72062320R00010 - ELMI IDIQ - Q_A_2.pdf

Request for Proposal (RFP) Number 72062320R00010 for the Evaluation, Learning, and Monitoring Initiative (ELMI) IDIQ for USAID/Somalia --- Supplementary Questions

1. The Amended RFP excluded the past performance matrix J3 from page count BUT NOT the past performance short forms J4, which are still part of page count. This is in contrast with the Q&A.

May we ask that the RFP be amended to exclude the past performance short forms J4 from page count?

RESPONSE: Please review L.6 (iv) of the RFP which states “Cover Page, Table of Contents, Acronym list, Executive Summary, Past Performance Matrix, Contractor Short Forms, letters of commitment, and CV’s/Resumes of Key Personnel including references do not count against the 40- page limitation and can be included as separate Annexes.”

2. Page 100, C.2.2., Structure: The RFP states that “The Contractor must recruit, train, and manage field supervisors who maintain a constant presence in the field.”…“Field supervisors are expected to provide coordination, on-going oversight, and quality control of sub-Contractors, and to help ensure that ad hoc site visits can be made to USAID activities outside the predefined TPM schedule, as needed.” Can USAID please confirm if Field Supervisors can be recruited, trained, and managed by a sub-Contractor?

RESPONSE: USAID envisioned this to be a responsibility of the Prime contractor but is willing to consider alternative approaches.

3. Page 104, C.2.4., Task 2: The RFP states that “At a minimum, the Contractor will review construction projects at the following stages: 1) Kick-off Meeting; 2) Project Start-up/Contractor Mobilization; 3) Random General Progress Visits: conduct random visits to identify/correct misdirection during the construction period ; 4) Substantial Completion; 5) Warranty Period Inspection; and 6) End of Warranty Period: confirm completion and identification of defects.”

Can USAID please confirm that while the Contractor is required to review construction projects at any of these six stages, USAID does not expect the Contractor to review each project at each of the six stages, particularly given the $13M budget ceiling for Task Order 1?

RESPONSE: Confirmed.

4. Given that Task Order 1 forms the backbone of the ELMI IDIQ, which is meant to advance mission learning and build capacity, would USAID consider increasing the Task Order 1 budget ceiling to ensure the Contractor can successfully complete all requirements within the Task Order 1 Scope of Work?

RESPONSE: No, USAID will not increase its budget ceiling.

5. The RFP per section L.8 Part 3 requires that the Offeror and each proposed subcontractor must complete Section K, "Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors.” Section K requires a representation on sub-sections K.4 and K.5 related to section 889. As a follow-up to USAID’s response to question #66, per USAID’s Section 889 FAQs, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Partner_FAQs_09182020.pdf USAID confirms that the FAR does not require subcontractors to submit a representation. In that case, can Subcontractors leave K.4 and K.5 of their respective Section K’s blank?

RESPONSE: Confirmed - Subcontractors can leave K.4 and K.5 blank

6. The RFP has been amended for Section M.2.1 Factor 1 to limit the technical understanding and approach to Task Order 1. However, since the IDIQ and TO1 will be awarded at the same time, we think it is important for the technical approach and understanding to include expected task order services of the IDIQ that are not part of Task Order 1, namely Analysis and Assessment and Evaluations. Would USAID consider including these expected services under the Factor 1 evaluation criteria?

RESPONSE: Please submit your proposal in accordance with the requirements set out in the RFP.

7. With USAID’s confirmation that the COP and DCOP will be expected to work on future task orders (question #68), would it be acceptable for offerors to budget accordingly for TO 1 with the expectation that a portion of their time will be charged to future task orders?

RESPONSE: Yes, the COP and DCOP will work across all Task Orders issued under this IDIQ.

8. Thank you for allowing the Past Performance Matrix to be submitted as a separate annex outside of the page limit (question #84). The Matrix in its current form does not allow for the efficient use of space, as the information required under some columns (e.g. scope of work) greatly exceeds the information required under other columns (e.g. term of performance). We kindly request that USAID allow offerors to present the required information in a different format.

RESPONSE: Please provide the information in the format required as per the RFP

9. In response to Q&A #16, USAID provided a Fact Sheet on USAID projects in Somalia. One project listed is support to the World Bank MPF. Will this multi-partner trust fund mechanism be included within the scope of ELMI MV&R? Another project, slated to end in May 2020, is/was OTI funded. Will ELMI cover any future OTI funded projects?

RESPONSE: The multi-partner trust fund and OTI will not be included under ELMI.

10. This Fact Sheet also notes the large Humanitarian Assistance (HA) programming in Somalia through FFP and OFDA. Please confirm that this HA programming is NOT covered by ELMI services, in particular the MV&R and EAES service areas.

RESPONSE: Humanitarian Assistance will not be included under ELMI.

11. Q&A #19 refers to “third-party monitoring requests,” yet this term is not clear. MV&R “requests” come from USAID, so it is not clear what is being referred to by “third-party.” Could USAID please clarify what it refers to.

RESPONSE: The successful contractor implementing the ELMI IDIQ will be considered the third-party contractor for USAID.

12. Q&A #21 states that a “project package” refers to a “set of design documents described on page

102.” Q&A #27 states that “project Packages refers to 200 (small scale infrastructure) specific sites.” Thus, these two differing definitions would seem to imply that each set of design documents are specific to a specific site that is to be subject to EAES, both Tasks 1 and 2. (Also see 1st response to Q #49.) Please confirm this interpretation.

RESPONSE: Confirmed.

13. Q&A #47 states that a (MV&R) “site” “is not necessarily tied to a specific location” and then offers the following example, “a training was conducted in two different locations this would be considered as two sites or verification units.” In this example, the “site” IS tied to a specific location, which is at odds with the earlier statement. Can USAID offer an example of a “site” that is NOT tied to a specific location? Or if not, confirm that “site” is location specific.

RESPONSE: One site can have multiple verifications. For example, the contractor might be asked to verify both a training and technical assistance at one site.

14. Q&A #49 response #3 involving applicable building/construction codes refers offerors to sections of the RFP. However, neither these two sections nor the referenced ADS 201 and 303 answer the question. What building/construction codes are small-scale infrastructure “project packages” currently reviewed against under the SPSS project or other means? If not currently reviewed, what codes does USAID require be applied under ELMI?

RESPONSE: USAID requirements will be determined during implementation.

15. Q&A #52 confirms that MV&R sampling should be systemized. Item #2 (pg. 97) of Section C.2.2 concerns development of such a system, and mentions site selection criteria which would permit “sound analysis of qualitative and quantitative performance and contextual information...” Does this imply the Contractor should systematically select certain of the 200 annual sites with the objective of collecting contextual information?

RESPONSE: The objective of site selection is to verify USAID activities. Contextual information should also be included in reporting.

16. Can USAID please confirm whether the LCP figures referenced for Kenya are inclusive of all benefits?

RESPONSE: These figures do not include 13th month or miscellaneous benefits.

17. Should a separate approach section for assessments and analyses be included in Factor 1 outside of the approaches for Performance Management (for informing the CDCS) and STTAs (for the 30 days or less assessments/analyses)?

RESPONSE: Please submit your proposal in accordance with the requirements set out in the RFP.

18. B.7 Labor. Can USAID confirm that central management under Somalia ELMI can include the offeror’s HQ support is not only limited to the COP and DCOP?

RESPONSE: Confirmed

19. M.2.1 Factor 1. Can USAID confirm that under the revised RFP, when addressing Factor 1, offerors are not required to address the IDIQ or tasks falling under it, including evaluations and assessments?

20. Can USAID confirm that the Contract Past Performance Short Forms are not required for projects with CPARs that are listed in the Past Performance Matrix?