)) does not include reference to an organizational chart.

Please indicate in what attachment this chart belongs.

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question No. 49.

51. Page 118, Section L.5 (C), 4 Factor 2, Key Personnel – USAID asks that “the estimated level of effort” for the prime and sub-offerors “will be provided”. Is the LOE only pertain to the key positions (cited in the previous sentence) or to all long term and short term LOE?

USAID: The estimated LOE to be provided pertains to all long-term and short-term positions.

52. Page 118 – The RFP states that an organizational chart should be included as an annex.

However, the organizational chart is not included as one of the required Attachments listed on page 112. Can USAID confirm that offerors are allowed to include an additional attachment with the organizational chart?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question No. 49.

53. Page 119, Section L.5(C)5, Past Performance – In addition to the required past performance information listed in bullets in this section, Attachment J.4 – Past Performance Short Form is included as part of this RFP. Please confirm that Offeror’s provided 3 completed past performance short forms for Prime and major subcontractors should be included in “Attachment H – Past Performance Information for both the prime contractor and partner organization/s” and not Section L.5(C)5, Past Performance. Also, please confirm Section L.5(C)5, Past Performance should only include a narrative summary of the information outlined in the section and not a separate information sheet for each contractor or order.

USAID: The Offerors must provide three (3) completed past performance short forms for the Prime and major subcontractors and include them as attachments to the technical proposal. A discussion of the offeror’s past performance must be included in the body of the Contractor Past Performance section of the PWS.

54. Can USAID confirm that offerors only need to complete part I of the past performance information form?

USAID: The Offerors only need to complete Part I of the Past Performance Information form.

55. Page 119, Key Personnel – The RFP states “For each key personnel proposed, the position description must not exceed one page.” Can USAID please confirm that position descriptions can be included as an Annex?

USAID: Position descriptions for each proposed key personnel must be included in the body of the Key Personnel, Management and Staffing Approach section of the technical proposal.

56. Page 119, Key Personnel – The RFP states the following: Offerors must present statements of qualifications which will primarily be an expression by the offeror of why the proposed person is likely to succeed in the position for which they are proposed. Can USAID confirm that these statements of qualifications should be presented as a key personnel bio that highlights why the candidate has the qualifications to succeed in the position?

USAID: A discussion of key personnel qualifications must be included in the body of the Key Personnel, Management and Staffing Approach section of the technical proposal. CVs/resumes will be as attachments to the technical proposal.

57. Page 119, Section L.5 (C) 4 – Key Personnel states, “For each key personnel proposed, the position description must not exceed one page. Each position description shall include, at a minimum, the proposed position title, relationship to other key personnel, education and years of experience required and their relationship with the Offeror’s headquarters. The Offeror’s proposed position descriptions shall reflect a clear understanding of technical and management skills necessary to achieve the results. Offerors must present statements of qualifications which will primarily be an expression by the Offeror of why the proposed person is likely to succeed in the position for which they are proposed.” However, there is no indication where the statements of qualifications or position descriptions should be placed in the technical volume. Can USAID kindly clarify?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question nos. 55 and 56.

58. Page 119, Section L.5 (C) 4 – Factor 2: Key Personnel, Management, and Staffing Plan. Are the key personnel 1-page position descriptions and statements of qualification to be included in the body of the technical proposal or in technical attachments?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question nos. 55 - 57.

59. Page 119, Section L.5 (C) 5 – Factor 3: Contractor Past Performance indicates that the Offeror must provide past performance information for itself and each major subcontractor and that the Offeror’s three most relevant contracts, orders, and programs, shall be summarized. Please confirm whether USAID is looking for three past performance references for the prime and all subcontractors combined, or for three references for the prime, and then three additional references for each subcontractor.

USAID: Three (3) past performance references for the prime, and three (3) past performance references for each proposed subcontractor.

60. Page 119, Section L.5 (C) 5 – Factor 3: Contractor Past Performance indicates that the Offeror must provide a narrative summary of the Offeror’s past performance sufficient to address the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M. The instructions also state that the Offeror shall provide an information sheet for all contracts, orders, or other programs that are similar in scope, magnitude, and complexity to the requirements of the SOO. Please confirm that the narrative summary should be included in the body of the technical proposal and the information sheet for all contracts should be part of Attachment H – Past Performance Information.

USAID: A discussion of the offeror’s past performance must be included in the body of the Contractor Past Performance section of the PWS. The Past Performance Information is an attachment to the technical proposal.

61. Page 119, Factor 3 – The RFP states that ‘The Offeror’s three (3) most relevant contracts, orders and programs shall be summarized. At the same time, the same section of the RFP states that offerors should provide information sheets for all relevant projects. Can USAID clarify if the summary of the three most relevant contracts should be included as part of the Performance Work Statement or as part of Annex H?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question nos. 53 and 60.

62. Page 120, Section L.6.A describes a major subcontractor as is a “subcontractors whose costs exceed 20 percent of the offeror’s total proposed costs,” while on page 124 the percentage is listed as 25 percent. Could USAID please clarify if major subcontractors are those whose costs exceed 20 percent or 25 percent?

USAID: Major subcontractors are those whose costs exceed 20%.

63. Page 120, Section L.6 (A) – Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost Proposal. With regard to the definition of a major subcontractor, Section L.6 A – General (page 120) defines one as a subcontractor whose costs exceed 20 percent of the Offeror’s total cost/work, while page 124 defines a major subcontractor as one whose proposed costs exceed 25% of the Offeror’s total proposed contract cost. Would USAID please confirm whether the definition of a major subcontractor is one that performs at 20% or 25% of the offeror’s total proposed cost?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question No. 62.

64. Page 121, Section L.6.A – USAID asks for salaries of personnel to be shown on the bio-data form in USD equivalent and for non-USD salary histories to show “contemporaneous USD equivalent.” Does USAID have a proposed exchange rate for this RFP? Can USAID clarify the preferred method of providing the contemporaneous USD equivalent with bio-data salary histories?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question No. 1.

65. Page 122 – Can USAID confirm that the compensation plan required in Section L.6, only applies to local staff?

USAID: The compensation plan includes all technical and administrative staff positions that correspond to the Management and Staffing plan.

66. Page 122, L.6.(C ), Subcontracts – Will USAID reconsider the prohibition against the use of

Time and Materials subcontracts? Commercial organizations that do not have a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) typically operate under a T&M type vehicle when it is not possible to estimate the extent or duration of the work or to articulate clear well defined deliverables. An example of this would be for security services, where the security needs on the ground require flexibility to meet changing security developments in- country. Many firms who provide Risk Management and Security do not have a NICRA, which our organization requires in order to award a cost type subcontract.

USAID: The sentence “Time and Material subcontracts will not be allowed.” has been deleted.

67. If an offeror’s policy or practice is to only award Time and Materials subcontracts to local partners who do not have a NICRA or established indirect rates, can USAID confirm that T&M subcontracts would be allowed in those cases as it minimizes risk to USAID?

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question no. 66.

68. Page 123, Section L.6.B – Grants under Contract states, “Providing a large lumpsum amounts under this cost item will not be accepted.” Could USAID please clarify what it means by a large lumpsum? Since the majority of the grant fund will consist of competitively awarded grants, identified and negotiated post award, will USAID allow the plug figure to be broken out by year in the offeror’s cost proposal?

USAID: The GUC plug-in amount of $1,000,000 in Section B.4 is deleted and changed to $1,500,000. The total GUC amount must not exceed $1,500,000. This amount must be broken down by year and described in the offeror’s cost proposal. USAID defines grant above $150,000 as a large lump sum grants.

69. Page 124, L.6(C)3, Completed Section K – This section defines major subcontractor as one whose proposed cost exceeds 25% of the Offeror’s total proposed contract cost. However;

Section L.6.(A) defines major subcontractor as one whose costs exceed 20 percent of the Offeror’s total proposed cost. Please clarify.

USAID: See USAID’s response to Question nos. 62 and 63.

70. Page 125, Section L.7 – Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan. Please clarify whether offerors are to propose a new name for the activity, as suggested in the RFP.

USAID: Project Name is “DELIVER”.

71. Section L.7 Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan indicates that:

a) “Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan with the technical proposal as an Annex F”, which is inconsistent with the list of attachments provided under Section L.5 (A) General, which lists the Branding and Marking Plan as Attachment E., would USAID please confirm the sequence of attachments and which terminology to use (Attachment versus Annex)

USAID: Attachment E – Branding and Marking Plan

b) “The plans will not be counted in the 35-page limitation” which is not consistent with other references to page limit throughout the proposal, would USAID please confirm the page limit.

USAID: Attachment E – Branding and Marking Plan will not be counted against the 40-page limitation.

c) Project Name: [To be proposed by the Offeror], would USAID please confirm this statement

– as opposed to the Project Name provided throughout the proposal “DELIVER”

USAID: See USAID’s answer to Question no. 70.

72. Page 126, Section L.8 – Instructions for the Oral Presentation. Would USAID consider providing a timeline for conducting the entire proposal evaluation process, including estimated dates for oral presentations and co-creation workshop so Offerors can ensure the availability of key personnel for oral presentations?

USAID: USAID estimates that oral presentations will be conducted in early to mid-January 2019.

73. Page 126 – At least four of the five proposed Key Personnel must attend the oral presentation. In some cases, in order to offer best value to USAID, candidates may opt to appear non-exclusively on an offeror’s proposal in a key position. In addition, some key candidates may be currently engaged in full time work that does not allow them to participate in USAID proposal efforts.

Requiring such a candidate’s participation oral presentations – in some cases potentially in two different offeror’s presentations – could generate conflicts of interest for these candidates and firms. Would USAID therefore allow offerors to propose a select number of their key personnel to participate in oral presentations?

USAID: No. As stated in the RFP, USAID prefers that the proposed COP be one of the four key personnel and encourages that s/he be the Offeror’s presenter. Each of the component leads should also be present during the oral presentation.

74. The RFP requests that Key Personnel CVs be included in the initial proposal and also that four of them participate in the oral presentations to take place in Manila, Philippines. Can USAID explain what will be the consequences if a Key Personnel candidate for unforeseen reasons is unable to participate in the oral presentation?

USAID: As stated in the RFP, USAID prefers that the proposed COP be one of the four key personnel and encourages that s/he be the Offeror’s presenter. Each of the component leads should also be present during oral presentation.

75. The RFP requests that Key Personnel CVs be included in the initial proposal and also that four of them participate in the oral presentations to take place in Manila, Philippines. Will USAID allow offerors to replace candidates if a candidate included as part of the initial proposal becomes unavailable by the time the oral presentations are scheduled?

USAID: No. As stated in the RFP, USAID prefers that the proposed COP be one of the four key personnel and encourages that s/he be the Offeror’s presenter. Each of the component leads should also be present during oral presentation.

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

76. Section M.2.2. does not make any references to the management approach. Can USAID clarify how the management approach will be evaluated?

USAID: Management and Staffing Approach will be evaluated based on the quality and suitability of the Management Plan, and overall Staffing Plan, in terms of the suitability of the Senior Technical Experts and other staff positions and requirements to the proposed PWS. See Part II of this amendment for the revised RFP.

Part I Attachments

1. TRADE End of Project Report

2. Philippines Jobs Diagnostic power point presentation

Part II – Revised RFP to Reflect Changes where Applicable per Responses from Part I and other Changes

The Offerors must read carefully the attached revised RFP and take note of the changes/ deletions made.

-----------------------------------------------End of Amendment 1-------------------------------------------

TRADE END OF

PROJECT REPORT

May 10, 2013 – September 30, 2017

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development.

It was prepared by Deloitte Consulting LLP for the Trade-Related Assistance for Development Project (TRADE), under Contract Number AID-492-C-13-00011 6 November 2017

TRADE END

OF PROJECT

REPORT

USAID TRADE RELATED ASSISTANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT (TRADE)

CONTRACT NUMBER: AID-492-C-13-00011

DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP

USAID/PHILIPPINES

6 Novermber 2017

DISCLAIMER:

This report is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of Deloitte Consulting LLP and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

TRADE End of Project Report 3

CONTENTS

Acronyms

List of Acronyms Used

Background

TRADE’S Partners

The TRADE team

Trade’s Approach

The Philippine landscape

Overall framework

Trade and Investment Policy

Trade Facilitation

Competition Policy

Outreach and Advocacy

Achievements

The Philippines AEC Game Plan

Boracay Action Agenda

ASEAN MSME Development Summit

DTI Internship Program

Customs Modernization and Tariff Act

Trade Transactions Process Analysis

Philippine National Trade Repository

Enhanced Philippine Tariff Finder

Philippine Competition Act

Capacity-building: DTI

Capacity-building: BoC

Outreach and Advocacy: DTI

Outreach and Advocacy: The private sector

Research: AEC and beyond

Innovative Solutions

CMTA Project Management Office

Customs Regulated Imports List

Redefining “public utilities”

Moving Forward

Sustaining the Gains

Appendices

Annex 1: TRADE Knowledge Products

Annex 2: TRADE Success Stories

Annex 3: TRADE Counterpart Letters to USAID

Annex 4: TRADE Indicator Performance Tracking Table

Annex 5: TRADE Portfolio Information Review Indicators

TRADE End of Project Report 4

ACRONYMS

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations

ACTI ASEAN Connectivity for Trade and Investment Project

AEC ASEAN Economic Community

AOCG Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group

APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

ASW ASEAN Single Window

ATR ASEAN Trade Repository

BAA Boracay Action Agenda

BITR Bureau of International Trade Relations

BSMED Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development

BoC Bureau of Customs

CAO Customs Administrative Order

CAEC Committee for ASEAN Economic Community

CATIF The Center for the Advancement of Trade Integration and Facilitation

CMO Customs Memorandum Order

COP Chief of Party

COMPETE

CRIL Customs Regulated Imports List

CMTA Customs and Tariff Modernization Act

DA Department of Agriculture

DBFTA Doing Business in Free Trade Areas

DCOP Deputy Chief of Party

DoF Department of Finance

DoJ Department of Justice

DTI Department of Trade and Industry

EDC Export Development Council

EMERGE Efficient Reforms and Governance Enhancement

FGD focus group discussions

FTAs Free Trade Agreements

FTC Federal Trade Commission

GPH Government of the Philippines

DICT Department of Information and Communication Technology

IABPI Inter-agency Business Process Interoperability

IDG Industry Development Group

IMUST-PLUS Institutionalization of Multi-Stakeholder Professional Learning and Universal Skills for Trade Policy and Negotiations

IP Intellectual Property

IPR Intellectual Property Rights

IRRs Implementing Rules and Regulations

MBC Makati Business Club

MISTG Management Information System and Technology Group

MRT Ministers Responsible for Trade

MSME micro, small and medium enterprise

NEDA National Economic and Development Authority

NSW National Single Window

NCC National Competitive Council

NTR National Trade Repository

OfC Office for Competition

OCOV One Country, One Voice

PBG-JfC Philippine Business Groups–Joint Foreign Chambers

PCA Philippine Competition Act

PCCI Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry

PCC Philippine Competition Commission

PSA Public Service Act of 1936

PMO Project Management Office

PDP Philippine Development Plan

PNTR Philippine National Trade Repository

PTF Philippine Tariff Finder

PUSTFP Philippine-U.S. Trade Facilitation Protocol

RES Rapid Enrichment Sessions

RTD Roundtable discussion

RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

RKC Revised Kyoto Convention

SCCP Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures

SCSC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance

STRIDE Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development

TC Tariff Commission

TID Trade and Industry Development

TTPA Trade Transactions Process Analysis

TF Trade facilitation

TPP Trans-Pacific Partnership

TWG Technical Working Group

USAID U.S. Agency for International Development

GVC Global Value-Chain

WCO World Customs Organization

WEF World Economic Forum

WTO World Trade Organization

TRADE End of Project Report 5

Background

In May 2013 the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Trade-Re-lated Assistance for Development (TRADE) project in support of reform measures that help the Philippines fulfill its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO)1 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Community (AEC)2. The country’s increased compliance with these and other trade agreements was seen to pave the way for Philippine membership in new generation trade deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This, in turn, would boost the country’s exports and foreign direct investments, leading to stronger and more inclusive growth.

TRADE had a base period of four years and an additional option year to address trade and investment from three angles. It worked to: (1) enhance the policy and institutional environment for trade and investment, (2) improve trade facilitation, and (3) strengthen the environment for competition. A fourth, cross-cutting component supported work in these three areas with advocacy and outreach activities to further advance the government’s trade policy agenda.

TRADE’S Partners

Deloitte led the implementation of TRADE while coordinating a team of American and Philippine subcontractors. The Palladium Group3 assisted in the areas of trade policy, trade facilitation, and services liberalization, and drew on their previous experience completing a customs gap assessment in the Philippines and leading the earlier Economic Modernization through Efficient Reforms and Gover-nance Enhancement (EMERGE) Project.