RFP 72066323R00018 Second round Cost and General Q and As12 29 2023.pdf

Round 2 Questions on Supply Chain Strengthening Activity RFP No. 72066323R00018

Cost & General Questions and Answers

1. Section E.6, p. 38, references a multi-tiered monitoring strategy and use of a third-party monitor (TPM). Can USAID clarify if a TPM will be used for the SCS Activity and if so, in what capacity?

Response: Third party monitoring will likely be used but the details of engagement are not yet determined.

2. Section H.18(a)-H.18(w), pp. 72-74, indicates all grants issued under the contract must be to local non-governmental organizations, however ADS 302 allows contractors to execute solely in-kind grants to government entities. Would USAID confirm that solely in-kind grants to government entities will be allowed under this contract, pursuant to

ADS 302.3.4.13?

Response: At this time, USAID has no intention to provide any kind of grant to the Government. If situations change, this could be discussed during the implementation.

3. Section J: Attachment J.7a contains phone numbers and other personally identifiable information. USAID may wish to delete this attachment from sam.gov, scrub this data, and reissue the attachment with Amendment 1.

Response: The Excel Attachment J.7.a, ROSS Maturity tool scoring from the original RFP is deleted and replaced with a revised document, this is reflected in the posting of the Round 2 Q&A.

4. L.11: The budget template (Attachment J.1) provided the IQO as one separate column at the end. Could USAID please confirm that it is not necessary to break out the Increased Quantity Option (IQO) cost by year? Could USAID also confirm that blended annual rates can be used as base unit costs?

Response: Please follow the guidance in Section L.11. Please use the budget template provided in Attachment J.1.

5. Page 15 - Given that the Increased Quantity Option (IQO) is a separate column of costs in the budget and may be used at anytime during the project (Years 1 to 4.5) at USAID’s discretion, should costs in this column be presented as general pools (i.e. salaries, consultants, travel) in each cost category? On page 15, there is a note that suggests including an “amount per deliverable”. How is the Offeror to know at this point in time where these funds might be utilized? Also, as costs can be expected to escalate each year and the time at which the IQO might be utilized is unknown, it would seem to be impossible to determine precisely accurate unit costs and multipliers, unlike the rest of the budget format. What is USAID’s guidance on these questions?

Response: Please follow the guidance in Section L.11. Please use the budget template provided in Attachment J.1.

6. Page 23 - Note 2: indicates “The Offeror is to propose indicators and numerical targets for each objective under each IR for the Base Period (Years 1-4), Option 1 (Year 5), and the Increased Quantity Option. The offeror is to propose additional numerical targets for the IQO up to the full total estimated amount of the Option of $2,000,000.” If implementation successes and weaknesses during the program are to be used to determine how these funds are to be allocated, how is the Offeror to set targets during the proposal phase?

Response: Targets will be developed during the implementation phase, as indicated in the solicitation, for responsive technical assistance.

7. Page 146 - Section L.11 - Instructions for the Preparation of Volume II - Cost Proposal subsection B. Proposed Costs/Prices - mandates an exchange rate of ETB 55.25 = 1 USD.

The RFP also references the “dynamic environment” of development activities in Ethiopia. Should there be significant changes in the exchange rate, is USAID open to budget revisions in the context of FAR 52.243-2 (Changes Cost Reimbursement)?

Response: The paragraph of “Ethiopia Currency Exchange Rate” is removed through Amendment 001. Please be reminded that all budget information must be presented in US Dollars, not in local currency.

8. What does USAID mean by “assumptions and causal relationship within the health sector”?

Response: This means considering the health sector, including pharmaceutical supply transformation plans, strategies, and other relevant health program priorities applicable to supply chain systems and pharmaceuticals services strengthening.

9. Page 19 In the selection process and criteria development for “the intensive support to a minimum of two regions”, are Offerers expected to include the whole region in each case, or can a number of zones, along with affiliated EPSS hubs, be selected instead of the entire region?

Response: EPSS central and hubs will be offered intensive support, as will selected regional health bureaus and health facilities within the regions. The intensive support does not extend to the entire region. The intensive support will be provided in a minimum of two regions that will focus on improved supply chain performance and sustainability through building the capacity of the RHBs, Woredas and health facilities.

10. Page 30 - The description under IR 2.1.7 does not describe or align with the title. Please provide a revised IR or description.

Response: Description provided in the RFP. Under this IR, the support will focus on creating evidence-based decision-making practices on medical device/Equipment and improving the information sharing and management systems for medical devices and equipment throughout the supply chain system, vendors, EPSS, and targeted health facilities.