WASH_Qs&As-1302019.pdf

Amendment 01- 72066919R00007 WASH and Network Expansion

February 01, 2019

AMENDMENT 01 – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – PRE-BID

CONFERENCE MEETING (December 19, 2018) AND QUESTIONS IN

RESPONSE TO SOLICITATION

USAID is pleased to provide the following answers to the questions submitted by the various prospective offerors during the pre-bid conference on December 19, 2018 and electronically by the due date January 07, 2019. Please note that duplicated questions are consolidated and some questions paraphrased for clarity. Further, the solicitation has been updated and the changes highlighted to demonstrate areas that were affected by the Q&A.

USAID would also like to thank all the prospective offerors who took part in the solicitation pre-bid conference and site visits.

GENERAL QUESTIONS – (Pre-bid conference questions from December 19, 2018)

1. On page 3, the RFP states that ‘The magnitude of construction (activity) is between $5,000,000.00 and $10,000,000.00’ – does ‘construction’ here refer to the construction of the two network expansions, or the whole activity?

USAID Response: The magnitude of construction here refers to the entire activity which includes construction of the Water Pipe Network Expansion in Voinjama and Sanniquellie and the provision of WASH services in twenty-four (24) health facilities.

2. Will potential bidders be able to visit the two water expansion sites and health facilities following the joint-tour (ie. in the new year), as to conduct additional technical review? This may be a question for the conference.

USAID Response: Yes, potential offeror who attended the pre-bid conference and initial site visit were advised to continue and visit every site as specified in the solicitation posted on December 12, 2018.

3. We kindly request if the requirement can be excluded as most of the banks are not issuing bid bond for projects located in Africa.

USAID Response: Per FAR 28.102, USAID considers the issue of bid bond and payment bonds major requirements for a construction activity and cannot exclude this requirement from the solicitation. Additionally, banking institutions in Liberia do issue bid and payment bonds.

4. Alternatively, kindly specify the type of surety or financial institutions acceptable to USAID Liberia for issuance of Bid Bonds.

USAID Response: Most banking institutions in Liberia provide bid and payment bonds. USAID advises all potential offerors to check with various commercial banking institutions for such information.

5. I operate two companies. One has DUNS #. Can I operate the other with the [same] DUNS number?

USAID Response: DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) is a proprietary system developed and regulated by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) that assigns a unique numeric identifier, referred to as a “DUNS number” to a single business entity. USAID uses this number to identify an organization or company. However, please check with D&B for specific information regarding their proprietary system and methodology.

6. Who is the responsible for WASH HF individual during the site visit (contact person) who knows the detail of location/site when bidders visit.

USAID Response: As specified in the solicitation in Section J, Attachment J.11, USAID provided the names and contact details of county officials who would assist potential offerors access to WASH facilities located in the counties of Bong, Lofa and Nimba.

7. Buying of material in Liberia. Liberia has been named or shortlisted as a country having businesses involved or linked to terrorism. As a contractor, buying from such business which wasn't named, am I affected as a contractor?

USAID Response: It is prohibited for the US Government to do business with entities linked to terrorism or terrorism financing. USAID advises all offeror(s) doing business with the U.S.

Government to check the SAM website (www.sam.gov), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/, as well as the United Nations Security Council Sanctions List for entities excluded or debarred from doing business with the US Government.

8. Who will pay for site visit costs?

USAID Response: Offerors are responsible for all of the costs associated with any site visits as well as any other proposal costs.

9. [Does the] water Pipe expansion requirement construction period of 2 years [take into] consideration the rainy season?

USAID Response: Yes, the construction period for both the pipe expansion and provision of WASH services in health facilities reflects an estimate of uninterrupted construction, 12 months for the pipe expansion and 24 months for the WASH facilities, followed by a Defects Liability Period of 12 months for each activity. The two activities are expected to run concurrently for a total period of performance of three (3) years. It is expected that the contractor will schedule their construction activities as necessary to complete all of the construction within the period of performance.

10. Missing drawing for WASH HF

USAID Response: USAID confirmed that all the drawings for WASH in Health Facilities were posted correctly.

11. Do we need to submit irrevocable letter of credit for performance bond or only bid bond at bid stage?

USAID Response: Per Section L.8, offerors are instructed to submit a bid bond and a certified letter from a lending institution indicating that the said financial institution will issue a performance bond at contract award.

12. Attachment J.4 has missing drawings in folders.

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 10.

13. When you say we will provide you an exempt letter, is this from USAID to contractor or to the Government of Liberia on behalf of the contractor?

USAID Response: On behalf of the contractor, USAID will address a letter to the Government of Liberia’s Revenue Authority requesting tax exemption for any project related materials, supplies and equipment that will be imported into Liberia with USG funds for the benefit of the activity. Tax exemption does not apply to any materials, supplies, equipment or services purchased within Liberia, and may not be applied to any materials unrelated to this activity.

14. Some of folders for drawings are emptied. Why?

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 10.

15. Will the contractor’s work be exempt from Liberia government taxes and duties? Including taxes and duties [for] procurement or lease of supplies materials and equipment in Liberia, [as well as] import materials, supplies and equipment into Liberia?

USAID Response: Please see response to question number 13.

16. Can Government of Liberia agency participate in the tendering process like LWSC?

USAID Response: No, the Government of Liberia and its agencies or institutions are not allowed to participate in the bidding process.

17. Will the evaluation be done locally or in the USA?

USAID Response: The evaluation of proposals will be completed by USAID/ Liberia.

18. Will the contractor work be exempted from government of Liberia tax and duties?

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 13.

19. The business forecast estimated $10m-$25m but the RFP states $5m-$10m. Please confirm.

USAID Response: Per FAR 36.204, USAID notes that the magnitude of construction of $5-$10 million is the most appropriate range that offerors should consider when preparing their proposal.

20. On page 44 of the RFP under Section F.8.1 the experience requirements of the Project Manager as stated is 15 years of progressive professional experience in works of similar scope. Does this reference of “similar scope” refer generally to infrastructure development projects or more specifically to water/WASH projects?

USAID Response: In this context of the RFP under Section F.8.1, USAID considered “Similar Scope” to generally mean infrastructure development projects which may include construction management of infrastructure in remote or logistically challenging environments, an understanding of construction methods, quality control, and general project management such as planning, staffing, logistics, human resources, and procurement.

21. Bid Bond/Performance Bond/Payment Bond: Given that USAID risks exposure is very minimum and given the present situation in Liberia when it comes to financial credit facilities that seriously affect subcontractor, is it possible that the performance bond be reduced to 5% and the payment bond be eliminated since the contractor will be pre-financing the subcontractors anyway?

USAID Response: The performance bond is set at 10% of the financial proposal and it is not possible to reduce it further. The payment bond will be reduced to 5% of total project costs. Per FAR Part 28, bid, performance and payment bonds are required for construction projects, thus USAID considers the use of these bonds as required and mandatory for all construction contracts.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO SECTION C – Statement of Work

22. During the site visit it was noted there will be potential challenges associated with some sections in achieving specified pipeline installation and thus potential to exceed established public works “Right of Way”. RFP Page 16 Section C.2.2.A indicates that “The water pipe installation will connect to existing water pipes and extend new pipe network along existing public works right of way (adjacent to roadway). This will be coordinated through the municipality and/or the national government”.

22a: Please confirm that the Municipality and/or the National Government will be responsible to re-establish a new “Right of Way” and that where Private Property is encroached, it is not the contractor responsibility to resolve issues related to private land?

USAID Response: The successful contractor will be required to make every attempt to install the water main in the existing public right of way. The proposed waterman alignments have been reviewed by the local authorities and they confirm the pipeline is within public right of way. The contractor will not be responsible to resolve land issues but may be required to coordinate land issue resolutions with LWSC and local authorities.

22b: Please confirm that the contractor will not be penalized for time lost, but rather equitable adjustment to the time lost during the “Right of Way” re-establishment?

USAID Response: The contractor is required to work with and engage the local authorities to minimize disruption to project schedule.

22c: Please confirm that, the new “Right of Way” will involve equitable adjustment where additional work/material is incurred?

USAID Response: USAID and local authorities do not anticipate that a new “right of way” will be necessary for the installation of water pipes and or connections. However, if this occurs, then USAID will work with the contractor and with local authorities to resolve issues affecting completion of the project.

23. The breakdown of connection material as contained in the BOQ is an estimate for the 1,000 customers. On Page 17 of the RFP indicates that the exact number shall be identified in partnership with USAID, LWSC and the Outstation Management Contractor, and the same be notified to the contractor upon award. Please confirm if the quantity on the BOQ is final [or] the contractor will be allowed to amend the BOQ and cost to reflect additional 868 connections and the corresponding water meter units for Year 2?

USAID Response: The quantity in the BOQ Addendum 1 is final. The contractor is required to provide all private connection materials as specified in the BOQ. Actual private connections installed will depend on the number of businesses and homeowner’s who register for a connection. The BOQ does include additional water main materials that will be delivered and stored on site at the water treatment plant or another location to be approved by USAID.

24. Page 17 of the RFP indicates, “Among the private connections, there are a maximum of 30 government institutions proposed to be connected, whose exact number will be notified to the contractor upon award”. Please confirm if the private connection will be limited to 15 feet from Water Meter to yard tap as indicated on BOQ “S-6-6.08?

USAID Response: Each private connection will vary in distance. The dimensions in the BOQ are an average. Some connections will be further from the water main while others are closer. The offeror should bid with assumption of the average distance. The contractor will not be paid extra should the actual average distance exceed 15 feet.

25. The RFP and BOQ calls for private connection from the main water pipeline and that USAID will indicate to the contractor the locations of the private connections. Please confirm the selection of private connections will not affect the period of performance allocated and that such connection will be known ahead of time to allow provision during the main water pipeline installation and delays?

USAID Response: The contractor will not be held liable for delays caused by others related to the private connections. However, the contractor must procure the private connection materials as stated in the BOQ so that they are ready for installation.

26. Engineering / Technical: Based on the fact that the water extension component of the works are fully designed, and full construction drawings shall be submitted to the successful contractor, please confirm whether the minimum pressure at all taps have been calculated and that subsequent drops in pressure at the taps shall be of no liability to the contractor once the respective networks are constructed as designed.

USAID Response: The contractor is responsible to install the water main and connections as per the design drawings and approved shop drawings. The contractor will not be held liable for the pressure at the water taps as long as the contractor installs the water main and individual connections correctly.

27. “1.45 Allowances in General Requirements. The Contractor shall not be entitled to any remaining portion of this allowance (if any) at the completion of the project.” This is in conflict with B.2 CONTRACT TYPE of firm fixed price. The procedure mentioned in 1.45 ALLOWANCES is similar to re-measure which the contract is not. Progress payments maybe made based on actual usage of the allowances, but at completion of the work, this should be paid in full. Please confirm remove of this clause.

USAID Response: The allowances for the water main expansion work are clearly identified in the BOQ. For each of the BOQ allowances, the contractor must actually do the work to be paid and the work must be approved in advance by USAID or its representative AND the work must be done correctly. If any portion of a planned work or activity is not completed satisfactorily, then an equitable adjustment downward for work not performed can be made to the contract. In short, the contractor will not be paid for work that was planned for, budgeted for and not completed.

28. “1.19 Occupying City or County Land. A. … If permission is granted, a portion of payment shall be withheld until the Contractor has restored this area to the City/County’s satisfaction. The amount of payment withheld shall be agreed upon by the City/County and the Contractor but shall not be less than one hundred dollars. The Town may opt to withhold a percentage of each payment, to be determined as part of the agreement, to occupy Town land. …“

This is in conflict with the FARs and payment terms, specifically FAR 52.232-5 which only allows retention if the progress of the work is unsatisfactory not prior; furthermore, USAID and therefore City/County are provided protections in the form of Performance and Payment guarantees, which do not require additional ‘automatic’ protections until there is an issue.

USAID Response: This language refers to any agreement for services which a contractor may enter into with the Liberian city/town government. USAID will not be a party to this agreement and as such, any payment to a contractor will not be affected.

29. Under B.2 CONTRACT TYPE, the type of contract is Firm Fixed-Price (FFP). The language of C.10

MEASUREMENT OF WORKS for payment implies that a situation where the measured quantities on the ground (after completion of the works and achievement of the objectives) is less than the BOQ, the contractor will not be paid for those amounts. This is in conflict with the firm fixed price, which other than for measurement of progress payments, the overall cost of the contract will be paid to the contractor on completion of the objectives (irreverent if the BOQ and site conditions differ). As was illustrated by the sentence in C.10 that “if actual physical measurement exceeds the requirements indicated in the approved schedule of quantities and/or drawings, such excess shall not be measured for payment and the Contractor shall not be entitled to any compensation,” the opposite should be true. Please confirm the same.

USAID Response: Section C.10 Measurement of Works has been adjusted to clarify the intent. The sentence cited will read, “If actual physical measurement exceeds the requirements indicated in the approved schedule of quantities and/or drawings, such excess shall not be measured for payment and the Contractor shall not be entitled to any compensation, unless prior written approval from the USAID Contracting Officer has been provided.”

30. Wash HF facility most of clinic do not have site plan included in the drawing folder, some of clinic do not have septic tank drawings, sewer manhole drawings and Location of bore hole and elevated water tank location. Contractor want to know the distance between bore well and elevated tank for cable and piping purpose. Also, the distance between the elevated tower and building wash basin, sink, faucet location for piping calculation of water supply and drainage.

USAID Response: Please carefully review the site plans which include both the proposed location of the various structures as well as the distances between them. Note that the site plans have “proposed” locations. It is incumbent upon the offeror to ensure the accuracy of the locations.

31. Wash facility do not provide the plan or location for DC solar system and there is no information where the 15 Led lights will be installed and what capacity, the power socket etc.

USAID Response: The DC lights will be installed in the facilities supported by the solar panel system located on the rooftop of the facility .The number of lights varies according to the number of rooms and needs of the facility. AC power will only be used to power AC appliances in the facilities such as fans, microscope, computers, etc. Please refer to the solar energy and system design in the narratives for each facility.

32. Wash health facility power of solar system will be only D.C power, because some clinic Narrative report mentioned AC and DC power source. Please clarify if the solar power is only D.C power supply to the facility and all equipment’s are D.C.

USAID Response: The health facilities will have both AC and DC systems based on the need.

Please look at the solar energy designs in the narratives for each facility.

33. Engineering/Technical: The solar pumps specifications of each facility is provided in terms of rate of discharge (Q), head (H) and power, how would USAID deal with situations where the actual head required at the facilities exceeds the outputs of the specified pumps capacities?

USAID Response: The contractor must provide a shop drawing of the proposed pump for each health facility based on the site-specific details (borehole depth, water storage tank elevation, head loss, borehole yield, etc.). Offeror should base their proposal bid upon the specifications provided in the RFP. The depth of the borehole is defined in the RFP; the yield is to be determined based on the new depth of borehole. The actual yield of the borehole may impact the pump design; therefore, the contractor must submit a shop drawing after assessing the borehole yield. The intent is that the bore hole and the pump must be capable of producing sufficient water supply for the centers during all months of the dry season to provide the center, as indicated in Section C.2.2.B.

34. Engineering/Technical: Average borehole depths are indicated for each HF where new boreholes are expected to be drilled. The BOQ also adopts respective averages as the quantities based on which offerors are expected to propose a unit price. How will USAID handle a situation where a contractor achieves the average depth based on which the cost for drilling is based, however the required water yield is not achieved?

USAID Response: USAID will need to make a determination at the time specifications are confirmed whether there needs to be any adjustments to the BOQ.

35. Page 20 of the RFP calls for the contractor to verify the soil condition of the location of toilets, ash and placenta pit to make sure that the bottom of the pits is at least 1.5m from the ground level. Please confirm if this requirement is to be provided in the tender document or after the determination of the site during construction?

USAID Response: Soil condition and ground water level should be verified during construction.

36. Some Health Facilities within Voinjama and Sanniquellie do not have provision for borehole or water collection storage before pumping to the water tower, please confirm if the water pumping system is designed to pump water direct from city main water line?

USAID Response: USAID do not anticipate any of the health facilities to connect to city main water lines, as city water mains are not within proximity of any of the facilities assessed. Please follow the BOQ and design for each facility.

37. Fenutoli Clinic health district Suakoko Bong County. A. Water. Narrative report requirement. A mini treatment unit for disinfection with chlorine and pH adjustment to ensure that water meets MoH standard for water quality. We did not found the requirement in the detail B.O.Q of elevated water tower and borehole for this facility and neither in the specification section of supply well water. Please clarify if this requirement is required in each water facility in each health facility.

USAID Response: Please refer addendum 01 for water tower BOQ for inclusion in Bellemue clinic. Please note that inclusion of the chlorine dosing unit applies to ALL facilities where water towers are proposed to be constructed.

38. The BOQ indicate the construction works of: borehole, water extraction, water tower, sanitation, healthcare waste management, hygiene and energy task have similar calculation at “Labour Cost @25% Material Cost”. Please confirm if USAID considered that, these different construction scope of work do not necessarily have a common labour-material cost ratio and might not yield correct pricing.

USAID Response: The offeror should provide a total cost estimate that he/she thinks is reasonable to complete the work within the specified time. Please note that this is a firm fixed price contract, variation in quantity will not result in an equitable adjustment due to labor cost. The percentage included in the BoQs for overhead and profit is illustrative. The offeror is required to propose their percentages.

39. The contractor is required to connect the water pipeline to existing system and verify the alignment and installation. At the point of connection, was there a provision to allow proper connection without affecting or adjustment to the existing system or water source? If a provision was not provided, will the contractor be tasked to design or redesign to allow a sound connection?

USAID Response: Connection to the existing system will vary depending on the location of the connection. In some areas, the contractor will remove an existing cap and replace with a connection point to the new system. Other points will require the contractor to cut into the existing watermain and install a Tee or similar connection. The contractor is required to isolate portions of the watermain to complete the work as well as disinfect and restore the existing portion of the water main. Should the contractor propose a value engineering solution to reduce construction costs, USAID will review and consider such modification to the connection points to the existing watermain. The BOQ line items “Connect to existing watermain…” includes costs to verify the existing watermain area to be connected and the effort and cost to make the connection and restore the existing system to its potable water state which may include disinfection and flushing. The contractor will be required to provide detailed isolation plans of the existing system and plan to restore the system for each connection made. This cost and effort is included in the proposal item “Connect to existing watermain…”. A work method statement for each connection made to existing system must be submitted by the contractor to USAID.

40. The BOQs has established Overhead Cost, Transportation and Profit Margin at 15% of Labor and

Material cost to construct each of the WASH infrastructure in the 24 Health Facilities in three (3) different Counties. The three counties are sparsely located with approximate travel time from Monrovia as; (Lofa County-8-9 hrs., with impassable road during the rainy season to Voinjama, Nimba county 5hrs. with a 1-hour impassable road during rainy season to Sanniquellie and Bong 2 hrs. easily accessible)

40a: Please confirm if the Overhead Cost, Transportation and Profit Margin at 15% of Labor and Material cost considered the locations of each county and health facilities and challenges of each location?

USAID Response: The percentage included in the BoQs for overhead cost, transportation and profit margin is illustrative. The offeror is required to propose their own percentages.

40b: Please confirm if the Overhead Cost, Transportation and Profit Margin at 15% considered transportation within Local Liberia or Geographical Code 937 per Section H1 Page 60 which including shipping?

USAID Response: The percentage included in the BoQs for overhead cost, transportation, and profit margin is illustrative. The offeror is required to propose their own percentages.

41. The BOQ has the quantities required for the bidders to base their bid price on. This will result to lowest bid and an award is also based on “lowest price technically acceptable source selection”.

41a. Please confirm if a change of quantity will automatically result to equitable adjustment to labor cost due to increase of material cost and subsequent Labour Cost @ 25%?

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 38.

41b. Please also confirm that the effect of “Question 41a” will not trigger numerous contract modifications and consequently have a negative effect to the “Basis for Award” per Page 128, RFP Section M.2. “(FAR) 15.101-2, Source Selection-The lowest price technically acceptable source selection process will apply”? Please also confirm that such effect of numerous modifications will not contradict RFP Page 10 Section B.2 Contract Type “Firm

Fixed-Price (FFP)” or pose a challenge to contract execution upon award?

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 38.

42. Since the contract will be a “firm fixed fee” and awarded based on “lowest price technically acceptable source selection” and the BOQ issued “establish the quantity and unit of material required”, please confirm if material exceeding the indicated quantities, will be compensated due to the additional cost of material and corresponding cost?

USAID Response: Contractor will be paid per the BOQ line item for the work completed correctly relevant to each BOQ line item. The contractor will not be paid extra for the quantity in excess of the BOQ quantity that the contractor has to construct or provide as required in the drawings, specifications, and other contract documents.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO SECTION F – Deliveries or Performance

43. F.3 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

This period of performance shall include the network expansion activity to be completed in twelve (12) months to be followed by a twelve (12) month Defects Liability Period (DLP).

The WASH health facilities improvements are to be completed in twenty-four (24) months to be followed with a separate twelve (12) month DLP. The activities will run concurrently so that the overall period of performance for both activities including the DLP will not exceed 36 months. We consider both city (sanniquellie voinjama) simultaneous work, Bidder is looking for performance of network expansion (sanniquellie & voinjama) activity to be completed in twenty four (24) months, (same as Wash services health facility, because of rainy days approximate 180days/year and remaining 185 (132 working days) days are not sufficient for water expansion project and connection due to long lead item and all activities are in open area and QAC will not allowed any excavation and laying of pipe in rainy season.

So one dry season is very small because both cities have approximately 48KM trenches excavation and pipe laying.

USAID Response: USAID considers the period of performance of 36 months including the defect liability period feasible to complete the two activities.

44. Key Personnel: The key personnel section the RFP specifically referencing the Project Manager indicates experience in projects of similar scope and complexity. Does this reference refer specifically to water infrastructure and WASH projects or more generally refers to experience in managing general infrastructure projects of similar scale and complexity?

USAID Response: In this context “Similar Scope and complexity” means general infrastructure projects of similar scale and complexity.

45. Bonds (Payments Bonds and Performance Bond): This proposal requires the bidders to submit a bid bond, performance bond and payment bond. Given that USAID has minimum risk exposure since the contractor is basically pre-financing the contract, the significant risk exposure management required in this proposal will significantly reduce working capital availability to the contractor, particularly, knowing the financing difficulties sub-contractors face in getting adequate financing from local banks in Liberia. This means, the prime contractor has to pre-finance the sub-contractors as well. Is it possible that USAID reduces the performance security to five percent and remove or eliminate the payment bond completely? This will provide more financial resources available to the contractor for timely and successful execution of the contract.

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 21.

46. Under B.2 CONTRACT TYPE, the type of contract is Firm Fixed-Price (FFP). The language in F.7.3 Cost Control implies there is some measurement and adjustment of budgets vs. actuals. Please confirm that this is a Firm Fixed Price contract and not re-measure or cost-plus. If Firm Fixed Price, we request that F.7.3 Cost Control be removed or reworked to eliminate contractor requirement for reporting on budgets vs. actuals and notifications of such.

USAID Response: Yes, USAID has determined for this type of activity that a firm fixed-price contract is appropriate; and USAID will delete Sub-section F.7.3 from this solicitation to conform to FAR 42.1503.

47. Project Supervisors / Resident Engineers (RE) “Minimum Experience Requirements:

- The Project Supervisor/Resident Engineer position must have 8 years of progressively responsible work experience in the design and construction projects. “We request to reduce the requirement of 8 years work experience to allow for more inclusive pool of potential Key Personnel, especially to allow more local engineers for the role. We request that 3 years experience minimum be required.

USAID Response: The Resident Engineer (RE) is responsible to complete quality work on site, manage subcontractors and personnel, ensure correct materials are delivered to site. Someone with three years’ experience is not adequate for this role. The eight years remain as the RE requirement.

48. Section F. - F.8.3 Quality Control (QC) Officer “Minimum Education Requirements:

- The QC Officer must have an BSc degree in the field of Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Hydraulic Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, or equivalent technical field.”

We request that Diplomas such as of Civil Engineering or similar be accepted since some countries do not (or did not) issue BSc at the time. Or in lieu of a specific degree, more experience be required such as 10 or 15 years experience in the field or role of QC.

USAID Response: The RFP language will remain as is.

QUESTION RELATED TO SECTION G – Contract Administration Data

49. Under G.3 INVOICES AND PAYMENT

“…. Ten percent (10%) of each monthly measured works shall be retained from the progress payments…. “Given the Performance and Payment guarantees and protections provided to

USAID, this additional retention seems in conflict with the FARs including FAR 52.232-5 which only allows retention if the progress of the work is unsatisfactory not every invoice.

Please advise to remove this 10% retention requirement.

USAID Response: USAID considers the retainage of 10% referenced in FAR 52.232-5 optional.

The retention of 10% is not the same as bonds. Therefore, performance and payment bond are requirements for this solicitation as per the FAR and it is not in conflict with FAR 52.232-5. The 10% retainage may be imposed on the contractor if satisfactory progress has not been achieved. But if satisfactory progress is achieved, the Contracting Officer will authorize the release of full payment to the contractor.

The retention is not the same as bonds. USAID may withhold 10% retention from all payments because the entire system should meet USAID satisfaction before retention is released. Part of the retention will be released at substantial completion while the remainder held until final hand over.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO SECTION I – Contract Clauses

50. General Taxes - 52.229-6 Taxes—Foreign Fixed-Price Contracts Feb-2013. No mention of the taxes and duties exempted from the contract for instance, import duty, taxes on materials in the use of the project (fuel, equipment, etc.). Please confirm what the Agreement between the US Government and Liberia Government allows for exemption.

USAID Response: Please see answer to question number 13.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO SECTION J – List of Documents, Exhibits & other Attachments

WASH in Health Facilities Question

51. On J-5 Technical Specification-SECTION 08 – WATER SUPPLY WELLS, 1.2B-1; indicates “Boreholes should not be located within 98.4ft radius of the health centers septic tank, soak-away pit, sand mound, placenta pit, pit latrine, fuel storage, and similar facilities in the neighboring compounds”. Please confirm that the health facilities have enough land to accommodate all the systems separation per specification? Please also confirm that the contractor is not responsible where the land is limited and cannot accommodate the systems requested?

USAID Response: The minimum distance water points and latrine or any sanitation facilities should be a minimum of 30M. The facilities assessed are suited to accommodate these facilities. Wherein, the health facilities are enclosed by nearby community members, eg Buutuo Clinic in Nimba, may need discussion with the authority of the HF and community members.

52. Page 93 of Technical Specifications Attachment J5 Sub-Section 09, 2.1 Photovoltaic Modules- (Solar Modules) shows calculations for the Solar Modules recommended. Please confirm if these calculations are final?

USAID Response: The calculations are correct and final.

53. In the Technical Specifications Attachment J5 Subsection 9.3 Page 96, it is indicated that the

Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller (MPPT) is required. However, under Sub Section 10.1-Page 101, there is a mention of (MTTP) Charge Controller. Please confirm which Charge Controller between the two is the offeror supposed to use? Please also elaborate which type of charge controller is MTTP?

USAID Response: MPPT or Maximum Power Point Tracking is algorithm that included in charge controllers used for extracting maximum available power from PV module under certain conditions.

The voltage at which PV module can produce maximum power is called 'maximum power point' (or peak power voltage). Please take MPPT instead of MTTP.

54. J.5_Final_Technical_Spec._WASH_in_HF. 1.4 WORK RESTRICTIONS B. On-Site Work Hours: Limit work in the existing project area to working hours between

8:30a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless otherwise indicated. Working days and hours are limited for 5 days a week. Please confirm if bidder can work on Saturday too as 6 days a week

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the On-Site Work Hours is between 8:30am to 05:30pm, Monday through Friday. This is line with the time and work days for the oversight construction contractor. A six-day work week may be approved by the Contracting Officer Representative.

55. Section J - Attachment J.4. For example, WATER TOWER AND SUPPLY - Vahun Clinic, Lofa, Provide and Install polytank of 500gals each with all necessary accessories; two polytanks on top of tower and (2" ball float valve installed in tank, washout valve, overflow pipe, non return valve, etc.) on the elevated tower ensuring proper alignment. In the Narrative there is a mini-chlorination treatment unit) but it is not mentioned in B.O.Q neither in the drawings /specification, please provide the specification of this chlorine dozing pump with capacity for each water tower and facility.

USAID Response: The mini chlorination treatment unit refers to the standard chlorine dosing unit at the tower. Please refer to addendum 01 for water tower BOQ for inclusion in Bellemue clinic. Please note that inclusion of the chlorine dosing unit applies to ALL facilities where water towers are proposed to be constructed.

56. B.O.Q J4b and narrative J.4b Lofa County drawings. Lawalazu Clinic, Lofa Co. For example, WATER TOWER AND SUPPLY - Lawalazu Clinic, Lofa Co. Provide and Install poly tank of 500gals each with all necessary accessories; two poly tanks on top of tower and (2" ball float valve installed in tank, washout valve, overflow pipe, non-return valve, etc.) on the elevated tower ensuring proper alignment. Please clarify which requirement is superseded the other one either detail B.O.Q or Narrative report , because Narrative report says requirement of 1500 gallon but the B.O.Q shows s above is (2x500=1000gallon).

USAID Response: Each facility has different size of tanks, depending on the population catchment size and the needs of the facilities. Please use the size of tank indicated in the BOQ.

57. Narrative report of most of clinic is mentioned requirement of water tanks as 1500 gallons but the detail B.O.Q mentioned as 1000gallon(2x500gallon water tanks). Please clarify which requirement is correct either B.O.Q or Narrative report requirement.

USAID Response: Each facility has different size of tanks, depending on the population catchment size and the needs of the facilities. Please use the size of tank indicated in the BOQ.

58. Section J – Attachment J.4. Bellemue clinic (bong County )has two wells,

1. One abandon borehole which has dried out,

2. One functioning hand dug well, which the OIC reported of producing mud as a result of drying out during the dry season.

Please advise if we have to add the requirement for new bore hole, because provided B.O.Q did not include the new borehole requirements.

USAID Response: Since the existing borehole is not functioning, please propose constructing of a new borehole at Bellemue clinic. The BOQ is revised to include a new borehole construction. Please refer addendum 01 for borehole BOQ for Bellemue clinic.

Network Expansion Question

59. Section J – Attachment J.1,2,3. Quantify separately the No of service water connection required Road crossing and No of connection without road crossing. This will impact the contractor prices, because both type have different effort and cost of Road cutting, concrete placement and bank run gravel fill will increase the cost& time of normal service connection specially in Voinjama concrete road area and Sanniquellie main asphalt road.

USAID Response: Private connection cost in BOQ line item V-5 5.01 must include an estimate for road repair. The final location of private connections is yet to be confirmed. The contractor may be required to cross the road at one point with a 2” pipe and branch to the private connection cluster on the other side of the road. The offeror can refer to the Heat Map in Attachment J.3a and to Individual Connection Survey Report in Attachment J.3b.

60. Section J – Attachment J.3. Water Expansion of sanniquellie and voinjama provided B.O.Q shows line item # S-04/4.01&V-04/4.01& S-04/4.02&V-04/4.02 shows size in mm 50mmand 100mm, can Bidder change this as 2”&4” to easy get fitting with existing pipe line(in inches size and fitting will be matched only inches size) because mm and inches pipe size not get fit in same fitting , specification call for Inches system please advise.

USAID Response: The contractor is required to verify the existing dimensions, type, and location of existing pipe in order to make the connection to what exists. The existing installed water mains were manufactured per ISO 4422-2 with the following sizes: 200 mm outside diameter (wall thickness of 11.9mm) and 160mm outside diameter (wall thickness of 9.5mm). The contractor is required to confirm proposed Tee dimension and reducers to ensure proper connection to the existing water main.

61. Section J – Attachment J.1,2,3. Please clarify if the Service connection 1” pipe and tap connection ¾” pipe depth will be same as other main water pipe line 4.0feet top of pipe. Also the width of trench will be same or bidder can reduce the width during execution.

USAID Response: The depth of cover over the private connections shall be three feet (3’) deep. The width of trench shall follow the width criteria specified in the Pipe Trench Detail on sheet C-503. In addition, see Note #1 on Sheet C-501 that specifies the contractor must submit a shop drawing for each private connection.

62. Section J Attachment J.1. Specification section 238126/1.1 summary shows 3 water treatment plants, but Robertsport WTP is missing in B.O.Q and further spec. detail for battery room Air conditioner , please clarify if it is missing or it will be another line item .or bidder can consider in same B.O.Q item to price for Robertsport.

USAID Response: In Specification Section 238126, “…three water treatment plants in Sanniquellie and Voinjama” should be changed to “…two water treatment plants in Sanniquellie and Voinjama”.

Robertsport is not included in this work.

63. C-503. Air release /Blow off valve detail shows a bend with air release and crush stone around but this detail will be only applicable on standard Hydrant , but for blow off it could be consider only 90deg bend and then Black steel pipe with painting ,because 50mm DI pipes are not available in this small qty. The Bollard detail shows 5.0ft depth underground and concrete but below 50mm water pipe is 4.0ft deep and detail shows in elevation sketch above of pipe line ,so we consider this is a typo mistake and it should be 3.5feet deep instead of 5.0 ft deep bollard with concrete. please clarify

USAID Response: The bollard buried depth shall be 3.5 feet. The air release/blow off valve pipe material shall be steel. The contractor must submit a typical shop drawing for the blow off valve/ air release valve after award of contract and prior to installation. Painting of exposed pipe shall be per the shop drawing and work method statement submitted to USAID for approval after award of the contract.

64. C-V101,V101A, & v102,V103 C-V104,V119,V129, C120, C-S126,129& C-130. Service connection on 50mm Pipe line did not consider any tapping or connection fittings , please clarify how the service connection will be considered in these pipe routes , because we have saddle for 100,150mm&200mm sizes.

USAID Response: The contractor will be required to install 500 private connections in each city.

The exact locations of the service connections are yet to be confirmed, therefore, the contractor must bid on the quantities provided in the BOQ for private connection saddles. Prior to procurement, the contractor must submit shop drawings and total quantities to be procured for USAID approval.

A 50mm saddle is added to BOQ Addendum 1 for Sanniquellie and Voinjama. Use BOQ Addendum 1 for submission of price proposal. Please see attachment Addendum 01 the yellow highlighted line item S-6, 6.01A for Sanniquellie and V-6, 6.01A for Voinjama.

65. 332200/2.3A. C-V123 shows at chainage 28+00-29+00 proposed Tee 100mmx50mmx50mm but before tee on 100mm pipe line 50mm Gate valve shows , required clarification and correction.

USAID Response: Sheet C-V123: Correction: the 50mm gate valve at station 28+50 should be changed to 100mm gate valve.

66. Section J – Attachment. C-V101,V101A & v102,V103. C-V100, Pipe A. plan shows sequence of Key plan drawing # C-101A end and 101 Middle and 102 start point of connection but detail drawing V101 shows end point and v101A shows the middle point and v102 is start point of connection But the size shown in drawing have no logic because start point in V102 is 50mm and rest of end point is 100MMin V101& v101A so required correction and clarification.

USAID Response: The offeror should follow the stationing of the water main on sheets C-V101, C- V101A, C-V102, and C-V103 for the logical sequence of sheet numbers. All water main shall be 100mm PVC. The note on sheet C-V102 should read “Proposed 100mm PVC Watermain”.

Sheet C-V100: the key map sheet labels for C-V101A and C-V101 should be switched to following the sequence of sheet number of C-V101, C-V101A, C-V102, and C-V103.

USAID will not issue revised drawings at this time. An “Issued for Construction” drawing set will be issued at contract award.

67. C-S129; Section 332200/2.3A, Pipe R. Similar case in voinjama& sanniquellie drawings and B.O.Q too. Water Expansion of sanniquellie and voinjama provided B.O.Q shows line item # S-04/4.02&V-04/4.02 100mm PVC water main pipe but drawing # S129 as 100mm HDPE pipe main water line(chainage 20+00-23+00 , please clarify we should follow B.O.Q description of material either. Drawings Notes, because 100mm HDPE is not provided in

BOQ.

USAID Response: All 100mm water main shall be PVC pipe.

68. Section J – Attachment. C-V104,V119,V129; C120, Section 332200/2.3A, Pipe Reference No B,Q&L Water Expansion of sanniquellie and voinjama provided B.O.Q shows line item # S- 04/4.01&V-04/4.01 50mm PVC water main pipe but drawing # C-V104, V119, V129&C120 as 50mm HDPE pipe main water line , please clarify we should follow B.O.Q description of material either Drawings Notes, because 50mmHDPE is not provided in BOQ.

USAID Response: All 100mm watermain shall be PVC pipe. All 50mm watermain pipe shall be HDPE. The BOQ CLIN No. V-4/Item no. 4.01 should change “PVC” to “HDPE”. For Sanniquellie, please see attachment Addendum 01 the yellow highlighted line item S-4, 4.01. For Voinjama, please see attachment Addendum 01 the yellow highlighted line item V-4, 4.01

69. Section J – Attachment. C-S126,129 & Section 332200/2.3A, Pipeline reference No Q,R,R1A. Water Expansion of sanniquellie and voinjama provided B.O.Q shows line item # S-04/4.01&V-04/4.01, 50mm PVC water main pipe but drawing # C-S126, S129&C-S130 as 50mm HDPE pipe main water line , please clarify we should follow B.O.Q description of material either Drawings Notes ,because 50mmHDPE is not provided in BOQ. This is similar case in voinjama drawings and B.O.Q too.

USAID Response: All 100mm watermain shall be PVC pipe. All 50mm watermain pipe shall be HDPE. The BOQ CLIN No. S-4/Item no. 4.01 should change “PVC” to “HDPE”. Please see attachment Addendum 01, S-4, 4.01, the yellow highlighted line item.

70. Section J – Attachment SECTION 08 – WATER SUPPLY WELLS Example; Wash HF city Botota clinic Bore Hole BOQ description heading says 178.2ft. deep bore hole and the detail bow as below have different column and description mentioned in feet length and Other column of Unit shows LM and qty column and description feet qty are not same length as mentioned in qty column as LM and this mistake is in all the county and locations for bore required correction either the Bore depth in LM or LF(Feet)(item#3.1,3.2&3.3 will apply). Specification did not show any depth for wells

Item # 3.5 Need to correct as item instead of inch and qty 1

SUPPLY WELLS

Drilling 8½inch through overburden (approx. 25ft depth per borehole) In breakdown BOQ they mentioned only over burden drilling of 25.0 feet but there is no drilling Qty provided for below bore hole for casing pipe and screen depth to 178Feet, please clarify if we can add in breakdown to complete the well bore hole

Item 3.1 says in description (25) feet and qty column shows 5Lmbut feet conversion is 7.62lM instead of 5Lm Similarly, the item 3.2 says 118.8Feet and qty column shows 12.0Lm but feet conversion is

36.2 instead of 12LM Item #3.3 same case as discuss above

3.1 Install temporary flush jointed casing OD=8inch in overburden and recover casing on completion of borehole (25ft)

3.2 Install uPVC casing OD=4.4, ID=4 inch, thickness 0.19inch with flush threaded joints (118.8ft per borehole).

3.3 Install uPVC screen OD=4.4inch, ID=4 inch, thickness 0.19inch slotted with min. 10% open area, with flush threaded joints (29.7ft per borehole).

3.5 Gravel pack borehole with 0.15748incs gravel

USAID Response: The depth of borehole in the BOQ is an approximation based on available information and knowledge. Offerors should refer to section C.2.2.B of the SOW, where they are required to conduct a geophysical investigation, prior to starting construction, to determine the actual depth of the borehole in a particular location. The LM in the unit column is determined by length of a single 3M pipe.