Attachment 1 - Responses to Questions and Amendment to the Request for Proposal.pdf

Solicitation 72064121R00006 Amendment 3

ATTACHMENT 1

Responses to Questions and Amendment to the Request for Proposal

A. THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Please clarify if a major subcontractor is defined at 10% or 20% of the total proposed cost, and whether the total proposed cost definition for major subcontractors is inclusive of the $10 million grants. Could USAID also confirm that Offerors are only required to submit detailed budgets for major subcontractors?

USAID’s Response: A major subcontractor is defined as 20% of the total cost inclusive of grants under contracts. The offeror is required to submit detailed budgets for its major subcontractors. The offeror may choose to submit a detailed budget for subcontractors not considered “major” if the offeror would like that subcontractor approved at time of award.

2. Page 8 of the SOO states that under Objective 1, Interventions in support of this objective will primarily contribute to achieving Intermediate Results 2.1 (and 3.1), however page 6 indicates that the RING II activity will achieve Intermediate Results 1.3, 2.2, 3.1, and 3.3.

Can USAID confirm if Page 8 is a typo and the correct IR under Objective 1 is 2.2?

USAID’s Response: USAID’s Response: Page 8 is in error. The sentence on page 8 will be corrected by this amendment to read: “Interventions in support of this objective will primarily contribute to achieving strategic Intermediate Results 2.2 and 3.1 of the USAID/Ghana Country Development Cooperation Strategy.”

3. On page 139, Past Performance: Can USAID please clarify that, applicants may submit 5 total contracts and/or assistance agreements for the consortium as a whole, or 5 each per offeror and major subcontractor?

USAID’s Response: The offeror shall provide no more than five (5) past performance references consisting of the most relevant contracts and/or assistance agreements. The limitation of 5 is for the consortium as a whole and not 5 for the prime and 5 for each subcontractor.

4. Can USAID confirm that contracts and agreements offered as past performance references are not restricted to U.S. Government-funded contracts / agreements?

USAID’s Response: No. Past performance references are not limited to US Government funded instruments.

5. Can USAID please clarify if Ministry sub-departments or faculties within academic institutions are considered separate entities for the purposes of granting?

USAID’s Response: Yes. As stated on page 9 of the SOO, “The Contractor may utilize a Grants Under Contract to introduce local, non-governmental entities to USAID programming in accordance with the principles of the New Partners Initiative.” Therefore, Ministry sub-departments would not receive grants at all. No grants to the government will be given through the Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING) II – Systems Strengthening Activity.

As for academic institutions, the grant should be made with the academic institution, not the individual faculties. The program description under the grant should specify which faculties will receive grants.

6. Could USAID please advise if there is a preferred structure or way of organizing the Performance Work Statement as detailed on pg 137?

USAID’s Response: Please follow the instructions in the RFP. There is no additional preferred submission method.

7. In Section L.10, USAID states “Part 3 - Annexes: The Offeror must submit a detailed version of its summary budget for the full period (Base years plus the two one-year option periods plus the three increased quantity options) of performance.” Can USAID please clarify the meaning of “three increased quantity options”? Additionally, are the “two one-year option periods” included in the 5-year timeline or are they in addition to the five years (five years + two option years)?

USAID’s Response: This activity is for a five-year period of performance. The mention of option periods and increased quantity options is in error. USAID will amend the RFP to remove this reference.

8. In Section L.10, USAID states, “Part 3 - Annexes: Offeror must submit Cost Proposal Annexes as separate attachments limited to the following.” Can USAID please clarify if each annex must be submitted as a separate PDF attachment or if the annexes may be included in the fully compiled cost proposal?

USAID’s Response: The cost proposals are submitted separate from the technical proposals. As stated in the RFP, the cost annexes must be submitted as separate PDF files.

9. In Section L.10., USAID requests the submission of “Annex 7 Subcontracting Plan - (See Template J.8)’’ as part of the cost proposal. In Section L.9, page 136, USAID also requests the submission of “Annex F: Subcontracting Plan” as part of the technical proposal. Can USAID please clarify if the same Subcontracting Plan should be submitted in both the cost proposal and technical proposal and if Template J.8 should be used for both?

USAID’s Response: Subcontracting Plan should be submitted as Annex 7 as a part of the Cost Proposal. The reference to Annex F will be corrected by amendment.

10. In Section L.10, USAID states “The preferred method for submission of certifications and other statement is to complete the statements at the USG Online (SAM - System for Award Management) Website at http://www.governmentcontractorregistration.org/index.html, the signed and dated printout must then be submitted with the proposal as an annex (see Attachment J.4 Section K).” Can USAID please clarify this statement given that Attachment J.4 was included in the RFP package as the “LCP Salary Scale Effective 2020”?

Additionally, the url link provided does not seem to be active. Can USAID please clarify if offerors and each proposed subcontractor should use a different link or fill out the Section K on pages 111-125?

USAID’s Response: The correct link is: https://sam.gov/content/entity-landing. This paragraph is corrected by amendment to reflect: The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor shall complete all "Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror". All Offerors and subcontractors must register with the Government Contractor Registration (SAM).

The preferred method for submission of certifications and other statements is to complete the statements at the USG Online (SAM - System for Award Management) Website at https://sam.gov/content/entity-landing. The printout must then be submitted with the cost proposal.

11. Can USAID please confirm if letters of commitment are required from each proposed subcontractor as part of the cost proposal?

USAID’s Response: The RFP does not require letters of commitment from subcontractors.

12. Page 39, Section H.3 Subcontracting Requirements, d) iv states that “A copy of the Lebanon business license (Lebanon firms only)” is required. Can USAID please confirm whether copies of Ghana business licenses are required for this proposal?

USAID’s Response: The reference to Lebanon is in error and will be corrected by amendment.

To confirm, a copy of a business license is not required.

13. Can USAID Confirm if an Executive Summary is permitted in the Technical Proposal, and if so, if the Executive Summary has a page limit that would not be included in the overall 20page limit of the Technical Approach section?

USAID’s Response: The RFP does not require an executive summary. If an offeror decides to submit an executive summary, it will count against the 20page technical proposal limitation.

14. M.4 Technical Evaluation Criteria: Can USAID confirm that the sub-criteria under the Technical Approach have equal weight under that criterion, and the sub-criteria under the Personnel, Management and Monitoring Approach have equal weight under that criteria?

USAID’s Response: The technical criteria, including sub-criteria, are weighted equally.

http://www.governmentcontractorregistration.org/index.html http://www.governmentcontractorregistration.org/index.html https://sam.gov/content/entity-landing

15. Does the 10 million budget line for GUCs include management, selection of, and/or wrap-around TA to support the local organizations?

USAID’s Response: No. Please see that there is a separate budget line for grants management fee.

16. Are Offerors permitted to include waiver requests as an annex?

USAID’s Response: Offerors may mention the need for a waiver request or indicate “subject to waiver approval” in the proposal. However, a specific request for waiver should not be submitted with the proposal.

17. Does USAID have a preferred format or template for a detailed level of effort, or can each Offeror include the required Level of Effort information in the Direct Labor section of the Budget Template, Detailed Prime/Subcontractor tabs?

USAID’s Response: USAID does not have a preferred format. Yes, the offeror may include the required Level of Effort information in the Direct Labor section of the Budget Template, Detailed Prime/Subcontractor tabs; however, a detailed level of effort chart must be included in Annex 2 of the cost proposal.

18. On page 146, Policies and Procedures, the RFP states “If the Offeror and/or its major subcontractor(s) does not have prior USAID contracting experience, it shall submit as an annex a copy of its personnel and travel policies, especially regarding salary and wage scales, fringe benefits, merit increases, promotions, leave, differentials, travel and per diem regulations, etc. as indicated above. (Cost Proposal Annexes 3, 4, 5).” Does this therefore imply that if an Offeror does have prior USAID contracting experience that the Offeror is not required to submit Annexes 3, 4, and 5 listed on page 141?

USAID’s Response: If the offeror and its major subcontractors have USAID contracting experience, and its policies have not changed, the offeror does not need to submit its personnel and travel policies as USAID already has the information.

19. The RFP states that the offeror is highly encouraged to include cost share under its proposed Grants under Contract component. Can USAID please clarify the role of cost share in the evaluation of the Technical Approach?

USAID’s Response: The technical proposals will be evaluated based solely on the evaluation criteria, stated in Section M of the RFP. The statement you reference in Section L clearly states that cost share is highly encouraged, but not mandatory.

20. Can USAID provide offerors with a start date for the RING II Activity?

USAID’s Response: The start date is solely dependent on the length of the evaluation process.

However, USAID anticipates an early to mid-2022 start date.

21. The RFP refers to the Activity title as Resilience in Northern Ghana – Health Strengthening (RING II) Activity. The Statement of Objectives refers to the Activity title as Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING) II – Systems Strengthening activity. Could USAID please confirm that the title is Resilience in Northern Ghana – Health Strengthening (RING II) Activity?

USAID’s Response: The title is: Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING) II – Systems Strengthening Activity. The title will be corrected by this amendment.

22. B.7 Payment of Fixed Fee Page 10 states, “(a) Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 will be linked to the conditions and completion of the deliverables and outcomes incorporated in this contract {USAID will incorporate the successful offerors Fixed Fee Schedule as an attachment to the award} and in accordance with the amounts in Sections B.3 and B.4.” Could USAID/Ghana clarify whether CLIN 0002 is the mandatory $10 million Grants Under Contract line item? If so, is this the only line item which would be budgeted for CLIN 0002?

USAID’s Response: The paragraph B.7 Payment of Fixed Fee (a) will be corrected by this amendment. The fixed fee payable under Sections B.3 and B.4 will be linked to the conditions and completion of the deliverables and outcomes incorporated in this contract as stated in Fixed Fee Schedule.

23. L.9 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal May offerors include a cover letter, not to be included in the 20-page limit?

USAID’s Response: Please see “B. Content of Technical Proposal”. The cover page is not included in the page limitation. However, it is limited to 1 page. All other submissions, unless expressly stated as not included, are included in the page Limitation.

24. Draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (pages 138–139) states that the draft AMELP must “clearly identify key output and outcome indicators, including targets, disaggregated by region, to measure success in achieving the objectives as described in the” SOO” and “provide a rationale as to how the proposed targets are realistic and achievable.” Performance Work Statement (page 137) states that the PWS must include “quantifiable results…including the baseline and supporting data relied upon to establish the Offeror’s quantifiable results.” Could USAID confirm that Offerors may justify proposed indicator targets and discuss baseline and supporting data used to establish those targets in the draft AMELP, not the PWS?

USAID’s Response: USAID will remove the requirement for a draft AMELP at the proposal stage in this amendment. USAID will replace the requirement for a draft AMELP at the proposal stage with “Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators.” Offerors may discuss baseline and supporting data used to establish those targets in the Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators section. Please note that the successful offeror WILL be required to develop an AMELP after contract has been awarded.

25. Draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan states that the draft AMELP must “clearly identify key output and outcome indicators, including targets, disaggregated by region, to measure success in achieving the objectives as described in the SOO” and “provide a rationale as to how the proposed targets are realistic and achievable.” Would USAID consider removing the requirement that indicator targets be disaggregated by region at the proposal stage?

USAID’s Response: Please note that the requirement for a draft AMELP has been removed. It has been replaced by the “Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators.” Additionally, indicator targets must be disaggregated by region at the proposal stage.

26. L.10 Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business Proposal What assets, if any, will be made available such as vehicles, equipment, or furniture for this activity? Or should offerors include all costs for procurement in their budget?

USAID’s Response: Offerors should include all costs for procurement in their budget.

27. The RFP states, the Offeror must disclose the total cost of the non-productive, billed workdays after application of the Fringe Benefits rate, overhead, G&A and Fee. Offerors who recover paid absences through the Fringe Benefit rate will also disclose the cost in the same terms, for each year of long-term labor.” Could USAID clarify what is meant by, ``non-productive, billed workday”? Would days not directly billed to USAID (i.e., vacation, sick leave, local and US holidays covered under a company’s indirect rate structure) be considered “non-productive”?

USAID’s Response: Yes. Days that may are directly billed to USAID (i.e., vacation, sick leave, local and US holidays not covered under a company’s indirect rate structure) be considered “non-productive”

28. Attachment J.1 Statement of Objectives Relationship to USAID and other donor-funded programs (page 7) states, “The RING II – Systems Strengthening activity will directly complement a grant to the GoG to administer a grants program to the 17 target districts.” Grants Under Contract (page 11) states, “Grants to non-governmental organizations (nonprofits and for-profits) are anticipated under the RING II – Systems Strengthening activity.” RFP Section F.7 Reports, Plans, and Other Deliverables, C.1

Grants Manual (page 27) states, “The Contractor must submit a Grants Manual outlining the sub-granting process to issue grants to governmental and non- governmental partners'' and “Specifically, the activity will employ GUCs to help develop the capacity of GoG institutions, private sector firms, and associations dedicated to trade and investment.”

Please confirm if grants to the Government of Ghana are anticipated within the RING II activity Grants under Contract component?

USAID Response: Grants to the Government of Ghana (GoG) are not anticipated within the RING II activity Grants under Contract Component. However, while direct funding to the Government of Ghana is not allowed, in-kind support and technical assistance to the GoG is allowed under this activity. The reference to Grants to the Government of Ghana will be corrected in this amendment.

29. Section 4.e of the SOO (page 7) states that this activity will “complement a grant to the GoG to administer a grants program to the 17 target districts.” Section 8 of the SOO (page

11) states that grants to “non-governmental organizations” are anticipated under this activity. Could USAID please provide information on the anticipated government-to-government mechanism and funding levels for the 17 target districts, the objectives, structure, and timing of these district level grants?

USAID’s Response: The anticipated funding is through the Government Treasury. The funding level for the Ministry of Local, Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD), RCC’s and MMDA’s is about $9 million over a period of five years.

There are 3 main objectives:

● Local governments plan, finance and deliver essential services that promote nutrition and household resilience

● Citizens participate in mechanisms to improve delivery of essential services

● National and sub-national levels plan and deliver effective project governance and grant administration Structure: The agreement is with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MoLGDRD) the authority responsible for monitoring the implementation at the Regional and District levels. Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies report directly to the MoLGDRD. The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) monitors implementation at the district level.

Timing: implementation for the Government-to-Government Activity is from 2021 through 2026

30. Desired Outcomes (page 10) lists illustrative indicators related to IR 3.1 and IR 3.3 of the USAID/Ghana Country Development Cooperation Strategy. Could USAID please confirm that offerors may propose alternative indicators if they are in line with these primary outcomes?

USAID’s Response: Yes, Offerors may propose alternative indicators if they are in line with these primary outcomes. As noted in the RFP, “in addition to other reporting requirements, the Contractor will also report on standard indicators in the Standard Foreign Assistance economic growth indicator reference sheets and the Feed the Future Indicator Handbook.” In addition to these indicators, the Offerors may propose additional indicators if they are in line with the primary outcomes stated in the RFP.

31. Attachment J.7 Budget Template May Offerors adjust the USAID-provided cost template (RFP Attachment J.7) to reflect a company’s cost structure? Further, the cost template has separate tabs for both Travel and Program Activities. If offerors submit travel and programmatic activity details in our own budget format comparable to the USAID-provided tabs, can offerors not complete aforesaid Travel and Program Activity tabs if the level of detail is the same?

USAID’s Response: The Budget Template is inserted to facilitate the cost analysis. Offerors are required to complete the mandatory budget template but may adjust the template. However, it is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure all cost information indicated in the template is included.

Cost/budget omissions may not be corrected unless USAID engages in discussions.

32. Section F.4 of the RFP states: “OFFEROR to propose a description of the position, and detail the minimum Education and Experience required for each Key Personnel position - See {L.9}” and includes a table on the following page for offerors to complete.

However, Section L.9 contains no specific instructions regarding inputs to F.4. Please confirm that this information is to be included as an annex to the technical proposal that does not count against the technical proposal page limit.

USAID’s Response: Except for the Chief of Party position, USAID is allowing the offeror to propose the positions it deems as key personnel. For all key personnel positions, the offeror must include the education level and level of experience. The key personnel will be reflected in the F.4 chart at time of award. The offeror will state its key personnel, education, and experience as a part of its technical proposal for evaluation. The key personnel statement of intention and availability must be inserted in Annex C, keeping in mind the one-page limitation.

33. Section F.7.C.1 Grants Manual states that “GUCs must also serve to increase the safety of exported agricultural goods, the efficiency of international trade, the quantity of business investment, and of GoG bodies that seek to boost the safety of the ports.” Could USAID respectfully reconsider this requirement, as it does not align with the activity objectives?

USAID Response: The reference to “GUCs must also serve to increase the safety of exported agricultural goods, the efficiency of international trade, the quantity of business investment, and of GoG bodies that seek to boost the safety of the ports.” is in error and will be corrected by amendment.

34. Annex A, Past Performance Forms, in the technical proposal is not to exceed 5 pages.

Given the length of Attachment J.3, Contractor Performance Information Form, without content added and the requirement to include up to five of the most relevant contracts https://usaidlearninglab.org/library/standard-foreign-assistance-indicators http://agrilinks.org/post/feed-future-indicator-handbook and/or assistance agreements for the prime and each major subcontractor, we respectfully request that USAID expand the page limit for this annex.

USAID’s Response: The RFP will be amended to reflect 5 CPAR reports in Annex A. There is no page limit for Annex A. The only limitation is restricted to five reports. Annex A does not count against the technical page limitation.

35. Section L.9.6 (page 139) states, “The draft AMEL Plan must clearly identify key output and outcome indicators, including targets, disaggregated by region, to measure success in achieving the objectives as described in the SOO.” Could USAID please clarify whether draft AMEL targets must be disaggregated by region or results reported during project implementation must be disaggregated by region?

USAID’s Response: Please see the answer to question 24. Please note that the requirement for a draft AMELP at the proposal stage has been removed. It has been replaced by the “Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators”. Draft targets must be disaggregated by region during the proposal phase. During the project implementation phase, AMEL targets will be disaggregated by district. The geographic area of intervention for the project is in the 17 Zone of Influence districts; thereby, results will be tracked at the district level during project implementation.

36. On the cover page of the solicitation, USAID requires offerors to download and prepare the SF 33 from the GSA website. As offerors typically only fill in boxes 12-18 of the SF 33, and because an SF 33 includes proposal-specific information, would USAID please provide an SF 33 for this proposal? Alternatively, would USAID confirm that an offeror is expected to fill in only boxes 12-18 of the SF 33 and that all other boxes will be completed by USAID?

USAID’s Response: The Offeror must submit Standard Form (SF) 33, "Solicitation, Offer, and Award"], and complete blocks 12 through 18 completed, with an original Signature/digital signature of a person authorized on behalf of the Offeror to sign the offer as stated in Section L.6 and L.10.

37. Would USAID please confirm which cost proposal annex should include the contractor’s compensation plan that is referenced in Section L.10 on page 142?

USAID’s Response: The Contractors compensation plan referenced in Section L.10 on page 142 may be submitted in Annex 5.

38. Section J.2 includes a Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form but this item is not listed as a requirement in Section L.9 or L.10. Could USAID please clarify if this form is required and, if yes, whether from the prime offeror only or also (major) subcontractors? Additionally, please confirm which cost proposal annex should include the completed SF-LLLs.

USAID’s Response: The Disclosure of Lobbying Activities is considered a part of the Representations & Certifications and should be included with the cost proposal in Annex 9 for the prime and major subcontractors.

39. Would USAID please provide an exchange rate to use on this proposal?

USAID’s Response: The exchange rate in Ghana is fairly stable. We use the Bank of Ghana exchange rate to form an acceptable range.

40. Would USAID please confirm the types of organizations that should receive GUCs under the Ghana RING II activity? Additionally, would USAID consider expanding the $10,000,000 grants under contract plug to include subcontracts? Does USAID envision the Grants under Contract mechanism solely to support implementation of Objective 2 interventions, or may offerors propose utilization of Grants under Contract to also achieve results under Objectives 1 and 3 as well?

USAID’s Response: Grants to nongovernmental organizations (non-profits or for-profits) are anticipated under this activity to strategically support local entities to engage in program implementation and strengthen institutional capacity of these entities, which may include host-country faith-based, non-governmental, social enterprises, and for-profit entities.” Grants to government entities will not be allowed under this activity. Section C.1 and H.23 Grants Under Contracts will be revised to reflect this. USAID will not expand the $10,000,000 grants under contract plug to include subcontracts. GUCs may be used across all objectives Please also refer to the answer to questions 28 and 29.

41. In USAID’s update to ADS 302.3.4.13 on July 22, 2021, the value of a grant to a US organization was increased to the simplified acquisition threshold. Will USAID modify the language in section H.23 to incorporate this regulatory update?

USAID’s Response: The RFP was issued prior to the release of this update. USAID will modify the language in Section H.23 to incorporate the regulatory update in ADS 302.3.4.13 at time of award.

42. The United States Federal Register was revised to confirm that the biodata form no longer requires gathering and verifying an individual’s salary history in the most recent preceding three (3) years. Accordingly, we respectfully request the removal of the following literature under L.10, “...salary and/or consultant rate history over the most recent 3 years...”

USAID’s Response: Offerors are allowed to submit a biodata form or sufficient information for USAID to determine that the rate is fair and reasonable. This information must be provided for key personnel and other technical specialists.

43. The RFP states that “The PWS will be inserted in its entirety into Section C. of the contract, so Offerors must not include any language that is proposal-specific.” Would USAID please clarify whether “proposal-specific” means “Proprietary?”

USAID’s Response: As stated, the PWS will be inserted into Section C, and therefore become a part of the contract. The offeror must independently determine if information contained in its proposed PWS should not be released to the general public.

44. Could USAID please confirm that Ghana is considered a footnote E country?

USAID’s Response: If this reference is related to housing allowance. Please review the DSSR for further consideration.

45. Could USAID kindly share Attachment J.9, AMELP Template?

USAID’s Response: The template is attached. Please note that the requirement for a draft AMELP at the proposal stage has been removed. It has been replaced by the “Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators.”

46. Specify which Annex in the Cost Proposal offerors should include a copy of their

NICRA.

USAID’s Response: The NICRA should be submitted with the cost proposal. We do not have a specific annex for the NICRA.

47. Page 24 of the RFP states, “The Contractor must develop a strategy to address gendered constraints and biases that limit access to economic opportunities, including, but not limited to, barriers to accessing finance, forging market linkages, and accessing business advisory services.” Could USAID kindly clarify whether this is meant to say, “The Contractor must develop a strategy to address gendered constraints and biases that relate to nutrition, service delivery, and resilience in northern Ghana” or similar, given that this opportunity is not focused on economic opportunities?

USAID’s Response: The Contractor must first conduct a gender analysis and then develop a strategy to address gendered constraints and biases that limit access to food and hinder household food security. The strategy must take into account gendered constraints that affect adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating women. The gender analysis should consider economic empowerment, economic opportunities (or lack thereof), access to finance, and household decision making power of women and girls. Gender analysis and subsequent strategy must take into account gender gaps in livelihood, health, wellbeing, and education. The strategy should also address gender issues that limit access to nutrition services and the adoption of appropriate nutrition behaviors.

48. Page 9 of the Statement of Objectives notes a linkage between achievement of results under Objective 3 with CDCS Intermediate Result, “Government improves equitable delivery of quality services in agriculture, education, and health.” Could USAID kindly confirm that Objective 3 also contribute to CDCS IR 2.4, which states, “Citizens demand responsive governance?”

USAID’s Response: Yes, Objective 3 does contribute to CDCS IR 2.4. The following language in page 10 of the SOO will be modified to include this.

Page 10 of Attachment J.1 under Objective 3: Interventions in support of this objective will primarily contribute to achieving strategic Intermediate Result 3.1 and 2.4 detailed of the USAID/Ghana Country Development Cooperation Strategy

49. The Instructions for Organization of the Technical Proposal indicated maps, charts, graphs, and exhibits may use a font size smaller than 12 point as long as they are legible without magnification. May offerors use a font size smaller than 12 points for text boxes and tables?

USAID’s Response: Yes, as long as they are legible without magnification

50. In the Annexes table, details of Annex B are titled “Key Personnel CV/Resume and Reference.” Would USAID please confirm that the references for key personnel are to be presented on a page that is separate from the CVs?

USAID’s Response: Each CV is not to exceed 2 pages. The offeror may provide no more than 3 references for each individual. If the reference is included on the same page as the CV, it will count against the 2page limitation.

51. The Statement of Objectives, Objective-1 first paragraph seems to have prioritized DRM for nutrition than other social services like WASH or economic growth. Can USAID confirm that Nutrition is the main target of resilience or if USAID was just using nutrition as an example?

USAID’s Response: Resilience should be crosscutting and not only be limited to nutrition due to the multi-sectoral nature of the activity.

52. For the outcomes listed on page 9 (a through d) of the SOO, does USAID expect the contractor to illustrate how activities are contributing to those outcomes as well as those in section 6 (Desired Outcomes)?

USAID’s Response: Yes.

53. On page 9 it states that GUCs should be used to build the institutional capability and position up to three local entities to be direct recipients of USAID awards by the end of the implementation period. Could USAID please clarify if they are expecting these local entities to be identified at the proposal stage?

USAID’s Response: The organizations could either be identified during the proposal stage or within the first six months after the contract is signed.

54. In the RFP in Section L requests the offeror provide technical content criteria for “Management and Staffing Plan, and Key Personnel”. Section M requests the offeror to respond to the section heading “Personnel, Management and Monitoring Approach.” Does USAID have a preference on the section heading?

USAID’s Response: No. USAID will evaluate the content as stated, and not the heading.

B. CORRECTIONS TO THE RFP ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. The RFP proposal due date is hereby changed from September 13, 2021 at 17:00GMT to September 22, 2021 at 17:00GMT

2. Within the RFP, delete all reference to “RESILIENCE IN NORTHERN GHANA - HEALTH STRENGTHENING (RING II) Activity”, And replace with:

“USAID/Ghana Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING) II – Systems Strengthening Activity”

3. Under Section B.7 Payment of Fixed Fee, delete the paragraph:

(a) Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002 will be linked to the conditions and completion of the deliverables and outcomes incorporated in this contract {USAID will incorporate the successful offerors Fixed Fee Schedule as an attachment to the award} and in accordance with the amounts in Sections B.3 and B.4.

And replace with:

(a) Pursuant to FAR 16.306(d), the fixed fee payable under Sections B.3 and B.4 will be linked to the conditions and completion of the deliverables and outcomes incorporated in this contract as stated in the Fixed Fee Schedule attached to this award.

4. Under Section F.7.C.1 Grants Manual, delete the entire paragraph and replace with:

“The Contractor must submit a Grants Manual outlining the sub-granting process to issue grants to non-governmental partners (including non-profit and for-profit entities) to support approaches under relevant objectives of this activity. Specifically, the activity will employ GUCs to help develop the capacity of private sector, faith-based, non-governmental, social enterprises, In accordance with ADS 302.3.4.13.b (4), the same requirements that apply to USAID executed grants (including the agency policies regarding construction activities in ADS 303, Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations, applicable standard provisions in ADS 303, and ADS 308, Awards to Public International Organizations) apply to grants that a USAID Contractor executes. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that all grants are compliant with these provisions.”

5. In Section H.3 Subcontracting Requirements, (d) (iv), delete:

A copy of Lebanon business license (Lebanon firms only)” And replace with:

(iv) N/A

6. Delete Section H.23 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUCS) in its entirety, and replace with:

H.23 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUCS)

a. Subject to the conditions discussed below, the Contracting Officer may enter into a direct contract that allows the USAID Contractor to execute grants with non-governmental organizations (non-profits or for-profits). The Contractor must comply in all material respects with USAID’s ADS 302.2.4.13 in awarding and administering grants, as well as the Code of Federal Regulations 2 CFR 200.

b. The grant program under the GUC’s authority must meet the following conditions:

(1) Award Amount Thresholds

· Non-Governmental Organizations: The total value of an individual grant to a U.S. NGO must not exceed $100,000. This limitation does not apply to grant awards to non-U.S. NGOs.

(2) It is not feasible to accomplish USAID objectives through normal USAID contract and grant awards because either:

· Executing a number of small grant activities is particularly difficult for the responsible USAID Mission or office, or

· The grant program is incidental and relatively small in comparison to the other technical assistance activities of the contractor.

(2) USAID must be significantly involved in establishing the selection criteria and must approve the recipients. USAID may be less significantly involved when grants are quite small and are incidental to the contractor's technical activities.

(3) Applicable Policies

(i) Non-Governmental Organizations. USAID must ensure that the requirements that apply to USAID executed grants (including the agency policies regarding construction activities in ADS 303, Grants and Cooperative Agreements to Non-Governmental Organizations, applicable standard provisions in ADS 303 are also applied to grants that a USAID contractor executes).

(4) USAID must retain within the contract the ability to terminate the grant activities unilaterally in extraordinary circumstances.

(5) COs must include FAR clause 52.203-16, Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest, and include a statement as part of a Grants Under Contracts provision that the contractor must follow the requirements of the clause in the selection and award of GUCs.

c. USAID does not authorize contractors to execute or administer cooperative agreements on its behalf. USAID does not require HCA approval when a contractor will only be managing or administering grants already awarded by USAID. COs must not award contracts in which the contractor disclaims liability for any GUCs it awards on USAID’s behalf.

d. 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 Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS). Specifically, the Contractor must report each action that obligates $25,000 or more in funds, not including Recovery Funds (as defined in Section 1512(a)(2) of the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5), for https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ282/PLAW-109publ282.pdf https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ282/PLAW-109publ282.pdf https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ282/PLAW-109publ282.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2017-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2017-title2-vol1-sec200-308.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2017-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2017-title2-vol1-sec200-308.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2017-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2017-title2-vol1-sec200-308.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2017-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2017-title2-vol1-sec200-308.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2017-title2-vol1/pdf/CFR-2017-title2-vol1-sec200-308.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/agency-policy/303.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/agency-policy/303.pdf https://www.fsrs.gov/ https://www.fsrs.gov/ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-111publ5/pdf/PLAW-111publ5.pdf a sub-award to an entity. The Contractor must submit this report in FSRS no later than the end of the month following the month in which USAID approved the sub-award. The Contractor has a continuing responsibility to update data on new obligations into sub-awards on the same timeline. If a recipient of funding from USAID fails to comply fully with the mandatory requirements and award terms outlined above, the Agency could impose additional award conditions or take other actions, as appropriate under the circumstances. These actions could include withholding cash payments temporarily pending correction of the deficiency, disallowing all or part of the cost of the activity or action that is out of compliance, suspending (wholly or partly) or terminating the award, withholding further awards for the project or program, and initiating proceedings for suspension and debarment.

NOTE: While GUCS to partner government agencies are not allowed under this activity, in-kind assistance to the government, technical assistance, or other activities by the recipient to or for the benefit of a partner government entity are allowed.”

7. Under Section L.9 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, paragraph

7) PAST PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE SUMMARY, delete the paragraph:

The offeror shall provide summary of its past performance and experience summary as it relates to the activities identified in this PWS, in terms of size, scope and complexity performed over the past five (5) years by the Offeror and major subcontractors for itself and each major subcontractor (a subcontractor whose proposed cost exceeds 10% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

The offeror shall provide a total of no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts and/or assistance agreements in terms of size, scope and complexity performed over the past five (5) years by the offeror and major subcontractors for itself and each major subcontractor (a subcontractor whose proposed cost exceeds 10% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

And replace with:

7) PAST PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE SUMMARY

The offeror shall provide summary of its past performance and experience summary as it relates to the activities identified in this PWS, in terms of size, scope and complexity performed over the past five (5) years by the Offeror and major subcontractors for itself and each major subcontractor (a subcontractor whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

The offeror shall provide a total of no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts and/or assistance agreements in terms of size, scope and complexity performed over the past five (5) years by the offeror and major subcontractors for itself and each major subcontractor (a subcontractor whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.

8. In Section L.9 Annex A, delete “Not to exceed 5 pages” and replace with “Not to exceed 5 CPAR reports”

9. In Section L.9 B Content of Technical Proposal 20 (twenty) pages, under Annexes to the Technical Proposal, Delete Annex F.

10. Delete Section L.9 Under B. 6) Draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan And replace with:

6) Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators The Offeror must include in its proposal a description of the performance monitoring approach and draft indicators. The monitoring approach must describe the Offeror’s proposed MEL systems and demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to establish, achieve and measure the Objectives set forth in the SOO. The monitoring approach must include the Offeror’s proposed results framework or logical framework, preliminary targets for the life of the project and Year 1 that reflect the Offeror’s proposed technical approach.

Key output and outcome indicators must be identified, including targets, disaggregated by region, to measure success in achieving the objectives as described in the SOO. The monitoring approach must provide a rationale as to how the proposed targets are realistic and achievable and explain how such performance targets contribute to the achievement of the overall objectives. Offerors must propose indicators that will allow USAID to measure the Contractor’s performance in implementing the program. The monitoring approach must explain how the required contract components will be implemented in order to achieve the performance targets, including the sequencing and timing of activities. The monitoring approach must include creative approaches to measuring outputs and outcomes and reporting on the required indicators, including a brief description of how data will be collected, analyzed, used to assess progress and guide decision-making and make program course corrections, as well as how data will be verified. Monitoring will include all required indicators as well as proposed custom indicators, and context and complementary indicators.

11. In Section L.9 B, Annex E, delete: Draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMEL Plan) And replace with:

Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators

12. In Section L.9 under Management and Staffing Plan, and Key Personnel, second paragraph;

Delete: The Offeror must describe plans to set up its organizational structure and office(s) with clear lines of authority and responsibilities (including home office support) to implement the activities, accomplish the results, and meet the indicator targets proposed in the PWS and the draft AMEL Plan (Annex E).

And replace with:

The Offeror must describe plans to set up its organizational structure and office(s) with clear lines of authority and responsibilities (including home office support) to implement the activities, accomplish the results, and meet the indicator targets proposed in the PWS and the draft Monitoring Approach and Draft Indicators (Annex E).

13. In Section L.10, Part 3, delete the paragraph:

Detailed Budget Worksheets: Detailed Budget Worksheets contain the greatest level of detailed budget breakdown. In the Detailed Budget Worksheets, the offeror must provide details of every estimated item of cost that make up the Cost Elements, including unit rate, number of units, and fixed daily rate of personnel. The Offeror must submit a detailed version of its summary budget for the full period (Base years plus the two one-year option periods plus the three increased quantity options) of performance.

And replace with:

Detailed Budget Worksheets: Detailed Budget Worksheets contain the greatest level of detailed budget breakdown. In the Detailed Budget Worksheets, the offeror must provide details of every estimated item of cost that make up the Cost Elements, including unit rate, number of units, and fixed daily rate of personnel. The Offeror must submit a detailed version of its summary budget for the full period of performance.

14. In Section L.10 B (a), delete the paragraph:

(a) The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor shall complete all "Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror". All Offerors and subcontractors must register with the Government Contractor Registration (SAM). The preferred method for submission of certifications and other statement is to complete the statements at the USG Online (SAM - System for Award Management) Website at http://www.governmentcontractorregistration.org/index.html, the signed and dated printout must then be submitted with the proposal as an annex (see Attachment J.4 Section K).

And replace with:

(a) The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor shall complete all "Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offeror". All Offerors and subcontractors must register with the Government Contractor Registration (SAM). The preferred method for submission of certifications and other statements is to complete the statements at the USG Online (SAM - System for Award Management) Website at https://sam.gov/content/entity-landing. The printout must then be submitted with the cost proposal.

15. In Section L.10 (c ) delete The Offeror must submit a fully completed and signed AID 1420- 17 Form, entitled USAID Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID Form 1420-17 And replace with:

The Offeror may submit a fully completed and signed AID 1420-17 Form, entitled USAID Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID Form 1420-17 ….

16. In Section L.10 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL delete the paragraph:

Subcontracts. FAR 44.101 provides the definition of a subcontract. The budget for major subcontracts must follow the same template and format as the prime. For non-major subcontracts (total cost under 10% of the total estimated cost of the offeror’s proposal), must submit sufficient information to determine reasonableness and address the requirements elements of FAR Part 44, in order for consent to be considered at the time of award.

And replace with:

Subcontracts. FAR 44.101 provides the definition of a subcontract. The budget for major subcontracts must follow the same template and format as the prime. For non-major subcontracts (total cost under 20% of the total estimated cost of the offeror’s proposal), must submit sufficient information to determine reasonableness and address the requirements elements of FAR Part 44, in order for consent to be considered at the time of award.

17. Under Section M.4 Technical Evaluation Criteria, delete the first paragraph:

The criteria listed below are presented by major category, so that Offerors will know which areas require emphasis in the preparation of proposals. The criteria are presented in descending order of importance. Offerors should note that these criteria serve as the standard against which all technical information will be evaluated and serve to identify the significant matters that Offerors should address. See Section L for instructions regarding submission requirements for each evaluation criterion. For criteria containing sub- criteria, all sub-criteria are of equal weight unless otherwise stated below.

And replace with:

The criteria listed below are presented by major category, so that Offerors will know which areas require emphasis in the preparation of proposals. The Offerors should note that these criteria serve as the standard against which all technical information will be evaluated and serve to identify the significant matters that Offerors should address. The criteria and sub-criteria are of equal weight. See Section L for instructions regarding submission requirements for each evaluation criterion.

18. On Page 8 of the SOO - Programmatic Objectives, under Objective 1: Local governments plan, finance, and deliver…