72051424R00002 - Compass RFP - Q and A.pdf

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

USAID/COLOMBIA COMPASS ACTIVITY

Questions and Answers (Q&A)

TECHNICAL

1. Page 43, Section F.7.2. Technical Oversight Advisor/DCOP states, “At least three (3) years of experience as an author or coauthor of assessments, evaluations or studies on development, social sciences and/or public policy.”

a. Could USAID please provide confirm that these can include performance evaluations, final evaluations, or special studies?

Yes, USAID confirms that performance evaluations, final evaluations, or special studies are included in the definition.

2. Would the Mission be interested in the contractor interfacing between the Mission, IPs and Monitor contractor to solicit and share feedback on any challenges/concerns using the platform?

Yes.

3. C.4.7. states “USAID/Colombia will also identify opportunities for regional integration of activities”. Please confirm whether this means potential for the contractor to be required to work beyond Colombia, given that F.3. states that the “Performance of this contract will take place in Colombia” (p. 25 and 29)

Regional integration mainly refers to activity integration inside Colombian regions. Some regional Mission integration initiatives may imply working with Activities from other Missions in the Amazonia. If the Contractor is requested to offer MEL services to these initiatives it will take place in Colombia and will consist in designing and facilitating events and providing data and analysis useful for these collective initiatives.

4. C.3.1. Component I - Monitoring Support: please confirm any requirement for Third Party Monitoring (TPM) as part of this component, and if so, confirm level of effort expected (# of site visits per year etc.) and geographic coverage for this component of monitoring. (p. 16)

Third Party Monitoring (TPM) will be requested mainly for data collection of the Organizational Performance Index of some Activities. Aside from this, if third party monitoring is requested, it may be just for a few cases. TPM effort requested may entail an estimated average of no more than 50 site visits throughout the contract.

5. C.4.5. Local Organizations states that “the Contractor should implement actions and practices to build the capacity of local MEL actors to understand and comply with USAID

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A) standards, regulations, and requirements related to the scope of this contract”. This is not a specific component; has USAID identified a number of local MEL actors it wishes the contractor to support, or is this more an implicit goal that the contractor is expected to strengthen capacity of local subcontractors whilst simultaneously delivering against the service needs of the contract? (p. 24)

The contractor is expected to strengthen the capacity of local MEL subcontractors, such as data collection firms, local think tanks and research consultant firms on USAID standards, regulations, and requirements related to the scope of this contract whilst simultaneously delivering the service needs of the contract.

6. We note that “MIS includes” Monitor” -the current system used by the Mission which is a repository of information on sub-activities, indicators, and environmental compliance information; the USAID Development Information Solutions (DIS), and any other future monitoring system that the Mission may implement and use”. Please confirm the software currently housing the MIS. (p. 21)

The Monitor system is being developed using Microsoft Technology Stack: C#, Windows Server, SQL Server. The system is hosted in Microsoft Azure Commercial (soon to be migrated to USAID's Azure Cloud.)

7. Please confirm if the Data Unit is to be housed within the Contractor or the Mission. If the latter, please confirm any requirement to enable Mission access to the Data Unit and to build Mission capacity to use the data tools to be contained within the Data Unit.

(p. 21)

The Data Unit is expected to be housed within the Contractor.

8. C.3.5. Component V - Data Management and Visualization Services states that the Contractor is required to “Integrate the MIS data, monitoring and evaluation, contextual data, and geospatial data into the overall data management system as well as other reports and analyses requested by the Mission, and the USAID/Colombia Context Data Hub, as relevant”. Is it possible for USAID to provide more detail on the status and relationships between these various systems, hubs and information platforms, including Monitor, DIS, MIS, Context Data Hub and Data Unit. (p. 23)

Monitor, DIS, MIS Monitor and Context Data Hub are separate systems. There is no interoperability among them, and the Mission is not expecting it. The Mission expects the Data Unit to design and implement an efficient data management strategy and mechanism of these (and others relevant for the Mission’s MEL) existing data systems.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

9. C.3.5 Component V - Data Management and Visualization Services lists as a task: “work with the Mission and Implementing Partners to design and implement an evaluation system and/or procedures that collect the necessary data to assess program and strategy effectiveness and impact”. Can USAID clarify the difference between this and Components 1 and 2? Is this task related specifically to an evaluation system for data management and visualization or cross-cutting across multiple components? (p. 23)

This task is related to Component 1 and 2. Under this task the Data Unit is expected to provide technical support to the data collection needed for the evaluations and assessment requested under component 1 and 2; support the data management and visualization of these initiatives; and support its use for cross- cutting, Mission-wide, strategic, and multicomponent initiatives.

10. F.7.1 States that “as work begins on individual evaluations, an evaluation team (external to USAID and the activity IP) for each evaluation will be identified by the contractor”.

Does this mean external to the firm implementing the MEL platform or external to the IP of the activity being evaluated? (p. 42)

External to the IP of the Activity being evaluated.

11. Section F.7.2, page 42, states that one of the Technical Oversight Advisor/DCOP’s required qualifications is “At least a master’s degree in social sciences or related field. A PhD degree is preferable.” According to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion principles, it is best practice for job description requirements to emphasize experience and skills over academic degrees whenever possible. The Offeror respectfully requests that USAID remove the preference for a PhD. (p. 42).

USAID maintains the preference for a PhD, as a factor that exceeds the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs) stated in the solicitation.

12. C3.1. Monitoring Support states tasks to include “Support the monitoring plan construction of the next USAID/Colombia CDCS Performance Management Plan (PMP)”.

What assumptions may offerors make about engagement with the CDCS development process itself, or will work be restricted to development of the new PMP arising from that CDCS? (p. 16)

The Activity is expected to support the construction of the PMP; provide relevant performance and context evidence and analysis for the CDCS designs; and help design and implement Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) initiatives needed for the CDCS construction.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

13. Does USAID envision any significant shifts (sectoral or otherwise) in the new CDCS which might affect bidders’ staffing or approach to implementation of this contract? (p.13)

At this point, the Mission cannot envision any significant shifts in the new CDCS which might affect bidders’ staffing or approach to the Activity implementation.

14. Could USAID please provide the USAID/Colombia MEL Mission Orders? (p.15)

USAID/Colombia MEL Mission orders will be shared with the apparent successful offeror during the pre-award conference.

15. To what extent, if at all, does USAID expect the contractor to support the development or refinement of IP-level AMELPs, DQAs and/or collection of PMP-level indicators?

(p.16)

If desired, could USAID please provide further detail regarding the expected demand for these services?

If support for development or refinement of IP-level AMELPs is requested, it would be just for a few Activities. Support for developing all the Mission’s DQAs is expected. If support for data collection of PMP level indicator is requested, it would be just for a few indicators (approximately no more than 5).

16. Given the differences in pricing and staffing required for impact vs. performance evaluations, could USAID please provide an estimated number of impact evaluations to be undertaken during the period of performance, or by year? (p. 18)

Approximately 4 evaluations during the Contract period of implementation.

17. Can USAID provide any further detail regarding the backend system requirements or software currently in use by the Mission as they relate to the Context Data Hub and MIS? (p. 22)

The USAID/Colombia Context Datahub was implemented using the tools and architecture available in ArcGIS Online, ESRI's suite. Its architecture is based on the cloud, which allows creating and sharing interactive web maps, generating information hubs, and applications to share geographic content. the Mission owns and holds the license and users to access this site.

With regards to the Monitor System (MIS). The Monitor system is developed using the Microsoft .NET technology stack that includes C#, SQL Server, Windows Server, and Internet Information Server. The system is deployed in Microsoft Azure Commercial Cloud and will be soon migrated to USAID's Azure cloud. We cannot provide more technical details about Monitor because it is an USAID official system and only cleared personnel can have access to this information.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

18. “The Contractor will be responsible for the design, implementation and staffing of a comprehensive Data Unit (DU) that will support the data governance, management and visualization needs of the Mission.” Could USAID please confirm: (p. 21)

a. That this unit will sit in the contractor’s office?

Yes.

b. The number and profile of the staff for the unit?

Offers should propose the estimated number and profile staff required according to the requirements stated in Section C.3.5.

19. Could USAID provide any further level of detail regarding the Mission’s existing GIS capacity and resources? (p. 22)

a. In particular, does the Mission have any existing staff members or contractors dedicated to GIS work that the contractor would work and coordinate with?

The Mission does not have staff or contractors dedicated to GIS. The Mission will rely on the Contract for its MEL GIS needed service.

b. Is there a specific GIS platform that is preferred within the Mission?

ARCGIS and Tableau.

20. Could USAID please clarify the timeframe (annual, monthly, weekly) for the: (p. 30)

a. Six MEL community of practice events?

The mission is expecting 6 MEL community of practice events per year of implementation.

b. Two to three CLA events at the local level?

Two to three CLA events at the local level per year of implementation.

21. The description of the Annual Work Plan says that the plan covers six months, not a year. Could USAID please clarify the period that the AWP should cover? (p. 30-31)

Solicitation has been amended, as follows: On page 31, Section F.5.2, bulleted paragraph, delete “six months covered by the report,” and replace with “performance period of the AWP.”

22. Technical Oversight Advisor/DCOP. (p. 43)

a. Would USAID consider a post-graduate specialist degree for this qualification?

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

b. If not, would USAID be open to substituting years of experience for the requirement?

Any qualifications that meet or exceed the MQRs are considered acceptable. At this point of the solicitation process, the Contracts Review Board has advised not to alter the MQRs regarding education vs. experience.

23. Is this addressed further somewhere else in the document? "USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance." Page

18. What are the 50 evaluations?

In accordance with (IAW) Section C.3.2 of the solicitation, “USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance.” As stated, this is a preliminary estimate for the purpose of helping the offerors prepare their budgets, and the number is not expected to exceed 50 evaluations. There are no specific evaluation details to be shared at this moment.

24. On page 18 of 72051424R00002 document states: "USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance." What are the 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted?

IAW Section C.3.2 of the solicitation, “USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance.” As stated, this is a preliminary estimate for the purpose of helping the offerors prepare their budgets, and the number is not expected to exceed 50 evaluations. There are no specific evaluation details to be shared at this moment.

25. It looks like the deliverables are essentially presentations on observations made by the contractor. Are there any comparative metrics that have to be evaluated? If so, what is the baseline standard? If the Offeror is being asked to provide a comparison between what was and what is, who has the data for what was? Is the data verified?

Deliverables are not essentially presentations on observations made by the contractor.

It included evidence-based products such as evolution and assessment reports, stakeholder mapping., data and analysis briefers, pagers, maps, presentations, best practice and failures pause and reflect sessions documentation. Comparative metrics will be required for several products, especially evaluations. Data must be collected under the Agencies DQAs standards.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

26. Are Data Quality Assessments part of the proposed set of activities under this platform?

Yes.

27. “USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance.” Can the government clarify the cadence of the 50 evaluations and related activities? (p. 18)

IAW Section C.3.2 of the solicitation, “USAID/Colombia has identified a preliminary estimate of approximately 50 evaluations of activities, strategies, and interventions to be conducted during the period of performance.” As stated, this is a preliminary estimate for the purpose of helping the offerors prepare their budgets, and the number is not expected to exceed 50 evaluations. There are no specific evaluation details to be shared at this moment.

28. MIS includes” Monitor” -the current system used by the Mission which is a repository of information on sub-activities, indicators, and environmental compliance information-;

the USAID Development Information Solutions (DIS), and any other future monitoring system that the Mission may implement and use” (p. 21)

a. Can the government specify if there are other future monitoring systems that USAID/Colombia is considering in order to triangulate our offerings to government needs?

No. For now the Mission relies only on the Monitor system. Any new data collection would be addressed by adding more functionality to Monitor or by implementing ad-hoc and temporary collection methods (e.g. surveys, spreadsheet templates, etc.). The Monitor system currently holds a three-year Authorization To Operate (ATO). The potential contractor should note that at some point the Agency may impose a migration to the centrally managed Development Information Solution (DIS). However, the Colombia Mission has been authorized to keep the Monitor system until DIS has "comparable" functionality.

b. Does the government anticipate an opportunity for the incumbent to provide technical support and engagement on Monitor to the winning contractor?

The Monitor system is in charge of the Mission, not the incumbent. The Colombia Mission has a contract with a local software company to manage the cloud infrastructure, provide help desk support, and deliver the updates/new features to the system. Also, there's a Management Information Systems

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Specialist in USAID/Colombia's Program Office who is both the contract's COR and the subject matter expert for the Monitor system.

29. Can the government specify whether there is a preference for integrated GIS capabilities into the monitoring solution or if this is a separate requirement? (p.22)

GIS Capabilities should not only be integrated into several monitoring initiatives, but also integrated into other Contract component initiatives (evaluations, assessment, and

CLA).

30. Can the government clarify whether there are potential areas of programming to be added to the current list of USAID/Colombia programming locations? (p. 22)

USAID/Colombia programming locations are mainly in Programas de Desarrollo Territorial (PDET) regions; some additional non-PDET Regions with high deforestation and biodiversity loss risk; and city areas with high presence of Venezuelan migrants.

Additionally, to these areas, USAID programming is expected to be minimal.

31. “To support sustainable local MEL development and leverage local expertise, the Contractor is encouraged to create partnerships with local or regional organizations located in Colombia.” (p. 23) Can the government clarify whether the Contractor is to provide evidence of exclusive relationships in their response for these local organizations and partners?

IAW the cover page of the Solicitation, “USAID expects that Offerors will have equal access to all local organizations needed to implement this contract and strongly discourages exclusivity agreements with local organizations.”

32. “The contractor is also expected to cooperate with the new USAID Security Awareness Training Project” (p. 25) Can the government clarify the meaning of this sentence and the extent of this cooperation?

This cooperation consists in sharing information and developing and implementing jointly learning events.

a. Can the government clarify if there is an anticipated potential conflict of interest between this project and the contractor due to the nature of deliverables under both activities?

The Government has not identified any potential or apparent conflict of interest between these activities or from any potential offeror for this solicitation with the current contractor for the Security Awareness.

33. “At least three (3) years of experience as an author or coauthor of assessments, evaluations or studies on development, social sciences and/or public policy.” (p. 43) Can

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A) the government clarify whether only USAID publications count towards this requirement or if other outlets will suffice?

Other published assessments, evaluations or studies will suffice.

34. Can the government specify the base technical programming language that MONITOR is written in? (p. 60)

The Monitor system is being developed using Microsoft Technology Stack: C#, Windows Server, SQL Server.

35. Can the government clarify if the contractor is expected to provide the training of IPs in the use of MONITOR? (p. 60)

The Missions may request to provide training of IPs for the use of some (not all) the capabilities of Monitor.

36. The link provided on page 114, Section J.11 Standard Indicators goes to a USAID login page, requiring a PIV or Token Login.

a. Could USAID provide the standard indicators in PDF form or provide additional instructions to Offerors on how to log in?

Please find the F Indicator active list in this link. Access will be provided upon request.

37. Can the Lead Evaluation Expert also be the Team Lead for Component 2, Evaluations? If no, how does USAID differentiate two personnel with overlapping responsibilities?

The Lead Evaluation Expert is expected to be the Team Lead for Component 2

38. What is the number of implementing partners and other stakeholders with which the Contract is expected to coordinate? Will USAID provide the list of implementing partners currently working in Colombia that are supported by USAID?

This information is publicly available for detailed review at USAspending.gov.

39. “Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMEL) Plan: Offerors must include costs of data collection, analysis, and reporting as a separate line item in their budgets to ensure that adequate resources are available. This includes resources to administer the AMEL Plan on the Contractor’s side during award implementation.” Would USAID consider removing this requirement? Since this is not an implementation contract, the data that would be collected is very different and on a relatively smaller scale. (p. 145)

Every Activity is required to have a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMEL) Plan and Offerors must include costs of data collection, analysis, and reporting. The scope of the AMELP implementation may entail a relatively smaller scale than programmatic contracts as raised, but the contractor still should include costs as a https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1XTiCTGjIevzXNIRm5L6SwmteqFpyLa-R https://www.usaspending.gov/search/?hash=17084049302cddbd55e090747e5dddaf

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A) separate item. These costs may cover data collection efforts such as surveys with users of MEL services provided by the activity regarding perceptions, use of services and knowledge gained; qualitative data collection regarding the Activity’s processes of implementation and outcomes; and collaboration and learning initiatives for adapting the Activity’s implementation.

40. Is there a transition period where the outgoing contractor and incoming contractor would work together? Could you provide any details on the remaining scope from the current AWP that the new contractor would be immediately responsible for?

USAID/Colombia does not anticipate a transition period between the Compass activity and the current MEL services contract; however, this may change depending on when Compass is awarded.

41. Consider expanding the accepted postgraduate titles for the profiles of Chief of Party (COP), Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), and Lead Evaluation Expert to include degrees in Economics. Professionals with these degrees have comprehensive skills for analyzing public policies and quantitative methods, making them well-suited for the project’s objectives.

Economics degrees are already accepted as postgraduate titles for those profiles.

Economics are considered social science degrees.

42. “In addition to the key personnel and LT/ST positions mentioned in Section F.7, the Offeror will propose a coherent management plan that demonstrates superior technical expertise…” (p. 138). This section says that “In addition to the key personnel and LT/ST positions mentioned in Section F.7, the Offeror will propose a coherent management plan that demonstrates superior technical expertise…” Could you please specify what this sentence means? These ST positions in Section F.7 are illustrative. Is the Mission looking for CVs for these experts? If yes, in which annex should they go?

Coherent Management Plan: A Plan to administer the resources tentatively allocated for achieving the contractual objectives in a way that demonstrates knowledge of the subject matter, experience in the thematic areas covered by the activity and a realistic outlook on the proposed technical approach vs. the resources available for execution within the budgetary restrictions.

No CVs are required or requested for non-Key Personnel (KP) Positions.

43. Given the demand-driven nature of Compass, it would be very difficult to specify the anticipated duration of consultancies and anticipated profile of STTA. Would USAID kindly revise this requirement to say that the Offeror must describe how it anticipates identifying and engaging STTA? (p. 139)

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

As STTA is defined as the acquisition of specialized services or skills that are not currently resident within the Long-Term talent pool of the potential contractor, it is expected that the proposal not only describes how it anticipates identifying and engaging STTA, but also the extent of the pool of talent potentially allocated for this purpose, and the levels (Junior-Mid-Senior), along with their expected contributions to achieving the objectives of the Solicitation/Contract.

44. Annex B-Organizational chart: …..offeror must include LOE estimates for “each technical position (key and non-key senior technical positions) …” (p. 139) Can USAID clarify what constitutes a “non-key senior technical position”?

As all the KP have been duly identified in Section F, a “non-key senior technical position” is understood as any position of a senior level of responsibility (IAW the Offeror’s internal Policies and Procedures) and a technical nature that has not been previously classified as KP in the Solicitation.

OPERATIONAL

45. What is the maximum percentage of the contract that could be sub-contracted to a non- SBA partner?”

IAW FAR 19.505 (b)(1)(i), “For a contract or order assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for services (except construction), the concern will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the concern's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.”

46. I cannot find a link to the Interested Vendor List (IVL) on the SAM site for this opportunity (72051424R00002), could you forward that link or add through an amendment?

You can join the Interested Vendor List on SAM.gov. This list can be found on the left-hand side menu of the RFP notice, as shown below:

http://sam.gov/

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

In order to add your entity to the IVL, the Offeror should:

1. Ensure your entity is registered on SAM.gov

2. Be logged into an account that is linked to that particular entity.

You can find additional guidance here. If you have any issues adding your entity to the IVL, you must contact the Federal Service Desk and they will be able to assist you directly. Unfortunately, this is not a USAID service, rather, a US Government site and therefore, our guidance on how-to use it is limited.

Additionally, in case the Offeror has not yet done so, it is suggested to review the most relevant information in Partner with us and WorkWithUSAID.gov. Here, the Offeror will be able to find many resources regarding partnering opportunities related to USAID.

47. Also, please confirm the process to submit questions by May 31st. Do we just send them via email to the emails listed on SAM?

IAW Section L.5.i, “Questions in response to this solicitation must be submitted via email only to both Ms. Heather Wirick at hwirick@usaid.gov and Ms. Andrea Naranjo at anaranjo@usaid.gov not later than the date and time included in the cover letter.”

48. Could USAID please advise what information should be included in the cover letter and title page? (p. 135) http://sam.gov/ https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=gsafsd_kb_articles&sys_id=226941f887d58ed05babba69cebb358a https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp https://www.usaid.gov/partner-with-us https://www.workwithusaid.gov/ mailto:hwirick@usaid.gov mailto:anaranjo@usaid.gov

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

The proposal must be accompanied by a cover letter typed on official organizational letterhead and signed by a person who has signatory authority for the organization.

49. Given the number of requirements is the government willing to consider an extension to the proposal due date?

Due to the lead time required to award this contract and obtain the services required on schedule, USAID cannot provide an extension to the proposal due date.

50. We request that you send the revised solicitation with highlighted changes.

An amended solicitation with highlighted changes will be posted on SAM.gov along with this Question and Answers (Q&A) document.

51. The cover letter of the solicitation states “This procurement is set aside for small business concerns” however on page 133, L.5 General instructions to Offerors, states ‘USAID anticipates awarding one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation through full and open competition but reserves the right to award multiple or no awards.”

a. Could USAID please confirm that this is a small business set aside opportunity?

USAID confirms that this is a small business set aside opportunity. Changes are made to the solicitation, as follows: On page 133. Section L.5.a, delete “through full and open competition.”

52. The solicitation cover letter states that "This procurement is set aside for small business concerns." However, section L.5. states that "USAID anticipates awarding one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation through full and open competition." Can the government please confirm this is set-aside for small businesses?

USAID confirms that this is a small business set aside opportunity. Changes are made to the solicitation, as follows: On page 133. Section L.5.a, delete “through full and open competition.”

53. Page 135, Section L.6.c states, “Proposals must be submitted in two (2) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL and 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL / PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Meanwhile, Section L.7.2, pages 138-139, lists Past Performance under the Technical Proposal components as follows: “The TECHNICAL PROPOSAL must be structured as follows: • Cover letter (maximum 1 page) • Title page (maximum 1 page) • Table of contents (no page limit) • Acronym list (no page limit) • Executive Summary (maximum 2 pages) • Technical Proposal Body (maximum 25 pages) ▪ Management Approach and Capability ▪ Technical Approach ▪ Past Performance.”

http://sam.gov/

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

a. Could USAID please confirm that Past Performance is included as an annex within the Technical Proposal and not included in the 25-page limit?

Past performance is not part of the Technical Proposal and therefore, does not count towards the 25-page limit. Section L.6.c has been amended as follows: “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

54. The solicitation states that "Proposals must be submitted in two (2) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL and 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL / PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal" in L.6. c., but Past Performance is listed in the section requirements for the Technical Proposal Body in L.7.2. Can the government please confirm if Past Performance should be included in Volume 1 or Volume 2?

Section L.6.c has been amended as follows: “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

55. The RFP instructs offerors to include the Past Performance with the Cost Proposal rather than the Technical Proposal. Could USAID please advise whether the Past Performance section should be submitted as a separate document to the Cost, or whether the offeror should combine the Cost and Past Performance into one document for submission using dividers? (p. 135)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

56. Could USAID please confirm that Past Performance should not be included in the technical proposal? (p. 137-138)

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

57. Would USAID please confirm that Offerors should include a section on past performance as part of their Technical Proposal, separate from the Past Performance Information referenced in RFP Section L.8? (p. 138)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

58. On page 137-138 USAID outlines the technical proposal structure and includes Past Performance after the Technical Approach. Could USAID please confirm that Past Performance information should be included with the Cost Proposal submission and not as part of the Technical?

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

59. Should offerors include Past Performance data with Volume 2, Cost/Business Proposal/Past Performance (as implied by L.6.c) or in Volume 1, Technical Proposal (as implied by L.7.2)? (p. 135 and 138)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

60. Would USAID please clarify if Past Performance is a third volume, or part of the Cost/Business proposal? If it is part of the Cost/Business proposal, would USAID please clarify where PPIs should go? (p. 135 and 140)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.6.c “Proposals must be submitted in three (3) volumes: 1) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL, 2) COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, and 3) PAST PERFORMANCE. No cost information must be presented in the Technical Proposal. Past Performance Information is NOT considered part of the technical proposal.” Past performance has also been removed from the structure of the Technical Proposal in Section L.7.2.

61. Could USAID please confirm past performance information is only required for the Offeror and major subcontractors? (p. 140)

Correct. Per Section L.8.a., “past performance information should only be submitted for the Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture or consortium) and major subcontractors.”

62. Would USAID please clarify whether it is necessary to use the J.3 template for Past Performance if a contract is in CPARS?

No, the J.3. Past Performance Report - Short Form is not required if the contract is available on CPARS.

63. In relation to the requirements, we request an extension in Section L.8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF PAST PERFORMANCE INFORMATION (Page 140), allowing experience from the last 15 years instead of the last 5 years. The skills and knowledge gained from older projects remain relevant and valuable. Extending this requirement would enable participation from firms with richer and more diversified experience, aligning with USAID’s mission to promote effective project implementation.

Per Sections L.6 and L.8, “Past Performance will not be part of the technical evaluation.”

IAW Section M.4.a, “Performance information will be used [only] for the responsibility determination.” Finally, as per Section M.4.f, “an Offeror lacking relevant performance history is assigned a "neutral" rating.” No Small business concerns are restricted from participating on the basis of their history (or lack thereof) of past performance.

64. If, in the technical proposal, the offeror outlines how a "Sister company" will be substantially involved in performance of the contract and how it would share resources with the offeror, will USAID consider the past performance of such an affiliate?

As the definition of “Sister company” is not specified in the RFP and is not included in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the Offeror will have to clarify the type of relationship that these companies have, and how it helps achieve the objectives of the

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Solicitation/Contract. No additional pages will be allowed in the technical proposal for the sole purpose of explaining this relationship. Per Section L.8.a., “past performance information should be submitted for the Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture or consortium) and major subcontractors.” As a reminder, IAW FAR 19.505 (b)(1)(i), “For a contract or order assigned a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for services (except construction), the concern will not pay more than 50 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Any work that a similarly situated entity further subcontracts will count towards the concern's 50 percent subcontract amount that cannot be exceeded.”

65. On page 137, Section L.7.2 Format, page limitation and content states, “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size.

All graphs and charts must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts and text boxes may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.”

a. Would USAID please confirm that text in all text boxes, graphs, and charts included in either the technical proposal or annexes may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible?

Changes are made to the Solicitation as follows: In Section L.7.2, “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs, charts and tables must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts, and tables may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.”

66. L.7.2. Format, Page Limitation and Content states that “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs and charts must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts and text boxes may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible” (NB offeror bold). Please confirm the applicable font size for text boxes within the technical proposal to be 12, or between 8 and 12 points? (p. 137)

Changes are made to the Solicitation as follows: In Section L.7.2, “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs, charts and tables must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts, and tables may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.”

67. “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs and charts must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts and text boxes may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.” (p. 137) Could USAID please clarify:

a. If tables may be included in the main narrative?

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

b. If the text in tables in the main narrative may be 10 pt?

c. If the text in text boxes in the main narrative may be 10 pt?

Changes are made to the Solicitation as follows: In Section L.7.2, “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs, charts and tables must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts, and tables may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.”

68. Does the government intend to delete the sentence: “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size” since this instruction conflicts with the sentence which follows allowing text in text boxes to be “no less than 8 points”? (p. 137)

Changes are made to the Solicitation as follows: In Section L.7.2, “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size. All graphs, charts and tables must be included in the annexes. Text in graphs, charts, and tables may be less than 12 points in size but no less than 8 points and must be legible.”

69. Can the government clarify what text type is preferred for graphics?

Per Section L.7.2, proposals must use Calibri font.

70. On page 138, Section L.7.3 Management Approach states, “The Offeror must provide three (3) references for each Key Personnel in one page. while page 139 of the same section states, “Annex A - CV/Resumes and references for proposed Key Personnel, must include sufficient information to allow USAID to evaluate all the requirements for Key Personnel”

a. Would USAID please confirm that three references are required for each Key Personnel?

Per Section L.7.3, “The Offeror must provide three (3) references for each Key Personnel in one page.”

71. For the proposed Key Personnel, full-time staff, part-time staff, and temporary staff, can we assume the current resources are available? Specifically, the Chief of Party (COP), Technical Oversight Advisor / Deputy COP (DCOP), and Lead Evaluation Experts?

The Contractor will be required to provide the necessary staff to fulfill Section C of the contract.

72. Are the key personnel (Chief of Party, Technical Oversight Advisor and Lead Evaluation Expert) mandated to be local in Colombia throughout the contract? Or can key personnel swap out as needed and the remaining core personnel cover down on their duties?

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

In accordance with Section F.7.1, “Key Personnel must be headquartered in Bogotá”. Any changes to Key Personnel, aside from leave coverage, will require CO approval.

73. When clicking on the link provided on page 114, Section J.8 Section 889 Rule Guidance, it goes to a USAID ‘page not found’.

a. Could USAID provide the correct link for Section 889 Rule Guidance?

The updated link to the Section 889 Guidance can be found here.

74. Section L.9.A.9. States Training “AIDAR 752.7019” must be proposed to attain objectives in the SOW. The link for the AIDAR 752.7019 was removed from the CFR on 2024-05-22.

Where can a copy of this document be located?

In accordance with the revision to the CFR, AIDAR 752.7019 has been removed from Section I.2. Section L.9A.9, has been revised as follows: “2. Training: The specific training programs and number of training sessions must be proposed that will help attain the objectives identified in the SOW. Costs must be broken down by types and participants.”

75. Section B.2 states that the task orders under CLIN 2 will be “USG-issued Level of Effort (LOE) Task Orders.” Section L.2 states the task orders will be only CPFF Term-type Task Orders. Can USAID kindly update section B.2 to state “CPFF Term-type Task Orders?” (p.

10)

Solicitation has been amended as follows: On Section L.2 “The Government contemplates the award of a Hybrid contract consisting of a Cost Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Completion-type (CLIN 0001) and an IDIQ (CLIN 0002); under the IDIQ portion, only CPFF Term (LOE) Task Orders will be issued.”

76. Can USAID kindly explain the difference between F.2.a and F.2.b? Does USAID anticipate there being a different period of performance for the overall contract and CLIN 1 of the contract? (p. 29)

USAID anticipates the period of performance for the contract and CLIN 0001 will be the same.

77. We respectfully ask for more clarification on hiring locals to perform the work. It makes statements about pay, but what about equivalent experience, training, and education?

If we are awarded the contract is the contractor to budget the salary now for local national positions as well in our proposal or will USAID pay the rates directly as we provide the employee information as indicated on page 44?

The Offeror should include in the budget the anticipated salary rates for local staff, in accordance with their internal policies and procedures. There is no privity of contract between USAID and the successful offeror’s employees.

https://www.usaid.gov/section-889-partner-information

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78. Are there documents available from the incumbent that we can view to get a baseline understanding of all the fiscal and logistical responsibilities?

It is expected that the Offerors have a working understanding of the requirements of operating in Colombia’s fiscal and logistical environment and context.

79. As Offerors, can we request and receive all public information regarding the incumbent?

The requirements under the Compass Activity differ from USAID/Colombia’s current MEL requirements.

80. Is there an incumbent, or multiple incumbents, doing this work today? If so, what are their name/s, contract amount/s, and contract number/s?

See above.

81. We're looking for clarity with the waiver for covered telecommunications equipment.

We intend to furnish our members with laptops/cell phones with cloud access for our employees and stakeholders. If we require that waiver, what is the process? How can we initiate it?

Per requirements of Section 889, waivers can only be applied in situations where using covered technology cannot be avoided because there are no Section 889 compliant telecommunications service providers in the countries where they are working. As this is not the case in Colombia, USAID does not foresee that the need for a waiver will arise under this Activity.

82. Are the contract Offerors expected to travel with local nationals into contested areas for training, evaluations or educational needs?

Per Section F.7.1, “Key Personnel and staff must be available to travel throughout Colombia to attend to contract implementation tasks as necessary.”

83. Collaboration Model: What would be the most appropriate way to present our proposal:

as a consortium, a joint venture, or through subcontracting? We would appreciate any specific information on the advantages and disadvantages of each model in the context of this solicitation.

As this is a total small business set aside, the Prime Offeror must be a US-based small business firm.

84. Requirements and Documentation: Could you provide us with a list of requirements and documentation needed for each of the mentioned models (consortium, joint venture, subcontractors)? We want to ensure that we comply with all USAID regulations and requirements.

72051424R00002 USAID/Colombia Compass Activity - Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Requirement and documentation are detailed in Section L of the Solicitation and are only required for the Prime and major subcontractors.

85. Eligibility and Compliance: Are there specific eligibility or compliance criteria we should consider when structuring our collaboration with a Colombian firm? Particularly regarding financial, operational, and reporting responsibilities.

It is expected that the Contractor will have knowledge of the Colombian operating environment and follow relevant local laws and regulations when engaging local firms.

USAID cannot provide There is no privity of contract between USAID and any partner entities. As this is a total small business set aside, the Prime Offeror must be a US-based SBA entity.

86.