72062320R00010 - ELMI IDIQ - Q_A.pdf

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

1. FACTOR 4 - Past Performance- Page 80 - In regards to the Contractor Past Performance

Short-Form, can USAID please confirm that bidders do not need to send this form to the

Agency/client to complete prior to the proposal deadline?

RESPONSE: Offerors must send this form with their complete proposal.

2. FACTOR 4 - Past Performance- Page 80 - Can bidders include more than three projects on the Past Performance Matrix, and then only provide three Contract Past Performance

Short Forms (i.e. not provide Contract Past Performance Short forms for all project provided in the Past Performance Matrix)?

RESPONSE: YES

3. FACTOR 4 - Past Performance- Page 80 - Do the Contract Past Performance Short Forms and the Past Performance Matrix count towards the 40 page limit in the Technical

Proposal?

RESPONSE: No, these are not included in the page limit and can be included as separate Annexes.

4. FACTOR 4 - Past Performance- Page 80 - Can USAID please confirm that bidders can submit up to 3 Past Performance examples for the prime contractor AND up to 3 Past

Performance examples for any major subcontractor?

RESPONSE: Confirmed

5. Page 90 - Are bidders allowed to propose additional key personnel beyond the two roles?

RESPONSE: No, USAID only expects two key personnel for this award.

6. Page 90 - Do bidders need to include CVs for Key Personnel in addition to the three references for each key personnel? If so, are the CVs included in the 40 page count limit for the Technical Proposal?

RESPONSE: Yes, bidders are required to provide CVs for each key personnel. CVs or resumés for key personnel (KP) including key personnel references and their relevant contact information and letters of commitment can be included as a separate Annex.

7. Page 91 and page 90 - The RFP states that in Factor 2 bidders should “describe the

Offeror’s ability to centrally manage and successfully fulfill procurement, personnel, reporting and other management related requirements of the IDIQ and specified task orders.” However it also states that this should be discussed in Factor 3 and Factor 2.

Can USAID clarify which factor this should be presented in?

RESPONSE: This should be discussed only in Factor 3. The RFP has been amended to reflect this.

8. Page 90 and 91 - Factor 1 should include language on “how the Contractor will ensure its ability to respond with highly qualified teams and proposals in the required timeframes for core services, monitoring, verification & reporting, data quality assessments, engineering, architectural, & environmental services, performance management and support services” and Factor 3 is also supposed to include language on” approach to recruitment of highly skilled personnel and multi-disciplinary teams within strict timelines”. Can USAID clarify all of the information should be given under just one Factor versus both factors, and if so, which Factor?

RESPONSE: This should be discussed in Factor 1. The RFP has been amended to reflect this.

9. Page 87 - For the Financial proposal is the Part 10 - Legislative Reporting Information required also for major sub-contractors?

RESPONSE: YES

10. RFP generally - Given the upcoming federal holiday and the short turnaround between submission of questions and receipt of clarifications can USAID provide at least a two week deadline extension for submission of proposals?

RESPONSE: YES, the submission deadline has been extended

11. Page 90 - In terms of personnel for TO1, what should be included in the proposal for staffing other than the key personnel?

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

12. RFP generally - Can USAID provide a general idea of how the USAID programming will be divided up between the various Somali regions over the five years of the IDIQ?

RESPONSE: Offerors must demonstrate the ability to conduct site visits throughout the country.

13. Page 82 - How should bidders budget for the data management analysis component, as well as any follow up activities (i.e. design of new data management system) in the financial proposal?

RESPONSE: Offerors should budget as they see fit according to the requirements of the

RFP.

14. Page 81 - Should Task Order 1 for MV&R include site visits for the Architecture and

Engineering components as well or will the Architecture and Engineering component be a separate task order?

RESPONSE: Architecture and Engineering components are included in Task Order 1.

15. Section C.2.6 -Data Management – page 103 - Does USAID Somalia plan on using DIS for management of results data?

In addition to this, what other systems does USAID Somalia use for knowledge management or results data management?

RESPONSE: USAID/Somalia will use DIS if/when it is rolled out to the Mission. The Mission currently uses Microsoft Excel to manage its activity level data and the State Department’s FACTS INFO system to report its annual Past Performance Reporting (PPR) data.

16. Section C.2.2 – page 96 - Can USAID provide information regarding the anticipated

IPs/projects/sectors for MV&R in the first year (or round) of the project?

RESPONSE: USAID/Somalia’s current portfolio is publicly available on the USAID website:

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_- _Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

17. Section C-Statement of Work- pages 96-104 - Can USAID provide the overall anticipated

MV&R Task Order Level of Effort balance between round-based MV&R; the environmental, architecture, and engineering stuff; and DQAs?

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

RESPONSE: USAID defers to bidders to determine the level of effort of these activities based on the descriptions in the RFP.

18. Section C.2.2- Page 98 - Given the context in Somalia, where it is culturally challenging and a security risk for women to travel with men (a partner field monitor) who are not their family, we were wondering if USAID would reconsider the requirement of having

50% of the field monitors be women, particularly for South Central?

Additionally, can USAID provide bidders with USAID’s best practices on using women field monitors in Somalia?

RESPONSE: The RFP states that the contractor should, to the extent possible, ensure that 50 percent of field monitors are female. This indicates that the 50 percent parameter is not required yet is aspirational and highly encouraged. USAID does not want to put the safety of any of its implementers at risk as stated in the RFP (p. 98):

“unless the security situation jeopardizes the safety of the female monitor”.

USAID does not have best practices on using field monitors to share.

19. Section C-Statement of Work- pages 96-104 - To what extent are IPs contractually required to cooperate with third-party monitoring requests (i.e. is it codified in their contractual instruments, or is it simply requested)?

RESPONSE: IPs are contractually required to cooperate with third-party monitoring requests.

20. RFP generally - To the extent possible, should Contractors include potential COVID-19 considerations in their proposals?

RESPONSE: Contractors should respond to the requirements of the RFP as described in Section M.

21. Section C.2.4 Engineering, Architectural, and Environmental Services,, pg. 102 - Can the

Mission clarify what a “project package” includes/entails?

RESPONSE: The project package is the set of design documents described on page 101:

technical specifications, project plans and drawings, bills-of quantity, constructability, construction cost estimates, as well as associated construction methods and requirements, including the technical systems to be used such as architectural, environmental, structural, electrical, and mechanical.

22. C.4 STTA, pg. 106-107 and M.2.1 FACTOR 1, pg. 89 - The Task Order 1 RFTOP states that

STTA assignments under Task Order 1 will include research, assessment, analyses, capacity development, etc. However, these services aren’t listed in the services under

M.2.1 FACTOR 1 Task Order 1 services. Are these services therefore considered core services under M.2.1?

RESPONSE: The RFP has been amended to include STTA under Section M.2.1 Factor 1

23. C.2.1. Expected Task Order Services, pg. 12 - Can the Mission provide an estimated/approximate number of services per year and over the life of the contract for the following services listed under the STTA section? Ad hoc strategic analyses and assessments, sector-specific and cross-sectoral assessments, partner meetings, retreats, learning events, sectoral meetings with government, RESPONSE: No we cannot state the approximate number of services over the life of the contract but the Mission has sufficiently funded this IDIQ to account for the required services

24. C.2.1. Expected Task Order Services, pg. 12 - Can USAID provide an estimate of how many analyses/assessments and evaluations will be conducted per year and over the life of the contract?

RESPONSE: USAID cannot estimate the number of task orders at this time.

25. C.2.1. Expected Task Order Services, pg. 10-12 and C.2. Services Required, pg. 96-104 - It seems as though all of the expected services under C.2 are included under Task Order 01

C.2 Services Required except for Evaluation and Analysis/Assessment. Given that the

Task Order for these services is estimated at $10-13 million, will the remaining $11-14 million be evaluations? Or is TO 01 only for an initial portion of these services? For example, 3-4 years of these services?

RESPONSE: TO 1 is expected to run for five years at an estimated total cost of $10-$13 million. The remaining IDIQ ceiling can be used for additional task orders as described in the RFP.

26. Section B.7, pages 7 and 8 of 114 - In this Section, it is stated that “Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs under this IDIQ or under task orders. Contractors must propose a centralized management structure that allows for recovery of IDIQ management costs as part of its indirect costs.” Some of the elements suggested by USAID under Central Management include:

1. The central management bears primary responsibility for technical aspects of contract performance, as well as procurement personnel, reporting, and other management related requirements of the contract.

2. Respond to requests for task order proposals, and provide oversight of task orders under this award

3. Select, provide technical and administrative direction and guidance to, and place and support all technical experts carrying out technical requirements.

4. Report to USAID technical and contract personnel in accordance with USAID reporting requirements in Section F All of these activities are specific to the performance of this particular contract and associated task orders. It appears that USAID is asking bidders to bear the cost of the management of this contract and the development of its deliverables in Section F such as Annual IDIQ Reports and Task Order Quarterly and Final Reports and then take this cost and recover it through our NICRA. However, this approach will increase our NICRA and unfairly spread the cost of this particular program to other projects through the application of NICRA.

Can USAID clarify its intention as we do not feel that the approach, at least as we interpret it, is appropriate and fair to other projects.

RESPONSE: The RFP has been amended to state “Contractors are authorized to budget directly for IDIQ management costs under task order 01” Please refer to C.2.1 of the RFTOP for Task Order 01

27. Section C.2.2 of TO#01, page 97 of 114 - In this section, it is stated that “The Contractor, will monitor, verify and report on up to 200 sites per year for the period of performance of this task order.” For a period of performance of 5 years for this TO, we should expect and budget for a maximum of 1,000 site visits. In the same section and same page, it is also stated that the “All construction sites must be visited in the quarter at the start, during, and upon completion”. This leads to 3 visits per construction site. On page

102, it is stated that “USAID anticipates submitting up to 200 project packages over the life of the contract for small scale construction/rehabilitation projects including,…” and on the same page, it is also stated that “At a minimum, the Contractor will review construction projects at the following stages: 1) Kick-Off Meeting; 2)Project

Startup/Contractor Mobilization; 3) Random General Progress Visits: conduct random visits to identify/correct misdirection during the construction period; 4) Substantial

Completion: develop a list of items that need to be corrected; 5) Warranty Period

Inspection; 6) End of Warranty Period: confirm completion and identification of defects.”

A couple of questions related to this topic:

1. Are the “200 project packages over the life of the contract for small scale construction/rehabilitation projects” specific sites or specific visits?

2. If they are visits, are they part of the overall 1,000 visits for the entire task order or should these be budgeted for separately?

3. If these “200 project packages” are specific sites, should we budget for 3 visits per sites (i.e. for the start, during, and upon completion of construction) or should we schedule and budget for 5 to 7 visits per site to account for the “1) Kick-Off Meeting;

2)Project Startup/Contractor Mobilization; 3) Random General Progress Visits; 4) Substantial Completion; 5) Warranty Period Inspection; and 6) End of Warranty Period”?

As you can see, this can be interpreted in different ways ranging from 200 visits to 1,400 visits (200 sites x 7 visits per site). Please clarify the expected number of visits or at least the number of sites and let each offeror provide a number of visits based on their technical approach.

RESPONSE: 200 project packages refer to 200 specific sites. Offerors should budget according to their technical approach.

28. C.2.1-Data management, page 11 - Can USAID share what tools the Mission currently uses to manage quarterly reporting data? Who delivers that tool or set of tools, i.e. a software provider, a contractor, or USAID staff?

RESPONSE: USAID currently uses an Excel spreadsheet to manage quarterly reporting data. USAID anticipates that the successful offeror will develop their own tools in consultation with USAID.

29. C.2.1-Data management, page 11 - Can USAID share what tools are used for performance management, data quality assessment, MV&R and ad hoc data analysis?

RESPONSE: Performance management deliverables are submitted in Excel, all other deliverables are submitted to USAID as written reports. USAID anticipates that the successful offeror will develop their own tools in consultation with USAID.

30. RFP generally - Does the Mission have a documented data strategy or digital strategy it can share?

RESPONSE: The Mission does not have a documented data strategy or digital strategy.

31. C.2.1-Evaluation, page 10 - Can USAID provide bidders with the evaluation schedule or forecast for evaluation activities during the IDIQ?

RESPONSE: USAID does not have an evaluation schedule or forecast.

32. RFP Generally - Can bidders include an Annex Section that is not included in the 40 page limit?

RESPONSE: Annexes will only be accepted for the Past Performance Forms, Key Personnel CV’s and Letters of Commitment.

33. “In order to have parity among offerors, could USAID please provide the Local Compensation Plan (LCP) for Kenya?”

RESPONSE: The local compensation plan for Somalia is under development. Until it receives final approval, the Kenya LCP applies. For the purposes of AIDAR 722.170 compliance, please use the following range for salary calculations:

Low: KES 825,046 (FSN-3) High: KES 15,309,106 (FSN-13)

34. Technical areas specified are: DSG, SS, and EG. In some instances only Education is mentioned for SS. Does this imply that health services are not to be considered in this

IDIQ?

RESPONSE: USAID/Somalia does not currently implement health activities, though this could change over the life of this award.

35. Is it possible to access a list of the Implementing Partners and their sites in Somalia?

RESPONSE: A list of activities is publicly available here. USAID does not publicly disclose the location of sites because of security concerns.

36. Who is the incumbent contractor?

RESPONSE: The incumbent is IBTCI.

37. The sampling direction states as follows: "The Contractor will monitor, verify and report on up to 200 sites per year for the period of performance of this task order. The final number of site visits will be negotiated with USAID and approved in annual work plans."

Please confirm whether the construction sites are included in this number.

RESPONSE: 200 sites per year refers to the MV&R component of task order. This number does not include the engineering and architectural component.

38. On page 10, Section C.1, the RFTOP states that “This contract will directly contribute to the capacity building of Somali institutions and Somali organizations…” This is potentially a significant task.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

Q: Can USAID put a boundary around it by defining “directly contribute to” and naming the Somali institutions and organizations envisaged to benefit from that capacity building?

RESPONSE: USAID expects that the offerer will take advantage of opportunities to build the capacity of local Somali organizations with which they partner. In line with USAID’s New Partner Initiative, USAID (and its implementing partners) would look for opportunities to build the capacity of local organizations. USAID desires for locally based Somali organizations to have the capability and capacity to bid on future monitoring and evaluation solicitations.

39. On page 10, Section C.2, Technical Requirements (for the IDIQ) the SOW contains categories of services. The first is “Analysis and Assessment.” This does not appear in the TO1 SOW, except under STTA (pg. 106). Q: Please confirm the two references are the same service category.

RESPONSE: Analysis and assessment has not been included in the TO 1 SOW because these services would be issued as a separate task order under the IDIQ. STTA services under TO 1 can include analysis and assessment, but would be an assignment of no more than 30 days each (as described on p. 106). More comprehensive analysis and assessments would be issued as separate task orders.

40. Page 10 also covers the service category of Evaluations, yet these appear to be absent from the TO1 SOW. Q: Please confirm that no evaluation services are to be provided under TO1. If they are, please indicate the number of performance and impact evaluations to budget for over the five-year POP and whether any special evaluations (e.g., project or DO-level, ex-post, etc.) are envisaged.

RESPONSE: USAID confirms that TO 1 does not include evaluations. Evaluations would be procured as a separate task order under the IDIQ.

41. On page 11, Section C.2 (Data Management) the RFTOP notes the Contractor may procure a database. Q: Will USAID provide a plug figure for this cost? How is (performance indicator) data currently managed? Has the incumbent developed a version of the IPTT mentioned on page 104?

RESPONSE: USAID defers to the offerors budget for this according to their technical approach. The incumbent manages the IPTT in an Excel spreadsheet. USAID anticipates that the successful offeror will develop their own tools in consultation with USAID.

42. On page 14, OFAC is mentioned. Please confirm that all Somali sub-contractors are subject to OFAC review. Also confirm if Somali institutions and/or organizations receiving assistance (e.g., capacity building) are also subject to OFAC restrictions.

RESPONSE: Please review OFAC guidance at https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/somalia-sanctions

43. On page 15, Section C.3.1 deal with Key Personnel and notes they will be “identified in each individual Task Order.” KP in TO 1 are the COP and DCOP, yet the POP of TO 1 is 5-years whereas the IDIQ is 7-years. Q: Please confirm if USAID anticipates for these KP to continue past the end date of TO 1 for the full duration of the IDIQ.

RESPONSE: At this time, please budget the Key Personnel for the duration of Task Order 01 which is 5 years.

44. Section L.7 (pg. 80) covers the content of the Technical Proposal, while Section L.6 notes a 40-page limit. Yet no annexes are mentioned for CVs, Past Performance Matrix (Attachment J.2), org chart, STTA matrix, etc. Q: Would USAID consider a technical proposal of 25-30 pages, which is supplemented by unlimited technical annexes?

RESPONSE: Offerers must comply with the page limits stipulated in the RFP. CVs and Past Performance information may be included as annexes and will not count against the page limit. The RFP has been amended to reflect this change.

45. On page 91 (Section M.2.3 Factor 3 – Management Approach) the RFTOP asks offerors to “describe the offeror’s ability to centrally manage and fulfill procurement, reporting, and other management related requirements of the IDIQ and specified task orders.” The same information is also requested under M.2.2 Factor 2 – Institutional Capacity and Staffing Structure – Central Management first bullet also requests “Offeror’s ability to centrally manage and successfully fulfill procurement, personnel, reporting and other management related requirements of the IDIQ, Task Order 1, and any subsequent task orders.” Q: Could USAID please clarify the difference between the two evaluation criteria?

46. On page 91, the RFTOP states that that management plan should “Offeror’s ability to centrally manage and successfully fulfill procurement, personnel, reporting and other management related requirements of the IDIQ, Task Order 1, and any subsequent task orders” and should “Offeror’s capacity to identify and recruit qualified and experienced institutions and personnel, including Short Term Technical Assistance, to participate in teams as required in response to task orders.”

Q: Can USAID confirm that the second statement (Offeror’s capacity to identify and recruit qualified and experienced institutions and personnel, including Short Term Technical Assistance, to participate in teams as required in response to task orders.) is https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/somalia-sanctions https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/somalia-sanctions https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/somalia-sanctions actually intended to focus only on institutions (since personnel is covered in the first bullet)?

RESPONSE: These requirements have been removed from Factor 2 as USAID found that they are covered under Factors 1 and 3. The RFP has been amended to reflect the change.

47. On page 97 the RFTOP states that, “The Contractor will monitor, verify and report on up to 200 sites per year…” Q: Can USAID please define what they consider to be a “site?”

For example, the location of a training or other event? What if the same training is conducted at different locations? Is each a “site” or is the training itself the unit to be used for MV&R?

RESPONSE: A site can include events, training, technical assistance, supply of goods, etc and is not necessarily tied to a specific location. So if, as suggested, a training was conducted in two different locations this would be considered as two sites or verification units.

48. On page 97, the RFTOP states that, “The Contractor, will monitor, verify, and report on up to 200 sites per year for the period of performance of this task order.” Then, on page 102, the RFTOP states that the scope of work will include, “up to 200 project packages over the life of the contract.” Can USAID please define “project package?” Can USAID confirm that the two figures refer to different tasks.

Q: Can USAID confirm if the 200 site visits include site visits for monitoring and verifying engineering, architectural, and environmental services? Can USAID confirm that, out of the 200 “packages,” if all 200 are likely to include environmental verification, or if some proportion have been excluded?

RESPONSE: A project package is the set of engineering design documents as described on page 101 - “technical specifications, project plans and drawings, bills-of-quantity, constructability, construction cost estimates, as well as associated construction methods and requirements, including the technical systems to be used such as architectural, environmental, structural, electrical, and mechanical.” USAID confirms that the monitoring, verification, and reporting on up to 200 sites per year is a different task from engineering and architectural services (up to 200 project packages) and are not considered to be combined site visits. USAID anticipates that all engineering and architectural verifications will contain some component of environmental verification.

49. On page 102, the RFTOP states that, “USAID anticipates submitting up to 200 project packages over the life of the contract for small scale construction / rehabilitation projects include, but not limited to, government offices, youth centers, streetlights, road construction, temporary learning centers, schools, boreholes, etc.”

Q: Does an individual “project package” cover multiple project sites or one project site?

RESPONSE: An individual project package covers one project site.

To what degree does USAID expect the Contractor to work with the responsible Somali Federal and local governments with regards to monitoring construction and conducting environmental verifications?

RESPONSE: The Contractor must ensure projects are implemented according to host government regulations

What construction codes do USAID expect the Contractor to apply when monitoring the construction of diverse small-scale infrastructure projects?

RESPONSE: Please refer to C.2.1 of the IDIQ Section C and C.2.4 of the Task Order Section C.

Will USAID allow proven alternative approaches to construction monitoring and environmental verification?

RESPONSE: USAID will review the approach and make a determination at that time

The USAID list of small-scale infrastructure projects covers a wide range. For example, US$250,000 can buy a lot in Somalia and a school, office building, or road will typically involve more subject matter experts than bore holes. Can USAID provide an approximate percentage breakdown of the types of small-scale infrastructure expected to be implemented?

RESPONSE: USAID cannot provide a breakdown at this time

50. On page 101 the SOW discusses Task 1, Engineering Design Review.

Q: Can USAID provide an estimate of the number of engineering design document sets to be reviewed on an annual basis?

RESPONSE: The set of engineering design documents is a “project package”, as referred to on page 102. USAID anticipates submitting up to 200 project packages over the life of the contract.

51. The title of Task 2 mentions training, yet nothing is said in the following two paragraphs.

Q: Can USAID please provide more information on this requirement??

RESPONSE: USAID has revised the RFP to remove training from the Task 2 description.

USAID does not expect offerors to engage in training as a part of this task.

52. On page 97, the RFTOP states that, “The Contractor must apply a systematic approach for site selection, data collection, analysis, and reporting of the findings.” However, on page 10 the RFTOP states that, “Activity locations to be monitored will be chosen randomly by the Contractor.”

Q: Can USAID please clarify if they would like TPM sampling to be randomized or systemized?

RESPONSE: USAID confirms that sampling should be systemized. The RFP language on page 10 has been revised to reflect this.

53. On page 102 Construction Task 2 LOE and reporting is covered. The RFP states that “The

Contractor must submit an annual work plan to USAID for approval.”

Q: Does this work plan cover just Construction Task 2 or all of the TO 1 work, which is generally a requirement for similar USAID awards?

RESPONSE: This work plan covers only the C.2.4 Engineering, Architectural, &

Environmental Services work. The RFP has been revised on page 102 to clarify.

54. On page 106, the RFTOP discussed STTA work in Section C.4. Ten STTA assignments per year are estimated.

Q: As DQA exercises typically involve this type of STTA mission, is the figure inclusive or exclusive of the DQA exercise?

RESPONSE: This figure is exclusive of the DQA exercise.

55. On page 98, the RFTOP states that, “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.”

Q: What does USAID expect the Contractor to coordinate with regards to sub- Contractors? What does USAID mean by “oversight”? Management of the sub- Contractor? Does USAID expect the Contractor to intervene in the sub-Contractor’s work at the project site based on Quality Control findings?

RESPONSE: USAID expects the contractor to manage the work of sub-contractors. The contractor and subcontractors should form one cohesive team. Yes, if the contractor finds issues with quality control, they should step in to rectify the problem.

56. On page 102, the RFTOP states that, “At a minimum, the Contractor will review construction projects at the following stages: 1) Kick-Off Meeting; 2) Project startup / Contractor Mobilization; 3) Random General Progress Visits; conduct random visits to identify / correct misdirection during the construction period; 4) Substantial Completion: develop a list of items that need to be corrected; 5) Warranty Period Inspection; 6) End of Warranty Period: confirm completion and identification of defects.”

Q: Can USAID please clarify why it includes “Training” in the title of Task 2, but then there is no reference to the expected training deliverables in the ToR? Where does USAID foresee Kick-Off meetings taking place? In Nairobi at the USAID compound or at the Contractor’s office, or in Somalia at the sub-Contractor’s offices or at the project sites?

RESPONSE: The RFP has been revised to remove training from the Task 2 description.

USAID does not expect offerors to engage in training as a part of this task. The location of the Kick-Off meetings will be determined at the time of award.

57. For the STTA an estimated assignment duration is given of no more than 30 days. These types of assignments are generally multi-person teams.

Q: Please confirm that the 30 days refers to the length of the assignment and not total staff LOE.

RESPONSE: Confirmed.

58. Do Somali nationals used in STTA assignments need to be vetted as is the case in some other similar USAID countries?

RESPONSE: Yes, USAID expects these employees to be vetted under standard practices.

59. Can USAID please provide a list of active USG-funded projects in Somalia?

_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

60. On pages 110-113 the RFTOP only lists deliverables through calendar year 2022.

Q: Can USAID please provide deliverables through calendar year 2028?

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

RESPONSE: The deliverables included in pages 110-113 are meant to be an illustrative set of deliverables for one year. USAID anticipates requiring a similar set of deliverables each year of activity implementation. Please note that individual task orders are expected to last a maximum of five years.

61. On page 90, Section M2.2 Factor 2 – Institutional Capacity and Staff Structure sub factor

Key Personnel requests “three references with contact information (e-mail and phone number) for each proposed key personnel.”

Q: Can USAID confirm this information is to be included as part of an Annex? Can USAID confirm this information is to be included as part of the Key Personnel CVs? Can USAID provide guidance on how many pages key personnel CVs should be?

RESPONSE: Confirmed, this information can be included in the candidate’s CV. There is no page limit but CVs should contain relevant information for the candidate’s qualifications in accordance with position requirements. Please note the CV’s of the Key

Personnel can be included as a separate Annex to the Technical Proposal.

62. On page 102, the RFTOP states that “USAID anticipates approximately five verification trips per year. Each trip is anticipated to be no more than two weeks in length and must be approved by the USAID COR. Trips should, to the extent possible, include multiple site visits per trip to ensure efficient use of resources. If USAID identifies a site visit in

Mogadishu, for example, the Contractor must work with USAID to identify other verifications in Mogadishu that can be conducted as part of the same trip.”

Q: Are the site visits conducted within the scope of the five, two-week verification trips included in the 200 site visits per year noted in the Sampling section on page 97? Will

USAID allow the Contractor to conduct site visits to construction / rehabilitation project sites outside the five, two-week verification trips? Will USAID allow international and/or third party national subject matter experts conduct project site visits and/or capacity development visits in Somalia, as needed?

RESPONSE: No MV&R site visits, and the engineering/architectural verification trips are separate. As a part of its technical approach, offerors can choose to propose more verification trips and/or propose to use international/third party national experts for site visits.

63. Page 81 of the RFTOP indicates that only proposed costs for Task Order 01 are required and no cost information at the IDIQ level are to be submitted.

Q: Other than ceiling rates for fee on Cost Plus Fixed Fee Task Orders and ceiling indirect rates, can USAID confirm no other IDIQ level costs are required?

RESPONSE: Confirmed. The RFP has been revised to clarify this point.

64. Could USAID please provide the Somali and Kenya FSN scales?

RESPONSE: The local compensation plan for Somalia is under development. Until it receives final approval, the Kenya LCP applies. For the purposes of AIDAR 722.170 compliance, please use the following range for salary calculations:

65. Given procurement and sourcing challenges in the target region, would USAID consider utilizing geographic code 935 to allow greater flexibility and value for money while procuring any needed equipment or supplies?

RESPONSE: USAID does not anticipate the need for Geographic Code 935. Requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis should the need arise.

66. According to Huawei's public blog, the company entered the Somali telecom market beginning in 2004, then developed the communications infrastructure (in collaboration with local operators) for the country's ICT infrastructure (including 3G, 4G, and 4.5G networks) and established the first mobile data services to Somalia. Additionally, Kenya's telecom infrastructure was built by Huawei since at least 2015 and most recently, Huawei was contracted to build the 5G network. Given the backhaul and interconnection challenges and considering that no locally available alternative telecommunications and data providers are available in Somalia and Kenya, contractors will be required to rely on internet and telephone service providers that use prohibited equipment and services under Section 889. Can USAID confirm that offerors should include costs related to VSAT (for internet) and satellite phones (for calls and text messages) in their budget to ensure compliance with Section 889, as per FAR 52.204-24? If not, can USAID provide a list of cleared telecommunications service providers in Somalia and in Kenya?

RESPONSE: Offerors should check the Section 889 Partner Information page and FAQs

(found here: www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners/section-889-partner-information) for the latest information and guidance on this topic. The apparently successful Offeror will still be required to make a representation and request a waiver if http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners/section-889-partner-information http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/resources-for-partners/section-889-partner-information no applicable waiver applies. USAID is not aware of any currently cleared telecommunication service providers in Somalia or Kenya. Offerors should budget accordingly.

67. Given emphasis in Section M under both Factors 2 and 3 on the contractor’s ability to recruit STTA, would USAID consider allowing Offerors to include a matrix outside of the 40-page limit to demonstrate capacity?

RESPONSE: No, the offeror must include this within the Page Limits set out in the RFP.

68. The key personnel positions of COP and DCOP are included for Task Order #1. Is the intention that they will work across future anticipated task orders as well? Is the intention to include their level of effort fully in Task Order #1?

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

IDIQ. Other Task Orders may require additional, specific Key Personnel.

69. Section M.2.3: Can USAID please confirm that the organizational chart to be included in Factor 3: Management Approach is to represent Task Order #1?

70. On Page 95, section B.2 Contract Type, can USAID please confirm that the language regarding the contract type for RFTOP for Task Order 1 should read, “This is a cost-plus fixed fee completion type Task Order” (emphasis our own).

71. On Page 31, section H.2 (a)(1), the RFP places a 5% cap on newly hired individuals based on their salary history, before CO approval is required. For U.S.-based or U.S. Expatriate positions, will USAID consider removing this requirement? It inadvertently may place contractors at risk with local/state laws prohibiting requesting salary history of prospective employees and may contribute to wage discrimination.

RESPONSE: The RFP has been amended to remove this requirement.

72. Page 82, Section L.8 Part 2, b. (1) Labor Costs, makes several references to “unburdened ceiling daily rates.” Please confirm that these references are in error and should be stricken from the RFP, as there are no other instruction or guidance on unburdened ceiling daily rates in the RFP. If this was not in error, please provide the labor categories, function description, minimum requirements (education, years of experience), and whether the CDRs will apply to the IDIQ or specifically only to RFTOP for Task Order #1.

RESPONSE: These references were included in error and have been removed from the

RFP

73. Pages 81-85, Section L.8 Part 2, requires a cost proposal in response to Task 01-

Monitoring, Verification and Reporting. However, subsection b.(8) Fee, per page 83, speaks only of a “fee ceiling” (presumably for the IDIQ and not the Task Order). Please confirm that this part should include only what offerors are proposing for the fee on the Task Order. Please confirm where offerors should propose IDIQ fee ceiling, and other ceilings (i.e. indirect rates) mentioned under Section B of the RFP (pages 5-8).

RESPONSE: Confirmed. Language referring to Fee and Indirect Rate ceilings for the IDIQ has been removed.

74. Could USAID please share an updated LCP for Kenya, and if applicable, for Somalia?

receives final approval, the Kenya LCP applies. For the purposes of AIDAR 722.170 compliance, please use the following range for salary calculations:

75. Regarding indirect costs and ceilings, per section B.9, please confirm that offerors may propose indirect cost rate ceilings for individual years of the contract.

76. Please confirm that cost instructions under part L.8 of the RFP supersedes any inconsistencies with section F.6.2.1. For example, L.8 asks for daily rates while F.6.2.1 says hourly rates are required.

RESPONSE: Confirmed. The RFP has been revised to remove inconsistencies.

77. Section F.6.2.1(b) (pgs. 23-24) states, “Cost/price proposals must include, as a minimum, a complete Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), which coincides with the detailed technical approach; and provides proposed labor categories, hours, wage rates, direct/indirect rates, ODCs and fee.” Section L.8 cost instructions makes no reference to WBS and no template or further instruction is given. Please confirm that a WBS is not required. If it is, please provide a template or further instructions on how to complete. Please confirm that by “proposed labor categories”, the RFP simply means proposed positions. As previously asked, there are no LCATs being established at the IDIQ stage based on the instructions given in the RFP.

RESPONSE: Confirmed. These references were included in error and have been removed from the revised RFP

78. Per section I.1 of the RFP, page 41, the contract clause 52.219-9 Small Business

Subcontracting Plan is referenced. Please confirm that offerors are to submit a subcontracting plan during comp range under the cost proposal volume.

79. Please confirm that COVID-19 tests, if still required at the time of award, are allowable costs.

80. Can USAID confirm whether biodatas/1420s are required for Key Personnel only to be included as an annex to the cost proposal?

81. Page 24, Section F.7: RFP only addresses non-funded extensions of Task Orders. Please confirm that requirements for extensions with additional funding will be addressed at the task order level.

82. Neither Section C.3 Key Personnel, Section L, nor Section M require key personnel CVs to be provided. Can USAID please confirm that CVs should be provided? If so, can Offerors include them as an annex outside of the 40-page limit rather than within the body of the Technical Proposal?

RESPONSE: USAID confirms CVs should be provided and can be included as a separate

Annex.

83. Page 104, Section C.3 Key Personnel requires a signed statement confirming their intention and availability to serve in the stated position. Page 90, Section M.2.2 states “The offeror must submit three references with contact information (e-mail and phone number) for each proposed key personnel.” Can key personnel letters of commitment and references be included as an annex outside of the 40-page limitation?

RESPONSE: Yes. Please include these as part of the CV annex.

84. Given the size of the past performance matrix and the difficulty in fitting it into a standard page within the body of the technical proposal, would USAID allow Offerors to edit the format of the matrix provided that all the requested information is included to improve readability?

RESPONSE: The Past Performance Matrix may be submitted as a separate Annex to the

Technical Proposal.

85. Page 80, Section L.7.2 requires up to three past performance references. The instructions state that “The offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide performance information for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 25% of the offeror’s total proposed cost).” Can USAID kindly confirm that Offeror’s should submit three past performance references per partner (three for the prime and an additional three per any major subcontractor)?

86. Page 80, Section L.7.2 states that Offerors should “list up to 3 of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal.” Can USAID kindly confirm that past performance references from within the past five years are valid to include?

87. Given the size of the past performance matrix provided, would USAID kindly consider allowing the matrix to be included as an Annex excluded from the 40-page limit?

RESPONSE: The Past Performance Matrix may be submitted as a separate Annex to the

40 page limit.

88. Section L.7.2 (page 80-81) states that “All past performance references submitted for evaluation must be listed in the Past Performance Matrix…For all contracts listed above that are not in CPARS, www.cpars.gov, the offeror should use the Contractor Past Performance Short-Form (Attachment J.3) to provide a list of contact names, job titles, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, explanation of relevance to the proposed acquisition and a description of the performance to include:

● Scope of work or complexity/diversity of tasks,

● Primary location(s) of work,

● Term of performance,

● Dollar value, and

● Contract type, i.e., fixed-price, and cost reimbursement.”

As the Past Performance Matrix includes whether or not CPARs are available, a point of contact and their contact information if they are not, an explanation of the relevant to the proposed acquisition, a description of the scope of work and complexity/diversity of tasks, the location of the work, the period of performance, the dollar value, and the contract type, would USAID consider removing the requirement to submit a Past Performance Short-Form in addition to the Past Performance Matrix for contracts that are not in CPARs?

RESPONSE: No

89. If the Past Performance Short-Form remains required, would USAID consider excluding the Short-Forms from the 40-page limit? Doing so would ensure that consortia who do not have CPARs are not disadvantaged (in terms of space available for the rest of the technical proposal) by including their relevant past performance.

RESPONSE: YES, the Past Performance Matrix and any Contractor Past Performance

Short Forms may be included as an annex and will be excluded from the 40-page limitation of the technical proposal. The RFP has been amended to reflect this.

90. If the Past Performance Short-Form remains required, can USAID confirm that Part II – Performance Assessment (to be completed by the Agency) should be left blank?

91. Section L.7.2 page 81 states, “(c) Describe any quality awards or certifications that indicate exceptional capacity to provide the service or product described in the statement of work. This information is not included in the page limitation.” Section L.6 page 79 states that:

“(iv) Cover letter, Table of Contents, Acronym list, and Executive Summary do not count against the 40- page limitation….

(v) Any page in the technical proposal that contains a table, chart, or graph, not otherwise excluded above, is subject to the page limitation.”

Can USAID please confirm that the quality awards or certifications portion of Factor 4 is excluded from the 40-page limitation?

92. Page 78, Section L.3 states, “All offerors must submit a proposal for the Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting task order following the instructions in Section L. The Government evaluation of the IDIQ will consider offerors responses to the Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting task order in accordance with section L and M.” As Section M includes evaluation criteria related to both the IDIQ and the Task Order, could USAID please confirm that Offeror’s proposal should cover both the Monitoring, Verification, and Reporting Task Order and the overall IDIQ requirements (per Section C)?

RESPONSE: USAID confirms the Offeror’s proposal should cover both the Task Order and the overall IDIQ requirements

93. Section C.2.2. Expected Standards, point 1): Please confirm that the policies and requirements included in the Automated Directive System (ADS) are USAID’s internal guidance and do not apply to Contractors.

RESPONSE: Yes, as per the RFP language, work performed is expected to comply with

ADS guidance.

94. Seeking exception to the 40-page limit to the Technical Volume, as listed on Pg. 79 (L.6), can maps be submitted as annexes to preserve readability?

RESPONSE: No

95. Can USAID please confirm that Section L.8 Part 3 – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors and Section L.7.1 requirement to list the DUNS and TIN number requirement on cover page is only required from the Offeror and Major Subcontractors (25% or more of the total price)?

96. Requiring Section K for all planned subcontractors could significantly limit offerors’ abilities to bring in new partners that would be highly beneficial to the project in line with USAID New Partnership Initiative. If these sections apply to non-major subcontractors, can USAID kindly confirm it is acceptable for non-major subcontractors to submit a pending SAM.gov and/or DUNS registration status under this proposal, on the assumption that their registration will be processed prior to the award date?

RESPONSE: USAID confirms this is acceptable.

97. Can USAID confirm the regions where it currently develops and implements its activities in Somalia?

_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1860/Fact_Sheet_-_Somalia_Overview_February_2020.pdf

98. Page 104 of the RFP states, "As a part of its assessment, the Contractor will consider the need for a Mission managed database. If determined (with USAID approval) that a database is necessary, the Contractor must determine design requirements and procure a user-friendly, cost-effective product." Can USAID confirm that this database, if needed, will be procured outside of this first Task Order and that it should not be included in the IDIQ and Task Order #1 budget?

RESPONSE: The database is a task order #1 cost.

99. Does USAID have a preferred software or tool that the contractor should utilize for the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT)?

RESPONSE: USAID currently manages the IPTT in Microsoft Excel.

100. Page 82, under labor costs, states, “Compensation, including merit or promotion increases paid to TCN’s and CCN’s may not, without the approval…