SOL- 72065620R00016 - USAID Local Governance Strengthening (LOGOS) - SF 30 -Amendment 02.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT 1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES 1 07

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

Amendment 02 07/01/2020 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

USAID/MOZAMBIQUE

JAT COMPLEX, RUA 1231, NO.41

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Same as #6

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

NO.

72065618R00008

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, X is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO.

IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor X is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Provide changes as described in Attachment 01 – Changes to the RFP; and,

2. Provide responses to the questions as described in Attachment 02 – Questions and Answers

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

George Boateng – Contracting Officer

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR

GEORGE KWABENA

BOATENG (affiliate)

Digitally signed by GEORGE KWABENA BOATENG (affiliate) Date: 2020.07.01 06:42:01 -04'00'

USAID Local Governance Strengthening (USAID LOGOS) – AMENDMENT 02

ATTACHMENT 01

Please see the following changes:

1. Under section C.14. GRANTS UNDER CONTRACTS (GUCs):

Delete the paragraph below in its entirety:

“The Contractor will provide grants to government bodies in Mozambique at the provincial, district and/or municipal levels. The Contractor will implement a system for managing grants to municipalities, districts and provinces and will include a set of criteria to determine eligibility of each level of applicant.

In-kind grants, technical assistance, or other activities by the Contractor to or for the benefit of a partner government entity should be implemented to reinforce Mozambican government systems of public financial management and accountability. In kind grants may include equipment, office supplies and expendable property, except restricted and ineligible commodities defined under ADS 312.”

And replace with:

The Contractor may be directed to provide grants to non-governmental organizations and/or to government bodies in Mozambique at the provincial, district and/or municipal levels. The Contractor will implement a system for managing grants to municipalities, districts and provinces and will include a set of criteria to determine eligibility of each level of applicant. Grants to a partner government entity should be implemented to reinforce Mozambican government systems of public financial management and accountability.

2. Under section F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS:

Delete the bullet point below in its entirety:

● “Fixed Fee: Fixed fee may not be taken on GUCs, however, please note there are ways to mitigate risks with GUCs. For example, Fixed Amount Awards with payment based on milestones may be used to mitigate risk rather than cost-type grants that may require advances.”

And replace with:

· Fixed Fee: Offerors may propose a minimal administration fee for the GUC.

3. Under section L.5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices:

● Delete the paragraph below in its entirety:

“In efforts to reduce proposal burden for Offerors and reduce time to award the IDIQ contract(s), USAID has developed a cost/price matrix. The cost/price matrix serves as the basis for final ceiling daily rates, overhead, and fee that will be bound in the final contract. The cost/price matrix reflects all labor categories and levels as well as the average level of effort expected on a task order. Further, other direct costs have been provided by the Government and reflect an average task order. The Offeror must submit a completed cost/price evaluation matrix pursuant to the template set forth in Attachment J.3.”

And replace with:

. Offerors must propose labor mix and skill mix that are realistic and appropriate to implement the work required for the technical proposal.

● Delete the paragraph below in its entirety:

"Labor Costs

(a) Offerors must propose unburdened ceiling daily rates for all labor categories/groupings associated with the proposed labor mix and skill mix that are realistic and appropriate to implement the work required for the technical proposal. Offerors may propose unburdened ceiling daily rates at rates higher than the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (CST). However, the prior approval of the Task Order Contracting Officer will be required for actual salaries above the USAID CST.”

And replace with:

Labor Costs

(a) Offerors must propose daily rates for all labor categories/groupings associated with the proposed labor mix and skill mix that are realistic and appropriate to implement the work required for the technical proposal. .

4. Under section M.3 COST/PRICE EVALUATION:

Delete the paragraph below in its entirety:

“(b) USAID will conduct a cost evaluation to determine if the proposed costs (i.e., the ceiling daily rates, provisional and ceiling indirect cost rates, and ceiling on fixed fee) are reasonable. This evaluation is conducted with the expectation of adequate cost/price competition and will rely heavily on market forces to determine whether the proposed cost/price is fair and reasonable. The comparison of proposed cost/price in response to this solicitation is the preferred technique for this evaluation. USAID will also compare the proposed cost/price to historical cost/price paid for the same or similar services and the independent government cost estimate. Other techniques and procedures set forth in FAR 15.404-1(b), if deemed necessary, may be used to ensure proposed cost/price is fair and reasonable.”

And replace with:

“(b) USAID will conduct a cost evaluation to determine if the proposed costs (i.e., the daily rates, provisional and ceiling indirect cost rates, and ceiling on fixed fee) are reasonable. This evaluation is conducted with the expectation of adequate cost/price competition and will rely heavily on market forces to determine whether the proposed cost/price is fair and reasonable. The comparison of proposed cost/price in response to this solicitation is the preferred technique for this evaluation. USAID will also compare the proposed cost/price to historical cost/price paid for the same or similar services and the independent government cost estimate. Other techniques and procedures set forth in FAR 15.404-1(b), if deemed necessary, may be used to ensure proposed cost/price is fair and reasonable.”

-END OF ATTACHMENT 01-

ATTACHMENT 02 - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

TECHNICAL QUESTION 1: In the amended solicitation, the word “economic” has been added to Objective 1, as in “economic governance” (see pages 26, 28, 36, and 145). Would USAID be willing to provide an explanation for this addition?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 1: USAID has added the concept of Economic Governance for greater technical clarity and focus towards strengthened economic governance to reinforce transparency, accountability, and local government effectiveness.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 2: The response to Technical Question 54, on page 185 of the PDF (page 11 of Attachment 02), states that the closing date for submission of proposals is July 31, 2020. However, Standard Form 30 and the response to Technical Question 46, state July 14, 2020 as the closing date.

Could USAID please confirm the date and time for submission of proposals?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 2: The closing date for submission of proposals is July 14, 2020.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 3: In the amended solicitation on page 11, the following text has been added, “USAID anticipates that Implementing Partners must conduct at a minimum a total of two surveys at the beginning and at the mid-term of program implementation.” Could USAID please confirm whether the surveys would be conducted by the contractor implementing LOGOS or by other USAID implementing partners in the sector?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 3: The surveys will be conducted by the LOGOS implementing partner.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 4: Would USAID please confirm that a single technical proposal that covers IDIQ and TO1 separately through clearly marked sections as outlined in Section M meets USAID needs?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 4: Yes, a single technical proposal as outlined in Section M meets USAID needs.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 5: Would USAID kindly confirm that the proposal submission is July 14th as indicated on the coversheet of the amendment – and not July 31th as mentioned in the answer to technical answer # 54?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 5: The closing date for submission of proposals is July 14, TECHNICAL QUESTION 6: Would USAID confirm that agricultural extension is no longer a focal point of LOGOS’ activities? And consequently, also confirm that the Result regarding agricultural extension is no longer germane to the bid?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 6: Agricultural extension is not a primary focus of Task Order 1; however, as the LOGOS project is intended to be an adaptive mechanism, a greater focus on agriculture extension is possible, based on learning during the implementation of Task Order 1.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 7: In light of amplifications in C.14, would USAID kindly conform that grants can only be made to government bodies—and not to private sector actors, civil society, associations and others that the government may engage in dialogue?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 7: USAID intends that grants by the implementing partner may be made to both government bodies AND non-government bodies, in consultation with USAID.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 8: In response to technical question 29 USAID states that offerors must include an analysis of their CLA approach for both the IDIQ and the Task Order. Given the importance of the CLA in monitoring and evaluation, can the Offerors include this analysis under Subfactor 1.3: Monitoring and Evaluation?

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 8:Ye, the CLA approach for both the IDIQ and the Task Order should be included under Subfactor 1.3: Monitoring and Evaluation.

TECHNICAL QUESTION 9: We have reviewed the LOGOS Q&A carefully and there seems to be a contradiction in proposal submission date. We are submitting this clarification request in line with L.2 (b). Per Q&A No. 54 the proposal due date is July 31, 2020, while the RFP and Q&A No. 46 state July 14, 2020. Please kindly confirm the submission date and time of the LOGOS proposal.

RESPONSE TO TECHNICAL QUESTION 9: The closing date for submission of proposals is July 14, COST QUESTIONS

COST QUESTION 1: The response to Cost Question 1 states that there is a cost/price evaluation matrix template included in the revised RFP as Attachment J.3, but no such attachment is provided in the RFP package. Could USAID please share the template for the cost/price evaluation matrix?

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 1: USAID cannot provide a cost/price evaluation matrix. Offerors are responsible to develop and propose the appropriate cost/price matrix that is appropriate to respond to their proposed technical approach.

COST QUESTION 2: The response to Cost Question 14 states “Yes, the cost evaluation will reflect the multiple periods for which the summary budget must be divided;” and “No, the summary budget for the initial 18-month period will not be given extra weight in the cost evaluation.” Could USAID please confirm that the summary budget is only required for the first period (TO1)?

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 2: Offerors must submit a separate summary budget for the overall period and a summary budget for the initial 18-month (RFTOP) period.

COST QUESTION 3: The response to Cost Question 18 states “Per USAID policy, GUCs cannot be part of the base.” Fee determination for different categories of costs is partly based on the risk associated with the cost, and partly with the value of the service being provided. If fee on GUCs is not allowed, given the risks associated with this component of the activity, would USAID be willing to describe the protections USAID may offer the Contractor should grantees misuse funds, or incur unallowable costs that cannot be collected; or would USAID consider that offerors may propose a reduced fee for GUCs per FAR 15.404-4 and ADS 302.3.6.8 and other USAID requests for proposals?

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 3:Offerors may propose a minimal administration fee for the GUC. See Attachment 01 of the amendment for revised language.

COST QUESTION 4: Would USAID kindly provide a list of labor categories and the minimum required qualifications for each category (junior, mid, senior) to enable USAID to complete an objective cost comparison across offerors?

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 4: Offerors must propose labor mix and skill mix that are realistic and appropriate to implement the work required for technical proposal.

COST QUESTION 5: Could USAID please confirm what supporting documentation, if any, is required for the unburdened CDRs? Typically, USAID would require a summary justification table of illustrative experts and information demonstrating the build-up of rates under each category.

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 5: Yes, offerors are required to provide a summary justification table of illustrative experts and information demonstrating the build-up of rates under each category.

COST QUESTION 6 : Attachment J.3 seems to be a budget summary template while the instructions in L.5 outlines cost/price matrix instructions which includes CDRs, indirect rate ceilings and fee ceilings to get a price that will be used for evaluation.

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 6: Offerors must propose labor mix and skill mix that are

COST QUESTION 7: Can USAID please provide us with a cost/price matrix and/or revise the instructions in L.5?

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 7: Offerors must propose labor mix and skill mix that are

COST QUESTION 8: USAID has requested that offerors propose ceiling daily rates. Would USAID please provide the labor categories and minimum qualifications for which the requested ceiling daily rates should be proposed? We are concerned that without USAID providing guidance on labor categories that it will be difficult for USAID to evaluate costs equally.

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 8: Please see Attachment 01 of the amendment for revised language.

COST QUESTION 9: We would like to seek additional clarification on the response to question 18 and ask USAID to reconsider their stance on not allowing fee to be applied to grants under contract. Grants are a cost element just like any other included in our proposal with effort, and the contractor will be required to assume the cost of financing the grants. Additionally, the contractor will provide the service of overseeing grants under contract, a service that involves several interlocking challenges: ambitious results achieved by grantees under performance-based grants, responsible stewardship of public funds in compliance with USAID regulations and grantee capacity building to ensure technical results and regulatory compliance. These risks are covered with a fee on grants as allowed under the applicable regulations and statutes. Lastly, as this is an IDIQ, we respectfully request that USAID reconsider allowing a fixed fee ceiling to be included on grants and allowing the financial and performance risk to be evaluated and negotiated on a case-by-case basis at the task-order level.

RESPONSE TO COST QUESTION 9: See response to cost question 3 above

-END OF ATTACHMENT 02 -