72049720R00002 Amendment 01.pdf

RFP Sol No. 72049720R00002 Amendment no. 01 Terrestrial Activity

PART 1 – OFFEROR QUESTIONS AND USAID RESPONSES

Section F – Deliveries or Performance:

1. A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) template is attached to the RFP as Section J.2. Section F.5.2 (page 20) states “The Contractor must submit the QASP within 30 calendar days after effective date of award.” Please confirm that Offerors are not expected to submit a draft QASP with their technical proposal.

USAID Response: Under Section F.5.2, the Contractor must submit the QASP within 30 calendar days after effective date of award. Offerors are not expected to submit a draft QASP with their technical proposal.

2. Given that *results* typically take some time to manifest, is it acceptable for some fee payments in the F.8 Fee Schedule to be tied to achieving *outputs or outcomes,* so that the Contractor can receive some fee earlier on in the project?

USAID Response: Under Section F.8, payment of fee will be based on the completion of expected results--not outputs--stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) in Section C of the Contract.

3. Regarding the F.8 Fee Schedule (p. 36), if the Contractor achieves an expected result after the estimated timeframe for that result (but within the period of performance of the Activity), can USAID confirm that the Contractor would still receive the fee payment for that expected result?

USAID Response: Under Section F.8, the Contractor will receive fee payment for achieving an expected result outside of the estimated timeframe of completion.

4. For budgeting purposes, can USAID provide the expected start date of this Activity?

USAID Response: As per Agency Business Forecast (as of March 4, 2020), the anticipated award date is October 28, 2020, therefore the expected start date for this Activity will be shortly thereafter.

Section H – Special Contract Requirements:

5. Page 50, H.19: it is mentioned that “the contractor must submit 0% VAT invoices for any payments.” In Indonesia, VAT exemption must be requested for every transaction. It is possible to have requests rejected by the tax office, Badora. In those cases, there is no appeal. Furthermore, there is also a $200 transaction threshold, per OAA Notice No. 03

– CY17 “Guidance for Implementing Partners to Apply for Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemptions” where VAT exemption won’t be given. Can USAID please clarify, that in such circumstances where VAT is non-negotiable, the contractor may seek full reimbursement for costs including VAT from USAID?

USAID Response: USAID will provide most up-to-date guidance on VAT and custom duties, including processes and procedures for VAT reimbursement, to the Contractor after award of the Contract.

Section I – Contract Clauses:

6. Section I.1 on page 83: could USAID please replace FAR 52.237-8 with FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of Limitation on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals, considering severance payments are legally required for Indonesian nationals?

USAID Response: Under Section I.1, USAID does not have a waiver of limitation on severance payments to foreign nationals for programmatic contracts which would permit the inclusion of FAR 52.237-9; therefore, FAR 52.237-8 applies to this contract. The allowability of severance pay for foreign nationals are set forth under FAR 31.205- 6(g)(6).

Section J – Attachments:

7. Could USAID elaborate on the extent to which land tenure and Social Forestry Programs can and should be integrated into the achievement of Objectives 1 and 2?

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.2 - Technical Approach, Offerors must propose the technical approach of how they will achieve proposed results in furtherance of the Activity’s goals and objectives described in Section J.1 - Statement of Objectives.

Therefore, USAID will not elaborate on any preferred result and/or approaches in achievement of the stated objectives, as Offeror’s Technical Approach will be evaluated pursuant to Section M.3.1 - Factor 1 Technical Approach.

8. Regarding J.1.F.1. Geographic Site Selection on page 101-103, we request the following points of clarification: As an alternative to Offerors recommending specific geographic sites where project interventions should be centered and providing a concise justification for preliminary site selection, would USAID consider modifying the request and allowing Offerors to provide proposed criteria and criteria rationale for selecting candidate site areas in the proposal, as wells to provide an approach to multicriteria stakeholder-driven decision making during the inception phase? Or, is USAID’s preference that the Offeror proposes a larger, but nonetheless presumed, set of appropriate geographic sites as indicative examples that meet one or more of the proposed criteria?

If USAID retains their request that Offerors recommend specific sites, would USAID be able to provide feedback on desired factors when considering site selection? For example, would sites without significant populations of some or all of the megafauna identified in the RFP be considered acceptable? Second, how important does USAID consider prioritizing the selection of sites among the greatest risk of high emissions? The RFP indicates they “may” be selected.

USAID Response: As stated Section J.1.F.1., USAID confirms that Offerors must adhere to the following instructions: “In line with the guiding principles for geographic site selection, Offerors must provide a brief description of proposed geographies. Offerors are not required to conduct the in-depth analysis, however, should be prepared to concisely and convincingly justify the proposed geographies.” Therefore, the proposed geographies are presumed and indicative examples that must be in line with the guiding principles for geographic site selection outlined in Section J.1.F.1. Notably, under Section J.1.F.1, the four mandatory and three discretionary criteria will not change, including the consideration that “[p]riority must be given to subnational jurisdictions with known orangutan populations and where habitat of these known populations is currently under threat.”

9. In the draft RFP, the “justification for geographic site selection” was to be submitted as

Annex A. While the final RFP does not refer to such an Annex, it does state (in Section J.1.F.1) “Offerors must provide a brief description of proposed geographies” and “should be prepared to concisely and convincingly justify the proposed geographies.” Please confirm that Offerors should submit this information as an additional allowed annex that will not count toward the page limitation for the technical proposal.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.2(b) - Technical Approach, Offerors must fully integrate the Guiding Principles provided in Section J.1.F throughout the proposed approach and interventions. Therefore, Offerors must fully integrate their response to Section J.1.F.1 - Geographic Site Selection in the Technical Approach (as per Section L.8.2(b)), not as an additional annex to the Technical Proposal.

10. The final RFP moves the Performance Work Statement to an annex. Could USAID please clarify the level of detail that Offerors are expected to provide in this annex?

USAID Response: As an annex to the Technical Proposal, the Performance Work Statement (PWS) does not have a page limitation and therefore, Offerors are able to develop their PWS to the level of detail appropriate to adhere to the instructions and parameters set forth in Section L.8.2(a).

11. It is understood that grants under contract (GUCs) will be available for civil society

NGOs and CSOs but it is unclear if local governmental bodies would be eligible. Can USAID clarify whether local government bodies (such as Forest Management Units) will be eligible for awards under the GUC component (for example, to procure equipment in support of enforcement efforts)?

USAID Response: Under Section H.6(c) - Grants Under Contract, the Contractor must award such grants only to local and locally-established entities. Local partner government entities may be eligible subject to assessment requirements outlined in ADS 220.3.3.1a.

12. The two outcomes of the project and the contributing factors as delineated in the RFP do not include roles of national government or potential for intervention at the national level.

Could USAID confirm that the project is not expected to involve activities relating to national government?

USAID Response: Under Section J.1 - Statement of Objectives and Section L.8 - Technical Proposal Instructions, there is no restriction on proposing activities relating to national government. Notably, under Section J.1.E.2 - Objectives, both Outcome sections for Objective 1 and 2 state that “[t]his Activity will also contribute to and report on progress towards relevant Sustainable Development Goals and National Mid-term Development goals of the GOI.” As such, engagement with the national government may be considered in terms of achieving the goal, objectives, and outcomes of this Activity.

13. Section J.3 on page 120: would USAID consider removing the attachment as a requirement given Section L.9(a) on page 154 states certified cost or pricing data is not required for this proposal?

USAID Response: Section J.3 is deleted from this solicitation. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

Section L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders:

14. Section L.7(d)(1) on p. 146 indicates that file formats for Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel should end in “.doc” and “.xls” respectively. Please confirm that file formats associated with newer versions of these applications (ending in “.docx” and “.xlsx”) are also acceptable.

USAID Response: File formats associated with newer versions of Microsoft Word and Excel are acceptable.

15. Please confirm that “foldouts” referenced in Section L.8 on page 148 are referring to 11x17-sized pages. If so, does one foldout (or 11x17 page) count as one page toward the 15-page limit?

Similar Question: Please confirm that the Offeror may use 11x17 pages for any annexed tables and charts.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8(a), all pages must be 8.5x11 and therefore, pages of 11x17 (for foldouts) will not be considered since all proposals must be submitted electronically. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

16. Is there a page limit to Annex A: Performance Work Statement? (Section L.8)

USAID Response: Under Section L.8(a) the page limitation does not include the cover letter, table of contents, acronym list, and annexes, including Annex A - Performance Work Statement.

17. Please clarify whether the Offeror must present the Performance Work Statement in the logical framework format presented in Section L.8.2 on page 149 of the RFP, or if this may be adapted to a different format if it includes the same information.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.2(a), Offerors may present their logical framework of their Performance Work Statement in different formats so long as it includes the requisite information in a logical and clear manner.

18. Section L.8.2(a) (page 149) states that a logical framework is required in the PWS. On the same page, Section L.8.2(b) states that indicators must be discussed and described within Part 2 of the Technical Approach. Please confirm that Offerors may cross-reference from the TA to the PWS annex—rather than re-stating indicators under relevant Intermediate Results within the page-limited TA.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.2(b), Part 2 of the Technical Approach, Offerors may cross-reference the specific indicators and proposed final targets for those stated indicators from the Performance Work Statement (per Section L.8.2(a)) to Part 2 of the Technical Approach.

19. Section L.8.2 on page 150: for Part 2 of the Technical Approach, the Offeror must propose final targets for the specific indicators listed (EG.10.2-2; EG.13-6; and EG.13-4).

Please confirm that targets are only required for the three listed on page 150 and final targets are not required for all the mandatory standard indicators listed in Section J.1.E.3 (pages 99-101)?

USAID Response: USAID confirms the requirements as stated in Section L.8.2(b).

20. Section L.8: can USAID please confirm that the Past Performance summary should be included as part of the main technical proposal and not as part of Annex D?

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.4 - Past Performance, the Past Performance Summary should be part of Technical Proposal, and not as part of Annex D - Past Performance Information.

21. Page 148 of the RFP states that “Contractor Past Performance Information” is to be submitted in advance. Should bidders also include this piece in the final proposal submission to USAID?

USAID Response: Offerors should not include Annex D - Contractor Past Performance Information as part of the final proposal submission to USAID; rather it must be submitted in advance of proposal in accordance with Section L.7(e).

22. Section L.8.4(a)(2) on page 152 notes that offerors should describe quality awards or certification that indicate exceptional capacity to provide services for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal. Quality awards and certifications are generally included in annexes that do not count against the page limit, yet this requirement is placed in a section that is subject to the page limitations. Can USAID please confirm that the description of quality awards or certifications may be included in Annex D with the Contractor Past Performance Information, which does not count against the page limit?

USAID Response: Section L.8.4(a)(2) will be part of the Technical Proposal and is included in the page limitation.

23. Section L.8.4.b.1 (Past Performance, page 152) directs Offerors to “List … up to five (5) of the most recent and relevant *contracts* for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal” (emphasis added). Provided that Offerors can provide all information requested in Attachment J.6 (including client contacts), please confirm that projects resulting from other mechanisms (such as cooperative agreements) may be used as examples of relevant past performance.

USAID Response: USAID requires past performance information for contracts in accordance with Section L.8.4(b). Therefore, Offerors must not include past performance information from assistance mechanisms (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements).

24. Section L.8.4 (b) (page 152) of the RFP states that “Offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide Past Performance Information for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor.” Could USAID please clarify what specific information about contractor teaming arrangements the offeror should include?

USAID Response: If an Offeror is proposing a teaming arrangement, the prime Offeror of the teaming arrangement must provide information requested in Section L.8.4 (b)(1-2), as applicable.

25. Would USAID accept inclusion of Past Performance Information for 2nd tier subcontractors? (Section L.8)

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.4(b), for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the Offeror's total proposed cost, and any other subcontractor who the offeror deems as critical to the execution of the Technical Approach). Therefore, the submission of past performance information for 2nd tier subcontractors is not required.

26. We have the following questions regarding Section L.8.4.b, Past Performance Information:

a) Please confirm that Offerors may present recent and relevant contracts that are ongoing—i.e., not yet completed projects.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.4(b)(1), recent past performance is defined as within the past five (5) years, which may include ongoing projects.

b) Please confirm the number of past performance references that should be provided for the Prime and each Major Subcontractor: five per firm, or a total of five references combined from the prime and any designated Major Subcontractors.

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.4(b), Offerors must provide separate past performance information for itself, its teaming arrangement, and major subcontractor(s) (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the Offeror's total proposed cost, and any other subcontractor who the offeror deems as critical to the execution of the Technical Approach). Therefore, there may be more than five past performance references in the Annex; however, each firm/teaming arrangement must not have more than five past performance references.

27. Section L.9.5(d) (page 162 and 163) of the RFP states that for each subcontractor, offerors should provide “the information requested above in Parts (2), (3), (4), and (7) for each subcontractor.” The RFP does not appear to include Part 7. Could USAID please furnish Part 7 or clarify what information the offeror should include in the proposal to meet Part 7 requirements?

Similar Questions:

L.9.5 (d) on p. 162 indicates that there is a Part 7, but there is nothing labeled as such.

Please clarify or remove reference to Part 7.

Section L.9.5, part 5 paragraph (d) on page 162: the RFP requests information for Parts (2), (3), (4), (6) and (7); however, there is no part (7) included. Could USAID please confirm that there is no Part 7 for either the prime offeror or subcontractors?

On Page 162, Section L.9.5 Part 5 (d), the RFA asks for "The information requested above in Parts (2), (3), (4), (6) and (7) for each subcontractor,” however there is no Part

(7) included in this section. Is there a missing Part (7) or should this be disregarded?

USAID Response: This was a clerical error, therefore mention of Part 7 is deleted from this solicitation. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

28. Section L.9.4 (p.161) subsection (a) implies that an Offeror with USAID contracting experience does not need to submit its personnel policies. Subsection (b) refers to a *summary* of personnel policies, but does not state if this needs to be submitted. Please clarify if Offerors with USAID contracting experience need to submit a summary of their personnel policies.

Similar Questions: Section L.9.4(a) on page 161: offerors must submit information on personnel policies if the Offeror does not have prior USAID contracting experience.

However, Section L.9.4(b) on page 162 requires a summary of the offeror’s personnel policies used for formulating the cost proposal and in effect at the time the offer is submitted. Would USAID please confirm information on personnel policies is only required if an offeror does not have prior USAID contracting experience?

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.4(b), Offerors that have prior USAID contracting experience must submit a summary of its personnel policies, and therefore it is not required to submit a copy of its personnel policies (in full).

29. L.9.5 (c) on p. 162 states that Offerors should provide the “approximate percentage of each type of work to be subcontracted.” Can you clarify the specific meaning of “type of work?” Does this refer to type of subcontract, technical area, employee vs. consultant labor, etc.?

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.5(d), the “type of work to be subcontracted” should be reasonably supported by the Technical Approach and/or Performance Work Statement proposed by the prime offeror, which could include specific technical expertise to be performed.

30. With reference to L.9.5 (d) on p. 162, please clarify if subcontractor budgets, narratives, and other requirements for Parts 2, 4, 6 and 7 should be included in Part 5 of the Offeror’s submission, or if they should be grouped with similar information (for example, including subcontractor budgets and narratives within Part 2).

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.5(d), subcontractor information for Parts (2), (3), (4), and (6) for each subcontractor must be submitted under Part 5 - Subcontractor Information.

31. L.9.5 (d) on p. 162 indicates that the Offeror should submit the requirements from Parts

2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 for each subcontractor. Some of the Parts state a document should be submitted for subcontractors, others state a document should be submitted for major subcontractors, and others do not reference either. We have the following questions:

a) L.9.2 (c)(10)(i, ii) on p. 159 indicates that NICRA and other indirect cost documentation only needs to be provided for the Offeror and major subcontractors.

Please confirm if Indirect cost documentation should be submitted only for major subcontractors and that it does not need to be submitted for non-major subcontractors.

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.2(c)(10)(i)(ii), indirect cost must be submitted only for the prime offeror and its each major subcontractor(s) (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the Offeror's total proposed cost, and any other subcontractor who the offeror deems as critical to the execution of the Technical Approach).

b) Please confirm if policies and procedures should be submitted for subcontractors without USAID contracting experience (per L.9.4).

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.4(a), Offerors that do not have prior USAID contracting experience must submit a copy of its personnel policies.

c) Please confirm if Information Concerning Work-Day, Work-Week, and Paid Absences should be submitted only for major subcontractors (per L.9.4).

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.4(b)(2), Offerors and each proposed major subcontractor must indicate information concerning work-day, work-week and paid absences.

32. Section L.9.1 on page 154 specifically requires an original signature on the SF-33. Could

USAID please confirm the acceptability of electronic signatures for the SF-33?

USAID Response: USAID confirms the acceptability of authorized electronic signatures for the SF-33.

33. Section L.9.2 on page 155 requires Detailed budget breakdowns for each year of the contract using the format below [table at the bottom of page 155] and including a budget description that identifies each cost element and addresses why these costs are considered realistic. The same cost element breakdowns should be used for individual subcontract budgets as applicable. Would USAID consider allowing offerors and subcontractors to provide a detailed budget by major line item and two summary budgets—one per the format in Section L.9.2(a) and another reflecting breakdowns by Objective (per the format in Section L.9.2(b))?

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.2(a), Offerors must submit a summary budget for the prime and all subcontractors by Basic Year (Yr1-3) and each Option Period. Under Section L.9.2(b), Offerors may submit a summary budget for prime and all subcontractors by each Activity Objective, including Grants under Contract, for the Activity.

34. Section L.9.2(c)(1) on page 157 states daily rates for all proposed positions should be based on prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country, as opposed to applying negotiated daily rates of an actual or illustrative candidate. Would USAID please provide the Mission FSN scale to appropriately determine compensation ranges for specific positions?

USAID Response: Under Section L.9.2(c)(1), the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia local compensation plan rates (minimum and maximum range only) is included as an additional source of consideration to assess prevailing compensation for general categories of positions in Jakarta, Indonesia. This compensation plan should not be the determining factor in establishing daily rates for all proposed positions. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

35. Section L.9.3 on page 161 requires the Offeror to submit a signed and dated Section K;

however, the signature block for Section K is on page 136, and not at the end of the section. Could USAID please revise Section K to include the signature block at the end of the section?

USAID Response: Section K.7 - Agreement On, or Exceptions to, Terms and Conditions and Section K.8 - Signature are placed at the end of Section K and all other remaining sections are renumbered accordingly. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

36. Section L.11 (b), on page 164: the second sentence in this section appears to be missing some key information: These plans must ’s employees o include specific guidance for these individuals with respect to their personal responsibilities for compliance. Can USAID please edit and provide an updated sentence?

USAID Response: Given a recent update to ADS 320 - Branding and Marking, there are several major changes to the solicitation: First, the entirety of Section L.11 - Branding Implementing and Marking Plan Instructions has been revised. Secondly, new sections have been added to Section D - Packaging and Marking, titled Section D.4 - Exceptions and Waivers to USAID Branding and Marking Requirements, and Section D.5 - Branding and Marking for Grants Under Contract. Thirdly, a new attachment has been added to Section J - Attachments, titled Section J.3 - Branding Implementing and Marking Plan Guidance (replacing Certification of Current Cost and Pricing Data). See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

37. The Branding Implementation and Marking Plan is listed as Annex G to the Technical

Proposal on page 148; however, on page 163, directions for the Branding Implementation and Marking Plan are included under the Cost Proposal instructions.

Please clarify whether this Plan is to be included as an annex to the Technical or Cost Proposal.

USAID Response: The preliminary Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan must be an annex to the Technical Proposal as per Section L.11 (revised version, see specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment).

38. Please clarify where the Offeror should present the information required of contracts that are not in CPARS (e.g., description of the performance to include the scope of work, or complexity/diversity of tasks; primary location(s) of work; etc.), as specified by Section L.8.4.b.2 on page 153. For example, should this be added to “Section 6.c: Other” of the J.6 past performance information form?

USAID Response: Under Section L.8.(b)(2), Offerors should not use the Contractor Past Performance Information Form provided in Section J; rather Offerors must provide the information requested in this section in the Annex D - Contractor Past Performance Information.

39. Per L.2 (d), Page 143, Offer Expiration Date, please clarify the number of days Offerors proposal shall be valid. The solicitation cover sheet references 180 days, while Section L.7 (h), Page 146, indicates “Offerors must indicate the duration of the validity of their offer in Box 12 of the submitted SF-33 Form. The Government recommends to include at least nine months of validity from the submission date to allow sufficient time to evaluate proposals and complete negotiations.”

Similar Question: Section L.2(d) on page 143: requires submitted proposals to the solicitation to be valid for the number of days specified on the solicitation cover sheet.

However, the cover pages does not include a specified validity period. Will USAID please provide a validity period?

USAID Response: Under Section L.7(h), the proposal must be considered valid for a period of 210 calendar days from the solicitation closing date. Also, SF33, box 12 will be revised to include 210 calendar days. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award:

40. Section M.3.2., page 167 states “The Offeror’s Management and Staffing Plan and Organizational Chart will be evaluated for this factor” (referring to the Management Approach). Can USAID confirm that Annex C, Table of Management Positions with Qualifications, will also be evaluated under this factor?

Similar Questions: Section M.3.2 Factor 2, Management Approach (pg. 167): can USAID please clarify if Annex C: Table of Management Positions with Qualifications will be evaluated as part of M.3.2 Factor 2?

USAID Response: Under Section M.3.2., Table of Management Positions with Qualifications (Annex C) will not be evaluated under this or any evaluation factor.

However, USAID will consider Annex C in determining up to four key personnel positions and the qualifications for selected key personnel positions contained in Annex C will be included in Section F.4 of the Contract.

41. Similarly, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is listed as Annex F to the Technical

Proposal on page 148; however, on page 168, directions for the Small Business Subcontracting Plan are included under the Cost Proposal instructions. Please clarify whether the Plan is to be included as an annex to the Technical or Cost Proposal.

USAID Response: This is a clerical error, and therefore Offeror’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Annex F) must be submitted as an Annex to the Technical Proposal. See specific change in Part 2 of this Amendment.

PART 2 – SPECIFIC CHANGES to Solicitation No. 72049720R00002

Major changes to the RFP are listed below. Please refer to the revised RFP (with track changes) for all changes.

SF33, Box 12.

Add: 210 calendar days.

Section D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

Add:

D.4 EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS TO USAID BRANDING AND MARKING

REQUIREMENTS

USAID may consider programmatic exceptions to its requirements for branding and marking, as provided in ADS 320.3.4.1. Exceptions are rare, programmatic in nature, and reflect the categories of foreign assistance USAID general does not want marked. USAID may approve exceptions post-award when appropriate. Guidance for applying for exceptions can be found at USAID ADS 320, Branding and Marking.

USAID will only grant waivers in rare circumstances, after considerable deliberation and analysis, and will be narrowly targeted in terms of geography, time and programmatic application. Guidance for applying for waivers can be found at USAID ADS Chapter 320, Branding and Marking.

In accordance with ADS 320, only the Contracting Officer has the authority to inform the Contractor of USAID’s decision to approve an exception or grant a waiver to the branding and marking requirements. Only the CO is authorized to direct the Contractor to comply with such exceptions or waivers. Any branding and marking requirement waiver will be subject to review every six months.

D.5 BRANDING AND MARKING FOR GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

The Contractor is responsible for including branding and marking requirements for grants under this contract (GUC) in accordance with 2 CFR 700.16. To ensure the marking requirements “flow down” to grantees, subgrants must include the provision as outlined in 2 CFR 700.16(a)(4).

As part of the Contractor’s responsibility for managing grants, the Contractor must ensure that all grantees follow the same rules for branding and marking as assistance awards, as described in ADS 320, Branding and incorporated herein by reference.

USAID reserves the right to require the USAID Identity to be larger and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a cooperating country government's identity be larger and more prominent if circumstances warrant; any such requirement will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the audience, program goals and materials produced.

USAID reserves the right to request pre-production review of USAID funded public communications and program materials for compliance with the approved Branding Strategy, Branding Implementation Plan, and Marking Plan.

USAID reserves the right to require marking with the USAID Identity in the event the grantee does not choose to mark with its own identity or logo.

Section J.3. – CERTIFICATE OF CURRENT COST AND PRICING DATA

Delete in its entirety.

Replace as Section J.3 - Branding Implementation and Marking Plan Guidance, and add:

USAID/INDONESIA BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLANS GUIDANCE

The Offeror must prepare a Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP) based on the Branding Strategy set forth in Section D, which sets forth the specific standards for branding and marking that apply. Generally, the BIP and MP outline the events (press conferences, site visits, etc.) and materials (success stories, Public Service Announcements [PSAs], etc.) the Contractor will organize and produce to assist USAID in delivering the message that “the assistance is from the American people” or provide an explanation if this message is not appropriate or possible. The BIP and MP will outline how to publicize the program, project, or activity in the host-country and a description of the communications tools to be used.

Additional guidance can be found online at www.usaid.gov/branding and ADS 558 Use of Social Media for Public Engagement.

The BIP and MP must comply with 2 CFR 700.16, AIDAR 752.7009, ADS 320, USAID Graphic Standard Manual, ADS 557 Public Information and ADS 558 Use of Social Media for Public Engagement. Additional guidance can be found online at www.usaid.gov/branding. The BIP and MP must comply with the contractual requirements set forth in Sections D and H.

In developing the BIP and MP, Offerors are reminded that USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions using any source of funds.

As stated in 320.3.2, USAID’s policy is that programs, projects, activities, public communications, or commodities implemented or delivered under contracts and subcontracts exclusively funded by USAID are marked exclusively with the USAID Identity. Where applicable, an Indonesian government symbol or ministry logo, or another U.S. Government logo may be added. “Exclusive Branding” means that the activity is positioned as USAID’s, as showcased by the program name (e.g., “USAID Local Governance Enabling Environment”).

Contractors and subcontractors' corporate identities or logos must not be used on USAID-funded program materials. Marking is not permitted on any communications that are strictly administrative, rather than programmatic, in nature. USAID identity is also prohibited on Contractor and recipient communications related to award administration, such as hiring/firing of staff or renting office space and/or equipment. Marking is not required on Contractor vehicles, offices, office supplies or other commodities used solely for administration of the USAID-funded program.

Studies, reports, publications, Web sites, and all informational and promotional products not authored, reviewed, or edited by USAID must contain a provision substantially as follows:

This study/report/Web site (specify) is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this (specify) are the sole responsibility of (name of organization) and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (BIP) GUIDANCE

USAID seeks a very high level of public visibility for this activity. The BIP must resent a strategy on how the contractor will achieve this level of visibility.

The BIP must include the following:

Activity Name The name of the activity.

Activity Description Provide a basic description of the activity in simple language. Avoid jargon, abbreviations, and explain what the activity is doing, how it’s accomplishing its objectives, and why the work is important.

Branding and Marking Objectives List the branding and marking objectives that complement and support the activity’s programmatic and strategic communications objectives. These objectives should directly support the activity’s development objectives which can range from increase of awareness, encourage behavior change, increase support through community mobilization, advocate adoption of best practices, etc.

Audiences List the activity’s external audiences. The audiences are those who are the decision makers that are critical to achieving the activity’s development objectives. In addition, people who influence those decision makers are also part of the key audiences.

Be specific and clear about your target audiences and user groups, and prioritize them according to importance and influence relative to your objectives. Don’t just think about the ‘usual suspects’ and think beyond just the actual “recipients” of USAID's assistance.

Key Messages

USAID uses a message triangle to consistently and coherently explain our work. The core mission of our work belongs in the center of the triangle, the “what,” “how” and “why.” USAID’s message triangle can be found in the USAID Graphic Standard Manual and Partner Co- Branding Guide on page 4.

The contractor will create key messages using e the USAID message triangle to explain the important work of the activity to its key audiences and how to position USAID and the message that this assistance is from the American People to them. The contractor must provide an explanation if this message is not appropriate or possible.

The message triangle must include a WHAT, HOW, and WHY statement as described below.

a) WHAT: This is the problem we are working to solve and provides the reason why our goals are within reach. A successful “what” statement provides our audience with a reason to believe.

b) HOW: Here we explain the method we will use to achieve our goals through our unique position as a USAID activity.

c) WHY: The “why” message appeals to the common interest and values of our audiences. It should explain the reason why it's important for USAID to work in this area through the activity. It must connect to the audience's sense of reason and emotion, and it tells them why they should care.

Communications Activities The Plan will outline communication activities that are designed to achieve USAID’s branding and marking objectives and the activity’s development and programmatic objectives. The activities should be in line to achieve a very high- level of public visibility through an array of communications activities, media coverage, and social media engagement.

Contractors should research what existing publications, online platforms, events, conferences, and information sources the contractor can tap into in order to reach the activity’s key audiences.

Communications activities can include but are not limited to: launching the program; online campaigns; community events; announcing research, reports or publications; email marketing;

spotlighting trends in the sector; highlighting activity impact or beneficiaries stories; media briefings, contests; community awareness activities; and media visits to the activity sites.

This section should also outline the types of communications products that will be developed through this activity and how these tools will be used to publicize the activity in the host country. Suchproducts can include but not limited to the following:

● Press releases;

● Press conferences;

● Media interviews;

● Site visits;

● Success stories;

● Testimonials from beneficiaries;

● Professional photography;

● Public Service Announcements (PSAs);

● Videos;

● Webcasts;

● E-invitations or group emails;

● Social media; and

● Other Internet activities, etc.

The anticipated communication activities and products to be utilized by the Contractor will be incorporated into the activity’s annual work plan.

Milestones This section should outline key milestones or opportunities anticipated to generate awareness that the activity is from the American people. Such milestones can be linked to specific points in time, such as the beginning or end of a program, or to specific opportunities, such as the publication of research findings or program successes. Milestones can include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Launching the program;

● Announcing research findings;

● Publishing reports or studies;

● Spotlighting trends;

● Securing endorsements from ministries or local non-governmental organizations; and

● Communicating the impact/overall results of the program

Social Media Strategy USAID encourages the use of social media and online platforms to publicize the work of the Agency, and to engage with development partners and learn from stakeholder communities in coordination with the existing media outreach and efforts of the USAID/Indonesia mission.

In accordance with ADS 558, the Offeror must prepare a complementary social media strategy that is incorporated in the BIP if social media is anticipated to be utilized.

Employee Roles and Responsibilities The BIP (and MP) plans must include specific guidance for staff with respect to their responsibilities for compliance. For example, employees who obtain business cards to identify themselves as associated with USAID must use the guidance in ADS 320 and, among other requirements, include “USAID Contractor” above their name. This serves to inform recipients of the business card that this individual is associated with USAID, but is not a Federal Employee and cannot represent USAID or perform inherently governmental functions. The BIP and MP might also include information about how this topic will be addressed during employee orientation. For example, employees might be advised to include “USAID Contractor” as a part of their “signature” for work-related emails, especially those sent under an USAID-provided email account. The Offeror’s employees placed with USAID should also be advised to discuss with their USAID point-of-contact the Branding and Marking practices of the USAID unit to which they are assigned to ensure consistent practices.

Success Criteria

List the criteria that determine whether the BIP has successfully achieved the branding and marking objectives. These metrics will be incorporated into your monitoring and evaluation plan.

MARKING PLAN GUIDANCE

The Marking Plan enumerates the public communications, commodities, and program materials and other items that visibly bear or will be marked with the USAID Identity in accordance with the requirements set forth in ADS 320.3.2.5 Requirements for Marking Plans for Contracts..

The contractor must provide the text that will be used to acknowledge USAID support on printed communication materials and products as well as the verbal acknowledgement of USAID at events.

The contractor must create a table and list the public communications materials and products that will bear the USAID identity. Deliverables to be marked include but are not limited to the following:

● Products, equipment and inputs delivered;

● Plaques, signs or banners for places where activities or technical assistance are carried out;

● External public communications such as media invitations, press releases, online success stories, beneficiary testimonials, professional photography, brochures, leaflets, and fact sheets;

● Public services announcements, videos, DVDs, CDs, posters, newsletters, publications, and mass distribution of electronic mail sent for program purposes;

● Studies, reports, research results, training manuals, workbooks, guides, and evaluations;

● Letterhead used for program-related purposes (Invitations to workshops, trainings, seminars, public events, etc.), as opposed to contractor administrative purposes;

● PowerPoint or program related presentations;

● Newspaper supplements, advertisements, and other paid placements; and

● Signs and banners at public events such as press conferences, briefings, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, fairs, and trainings.

The MP must specifically address the following contract deliverables or performance requirements, as applicable:

● Grants under contracts (GUC): While prime contracts are exclusively branded and marked with the USAID Identity, grants under contract, when authorized in accordance with ADS 302, USAID Direct Contracting, must be branded and marked like grants. In short, GUCs follow the same rules for branding and marking rules as assistance awards.

This means that while a contractor may not use its logo or identity on project deliverables, the non-governmental organization (NGO), local government entity, or other local partner that is a recipient of a GUC may use its logo or other identity to “co-brand” and “co-mark” (see Section 320.3.3). The contractor is responsible for including requirements for branding and marking for these grants in its Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan, as part of its overall responsibility for managing grants under its contract.

● USAID reserves the right to request pre-production review of USAID-funded public communications and program materials for compliance with USAID’s graphic standards and the approved Marking Plan.

● USAID reserves the right to provide guidance on USAID-funded social media communications which must be in compliance with ADS 558, Use of Social Media for Public Engagement.

The Marking Plan may include requests for exceptions to marking requirements, which may be approved by the CO. As noted in Section D, exceptions are rare. Section ADS

320.3.2.5 lists the exceptions to Marking Plan requirements.

Section K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS

Delete numbering of Section K.7, AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS; and replace with Section K.11, AGREEMENT ON, OR EXCEPTIONS TO, TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Contract provision remains the same.

Delete numbering of Section K.8, SIGNATURE; and replace with Section K.12, SIGNATURE.

Contract provision remains the same.

Renumber Section K.9 through Section K.12 as Section K.7 through Section K.10, respectively.

Contract provisions remain the same.

Section L.8 - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Under (a):

Delete: Foldouts count as an equivalent number of 8-1/2" x 11"pages.The metric standard format most closely approximating the described standard 8-1/2" x 11" size may also be used.

Section L.9.2 Part 2 - Proposed Costs

Under (c)(1) Salaries and Wages:

Add: The following provides the U.S. Embassy in Indonesia local compensation plan rates as an additional source of guidance to determining appropriate rates:

Annual Salary (IDR)

Minimum Maximum

Senior Technical IDR 417,864,426 IDR 883,806,008

Mid-Level Technical IDR 239,089,433 IDR 524,389,886

Junior Technical IDR 104,673,040 IDR 297,415,504

Administrative/Support IDR 88,437,980 IDR 141,500,770

Section L.9.5 Part 5 – Subcontractor Information

Delete: (d) The information requested above in Parts (2), (3), (4), (6) and (7) for each subcontractor.

Replace with: (d) The information requested above in Parts (2), (3), (4), and (6) for each subcontractor.

Section L.10 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN INSTRUCTIONS

Delete: (a) Offerors must submit a Small Business (SB) Subcontracting Plan as an Annex to the Cost Proposal; however, it will not be evaluated as a part of technical evaluation. Only the plan from the apparently successful offeror will be evaluated as a matter of responsibility (see Section L.9.6). If the offeror does not submit an acceptable subcontracting plan, the offeror will be ineligible for the award.

Replace with: (a) Offerors must submit a Small Business (SB) Subcontracting Plan as an Annex to the Technical Proposal; however, it will not be evaluated as a part of technical evaluation.

Only the plan from the apparently successful offeror will be evaluated as a matter of responsibility (see Section L.9.6). If the offeror does not submit an acceptable subcontracting plan, the offeror will be ineligible for the award.

Section L.11 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN INSTRUCTIONS

Delete in its entirety.

Replace with:

USAID seeks to achieve a high level of public visibility through an array of communication activities, including media coverage, social media engagement, and events. USAID policy on the branding and marking of the work products of this contract is contained in 2 CFR 700.16;

USAID ADS Chapters 320, 557, and 558; and the USAID Graphic Standard Manual and Partner Co-Branding Guide.

In response to this RFP, the Offeror must include a preliminary Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP), must not to exceed two pages as an Annex to the Technical Proposal (see Section L.8). The preliminary BIP and MP should describe how the Offeror will communicate to beneficiaries and stakeholder audiences that the work of this contract is from the American people per the Branding Strategy and USAID Branding Guidelines. Failure to submit a preliminary BIP and MP will make the Offeror ineligible for award of the contract.

Offerors must include all estimated costs associated with monitoring and enforcement of branding and marking requirements into their cost proposal.

Offerors will be required to submit final BIP and MP for final review before award, or in the competitive range (if applicable). Although not scored as part of the evaluation, in accordance with ADS 320.3.1.2, Pre-Award Procedures, Offeror must prepare a final BIP and MP according to detailed instructions contained in Section J.3 - USAID/Indonesia Branding Implementation and Marking Plans Guidance. The BIP and MP should demonstrate the understanding and support of ADS 320. These plans must include specific guidance for staff with respect to their responsibilities for compliance. Requested exceptions to ADS Chapter 320 requirements, must be included in the final BIP and MP. The final BIP and MP will be made a part of the contract.

USAID encourages the use of social media and online platforms to publicize the work of the Agency, and to engage with development partners and learn from stakeholder communities in coordination with the existing media outreach and efforts of the USAID/Indonesia mission. In accordance with ADS 558, the Offeror must prepare a complementary social media strategy that is incorporated in the BIP.

[END OF AMENDMENT 1 TO RFP No. 72049720R00002]