Mod__2_with_Attached_Round_2_Q_&_A.pdf

SECON ROUND OF QUESTIONS RECEIVED ON TRADE & INVESTMENT

ACTIVITY HUB SOLICITATION #72062018R00011

AMENDMENT #02 - ATTACHMENT

Question #1: (Page 161, Section L.5.5(d)) In the revised RFP, USAID requires five past performance references from “each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20%).” Can USAID kindly clarify that the definition of a major subcontractor is, as stated in Section B on page 7 of the revised RFP, that “‘major subcontractors’ are subcontractors whose proposed costs exceed 20% of the Offeror’s proposed total cost OR (emphasis added) perform a key element of the scope of work”?

USAID Response: The definition of a major subcontractor is as stated in Section B on page 7 of the revised RFP, which states that major subcontractors are subcontractors whose proposed costs exceed 20 percent of the Offeror's proposed total costs.

Question #2: (Page 29, Section C.4(c)I) In the revised RFP, USAID states that “The grant-making mechanism will fund non-sovereign entities (enterprises and organizations, both international and local) and where appropriate, partner government entities.” In response to Question 17, however, USAID stipulates that “Grants are limited to non-sovereign entities only.”

Similarly, in response to question 36, USAID says, “The grant-making facility is to fund only non-sovereign entities.” Would USAID please confirm that the grant-making facility is to only fund non-sovereign entities?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the grant-making facility will only fund non-sovereign entities.

Question #3: (Page 20, Section C.4) In the revised RFP, USAID states that, “The grant-making facility [C.4(c)(I) Design and Administration of the Private Sector Competitiveness Activity Fund] must be cumulative $60 million of the total estimated cost of the Activity – Nigeria ($27 million, 40% of which is to be used to implement component B), Senegal ($8 million), Cote d'Ivoire ($4 million) and $21 million for West Africa Region.” Are these figures hard caps or estimated funding amounts?

USAID Response: These figures are hard caps.

Question #4: (Page 20, Section C.4) In the revised RFP, USAID stipulates that $8 million of the $60 million grants facility will be for Senegal. Moreover, in response to Question 48, USAID states that “The Activity will include a mix of Feed the Future funding limited to work in the agriculture sector and Trade funding which can be used for a larger set of sectors.” Can USAID please clarify what percentage of the $8 million for Senegal is Feed the Future funding and thus limited to work in the agriculture sector?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that $8 million for Senegal is for Feed the Future funding and thus limited to work in the agriculture sector. Trading funding could come from West Africa Region.

Question #5: Page 60, Section L.5.5(b)) In the revised RFP, USAID states that “Offerors are to complete Attachment J.7 to identify proposed Small Business utilization.” In the revised RFP, Attachment J.7 is the Small Business Participation Plan. However, in response to Question 61, USAID says that “the Small Business Participation Plan (Attachment J.3) requirement has been removed.” Could USAID please clarify whether Offerors should include the Small Business Participation Plan, and if so, where this should be placed?

USAID Response: Attachment J.3 "Small Business Subcontracting Plan" requirement was removed. Attachment J.3 has now been replaced with the Local Compensation Plan Rates.

Offeror is to utilize Attachment J.7 (tailor it accordingly) to identify any/all proposed small businesses. If no small businesses are proposed, completion of Attachment J.7 isn't required.