RFP 72066920R00008_PEER_Amend 01.pdf

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

08/27/2020

10A. MODIFICATION OF

CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

1 130

6. ISSUED BY

USAID/ Liberia, American Embassy 502 Benson Street Same as item 6 Monrovia, Liberia

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

AMENDMENT OF SOLICIATION NO.

72066920R00008

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, 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 1 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 APPROPIRATION 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 is not, x is required to sign this document and return 1 copy to the issuing office.

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

The Purposes of this Amendment are to:

1. amend the solicitation with updated sections of the RFP highlighted in yellow;

2. amend the Attachments J.1 and J.12;

3. amend the anticipated Date of Responses to Questions to September 21, 2020;

4. change the due date for proposals to October 9, 2020;

5. change the oral presentation dates to o/a October 14-30, 2020; and

6. provide answers to questions submitted by prospective offerors.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

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

Judy J. Webb, Supervisory 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) 53.243

PROJECT NO. (If applicble)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE:

09/21/2020

AMENDMENT 01 to RFP No. 72066920R00008: PEER Youth Activity (PEER)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

USAID is pleased to provide the following answers to the questions submitted by the various prospective offerors in response to the solicitation posted on August 27, 2020. Please note that some questions paraphrased for clarity.

Further, the solicitation has been amended 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 questions period.

QUESTIONS

1. Can USAID confirm that its usage of the term “research agenda” on page 14 should be understood as interchangeable with the term “learning agenda?”

USAID Response: USAID confirms that for the purpose of this solicitation, the term “research agenda” on page 14 should be understood as interchangeable with the term “learning agenda”.

2. On key personnel positions where a master's degree is required, will USAID accept candidates whose-master's degree will be conferred prior to project implementation (i.e., December 2020)?

USAID Response: Please see the revised requirements in the Key Personnel Section F.4. Offerors are requested to propose key personnel (a Chief of Party is a required key position) and their requirements.

3. The Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan (QASP) is described on page 23 of the RFP as being a deliverable due to USAID within 45 days of award. It is then also included in section L.6.5 Performance Work Statement, paragraph c (p. 104), suggesting that it is also to be submitted in the proposal. However, the QASP is not mentioned in the listed contents of the Technical Proposal found on page 102. Is the QASP required at proposal or not? Note that it is then also included in M.21 Rating Methodology and Evaluation Criteria (p. 120). Therefore, if it is to be included in the proposal, and seeing as it is listed on page 104 as paragraph (c) under the Performance Work Statement, does it therefore count toward our 20 page limit of the Performance Work Statement in the technical proposal?

USAID Response: Yes, a draft of the QASP is required with the proposal. Contents of the Technical Proposal in Section L.6.2 are being modified to clarify this requirement.

4. There is a discrepancy between the outline of Volume I – Technical Proposal provided on the bottom of page

102 and the description of the contents of the Performance Work Statement under L.6.5 Performance Work Statement (PWS).

On page 102, the Performance Work Statement is listed as being composed of three elements: (a) Performance Work Statement/Technical approach; (b) Management Plan and Staffing Plan; and (c) Past Performance.

However, under section L.6.5, the elements are (a) Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach (PWS);

(b) Management Plan and Staffing Plan; and (c) Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan.

Can USAID please clarify the required sections of the PWS in Volume I – Technical Proposal, and which of these sections are included in the 20 page limit of the PWS?

USAID Response: USAID is modifying the RFP to clarify the elements of the PWS in Volume I - Technical Proposal, and number of pages. Please refer below to Section L.6.2 of the modified RFP:

Performance Work Statement (maximum 20 pages)

a. Performance Work Statement/ Technical Approach (PWS) -

b. Management Plan and Staffing Plan

c. Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan - Draft

d. Key Personnel

e. Proposed Fees Structure and Deliverables

f. Graph/tables and charts

Please note that the above correction is reflected in the amended solicitation.

5. Given the technical evaluation criteria in Section M, would USAID consider revising the time limits for the oral presentation to allow for more time for Factors 1 and 2 combined?

USAID Response: USAID has not modified the time limits. Presenters must use their time effectively to demonstrate how they intend to successfully achieve the outcomes they propose in response to the Statement of Objectives. Presenters are cautioned not to expend their time solely on explaining or reading what can be seen on the slides but rather use the slides as a tool to provide a clear picture of how success will be achieved.

6. Can USAID please clarify what information should be included in the oral presentation for Factor 6 –

Contractor Past Performance? Should the offeror refer to the past performance matrix?

USAID Response: Contractors are free to tailor their oral presentation to refer to past performance information as it relates to their strategy. As noted in response to Question 5 above, there is no need to expend time on slides which can be read by the TEC. USAID is interested in understanding how the outcomes/milestones/achievements will be accomplished, what tools and methodologies will be engaged, etc.

– rather than solely focusing on explaining the inputs which can be read on the slides (such as the qualifications of key personnel or past performance.)

7. In Attachment J.1 (PEER Youth Newer SOO Youth Activity Amended), the range for this bid is noted as

$10-25 million but on the cover letter the range is noted as $20-21 million. Please clarify which is correct.

USAID Response: Please note that the range for this procurement action is $20 - $21 million. See attachment J.1 “PEER Statement of Objectives” for correction.

8. Questions regarding budget format (Attachment J.12):

a. Budget format provided is only for 4 years. Please confirm that this should be revised to include a 5 year budget.

USAID Response: Correct - this is a 5 year activity. Please refer to the amended budget template.

b. Row 1 of Detail Budget Sheet notes By CLIN – please confirm that budget by CLIN is not required.

USAID Response: The budget has Contract Line Items. Offerors are free to propose sub-line items but there are no other required “CLINs.”

c. Can the Offeror add a “Consultant” category to both the summary and detail sheet? Should they be included under STTA? If not, please explain where consultant costs should be included.

USAID Response: Offerors are free to add “Consultants” as a subcategory of Subcontractors if that fits within their costing structure. STTA should be a subcategory of Salaries as they represent staff of the Contractor who will be providing short-term technical advisory services (as opposed to LTTA - long term technical advisors.)

d. Equipment Category – Please confirm this should be ‘Equipment and Supplies’ which are inclusive of equipment < $5,000 as noted on page 115 of the RFP and on the Equipment tab of the budget.

USAID Response: Yes, the line item is “Equipment & Supplies.” Please refer to the amended budget template.

e. Subgrants – where should these be included? Should the Subcontracts category be renamed Subawards to include both Subcontracts and Subawards? Or should a new category be added to include Subgrants?

USAID Response: Offerors are advised to include Grants Under Contract (GUCs) as a separate line item in both the summary and detailed budget sheets. Please refer to the amended budget template. Subgrants are not a part of this solicitation as it is a contract.

9. Section L.8.2 requests offerors to use an exchange rate of LD150 to $1 from February 2018, could USAID please update the exchange rate to a current rate in September 2020?

USAID Response: The current and updated Liberia exchange rate against the US Dollar as of September

2020 is LD$198.00 to $1.00USD. However, all proposed costs must be in USD. Please see the amended solicitation in Section L.8.2 for updated exchange rate information.

10. Please confirm that the proposal needs to be valid for 180 days as already included on the SF-33.

USAID Response: Yes - confirmed. Offers must be valid for 180 days from submission.

11. Would USAID consider an extension of the proposal deadline in light of COVID-19 and the impact this has placed on offerors’ ability to engage with key stakeholders in Liberia?

USAID Response: Yes. USAID has revised the date for proposal submission to October 9, 2020, 5:00pm Monrovia time. Please refer to the amended solicitation.

12. The SOO does not reference addressing sexual and gender-based violence among target populations of youth.

Could USAID confirm whether offers may include SGBV prevention and response activities in their design of PEER activities? If yes, can addressing SGBV be included in the mental health and trauma component of PEER, as SGBV is a key source of trauma among Liberian youth and can lead to mental health disorders?

Additionally, could USAID please clarify if any of the current or future awards have a substantial SGBV component to which PEER might link to offer SGBV services to youth?

USAID Response: Although the SOO does not specifically reference sexual and gender-based violence among target populations of youth, USAID confirms that offers may include SGBV prevention and response activities in their design of PEER activities. Also, addressing SGBV may be included in the mental health and trauma component of PEER, as SGBV is a key source of trauma among Liberian youth and can lead to mental health disorders.

13. As the contractor will be operating in Liberia and need to hire employees in-country as well as expatriate staff and third-country nationals, would USAID kindly provide a copy of (or link to) the current bilateral agreement between the US and Liberia or confirm that there is no bilateral agreement between the US and Liberia?

USAID Response: USAID Liberia now has a new bilateral agreement that is just one Development Objective Assistance Agreement with three annexes to match the new Country Development Cooperation Strategy(CDCS) DOs. Regardless of our DOAG structure, it is important to note that it mirrors the CDCS and aligns with the Pro Poor Agenda document of the Government of Liberia that was included in the solicitation. Rather than looking at the DOAG, USAID would encourage offerors to review the CDCS and how it aligns with the Pro Poor Agenda Document.

14. Is USAID able to provide documentation to the selected recipient/contractor and its subcontractors and grantees) to verify exemption of taxes for the program and for any posted expatriate staff members on the program?

USAID Response: USAID will provide a letter to the prime contractor for tax exemption for onward submission to the Government of Liberia for equipment and other materials that are essential for project implementation as well as household importation for expatriate staff. USAID advises offerors to seek their own legal counsel with regards to income tax of their staff, subcontractors and consultants.

15. The RFP requests Section K, Representations and Certifications be submitted through beta.SAM. Is this required from proposed major subcontractors, or only from the prime offeror?

USAID Response: Section K, Representations and Certifications is only required for the prime offeror.

Please also see the requirements for sub-contracts under Section “L.8.2. Subcontracts (other than commodities)”

16. Is there a limit on the number of attachments (per email) for the electronic submission?

USAID Response: For all electronic submissions, please follow the instructions under Section L.5.

17. On page 108 of the RFP it states “Individuals proposed as Key Personnel may be proposed in more than one

Offer. Offerors must not require exclusivity from Key Personnel”. Could USAID please confirm that all key personnel, regardless of nationality, must be non-exclusive to the offeror?

USAID Response: USAID does not require exclusivity as stated on the RFP Section L.6.7. E, regardless of nationality.

18. Could USAID please confirm that the key personnel required to present the offeror’s technical approach cannot be exclusively committed to the offeror? This may result in a scenario where the same key personnel are required to present the technical approach for multiple offerors which may create a conflict of interest and some possible logistical challenges.

If selected key personnel are unable to present the offeror’s technical approach due to a conflict of interest under their current employment, would USAID consider the inclusion of non-key personnel as one of the presenters?

USAID Response: No, only proposed key-personnel can present the offeror’s proposal. However, USAID recognizes the conflict of interest and logistical challenges where the same key personnel may be requested to present for multiple offerors. Based on the above, USAID would like to state categorically that no key personnel will be allowed to present for more than one offeror.

19. Would USAID consider additional years of relevant experience in lieu of the master’s degree requirement for the DCOP, Senior MEL Advisor, and Senior Finance Manager positions?

USAID Response: Please refer to the revised Section I.4. on Key Personnel. Offerors are asked to propose key personnel positions as well as the requirements for these positions. The COP must be one of the key positions.

20. On page 101 of the RFP it states: “Oral presentations will be conducted by a digital video conference (DVC) such as Google Meet video conferencing at the USAID/Liberia office.” Can USAID please confirm whether key personnel are required to be physically present for the oral presentation or if, given current COVD-19 travel restrictions and health concerns if oral presentations can be delivered through remote video teleconference?

USAID Response: All oral presentations will be delivered through remote video teleconference using Google Meet video conferencing due to the current COVID-19 travel restrictions and health concerns. The RFP is modified to clarify this point.

21. Could USAID provide further clarity on illustrative and required indicators as the achievements on page 7 of the SOO are not consistent with the fee payment schedule template on page 11 of the RFP?

USAID Response: The fee table provided by USAID in Section B of the solicitation is a sample to guide offerors. Therefore, offerors are advised to propose their own fee table schedule based on their proposal.

22. Given the lack of funding for any supply side interventions for family planning, would USAID consider modifying “80 percent of youth who participate in PEER Youth sexual and mental health activities exhibit greater utilization of modern family planning methods and improved attitudes related to their sexual and mental health” to “80 percent of youth who participate in PEER Youth sexual and mental health activities exhibit improved attitudes related to their sexual and mental health.

USAID Response: The focus should be on increasing family planning modalities (such modern contraceptive) use among youths and adolescents. USAID expects the Peer Youth activity to raise awareness and create demand for family planning among youth and adolescents that will in turn generate interest in accessing family planning services at service delivery points in Montserrado, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties.

There are various intervention strategies associated with this indicator that are within the manageable control of the Peer Youth activity. Some of these interventions could include:

1. Support the provision of youth-friendly information and services to Ministry of Youth and Sports-supported youth centers through (i) recruitment and orientation of suitable peers who are members of existing youth centers to be the conduit of family planning information within the youth centers and in the communities and mobilize youth to use services; and (ii) liaise with facilities/service delivery points to support outreach of family planning staff from nearby facilities to the youth centers to provide family planning services at least once a month, etc.

2. Open dialogue on adolescent/youth sexuality and teenage pregnancy prevention matters via multiple channels to sensitize, raise awareness, and build a supportive environment for contraceptive uptake among young people e.g organize and hold youth-led intergenerational public dialogues on radio and community platforms on adolescent/youth sexuality and teenage pregnancies with parents, young people, religious and traditional leaders, and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health experts. All of these interventions, when successfully implemented, should increase modern contraceptive use among adolescents and youth.

USAID has revised the indicator in the SOO of the amended RFP to read:

80% of PEER Youth beneficiaries receive access to youth-friendly family planning, reproductive health, and mental health services information through intensive health education programming.

23. (a) An 80% utilization rate for modern family planning assumes a 100% demand rate. Is the assumption that

100%.of youth are sexually active and demanding modern family planning rooted in data?

(b) While an 80% demand target may be realistic, yet appropriately challenging, an 80% utilization target does not seem to be achievable if the denominator is all participating youth.

USAID Response:

(a) USAID confirms that an 80% utilization rate for modern family planning assumes a 100% demand rate.

USAID also confirms that stating that 100% of youth are sexually active and demanding modern family planning is an assumption and not rooted in data.

(b) This depends on the intervention strategies as stated above. We expect a robust family planning strategy in order for this target to be met.

24. Pg. 2 of the SOO states “PEER Youth is a five-year award, ranging from $10 million to $25 million, with small amounts of funding set aside for reproductive health programming ($200,000), disability programming ($1.1 million), and trauma-related mental health programming ($1.19 million), subject to the availability of funds.” Can USAID please confirm if these set aside amounts remain the same given that the budget range for the award has been adjusted to 20-21million. Additionally, please confirm if proposed activities by offerors in these programming areas should reflect the set aside funding amounts.

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the set aside amounts remain unchanged, but all are inclusive into the range provided.

25. Can USAID please clarify whether potential employers in the informal sector are considered private sector?

USAID Response: USAID clarifies that for the purpose of this solicitation, potential employers in the informal sector are considered private sector employers.

26. Pg. 11 of the SOO states, “Industry-specific trainings that offer a recognized certificate in a technical field are encouraged. The Contractor may need to engage GOL entities such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), as well as potential employers, in approving hands-on tests that certify a trainee’s skill level in industry-specific subjects. Can USAID please provide clarification on the requirement to certify training - does this apply for both formal and informal training?

USAID Response: The PEER Youth activity will only be involved in the informal training sector. The activity will also work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) during the course of implementation.

It is expected that training will be conducted using MOYS-approved training guidelines and curriculum for technical and vocational training, where available. The Government of Liberia does not administer a national level test that qualifies a trainee to perform services. However, when training is conducted using the approved training curriculum, a certificate is issued and it is expected that the certificate qualifies the trainee to apply knowledge and practical skills to the achievement of tasks in specific fields requiring skills and self direction and supervise others.

In many instances, training is provided through the apprenticeship model and no certificate is issued. Trainees in this situation are also required to demonstrate mastery of skills acquired and the activity may consider issuing some kind of participation certificate.

27. In the past, all representations and certifications required to be submitted with a proposal were included in

Section K of the RFP. Per the instructions in RFP No: 72066920R00008 PEER Youth Activity Section L.4(e)(3), “offerors will submit required representations and certification in beta.SAM, as well as any other certification or other statements included in the Section K.” Can additional information be provided about what representations and certifications will be required to be submitted via beta.SAM?

USAID Response: For information on what representation and certifications are required, please see FAR 52.204-8 and the following link: https://beta.sam.gov/. Please also refer to Section K of the solicitation and comply with the information requested therein.

28. a. Our assumption is that the set-asides for reproductive health programming ($200,000), disability programming ($1.1 million), and trauma-related mental health programming ($1.19 million) can be accounted for through costs incurred specific to those programmatic areas. Can you please confirm?

USAID Response: Confirmed. USAID Confirms that set asides for reproductive health programming ($200,000) disability programming($1.1 million), and trauma-related mental health programming($1.19 million) can be accounted for through costs incurred specific to those programmatic areas.

b. Can USAID confirm under which set-aside substance abuse would fall? If substance abuse is part of a set aside, can USAID clarify the amount?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that substance abuse will fall under trauma-related mental health programming ($1.19 million).

29. Can USAID clarify the definition of a major subcontractor? In section B.5 it is listed as “20% of technical effort,” and in L.6.6 it is listed as “20% of total costs.”

USAID Response: A major subcontractor is a subcontractor whose budget and participation exceeds 20% of the Total Estimated Cost (inclusive of fee) of the proposed activity to furnish supplies or services for the prime contractor.

30. Section B.8, Payment of Fixed Fee, states, “If the Contractor does not reach the deliverables/target, the

Contractor will not be paid any of the fees associated with that deliverable/target, as full contract completion will not have been demonstrated.” Because the Liberia PEER Youth Activity is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) type contract structured to incentivize the Contractor to meet certain targets while also maintaining flexibility to adapt implementation to achieve these targets, we request that USAID remove this language from B.8, because the language is more in line with a Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF) contract in which fee is adjusted based on the contractor’s achievement of results. Should USAID wish to maintain the CPFF mechanism, we also request the addition of the following language to B.8: “The contractor and USAID have the option to re-negotiate targets and fee schedule if there are mitigating external circumstances during the course of Contract implementation.” Adjusting the fee payment schedule with each annual work plan instead would allow the Contractor to readjust and reallocate effort and resources as needed to achieve the most results attainable within the total estimated cost. Any unpaid fee due to the Contractor not achieving a certain result beyond its manageable control, such as the changing needs of local counterparts, can be reallocated amongst other or new deliverables in the work plan of the upcoming year.

USAID Response: The language in Section B.8 remains. As noted in Section B.2 of the RFP solicitation, this is a “completion-type” contract which “requires the contractor to complete and deliver the specified end product within the estimated cost, if possible, as a condition of payment of the entire fixed fee,” per FAR

16.306. Offerors have the flexibility to determine deliverables/results by which their fees are tied, including amount (percentage) and frequency of payments. However, if a contractor does not achieve deliverables they have committed to achieving (outlined in the fee payment schedule), fees cannot be paid out, since this may be deemed an issue of non-performance. If performance is not possible due to changing conditions, the contractor and USAID will mutually agree on any required change to deliverables and associated fees.

31. Should USAID wish to tie fee to the results as stated in the second paragraph of B.8, a CPAF type contract would be more appropriate and likely provide better value to USAID. A CPFF-type contract with these specifications could result in the Contractor forfeiting the fee associated with a deliverable that was not achieved in a certain timeframe, creating a disincentive to devote additional effort and resources to achieve that deliverable, thus inadvertently resulting in lowered results.

USAID Response: Please see the response to question number 30 above.

32. Sections F.4 and F.6 have a “key personnel” discrepancy: the chief of party, deputy chief of party/senior operations manager, and the senior finance manager must be furnished immediately (no later than 30 days after award) with the remaining key personnel hired shortly thereafter (no later than 45 days after award). In F.6, “two key personnel should arrive 30 days after, and the remaining three after 45 days).” Can USAID verify?

USAID Response: USAID has removed the key personnel position requirements to allow offerors to propose its own key personnel positions. However, Section F.4 and F.6 has been modified to note that the COP and two other proposed key personnel must be furnished no later than 30 days after award with the remaining key personnel no later than 45 days after award. Please see modified RFP, Section F.6 for correction.

33. In section F.4, the title “senior finance manager” is in the table on page 17, but the description in F.4.A.3 on page 18 refers to the “senior finance and operations manager.” The job description of the deputy chief of party includes budget and operations. Can USAID clarify the separation of duties it envisions for these two positions?

USAID Response: With the exception of COP, USAID has removed the key personnel positions to allow offerors to propose their own key personnel. Please see modified RFP.

34. Can USAID delete the key personnel positions requirement and allow offerors to propose their own key positions that match their technical proposals, because the RFP does not include a detailed scope, only the purpose? The offerors are free to propose their own approaches and interventions to achieve the PEER purpose, “which is to provide 20,000 targeted Liberian youth ages 15-29 with a range of sustainable opportunities, tools, and support systems that enable them to improve their livelihoods and increase their abilities to contribute as both economically- and socially productive and engaged family and community members.” We also request the ability to propose the positions that go with the technical approach.

USAID Response: With the exception of the COP, USAID has deleted the key personnel positions to allow offerors to propose their personnel which matches their technical approach. Please refer to the amended RFP.

35. Sections H.7.D.1 and H.7.D.2 of the RFP hold offerors to annual salary increases of five percent; sections

H.7.D.2 and H.7.E.2 require that offerors adhere to a local compensation plan. We request that the above-mentioned salary restrictions be removed from the RFP because they appear to be inconsistent with AIDAR

752.7007 Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section H.6, which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The salary restrictions above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

USAID Response: Requirements under Section H.7.d.1 and H.7.d.2 remain in place. Offerors must also provide compensation in accordance with their own policies and procedures.

36. Section H.7.F.2 bans overtime pay. We ask for a deviation to pay overtime to support staff if we are required to do so by local labor laws.

USAID Response: Overtime may be required for certain positions, which may be required to work outside of normal business hours, to comply with local labor laws. Offerors are free to propose these costs if it is consistent with their proposed strategy.

37. Section L.5.E.vi states, “All attachments/electronic contents must be formatted to print on 8.5 by 11 inch or

A4 size paper, single spaced, with 12-point font with one-inch margins on all sides.” However, fitting spreadsheets onto 8.5 x 11 will likely result in very small print that is hard to read. We request that USAID make an exception for the budget spreadsheets and allow them to be on paper sizes larger than 8.5 x 11.10.

USAID Response: This requirement remains unchanged.

38. We recognize that, as per Section L.7, USAID will use the slide deck the offeror submits to determine whether the proposal is responsive. However, best practice for PowerPoint presentations is to minimize text on slides to maximize the listener’s ability to absorb oral content. Would USAID allow offerors to include additional text in the “notes” section of the PowerPoint slides, and would USAID consider the content of these notes in evaluating the offeror’s overall responsiveness to the RFP?

USAID Response: USAID fully supports the “best practice for PowerPoint presentations is to minimize text on slides to maximize the listener’s ability to absorb oral content.” The slide deck is intended to be used as a guide for the presentation and must be clearly viewable by the audience. Additional text in the “notes” section of the PowerPoint slides will not be evaluated. However, USAID will also be evaluating the offeror’s complete presentation (including questions and answers) and not only the slides.

Issuance Date: August 27, 2020 Questions Due Date/Time: September 11, 2020, 5:00pm Monrovia time Anticipated Date of Response to Questions: September 21, 2020 Proposal Due/Closing Date/Time: October 9, 2020, 5:00pm Monrovia time Oral Presentations: Tentatively from October 14-30, 2020, USAID/Liberia Mission

SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) No.: 72066920R00008 PEER Youth Activity (PEER)

The United States Government, represented by the U.S Agency for International Development in Liberia (USAID), is seeking proposals from qualified U.S. or non-U.S., non-profit or for-profit organizations to support the Government of Liberia in its PEER Youth Activity priorities. This procurement will be conducted under Full and Open Competition procedures, pursuant to Part 6 and 15 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Authorized Principal Geographic Code for this solicitation is 937 – Default. NAICS Code for this solicitation is 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

USAID anticipates awarding a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee completion-type contract for a maximum five

(5) year period of performance as a result of this RFP. USAID also anticipates that the total estimated cost will range between twenty to twenty-one million US dollars (US$20M to $21M.)

The PEER activity covers objectives that are intended to improve and provide 20,000 targeted Liberian youth ages 15-29 with a range of sustainable opportunities, tools, and support systems that enable them to improve their livelihoods and increase their abilities to contribute as both economically- and socially-productive and engaged family and community members.

This solicitation requires the offeror’s proposal to be furnished via an oral presentation. At least two of the proposed key personnel must present the offeror’s technical approach. Section L of the RFP sets forth all instructions for the preparation and submission of the required proposal content and the oral presentations. Section M states the criteria by which proposals will be evaluated.

Offerors are responsible for ensuring oral presentations and cost proposals are received at USAID by the due date and time as specified in this cover letter. Failure to comply with the submission date and time will deem any submission unacceptable and it will not be reviewed or evaluated.

USAID expects that offerors will have equal access to all local organizations needed to implement this contract and strongly discourages exclusivity agreements with local/regional organizations as this limits USAID’s ability to receive the best services.

This RFP can be viewed and downloaded from https://beta.sam.gov/ USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same website. USAID advises to regularly check the above website for amendments.

Interested firms can register and use the Interested Vendor List (IVL) accessible through this solicitation on https://beta.sam.gov/, so that firms can contact one another for consideration of teaming arrangements and/or small business subcontracting opportunities in response to this solicitation. USAID encourages the participation to the maximum extent possible of all small business concerns in this activity or as a subcontractor in accordance with FAR Part 19.

Questions and comments related to this RFP must be in writing only and submitted electronically no later than the questions due date/time stated above to Edward S. Lamin, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, at elamin@usaid.gov, with copies to the attention of Ruth Caesar-Hne, Acquisition and Assistance Specialist at rcaesar-hne@usaid.gov. No questions will be accepted after the stated date.

USAID may consolidate response(s) to questions/comments and will post all responses as an amendment to this RFP.

Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the United States Government to make an award, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation or submission of proposals. Furthermore, the U.S. Government reserves the right to reject any and all offers, if such action is considered to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

Sincerely, ANDREA MARIA

PLUCKNETT (affiliate)

Digitally signed by ANDREA MARIA PLUCKNETT (affiliate) Date: 2020.08.27 09:21:22 -04'00'

Andrea M. Plucknett Contracting Officer

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 7900) N/A

PAGE OF PAGES

1 126

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

72066920R00008

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

5. DATE ISSUED

08/28/2020

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

REQ-669-20-000020

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than item 7)

U.S. Agency for International Development c/o U.S. Embassy Monrovia, 502 Benson St. Same as item 7 1000 Monrovia, 10 Liberia

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and one electronic copies for furnishings the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in item 8, or if hand carried, in the depository located in See Cover Letter and Section L until 05:00pm local time October 2, 2020

(Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

A. NAME

Edward S. Lamin

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS) C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

elamin@usaid.gov

AREA CODE

NUMBER

776777000

EXT.

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

X

X

X

SEC.

A

B

C

D

E

DESCRIPTION

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

PACKAGING AND MARKING

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PAGE(S)

8-12

SEC. DESCRIPTION

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

I CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

K

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER

PAGE(S)

70-93

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 16-32 X STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS 95

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 33-37 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 96-119

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 38-69 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 120-126

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within 180 calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS(%)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS

OF OFFER-

OR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND THE TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

(Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS

DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER SUCH

ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AREA CODE NUMBER EXT.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) 41 U.S.C. 253 (c)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

Controller’s Office USAID/Liberia, c/o US Embassy 502 Benson Street, 1000 Monrovia 10, Liberia CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Andrea M. Plucknett

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Signature of Contracting Officer)

28. AWARD DATE

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice .AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION Previous edition is unusable STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – THE SCHEDULE 17

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 17

B.1 PURPOSE 17

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE 17

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 17

B.4 BUDGET 17

B.5 INDIRECT COSTS 18

B.6 COST REIMBURSABLE 19

B.7 MULTI YEAR CONTRACT 19

B.8 SCHEDULE - PAYMENT FEE 19

SECTION C – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 22

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 23

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JAN 1993) 23

D.2 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING POLICY 23

D.3 SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE OUTREACH 23

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 24

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 24

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 24

E.3 RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL 24

E.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 24

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 25

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 25

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 25

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 25

F.4 KEY PERSONNEL 25

F.5 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EVALUATION 26

F.6 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES 27

F.7 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007) 35

F.8 ACTIVITY MONITORING AND EVALUATION 35

F.9 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

DOCUMENTS (SEPTEMBER 2013) (CLASSDEVIATIONOAA-DEV-13- 01C) 36

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 38

G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) 38

G.2 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE 39

G.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) 39

G.4 PAYING OFFICE 39

G.5 INVOICES, ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL 40

G.6 INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS 40

G.7 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 40

G.8 TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID 40

G.9 CONTRACTOR CONTACT INFORMATION 42

SECTION H- SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 43

H.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 43

H.2 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) (CLASS

DEVIATION NO. OAA-DEV-12-01C) 43

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 44

H.4 AIDAR 752.228-70 MEDICAL EVACUATION (MEDEVAC) SERVICES (JULY 2007) 44

H.5 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 45

H.6 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL APPROVALS (JUL 2007) 45

H.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 45

H.8 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING (FEB 2002) 47

H.9 AIDAR 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JULY 2007) 48

H.10 AIDAR 752.228-3 WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE (DEFENSE BASE ACT)

(DEC 1991) 48

H.11 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN, INDIVIDUAL SUBCONTRACT REPORT (ISR) AND THE

SUMMARY SUBCONTRACT REPORT 50

H.12 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT 51

H.13 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL 51

H.14 FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS TO INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

(JAN 2002) 51

H.15 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

RESOURCES 52

H.16 LOGISTIC SUPPORT 53

H.17 LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS 53

H.18 AIDAR 752.7101 VOLUNTARY POPULATION PLANNING ACTIVITIES (JUNE 2008)

(AAPD 08-01) 53

H.19 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 54

H.20 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION 55

H.21 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: PRECLUSION FROM FURNISHING

CERTAIN SERVICES AND RESTRICTION ON USE OF INFORMATION (CIB 99-17) 56

H.22 AIDAR 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUN 2012) 57

H.23 AIDAR 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY - ACQUISITION (DEC 2004) 57

H.24 ADS 302.3.5.19 USAID-FINANCED THIRD-PARTY WEB SITES (AUG 2013) 57

H.25 AIDAR 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013) 59

H.26 ADS 302.3.5.21 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA

LIBRARY (OCT 2014) 60

H.27 COMPLIANCE WITH THE TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION

REAUTHORIZATION ACT 61

H.28 AUTHORIZED WORK WEEK 61

H.29 FAR 52.203-99, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (APR 2015) 61

H.30 AIDAR 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014) 62

H.31 LOGISTIC SUPPORT GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 63

H.32 COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 508 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, AS

AMENDED 64

H.33 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 64

H.34 AMMONIUM NITRATE AND CALCIUM AMMONIUM NITRATE RESTRICTION

(SEPTEMBER 2011) (CLASS DEVIATION OAA-DEV-LL-03C, EXPIRATION DATE

SEPTEMBER 8, 2016) 65

H.35 CLOUD COMPUTING (MAY 2016) 65

H.36 AIDAR 752.245-71 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY (APR 1984) 71

H.37 FAR 52.203-18, PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS- REPRESENTATION

(JAN 2017) 71

H.38 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT 72

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES 75

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES 75

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 75

I.2 FAR 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (OCT 2015) 82

I.3 FAR 52.217-2 CANCELLATION UNDER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS (OCT 1997) 85

I.4 FAR 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (MAR 2015) 86

I.5 FAR 52.229-8 TAXES – FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT (MAR 1990) 93

I.6 FAR 52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES (APR 1984) 93

I.7 AIDAR 752.209-71 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DISCOVERED

AFTER AWARD (JUN 1993) 95

I.8 AIDAR 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HG EMPLOYEES (MAR 2015) 95

I.9 AIDAR 752.7004 EMERGENCY LOCATOR INFORMATION (JULY 1997) 95

I.10 AIDAR 752.7013 CONTRACTOR-MISSION RELATIONSHIPS (JUN 2018) 96

I.11 AIDAR 752.7034 ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND DISCLAIMER (DEC 1991) 96

I.12 FAR 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989) 97

I.13 FAR 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (OCT 2015) 97

I.14 FAR 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUL2014) 97

I.15 52.229-8 TAXES - FOREIGN COST-REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS (MAR 1990) 98

I.16 FAR 52.247-67 SUBMISSION OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS FOR AUDIT

(FEB 2006) 98

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, FORMS AND OUTHER ATTACH 99

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 99

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 100

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

OFFERORS 100

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 101

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 101

L.2 FAR 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 102

L.3 FAR 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006) 102

L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 102

L.5 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION/ DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 104

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF VOLUME I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

(PHASE I AND PHASE II) 106

L.7 ORAL PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONS 114

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF VOLUME II – COST PROPOSAL

[SEE SECTION M.3] 115

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 124

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION 124

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 124

M.3 BUSINESS/ COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION [SEE SECTION L.8] 129

M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE 129

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION 130

ACRONYMS LIST

AMELP Activity Monitoring, Learning, Evaluation, Evaluation & Plan AYP Advancing Youth Project CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy CFR Code of Federal Regulations CLA Collaborating, Learning and Adapting COP Chief of Party CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer’s Representative DOC Development Outreach Communication DPO Disabled People’s Organization GOL Government of Liberia GUC Grants Under Contracts IR Intermediate Result J2SR Journey to Self Reliance MOE Ministry of Education MOYS Ministry of Youth and Sports MPHSS Mental Health and Psychosocial Support PEER Youth Positive, Educated, Employed and Resilient Youth PWS Performance Work Statement PYD Positive Youth Development PYPP President’s Young Professionals Program SBC Social Behavior Change SOO Statement of Objectives Sub IR Sub Intermediate Result RF Results Framework RTA Responsive Technical Assistance TA Technical Assistance TBD To be Determined TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government VSLA Village Savings and Loans

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

Section B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to provide the services and deliverables that fall within the Performance Work Statement (PWS) as specified in Section C to implement the PEER Youth Activity.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion-type contract consistent with Federal Acquisition Regulation 16.306(d)(1). For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor must achieve the performance objectives and deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F, in accordance with performance standards specified in Section E, and otherwise comply with all contract requirements.

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT

(a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required…