Questions_Response_for_Tanzania_Vector_Control_Activity_(TVCA)-Solicitation_No._72062119R00001.pdf

Tanzania Vector Control Activity (TVCA) (TVCA) RFP No. 72062119R00001

QUESTIONS ANSWER

GENERAL QUESTIONS

In the cover letter, USAID states that the proposal should be submitted electronically to usaidtzco@usaid.gov. Section L.6(c) states that proposals should be submitted to daressalaamco@usaid.gov. Could USAID please clarify the correct email submission address?

All Proposals must be submitted electronically to the USAID Tanzania contracting office mailbox at usaidtzco@usaid.gov.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

The cover letter requires submission be sent to usaidtzco@usaid.gov; on page 103, it requires submission be sent to daressalaamco@usaid.gov. Can USAID confirm the e-mail address for electronic submission of the proposal?

All Proposals must be submitted electronically to the USAID Tanzania contracting office mailbox at usaidtzco@usaid.gov.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

Does USAID have a preferred project start date for the activity that should be used for budgeting purposes?

The anticipated award date is 15 August 2019.

The cover page says to submit the proposal to the USAID Tanzania contracting office mailbox at usaidtzco@usaid.gov, but page 103 of the RFP states that the proposal must be delivered electronically to daressalaamco@usaid.gov. Could USAID kindly confirm the preferred address for submission?

All Proposals must be submitted electronically to the USAID Tanzania contracting office mailbox at usaidtzco@usaid.gov.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

P.103 states that the proposals are to be submitted to daressalaamco@usaid.gov and cover sheet requests submissions to usaidtzco@usaid.gov. Can USAID please clarify the submission email address?

All Proposals must be submitted electronically to the USAID Tanzania contracting office mailbox at usaidtzco@usaid.gov.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

P.103 states that the proposal is due at 7:30am East African Time and the cover letter requires submission by 7:00am East Africa Time. Can USAID please clarify the time that the proposal is due?

Deadline for Receipt of proposals is May 6, 2019 at 0700 East African Time.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

Please confirm the due date for the PowerPoint presentation as this is not listed on the cover page of the

RFP.

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals including the PowerPoint presentation is May 06, 2019 at 0700 East African Time.

The RFP provides information on the budget range for the CPFF budget. Will USAID provide a budget range/ceiling for the FFP budget?

ADS 302.3.5.7 instructs COs not to include the cost estimate for competitive solicitation (except CPFF-Completion type).

Will USAID provide a ceiling amount or suggested price range for Objects 1, 2, and 4 (Firm Fixed Price Line Items)?

ADS 302.3.5.7 instructs COs not to include the cost estimate for competitive solicitation (except CPFF-Completion type).

mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:daressalaamco@usaid.gov mailto:daressalaamco@usaid.gov mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:daressalaamco@usaid.gov mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:daressalaamco@usaid.gov mailto:usaidtzco@usaid.gov mailto:daressalaamco@usaid.gov

Is there an incumbent for this opportunity? If so, please provide the name of the incumbent and the incumbent contract number.

Johns Hopkin University Center for Communication Program Cooperative Agreement No.

AID-OAA-A-14-00057

SECTION B: SERVICES/PRICES

The cover letter says, “The estimated cost of the CPFF portion of the contract is between $500,000 and $2,000,000.” But, on Page 6 of the RFP says, “The total estimated cost plus fixed fee for the performance of services related to objectives Three (3) and Five (5) is between $100,000 and $300,000.” Could USAID kindly clarify the estimated cost of the cost plus fixed fee components of the contract?

The estimate should be $500,000 to $2,500,000. USAID amended the RFP to reflect the new range.

In the cover letter, USAID states that the CPFF portion will be between $500,000 and $2 million; however Section B.3.1 states that CPFF portions Objectives 3 and 5 will be between $100,000 and $300,000, and the mass distribution campaign optional service is between $1 million and $5 million; and Section L.8(3) states that the estimated cost for the CPFF proposed total estimated cost will be $2 million or more. Could USAID please clarify the estimated cost of Objectives 3 and 5, as well as the optional mass distribution campaign? Given that the CPFF portion must cover activities for both objectives, including operational costs and full costs associated with the three key personnel, we expect Objectives 3 and 5 will amount to more than $300,000 for the life of the project.

The estimate in the cover letter has been updated. USAID amended the RFP to reflect the range of $500,000 and $2,500,000 in B.3.1. L.8 states “The detailed budget must be submitted for the prime and all subcontractors with a proposed total estimated cost of $2,000,000 or more.” If, the proposed cost for the optional service exceeds $2,000,000 and a proposed subcontractor will receive $2,000,000 or more, then a detailed budget is required.”

Section B.4.1, Total Firm Fixed Price (Objectives 1, 2, and 4) lists the expected outcome 2.1 as, “The quantity of ITNs needed to maintain at least 60% population access among targeted populations delivered in a timely and effective manner.” The tables in Section C.4 and L.8(3) both list the expected outcome 2.1 as, “The quantity of ITNs needed to maintain at least 80% population access ....” Can USAID kindly confirm that 60 percent population access is the correct minimum percentage for expected Outcome 2.1?

The correct outcome is 80%. The table in B.4.1 is updated in the RFP amendment to correct this error.

Would USAID please clarify if there is additional information to be included as Sections B.5 and B.6?

There is no additional information to be included as Section B.5 and B.6.

Sections B.5,B.6 and B.7 should be titled as

“B.5 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES,”

“B.6 INDIRECT COSTS,” and “B.7

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT.”

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

The Cover letter states that the estimated cost of the CPFF portion of the contract is between $500,000 and $2 million while page 6, in section B.3.1, the RFP states that the total estimated cost-plus fixed fee related to objectives 3 and 5 is between $100,000 and $300,000 while the optional mass distribution service is between $1 million and $5 million. Can USAID please confirm the range for

a) Objectives 3 and 5; and

b) The range for mass distribution optional campaign

Objective 3 & 5: $500,000 - $2,500,000 Optional Services: $1 million - $5 million

The RFP has been amended to reflect this update.

Does USAID have a preferred project start date for the activity that should be used for budgeting purposes?

It is expected the start date to be August 15, 2019. The RCH distribution needs to happen in October 2019.

On page 6, in section B.3.1, it states that the total cost-plus fixed fee for the performance of services related to objectives 3 and 5 is between $100,000 AND $300,000. In additional, on page 110 of the RFP it states that offerors must contribute 100% of all 3 key personnel compensation and allowances to the CPFF line item. Can USAID please confirm that key personnel cannot be distributed proportionately between the FFP and CPFF services as is allowed with other costs?

The range for objectives 3 and 5 is $500,000 and $2,500,000. USAID confirms that key personnel compensation and allowances should be allocated to the CPFF services.

On page 9, in section B.7 states that “ (s)eparate from the negotiated price and estimated cost plus fixed fee stated in B.3 and B.6 the Contractor is eligible to earn performance incentives…” However, sections B.5 and B.6 are missing. Should the RFP be referencing B.6 or is there a clause missing from the solicitation?

Sections B.5, B.6 and B.7 should be titled as “B.5 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES,” “B.6 INDIRECT COSTS,” and “B.7

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT.”

The RFP is amended to reflect this change

Should Offerors submit a Cost Plus Fixed Fee summary and detailed budget for Objective 3 and Objective 5 separately, or should the budgets be combined into a single cost plus fixed fee budget for both objectives?

Offerors should submit combined Cost Plus Fixed Fee summary and detailed budgets for Objective 3 and Objective 5.

B.3.1. describes the CPFF budget range for Objectives 3 and 5 between $100,000 and $300,000 and the budget range for the mass distribution campaign optional service between $1Million and $5 Million USD. The cover letter states that the “estimated cost of the CPFF

The CPFF estimate is as follows:

Objective 3 & 5: $500,000 - $2,500,000 Optional Services: $1 million - $5 million USAID amended the RFP to reflect the new range.

portion of the contract is between $500,000 and $2 million USD.” Can USAID please clarify the CPFF budget range?

In reference to CPFF (CLIN 001) – Objectives 3 & 5 ($100k-$300k) + Option ($1M-$5M). B.3.3.

Reimbursement of Costs and Payment of Fixed Fee, Sub-paragraph (a) FAR 52.216-7 Allowable Cost and Payment. Can we assume that ALT IV of this clause, incorporating 2 CFR 200 Cost Principles (e.g. FAR 31.7) will apply to non-profit Offerors?

Yes, FAR 52.216-7 Alternate IV will be incorporated into the award if the contract is with a nonprofit organization. The RFP is amended to reflect different options.

On page 9, Section B.7 Performance Incentives, the RFP states, “Separate from the negotiated price and estimated cost plus fixed fee stated in B.3 and B.6 the Contractor is eligible….” The RFP does not contain section B.6 (nor B.5). Would USAID please provide sections B.5 and B.6?

Sections B.5, B.6 and B.7 should be titled as “B.5 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVES,” “B.6 INDIRECT COSTS,” and “B.7

MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT.”

The RFP is amended to reflect this change

Can USAID clarify whether the contractor would need budget to pay MSD for dispatch and handling of the nets that they will be holding as is currently the case the VectorWorks project?

Contractor is not required to pay MSD for the dispatch and handling of the nets.

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

C.4 Performance Standards. The performance standard for expected outcome 1.1 notes a minimum precision of 95% on document page 23, while the standard in the performance incentive payment schedule on page 9 notes “accuracy of coverage is estimated to be at least 90% confidence interval”. For all other outcomes in the incentive payment schedule the standard is higher than that given in section C4. Can USAID please confirm the minimum standard of precision required for outcome 1.1, and any higher standard that will be used for incentive payments?

The minimum precision standard should be 90% confidence interval in Section C and 95% confidence interval in the Performance Incentives table.

The RFP has been amended in both Sections B and C to reflect this update.

C.4 Performance Standards. The wording of expected outcome 2.1 is not consistent. The outcome wordings refers to “at least 80% population access” on page 23 and in the incentive payment table on page 10. The wording refers to “at least 60% population access” on

The higher level outcome that we’d like to see achieved is 80%. The performance standard is purposely set at 60% because based on factors outside the manageable page 21 and in the performance standard for the indicator on page 23. Can USAID confirm the level of population access expected under outcome 2.1?

control of the contractor, USAID believes this is a percentage that is realistically possible to consistently achieve.

RFP P. 23 provides a performance standard for Expected Outcome 3.1, but not for 3.2. Can USAID please provide a performance standard for Expected Outcome 3.2?

A performance standard for 3.2 is linked to

3.1. See Performance Standards No. 3:

“Results of any mitigating actions taken to improve the retail market for LLINs completed by February 1 of each year.”

This will include any mitigating actions implemented during the past 12 months, expected impact of those actions on the commercial market, and discussion on how outcomes will be measured.

RFP P. 25 provides a performance standard for Expected Outcome 5.2. as “Roll-out plan drafted within 60 calendar days of instructions from the COR to develop implementation plans.” Will USAID please elaborate or clarify more specifically what is expected for this performance standard?

Roll-out plan at a minimum will include the advocacy with the Government of Tanzania (both Mainland and Zanzibar), implementation timeline, a description of the activities, development of a transition plan between activities.

As this is a contract with payment contingent on services rendered under section C.5 Optional Services- Mass Distribution Campaign, P. 25 states that the “Government of Tanzania wants to ensure every sleeping space is covered with an insecticide treated bednet.” Has USAID and the NMCP come to a mutual understanding of how to define “sleeping spaces” to ensure that the proposed mass campaigns bring coverage levels above 70% population access in those areas?

“Sleeping space" is any place where a person is sleeping, this can be a mattress or mats or on a floor with just a piece of material or sacks.

Related to the firm fixed price (CLIN 002), Objectives 1,2, and 4; B.4.1 Total Firm Fixed Price. On RFP P. 21 USAID states that “activities to complete Objectives 3,4, and 5 will be principally conducted at central level…” Would USAID consider including Objective 4 under the CPFF CLIN, as it appears to be similar to Objective 5 and Objective 4 (in addition to Objectives 3 and 5) “will be principally conducted at central level…,” per Section C.2?

Thank you for the recommendation.

Objective 4 will remain under the FFP

CLIN.

The RFP states on page 22 under Objective 2 that, “For delivery through RCH channels in Mainland Tanzania, the Contractor must assume responsibility for the ongoing delivery of Global Fund-procured ITNs to those same 14 regions by July 2019.” We have noted that the USAID Business Forecast has been updated to indicate an anticipated award date for TVC of 16 August 2019.

For the sake of equal evaluation of all offerors, could USAID please confirm the start and end date that should be used for budgeting purposes? Could USAID please also confirm if Offerors should plan for RCH distribution by July 2019 and SNP distribution by September 2019?

The anticipated award date is 15 August 2019.

RCH delivery for the 14 regions needs to happen in October 2019. SNP delivery and distribution needs to happen in January/February 2020.

The title of objective 3 suggests that the contractor will implement activities to create an enabling environment for the commercial ITN market, but the expected outcomes focus on reviews of market dynamics and reviews of mitigating actions. Could USAID please confirm if the Contractor is intended to directly implement activities related to creating an enabling environment for the commercial ITN market? Under Outcome 3.2, will the Contractor review their own mitigating actions to improve the enabling environment or review the actions of other organizations and stakeholders in Tanzania?

The Contractor is expected to directly implement activities to create an enabling environment for the commercial sector as well as promote actions of other organizations and stakeholders in Tanzania.

Yes, the Contractor will review their own mitigating actions to improve the enabling environment and review the actions of other organizations and stakeholders in Tanzania.

Can USAID confirm the deliverable dates are based on the Performance Standards starting on page 32?

The deliverables dates have been updated to reflect the Performance Standards. The RFP is amended to reflect these changes in Section F.

Section C.3 provides anticipated timelines for two major activities under Objectives 2, specifically that the Contractor must assume responsibility by July 2019 of the ongoing delivery of Global Fund-procured ITNs, and that the anticipated target date for completion of the 2019SNP distribution is September 2019. Based on these timelines, would USAID please provide the anticipated start date for this contract? This information will be helpful to know as we prepare our Year 1 work plan as well as anticipated startup costs to successfully undertake these activities.

The anticipated award date is August 15, 2019.

RCH distribution needs to happen in October 2019. SNP distribution needs to happen in January/February 2020.

On page 26, is USAID looking for Contractors to include standalone activities around prevention of

No, USAID is not looking for contractors to include standalone activities around the gender-based violence and post-GBV support, services delivery and referral within this vector control bid.

prevention of gender-based violence or post-GBV support services.

Should the offeror assume that for Objective 3 we are responsible for Annual Reviews of bednet market dynamics only or can USAID provide any further information on expected activities resulting from the annual review findings?

Offerors are expected to propose whatever activities they wanted to help meet Objective 3 and also the performance standards.

Related to Objective 5, can USAID provide assumptions for budgeting purposes around estimated number of roll-out plans for anticipated new Vector Control approaches, associated with Expected Outcome 5.2?

Offerors are expected to draw on their background and historical knowledge and expertise with respect to the pace of new vector control approaches adopted by the World Health Organization, PMI, and/or Tanzania to provide an estimate of the number of roll-out plans likely needed in a five-year period of performance.

SECTION F: DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

On page 40, Section F.4, USAID has provided time periods for review of submission of deliverables, but it is not clear how many revisions may be requested by the COR. As timely reviews are imperative to staying on schedule for completing activities and compliance with reporting requirements, it is respectfully requested that USAID identify the expected numbers of revisions for all required reports/deliverables.

USAID would hope that the quality of the initial submission and any revisions is so high that the number of reviews are limited to two. That said, there is no guarantee that we will only do two reviews.

Page 40 of the RFP indicates that the New vector control approach implementation plan (under Objective 5) is due within 30 calendar days of instructions for the COR;

however, page 25 indicates that roll-out plan should be drafted within 60 calendar days of instructions from the COR. Could USAID please clarify?

The correct timing is 60 calendar days. The RFP has been amended to reflect the change.

Related to RFP p. 32, 3F.4 Reports, Deliverables, and Outputs. Will USAID please respond to the following inquiries related to the general deliverables:

o Mobilization Plan for 1st 90 days of implementation with detailed budget and staffing plan – due within 10 calendar days of award.

▪ Will USAID reconsider this timeline?

The due date for the mobilization plan remains the same.

o Annual Work Plan Presentation (Conduct presentation of the draft work plan to the COR) – due within 7 business days after submitting the draft Annual Work Plan to the COR

Yes, the initial work plan submission will be considered a draft.

▪ Can USAID confirm if the initial submittal of the Annual Work Plans considered the “draft”?

o Local Policies and Procedures Manual, including LCP – due within 120 calendar days of effective date of award.

▪ What are USAID’s minimum requirements/expectations for this manual?

The local policies and procedures manual should capture the policies and procedures that will be followed or will govern decision-making regarding staff hiring, compensation, official travel, etc. The policies should provide information specific to Tanzanian operations.

o Public Events and Meetings Plan – due beginning 30 calendar days after the effective date of award, 5th day of every month

▪ What are USAID’s minimum requirements/expectations for this Plan?

o Project Fact Sheet – due 90 calendar days after the effective date of award

▪ What are USAID’s minimum requirements/expectations for this Fact Sheet?

The minimum requirements for Public Events, meetings and Project Fact Sheets are added in section F.

o PMI Quarterly Report – specific dates TBD – quarterly

▪ Can this be included as part of the Quarterly Progress Reports due 30 Jan, 30 Apr, & 30 Jul annually?

The PMI quarterly report must be submitted separately from the quarterly progress reports.

There will be some content overlap.

o Accruals Reports – due quarterly on March 10, June 10, Sept 10, and Dec 10

▪ Can this be included as part of the Quarterly Financial Reports due 30 Jan, 30 Apr, 30 Jul, & 30 Oct annually?

Accruals Reports must be submitted quarterly on March 10, June 10, Sept 10, and Dec 10 o Joint Program Project Monitoring Presentations – Quarterly

▪ Will USAID please specify dates.

The date for the Joint Partner Performance Meeting (JPPM) will be determined by the COR, but it is typically within 30 days of the end of a quarter..

o Service Contract Reporting Requirements (FAR 52.204-14) – due annually by 31 Oct

▪ The definition of First-tier subcontract in the clause excludes “Contractor’s supplier agreements with vendors…” Can the Offeror assume that this exclusion extends to all 1st tier vendors?

Contractor must comply with the contract reporting requirements as provided in FAR 52.204-14 incorporated by reference under Section I.

● Objective 1 Deliverables:

o Quantification/Forecasting Plan briefly describing the specific tools and methods the Contractor intends to use – deadline TBD at time of award.

▪ Is it possible to confirm the deadline in advance so that this can be incorporated into the project planning?

USAID will negotiate the final due dates for the Quantification/Forecasting plan with the apparent successful offeror and incorporate them into the award.

● Objective 4 Deliverables:

o Article, presentation, or document to be submitted for publication in relevant peer reviewed journal or presented at international fora – TBD in annual work plan

USAID did not see a question related to the article, presentation, or document to be submitted for publication in relevant peer reviewed journal or presented at international fora.

SECTION G: CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

Related to G.7 Technical Directions/Relationship with USAID, Sub-paragraph (c) requires the Contractor to notify the Administrative Contracting Officer of any government conduct considered a contract change within seven (7) calendar days from the date it identifies it, otherwise the Contractor waives its right to any claims for equitable adjustment. Would the government consider changing this to thirty (30) calendar days for this hybrid contract with many different reporting/deliverables requirements?

The Contractor is expected to notify the Contracting Officer as soon as a contract change is required. Therefore, USAID considers the seven calendar days provided in the RFP for notification adequate. In accordance with FAR Part 52.243-4 - “Changes”, after the notification, the Contractor will be required to submit to the Contracting Officer a written statement describing the general nature and amount of the proposed change within 30 days, or at a later date deemed appropriate by the Contracting Officer.

SECTION H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Related to (Class deviation No.

M-OAA-DEVFAR-18-1c) Incorporation of Contract Clauses Applicable to Commercial Items and specifically:

● FAR 212.4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018); and

● FAR 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders – Commercial Items (Deviation M-OAA-DEV-FAR-18-1c) o Sub-paragraph (b) of this clause requires the contractor to “comply with the FAR clauses that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this

● The FAR Matrix instructs us to Incorporate FAR 52.212-5 by reference.

All applicable clauses are listed in section I and in other sections of the RFP as directed by the FAR Matrix.

● The total value of the proposed contract is expected to be above the threshold and period of performance cited in FAR 52.203-13 prescription (FAR 3.1004(a)).

● FAR 52.204-14 - “Service Contract

Reporting Requirements” is applicable to this solicitation and resulting contract based on the prescription at FAR Part contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items…”

▪ We respectfully request the Contracting Officer include this clause in full text with applicable check marks.

▪ Additionally, it is our understanding that:

● FAR 52.203-13 Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is only required in solicitations and contracts if the value of the contract is expected to exceed $5.5M and the performance period id 120 days or more;

● FAR 52.204-14 Service Contract Reporting Requirements and/or FAR 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for IDIQs is not applicable to vendors;

● FAR 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018) is not applicable to subcontractors performing entirely outside of the U.S.;

o Sub-paragraph (c) of this clause “applicable to commercial services” requires the Contractor to comply with the FAR Clauses that the “Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive Orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items…”

▪ We respectfully request the Contracting Officer incorporate the applicable check marks.

4.1705(a). However, FAR 52.204-15 - “Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite Delivery Contracts”, was not included in this solicitation and is not applicable.

● FAR 52.219-9 Small Business

Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018) is applicable to this contract as in most cases part of the work (e.g.

administrative activities) is performed in the United States for US based firms.

Therefore, Offerors that have their headquarters in the US that will bill part of their headquarters cost to the project must submit subcontracting plans. On the other hand, this requirement is not applicable for non-US organizations who will be performing the activities entirely outside of the United States.

SECTION I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

Related to Section I, AIDAR 752.225-70 Source and Nationality Requirements (Feb 2012), this clause references the “authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 937”; however, Section L.8, sub-paragraph (3) “Proposed Costs for the Cost Plus Fixed Fee Line Item covering Objectives 3, 5 and the Optional Service,”(d) Equipment and Supplies states:

“Goods and services provided by the Offerors under this USAID-financed award are expected to be subject to the 935 Geographic Code.” Can USAID please confirm the correct Geographic Code.

The referenced AIDAR clause states: “The authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 937 unless otherwise specified in the schedule of this contract”. Accordingly, the Geographic Code for this procurement is specified in Section H.1 and Section L.8 as 935.

SECTION J: DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

The Local Compensation Plan is stated in Tanzanian Shillings. Would USAID provide an exchange rate for Offerors to use to budget costs in US Dollars? Or should Offerors use the market exchange rate available at the time of proposal submission?

The Offerrors may use the market exchange rate available at the time of proposal submission or (given the exchange rate fluctuation) a reasonable rate which will be applied consistently to all local costs proposed in the proposal.

SECTION K: PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

BIDDERS

Where should the Section Ks be presented in the cost annexes?

Section K Annexes relate to Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of the Offeror and must be submitted as an appendix to the cost proposal.

SECTION L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

Related to Section L.8 (11) “Information to Support Consent to Subcontractors.” According to this section, Offerors need to submit the info referenced in FAR 52.244-2(e)(1) for ALL proposed subcontractors to ensure approval to subcontract is considered by the CO;

however, this clause includes limitations for Offerors with an approved purchasing system as well as for those without an approved purchasing system.

o Please confirm that the CO is deviating from the requirements of FAR 52.244-2 specific to the referenced thresholds and/or significance of an approved purchasing system such that the Offeror will need to submit packages referenced in subparagraph (e)(1) of that clause for all of its proposed subcontractors (regardless of value).

The CO is not deviating from this FAR clause as it outlines procedures for the Contractor to follow in a Contract. At this stage, USAID is instructing Offerors to submit this information in a solicitation with a cost proposal.

On page 109, Section L.8(3), the RFP states that the annual base salary may not exceed the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) of $174,500, current as of January 2018. However, as of January 2019, the current CST is $176,900. Please confirm that Offerors are allowed to budget the correct CST of $176,900.

The Offerrors are required to use the current USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) of $176,900/year.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

On page 110, The RFP notes, “Guidance including the benefits and allowances authorized for Tanzania US Mission local staff will be provided to Offerors.” As the Local Compensation Plan provided with the RFP appears to be base salaries only and does not include benefits and allowances, would USAID kindly provide a schedule of benefits and allowances, so Offerors are able to appropriately budget for CCN staff compensation?

The schedule of benefits and allowances for Tanzania US Mission local staff is included in the amended RFP.. However, Offerors should note that the USAID compensation plan and benefits/allowances package is only to be used as a guide. In accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 - “Personnel compensation” Contractor staff compensation must be in accordance with the Contractor's established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to the resulting contract”.

L.8 Cost Proposal P.113, USAID states that USAID Form 1420-17s are required for “(1) All individuals to be sent outside the United States, and (2) any employees designated as ‘key personnel’. USAID interprets all individuals to include contractor employees and consultants.” Can USAID confirm that cooperating country nationals (CCNs) and third country nationals (TCNs) do not require 1420s, except for if Key Personnel?

USAID confirms that CCNs do not require 1420-17s except for key personnel. TCN employees and consultants that will be sent to Tanzania from the United States or a third country must have a USAID Form 1420-17.

On page 114 of the RFP, number (10) of the cost annexes seems to be missing. Should offerors present Section K as number 10?

No, Section K Annexes relate to Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of the Offeror and must be submitted as an appendix to the cost proposal.

Section L.8a of the RFP is amended to correct the numbering sequence for the submission requirements.

On page 107 of the RFP: “The detailed budget must be submitted for the Prime and all subcontractors with a proposed total estimated cost of $2M or more for

The reference to Subcontract is under the CPFF cost proposal instructions.

Objectives 3,5, and the Optional Service.” On Page 111 of the RFP, section e) “separate budgets (with the same level of details as the prime budget) must be submitted for each subcontractor proposed to have a total estimated cost of $2,000,000 and above.”

Question: Does the subcontractor have to submit a detailed budget at the same level as the prime if the individual subcontractor has an estimated cost of $2,000,000 and above on all of the objectives (1 thru 5), which includes both the CPFF and FFP or only for their subcontractor costs in Objectives 3,5, and the optional service cost plus fixed fee CLINs?

Can offerors submit the PowerPoint presentation via email as a PDF?

Offerors cannot submit the PowerPoint presentation via email as a PDF.

P. 110 states that “Offerors must attribute 100% of all Key Personnel compensation and/or allowances to the CPFF line item.” Can USAID please clarify if the Key Personnel costs must all be attributed to the Objective 3 and 5 CPFF budget ceiling or within the combined CPFF budget ceiling of the Objective 3 and 5 and the optional service?

For the purpose of budgeting, offerors are required to budget the key personnel costs under the objective 3 and 5 CPFF budget.

On page 103, the solicitation states the oral presentation must not exceed sixty (60) minutes, and offeror should be prepared for a question and answer period where USAID will ask clarifying questions on the oral presentation. Is the question and answer period in addition to the sixty (60) allotted for the presentation?

Yes, the question and answer period is in addition to the sixty (60) minutes allotted for the presentation.

Section L. 7 (1) on page 103 states “the minimum font size for all words included on all slides is 15 points.”

Would USAID consider a smaller font size for certain graphics or charts, as long as it remains legible? For example, the management and staffing plan requires a comprehensive organizational chart to be included on a slide. In addition, the technical approach requires offerors to present indicators as part of the MEL plan, and a draft work plan, be included in the slides. Given the detail required for these graphics or charts, we are concerned a 15-point font would limit the information we can present within the 30-slide limit.

No, we made this decision based on recent experience with MEL Plan and a draft Work Plan requirement with the same amount of slides.

Section L.7, Factor 3 – Past Performance on page 105 states that “ offerors must submit a list of three of the most recent (within the last three years) and the relevant awards for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal per offeror and major subcontractor.” Would USAID confirm whether cooperative agreements will be considered for this list of three relevant awards?

Yes, Offeror’s past performance on activities implemented under a Cooperative Agreement mechanism will be accepted.

The RFP is amended to reflect this change.

Section L.8(3)a. states, “…per AIDAR 722.170(b), compensation paid to Third Country Nationals (TCN) and Cooperating Country Nationals (CCN) may not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by the USAID Mission, without prior approval of the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility of the project.” However, AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation Incorporated in the RFP under Section I and H.11 stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. Would USAID confirm whether contractors may follow their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007?

Contractors must adhere to the requirements of both AIDAR clauses as written, USAID does not interpret the language to be contradictory. Similarly, contractors must follow their policies, however USAID will not reimburse per diem in Tanzania that exceeds the allowable amounts in the Department of State’s Standard Regulations (DSSR).

Section L.8.A(3)(a) “Personnel (Salary and Wages)” on page 110 states that, “…guidance including the benefits and allowances authorized for Tanzania US Mission local staff will be provided to Offerors.” At the time will this guidance be provided?

The benefit/allowance package for US Mission local staff is attached to this RFP amendment.

If Offeror has an Approved Purchasing System, is the Offeror required to provide the information to support consent to subcontractors as stated in section L.8.a (11)?

Yes, in accordance with FAR Part 52.244-2(d), the Contracting Officer reserves the right to require consent to subcontract from Offerors that have approved purchasing systems.

Would USAID please confirm if six-day workweek is authorized for short-term consultants?

Six-day workweek is authorized for short-term consultants at the standard salary rate with no premiums added.

Section L.8.a (14) “Complementary Information” on page 115 states anticipated environmental compliance costs must be identified in a separate MS Excel Worksheet. Would USAID confirm that these costs are not included within the total ceiling costs for the activity?

Environmental compliance costs should be integrated throughout the FFP and CPFF line items, as appropriate based on the required activities and IEE. USAID needs to be able to determine whether an adequate amount of funding for environmental compliance-related activities is captured.

In order to do this, we are requesting a summary of all environmental costs that each Offeror will likely incur as a separate sheet. The RFP has been updated.

Can offerors submit the Key Personnel Annex and Past Performance Information as a PDF?

Yes, Offerors may submit the Key Personnel Annex and Past Performance Information in PDF.

Should the Key Personnel references be submitted as part of the CV or in a separate document? If in the CV, do they count towards the 3 page maximum?

The Key Personnel References should be submitted as a separate document.

Are subcontractors required to submit policies and procedures?

No, subcontractors are not required to submit policies and procedures.

On page 114 of the RFP, number (10) of the cost annexes seems to be missing. Should offerors present Section K as number 10?

No, Section K Annexes relate to Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of the Offeror and must be submitted as an appendix to the cost proposal.

Section L.8a of the RFP is amended to correct the numbering sequence for the submission requirements.

With regards to the PowerPoint, will USAID allow offerors to use 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio? Is there a limit on the pixel dimensions / resolution?

There is no limit to the pixel dimensions/resolution and Offerors may use 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio.

Should Offerors submit Evidence of Responsibility for all subcontractors, or just “major” subcontractors?

Offerors must submit Evidence of Responsibility for all proposed subcontractors.

Can USAID please clarify which employees must provide USAID Form 1420-17? Is it only employees who meet one of the two criteria stated on page 112-113

(1. All individuals to be sent outside the U.S., and 2.

Any employees designated as “key personnel”); or should all “individuals to be employed in the performance of the contract” provide USAID Form 1420-17?

Form 1420-17 is required to be submitted only for employees who meet the criteria stated on pages 112-113 of the RFP.