SF-30 Page 2.docx

SOL-72052121R00020

Question:

1.The burden of obtaining the construction and environmental permit from the Haitian government should not fall on the Contractor as there is already a relationship between USAID and GOH, especially on a project of this magnitude and impact to the region. Additionally, this can and will impact the schedule of the project if we as contractors are having to get environmental permits from the Haitian government, that is somewhat volatile now.

Will USAID consider the issue of obtaining the construction and environmental permits and or provide clarity as to what the GOH is requesting for the permitting because if it isn’t clear what they are going to require. The uncertainty on the amount that can be requested may be a huge financial risk that is unknown to us. Can USAID provide some guarantee that Officials in Cap Haitian will not require the Contractor to pay for the building permit when it is a USIAD Government funded project that is being gifted to the GOH! Permits should be removed from the contract as there is an existing agreement between USAID and GOH for this project.

USAID Response:

These construction requirements (eg. permitting, etc.) are to be met according to the GOH rules/regulations. Only a GOH entity (beneficiary) can ask for a waiver of construction or related permits from the corresponding Ministry or Municipality. Please note that this is an important project for both the Government of Haiti and USAID. On June 24, 2021, USAID signed an implementation letter with the following Ministries: MEF, MPCE, MCI, MTPTC (Ministry of Economy and Finance, Public Works, External Cooperation, and Commerce and Industry) of Haiti approving this activity. It is USAID’s expectation that the respective GOH entities would facilitate any needed permits related to the port rehabilitation.