Questions Response for Comprehensive RMNCAH Activity-Solicitation No. 72062121R00012.pdf

COMPREHENSIVE CLIENT-CENTERED HEALTH

PROGRAM FOR REPRODUCTIVE, MATERNAL,

NEWBORN, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH

(RMNCAH Activity) RFP No. 72062121R00012

QUESTIONS ANSWER

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. The continuation sheet of the RFP (page 4) states that “The purpose of this action is to de-obligate an amount of $1,000,000.” Could you explain this?

This was an internal system action that was done on the solicitation, and it does not have any direct link to what the offeror will propose as the result of this solicitation.

The RFP is amended to remove the information.

2. For budgeting purposes, what is the anticipated start date of the project?

Anticipated Award Date for this Activity is 01/31/2022.

3. Could USAID kindly confirm that the deadline time for submission of the key personnel annex and the receipt of proposal is intended to be 7am East Africa Time?

USAID can confirm that the deadline time for submission of the key personnel annex and the receipt of proposal is 7:00am East Africa Time.

4. On page 155, the RFP indicates that, “The Offeror must submit a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation and Key Personnel annex to the USAID/Tanzania/OAA email address at the dates and times stated in the RFP.” Page 1 of the RFP indicates that the Past Performance Information and Key Personnel annex is due July 26, 2021.

Could USAID please confirm that the Key Personnel annex, past performance references, as well as the quality awards or certifications and performance in using small business concerns, are all due on July 26, 2021.

USAID confirms that, Past Performance Information, Key Personnel annex, past performance references as well as the quality awards or certifications and performance in using small business concerns, are all due on July 26, 2021, at 7:00am East African Time.

5. Does the offeror need to use USAID-branded slide templates for the presentation?

No

6. Can we give this activity its own project name? No, this will be determined later in the process

7. Is there any standard amount or list expected in transferring of non-expendable equipment from the current projects that will be expected to be applied to this project?

For the time being there is no standard amount or list expected in transferring of non-expendable equipment from the current activity.

SECTION B: SERVICES/PRICES

8. On page 13, B.6 Ceiling on Indirect Costs, in the footnote, USAID defines “Major subcontractors are those subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% (as quantified by or calculated by level of effort for staff and/or total estimated direct costs) of the technical effort under the contract being solicited.” While on P. 161, L.10.3 Detailed Budget, USAID mentions, “The detailed budget must be submitted for the prime and all major subcontractors having a total estimated cost of $7,500,000 and above.” Please confirm if a major subcontractor would be qualified as having $7.5M+ or 20% of the total estimated direct costs.

As stated in the RFP. Major subcontractors are those subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% (as quantified by or calculated by level of effort for staff and/or total estimated direct costs). However, The detailed budget must be submitted for the prime and all subcontractors having a total estimated cost of $7,500,000 and above.”

9. On pages 1 and 93 of the RFP, the estimated total cost of optional services is between $3M-$5M to be separately priced. What period of performance should the Offeror propose?

Optional Services is based on assumptions that the public health crisis may occur. So the crisis can occur or not.

For planning purposes, locate each scenario in a different year though the crisis can occur at any point in five years of program implementation. For example scenario 1 in year 2, scenario 2 in year 3, scenario 3 in year 4.

SECTION C: DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

10. In Sub-section V of Section C (page 44), the RFP states that “The Contractor must implement a GUC program targeting local organizations.” Are GUCs restricted to only local organizations?

As stated in the RFP. GUC’s for SBC is restricted only to local organizations.

11. On page 21 the RFP states that the Contractor must technically and/or materially support sub-national GOT entities and community-based organizations during a public health crisis in one or more of six areas listed. On page 30, under “Optional Service”, the RFP lists only four areas of support during a public health crisis with the following two areas excluded: infection prevention and control and maintaining essential health services and systems.

Can USAID please confirm the potential scope/areas of support for the Optional Service (i.e., four areas or six areas)?

These are risk reduction measures that will be agreed upon the onset of disease outbreak or pandemic, that directly or indirectly affects award implementation.

Depending on the disease, interventions can be within the six mentioned or more.

Important is “Risk Reduction Measures”

12. Related to the optional service, there are no instructions for including a slide about this in the oral presentation. Can we assume that all relevant information related to the optional service can be provided in our cost volume?

No, Optional service information cannot be included in the cost proposal. Optional services should be part of the technical approach

13. On page 30, the first Performance Standard under Sub-IR 2.1 is stated as “20% increase in number of SBC materials for RMNCAH services printed and disseminated in the supported regions”. Can USAID clarify whether the 20% increase in the number of SBC materials refers to the number of types of materials for RMNCAH services (e.g., brochures, posters, job aides, etc.) or the overall quantity of materials printed and disseminated regardless of type of materials?

This refers to the overall quantity of materials disseminated based on the Social Behaviour Change (SBC) technical approach the offeror is proposing.

14. Please clarify if “20% increase in community use of mobile applications use as SBC platform” on page 30 refers to mobile phone/or other mobile technologies or if it includes use of mobile vans to reach communities with messages.

This is not restricted/prescribed to allow flexibility and innovations, it depends on the offeror's technical approach on SBC.

15. Related to the question above, can USAID confirm that it does not expect the C3HP RMNCAH project to lead in the development of SBC materials, but rather that it should limit itself to adapting, reproducing and printing materials developed by Tulonge Afya, the follow-on National-Level SBC activity, and/or the GOT/MOHCDGEC?

This award will not provide national technical assistance (TA) in SBC. National TA under SBC will be done by a separate award

16. Can USAID confirm that provision of RMNCAH commodities (e.g., condoms and oral contraceptives for SRH/FP, misoprostol, and chlorhexidine for MNH, etc.), particularly to support community-based provision of RMNCAH services will be provided by either another USAID mechanism and/or the GOT/GOZ? Or should this be included in the cost proposal?

This will depend on the offeror’s technical approach to ensure beneficiaries access RMNCAH services. However, procurement of commodities will not be part of the scope of this award.

17. Can USAID clarify if operations will be in selected public and FBO facilities or all public facilities?

On page 22 the RFP states: “…the contractor must closely work with local government authorities in the supported regions to prioritize health facilities that the award can support mainly among public and faith-based facilities for higher RMNCAH outcomes and impact mention selected facilities” while page 24 says“…the Contractor must build capacity to deliver RMNCAH services within all public health facilities in the identified regions”.

This is not prescribed by design. The expectation is, the offeror knows the context better and will propose facilities to support to meet the set milestones. As the majority of beneficiaries access RMNCAH services in public health facilities, the expectation is these facilities will be fully supported.

18. Can you USAID confirm whether GUCs may only be used to implement SBC activities (Result 2), or whether the contractor my use GUCs to support other Results and cross-cutting areas as well?

Grant under Contract (GUC) will only be used to implement SBC activities.

19. On page 156 of the RFP USAID states “Relevant past performance involves implementation of Reproductive (mainly relating to family planning), Maternal, Newborn and Child health activities of at least $50M where the offeror partnered with host governments.” On page 171, the RFP states “Performance is considered relevant if it involves complex reproductive, maternal, newborn, and

Performance is considered relevant if it involves complex reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the award value exceeds $20 Million

RFP is updated to reflect this change.

child health interventions similar to what is described in Section C of the RFP in Sub-Saharan Africa and the award value exceeds $20 million.”

Can USAID clarify:

● Whether the threshold for relevant past performance in $50 million or $20 million?

● Whether the past performance must be from Sub-Saharan Africa?

20. On page 31 of the RFP and throughout the Scope of Work, USAID states that the contractor must work in close partnership with other USAID and USAG implementing partners. Should we assume that the implementers of C3HP RMNCAH are responsible for the collaboration platforms for the coordination?

Coordination and collaboration with other awards funded by USAID/USG is critical for successful implementation of this award.

21. Pg. 14 states that there will be a follow-on to the Tulonge Afya activity; however the latest USAID quarterly forecast Q&A held on June 16, 2021 stated that there would not be a follow-on; can USAID please clarify whether it anticipates a follow-on to Tulonge Afya with which C3HP- RMNCAH should collaborate?

There will not be a bilateral mission award after Tulonge Afya expires. National SBC TA activities on a national level will be handled by a mechanism out of Washington.

This will be communicated separately to the most successful offeror.

22. Page 26 states that the Contractor “must strengthen coordination and increase coverage of integrated SBC interventions at the regional and district levels.” Please advise whether Offerors should propose national and/or zonal approaches.

This will depend on the technical approach of the offeror in SBC. However, this award will not provide national TA on SBC

23. Pages 39-40 states that” USAID anticipates an external performance evaluation… USAID/Tanzania may use a Mission-wide third-party evaluation contractor… and/or an independent final external evaluation.” Please advise if Offerors should include costs for this midterm evaluation by an external contractor in the proposed project budget.

For external third-party evaluation Contractor, offerors should not include cost in their budget.

24. Page 40 states that the “Contractor must implement a GUC program targeting local organizations to implement a comprehensive package of evidence-based SBC interventions.” Page 148 states that “Offerors may submit proposals that depart from stated requirements…acceptable for the Grants Under Contracts requirement” and page 162 states that the “Offeror must provide illustrative types of grant activities.”

a. Can USAID clarify whether the GUC program is required to focus on SBC activities or whether the type of grant activities are at the discretion of the Offeror?

b. If at the discretion of the Offeror, may the GUC fund set-aside exceed $7,500,000?

GUCs are only for SBC. “Contractor must implement a GUC program targeting local organizations to implement a comprehensive package of evidence-based SBC interventions.”

Offeror may not set aside fund more than $7.5 million for GUCs.

25. Can USAID please clarify whether there is a recommendation to conduct more research on the gaps to Implement the PSBI guidelines.

This will depend on the offeror’s technical approach.

26. Page 21 for Annual Performance Standard for Outcome 1.1.4 states “15% increase in uptake of FP services by age categories 15-19, 20-24 and 25+ years. 15% increase in modern FP uptake by type of contraception (implants, pills condom etc.”

17. The performance standards does not align with the Tiahrt Amendment which prohibits the use of targets and financial incentives in family planning projects. Please advise.

This is not true. High level targets can be set for budgeting and planning purposes.

There is no mention of incentive under this RFP

27. Could USAID confirm whether the scope of the optional services is intended only to cover outbreak investigation, not outbreak response?

Can cover measures that aim to mitigate the impact of the outbreak to ensure the program meets its set milestones.

28. Could USAID confirm what age group is being used for adolescents and youth? The CDCS IR 1.2 refers to foundational skills of children below age 15 (households for IR 1.2), the APS for 1.1.4 includes FP services by categories 15-19, 20-24, 25 +. In the standard indicators, both modern FP and postpartum FP include age disaggregation as above but also 10-14. USAID Youth in Development policy references 10-29 as a broader youth cohort. The training materials for providers of AYF-SRH are 10-24.

The use of these age ranges will be accepted (10-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 25+) depending on the proposed interventions in the offeror's technical approach.

For this RFP, refer Youth as age 15 - 24 years and adolescents as 10 - 19 years.

29. The performance standard for outcome 2.1, it states, “20% increase in number of SBC materials

This is not prescribed by design, so it will depend on the SBC technical approach printed and disseminated” Do digital materials count for this?

description.

30. Is the contractor expected to procure CECAP equipment (cryo, LEEP, thermocoagulation)?

This will depend on the offeror’s technical approach and knowledge of the context

31. Many of the targets depend on availability of supplies and commodities at the sub-national level.

There have been challenges in the past due to stock out of commodities and supplies. How will USAID evaluate contract or performance in light of this known challenge?

That is up to the offeror to propose the best way to collaborate with all the stakeholders at the ground to meet the contractual requirements. And will be evaluated based on meeting the requirements.

32. For performance indicators where coverage is almost universal (e.g., >90%), would USAID be open to targets based on maintaining high performance rather than annual percentage increases?

The successful offeror should plan to meet the indicator requirements within the set margins of acceptable quality levels (AQL) as stated in the RFP

33. Given the importance of informed choice in FP, would USAID consider alternative performance standards based on demand satisfied rather than absolute increases in service delivery in FP?

Demand satisfied is an outcome indicator, input and output indicators are mainly used to measure performance at the program level. The contractor must ensure voluntarism and informed choice in FP service provision. We will stick with the plan to meet the indicators requirements within the set margins of acceptable quality levels (AQL)

34. Several KPIs would require population-based surveys. As such, would USAID consider midline and end line targets rather than annual targets for these indicators? For example, a 20% increase in the number of caretakers who seek appropriate care for signs and symptoms of newborn illnesses

(IR1.1.1, IR1.2.1, IR1.3).

Proposed indicators are mainly input/output indicators including the example provided (20% increase in the number of caretakers who seek appropriate care for signs and symptoms of newborn illnesses)

35. Several indicators are repeated across various IRs, sometimes with the same targets, sometimes with different targets. Would USAID please clarify if data sources are different or the same for these indicators? Some examples include:

● Increase in ANC first visits before 12 weeks of gestation age (1.1.1 = 20% vs 1.2.1 = 15%)

● Increase in ANC clients that attended the required number of ANC visits (1.1.1 = 20%, 1.3 = 15%)

● Increase in number of postpartum women seeking postnatal care within 48 hours (1.1.1 = 15%, 1.2 and 1.3= 20%; 1.2 and 1.3 do not specify 48

It depends on the service provision modality i.e health facility or community services. 1.1.1 is facility services and

1.2.1 is community-based services and standards cannot be the same.

hours)

● Increase in the number of caretakers who seek appropriate care for signs and symptoms of newborn illnesses (IR1.1.1, IR1.2.1, IR1.3)

36. For IR2 and IR3, could USAID please clarify the baseline figure for these output performance standards?

There are no baseline figures. We will determine and agree on the baseline figures together and continue to measure the expected % increase annually.

37. For the indicator increase in number of clients counselled and referred for FP, would USAID please clarify the definition of integration as it relates to this performance standard (e.g HIV, ANC, Child Health, TB, Malaria, CECAP)?

This refers to the number of clients counselled and referred from different service delivery points (ANC, PNC, CECAP. etc) to FP clinics to receive FP services.

38. When evaluating the cost application, will USAID favorably consider applicants who have realistically budgeted for on-HMIS data collection where necessary to monitor performance indicators (e.g IMCI compliance, CFR from obstetric emergencies)? Alternatively, would USAID consider sentinel sites for these performance standards?

USAID will use the evaluation factors set in the RFP in evaluation Offerors Cost proposals.

39. The Annual Performance Standard for 1.2.2 includes “15% increase in children that received iCCM services”. Since iCCM is not yet nationally adopted by the MOHCDGEC in Tanzania, would USAID consider an alternate target in the first year of the project?

This is a five year award, few issues can be accommodated along the way as we continue with the implementation and reporting of the findings.

40. On pg. 39, indicators reference the number of RMNCH materials disseminated in the last 12 months. Should this indicator include digital materials?

This is up to the offeror to decide on the technical approach submitted.

41. On pg. 39, can USAID please elaborate what is meant by the word “interventions” in the indicator, “Number of SBC interventions implemented to support or improve ‘RMNCH services’”?

“Interventions” refers to a set of proposed activities by the offeror aiming at improving uptake of RMNCAH services.

42. USAID has offered two targets and two indicators for early ANC visits. Outcome 1.1.1: “20% increase in ANC first visits before 12 weeks of gestation age” (pg. 20); and Outcome 1.2.1: “15% increase in pregnant women attending ANC first visits before 12 weeks of gestation age” (pg. 23).

Can USAID please confirm which indicator and target should be used?

The target is different because

1.1.1 is at the health facility level

1.2.1 is at the community level

43. Does USAID anticipate that the Optional Service could include support to the GOT and GOZ for the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations?

This is not meant for COVID-19 vaccination support.

44. Please clarify the following for these performance standards:

a. What is the denominator for 1.2.1 15% increase in pregnant women attending ANC first visit before 12 weeks of age;

b. For the following performance standard, how is 3+ defined—does it mean ANC clients who receive 3 or more doses of IPTp, or ANC clients who receive more than 3doses of IPTp 1.1.1 20% increase in ANC clients that received IPTP3+

c. Is it USAID’s expectation to utilize the national HMIS for the baseline and for the annual performance standards?

These are standard indicators under RMNCAH, it is our expectation that the applicants will have the knowledge and expertise to calculate these indicators.

This award will use the existing reporting system (HMIS & DIHS 2)

SECTION H: SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

45. Section H.14 (page 75) describes approvals required for the Contractor’s Information Technology. Could you confirm that subcontractor IT purchases are not subject to the same restrictions?

All IT purchases are subject to the same process and restrictions.

46. Can USAID please clarify whether the minimum requirement listed under the MEL Director on page 61, “Demonstrated experience managing and supervising technical team(s) relating to at least two program areas in RMNCAH care” is a minimum requirement for the MEL Director? The language suggests this requirement is instead meant for the DCOP/Technical Director position

Demonstrated experience managing and supervising technical team(s) relating to at least two program areas in RMNCAH care.

- Yes, this is what we meant i.e technical team in MEL in at least two areas either in FP, maternal health, Child health, CECAP etc.

47. Page 156 states that “Offerors must submit a key personnel annex proposing four key personnel candidates” but section H.3 (page 60) states 3 key personnel.

a. Can USAID please clarify how many key personnel are required?

b. If four key personnel candidates are required, is the 4th position at the discretion of the Offeror?

Key personnel will be three

1. Chief of Party (COP)

2. Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and

Learning (MEL) Director Other key personnel can be suggested based on the need of the Offeror Technical approach.

48. Page 60 states that the “COP must have demonstrated leadership skills and experience in building and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide network of institutional partners and stakeholders, including the Government of Tanzania.” Given the large size of C3HP RMNCAH and in order to see the strongest possible candidates, would USAID be willing to amend the qualification to read “experience building and maintaining productive working relationships with a wide network of institutional partners and stakeholders, including national governments in the East Africa region.”

This is a requirement set in the RFP and will remain as is.

49. On page 88, the updated 2021 TIP Report was to have been made public last month. Has Tanzania's designation changed and if so, are there substantive amendments to this section of the RFP and how does this impact potential support to or contracting of GOT entities?

The 2021 TIP report was made public in July 2021. Tanzania was granted a waiver per the Trafficking Victims Protection Act from an otherwise required downgrade to Tier 3. Therefore, Tanzania remained on Tier 2 Watch List for the third consecutive year.

SECTION I: CONTRACT CLAUSES

50. On page 100, can manual vacuum aspirators be purchased as part of service strengthening for emergency obstetric and newborn care or would this procurement be considered “abortion equipment”?

This will be determined by the offeror’s technical approach. To buy or not to buy will be determined later during the course of program implementation and not at this stage.

SECTION J: DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

51. Will Offerors have the opportunity to submit presenters’ biographies prior to the oral presentations?

There is no need for Offeror to submit presentations.

https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-trafficking-in-persons-report/ https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-trafficking-in-persons-report/

52. Please confirm if offerors need to include Attachment J.4: Past Performance Matrix with Past Performance annex.

Yes, the past performance matrix is to be included within the past performance Annex.

SECTION K: PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

BIDDERS

53. Can USAID please confirm that a signed Section K is only required from the prime offeror?

Offeror should submit all Certifications and representations as part of the Cost proposal.

a. Yes, subcontractors must also submit Certifications and Representations.

SECTION L: INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

54. In Section L.9 of the RFP (page 160), the instructions state that “Offerors must provide a visual outline of the content of the oral presentation” for Factor 1 and Factor 2.1. Can USAID clarify what they mean by a “visual outline”.

Visual outline is the brief outline of the major points the offeror will cover in the oral presentation. Offerors at their own discretion may decide on how this visual outline will be presented as part of the required 30 slides of the PowerPoint presentation.

55. In Section L.9 of the RFP (page 160), the instructions state the “Offerors must submit a key personnel annex proposing four key personnel candidates to be approved in the contract.”

However, USAID lists three Key Personnel positions (COP, DCOP, and MEL) in Section H.3 (page 64). How many Key Personnel should be included in the proposal and the Offeror’s annex?

Which positions are key personnel?

Key personnel will be three

1. Chief of Party (COP)

2. Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and

Learning (MEL) Director

Other key personnel can be suggested based on the need of the Offeror’s Technical

56. In Section L.9 of the RFP (page 160), the instructions about Factor 2.2 state Offerors must submit “a list of three (6) references (two superiors, subordinates, and peers)”. Should the Offeror submit three or six references? Who should those references be?

Six total references. Two from each group.

two superiors, two subordinates, and two peers.

57. Will Offerors have the opportunity to submit presentations?

There is no requirement to submit presenters' biographies.

58. For the three Optional Services listed in Section L.10 of the RFP on page 165, is the Offeror required to respond to/budget for all three scenarios provided, or to choose one scenario? If the Offeror must budget for all three scenarios, should the Offeror present costs for each of the three Optional Services separately or combined?

Optional Services is based on assumptions that the public health crisis may occur. So, the crisis can occur or not. For planning purposes, locate budget estimates for each scenario in a different year though the crisis can occur at any point in five years.

59. In Section L.10 of the RFP, is the scenario for

Optional Services #3 on page 165 of the RFP time-bound? In which year(s) should the Offerors estimate costs for this scenario?

Budget estimates for three scenarios can be submitted. Each scenario in a different year

60. The Factor 1 Technical Approach instructions state that “The presentation must include a detailed step by step description of how each outcome, mandatory result, and performance standard will be achieved through an integrated approach...” Is it necessary to include each performance standard in the slides in order to be responsive, or can these be referred to without listing each one as they will take up lots of space in the slides?

This will depend on the offeror’s technical approach and how they wish to present it.

61. Per the RFP instructions, CVs for key personnel are to be submitted in advance of the oral presentation submission. Would USAID like for slides in the oral presentation to highlight key personnel further?

This is up to the Offeror to decide how the presentation meets the RFP requirements.

62. On page 155 of the RFP, under General Instructions for Oral Presentations, it states that “a maximum of five presenters will be allowed into the virtual presentation platform. The presentation must be led/delivered by at least two of the proposed key personnel.” Requiring key personnel to deliver the oral presentation may present conflicts for the pool of qualified Tanzanians available to be bid on this opportunity when they are presently working with one organization but would like to be bid on another organization’s proposal. To mitigate this potential conflict of

This requirement is critical to ensure key personnel understand and communicate issues in RMNCAH portfolio from early stages of this award. For this reason, we are hoping that key personnel will take this task to their advantage.

interest, would USAID consider removing the requirement for key personnel to deliver the oral presentation?

63. L.2. (c) (2) on page 146 states information to be shown on the first page of the proposal; is this information to be included in the first page of the cost application only or should this information also appear on the first slide of the technical PPT?

It is up to the Offer to make their presentation according to the RFP requirements.

64. Can USAID please confirm the number of Key

Personnel that are required? On Pg 156, Factor 2.2- Key Personnel refers to 4 key personnel; however, section H.3. Key Personnel on page 60 of the RFP lists only three Key Personnel Positions: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and MEL Director.

2. Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

(MEL) Director Other key personnel can be suggested based on the need of the Offeror Technical

65. Can USAID please confirm the number of references required for each key personnel? (Factor 2.2-Key Personnel on pg. 156 of the RFP states, “list three (6) references.”)

2. Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)

3. Monitoring, Evaluation and

Learning (MEL) Director Six total references. Two from each group.

two superiors, two subordinates, and twop peers.

66. Can USAID please confirm that the description of how each key personnel candidate’s experience maps to the minimum required skills and list of references for each key personnel candidate are not included in the three-page page limit for CVs?

The description of how each key personnel candidate’s experience maps to the minimum required skills and list of references for each key personnel candidate are included in the three-page limit for CV.

67. Can USAID please confirm that biographical data sheets are not required for host country national staff (i.e., Tanzania nationals employed in Tanzania) aside from any Key Personnel who are host country nationals?

Biographical data sheets should be submitted on the following individuals to be employed in the performance of the contract: (1) All individuals to be sent outside the United States, and (2) any employees designated as “key personnel” and therefore biographical data sheets are not required for host country national staff (i.e., Tanzania nationals employed in Tanzania) who are not designated as “key personnel”.

68. Regarding the Skills Matrix, can USAID confirm what positions we should include and if the font size can be smaller than 15pts?

Skills matrix for the proposed personnel will depend on the technical approach the offeror’s is proposing. USAID will not prescribe positions to include in the matrix.

The minimum font size for all words included on all slides is 15 points.

69. Can USAID confirm if we can use reduced font size (smaller than 15pts) in the presentation of the Work Plan??

The minimum font size for all words included on all slides including the slides for the draft WorkPlan is 15 points.

70. Can non-presenting team members be present during the presentation and provide support to the presenters during Q&A?

Only a maximum of five (5) presenters will be allowed into the Virtual presentation platform, this should include at least two of the proposed Key Personnel. Therefore, the offeror can decide the team members will be part of the required maximum number without exceeding it.

71. Please confirm that font size smaller than 15pts may be used for graphs, tables, charts, visuals, and citations that are used on the PPT slides.

Small font size smaller than 15pts must not be used for graphs, tables, charts, visuals, and citations that are used on the PPT slides.

72. May offerors include one visual outline that addresses both Factor 1 (Technical Approach) and Factor 2 (Management and Staffing Approach) in their presentations?

Yes, offerors may include one visual outline that addresses both Factor 1 (Technical Approach) and Factor 2 (Management and Staffing Approach) in their presentations.

73. Can USAID please confirm that the visual outline required as part of the PPT does not count as one of the 30 slides?

Visual outline required as part of the PPT does count as one of the required 30 slides.

74. May offerors include animation (that appear or disappear from the slides) and/or videos as part of their PPT submission?

No, Offerors should not include animation (that appear or disappear from the slides) and/or videos as part of their PowerPoint presentation submission

75. Can USAID please confirm L.11 Supporting documents are also required to be submitted by all subcontractors (major and non-major)?

Other supporting documentation may be submitted for both offeror and subcontractor if the offeror believes that it is necessary to substantiate, or support costs proposed.

76. Can USAID confirm what information/supporting documentation is required from organizations that do not have a NICRA rate?

For any Organization that does not have a current negotiated (including provisional) rate, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely. No documentation is required to justify the 10% de minimis indirect cost rate. And as described in § 200.403, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect or direct costs but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. If chosen, this methodology once elected must be used consistently for all federal awards until such time as an organization chooses to negotiate for a rate, which the Organization may apply to do at any time.

77. Can USAID confirm that information regarding performance in using small business concerns as detailed on pg. 157 of the RFP is only required for the prime offeror?

Performance in Using Small Business (SB) Concerns (as defined in FAR 19.001) is not applicable to Offers from small business concerns only.

78. To assist with budgeting for the Optional Service, can USAID please clarify in what year of the program Scenario 3 (increase in newborn cases with birth anomalies) is anticipated?

Budget estimates for three scenarios can be submitted. Each scenario in a different years.

79. Can USAID please confirm that only a summary budget is required for the Optional Service?

Offerors must submit both a summary budget and a detailed budget for the Optional Service

80. Are Offerors required to submit a separate budget narrative for the Optional Service?

Yes, USAID offerors are supposed to submit separate budget narratives for the Optional Service.

81. Please confirm that Offerors should assume demobilization costs only for Year 5.

Demobilization cost should be in the final year of the award.

82. Can USAID please clarify whether the compensation plan is to cover staff in Tanzania only or whether it would also include home office support staff as well?

The proposed Compensation Plan should only cover for staff in Tanzania only and it should not include home office support staff.

83. Page 156 states that Offerors must include “a list of three (6) references.” Please clarify how many references should be provided for each key personnel candidate.

Six total references. Two from each group.

two superiors, two subordinates, and two peers.

84. Page 161 states that the detailed budget “must be submitted for the prime and all major subcontractors having a total estimated cost of $7,500,000.” Can USAID confirm that detailed budgets are not required for subcontractors with a budget less than $7,500,000?

Detailed subcontractor budgets are only required for all subcontractors having a total estimated cost of $7,500,000 and above.

85. Section L.11, pages 165-166: It is noted that Certs and Reps are not listed as a required supporting document in the cost proposal.

a. Should Offerors include Certs and Reps in the cost proposal?

b. Does USAID request that subcontractors submit Certs and Reps?

a. Offeror should submit all Certifications and representations as part of the Cost proposal.

b. Yes, subcontractors must also submit Certifications and Representations.

86. On page156, is the draft Year 1 work plan outlining activities meant to be presented on a slide and orally or as a separate written document submitted with the slide set?

Yes, the draft year 1 work plan will be presented on a slide and orally and will form part of the 30 slides required for PowerPoint presentation.

87. On page 157, the past performance information defines relevant prior awards as having a value of $50 million or greater but on p. 171, the value is $20 million or greater. Can USAID clarify what the threshold value is? We note that many prior and current RMNCAH awards meet the $20 million threshold but few bilateral awards in Sub- Saharan Africa are valued at $50 million or more, so the lower threshold is likely to yield more information and insight into past performance.

Performance is considered relevant if it involves complex reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the award value exceeds $20 Million

RFP is updated to reflect this change

88. Section L.10.A.4(d) of the RFP indicates that “USAID allocates a total of $7.5 million for grants activities” and Section B.3.1 indicates that the amount should be budgeted within the main (non-option) portion of the contract. If the offeror considers it technically needed, would USAID allow for additional GUC funding (that exceeds the

GUC for SBC implementation is limited to $7.5 million. Option services category is based on assumptions and funds may be needed or not based on whether the medical crisis occurred or not.

Plan and abide by funding limits allocated to these two categories.

$7.5 million allocated in the main contract) to be included in the Optional Services budget?

89. Will USAID, please clarify the requirements for how fee should be developed and please specify the terms for fee recovery?

FAR 15.404-4 provides for establishing the profit or fee portion of the Government pre-negotiation objective and provides profit-analysis factors for analyzing profit or fee. The Offeror must propose and substantiate a reasonable fixed fee. The proposed fee must be justified based upon the following factors:

Contractor effort (complexity of the work and resources required for contract performance), cost risk and support for federal socioeconomic programs. Any additional factors must be discussed as a basis for the fee.

90. Page 156 states “offerors must provide a visual outline of the content of the oral presentation” under both Factor 1 and Factor 2.1. Can USAID clarify if they mean that a summary/outline of the content of each section of the PPT must be provided, or an overarching “table of contents” of the entire presentation after the title page is sufficient?

Visual outline is the brief outline of the major points the offeror will cover in the oral presentation. Offerors at their own discretion may decide on how this visual outline will be presented as part of the required 30 slides of the PowerPoint presentation.

91. Can USAID confirm that Offeror’s should be prepared to make a 60-minute presentation, followed by an additional 30-minute Q&A period (90 minutes total)?

This is correct - 60-minute presentation, followed by 30-minute Q&A period

92. How will participants view the presentation? Will the presentation be shared via every participant’s screen or will it be projected in a conference room via Google Meet?

USAID will share a google meet calendar invite to all each team participants that will contain a link for the planned presentation meeting. And therefore, each participant will be able to view the presentation on their own computer screen.

93. Please confirm if the offeror will present the PowerPoint presentation from their end, and if yes, can additional administrative person be included outside of the 5 presenters.

No, USAID will be presenting the submitted PowerPoint presentation during the oral presentation session for each offeror and therefore no need for the offeror to have an additional administrative person.

94. Please confirm if we can share the PowerPoint presentation as a PDF as well to maintain formatting across computers.

PowerPoint Presentation should not be shared/submitted as PDF.

95. Can diagrams in the PowerPoint presentation be less than font 15.

No, diagrams in the PowerPoint presentation cannot be less than font 15.

96. Please advise if there are any parameters/expectations for camera use or bandwidth considerations to note.

There are no parameters/expectations for the camera use during the Offerors Oral Presentations. However, USAID is requiring for Internet email with a 25MB limit per email compatible with Microsoft Office 2003 WORD, PowerPoint, Excel or Adobe Acrobat portable document format (.pdf), as appropriate, in a Windows operating environment. Multiple emails may be sent to accommodate the proposal size and content, but each must contain very clear identification of the attachment and instructions for assembling the proposal.

Zipped file attachments are not allowed.

97. Please advise if there are parameters for the Q&A portion beyond the 30 minute timelines? Will question responses be capped at a certain time (and if so, what is the limit)?

Will be a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30-minute Q&A period

98. Can offerors include video clips or animation as part of the 30 slides?

Yes, the offeror can include video clips or animation as part of the required 30 slides of the PowerPoint presentation.

99. For the optional service assumptions on page 160- 161, could USAID please clarify the period of performance for each example?

These are scenarios, which can be one scenario per year for a total of three scenarios.

100. On page 163-164 of the RFP, USAID requires separate budgets (with the same level of information as the prime) for each subcontractor with a total estimated cost of $7.5M or greater.

Could USAID confirm that subcontracts will be issued for the proposed subcontractors with budgets less than $7.5M without submitting their detailed budgets?

Detailed subcontractor budgets are only required for all subcontractors having a total estimated cost of $7,500,000 and above. Subcontractors with budgets less than $7,500,000 will be issued without submitting their detailed budgets.

101. Could USAID please confirm that Offerors must submit a request for a waiver with the cost proposal for Only any proposed TCN LTTA employee whose compensation exceeds the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by the USAID Mission (ref.

pg. 162).

Yes, Offerors must submit a request for a waiver with the cost proposal for any proposed TCN LTTA employee whose compensation exceeds the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by the USAID Mission.

102. On page 163 of the RFP, USAID states “Should the Offeror propose expatriate long-term personnel, the Offeror should assume the Government of Tanzania will not approve the work permit and/or residency permit application within the first 90 days of the employee’s relocation to Tanzania. Offerors should expect to send the employee and his/her dependents to a third country at least once while waiting for the permit requests to be processed”. Could USAID clarify the request to send the employee and his/her dependents to a third country while waiting for the permit? We understand that this situation is changing in the country. Does USAID still see this as a necessity?

Offerors should propose personnel according to the need to meet the requirements of the PWS and the Offorers technical approach.

103. On page 156, the RFP states, “Offerors must present a draft workplan outlining the first year of activities''. Could USAID please clarify if this is a separate written submission and does not need to be presented orally as part of the 30 slides (15pt font)?

Draft work plan outlining the first year of activities is not a separate written submission and will need to be presented orally as part of the 30 slides PowerPoint presentation.

104. Could USAID please clarify the value of awards that can be included in the past performance references. On page157, the RFP states RMNCH activities “of at least $50M” and on page 171 it states “the award value exceeds $20million”.

Performance is considered relevant if it involves complex reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa and the award value exceeds $20 Million

RFP is updated to reflect this change

105. Could USAID please clarify the expectations for the “skill matrix” for the management and staffing plan (p156)? May the skills matrix be submitted separately from the PowerPoint presentation given the 30-slide limitation and the 15pt font requirement? Is a skill matrix required for all project staff – or only for key/core staff?

Skills matrix for the proposed personnel will depend on the technical approach the offeror’s is proposing. USAID will not share expectations regarding the matrix as each applicant will have a different technical approach to meet the required outcomes.

Skills matrix should be submitted as part of the required 30 slides of the PowerPoint presentation and is required for project staff.

106. Could USAID please confirm that offerors may use a font smaller than 15pt for graphics, including the org chart?

Offerors should not use fonts smaller than 15 points for graphics, including the organizational chart.

107. Could USAID please confirm that the offeror has 60 minutes for the oral presentation followed by an additional 30 minutes for question and answer (90 minutes total)?

Yes, it is 60 minutes for the oral presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q & A.

108. Since this is a PowerPoint presentation, are hyperlinks and embedded “objects” such as the slide within slides that come out in animation mode allowed to be included in the slides as reference sources?

Hyperlinks and embedded objects such as slide within slides that come out in animation mode are not allowed to be included in the slides as reference sources.

109. On page 155, item 4, please clarify what is meant by “use of visual aids or models.”

visual aid may be an object or representation that may be used to clarify or enhance. understanding of a concept or process.

110. If there is a need to cite references in the technical proposal, can it be done as a slide at the end and does that reference slide count in the 30-slide limit?

Yes, the offeror may cite a reference in the technical proposal as a slide at the end of the PowerPoint presentation but that is counted as part of the required 30 slides PowerPoint presentation.

111. On pg. 157 of the RFP it says, “Fourteen calendar days prior to the due date for submission of the PowerPoint presentation submission, Offerors must submit a list of three of the most recent (within the last three years) and relevant awards for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal per offeror and major subcontractor.

Could USAID please clarify if this means the Offeror and each major subcontractor are required to submit three (3) past performance examples each?

Yes, Offeror and each major subcontractor are required to submit three

(3) past performance examples each

112. On pg.161, USAID includes three assumptions to be used for the Optional Services budget. The first two assumptions include the project year, but the third does not. During which project year(s) should Offerors budget Optional Service assumption 3 (birth anomalies)?

Budget estimates for three scenarios can be submitted, each scenario in a different year, assumption three can be year 4 or 5.

113. For Past Performance, can both contracts and cooperative agreements be referenced? What size is ideal to include for past projected references?

Yes, both contracts and Cooperative agreements can be referenced for Past Performance. And more than $20 Million is the ideal size to include for the past performance references.

114. Could USAID confirm that the key personnel annex submission includes a comprehensive organizational chart, skills matrix, and for each key personnel: a position description with minimum requirements, CV, a description of how each candidate’s experience maps to the minimum required skills, a list of references, and a signed commitment letter from the proposed candidate?

Offerors must submit a key personnel annex proposing three key personnel candidates to be approved in the contract. Offerors must include a position description with minimum requirements for each key personnel, CV (not to exceed three pages), description of how each candidate’s experience maps to the minimum required skills, a list of three (6) references (two superiors, subordinates, and peers) not associated with the Offeror organization, and signed commitment letters from the proposed candidates.

115. Could USAID confirm if the comprehensive organizational chart and skills matrix must be included in the PowerPoint presentation slides as part of the Management and Staffing Approach?

Yes, a comprehensive organizational chart and skills matrix must be included in the PowerPoint presentation slides as part of the Management and Staffing Approach.

116. Pg.155 of the RFP says, “The presentation must be led/delivered by at least two of the proposed Key Personnel.” Could USAID clarify, therefore, if the expectation is that key personnel candidates should be exclusive on one bid submission given confidentiality issues?

As stated in the RFP. At least two key personnel are required to be part of the Presentation team.

117. On pg. 156, under Factor 1- Technical Approach, the RFP says: “Offerors must provide a visual outline of the content of the oral presentation,” and then repeats this information again on the same page under the section 2.1 Factor 2.1 - Management and Staffing Plan.