Attachment 1 - Questions_Amendment 0001.pdf

Market Systems & Resilience Activity Solicitation - Questions from Industry - Amendment 0001 # Question Answer

On the cover page it states that the NAICS code for this contract is 541990, and Section K.2 (page 97) states the NAICS code is 541618. Could USAID please clarify the applicable NAICS code for this contract?

The NAICS code contained in Section K.2 of the amended RFP was updated to 541990.

2 In Section L.6(4)iii.(B) (page 130), offerors are instructed to “provide a list of three

(3) recent contracts within the past five (5) years for which you submitted subcontract reports to eSRS (FAR 52.219-9(d)(10) and a copy of any similarly recent subcontracting reports if they were not submitted to eSRS.” In addition to our subcontract reports submitted through the eSRS, our hardcopy subcontracting reports (SF-294s) for the past five years total 129 pages and comprise 1.98 MB.

As such, we request that the requirement to submit recent subcontracting reports not in the eSRS be removed, and to only submit the list of three recent contracts.

This section was revised to state "or" versus "and" so it can account for those who did not report in eSRS. Please note that Annex F contains no page limitation.

3 Section L.7.3.5(b) (page 135) states, “Offerors must propose travel costs as a unit cost per trip (or per day for Regional Travel) where the unit cost is inclusive of all appropriate travel cost elements (i.e., airfare, meals, lodging, and other miscellaneous travel expenses).” This section further states, “The Offeror must create a single separate Excel tab ‘Travel Detail’ that breaks down total proposed travel costs as specified in Attachment J-2, Budget Template, to allow the CO to determine the reasonableness and realism of the proposed costs.” However, in answers to questions on RFP No.: 72064120R00001, Offerors were given the option to bypass the “Travel Detail” tab, and just present all the detailed travel costs under the “Travel category” in the detailed tab. Can USAID please confirm that offerors may follow the same guidance for the preparation of this budget?

Yes, this same procedure may be used if it contains adequate detail in order for the Contracting Officer to make a fair and reasonable price determination.

4 Section L.7.3.6 (page 135) requires that offerors “include details such as year, make, model, size, and any other relevant characteristics to support proposed cost” for equipment over $5,000. However, this requirement may contradict vendor-neutral procurement policy focused on project requirements and specifications paired with competition in an effort to provide USAID with the best value. Providing manufacturer and model/brand names for equipment at the proposal stage may impede procurement on a competitive basis upon award, in compliance with applicable FAR and USAID regulations. We request that the requirement for offerors to include year, make, and model characteristics be removed so that the selected contractor can provide specific manufacturer and model/brand names during project implementation as a result of competitive procurement procedures.

This requirement is included so USAID can analyse the basis for your proposed price in order to assess fairness and reasonableness of costs. Post award, the Contractor is encouraged to use competitive procurement procedures.

5 What is the procedure for getting a waiver on the acquisition of fertilizers and pesticides?

Please refer to ADS 312.3.3.7 for waiver procedures for the acquisition of fertilizer and ADS 312.3.3.5 for waiver procedures for the acquisition of pesticides.

6 Do agricultural drones fall under the restricted surveillance equipment? Per ADS 312.3.4.2 "Surveillance Equipment," all types of surveillance equipments are ineligible for USAID financing.

7 Can the documentary series include success stories from other USAID programs to raise awareness and show the people of Ghana the level of impact the US government is looking to have in Ghana?

Offerors are encouraged to provide a response that best meets the requirements; hence, the use of performance based acquisitions approach (Statement of Objectives and Performance Work Statement).

8 What information and data can we access from the previous and active programs, so we supplement their efforts with our capabilities to avoid duplicity of effort and guarantee continuity of effort for greater result?

Offeror's may access USAID's development experience clearinghouse using the following link for previous project and activity records: https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx

9 How many GUC’s can be awarded, and should there be payback terms associated to them?

There is no limit to the number of GUCs that offeror can propose -- see response to Question 7 above. Please review ADS 303.3.24 for a better understanding of grants and ADS 302.3.4.13, which defines GUCs. Grants should not contain payback terms.

10 Is there a threshold on the amount of land that can be purchased and who is supposed to retain ownership of the purchased assets?

See response to Question 7.

11 Can GUC be awarded to startups for the development of concepts, and are there timelines for development of applications?

Please refer to the response to question 7 above.

12 What cost sharing proportions are acceptable for GUCs? Please review ADS 303.3.10, which states the following:

"There is no set formula for cost sharing. There is not a suggested numeric reference point. Cost sharing should be based on the needs or purpose of the activity."

13 Where can we access final reports for past activities and programs for analysis on effectiveness of interventions and areas we can take up for continuity of effort?

Please see the response to Question 8 above.

14 When are the results of the environmental examination on proposed projects expected and can they be carried out in line with the project schedule i.e., if the project is scheduled for 2023, the environmental examination can be conducted in 2022 or all examinations should form part of the mobilization plan?

See Attachment J-5, Programmatic Initial Environmental Examination - Ghana Food Security Project. Also see Section H.22 Environmental Compliance and Section F.5 Reports, Plans and Other Deliverables concerning Annual Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Report.

https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx

15 Can the contract use the program to support subsidy efforts of the government i.e., the providing inputs through initiatives like the Planting For Food and Jobs Program?

Rather than direct support to subsidy efforts, USAID prefers to strengthen the enabling environment for market actors to invest more in goods and services and align activity interventions with the government of Ghana’s transformation strategy and priorities such as Planting for Food and Jobs.

However, offerors are encouraged to provide a response that it believes best meets the requirements; hence, the use of performance based acquisitions approach (Statement of Objectives and Performance Work Statement).

16 Can an exemption be made for the contractor to use the program to provide equipment for law enforcement activities if they are intended to aid the customs process?

Yes, please review ADS 302.3.4.13(b)(1).

17 Page 35, Section H.4, Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation Part a.1 states that “creation of new administrative nonprofessional positions does not require USAID input.” This implies that USAID input is required for professional positions; however, there is no mention of requiring USAID approval or input for professional positions, only that the Contractor establish a realistic and reasonable range for the responsibilities of each position. Would USAID please confirm that approval of or involvement in the Contractor’s salary scale is not anticipated?

USAID removed "creation of new administrative nonprofessional positions does not require USAID input."

USAID does not anticipate involvement in the Contractor's salary scale.

18 Page 38, Section H.6, Additional Requirements for Personnel Part c states, “The Contractor must seek prior approval of the CO for the replacement of all employee(s) if the compensation for the replacement employee(s) exceeds compensation already approved at the time of the base award execution.” We kindly request that USAID revise this to state that CO approval is required for replacement of employees only if the compensation for the replacement employee exceeds the established salary range for the position, based on the requirements of Clause H.4.

Section H.6 was revised, per your suggestion as follows: "(c) The Contractor must seek prior approval of the Contracting Officer for the replacement of all employee(s) if the compensation for the replacement employee(s) exceeds compensation already approved at the time of the base award execution the established salary range for the position (see Clause H.4)."

19 Page 58, Section H.21, Grants Under Contracts Part b states, “As required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), Part 200.308(c)(1)(vi) of Title 2 of the C.F.R, and Chapter 303.3.21a of the Automated Directives System (ADS), when the Agency approves a sub-award equal to or greater than $25,000 under an assistance instrument (GUC), the Contractor must report the grant through the Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS).

Specifically, the Contractor must report each action that obligates $25,000 or more in funds, not including Recovery Funds, for a sub-award to an entity.” FAR 52.204- 10 and the FSRS.gov website indicates that first-tier subcontracts under Prime Contracts require submission if greater than $30,000. However, grants (assistance) under Prime Contracts do not require submission.” Would USAID please clarify the ceiling for this solicitation?

Section H.21 was revised to account for the recent change in threshold, which is now $30,000.

20 Page 124, Section L.4, General Instructions to Offerors states, “The Offeror must submit the Technical Volume and Cost Volume in one email as two attachments.”

However, Page 130, Section L.7, Instructions for Preparing the Cost Volume, states that the Cost Volume “must consist of the following separate files: Budget Spreadsheet and Budget Narrative” and that “The Offeror must submit Cost Volume Annexes as separate attachments limited to the following documents with no page limitation.” For ease of submission and USAID’s review, would USAID please confirm that Offerors are required to submit the Technical and Cost Volumes and their respective annexes as one consolidated PDF file?

Please see revisions to Section L.4, which outlines the following: "The Offeror must submit its proposal via the following three attachments: (i) Technical Volume, including Annexes, should be consolidated into one document; (ii) Cost Volume Budget Spreadsheet; and (iii) Cost Volume Budget Narrative, including Annexes, should be consolidated into one document."

21 Page 5, Attachment J-1:Statement of Objectives, Section E. Results and Indicators states “Contractors may propose in the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan additional FTF and custom indicators and associated targets, as long as they are well-aligned with the contract objectives and expected results.”

Would USAID please confirm that Offerors can propose additional FTF and custom indicators and associated targets with the Technical Proposal?

Please adhere to Section L.6.3.b. of the RFP: "For any proposed additions to the Section F.6 Reporting and Deliverable Matrix, including reports or expected results, the Offeror must propose in Annex G description data regarding that deliverable for insertion into Section F.6 of the contract."

Please note that USAID does not seek FTF and custom indicators as a part of the Technical Proposal. As per Section F.5.B.3 of the RFP, indicators should be contained in the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), a deliverable required post-award.

22 Page 126, Section L.5, Technical Volume Organization, Section (7) Annexes to the PWS, Annex E requires Contractor Performance Information Forms, to be completed in the format of Attachment J-4. Page 128, Section C Contractor Performance Information is required for “the contractor, the contractor teaming arrangements, and each major subcontractor.” To be more inclusive of qualified emerging and smaller contractors, would USAID please consider allowing Past Performance information for subcontractors within the Technical Proposal?

Past performance information should be submitted in Annex E. If the offeror wishes to discuss past performance in the PWS, it may elect to do so as long as the Offeror does not surpass the 20 page limitation.

23 Page 127, Section L.6, Technical Approach Services/Tasks states, “The Offeror may propose a Grants under Contract component. If using this mechanism, the Offeror must define clear criteria and objectives for small grant awards that would require the grants to: i) have financial cost-sharing from recipients, ii) be performance-based (paid based on performance), and iii) be directly linked to one of the proposed objectives.”

a. Would USAID confirm that the term “performance-based grants” refers to fixed-amount awards?

b. Per 2 CFR 200, FAAs cannot include cost share. Would USAID confirm that the Contractor should use “cost leverage” or “cost contributions” in lieu of “cost share”?

a. Yes, performance-based grants refers to fixed-amount awards.

b. Yes, USAID confirms that "cost leverage" can be used for FAAs. Section L.6.2 of the RFP was updated stated "cost contributions."

24 Page 126, Section L.5, Technical Volume Organization part 7, Annex D states, “Each Key Personnel’s signed Letter of Intent must state that the proposed candidate will: 1) be available within three months of project start-up and 2) participate for at least two (2) years post award.” However, Page 17, Section F.4, Key Personnel states, “USAID encourages the use of Ghanaian staff as Key Personnel, either immediately or as part of a transition plan during the life of award.” Would USAID please consider reducing the participation period to one year or 18 months post-award to allow for earlier transition plans to promote local staff more quickly as they are capable?

Thank you for your suggestion. USAID/Ghana's minimum requirements of two years post award still stands.

25 Page 128, Section L.6, Instructions for Preparing the Technical Volume, Part b.

Staffing and Management Approach states under 1(b), “One organizational chart, which reflects proposed roles and responsibilities; the lines of authority and reporting within the Activity (including any subcontractors); and the proposed physical location/duty station of key personnel and senior technical personnel.

Detail on proposed subcontractors, including agreed-upon roles, responsibilities, type and professional level of personnel, and proposed integration and oversight.”

Would USAID please consider removing the requirement to include the details about subcontractor roles, responsibilities, and integration and oversight in the organizational chart, and confirm that these details should be provided in the narrative within the Staffing and Management Plan?

Agreed, please see revised Section L.6.b.1, which allows for offerors to provide details on proposed subcontracts as part of the narrative contained in the Staffing and Management Plan.

26 Page 8, Section B.4, Budget Line Items lists the Grants Under Contract category under the Fixed Fee category. Would USAID confirm that Offerors should apply a fee to the Grants Under Contract Category?

The Offerors should not apply the fixed fee to the GUC line item but may propose a Grant Management Fee to the GUC line item in accordance with their NICRA and organization policy. See this acknowledged in the new GUC section contained in Section L.7.3.11 of the RFP.

27 Pages 128–129, Section L.6.c., Contractor Performance Information states, 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” instructs the Offeror to “Include up to five of the most recent…and relevant contracts….”

a. Would USAID please clarify the requirement for contractor teaming arrangements in this context?

b. Would USAID consider removing the requirement for contractor Performance Information as this information is already required in Annex E and the teaming information will appear in the Budget Narrative?

a. FAR Part 9.6 defines teaming arrangements.

b. Thank you for your suggestions. The requirement remains as is.

28 Page 136, Section L.7.3.8, Subcontracts, part a.2 states “For T&M type subcontracts, Sub-offerors may propose fully burdened T&M labor rates (inclusive of profit) in lieu of unburdened salary rates and associated indirect costs.

Subcontractor T&M rates are not subject to CDRs. The T&M Sub-offeror should break out any subcontractor proposed Equipment, Travel, ODCs, or lower-tier subcontracts as separate items consistent with Attachment J.2, Budget Template.

” Would USAID confirm that Fixed Price and T&M Subcontract information is only required if they are considered major subcontractors with a cost greater than 20 percent of the offeror’s total proposed cost?

It is confirmed that the subcontract detailed budget is only required if it is considered a major subcontractor, with a cost greater than 20 percent of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

29 Pages 136-138, Section L.7.3.8, Subcontracts, part b states “The CO intends to rely on the prime Offeror’s documented evaluation of the proposed subcontractor pricing in accordance with FAR 52.244-2(e)(1) to the maximum extent practicable.

Documenting these items are a material requirement of the solicitation. Insufficient documentation of these items may cause USAID to exclude the Offeror from further consideration for the award. The prime Offeror’s analysis of subcontractor pricing must not exceed 10 pages per proposed subcontract and must be contained as an annex to the Budget Narrative. This page limit does not apply to subcontractor budget narrative submitted by subcontractors and included in the prime’s Cost Volume.” Would USAID confirm that a separate subcontractor price analysis is required for each major subcontractor per FAR 52.244-2(e)(1), limited by 10 pages per subcontractor, in addition to a Budget Narrative for each major subcontractor?

Section L.7.3.8(b) was revised to remove the discussion of FAR 52.244-2(e)(1). This topic is discussion in Section L.11.

Additional, this section was revised to better detail that the subcontractor can submit its budget narrative directly to the procuring Contracting Officer.

30 Page 141, Section L.10, Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offeror states “The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor must complete the abbreviated “Representations, Certification, and Other Statements of Offeror,” as specified in Section K of this solicitation and sign and date on the last page in the space provided.” Would USAID please advise how subcontractors are supposed to complete the Section 889 representations?

Please reference Section H.38 and L.14 of the RFP.

31 RFP Reference: F.4, Page Number: 16, Relevant RFP Language: “(a) The Key Personnel that the Contractor must furnish for the performance of this contract are as follows: {OFFEROR TO PROPOSE – See Section L.6.b(3)}”.

Question 1a: Section F.4 indicates that Offerors should propose Key Personnel and lists four generic positions, with a note to add additional lines as needed.

Could USAID confirm that Offerors must designate a minimum of four positions as Key Personnel and furnish candidates for those positions?

Question 1b: Could USAID confirm that Offerors must propose a maximum of five Key Personne

a. It is at the discretion of Offerors to propose up to five Key Personnel positions that best support the proposed technical approach. Offerors are encouraged to furnish candidates for the proposed Key Personnel positions in accordance with Section L.6.b.2 of the RFP.

b. Per 302.3.5.4(a), offerors are limited to a maximum number of five key personnel.

32 RFP Reference: F.6 Reporting and Deliverable Matrix Page Number: 27 Relevant RFP Language: “A minimum of $183,000,000 value of annual sales by producers and firms.”

Question: Could USAID confirm whether the $183,000,000 target for value of annual sales by producers and firms is meant to be a year 5 target, or a cumulative target for the activity?

$183,000,000 is the cumulative target for the activity.

33 RFP Reference: F.6 Reporting and Deliverable Matrix, Page Number: 27, Relevant RFP Language: “A minimum of 224,000 individuals participating in USG food security program” and “224,000 individuals who applied improved management practices and/or technologies”

Question: In the Reporting and Deliverable Matrix, the anticipated target for individuals participating in USG food security program and individuals applying improved management practices and/or technologies are the same. Please confirm that both targets should be 224,000. Given the definitions of the underlying FTF indicators, and the assumptions that (a) not all individuals participating in the program will be targeted for new management practices/technologies, (b) not all individuals will choose to adopt or apply these practices/technologies, and (c) there may a lag time between introduction and application of these practices/technologies, 224,000 individuals who applied improved management practices and/or technologies seems to be too high. Would USAID consider lowering the figure from 224,000 for individuals who applied improved management practices and/or technologies with USG assistance based on the above-stated assumptions?

This target was calculated based on past experience with the ADVANCE II activity. However, based on other data, USAID/Ghana has lowered the target to individuals participating in USG food and security program to 40% of agricultural households, which is roughly 180,000 individuals.

Based on past experience with ADVANCE II and other activities 100% of all activity participants applied at least one or more improved management practices or technologies.

Therefore, the target for individuals who applied improved management practices and/or technologies remains.

34 RFP Reference: F.6 Reporting and Deliverable Matrix, Page Number: 27, Relevant RFP Language: “$18,500,000 in agriculture-related financing accessed”

Question: Could USAID confirm that the $18,500,000 target for agriculture-related financing is meant to be a cumulative target across all five years of the activity?

$18,500,000 is the cumulative target for the activity.

35 RFP Reference: L.6.b.2, Page Number: 128, Relevant RFP Language: “The Offeror must submit resumes inclusive of a professional biography and references for all personnel (as Annex B of the Technical Volume) it designates as “key”.

Question: Could USAID confirm that offerors should submit three references for each Key Personnel?

Section L.6.b.2 was revised to require three references per Key Personnel. The RFP was updated accordingly.

36 RFP Reference: L.6.c, Page Number: 128-129, Relevant RFP Language: “(1) 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 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost) in accordance with the following: "Attach as Annex E of the Technical Volume Part I of the filled in form contained in Attachment J-4 of the RFP. Include up to five of the most recent (defined as performance within the past five years) and relevant contracts, task orders, grants, or cooperative agreements for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal. The most relevant indicators of performance are contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity.”

Question: Could USAID confirm that offerors may submit performance information for major and non-major subcontractors included as part of our consortium?

Per Section L.6.c of the RFP, past performance information may only be submitted for major subcontractors.

37 RFP Reference: L.6.c.1.i, Attachment J-4, Page Number: 129, 152-153, Relevant RFP Language: “Attach as Annex E of the Technical Volume Part I of the filled in form contained in Attachment J-4 of the RFP.”

Question: For awards listed in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), may offerors delete Part II of the Contractor Performance Information Form to allow more space to describe the project or place Part II on a separate page that does not count against the 3-page limit for each form?

Yes. Please see response to question 60 below.

38 RFP Reference: L.7.2 Microsoft Excel Budget Spreadsheet, Page Number: 131, Relevant RFP Language: “The Offeror must submit only one Microsoft Excel file using the template provided in Attachment J-2, Budget Template, which includes … iii. “Detailed Subcontractor” budget tab for each major Subcontractor budget.”

Question: Could USAID confirm that Offerors only need to submit detailed budgets for major subcontractors?

Yes, per Section L.7.2.(iii).

39 RFP Reference: Attachment J.2 and L.7.2.a, Page Number: 131, Relevant RFP Language: “The Offeror must prepare its budget spreadsheet submission in Excel, compatible with a Microsoft Windows operating environment. The Offeror must submit only one Microsoft Excel file using the template provided in Attachment J-2, Budget Template…”

Question: Can USAID confirm that the budget template (RFP Attachment J-2) may be adjusted to reflect a company’s cost structure?

Offerors are encouraged to use the structure of the budget template contained in Attachment J-2; This is just a template and can be adjusted to accommodate the cost accounting structures of your organization.

40 RFP Reference: L.7.3.5(b), Page Number: 135, Relevant RFP Language:

“Offerors must propose travel costs as a unit cost per trip (or per day for Regional Travel) where the unit cost is inclusive of all appropriate travel cost elements (i.e., airfare, meals, lodging, and other miscellaneous travel expenses).” and “The Offeror must create a single separate Excel tab “Travel Detail” that breaks down total proposed travel costs as specified in Attachment J-2, Budget Template.”

Question: Can USAID clarify if offerors are to propose travel costs as a unit cost per trip, or if they are to break down total proposed travel costs and present it in a detailed fashion as specified in Attachment J-2 Budget Template? May Offerors instead present all the detailed travel costs under the "Travel” category in the detailed tab?

1) Yes, the travel costs can be reflected as a unit cost per trip in the "Detailed" tab and be further broken down in the "Travel" tab.

2) No. The Travel tab should account for detailed travel information and should feed into the "Detailed" tab.

41 RFP Reference: No specific RFP reference, Page Number: No specific page number, Relevant RFP Language: No specific RFP language. Question: The final report for the ADVANCE II project is not available on the DEC. Could USAID please share that report with all Offerors?

The period of performance for ADVANCE II ended 4/30/2021.

The final report is not yet available for upload in the DEC.

42 Page 57, H.21 Grants Under Contracts: According to the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS) and recent Standard Provisions updates, Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations has been updated increasing the subaward reporting requirement for grants from $25,000 to $30,000. Could USAID please confirm awardees will only need to report on GUCs valued at $30,000 or more?

Yes, Section H.21 was revised accordingly.

43 Page 141, L.11 Consent to Subcontract: Please confirm consent is only required for major subcontractors.

No. Consent is required for all subcontracts in accordance with FAR 44.202-2. For major subcontractors, offerors are required to submit detailed budgets. For non-major subcontractors, offerors are required to submit all information in accordance with FAR 44.202-2. If this information is not available at this time, consent will be provided post-award.

44 Considering that there are no locally available alternative telecommunications and data providers in Ghana that are section 889 compliant and considering the uncertainty regarding the current waiver in place to September 2022 and any possible extension, may USAID provide a plug figure for communication costs for the duration of the award?

No. Communication costs should be realistic and serve the needs of the Activity.

45 Can USAID confirm that the Section 889 Foreign Assistance Waiver USAID received from the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for internet and phone services will apply to this award through September 2022? If USAID’s waiver applies to this award and USAID does not provide a plug figure for communications costs, can USAID confirm that offerors are required to budget for VSAT technology and Satellite phones, among other alternatives to prohibited technologies, beyond September 2022?

No. The waiver is valid only through September 2022. As of now, there is no indication that the waiver will be extended.

46 Please confirm that offerors may edit Attachment J.2 Budget Template to better reflect the cost instructions and offerors’ own personnel policies.

RFP section L.7.3.2 Personnel states that offerors “must” use a certain set of sub-grouping under Attachment J.2, but then states groupings that do not match exactly those found in the budget template. Additionally, the cost instructions request sub-groupings for “TCN/CCN long-term professionals” but that may not align with offerors who are proposing “U.S./TCN Expatriate long-term labor”.

See revisions to RFP Section L.4 and L.7.2, which states the template may be modified, but Offerors are encouraged to use the template to the fullest extent possible. In addition, the language in Section L.7.3.2. are sample positions.

47 Please confirm that Annex J is not required if proposed salaries fall within the RFP provided Ghana daily salary rate ranges.

RFP section L.7.3.2 Personnel, states under (j) CCN/TCN personnel (page 133) that if offerors propose salaries within the daily salary rate ranges provided for Ghana, that proposed rate will be considered reasonable and realistic and no further substantiation is required from the Offeror. However, on the next page (pg.

134) cost instruction within the same cost category (n) Salary ranges for ALL proposed professional positions must be certified by the Contractor and submitted as Annex J of the cost proposal. These two instructions are seemingly in conflict with one another.

It is confirmed that Annex J is not required if proposed salaries fall within the RFP provided Ghana daily salary rate ranges. Section L.7.3.2 was updated accordingly.

48 Budget template per Attachment J.2: Travel Cost Category.

a. Please confirm that offerors under the detailed budget worksheet may simply link to the supplemental Travel Detail worksheet and provide no further information on the overall detailed budget page.

b. Additionally, the detailed budget worksheet includes a row for “Per Diem” which is already included in the “International” and “Local” travel rows/and supplemental travel tables subtotals. Please confirm that row may be deleted.

c. Please confirm that offerors may delete “Regional Travel” row as in-country regional travel is incorporated into the Domestic Travel budget, and regional travel from nearby countries would be under the International Travel budget.

a) Please see answer to question 43. b) Yes. Delete it if it is not necessary for your budgeting. c) Yes, the regional travel row can be deleted and offerors may show only international and domestic travel rows.

49 Budget template per Attachment J.2: detailed worksheet(s) contains both a column for “Units” and a column for “LOE/Quantity”. As these are the same, please confirm if offerors may delete the “Units” column and offer in the budget narrative any further explanation on quantities proposed (if needed).

The "Units" column may not be needed when budgeting under the LABOR category, but it will be needed when budgeting under other cost categories, such as travel, equipment etc.

50 RFP Section L.7.3.9 CONSULTANTS (g) asks for TCN/CCN consultants, offerors are to adhere to the FSN levels but also to support the rate(s) with biodatas “with appropriate consultant rate history provided”. Please confirm that this is not required if using the FSN levels, and that discussion of CCN consultant prices may be omitted in Annex K. As stated earlier in the RFP, per in section L.7.3.2 Personnel (j) CCN/TCN personnel, the FSN salary ranges were established using market data and will be considered fair and reasonable with no further discussion by offeror required.

Yes, TCN and CCN consultancy rates that fall within the FSN salary ranges are considered fair and reasonable. However, the if the offeror, at this time, is proposing a specific consultant, the offeror must provide justification why the individual falls within a specific range of the LCP.

51 The Budget template includes a cost category “Equipment and Supplies” but lists supplies item (office supplies) under ODCs. The subcontractor detailed budget also only states “Equipment”. Please confirm if offerors are to change the cost category to state simply “Equipment” and to budget accordingly.

Offerors can separate "Equipment" and "Supplies" as needed.

52 The Ghana salary ranges provided in the RFP are stated in USD. AIDAR 722.170 paragraph (b), referenced in the RFP just before the provided salary ranges, requires TCN and CCN employees to be paid in the currency of the cooperating country. Will USAID please provide the salary ranges equivalent in local currency, or provide the exchange rate used to develop the USD salary ranges table?

https://www1.oanda.com/currency/converter/ Please use the above link to view rates, and use the rate listed on the RFP release date of April 20, 2021, which was $1 US Dollar (USD) = 5.76414 Ghanaian New Cedi (GHS)

53 Please confirm if the five-page limitation for L.9 Evidence of Responsibility includes the prime and all subcontractors, or for each.

This five page limitation was removed in Section L.9. As per Section L.7.1.b.iii, there is no page limitation to the Annexes submitted for the Cost Volume.

54 Annex I Certification of covered telecommunications equipment or services representation – as the representation is part of section K (Annex B), please confirm that Annex I then is for the waiver (if any) requested by offerors.

The information contained in Annex I must adhere to Section L.14, "Waivers Under FAR Part 4.2101 Prohibition on Covered Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services and Equipment." It is only required if an offeror certifies that it "does" use covered telecommunications equipment or services.

55 Please confirm Annex N – Other may be allowed for the cost proposal to include all other cost elements requested in the RFP, such as copies of NICRAs.

Section L.7.1.b.iii of the RFP was updated to include an Annex N for submission of the NICRA documents or other documentation from its cognizant U.S. Government audit agency, if any.

56 L.7.3.7 Program Activities Costs states “This cost element must also include a line item for “Grants Under Contract” if applicable”. The Budget Template however has a separate cost category for GUCs. Please confirm offerors are to budget GUCs under that separate cost category, and not under Program Activities. This is linked to Question XXX.

The requirement to include GUCs under "Program Activities Costs" was deleted, in Section L.7.3.7(a). The GUCs line item should be a separate cost category per the template.

57 L.7.3.7 Program Activities Costs describes annual program activity costs (must use Program Activities detailed budget template) and participant and non-participant-based program activities (can use lump amounts with details in the budget notes). Could USAID please clarify what the difference is and why the variation in cost data is required.

Please see adjusted L.7.3.7 in the RFP.

58 Section L.6.c, Contractor Performance Information (page 129), states “For all awards listed in Annex E that have confirmed CPARS records, please include a copy of the CPARS record in Annex E, if available.” Can USAID please confirm that for each award listed in Annex E, only the most recent CPAR is required?

It is confirmed that Offerors should submit the most recent past three years of CPARS records. See revision in the RFP (Section L.6.c.1.ii.).

59 Section L.5 (Page 126) states “The cover letter must include the information required by FAR 52.215-1(c)(2).” FAR 52.215-1(c)(2) requires that “ (2)The first page of the proposal must show– (i) The solicitation number; (ii) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the offeror (and electronic address if available); (iii) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item; (iv) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and (v) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.”

a. Can USAID please confirm that information required by FAR 52.215-1 (c)(2) can be included on the Cover Page instead of the Cover Letter?

b. Additionally, can USAID please confirm that facsimile numbers of the offeror and facsimile numbers of the persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf are not required?

a. See revision to Section L.5, page 126, which requests the information contained in FAR 52.215-1(c) in the cover page.

b. See above response.

60 Section L.5 (Page 126) states “Contractor Performance Information Form (see Attachment J-4) [3 pages each maximum],” and that offerors should Attach as Annex E of the Technical Volume Part I of the filled in form contained in Attachment J-4 of the RFP.” In order for offerors to include the relevant performance information within this form, can USAID please confirm that only Part I of the Contractor Performance Information Form is subject to the 3 page limitation?

It is confirmed that only Part I of the CPI Form is subject to the 3 page limitation. See revisions to Section L.5 in RFP.

61 RFP section L.8 FAR 52.232-28 INVITATION TO PROPOSE PERFORMANCE- BASED PAYMENTS – please confirm which annex this is supposed to be added to in the cost proposal.

For this award, performance-based payments are linked to the offeror's proposed "Fixed Fee." Please submit performance-based payments in Annex A to the Cost Volume IAW Section L.7.3.12.

62 RFP section L.8 FAR 52.232-28 INVITATION TO PROPOSE PERFORMANCE- BASED PAYMENTS – Given that performance-based payments tends to be only apply to fixed price contracts, could USAID confirm that this FAR clause does not apply to the solicitation?

This provision was selected IAW prescription 32.1005(b)(1), which states: "Insert the solicitation provision at 52.232-28, Invitation to Propose Performance-Based Payments, in negotiated solicitations that invite offerors to propose performance-based payments."

63 Section B.4 Budget Line Items states that offerors must set aside at least 10-15% of the overall budget for grants under contract (GUCs). Section L.6.a Technical Approach states that “the Offeror may propose a Grants under Contract component.” Could USAID clarify if offerors must propose a GUC component as part of their approach and whether it must total at least 10-15% of the overall budget, or if offerors can decide whether or not to include GUCs (and the total value of GUCs) as part of their proposed approach?

Section B.4 was revised to clarify this is an optional approach.

Note the budget format was also revised to align with Attachment J-2.

64 Section L.6(a) Technical Approach states that in Annex G (Additions to Section F.6 Reporting and Deliverable Matrix), for any proposed additions to the matrix including reports or expected results, offerors must propose “description data regarding that deliverable for insertion into Section F.6 of the contract”. Could USAID offer further detail and clarification regarding what offerors should provide in terms of “description data”?

Please provide the enough data to respond to the columns contains in the Section F.6 Matrix. If proposing an additional report, please provide enough detail to explain the proposed report so that USAID may insert this detail in section F.5. If proposing an additional result, please provide enough detail to justify this addition.

65 Section L.6.a Technical Approach states that the PWS must be written from the perspective of USAID using “the Contractor must” rather than “we will” language.

Does this apply to the Staffing and Management Plan as well?

No, this only applies to the PWS because this document will be incorporated into the award, whereas the Staffing and Management Plan will not. However, do note that if offeror's use "may" or "should" language in the Staffing Plan, it could create ambiguity and lack of commitment to what is being proposed. In other words, the Offeror is encouraged to use "we will" or "we must/shall" statements.

66 Section L.6.a states that results identified by the offeror “should be directional, actionable, clear, include the target beneficiary, and together clearly form a theory of change linked to the SOO purpose and objectives.” Could USAID clarify what is meant by “directional” results?

Removed "directional" from the text in this section; please see revised RFP. Please note that this section of the RFP was revised to enforce the use of all minimum Results contained in the SOO.

67 Section L.8.(a) Invitation to Propose Performance-Based Payments states that “the Government invites the Offeror to propose terms under which the Government will make performance-based contract financing payments during contract performance. The Government will consider performance-based payment financing terms proposed by the Offeror in the evaluation of the Offeror’s proposal.

The Contracting Officer will incorporate the financing terms of the successful Offeror and the FAR clause, Performance-Based Payments, at FAR 52.232-32, in any resulting contract.”

Since the RFP calls for a CPFF completion type contract (sections B.2 and B.5 with references to FAR 52.216-7), can USAID please clarify what Section L.8(a) means for the evaluation factors of the cost proposal? Is this section relevant for the fixed fee schedule only or for the full contract?

This section is relevant to the fixed fee schedule only. The proposed fixed fee schedule will be reviewed from a cost realism standpoint.

68 L.7.3.8 Subcontracts (b) asks for “the prime Offeror’s analysis of subcontractor pricing” as an annex to the Budget Narrative. Price analysis of subcontractor budgets is included in the Consent to Subcontract; would submitting Consent to Subcontract for each subcontractor, providing analysis of prices on subcontractor budgets, satisfy this requirement? If not, can USAID please share a template or example of what specifically it is looking for in terms of price analysis of subcontractor budgets?”

Please see the response to Question 29.

69 Under Section L.9 Evidence of Responsibility, is the limit of 5 pages for demonstrating Evidence of Responsibility meant to be 5 pages for each Offeror and each subcontractor, or is the limit meant to combine documentation of Evidence of Responsibility for an Offeror and all of its partners within no more than 5 pages total?

Please see the response to Question 53.

70 Section E of the SOO lists results and indicators including the minimum result of 224,000 individuals participating in a USG food security program. Given the total population of 1.7 million inhabitants in the ZOI according to Government of Ghana statistics, after subtracting for non-farming populations (old, young, and urban residents) the total of 224,000 individuals participating in the program seems high.

Does USAID have data that can be shared with offerors on the potential number of individuals who could participate in MSR from within the 17 ZOI districts?

Below is a summary (the data can be found in the newly added Attachment J-7_Data for Proposed Targets for MSR):

1. Total population of people in the FTF Phase 2 Zone of Influence (P2-ZOI) - 1,747,673

2. Number of household dwellings in the P2-ZOI - 187,048

3. Average household size in the P2-ZOI - 6.8

4. Number of agricultural household dwellings - 150,966

5. Projected population of people in agricultural households - 1,026,569

6. Number of agricultural household members engaged in agriculture - 449,153 The target of 224,000 wass based on the MSR activity reaching at least 50% of the agricultural household members who are engaged in agriculture. These are the adult household members only. However, after further review, USAID/Ghana reduced the target by 10%, i.e. 180,000 or 40% of the population in agriculture.

71 Section E of the SOO also includes a minimum result of 224,000 individuals in the agriculture system who have applied improved management practices or technologies with USG assistance – or 100% of the individuals participating in the program. Based on actual experience in dozens of similar projects, the transformation rate from those “participating” to changing their behavior to “adopting” improved practices is only a portion of participants (usually 70%-80%).

Therefore, the projected 100% of those being exposed to new ideas and approaches through participation in MSR to those actually having applied improved management practices or technologies with USG assistance is very ambitious.

Can USAID provide a different result target for this indicator, or offer further explanation as to why 224,000/100% transformation is the expected minimum lt?

USAID/Ghana's learning from the ADVANCE II activity results is that 100% of all participants reached by the activity applied at least one or more improved management practice or technology. Targeting 100% of all project participants to apply at least one or more improved management practices or technologies is doable. See tab 1 (ADVANCE II Actuals) in Attachment J-7_Data for Proposed Targets for MSR, which stem from the ADVANCE II award.

72 Section L.6, part a(2), page 127 reads “the Offeror must use language of mandatory obligation (‘must’ versus ‘will’, ‘should’, or ‘may’)”. It is our understanding that “will” is of mandatory obligation. Please clarify if the PWS may utilize the term “will” in addition to “must”.

Please adhere to the direction in Section L.6 and employ "must" statements only to clearly define the contractor's obligation for meeting the performance requirements.

73 At H.6(c) it is stated that the Contractor must obtain Contracting Officer prior approval for compensation of replacement personnel that exceeds the rate of compensation approved at the time of the base award. AIDAR 752.7007 “Personnel Compensation” and the cost principles at FAR Part 31 and Subpart E of 2 CFR 200 do not require such Contracting Officer approval. As such, H.6(c) seems to encompass regulatory authority over and above that stated in the regulations and may interfere with a Contractor complying with its established personnel policies as required by AIDAR 752.7027. Would USAID consider removing this prior approval requirement for the salaries of replacement personnel?

Please see the response to question 18.

74 Can USAID please confirm the intended differences between the Ghana Trade and Investment Activity Objective A: Quality standards in domestic value chains improved and enforced and Ghana Market Systems and Resilience Activity Objective 4: Improve the enabling environment for local market actors?

The Market Systems and Resilience Activity Objective 4 will support policy development to improve the functioning of markets with respect to risk reduction and management, business performance, and opportunities for market growth and continuity in the face of shocks and stresses. Whereas the Trade and Investment Activity Objective A aims to help stakeholders improve sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) measures in Ghana to facilitate market access and help the GOG to implement science-based SPS standards, as agreed to under the World Trade Organization.

75 Attachment J-1, Statement of Objectives, Page 1 states, “The target crops for the Feed the Future MSR Activity are staple crops, such as maize, soybean, groundnut, and cowpea, and high-value export-oriented crops, such as horticulture, shea, and other tree crops.”

a. Can USAID clarify according to this target crop list that MSR should focus on horticulture only for export and not for domestic markets?

b. Can USAID clarify according to this target crop list that MSR should focus on tree crops only for export and not for domestic markets?

Attachment J-1, Statement of Objectives, Page 1 states that horticulture and tree crops are "export-oriented crops"; this does not mean "only for export". Offerors are encouraged to provide a response that it believes best meets the requirements; hence, the use of performance based acquisitions approach (Statement of Objectives and Performance Work Statement).

76 Attachment J-1, Statement of Objectives, Page 5: The minimum result for FTF indicator “EG.3.2-27 Value of agriculture-related financing accessed as a result of USG assistance” is “$18,500,000 in financing accessed”.