RFP 72052724R00002 Amendment No. 1 - Post Solicitation Conference Notes and Answers to Questions AG 08292024.pdf

AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) No. 72052724R00002

Institutional Strengthening for the GOP to implement the Counter Narcotic Policy

USAID hereby modifies RFP No. 72052724R00002 to reflect answers it provided to the business community in the post-solicitation conference held on August 15, 2024.

This modification therefore (1) shares the final approved answers to questions asked by August

26, 2024 (Attachment I); (2) clarifies and makes changes to Section L; (3) EXTEND the due date for submitting proposals; (4) present a summary read-out of the post solicitation conference

(Attachment II); and (5) includes a CONFORMED version of the Original released RFP with track changes for an easy review (Attachment III).

As a result of the above, the following changes are made to the solicitation:

1. SF-33

1.1 Item 9. Delete “09/10/2024” and replace it with “09/17/2024”.

2. COVER LETTER

2.1 Update the Submission Deadline for Receipt of Proposal to September 17, 2024, 09:00am (Local Time)

3. SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSALS, make the following changes:

3.1 Item L.4. Delete third and fourth paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“The proposal must be written in English, using minimum 12-point Calibri font, single spaced, 1-inch margins and be submitted in MS Word. Pages must be numbered consecutively. Tables, graphics, charts, graphs, etc. may be included, where appropriate, in the proposal, but text must be legible without magnification. If the Offeror decides to provide additional tables, graphics, charts, or graphs, they may provide those as annexes – not to exceed 25 pages. No pages beyond the page limits specified will be evaluated.

Offerors must submit a Technical Proposal via email, which includes the following elements:

● Cover Page (not included in page limit)

● Technical Approach (5 pages)

● Management and Staffing Plan (5 pages maximum)

● Past Experience (in the annex, 2 pages per project or experience, not to exceed 10 pages)

● Performance Work Statement (12 pages maximum)

● Quality Assurance Surveillance plan (QASP) (Pages do not count toward annexes and technical proposal page limitations)

● Annexes (all annexes may not exceed 25 pages)”

3.2 Item L.4.2 The Technical Approach, delete subitem d. in its entirety.

3.3 Staffing Plan – delete paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6 in their entirety and replace it with the following:

“The Offeror should provide a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) for each proposed key person. The CV may not exceed three pages each and must, at minimum, consider the start year and month and end year and month for each employment period included. Signed letters of commitment must be submitted for each key person proposed indicating (a) his/her intention to serve in the position for a stated term of services, and (b) agreement to the compensation level which corresponds to the level set forth in the cost proposal. USAID/Peru discourages the use of exclusive agreements. CV information and signed letters do not count toward the page limit. They count towards the 25-page limit for annexes. USAID/Peru may seek reference information from individuals outside of those identified in the proposal.

Offerors must propose a Staffing Plan with a description of the Offeror’s personnel resources for the contract, duty locations, and the associated lines of responsibility (organization chart as an annex). Offerors should demonstrate the extent to which the staffing plan maximizes the utilization of the integrated expertise of the whole Staff.

The Offeror must describe the division of roles and responsibilities between the prime contractor, subcontractors (if it is the case) and other resource organizations in implementing the proposed technical approach.

Offerors must demonstrate their capability to perform at least 65% of the services required under this contract with their own resources. Proposals must include a detailed plan outlining how the offeror will meet this requirement, including the roles and responsibilities of any subcontractors.”

3.4 Item L.4.4. Past Experience Information, make the following changes:

i. Delete second paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following: “Major sub awardees’ are those sub-awardees expected to perform at least 20 percent (as quantified https://acqnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Work-Statement-Writing-Guidelines-Summary.pdf by or calculated by level of effort for staff and/or total estimated direct expenditures) of the technical effort under the award being solicited.”

ii. Add the following statement at the end of paragraph 4:

“(Past experience information must be presented in the annex, 2 pages per project or experience, not to exceed 10 pages)”

3.5 Item L.4.5 Performance Work Statement (PWS), delete the first paragraph and replace it with the following:

“The PWS defines the government’s requirements in terms of objectives and measurable outputs/outcomes. The Offeror must therefore describe what it proposes to do over the entire period of performance to meet the objectives delineated within the Statement of Objectives. The PWS must answer five basic questions: what, when, where, how many, and how well. The PWS must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely (SMART). It must provide complete definitions of the work requirements, withstand staffing changes, not be prone to interpretation errors, spell out obligations, expectations and deliverables, present acceptance criteria to ensure outcomes are achieved, and tie deliverables to contractor payment. In sum, the PWS must take into account operating context and constraints to present the following:

● Description all proposed interventions and expected outcomes (i.e. the what, not the how) to be performed in terms of outcomes to be achieved (not in terms of “how to’’ accomplish);

● The quantifiable results of those actions reflecting at least the minimum required results in the SOO, any higher or additional results proposed by the Offeror, and proposed baseline and supporting data per result. Baselines will be finalized after the award.

● Offerors should strive to exceed or add to the minimum results presented in the SOO within the budget figure in the cover letter. Offeror proposed results in excess of or in addition to the minimum, will be included in the contract as revised minimum results.”

[SEE CONTINUATION PAGES]

ATTACHMENT I

RFP 72052724R00002, Amendment One

Institutional Strengthening for the GOP to implement the Counter Narcotic Policy

Questions and Answers

1. Do subcontractors need to be registered in “sam.gov” as well?

A1. Yes. Subcontractors must be registered in SAM before any transfer of funds.

2. Is the 3-page past experience section included as part of the 25-page narrative? It states it should be included as an annex but whether it is part of the overall page count is unclear.

A2. Past experience does no longer count towards the 25-page limit. L.4.4 has been modified to authorize past experience information as an annex, and within the 25 page limitation.

3. Will qualified U.S. Small Businesses be able to "network" with local PRIMES to offer their professional assistance as a subcontractor?

A3. Yes.

4. Are the KEY Personnel limited to 5 (FIVE) CVs and do they need to include SIGNED letters of commitments with those CVs?

A4. Yes, offerors may propose up to 5 key personnel positions. And yes, CVs must be accompanied with commitment letters. CVs and commitment letters do not count toward the page limit. Section L.4 has been modified to increase the page limitation for annexes from 10 to 25.

5. For Objective 1, Does the Contractor need to intervene in these governmental ministries? In other words, does USAID want the Contractor to directly improve the management of the governmental institutions with our proposed approach?

A5. USAID does not have an opinion on what approach or strategy the offeror/contractor should use to achieve the objectives of the solicitation. The purpose of this type of solicitation is for offerors to propose whatever approach they consider effective, and to convince USAID of the merit of that approach.

6. Will there be a need to work with classified or sensitive information on this contract?

Or use classified or sensitive information systems?

A6. No.

http://sam.gov/

7. Could you please provide more information about the proposed indicator 1

“average change in monetary value...”? Specifically, what lawful activities are considered in that indicator

A7. Indicator 1 pertains to all legal activities and services typically included in the calculation of a regional Gross Domestic Product.

8. Can the local entity only be associated with a “US Small Business”?

A8. No, local entities may associate with whoever they want.

9. Can other regions be proposed aside from those mentioned in the Statement of

Objectives (SOO)?

A9. Yes, other regions can be proposed.

10. It is understood that the approved "Counternarcotics strategy" is under review.

Which one will be considered for this activity? the current strategy, the one under review, or some other criteria be considered?

A10. The final approved counternarcotics strategy is the strategy the future implementer will use. The preparation of proposals may rely on the current strategy. The contract will provide for flexibility to adjust and adapt (in close coordination with the USAID and DEVIDA) to the revised strategy during implementation.

11. What is the difference between subcontractors and consultancies?

A11. FAR 31.205-33 - Professional and consultant services - defines consultancy services," …services rendered by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess a special skill and who are not officers or employees of the contractor. Examples include those services acquired by contractors or subcontractors in order to enhance their legal, economic, financial, or technical positions. Professional and consultant services are generally acquired to obtain information, advice, opinions, alternatives, conclusions, recommendations, training, or direct assistance, such as studies, analyses, evaluations, liaison with Government officials, or other forms of representation.”

USAID urges every offeror to read FAR 31.205-33 to familiarize themselves with key considerations for the use of consultants.

For example, offerors must assess whether it is more economical for “employees” to perform certain services than consultants, see FAR 31.205-33(d)(6).

FAR 44.204-2(a) defines a subcontract as “any contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of the prime contract or a subcontract.”

Note: A disproportionately large use of consultants and subcontracts may raise questions about the sustainability or effectiveness of an offeror’s approach. Heavy reliance on consultancies and subcontracts will be considered a flaw.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-2.1#FAR_Subpart_2_1

12. Page 54. L.4.2, The Technical Approach - Bullet C notes six Programmatic Principles.

But only three are noted in Section C (Digital Development, Environmental Protection, DEIA). Can USAID please clarify if three or six, and if six, list the other three.

A12. The six “programmatic principles” of USAID refer to the following: (i) building on previous efforts, (ii) USAID Peru’s strategy, (iii) geographic focus, (iv) inception, (v) monitoring and evaluation for adaptive management, and (vi) sustainability.

The items listed under Section C (Digital Development, Environmental Protection, DEIA) represent the U.S. Government's development priorities. Offerors' approaches should align and/or contribute to these overarching priorities.

13. Page 54, L.4.2. The Technical Approach - Bullet D covers capabilities and roles and responsibilities of subcontractors. Given the tight page length for this section, would USAID consider moving this requirement to the Management Section.

A13. Yes, the language at L.4.2(d) has been moved to the Management and Staffing Plan Section in L.4.3 under staffing plan.

14. Page 55, L.4.3. Management Plan and Staffing Plan - Organizational Chart is requested in the Management Plan and Staffing Plan. Can USAID remove the reference to the Organizational Chart in Management Plan to avoid duplication.

Also, can this be included in an annex?

A14. No, the reference to the organizational chart has not been removed from section L.4.3.

Nevertheless, it is now clearly stated that organizational charts may be submitted as an annex.

15. Page 6. Section B.4. Budget - Will there be no minimum percentage of flexibility between line items without authorization from the Contracting Officer?

A15. USAID strives to abide by the budget approved during contract negotiations. Any other flexibility between line items must be approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

16. Page 7. Section B.5.2. The Minimis Rate - A17.- If the offeror (prime or subcontractor) obtains a NICRA during the contract's implementation, will it be able to update the de minimis rate to the negotiated rate?

A16. Yes, the main contract or the subcontractor will be amended if/whenever the prime or a subcontractor secures a NICRA during implementation.

17. Page 7. Section B.5.2 The Minimis Rate - Offerors who do not have a NICRA may elect to use the de minimis rate, which will be updated in October 2024 to 15% according to USAID’s Early Implementation of 2 CFR Revisions issued August 7, 2024.? It was mentioned in the meeting that the de minimis rate is now 15%. Please confirm if this is applicable to this contract.

A17. The de minimis rate remains 10% in Acquisition, and thus for this solicitation. The change to 15% only applies to Assistance. The reference to the 15% change during the post solicitation conference was a mistake.

18. Page 30. Section G.8. Accounting and Appropriation Data: REQ-527-24-000050:

What does this information refer to?

18. This information is of no importance to offerors. It refers to the sources of funding for the initial award obligation.

19. Page 40. Section I.3. AIDAR 752.228-3 Worker’s Compensation Insurance (Defense

Base Act) - More information is requested regarding this insurance (DBA), and if it is applicable.

A19. DBA insurance is worker’s compensation coverage for employees in the event they are injured while working on a contract financed by the U. S. Government performed outside the United States. DBA coverage also pays benefits to dependents of employees in the event that an employee is killed as a direct result of the employee's employment under a contract financed by the U.S. Government. DBA coverage is required by statute (see 42 U.S.C. 1651, et seq.) for employees of contractors and subcontractors, regardless of the duration of their assignment. Subcontractors under USAID-financed contracts must also obtain coverage. USAID contractors and subcontractors must possess DBA coverage before their employees arrive in country and commence work on the contract. Contractors and subcontractors must maintain the insurance coverage until covered employees complete their overseas performance under the contract.

20. Page 53. Section L.4 General Instructions to Offerors - Can the offeror include a two-page executive summary that is excluded from the page count?

A20. No executive summary is required. Offerors may still present one if they so choose. But, they must respect the 25-page limits for annexes and 25-page limits for technical proposals.

21. Page 53. Section L.4 General Instructions to Offerors - Given the important and range of requests for the Technical Approach, would USAID consider allowing more pages allowed for Technical Approach as long as we stay within the 25-page limit.

A21. The maximum page limits presented in section L are an indication of what USAID considers important. As such we encourage you to stay within those limits. Nevertheless, offerors may choose to ignore them as long as the 25-page limit is respected. For example, offerors may present a Performance Work Statement of only 8 or 10 pages.

22. Page 53. Section L.4 General Instructions to Offerors – The QASP does not have a page limit, and based on the provided page count, it looks like it is excluded. But only the cover page and annexes are excluded from the page limit. Can USAID clarify that the QASP is also excluded.

A22. The QASP does not count towards the page limitations for the technical proposal or the annexes. Nevertheless, it should be similar in length as the PWS.

23. Page 57. Section L.4.7.2 Proposed Costs – In the personnel line, a percentage must be considered in relation to the total budget. Audit expenses must be considered in the budget. Billing (18% IGV): As this is a service that must be billed, the IGV (18%) on the invoice must be paid to SUNAT. Will this IGV be presented as an additional line in the Excel budget format? We would appreciate confirmation or, if necessary, the relevant instructions.

A23. Yes, offerors must present IVG as a separate line item.

24. Page 60. Section L.4.7.2 Indirect Costs - The RFP states that, if the offeror (prime or subcontractor) does not have a cognizant U.S. Government audit agency, audited financial statements can be submitted with a proposed indirect cost rate.

Question (1): For U.S. Small Businesses, would it be allowed to present Reviewed Financial Statements instead of audited Financial Statements?

Question (2): Please confirm that we can use our indirect cost rate derived from reviewed financial statements if we do not have a NICRA.

A24. Yes, offerors and their subcontractors may elect to use indirect rates that are different from NICRA and the de minimis, provided they present sufficient factual justification of how such rates were delineated as well as historical data showing that such proposed rates have consistently been used by the offeror in the past (at least a full year).

25. Would USAID please confirm whether the Representations and Certifications of

Section K must be submitted with the application? If so, does this requirement apply only to the Prime or does it also apply to its proposed subcontractors? Also, can they be excluded from the Annexes' page limitation?

A25. At this stage of the procurement, only the prime offeror must submit the certifications and representations required in section K. Subcontractors must submit the same when the prime is entering into sub-contractual arrangements with their subcontractors.

26. About Indicator 1: Average change in monetary value of licit activities in strategic selected areas. Could USAID provide more details of this indicator? Are there any documents that USAID can share?

A26. The indicator 1 refers to all activities and services that usually are considered as part of a regional Gross Domestic Product calculation. At this point we don’t have a specific document to share.

27. Could the applicant propose the criteria by which SSA are preliminarily selected

(taking into account RFP's Section C, of course) which will then be finalized during implementation with USAID and/or the Government of Peru, as applicable?

A27. Strategic Selected Areas (SSA) will be defined in coordination with DEVIDA.

Additionally, at that moment, it will be evaluated over the base of the territories identified or prioritized under the Technical Proposal.

28. Can we propose alternative indicators and/or targets to the ones requested in the

RFP, as applicable?

A28. Of course, you are invited to be the most creative possible, within the proposed technical approach.

29. We understand the prime must have an active SAM registration before submission.

That being said, should we decide to apply as a Consortium, could USAID please confirm whether each member must have SAM registration? Or would a UEI be sufficient?

A29. Only the prime offeror is required to be actively registered in SAM at the time of submitting a proposal. Later on, the prime contractor will require active SAM registration from its subcontractors prior to entering into a formal subcontracting arrangement. USAID uses the UEI number to verify an offeror’s SAM registration status.

30. Section L.4.1. (page 53) requests the inclusion of "Offeror's UEI number" as part of the Cover Page. However, Section L.4.7.3. (page 61) states: "Offerors must have a full SAM registration before a proposal is submitted". Please clarify whether offerors shall include their SAM or UEI number in the Cover Page.

A30. Offerors may only present their UEI number. USAID uses that number to verify offerors SAM registration status.

31. Page 54, Section L.4.2. Technical Approach: We appreciate the guidance from USAID on developing the Technical Approach. The requirements are extensive and in order to fully address them, we respectfully request an additional two pages be allotted to the Technical Approach for a total of 7 pages. The additional two pages could be moved from the Performance Work Statement (PWS), which would reduce that section to a total of 10 pages. Would USAID kindly allow offerors to use 7 pages for the Technical Approach section?

A31. Offerors can exercise discretion in the use of proposed page limitations, provided the 25-page limitation is respected. Submitting a 10-page PWS instead of 12 is an acceptable way to exercise that discretion.

32. Pages 54 and 56, Sections L.4.2.a. Technical Approach and L.4.5. PWS: A Background section is common in the PWS format. Offerors are writing a context analysis as part of the Technical Approach, which would be duplicative of the PWS Background section. Would USAID kindly confirm that, in the PWS, offerors can refer evaluators to the context analysis in the Technical Approach? Doing so would provide more space for offerors to address the other requirements for the PWS.

A32. Yes, offerors can reference other sections of their proposal to avoid repeating the same information in more than one place.

33. Pages 54 and 56, Sections L.4.2.d. Technical Approach and L.4.5. PWS: On page 56, the RFP states, “The PWS must demonstrate a capability to meet all the requirements described in the SOO [Statement of Objectives].” On page 54, offerors are instructed to “demonstrate their capability to perform at least 65% of the services required under this contract.” This seems duplicative. Furthermore, the capabilities of an offeror do not commonly go into Section C of a contract. Would USAID kindly remove the requirement for offerors to demonstrate capabilities in the

PWS?

A33. The requirement has been moved to L.4.3. a. The paragraph containing references to 65%, previously contained in L.4.2(d) has been moved to the Management and Staffing Plan Section in L.4.3 under staffing plan; b. Reference to “capability” has been deleted from L.4.5.

34. Page 55, Section L.4.3. Management and Staffing Plan, Staffing Plan: The RFP states

“USAID/Peru may seek reference information from individuals outside of those identified in the proposal.” We have the following related questions:

a. Would USAID please confirm if references are required for Key Personnel?

b. If references are required, would USAID kindly allow offerors to include them as a separate annex, exclusive of the 3-page limit for Key Personnel CVs?

A34. Yes, references are required. You may provide them in annexes, provided the 25-page limitation for annexes is respected.

35. Page 56, Section L.4.5. PWS: A PWS commonly has a section on Operational

Principles or, as in the case of this SOO, a section on Operating Constraints and Contract Parameters (see RFP, Section C.5, Pages 12-13). The Operating Constraints and Contract Parameters section is about 1 page in length. In writing the PWS, would USAID kindly allow offerors to refer to this section in the RFP (i.e., “Refer to Section C.5 Operating Constraints and Contract Parameters in the RFP No.

72052724R00002”) to allow more space to address other requirements in the PWS?

A35. Yes, offerors can exercise that discretion by only referencing other sections to avoid repeating the same info in several areas of their proposal.

36. Page 56, Section L.4.5. PWS: The RFP states that the PWS “must provide complete definitions of the work requirements, withstand staffing changes, not be prone to interpretation errors, spell out obligations, expectations and deliverables, present acceptance criteria to ensure outcomes are achieved, and tie deliverables to contractor payment.” We have the following related questions:

a. Please elaborate on what USAID wants offerors to provide in the PWS to respond to the requirement of including “complete definitions of the work requirements.” Does USAID want offerors to provide a glossary of terms?

b. We do not understand what “spell out obligations and expectations” means in this context. Would USAID please provide more guidance?

c. Similarly, we do not understand what USAID would like in terms of offerors “presenting acceptance criteria” (e.g., Acceptance from whom?

Acceptance for what?). Would USAID please provide more guidance?

d. Given that the technical proposal must not include cost information, may offerors detail the fees for deliverables in the cost proposal instead of the technical proposal?

A36.

a. A clearer and more simplistic presentation on what should be included in the PWS is presented in FAR 37.601, 602 and 603. In essence, the PWS must contain the what, the why, and performance indicators that are SMART to measure achievement of the what. The Offeror may refer the reader to background and/constraints it has already discussed in other sections.

b. The expression “spell out obligations and expectations” simply means that the PWS should be written in such a way that the reader effortlessly understands and expects a clearly defined and specific thing.

c. Reference to “acceptance criteria” simply means the offeror must also propose the most effective method USAID will use to evaluate and accept the accomplishment (or not) of a proposed set of actions or interventions. This mostly pertains to the QASP.

d. Cost must not be discussed in the technical application. Yes, fees must only be presented in the budget or cost proposal.

37. Page 56. Section L.4.5. PWS: The RFP states, “Specifically, t (SOO), while applying the operating constraints in the SOO and the operating principles reference therein.” It seems there are words missing and we are unclear on what is required to respond to this part of the RFP. Would USAID kindly provide clarity on this requirement?

A37. The language in this section of the RFP has been modified and now reads as follows:

“In sum, the PWS must take into account operating context and constraints to present the following: …” – see conformed solicitation attached to this modification.

38. Pages 56 and 57, Sections L.4.5. PWS and Section L.4.6. Quality Assurance

Surveillance Plan (QASP): On page 56, the RFP states that offerors must provide “measurable quality standards for all work performed” and describe “what the Offeror will do to ensure the quality standards are met.” On page 57, the RFP also requires a separate QASP, which requires offerors to outline a plan that “must provide for the prevention and early detection of any challenges/obstacles, and for timely and positive corrective action or adaptation” (i.e., a quality control plan).

Providing the content in both places would be duplicative and take up space in the

PWS that offerors could use to address other requirements. Would USAID please remove the requirement for offerors to include “measurable quality standards for all work performed” and “what the Offeror will do to ensure the quality standards are met” in the PWS?

A38. References to “measurable quality standards for all work performed and what the offeror will do to ensure quality standards” have been deleted from L.4.5. Nevertheless, it is important to clearly understand the following:

a. Performance and quality standards must be presented and described in the Quality Assurance Plan.

b. Quality assurance standards must be tailored to the interventions/actions presented in the

PWS.

c. The QASP will be used by USAID to monitor implementation and assess whether interventions or actions proposed in the PWS have been achieved, and the quality of the achievement.

39. Page 53, Section L.4, General Instructions to Offerors: The RFP states, “the Technical

Proposal is limited to 25 pages (excluding the cover page and annexes) and lists the required elements of the technical proposal and their respective page limits.” We have the following related questions:

a. Would USAID allow offerors to include a table of contents and an acronyms list, exclusive of the 25-page limit, after the Cover Page and before the Technical Approach?

b. The RFP states, “all annexes may not exceed 10 pages.” On Page 55, Section L.4.3 Staffing Plan, the RFP instructs that offerors may propose up to 5 Key Personnel and that, for each proposed person, they should provide a signed letter of commitment as well as a resume/CV that may not exceed three pages each (which could equal up to 20 pages). The RFP states, “CV information and signed letters do not count toward the page limit.” Would USAID please confirm that Key Personnel resumes/CVs and letters of commitment should be included as annexes to the technical proposal and do not count towards the 10-page annex limit?

c. The Past Experience has a page limit of 3 pages maximum. On Page 56, Section L.4.4, the RFP states that Past Experience shall be “submitted as an annex” and that the “information provided for each project/activity must not exceed two pages.” Would USAID please consider:

i. Given that the Past Experience will be included as an annex to the technical proposal, would USAID please exclude it from the 25-page limit and allow offerors to allocate those 3 pages to the Technical Approach?

ii. If yes, would USAID kindly increase the 3-page limitation to allow offerors to include more projects/activities in the Past Experience annex?

A39. USAID has increased the page limit to 25 for annexes. As such, yes, you can add extra pages both in the technical proposal or in annexes as long as you respect the revised page limitation for both sections. Furthermore, the solicitation only indicates “maximums”. This practically means you can use less in one place and use that space saving somewhere else.

a. The annexes page limitation has been increased to 25. Annexes must include - among other things past experience information, CVs and letters of commitment etc. Offerors must strive to present information as succinctly as possible.

b. By moving past experience information into annexes, offerors now have 3 pages that they can use at their discretion.

40. Pages 54 and 63, Section L.4.2.c Technical Approach and M.3.a Technical Evaluation

Criteria, Factor 1: Technical Approach: On page 54, the RFP states that the Technical Approach must “explain how the six Programmatic Principles of USAID will be incorporated into the technical approach during the implementation.” On page 63, the RFP states that offerors will be evaluated on “the extent to which USAID’s programmatic principles are creatively and coherently woven into proposed strategies and interventions.” The RFP does not define what the six Programmatic Principles are. We kindly request that USAID provide a list of the six Programmatic Principles so that offerors can be sure to comply with this requirement.

A40. The six “programmatic principles” refer to the following ones: (i) building on previous efforts, (ii) USAID Peru’s strategy, (iii) geographic focus, (iv) inception, (v) monitoring and evaluation for adaptive management, and (vi) sustainability. Other important principles are mentioned in Section C. Offeror should consider the best way to incorporate or approach them.

41. Please confirm if offerors must submit all reports described in Section F.6.2 (page 21) as part of their proposal. If so, can they be excluded from the Annexes' page limitation?

A41. The reports stated in section F.6.2. are reports that must be submitted during the implementation phase of the activity, they are not considered as part of the proposal.

42. Please confirm if offerors must submit a BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND

MARKING PLAN as part of their proposal. If so, can it be excluded from the Annexes' page limitation?

42. Only the most successful offeror is required to submit a draft branding and marking plan 15 days after award signing.

43. Page 13, Section C.5.4 Contractual Considerations: The RFP states, “USAID-Peru is not mandating its [Grants Under Contracts (GUCs)] use. Depending on their technical approach, offerors may or may not choose to use GUCs. When the Offeror’s proposed approach entails GUCs, it must also present a plug figure Not to Exceed $1,500,000, as provided in the summary budget in Section B.4. Offerors must propose annual allocations in accordance with their proposed technical approach, and the total over five years must equal $1,500,000.” We have the following related questions:

a. Please confirm that offerors should include a plug number of $1,500,000 in Attachment J.2, Budget Template, if they do not intend to use GUCs.

b. If yes, please confirm this amount should be included in the $10,000,000 maximum ceiling bid of the RFP.

A43. a. Offerors cannot propose or use the $1,500,000 plug figure if they do not intend to use GUCs. Offerors who opt not to use the GUC component must program the $1,500,000 in accordance with their technical approach.

b. Yes, the $1.5 million GUC plug figure is included in the $10 million total cost of this project.

44. Page 61, Section L.4.7.3 Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of

Offerors: The RFP states, “Offerors must have a full SAM registration before a proposal is submitted, unless one of the exceptions apply from FAR 4.1102.” During the Post-RFP Conference, USAID clarified that subcontractors must be registered in sam.gov. We have the following related questions:

a. Would USAID please reconsider this requirement in regard to local subcontractors, in order to allow local entities with less USG experience the opportunity to take on substantive roles in their consortiums?

b. If not, would USAID consider allowing local entities who have applied for SAM registration to be eligible to be proposed as subcontractors, if the registration has not been approved in SAM by the proposal deadline? Perhaps the local subcontractor could state in their teaming letter (required under section L.4.7.4 on page 61) that they are committed to completing the full registration in advance of award and include proof of submission of their registration application.

A44. SAM registration is not required for subcontractors at this stage of the procurement process. SAM requirements apply to subcontractors only after award, and before any transfer of federal funds occurs. Offerors therefore have enough time to get their prospective subcontractors fully registered in SAM.

45. Would USAID kindly share answers to the questions posed during the Post-RFP

Conference on August 15, 2024?

A45. Answers to questions posed during the Post RFP Conference are included in this document.

46. Would USAID please consider extending the proposal deadline to allow offerors sufficient time to revise proposals in response to USAID’s answers to offerors’ questions?

A46. The final submission date has been extended to September 17, 2024, at 9 AM local time.

http://sam.gov/

ATTACHMENT II

RFP 72052724R00002

POST SOLICITATION CONFERENCE SUMMARY

Purpose: To clarify any questions any interested parties may have regarding RFP 72052724R00002 and how to property submit a proposal.

A virtual meeting was held via Google Meets on August 15, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00PM. There were over 50 attendees from 10 organizatios including Small Business.

In his introductoey statement an throughout the conference, the Contracting Officer provided participants with general guidance onhow to approach a US Government procurement. Key takeawars are summarized below:

a. Restate the Government Requirement

b. Provide Clarifications on the Contract Type – CPFF, Term Type

c. Discuss Key Solicitation Considerations:

i. Respect all deadlines presented on the solicitation cover page

ii. Restriction to local entities

iii. Prime vs subs

iv. SOW vs SOO

v. Type of Contract

vi. Permanent Staff vs Consultants

vii. Grants Under Contracts (GUCs)

viii. Indirect Costs – De minimis Rate

d. Carefully review all elements of Sections C, L and M.

e. Certs and Reps

f. SAM registration

A detailed breakdown is as follows:

Resumen de la Conferencia Posterior a la Publicación de la Convocatoria

Comentarios Iniciales:

• La conferencia comenzó con una cálida bienvenida y un profundo agradecimiento por el interés de los participantes en el trabajo de USAID. Se destacó la importancia de la actividad en apoyo al Gobierno de Perú, con el objetivo de proporcionar una comprensión clara de los objetivos de USAID y preparar a los participantes para presentar sus mejores propuestas.

Idioma y Participación:

• La reunión se llevó a cabo en inglés y español. Los participantes clave incluyeron a César Calmet, Rosario Saldana y el Oficial de Contracto Andre-Guy Soh.

Consejos Prácticos:

• Se recordó a los participantes mantener sus micrófonos apagados.

• Se proporcionó una agenda y se programó una sesión de preguntas y respuestas.

• Se alentó a los participantes a mantener sus preguntas concisas debido al límite de tiempo de

60 minutos.

• Las preguntas podían enviarse hasta el 26 de agosto, y las respuestas se compartirían en

SAP.com el 29 de agosto.

Propósito de la Conferencia:

• La conferencia tenía como objetivo aclarar y entender las perspectivas de los participantes y comunicar los elementos clave de la convocatoria.

• Se destacó que podrían ocurrir cambios en la convocatoria basados en la discusión.

• Se alentó a los participantes a colaborar y aprender unos de otros para preparar propuestas sólidas.

Puntos Clave Discutidos

1. Financiamiento y Duración:

o La convocatoria incluye un presupuesto de $10 millones USD durante cinco años.

o Está restringida a organizaciones locales, que pueden ser solicitantes principales.

2. Fomento de Asociaciones:

o Se alentó a las instituciones pequeñas o locales a asociarse con otras para gestionar eficazmente el cumplimiento y la transparencia.

3. Requisitos de Implementación:

o La entidad principal debe implementar la mayoría de las intervenciones de manera independiente.

o Se proporcionó una guía del 65-35% para indicar la proporción de subcontratos o subacuerdos.

4. Alcance del Trabajo vs. Declaración de Objetivos:

o Se hizo una distinción entre el alcance del trabajo y la declaración de objetivos, enfatizando la importancia de entender ambos. El “statement of objectives” presenta los objetivos a alto nivel que la USAID quiere alcanzar. El público presenta como lo pueden lograr.

5. Grabación de la Presentación:

o La presentación no fue grabada, pero todas las preguntas y respuestas fueron documentadas y se compartiría un resumen.

6. Enfoque Territorial:

o Se abordaron preguntas sobre el enfoque en territorios específicos (e.g., Bucayali y Huánuco), aclarando que estos eran referenciales y abiertos a propuestas.

o Respuesta: “Sí, esos territorios son referenciales. Estamos abiertos a lo que propongan cada uno de los postores. La lógica de lo que se presente será parte de la evaluación, pero son referenciales, no quiere decir que sean determinantes.”

7. Personal Clave:

o Se planteó una pregunta sobre el número de personal clave permitido en la RFP, con un enfoque en personal local y la participación de subcontratistas.

o Respuesta: “Sí, se permite tener hasta 5 personal clave en sus propuestas. Es importante que estos sean locales y que se considere la participación de subcontratistas según sea necesario.”

8. Instituciones Contraparte:

o Se proporcionaron aclaraciones sobre la inclusión de instituciones o sectores específicos como contrapartes, particularmente en relación con la política nacional antidrogas.

o Respuesta: “La política nacional contra drogas aprobada en 2020 está actualmente en un proceso de actualización. Esto representa una excelente oportunidad para generar una articulación con los diversos sectores e instituciones mencionadas.”

Preguntas y Respuestas

1. Pregunta: ¿Por qué se considera al Ministerio de la Mujer y Poblaciones Vulnerables (MIMP) como sector de contraparte?

Respuesta: La política nacional contra drogas aprobada en 2020 está en proceso de actualización. Esto representa una oportunidad para articular con diversos sectores e instituciones mencionadas.

2. Interacción con Organizaciones - Pregunta: ¿Habrá oportunidad de interactuar con las organizaciones locales para entender sus necesidades?

Respuesta: Sí, es crucial coordinar con las agencias relevantes. Las propuestas deben reflejar esta necesidad de interacción para asegurar que las soluciones propuestas sean efectivas y realistas.

3. Propuesta y Ejecución - Pregunta: ¿La convocatoria propone o ejecuta programas sociales?

Respuesta: La convocatoria propone y, si se gana, se transfiere el dinero y se celebra un contrato para que los ganadores implementen los programas.

4. Información Clasificada - Pregunta: ¿Será necesario trabajar con información clasificada o sensible?

Respuesta: No, no se requiere trabajar con información clasificada o sensible.

5. Modernización de Sistemas - Pregunta: ¿El trabajo de modernización de sistemas es para todas las entidades relacionadas con la estrategia de DEVIDA?

Respuesta: No se cambiarán todos los sistemas administrativos para todas las entidades. Sin embargo, si en la propuesta se identifica la necesidad de mejorar un aspecto del sistema para aumentar la efectividad, esto debe ser claramente planteado.

6. Coordinación con Agencias - Pregunta: ¿Es necesario coordinar con DEVIDA para que la propuesta tenga sentido?

Respuesta: Sí, si la consulta requiere coordinación con una agencia específica, debe plantearse claramente en la propuesta para que se entienda el sentido completo de la misma.

7. Propuesta de Sistemas - Pregunta: ¿La propuesta debe incluir la mejora de sistemas para-

DEVIDA y otras instituciones?

Respuesta: La propuesta debe identificar claramente los requerimientos para mejorar o cambiar sistemas de manera lógica y articulada. Se espera que los proponentes consideren todos los aspectos necesarios bajo su criterio profesional.

Comentarios Finales:

Se agradeció a los participantes por su participación y se reiteró que todas las preguntas y aclaraciones serían documentadas y compartidas en SAM.gov el 29 de Agosto, 2024.

[END OF POST SOLICITATION CONFERENCE SUMMARY]

CONFORMED 08/29/2024 AG SOH

RFP Issue Date: August 2, 2024

Post RFP Conference: August 15, 2024 (More details to come)

Deadline for Questions: August 26, 2024, 0900 am (Local Time)

Submission Deadline: September 170, 2024, 0900am (Local Time)

Subject: Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 72052724R00002 for Institutional

Strengthening of the Government of Peru to implement the National

Counternarcotics Policy

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Peru is seeking proposals from qualified Local Entities interested in providing the services described in Section C of this solicitation.

Using FAR Part 15 procedures, USAID anticipates awarding one (1) stand-alone Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) term type contract with a period of performance of five (5) years. The maximum available funding for this contract is $10,000,000.00.

Competition under this procurement is restricted to local entities – see H.2. Offerors must demonstrate their capability to perform at least 65% of the services required under this contract.

Proposals and questions regarding the RFP requirements must be addressed to Andre-Guy Soh through limaroaaletters@usaid.gov copying the A&A Specialist Mrs. Rosario O. de Saldaña via email at rsaldana@usaid.gov, and asoh@usaid.gov no later than the submission deadline set forth above. Late and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Interest in participating in the post solicitation conference must be expressed via de above addresses at least two days before scheduled conference date.

Offerors should periodically check www.sam.gov for updates to this solicitation. This RFP in no way obligates the USAID to award a contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of your proposal.

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to receiving and reviewing your proposals.

Sincerely, Andre-Guy Soh Regional Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT III

REVISED VERSION OF THE ORIGINAL RFP WITH TRACK CHANGES

<<21>>

Request for Proposal 72052724R00002

Table of Contents

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

B.4 BUDGET

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS

B.5.1. NEGOTIATED INDIRECT COST RATE (NICRA)

B.5.2. THE MINIMIS RATE

B.5.3. OTHER

B.5.4. SUB-RECEPIENTS

B.6 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE (CPFF)

B.7 REIMBURSABLE COSTS

SECTION C - STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

C.1. PURPOSE

C.2. BACKGROUND

C.3. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

C.3.1. Objective 1. Improve the management, administration, environmental oversight, and budgetary capacity of government agencies involved in implementing the NCNP

C.3.2. Objective 2: Improve information systems and technical tools to enhance decision-making for implementing the NCNP, enabling integration between DEVIDA and other GOP agencies

C.3.3. Objective 3. Improve DEVIDA's coordination capacity as the leading organization for efficiently implementing the NCNP

C.3.4. Objective 4: Establishment of channels for citizen oversight and accountability related to the implementation of the NCNP, including the improvement of social capital and intercultural approaches in the territories

C.4. EXPECTED RESULTS

C.5. OPERATING CONSTRAINTS AND CONTRACT PARAMETERS

C.5.1. Digital Development

C.5.2. Environmental Protection

C.5.3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility - DEIA

C.5.4. Contractual Considerations

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1. AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993)

D.2. BRANDING POLICY

D.3. BRANDING STRATEGY

D.4. BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

D.5. EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS TO USAID BRANDING AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS

D.6. BRANDING AND MARKING FOR GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

E.2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

F.2. PERFORMANCE PERIOD

F.3. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

F.4. AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WEEK

F.5. AIDAR 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007)

F.6. PLANS, REPORTS, DELIVERABLES, AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING

F.6.1. Due Dates for Plans, Reports, and Deliverables

F.6.2. Required Plans

F.6.3. Required Reports

F.7. AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WEEK

F.8. AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS

(SEP 2013)

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1. ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE

G.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

G.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

G.4. TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID

G.5. ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL

G.6. CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT

G.7. PAYING OFFICE

G.8. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

G.9. INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

G.10. AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998)

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1. AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE

H.2. ADS 302.3.5.17 LIMITATION ON SUBCONTRATING TO NON-LOCAL ENTITIES (MAY 2012)

H.3. ADS 302.3.5.22 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL) (OCT

2014) 34

H.4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

H.5. GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT

H.6. CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

I.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I.2. AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007)

I.3. AIDAR 752.228-3 Worker's Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act). Worker’s

Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) (DEC 1991) [(DEVIATION JUN2022)] Class Deviation No.

M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-10

I.4. AIDAR 752-7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (OCT 1989) [DEVIATION (JUNE

2018)] (Deviation No. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-08c)

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J.1. LIST OF ACCRONYMS (Attachment 1)

J.2. BUDGET TEMPLATE (Attachment 2)

J.3. USAID FY23 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN TEMPLATE AND FY23 SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

PLAN TEMPLATE - https://www.usaid.gov/document/subcontracting-plan-template

J.4. BRANDING STRATEGY, BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING PLAN TEMPLATE

(Attachment 3)

J.5. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION – LAC-27-177 (Attachment 4)

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF THE OFFEROR

K.1. NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

K.2. 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2024)

K.3. 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO

SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

K.4. 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES-REPRESENTATION

(OCT 2020)

SECTION L. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

L.1. 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L.2. 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L.3. 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEPT 2006)

L.4. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L.4.1. Cover Page

L.4.2. The Technical Approach

L.4.3. Management and Staffing Plan

L.4.4. Past Experience Information

L.4.5. Performance Work Statement (PWS)

L.4.6. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

L.4.7. Instructions for the preparation of the cost proposal

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1. NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

M.2. GENERAL INFORMATION

M.3. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

M.4. COST/PRICE EVALUATION

M.5. DETERMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE RANGE

M.6. SOURCE SELECTION

ATTACHMENT 1 – LIST OF ACRONYMS

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Contract is to provide technical assistance and services described in detail in Section C, Statement of Objectives, for the implementation of…