72051421R00001 (01) - Attachment J.17 - Q&A.pdf

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ANNEX 17

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS DOCUMENT – RFP SOL 72051421R00001

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

1. Some of the USAID Regional Governance Activity’s recent reports, such as the most recent annual report and success stories, are unavailable on the Development Experience Clearinghouse. Would USAID please publish all relevant Regional Governance Activity reports and deliverables that relate to VRI’s subject matter so that all offerors have access to the same information to develop their proposals?

Yes, availability of these documents has been confirmed by the RGA TOCOR and the contractor in the DEC.

2. Section C.5.11 (page 22) indicates that USAID/Colombia completed a Private-Sector

Landscape Analysis in August 2020. Although some offerors may have access to this analysis (such as those involved in producing it), others may not. Given the importance of private sector engagement to the VRI IDIQ, could USAID please share this analysis with all offerors as an RFP attachment?

Yes, the document has been uploaded as a supporting document in www.beta.sam.gov.

Also, please reference USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/private-sector-engagement

3. Section L.7 (page 95) states, “Annexes will be limited to thirty (30) pages total.” Section

L.7.4 (page 99) limits Annex 1 to 12 pages (10 pages for key personnel resumes and two pages for supporting information), leaving 18 pages for past performance information in Annex 2. Would USAID please consider i) adding three pages for Annex 1 so that offerors have sufficient space to describe the experience of their proposed key personnel, and ii) adding three pages for relevant graphics to support the technical and management approach? Below, we present page allocations for USAID’s consideration.

Proposed page limits for technical annexes (total 30 pages):

• Annex 1: Key Personnel Resumes and supporting information: 15 pages

• Annex 2: Contractor Past Performance Information: 12 pages

• Annex 3: Relevant Graphics: 3 pages

On page 99, Section L.7.4 - Title, delete “not to exceed 12 pages” and replace with “not to exceed 15 pages.” Overall limit remains at 30 pages for annexes.

4. Section L.7 (page 95) notes, “The Technical Proposal is limited to a maximum of thirty

(30) pages, excluding annexes.” Section L.7 (pages 96 through 98) also specifies that the Technical Proposal must comprise a “Technical Approach of IDIQ (not to exceed 7 pages)”; a “Performance Work Statement (PWS) of Task Order No. 1, Migration http://www.beta.sam.gov/ https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/private-sector-engagement

Solicitation #: 72051421R00001 USAID/COLOMBIA VENEZUELA RESPONSE AND INTEGRATION IDIQ

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Management Activity (not to exceed 18 pages)”; and a “Management Approach of IDIQ and Task Order No. 1, Migration Management Activity (not to exceed 6 pages)”. The pages that the RFP allocates for these three sections total 31 pages. Could USAID please confirm that the Technical Proposal is limited to a maximum of 31 pages?

On page 95, Section L.7, second paragraph, delete “not to exceed thirty (30) pages” and replace with “not to exceed thirty-two (32) pages”.

5. Section L.7.1 (page 96) limits the Technical Approach of IDIQ to seven pages, allocating one page per subsection. Would USAID please consider adding a page to the limit for this section to permit offerors to adequately address all the information that the RFP requires offerors to cover in the subsection on background (e.g., critical assumptions and implementation constraints)?

On page 96, Section L.7.1 - Title, delete “not to exceed 7 pages” and replace with “not to exceed 8 pages.” Also, see answer to Q4.

6. Section L.7.1 (page 96) limits each of the seven subsections of the Technical Approach of

IDIQ to one page. Given that offerors have very limited space for this section, would USAID consider removing the page limits for discrete subsections to provide offerors more flexibility to present their technical approach?

On page 96 and 97, Section L.7.1, delete all uses of “not to exceed 1 page.”

7. Section L.7.5.a, Contractor Past Performance, page 99, of the RFP states: “the Offeror

(including all partners of a joint venture) must provide performance information for itself” and, on page 100, continues that offerors must “list in an annex to the technical proposal up to two (2) of the most recent and relevant contracts/agreements (active or ended no more than 3 years ago) for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal for the Offeror.” Can USAID please confirm that each member of a joint venture is allowed to submit two past performance forms?

On page 100, Section L.7.5.a.1, delete “up to two (2)” and replace with “two (2).” Any prime and major subcontractors (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide two past performances.

8. Section L.7, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, page 95, of the RFP states: “the technical proposal is limited to a maximum of thirty (30) pages, excluding annexes.” However, on subsequent pages within Section L.7, it states that the Technical Approach of IDIQ is not to exceed 7 pages; that the Performance Work Statement (PWS) of Task Order No. 1, Migration Management Activity is not to exceed 18 pages; and the Management Approach of IDIQ and Task Order No. 1, Migration Management Activity is not to exceed 6 pages. Can USAID please confirm the total pages allowed in the Technical Proposal should be 31 as opposed to 30?

See answers to Q4 and Q5.

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9. Would USAID allow offerors to provide a one-page Executive Summary after the List of Acronyms and before the Technical Approach of IDIQ?

Yes, but is it not considered mandatory; however, the one-page Executive Summary will not count towards the maximum page count or be used as a part of the evaluation.

10. In Section L.7, Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, page 96, a QASP is listed under the list of annexes/attachments that USAID will accept. Should the QASP be submitted in Annex 3, after Annex 1: Key Personnel Resumes and Annex 2:

Contractor Past Performance Information?

On page 96, Section L.7, delete “Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) (see Section J.15).” The QASP for TO1 must be submitted after award by the winning offeror.

11. Section L.7.3.a, Management Approach of IDIQ and Task Order No. 1, Migration

Management Activity, page 98, states: “The management approach must clearly link and be within the overall IDIQ contract SOW and technical approach being offered discussed in L.7.c.1.” We have the following questions related to this requirement:

a. Could USAID confirm that offerors must provide a management approach for the Technical Approach of the IDIQ?

Yes. The Management Approach listed in L.7.3.a will include the management approach for both the IDIQ and Task Order No. 1. These two items are linked because the management of the IDIQ (issuing of reports/deliverables, coordination between future task orders and any personnel needed to manage the IDIQ) will be contained within the budget for Task Order No. 1. Future task orders will be managed independently once issued. USAID expects the management of approach for the IDIQ to be significantly less than for that of Task Order No 1.

b. The RFP does not contain a Section L.7.c.1. Could USAID please clarify which section offerors must refer to?

On page 98, Section L.7.3.a, delete “L.7.c.1” and replace with “L.7.1. and L.7.2.”

12. Section L.7.4, Key Personnel of Task Order No.1, Migration Management Activity, page

99, states: “As a reference of their work experience, [offerors must] submit the name of the TOCOR for USAID-funded activities or the equivalent Project Manager for other donor-funded activities for each proposed candidate, with complete contact information including telephone and e-mail addresses.” We have the following questions related to this requirement:

a. It is likely that TOCORs/Project Managers may no longer be working for USAID/other donors and may not be reachable. Would USAID consider requesting contact information of TOCORs/Project Managers for only the current or most recent donor-funded activity the candidate has been supporting?

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The Offeror must still submit the contact information for the TOCOR, even if they are no longer working for the entity from where the contract was issued.

b. Would USAID please confirm that no other references are required for proposed candidates?

Please refer to Section L.7.4, which requires references for all proposed key personnel.

13. Section L.7.3.b, Staffing Plan, page 99, states: “The Offeror must clearly define technical positions within the organizational chart.” We have the following questions regarding this requirement:

a. Will USAID allow offerors to submit an organizational chart as a separate annex exclusive of the page limits?

No. This remains as part of the page limit.

b. If so, can USAID please specify where this should go within the list of other annexes (i.e., Annex 3, 4, etc.)?

See answer to Question 13.a.

14. Section L.7.3, Management Approach of the IDIQ and Task Order No. 1, Migration

Management Activity, page 98, states: “The PWS for Task Order No. 1, the Migration Management Activity, will include the five-year overall IDIQ contract management plan for the overall IDIQ contract.” Should information about the management of Task Order 1 additionally be included in the management approach?

Yes. See response to Question 11.

15. Section M.2, Evaluation Criteria, page 111, lists Factor M.2.4 Key Personnel, as “Less important than M.2.1 and M.2.2, and M.2.3 and M.2.5.” However, on page 112, Key Personnel is “Less important than M.2.1, M.2.2 and M.2.3, but more important than M.2.5.” Can you USAID please clarify if M.2.4 Key Personnel is more or less important than M.2.5?

On page 111, Section M. 2 - Table - Factor M.2.4, delete “Less important than M.2.1 and M.2.2, and M.2.3 and M.2.5” and replace with “Less important than M.2.1, M.2.2, and M.2.3 but more important than M.2.5.”

16. Could USAID please share the USAID/Colombia Private Sector Engagement Strategy referenced in Section C.5.11, on page 22 of the RFP?

See answer to Q2.

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17. With regard to Section C.3.3, VRI Specialized Services, page 18, does USAID anticipate the contractor will be able to second staff to relevant Colombian government agencies at the national and sub-national levels?

This decision is largely up to each individual Offeror’s technical approach.

18. Attachment J.1, Task Order One, C.2.5.b, Objective Two: Subnational government capacity to provide migrants access to quality social and justice services enhanced, page 9, states: “To measure overall objective success, 100% of registered (regularized) migrants in targeted communities will have access to quality health, education, and justice services by the end of the project.” However, footnote 5, on the bottom of page 9, states: “health and education services will be covered in subsequent task orders within the IDIQ.” Can USAID please confirm if health and education services will be covered under Objective Two?

Objective Two is focused on enhancing the subnational government’s ability to provide migrants access to social (health and education) and justice services. Footnote 5 on the bottom of page 9 refers to other potential activities (currently undefined) related to health and education services that may be covered under the IDIQ.

19. Section F.9.1.b. 3 (Task Order Personnel) for Task Order 1 in Attachment J.1, states that:

“The Contractor must remain responsible for providing key personnel for full-time performance for the term of this contract unless otherwise agreed to by the TOCO. All key personnel positions proposed as employees must be directly hired by the prime offeror.” In the event the prime offeror is an unpopulated Joint Venture agreement, does USAID concur that Key Personnel may still be considered as meeting the requirement of Section F.9.1.b.3 if hired by the partners of the Joint Venture?

USAID concurs with this statement.

20. C.2.2 (pg.16) – Can USAID please confirm the wording of the VRI Theory of Change which possibly has an error in the final section:

“IF Colombian Government migration-focused governance capacity and public systems are improved, AND migrants increasingly participate in the formal economy, THEN socio-economic integration and stability will increase in areas impacted by immigration from Venezuela will be achieved.”

On page 16, Section C.2.2, delete:

“IF Colombian Government migration-focused governance capacity and public systems are improved, AND migrants increasingly participate in the formal impacted by immigration from Venezuela will be achieved.”

And replace with:

“IF Colombian Government migration-focused governance capacity and public systems are improved, AND migrants increasingly participate in the formal

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 6 of 24 impacted by immigration from Venezuela.”

21. Section C.2.5 (pg.8) includes a footnote listing urban areas with the highest migrant populations: “Bogotá-Soacha, Cúcuta-Villa del Rosario-Los Patios, Barranquilla- Soledad, Medellín-Bello-Itagüí-Envigado, Cali-Jamundí, and Bucaramanga- Floridablanca.” Can USAID confirm whether the Migration Management TO target intervention areas are the top urban areas identified in footnote 3?

The data provided in footnote 3 is provided for informational purposes, it is published by Migración Colombia and it is updated periodically.

USAID/Colombia’s Venezuela Response and Integration activities are highly integrated and will concurrently operate in targeted urban areas with the highest sedentary migrant populations and greatest economic opportunities in Colombia.

The Offeror must propose their targeted urban areas, in accordance with the proposed technical approach.

22. Section C.2.5(b) (pg.9) provides as overall objective success that “100% of registered

(regularized) migrants in targeted communities will have access to quality health, education, and justice services by the end of the project.” However, footnote 5 (also pg.9) clarifies that services covered under the task order will not include health or education adding that they “…will be covered in subsequent task orders within this IDIQ”. Could you please clarify whether TO 1 will support targeted-migration health and education services? Furthermore, could USAID clarify what services under the responsibility of subnational governments will define the overall measure of success under Objective Two?

See response to question 18.

23. Section C.2.5(c) (pg.9) mentions surveys conducted by Proyecto Migración Venezuela on migrant xenophobia in Colombia. Can USAID confirm whether they consider these research findings to be the baseline to measure 50 percent xenophobia reduction under objective 3?

USAID/Colombia is currently establishing the baseline for this objective, which will be incorporated into the final Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan.

24. Section C.4.a.1 (pg.12) - Can USAID confirm if grants to Venezuelan organizations will be allowed under the GUC provision?

Section Reference and page number in this question appear to be wrong. GUCs to Venezuelan organizations are allowable under Task Order No 1. assuming they fall within the place of performance for the task order.

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25. Section C.4.a.2 (pg.12) - Are In-kind grants to partner government entities allowed under this task order?

Section Reference and page number in this question appear to be wrong. Language in Section H.4 has been updated. On page 35, Section H.4, delete “GUCs to partner Government entities have not been authorized.”

26. Section H.4 (page 35) states, “GUCs to partner Government entities have not been authorized.” Given that the Grants Under Contract (GUC) authorizing language of ADS

302.3.4.13 allows for solely in-kind grants to government entities, could USAID please modify the language in Section H.4 of the RFP to permit the contractor to award solely in-kind grants to government entities?

Language in Section H.4 has been updated. On page 35, Section H.4, delete “GUCs to partner Government entities have not been authorized.”

27. Section F.9.1.a (pg.34) states that “Qualifications for this individual [the IDIQ Manager] must be in accordance with the Experience/Education levels specified in Section B.8 of the VRI IDIQ Contract.” However, Section B.8 of the VRI IDIQ Contract solicitation does not list experience or education for this position. Could USAID please provide qualifications for the IDIQ Manager as well as specify the post for this individual (i.e., Bogota or Washington, DC)?

Each Offeror must propose qualifications for all key personnel and these qualifications will be included in Section B.8 of the final contract award and the successful Contractor will be bound by these qualifications for the period of performance of the contract.

28. Section F.9.2 (pg.35) states: “The Contractor must clearly define technical positions within the organizational chart and explain the expected role of such positions in order to achieve program objectives. All non-key personnel candidates must have the required skills and experience required to perform in their proposed positions.” Could USAID confirm whether an organizational chart can be submitted on 11 x 17 paper as a non-page-counting annex?

USAID has considered this request and has declined the request to change page size requirements for the RFP.

29. L.6.2.e. (pg.94) - May offerors submit proposals in PDF? The 4.5MB limit on email attachments will likely mean that proposals in Word will need to be sent in multiple emails.

The Offeror must use Microsoft Word to the furthest extent possible but may submit documents in PDF where it would be better suited, such as for Standard Forms. The Offeror may submit a zip file for email file limitation purposes.

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30. L.7 (pg.96) As with tables and charts, may offerors also use an adjusted font for textboxes?

USAID has considered this request and has declined the recommendation to change the font requirements for the RFP.

31. L.7 (pg.96, third paragraph) seems to include an incomplete sentence - “Absolutely no names of individuals or qualifications of specific individuals, other than key personnel or any points of contact, may be included anywhere in the technical proposal. Any such information will not be evaluated. USAID only evaluates individuals’ qualifications for key personnel exclusively. Including the names or specific qualifications for any non-key personnel in any portion of the technical proposal.” Can USAID confirm whether additional information should have been included here?

On page 96, third paragraph, delete the final sentence and replace with “Including the names or specific qualifications for any non-key personnel in any portion of the technical proposal is prohibited.”

32. (Page 17, Section C.3.1) This section states, “Sub-IR 4.1.1: Increased migrant awareness of civil rights, civic duties, and services” Could USAID please clarify whether this sub- IR will exclusively be targeted for migrant population or should also include receptor communities?

This response depends on the Offeror’s technical approach.

33. (Page 18, Section C.3.3) Has USAID developed illustrative expected results for Section C.3.3 VRI Specialized Services and could it share them?

USAID has not developed illustrative expected results for Section C.3.3 VRI Specialized Services.

34. (Page 20, Section C.5.5) This section states, “The most vulnerable migrant populations in receptor communities include women, children, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex (LGBTI) individuals, disabled and homeless populations.” Does USAID include indigenous communities as part of vulnerable migrant populations?

If indigenous migrant populations are in vulnerable conditions, they should be included as part of vulnerable migrant populations.

35. (Page 95, Section L.7. Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal)

According to the solicitation, the technical proposal may include no more than 30 pages, excluding annexes. The solicitation lists the technical proposal subsections as follows:

Technical Approach of IDIQ (not to exceed 7 pages (L.7.1.); Performance Work Statement of Task Order No. 1 (not to exceed 18 pages (L.7.2.); Management Approach of IDIQ and Task Order No. 1 (not to exceed 6 pages (L.7.3.); and Key Personnel of Task Order No. 1 (not to exceed 12 pages (L.7.4.). We note that a 30-page limit for the

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 9 of 24 technical proposal does not accommodate a 7-page Technical Approach of IDIQ, 18-page Performance Work Statement, and 6-page Management Approach, as these three sections total 31 pages. Given this fact, please confirm that the page limit for the technical proposal is 31 pages, not 30.

See answers to Q4 and Q5.

36. (Page 96, Section L.7 Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal) The RFP states that “absolutely no names or qualifications of specific individuals, other than key personnel or points of contact, may be included anywhere in the technical proposal”.

Could USAID please confirm that the offeror should not include any names of non-key personnel on the organizational chart submitted to USAID as part of the staffing plan?

USAID confirms that the offeror should not include any names of non-key personnel on the organizational chart submitted to USAID as part of the staffing plan.

37. (Page 96, Section L.7.1 Technical Approach of IDIQ) The RFP states that the offeror’s technical approach to meeting the Statement of Work (SOW) must not be limited to defined communities or areas in Colombia. May the offeror propose selection criteria for prioritizing municipalities as part of the IDIQ technical approach?

USAID does not want to limit the IDIQ by any specific locations within Colombia.

Individual task orders may have specific geographic scopes.

38. (Page 99, Section L.7.4 Key Personnel) Could USAID please confirm whether the organizational chart counts toward the page limit of the Management section? We would like to request that the organizational chart be included as an Annex that does not count toward the page limit for the management section or the 30-page limit to the technical annexes.

See answers to Question 13.

39. (Page 101, Section L.7.6 Development in a Digital Age (DECA)) Is this description supposed to be an Annex or is it part of the Technical Volume? If it is part of Technical Volume, what is the page limit?

This should be integrated into the Offeror’s technical proposal.

40. (Page 101, Section L.7.7 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)) The QASP is listed as a part of the technical proposal in section L.7 (pages 96 and 101). However, it is not included in as a requirement for the Technical Approach, PWS, or Management Approach sections, and it is not explicitly required as an annex. Could USAID please confirm that the QASP should be submitted as Annex 3 to the technical proposal and that it will not count towards the 30-page limit on the technical annexes?

See answer to Question 10.

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41. (Page 8) Attachment J.1 mentions the top ten urban areas with the highest migrant populations in Colombia and references the map in Attachment J.3 when referring to “targeted areas”. Could USAID please clarify the geographic scope of TO1? Will it be s it (1) the top ten urban areas, (2) all receptor communities as indicated in Section C.4 of the IDIQ, or (3) would USAID like the Offeror to propose its own target areas?

See answer to Question 21.

42. (Page 9, Section C.2.5. Objectives) Could USAID provide illustrative indicators for xenophobia so it can be objectively identified when referring to reduction of 50%.

As stated in Objective 3 in C.2.5, the offeror should propose indicators that align with their specific performance work statement.

43. (Page 9, Section B) “Offerors are expected to propose a technical approach, including supporting indicators, that enhance subnational government capacity to provide migrants access to quality social and justice services. To measure overall objective success, 100% of registered (regularized) migrants in targeted communities will have access to quality health, education, and justice services by the end of the project.” Further, Section C.3 states, “The Contractor will develop specific indicators, baselines, and targets to achieve these results.” Should we interpret this that the contractor is to propose Sub IRs?

Offerors must propose indicators and targets based on the technical approach and interventions included in their Performance Work Statement. Offerors must incorporate relevant USAID standard indicators (see attachment J.4) for the Migration Management Activity TO. Indicators must be sex-disaggregated, and whenever possible, also disaggregated by migration status, age, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status.

Indicators will be used as a basis for monitoring activity progress and measuring contractor performance.

The successful Offeror is expected to collaborate with USAID after contract award to determine the final indicators and their respective targets, if necessary.

It is at the Offeror’s discretion to propose sub-IRs as part of their technical approach.

44. (Page 11, Section C.4 Grants) Could USAID please clarify if international organizations are potential grants recipients under task order 1? The language in C.4 appears to limit grants under contract to local organizations as described in footnote 8.

International Organizations may be proposed recipients of GUCs under Task Order 1.

45. (Attachment J.6 – Supplemental IEE Table 1 and Solicitation Page 3) Table 1

“Environmental Determinations” illustrates "Objectives and IRs" for Migration Management Activity, TO1. In the same document on page 11, Table 2 “Defined or Illustrative Activities and Sub-Activities” uses the same language to describe "Activities and Sub-Activities." Could USAID confirm if the items listed in each of these two tables

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 11 of 24 are the IR’s and sub-activities for TO1, or if the Offeror should propose them or use the Sub IRs presented in the RFI?

The RFI is not part of this solicitation and Offerors should follow the instructions as outlined in Section L of the RFP. The Offeror should propose their own as part of their technical proposal.

46. Technical Proposal is limited to 30 pages, however, the individual sections (L.7.1: 7 pages, L.7.2: 18 pages, L.7.3: 6 pages) add up to 31 pages.

See Answer to Question 4.

47. L.7, page 96, 3rd paragraph - The sentence: "Including the names or specific qualifications for any non-key personnel in any portion of the technical proposal." seems to contradict the first part of the paragraph. Can USAID please clarify?

See answer to Question 31.

48. (Page 22, Section C.5.11) Could USAID please share the Private-Sector Landscape Analysis from August 2020 referenced on page 22?

See answer to Question 2.

49. L.7 (pg.96) states that the Technical Proposal is limited to 30 pages maximum, but the breakdown listed (Tech Approach IDIQ (7 pages); PWS TO1 (18 pages); and Management Approach (6 pages)) comes to 31 pages total. Can USAID confirm the Technical Proposal page limit?

See Answer to Question 4.

COST/ BUSINESS QUESTIONS

1. The cover page of the RFP states that “The total estimated value/ceiling of the IDIQ is $160,000,000.” Could USAID please provide a total estimated value for Task Order 1 under the IDIQ?

The expected range for Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000-$45,000,000 million. On page 1, cover page, third paragraph, insert the following: “The estimated total cost of Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000 and $45,000,000.”

2. Block 11 in Standard Form (SF) 1447, included on page 3 of the RFP, instructs the offeror to note the number of calendar days the government has to accept the offer.

Would USAID please specify how many calendar days USAID would like the offeror to note in Block 11?

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This is largely up to the offeror to decide for how long their proposed prices are valid, but typically we see a validity of at least 6 months.

3. Section B.8 (page 13) of the RFP states that “The Task Order rates must not exceed the ceiling daily rates set forth in the table below.” Section L.8 (page 102) states that “Offerors must also propose amounts for the labor rate caps found at Section B.8.” The table in Section B.8 includes only the labor category “Grants Specialist.” Could USAID please clarify whether offerors should present ceiling daily rates for additional labor categories?

Offerors must populate the table in B.8 for the IDIQ contract for only the Grants Specialist position. The Offerors must also fill out the portion regarding minimum qualifications for the positions in accordance with the market rates proposed.

4. Section H.5.1.a (page 36) states, “All Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) and Third

Country Nationals (TCNs) salaries must not exceed the Local compensation Plan (LCP).”

We respectfully request that USAID remove this salary restriction from the RFP because the restriction appears inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation, which Section L.8 (page 102) incorporates into the contract. AIDAR 752.7007 stipulates that personnel compensation “be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices,” with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The salary restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices.

This will not be removed as it is in compliance with AIDAR 722.170(b).

5. Section H.5.1.e (page 36) requires a pay scale for consultants, which is appropriate for time-based labor agreements. Given that short-term CCN consultants in Colombia are often hired under fixed-price, deliverable-based professional services agreements rather than time-based labor agreements, would USAID please consider eliminating the pay-scale requirement for consultants?

This pay scale will not be applicable for subcontracts with consultants where payment is solely based on acceptable provision of deliverables. If salary rates are used in the calculation of the payment for the deliverable, the pay scale would be used in determining the reasonability of any such salary in that calculation.

6. Section I (page 61) references Clause 48 CFR 52.225-19, Contractor Personnel in a

Designated Operational Area or Supporting a Diplomatic or Consular Mission Outside the United States. This clause is typically reserved for contracts that cover work in active conflict zones. The clause requires expatriates and TCNs to have background checks, medical/physical fitness assessments, vaccinations, country clearance, and personal security training, among multiple other assessments and qualifications not previously required for USAID work in Colombia. The clause requires compliance with “force protection, security, health, or safety orders, directives, and instructions issued by the Chief of Mission,” which will have cost and operational ramifications. Given the

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 13 of 24 significant operational implications that incorporating the clause into the contract would have, could USAID please remove the clause to allow for more flexibility during implementation?

FAR 25.301-4(b)(1) requires that this clause be included in the solicitation. The CO does not have authority to delete this clause.

7. Section L.6.2.e (page 94) states, “The Offeror must submit the proposal via e-mail with up to 4.5 MB limit per email.” We respectfully request that USAID increase the file size limit to at least 10 MB to allow offerors to provide all required information and documentation in one email per volume.

Agreed. The limit is increased to 10MB. On page 94, Section L.6.2, delete “4.5 MB” and replace with “10 MB.”

8. Section L.6.2.e (page 94) states, “The Offeror must submit the proposal … compatible with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) and/or WordPerfect in a MS Windows environment.” Offerors may need to include documents in PDF, such as SF 294s, in the proposal. Such files will appear clearer in PDF than in a JPEG or PNG file pasted into a Word document. Could USAID please confirm that offerors may submit proposals in an Adobe Acrobat readable format/PDF?

Offerors must use Microsoft Word to the furthest extent possible but may submit documents in PDF where it would be better suited, such as for Standard Forms.

9. Section L.8 (page 101) states, “The Offeror must submit Standard Form (SF) 33, ‘Solicitation, Offer and Award’, with blocks 12 through 18 completed, with an original signature of a person authorized on behalf of the Offeror to bind the organization.”

However, the RFP (on page 3) provides offerors with SF 1447. Could USAID please confirm that offerors should submit SF 1447 in lieu of SF 33?

The SF-1447 should be used in lieu of the SF-33. 14. On page 101, Section L.8, delete “Standard Form (SF) 33, “Solicitation, Offer and Award”, with blocks 12 through 18 completed” and replace with “Standard Form (SF) 1447, “Solicitation/Contract”, with the appropriate blocks completed.”.

10. Section L.8 (page 108) requires offerors to submit “sufficient evidence of responsibility.”

Would USAID please confirm that it only requires evidence of responsibility for major subcontractors?

USAID confirms that it requires evidence of responsibility for all subcontractors in accordance with FAR 9.104-4.

11. Would USAID please provide offerors with a Colombian peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate to be used for budgeting purposes?

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Offerors must use 3200/$1 as the exchange rate.

12. Section L.9 (page 109) requires offerors to “submit a Branding Implementation and Marking Plan (BIMP) with their initial proposal.” Could USAID please confirm that the BIMP can be included in the cost volume and is not subject to a page limit?

Confirmed. It will be submitted with the Cost Proposal and not subject to any specific page limit.

13. Attachment J.14, Budget Guidance and Template, includes a tab called “Subcontractor

Costs (US$).” Would USAID consider allowing offerors to use their own budget format for subcontractor budgets to avoid duplicating information in the spreadsheets?

Offerors should use a copy of the prime sheet to present subcontractor costs and add those overall costs to the prime sheet.

14. Would USAID please confirm an estimated award date for Task Order 1?

Task Order No. 1 will be issued concurrently with the IDIQ.

15. Section B.8.h, page 14 of the IDIQ RFP, regarding minimum qualifications for

Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates for the Senior Grant Specialist requires that: “the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below. These minimum qualifications for mid-level and senior personnel correspond to the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above.” However, the RFP does not provide those minimum qualifications. We have the following questions:

a. The RFP does not provide minimum education and experience requirements.

Could USAID kindly provide those for offerors or clarify whether offerors can propose these minimum qualifications?

Offerors are required to propose the minimum qualifications for proposed personnel and will be bound by these qualifications through the period of performance of the contract.

b. Would USAID please confirm that these minimum education and experience requirements only pertain to the Grants Specialist labor category?

USAID confirms that these minimum qualifications are for the Grant Specialist category only.

16. Would USAID allow offerors to provide a cover letter in the technical and cost volumes exclusive of page limits?

A cover page is allowed but will not be included as part of the evaluation.

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17. Section B.8.f, note 5, page 14, requires that: “Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation (July 2007), and in consideration of the individual's education, work experience and recent relevant salary history while complying with USAID/Colombia Local Compensation Plan salary ranges provided.” We have the following questions regarding this requirement:

a. Can USAID please clarify whether salary history is to be used to determine compensation levels of candidates included in this proposal, in light of Section L.8, Part 2, item 1, Salaries and Wages, which states that “salaries and wages must be based on the requirements of the position and NOT on the proposed individuals’ salary history?

This language has been updated to remove the reference to salary history, as this is no longer a consideration in salary offer determination for implementing staff.

On page 14, Section B.8.f.5, delete “and recent relevant salary history.”

b. In order for offerors to comply with the requirement of AIDAR 752.7007, could USAID share the most recent Local Compensation Plan for USAID/Colombia?

Yes, we have included it below:

18. Section L.8, Part 3, page 107 of the IDIQ’s RFP, the solicitation requests Representations and Certifications in Section K from the offeror and each proposed subcontractor. Could USAID please clarify if this requirement applies only to major subcontractors?

While USAID understands the burden, all Offerors and subcontractors must complete the certifications and representations though USAID will accept a signed certification that

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 16 of 24 this has been done for each subcontractor in lieu of all documentation, as it is the Prime’s responsibility to ensure they are following all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

19. The solicitation for Task Order 1 included in Attachment J.1 of the RFP does not provide a funding range or ceiling for this Task Order. In order for Offerors to propose reasonable budgets and technical proposals based on comparable funding assumptions, would USAID consider sharing with offerors the funding range or ceiling for this Task Order?

The expected range for Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000-$45,000,000 million. On page 1, cover page, third paragraph, insert the following: “The estimated total cost of Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000 and $45,000,000.”

20. The solicitation does not provide a funding range or ceiling for Grants under Contract (GUCs), although Section L.8, Part 2, indicates a majority of future task order costs will be for GUCs and additional support staff to manage GUCs. In order for offerors to properly anticipate the level of grants to be managed, can USAID please provide a funding range or ceiling for GUCs under the IDIQ or Task Order 1?

USAID initially anticipated GUCs to be approximately 20% of the overall TEC for Task Order No 1. This number is flexible and Offerors may propose any technically sound amount based on their individual technical approaches.

21. Section F.9.1 B) Task Order Key Personnel, page 34, of Attachment J.1, requires that “The Offeror must propose five (5) key personnel positions, including the IDIQ Manager.” Further down in the same section, the solicitation requests that “The Organizational Structure must include representation of Colombian professionals for at least half of the key personnel positions proposed.” Can USAID please confirm that the RFP is requesting that at least three Key Personnel be Colombian professionals?

USAID confirms that at least 3 of the 5 positions must be Colombian professionals.

22. Section L.8 Part 6, page 108, of the IDIQ’s RFP, requests Evidence of Responsibility from the offeror and all proposed subcontractors. Could USAID clarify if this requirement applies only to major subcontractors?

USAID confirms that it requires evidence of responsibility for all subcontractors in accordance with FAR 9.104-4.

23. The solicitations for both the IDIQ and TO1 (in Attachment J.1) include pre-populated Standard Forms No. 1449 forms, but not a Standard Form 33. We have the following questions:

a. Could USAID please confirm that both SF 1449 forms, one for the IDIQ and one for TO1, should be included in the cost proposal?

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There will only be one cost proposal submission for both the IDIQ and TO Offer.

Offerors must submit the SF-1447.

b. Would these two completed SF 1449 forms replace the completion of the Standard Form 33 requested in Section L.8, part 1, page 101 of the IDIQ’s RFP?

USAID has updated L.8 to read SF-1447 in lieu of the SF-33 for clarity purposes.

c. If not, will USAID please provide a pre-populated SF33 form with the proposal information?

N/A. See previous responses.

24. Section L.8, Part 10, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, (page 109), encourages Offerors to submit a subcontracting plan to “address subcontracting with small businesses (SB), veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, HUB Zone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business.”

This plan is required to be submitted using the USAID Small Business Subcontracting Plan template (FY20), which does not allow $0 goals for any category of small businesses. In addition, the RFP cover letter encourages the use of local organizations as subcontractors, as part of the project’s implementation. We would respectfully point out that these two requirements are at odds, as the requirement to maximize the utilization of US small businesses would effectively negate efforts to utilize local organizations as subcontractors, and vice-versa. In light of these competing requirements, will USAID consider removing the requirement for Offerors to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan that requires utilization across all US Small Business categories, and allow offerors to submit a Subcontracting Plan in accordance with their technical proposals?

USAID understands that these are at odds and does not require a subcontracting plan from Offerors. If an Offeror decides to submit a small business subcontracting plan they will not be held to the $0 goals given that this is not a mandatory requirement.

25. With regards to Section I.3 of the IDIQ, which incorporates FAR 52.204-2 and Section 889, Covered Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment under FAR 4.2104, we respectfully request that the Mission provide information (if available) that can help create an even playing field among offerors and improve the quality of proposals received by USAID. This question relates specifically to basic services of cellular telephone and internet service providers (ISPs) that all offerors will need to use in the implementation of this project. First, USAID, through its own efforts as well as a recipient of information provided by many implementing partners in-country is in the position of having more information than any one partner is likely to have. Second, where covered technology exists, offerors have the option of requesting waivers or proposing alternate technologies that can bypass ISPs or local cell service, but which are significantly more expensive. Yet it is impossible for offerors to know

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USAID/Colombia’s preference if not communicated. We very respectfully request the following:

a. If USAID is aware of covered technology use by an in-country ISP or cellular phone service provider, could you please provide this information to all offerors?

This is not publicly available information and it is up to each Offeror to ensure that they are abiding by the requirements of FAR 52.204-2 and Section 889.

Offerors may go to this site for more information.

b. If USAID is processing waivers for use of ISPs or cellular phone services in Colombia, we respectfully request that this information be provided so that offerors can plan and budget accordingly.

USAID/Colombia can submit waiver requests to USAID/Washington but does not have any control over the issuance of waivers.

c. Can USAID please let us know if it has an expectation or preference regarding processing (or not) waiver requests for basic services such as ISP or cellular services in Colombia?

The Section 889 requirements restrict the US government from contracting with any organization that has covered technologies. While waivers can be requested they are not required to be requested nor required to be granted.

d. Can USAID confirm that requesting such a waiver will not in and of itself negatively impact the evaluation of offers for this solicitation?

USAID is not required to seek waivers from requirements deriving from federal regulations.

26. In Section F.10 of Attachment J.1, page 35, the Fixed Fee Deliverables Table for Task Order 1 requires fee calculations based on a CLIN 001 budget. However, Section B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT of Attachment J.1 is not requesting a budget by CLIN. Could USAID please confirm that the TO1 budget and the Fixed Fee Table should not be based on CLINs?

USAID has updated the RFP to remove the reference to CLIN 001. On Attachment J.1 -pages 35 & 36, Section F.10 - Fixed Fee Deliverables Table, delete all uses of “CLIN 001.”

27. Section J.14 of the IDIQ RFP provides a budget template; however, Section L.8, Instructions for the preparation of the Cost Proposal-Part 2) Proposed Costs/Prices and Cost Proposal Narrative, does not specifically require offerors and their subcontractors to use the budget template in Section J.14 for the preparation and submission of their budgets. We have the following questions:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners/section-889-partner-information

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 19 of 24

a. Could USAID please confirm whether offerors and subcontractors must use the budget template provided in Section J.14 to submit their proposed budgets, or can offerors and subcontractors use their own budget templates, which would include all cost items included in the J.14 budget template? This flexibility would help offerors and subcontractors to match their proposed budget with their own accounting systems and facilitate project billing and avoid additional administrative burdens.

Offerors must adhere to the template but may make minor adjustments to fit their individual accounting practices or budgeting structures.

b. If contractors must use the J.14 Budget template, could budget items lines be added to it, or shifted between budget categories, to better capture costs proposed by the offerors according to their technical proposal and accounting systems?

Please see the above response.

c. In the J.14 budget template, the A. Direct Labor section includes the items: Short- Term Expatriates and Short-Term Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs), but line item (G. Activity Fund) section also includes Local STTA and International STTA. Could USAID please confirm if the items in Section A are the same as the ones in Section G? If so, should items in section G be removed and leave only the items in Section A? If not, could USAID explain how the items in both sections differ?

Section G of the budget template should be interpreted as GUCs only. STTA should be included in the Direct Labor Category unless being proposed as subcontractors. USAID has updated the template to provide more clarity.

28. Will USAID consider an extension for the submission of proposals?

USAID has considered this request and has decided that this would not be in the government’s best interest.

29. Will USAID/Colombia Mission give an indication of the overall estimated budget for the Task Order?

The expected range for Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000-$45,000,000 million.

30. In Section B.8 (pg.13), USAID asks Offerors to present Unburdened Ceiling Daily Labor Rates (CDR) but only lists one labor category, Grants Specialist. The requirements of the IDIQ and task order 1 will require additional labor categories to staff USAID’s intended scope of work. Can USAID please provide additional labor categories for anticipated positions, or confirm whether Offerors should propose their own labor categories?

Q&A - AMENDMENT 01 Page 20 of 24

The IDIQ will have unburdened ceiling rates for the Grants Specialist position only.

Offerors must propose rates for that position in accordance with market rates as well the qualifications for the position as proposed.

31. Section B.8(h) (pg.14) states that the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements “set forth below”, yet no such requirements are stipulated. Can USAID confirm what the minimum qualifications are for mid-level and senior personnel?

The Offeror must propose the requirements to be inserted into this section.

32. Section H.33 (pg.53) states that all LTTA expatriate personnel are required to obtain TOCO approval before mobilizing to Colombia. Can USAID clarify whether TOCO approval is only required for key personnel?

The TOCO approves all staff’s mobilization in this labor category.

33. Section B.3 – Will USAID provide a budget range for the first task order? Additionally, will USAID provide plug figures for GUCs and non-GUC sub activities?

The expected range for Task Order 1 is between $35,000,000-$45,000,000 million.

34. The Excel budget template includes a Personnel tab which has a column for ‘current salary’. Can USAID confirm that current salaries should not be included for proposed personnel given the revised requirements for setting salaries in line with market rates instead of salary history?

This has been removed, as this is no longer a consideration in salary offer determination for implementing staff.

35. In section L.7.4 (pg.99), USAID notes “As a reference of their work experience, submit the name of the TOCOR for USAID-funded activities or the equivalent Project Manager for other donor-funded activities for each proposed candidate, with complete contact information including telephone and e-mail addresses.” Will USAID please clarify…