TESTS SOO-RFP-10292020-Amendment 03-.pdf

AMENDMENT 03 to RFP No. 72066920R00010, Transforming the

Education System for Teachers and Students in Liberia (TESTS)

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 September 30, 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

Partnering and Subcontracting

1. In the attached REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) document, on page 1, paragraph 5, it states: 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.

A. Could you clarify how you define local/regional organizations please? Would local organizations for example include local Liberian NGOs as well as international NGOs with presence/ registered in Liberia?

USAID Response: Any organization registered under the laws of the Government of Liberia is considered a local organization.

B. Can an organization be a sub-contractor to more than one contractor under this RFP?

USAID Response: Yes

2. Please confirm if USAID wants to see Letters of Commitment from subcontractors if they are a Liberian organization? Page 106 of the RFP states “The Offeror is NOT to obtain letters of commitment from Liberian government entities or organizations… Letters of commitment from each proposed subcontractor must also be included.”

USAID’s response: Letters of commitment from each proposed subcontractor must be submitted. However, USAID discourages exclusivity agreements with local/regional organizations.

3. Section B.5 Indirect Costs defines a major subcontract as a “contract entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for the performance of a prime contract and whose proposed cost exceeds 20% or more of the technical effort or will furnish supplies or services for performance of a prime contractor for a key element of the RFP.” However, Sections L6.3 and Section L.6.6 d define major subcontractors as “those subcontractors whose proposed costs exceed 20% of the offeror’s proposed total cost or perform a key element of the RFP,” and Section L.6.7 identifies major subcontractors as those “whose proposed costs exceeds 15% of the total estimated task order contract costs.”

AMENDMENT 03

RFP No. 72066920R00010, Transforming the Education System for Teachers and Students in Liberia (TESTS)

Can USAID confirm the definition of major subcontractors and clarify what entails a “key element of the RFP”?

USAID Response: A major subcontractor is a subcontractor whose budget exceeds 20% of the total estimated cost (inclusive of fee) of the proposed activity to furnish supplies or services mentioned in the PWS for the prime contractor.

4. Should offerors submit information for approval of subawards (for subgrantees) in addition to information for consent to subcontract (for major subcontractors)?

USAID’s response: Not at this stage. However, if an offeror is requested to submit a full proposal in phase II, they may request consent to subcontract for any proposed subcontractors.

5. Page 117 L.8.7 states letters of commitment from subcontractors are to be included in the cost/business proposal. Page 106 paragraph E indicates letters from subcontractors are to be included as an annex in the technical volume. Please clarify if letters should be included in both the technical and cost volumes?

USAID’s response: USAID clarifies that all letters of commitment from subcontractors should be included in the cost/business proposal.

Fee/Deliverables Schedule

6. Section B.8 Schedule ‒ Payment 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.” Since

TESTS 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 Section B.8 as it is more in line with a cost-plus-award-fee (CPAF) contract where fee is adjusted based on achievement of results.

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 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 the deliverables they have committed to achieving (outlined in the fee payment schedule), fee cannot be paid, 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.

7. Section L.6 states: “The slide deck will only incorporate the offeror’s technical approach and contractor past performance….” However, section L.7 states: “Presentations will be required in the following format:

a. [60 mins] Factor 1 - Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach,

b. Factor 2 - Management and Staffing Plan

c. [15 mins] Break

d. [80 mins] Factor 3 - Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan,

e. Factor 4 - Key Personnel,

f. Factor 5 - Proposed Fee Structure and Deliverables, and

g. Factor 6 – Relevant Contractor Past Performance (as it relates to the PWS.)

h. [25 mins] Clarification Questions and Answers Can USAID please clarify what information is to be included in the PPT presentation and confirm that no cost information, including the proposed fee structure, is to be included in the PPT presentation?

USAID’s response: USAID clarifies that the slide deck presentation must follow and discuss the format as indicated in Section L.6.2 - Volume I- Technical Proposal, 1 to 5. Please see also Section L.6.1. However, annexes marked with bullet points must be submitted in separate pdf documents in phase I. Section L.7 only points to how time is allotted to the oral presentation and the number of key personnel and observers required for the oral presentation. Offerors are reminded that the proposed fee structure should NOT INCLUDE any financial information but only deliverables and percentage of fees which the offerors are proposing. NOTE: There is no slide limit to the presentation but maximum 1 slide per page.

8. Could you please tell me if the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation posted as solicitation number

72066920R00010 will be a follow-on requirement to any work performed currently or in the past, or will this be a new requirement?If possible, can you please provide the most recent contract or task order number?

USAID Response: No, this is a new requirement.

9. Section H.7(d)(2) holds offerors to 5 percent annual salary increases for third-country national and cooperating-country national staff. We request that this salary restriction be removed as it appears 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 restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

USAID Response: Requirement under Section H.7(d)(2) remains in place. Offerors must also provide compensation in accordance with their own policies and procedures.

10. We request that USAID add FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of Limitation on Severance Payments to

Foreign Nationals, so that the eventual contractor can abide by Liberian laws requiring payment of severance and can budget accordingly.

USAID Response: Please see Section H of the amended solicitation for this addition.

11. Section L.6.5(a) Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach (PWS) states, “The PWS sub-headings [tasks] must follow the same organization as in the SOO.” Could USAID confirm that the slide presentation (and the written technical proposal that may follow) must include the headings of the results framework (which are included under Section 6: Required

Results)? Or does USAID mean that the slide deck must follow all headings in the SOO, starting with “1. Activity Title” and ending with “8. Grants Under Contract”?

USAID Response: With reference to Section L.6.5(a) Performance Work

Statement/technical Approach, the slide deck must follow the same organization as in the

SOO. However, slide deck presentations (and the written technical proposal that may follow) must consider or follow the same organization as in the SOO and must discuss and respond to the technical factors as detailed in Section L and address the evaluation criteria in Section

M. For more information on your submission, please read carefully the instructions provided in Section L.6 of the amended solicitation.

12. Section L.6.5(a) Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach (PWS) states, “The PWS must also propose and provide a list of indicators and targets to achieve projected results over the life of the award.” Could USAID clarify whether such indicators are to be provided with the slide deck (as part of the technical approach) or whether they should be included as part of the draft activity monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan during Stage 2 (written proposal)?

USAID Response: Reference Section L.6.5.(a) Performance Work Statement

Statement/Technical Approach (PWS), The PWS sub-headings [tasks] must follow the same organization as in the SOO.

13. In Section L.6.5(c) Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan, USAID says, “the QASP will identify what an acceptable level of quality is for each deliverable.” Could USAID clarify what is meant by “deliverable” in this sentence? Does it refer to the “Reports and

Deliverables” listed in Section F, to the outputs listed in blue in the SOO, or to other items?

USAID Response: USAID would like to clarify that the word “deliverable” refers to the deliverable listed in Section B.8 which was taken out of the SOO.

14. Could USAID confirm that the annexes listed under Section L.6.7 are not expected to be covered as part of the slide presentation?

USAID Response: Yes, USAID confirms that the annexes listed under Section L.6.7. are not expected to be covered as part of the slide presentation, but offerors should submit all annexes as separate pdf documents in phase I.

15. Page 1 of the SOO states, “$1.5 million will be targeted to inclusive education training and provisions of special needs equipment,” while Page 7 states “TESTS will devote $1.5 million exclusively to inclusive education and disabilities programming.” Can USAID clarify to where the $1.5 million should be allocated and if this is part of the $4 million grants under contract funds?

USAID’s Response: The $1.5 million should be dedicated to inclusive education/disabilities programming. This programming includes developing an inclusion education curriculum for teacher aspirants, provision of assistive technology for training teachers, and providing targeted training for inservice inclusive education for teachers(eg. School for the Blind) in demonstration schools. This is not part of the $4 million grants under contracts.

16. Page 1 of the SOO indicates that TESTS will “support up to two years of full-time study for a minimum of 3,000 teachers…and potentially some in-service teachers selected by the

Ministry of Education.” Can USAID estimate the number of in-service teachers whose study it anticipates TESTS will support? Will this include a mix of teachers with different levels of qualifications or all one type (e.g., all teachers who have not undergone formal teacher training)?

USAID’s Response: USAID cannot estimate how many in-service teachers the Ministry would be willing to allow to enroll in this training. This is solely up to the Ministry. This is a pre-service program that is geared to teacher aspirants that are interested in attaining an associate degree or those who already have an associate and would like to pursue a bachelor's degree.

17. Pages 3 and 7 of the SOO references a 2011 study on females teaching in Liberia by C.W.

Snyder, which it notes has useful recommendations. We did not see this study on the

Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC). Can USAID share the document?

USAID’s Response: Yes, please use this link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgghnzTZe2tTIE55n9WxjgXAnfWbLTbN/view?usp=sha ring

18. We see in Read Liberia’s progress reporting that they have developed standards for teacher performance, which build on the teacher performance standards. However, the progress reporting and documents on DEC do not appear to include the standards (or a substantive description of what they include). If those standards are either recently approved or likely to be approved by the Ministry of Education, or if USAID would like these standards to inform the design of TESTS, could USAID make the standards available to all offerors?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgghnzTZe2tTIE55n9WxjgXAnfWbLTbN/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgghnzTZe2tTIE55n9WxjgXAnfWbLTbN/view?usp=sharing

USAID’s response: Kindly check the MOE Website or reach out to the MOE for this and other education policy documents.

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

USAID’s response: The anticipated date to respond to questions is Thursday, October 29, 2020 while the due date for proposal submission is Monday, November 9, 2020.

20. Section L.6.7.A states that the offeror should assume a fictional award date of December

2020, however, section L.8.2.a states that offerors are to utilize February 19, 2021 as the anticipated award date. Can USAID please confirm the anticipated award and start dates?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that offerors should use an illustrative anticipated award date of February 1, 2021 for all costing and planning issues. Please see Section L.7.A and Section L.8.2.a of the amended solicitation.

21. The RFP’s Cover page lists the Budget Range as 20M-22M. However, the SOO on page 1 lists the budget range as15M-25M. Can USAID kindly confirm the correct budget range?

USAID’s response: The budget range is $20M- $22M. Please see Attachment J.1 of the amended SOO.

22. Section L.6.7, Annex C, states that the resumes of Key Personnel are not to exceed 3 pages.

However, later in this section the RFP states that resumes must be limited to a maximum of

2 pages. Can USAID please clarify the required length of key personnel CVs?

USAID’s response: USAID clarifies that key personnel resumes are not to exceed three pages. Please see Section L.6.7.C of the amended solicitation.

23. Section L.5.e.vi states that all attachments and electronic contents must be in 12-point font with one-inch margins. Can USAID please confirm that the font and margin requirements do not apply to the PowerPoint slides? Additionally, can USAID please confirm that the

Times New Roman font requirement for the Technical Proposal, as listed in section L.6.2.c on page 100 of the RFP, does not apply to the PowerPoint slides? Lastly, can USAID please confirm that the 12-point font requirement does not apply for graphics, tables, and textboxes in the Phase II technical proposal?

USAID’s response: USAID is pleased to note that the 12-point font with one-inch margins and Times New Romans font does not apply to the PowerPoint slides and graphics, tables and textboxes.

24. Attachment J.2, Past Performance Matrix, does not use the same type/font as listed in the

Section L type/font requirements for the Technical Proposal. Can USAID please confirm if http://l.5.e.vi/ offerors may present the same information in Attachment J.2 in a format that complies with the page size and type/font size requirements in section L?

USAID’s response: No, USAID confirms that Attachment J.2 may be presented in the format in excel spreadsheets and it is up to the contractor to select the font/size best for submission.

25. Can USAID please confirm that for awards that are not in PPIRS, offerors are expected to complete only Part 1 of Attachment J.8?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that Part 1 of Attachment J.8 must be completed for awards or assistance awards that are not in PPIRS. For more information, please refer to

Section L.6.6(1)(ii).

26. Section L.6.5.d, which lists the Key Personnel requirements for the PWS, states that each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel must provide a SF1420:USAID biographical data sheet.

Can USAID please confirm that bio data sheets should be attached to the cost proposal only, and not included as a part of the PWS?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that each Key Personnel SF1420 biographical data sheet should be attached as part of the cost proposal and not included as a part of the PWS.

However, the offeror must briefly discuss in the slide deck submission each key personnel mirroring from the offeror’s technical proposal narrative pending submission in phase II.

27. Section L.6.2, Volume I – Technical Proposal, lists Annexes for Key Personnel Resumes and

References, and for Branding Strategy, Branding Implementation Plan, and Marking Plan.

However, L.6.7 does not list Key Personnel Resumes and References or the Branding and

Marking Plan as annexes. Can USAID please confirm that key personnel references should be Annex G and that the branding and marking plans should be Annex H?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that key personnel resumes and references should be in Annex C while the branding and marking plans should be in Annex G. For more information, please refer to Section L.6.7.C&G of the amended solicitation.

28. Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal

Year (FY) 2019 Section (a)(1)(B) and Section (b)(1) of the law, went into effect on August

13, 2020. To support the Agency’s work, USAID received telecommunications waiver for internet and phone services, which was originally scheduled to expire on September 30, 2020. The Agency has received approval to extend this waiver through September 30, 2022.

On Page 93 of the RFP under Section K. Representations, Certifications and Other

Statements of Offerors includes Section 52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-Representation (DEC 2019). As USAID has received the approval to extend the telecommunications waiver for internet and phone services, can USAID kindly clarify if offerors are required to submit the Section 52.204-26 listed in Section K?

USAID’s response: The Agency’s waiver does not alter the FAR requirements for contractors to make a representation. Nor does it alter the requirement to request a waiver and provide a laydown plan for covered technology if an affirmative representation is made and no existing waiver applies. The Agency will review a contractor's waiver request and the required laydown plan to determine whether this waiver applies in whole or part and whether any further waiver is required.

29. Page 111 of the RFP states that “Offerors must incorporate and link sub-contractor budgets within their own. There must not be multiple workbooks between the prime and sub-contractor(s), if applicable. Each tab spreadsheet must be linked to the detailed budget with visible formulas. Please see the budget template Attachment J.11.” USAID also provided a budget template per Attachment J.11 that has separate tabs for each budget category. Will

USAID clarify if offerors are required to follow the budget template that has separate tabs for each budget category, or if offerors may use one tab for the Detail Budget and one tab for the Summary Budget?

USAID’s response: USAID provided a budget template which has separate tabs to include a Summary budget, Detailed budget and other budget tabs. Offerors are advised to populate these separate tabs for each budget category and link them to the detailed budget and summary budget.

30. Attachment J.1, SOO, Page 1 states that there will be “potentially some in-service teachers”.

Can USAID please clarify the likelihood of in-service teacher inclusion and whether the reference to in-service teachers refers only to those teaching in proposed demonstration schools?

USAID’s response: Please refer to question #14 and response above.

31. President Trump’s recent Executive Order bans the use of federal dollars to provide gender sensitivity training. Can USAID please clarify how this impacts the direct project goals of inclusive education and gender equitable teacher training in this context? Specifically, can

USAID please confirm if:

a. Offerors may plan and conduct training focused on gender inclusion.

b. Offerors may develop materials focused on gender sensitivity.

c. Offerors may “address gender imbalances in the teaching force”.

d. Offerors may address gender-specific socioemotional needs as listed in IR1 and the gender-sensitive coaching and mentoring as listed in IR3.

USAID’s response: As this is an overseas activity, President Trump’s recent Executive

Order does not affect this activity.

32. Could USAID please provide the indicator reference sheet for the GNDR-8 indicator listed on page 5 of the SOO?

USAID’s response: Please use the below link to access the GNDR-8 indicator:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzQmPPw9ydzyZU0zaFVDb00zWFl0OXVNRTVSNjBV

Slo0eWxz/view

33. Page 18 of the RFP states that “The Contractor is allowed to propose key personnel positions

(total of 5 positions).” Can USAID confirm that this means Offerors can propose a maximum of five key personnel but may propose fewer if so desired?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that the contractor is allowed to propose up to five key personnel but may propose less if this ties with their proposed strategy.

34. If asked to submit a technical proposal for Phase II, approximately how much time will offerors have after the presentation in Phase I to prepare and then submit their full technical narrative proposal?

USAID’s response: Only offeror(s) who are selected in phase I will be notified with additional instructions on the submission of a full technical proposal for phase II. USAID anticipates that offerors in phase II will be provided with 2 weeks to provide a full proposal.

35. On page 98 of the RFP it provides submission instructions for submitting the application, including for the technical application. “RFP No.: 72066920, TESTS, Volume I - Technical

Proposal, email 1 of #. The oral presentation slide deck must also be submitted as an Adobe

Acrobat PDF alongside the Volume I submission.”

a. Can USAID please confirm that only the slide deck should be submitted for the

Volume I submission?

USAID’s response: As per the solicitation, USAID confirms that offerors should submit the slide deck presentation as an Adobe Acrobat pdf and Powerpoint as

Volume I submission, including a signed pdf cover letter, while Volume II submission will be a full cost proposal, including all Annexes.

b. Also, can USAID confirm what the email subject for the submission of the Oral

Presentation should be?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that the email subject for the submission of the oral presentation should be: RFP No.: 72066920R00010, TESTS, Volume I -

Technical Proposal/ Oral Presentation, email 1 of #. Please see Section L.5 of the amended solicitation.

a. On page 109, it states “In the cover letter, offerors should indicate the physical locations(s) from which participants will be calling in for their oral presentation”.

Can USAID please confirm that the requirements for this cover letter are those presented on page 101, and that Offerors can submit a Cover Letter along with the

PowerPoint presentation?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzQmPPw9ydzyZU0zaFVDb00zWFl0OXVNRTVSNjBVSlo0eWxz/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzQmPPw9ydzyZU0zaFVDb00zWFl0OXVNRTVSNjBVSlo0eWxz/view

USAID’s response: Yes, the requirements for the cover letter are those presented on page 101, and that offerors can submit a pdf cover letter along with the PowerPoint presentation.

PAST PERFORMANCE

36. On page 100 of the RFP it lists the required Annexes for the Technical Proposal and includes

‘Past Performance References (no page limit)” as well as “Contractor Past Performance (No page limit)”. Can USAID please clarify if these are the same annex? If they are not, can

USAID please explain the difference between the two annexes?

USAID’s response: Offerors are required to submit past performance information utilizing the Contractor Performance Reference Sheet {Attachment J.8} for assistance awards or awards not in CPARs. The Attachment J.2.: Past performance Information Matrix is to be utilized to provide a listing of contracts which are currently in CPARs. Both of these are required as annexes to the slide deck.

37. Can USAID please confirm how many previous contracts the offeror and subs should list?

On page 103, it says “ the offeror must list up to five (5) for itself and up to an additional five (5) for each major sub-contractor”, while on page 106 it states “List up to four of the most recent and relevant contracts… and up to two for each major subcontractor.”

USAID’s response: Offerors must list up to five (5) for itself and up to an additional five

(5) for each major subcontractor. Please note that this has been corrected on page 106 in the amended solicitation. Offerors may submit both contracts and assistance awards as past performance.

38. On page 104 the RFP requests information on performance of the offeror in using small business concerns. Can USAID please confirm that this information can be submitted as an annex to the technical proposal?

USAID’s response: Utilization of small business is a subset of the past performance information required in Annex Attachment J.8. Offerors are advised to use Attachment J.2 to populate the offerors past performance records on contracts. For more information, please refer to Section L.6.6 (ii).

39. Can USAID estimate how many organizations will progress to Phase II?

USAID’s response: No, USAID is unable to estimate how many organizations will progress to Phase II.

40. Can USAID please provide more information on the desired format for the PWS ?

USAID’s response: Please see the answer to question number 37.

41. SOO p. 1 indicates that the “activity will support up to two years of full-time study for a minimum of 3,000 teachers” and on p. 7 that the Contractor is required to “Prove scholarships and other appropriate incentives and approaches to attract female teacher-aspirants.” Can

USAID clarify if scholarships must be provided to all 3,000 students completing the improved degree programs?

USAID’s response: Scholarships are to be proposed for all female teachers aspirants estimated at half of the minimum number of teachers (3,000) and conditional cash transfers for all teacher aspirants in the program. Three thousand (3,000) teachers is a minimum number. USAID expects offerrors to provide USAID with an estimated number of teachers to be trained.

42. Would USAID consider allowing us to provide the names and qualifications of some non-key personnel?

USAID’s response: No - USAID will not review non-key personnel at this stage.

43. Does USAID expect the Implementation plan to be a narrative or to be a GANNT chart?

USAID’s response: The draft implementation plan is a broad-brush life of the activity implementation plan indicating how the proposed interventions will unfold, and clearly delineating the moments at which the main contract deliverables will be rendered, including the major deliverables listed in Section F. For more information, please refer to Section

L.6.7(A).

44. On page 14 of the RFP, it states that the Fee Payment Schedule is illustrative. Given that most of these are life of project indicators, could USAID please confirm that the offeror may propose an alternative set of deliverables in Table 1?

USAID’s response: Offerors are requested to propose their own deliverables based on their proposal.

45. On page 98 of the RFP, it outlines the format for submission of Volume II Cost Proposal.

For Volume II, could USAID please confirm that the budget should be provided in Excel, the budget narrative should be provided in Word, and that all other components of the Cost

Application can be submitted as Adobe Acrobat PDF? Can USAID confirm that the Budget and Budget narrative do not need to also be submitted as separate PDF files?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that Microsoft Excel only applies to Volume II Cost

Proposal budget while the budget narrative must be submitted in Word and other components of the cost application be submitted in Adobe Acrobat PDF. For more information, please refer to Section L.5(e) of the amended solicitation.

46. On page 110, it states that SF-33 should be submitted “with an original signature of a person authorized on behalf of the offeror to sign the offer”. Would USAID please accept an electronic signature instead of an original?

USAID’s response: Yes, USAID would accept an electronic signature as well.

47. On page 116, it states “The Offeror and all (major and minor) its subcontractors must provide

SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Attachment J.6 and complete the Trafficking in

Persons Certification Attachment J.3. These must be submitted as part of the cost proposal.”

The Attachment J.3 request that a Contract number be filled in. Can USAID please confirm weather offerors should leave that blank, or should fill it in with the RFP number?

USAID’s response: Offerors are advised to fill that blank space with the RFP number.

48. On Page 8 of the SOO, the solicitation states: “It is important to acknowledge that there is some risk to working with local community colleges…” Does USAID categorize RTTIs as local community colleges? If not, where can we find information on local community colleges that offer C-Certificates?

USAID’s response: No, RTTIs are not classified as community colleges. Moreover, they do not offer the associate or bachelor degrees. The solicitation does not mention teacher-aspirants obtaining the “C” certificate. The program goal for teachers-aspirants, is to obtain an associate or bachelor's degree in early grade education ECE -6th grade.

49. The RFP calls for enhancement of infrastructure and equipment. Please indicate the amount or portion of the budget for this enhancement. Also please clarify if this is only in support of inclusive education.

USAID’s response: Offerors are requested to propose an amount for consideration based on their technical proposal.

50. Please clarify if demonstration schools can be selected from among public, private or faith-based schools.

USAID’s response: Yes, demonstration schools may be chosen from public, private or faith-based schools.

51. On page 21 of the RFP, Section F, Deliverable 2 is listed as a 4 year workplan, but the description indicates a 5 year workplan. Please clarify.

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that the Deliverable 2 is listed as a 5 year work plan instead of 4. Please refer to the amended solicitation for correction.

52. On page page 7 of the SOO, the solicitation indicates that offerors are required to “Provide scholarships and other appropriate incentives and approaches to attract female teacher aspirants”. Would USAID please provide an average per student figure for the expected scholarships?

USAID’s response: Scholarships are proposed for all female teachers aspirants estimated at half of the minimum number of teachers (3,000) and conditional cash transfers for all teacher aspirants in the program. 3,000 teachers is a minimum. USAID expects offerrors to provide

USAID with an estimated number of teachers to be trained. The minimum number is set at

3,000 teachers.

53. Please confirm that the only deliverables due on Oct 30th are the PowerPoint slide deck and

Cost/Business Proposal (“For Phase I, offerors are expected to submit a PowerPoint presentation slide deck and full cost proposal as per instructions in this section” Pg 96).

Please confirm if there are any other documents that must be submitted on Oct 30th.

USAID’s response: As per the RFP solicitation, Offerors are requested to submit their

Powerpoint slide deck technical approach, and a full cost proposal, including all annexes.

54. May offerors include notes on the PowerPoint slide presentation in the “notes” section?

USAID’s response: No.

55. If the PowerPoint is to include “contractor past performance” must we include attachment

J.2, Past Performance Matrix? (The slide deck will only incorporate the offeror’s technical approach and contractor past performance, p. 99.)

USAID’s response: Yes, the offeror must include their past performance utilizing the annexes (J.2 and/or J.8.) In addition, the oral presentation must include a discussion of the offerors past performance.

56. Will USAID allow a font smaller than 12-point for all text in graphics, text boxes and/or tables as long as the offeror ensures readability?

USAID’s response: Yes, USAID will allow for all text in graphics, text boxes and/or tables as long as it is easily readable to USAID.

57. Page 106 states resumes for key personnel “must be limited to a maximum of two pages for each individual and use a standardized format” and “offerors must provide a minimum of three references (not included in the page limit.” However, the paragraph header notes resumes are “not to exceed 3 pages per each individual.” Please confirm resumes for each individual can be up to three pages total, with an additional page allotted for references that does not count towards the CV page limit.

USAID’s response: Please refer to question number 20 for an answer.

58. Page 109 states “ In the cover letter, offerors should indicate the physical location(s) from which participants will be calling in for their oral presentation to support the planning of the

DVCs or whether their preference is to present at the USAID/Liberia office in Monrovia.”

However, since the cover letter required for the Technical Narrative won’t be received until after oral presentations, please confirm if it is a Cost Volume cover letter page 109 is referencing, or if there is another way in which USAID would like to receive this information?

USAID’s response: USAID requires offerors to indicate in their transmittal letter or email this information.

59. Related to the Technical Proposal, please confirm that the information in section L6.6, Contractor Past Performance Information (page 103), is only to be included as an Annex, which is covered in section L6.7 (F).

USAID’s response: For contracts awards, offerors are advised to use the Past Performance

Matrix (Attachment J.2) while Contractor Performance Reference Sheet (Attachment J.8 will be utilized for assistance awards and others not found in PPIRS.) For more information on past performance information, please refer to Section L.6.6(ii) contractor Past Performance

Information.

60. Can USAID please clarify if offerors are expected to return completed (sections 1 and 2)

Contractor Performance Reference Sheets (J.8) to USAID as part of the proposal. Or, does

USAID want offerors to complete section 1 only and USAID will then reach out to the contact listed to complete section 2?

USAID’s response: Offerors are advised to fill out the section 1 of the Contractor

Performance Reference Sheets (Attachment J.8) while USAID will use the section to reach out to the references to complete section 2 of the form.

61. Should Key Personnel CVs and References be submitted only as an annex to the technical proposal, or should they also be included in the Performance Work Statement (L6.5.d)?

Please clarify if L6.5.d should just include written text about our key personnel.

USAID’s response: As per Section L.6.2(6), Key Personnel CVs and References should be submitted as an annex to the offeror’s technical proposal.

62. Can USAID confirm whether the PWS, in Phase 2, needs to be written in neutral language

(e.g., “the Contractor will…”)?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that the PWS in Phase 2 needs to be written in a neutral language and clearly describes the performance objectives and standards that are expected to be accomplished by the contractor.

63. Given that the PWS sub-headings must follow the same structure as the SOO, would USAID consider allowing 20 pages for the PWS portion alone? Could the management plan, QASP, key personnel, and proposed fee structure sections be given separate page limits? Without additional page length, the PWS would largely just be a repetition of the SOO structure and will not enable offerors to elaborate on their tasks and interventions.

USAID’s response: No, USAID does not intend to change the page limits. Offerors are advised to follow the layout instructions in Section L of the amended solicitation when preparing their slide deck for the oral presentation of their technical proposal. For more information, please follow the instructions as laid out in Section L.6.

64. Section B.8 “Schedule – Payment Fee” of the RFP states that “Payment of the Contractor’s fee is tied to the accomplishment of performance objectives and deliverables in Sections C, D and F that are specified in Table 1 below.” However, the table refers only to deliverables that are discussed in Section C, and does not include factors outlined in Sections D and F.

May the Offeror propose additional deliverables that are tied to these sections?

USAID’s response: This table provided in Section B.8 is illustrative and links to Section C

(TESTS -SOO). However, the table provided in Section D and F are reports that must be submitted by the contractor during implementation of TESTS. USAID will not pay for reports submitted by the contractor. The Contractor will be paid a fee tied to the accomplishment of performance objectives and deliverables in Section B. Offerors are advised to propose their own fee table schedule based on their proposal.

65. Table 1 in Section B.8 “Schedule – Payment of Fee” of the RFP includes Objectives, Intermediate Results (IRs) and Results. Can USAID please confirm that fee percentages should be provided for only the Results, and not the IRs and Objectives, as completion of

IRs/Objectives imply the completion of the Results?

USAID’s 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.

66. Section B.8 “Schedule – Payment Fee” of the RFP states that “The Contractor may earn and be paid all or a portion of the total fee based on performance under this contract,” however elsewhere the RFP also notes that “the fixed fee payable under this contract will be tied to the execution of tasks and achievement of results per objective.” Can USAID please clarify whether only a portion of the fixed fee can, or all of the entire fixed fee should, be tied to the

Fee Payment Schedule? If the latter, then can USAID please further clarify what is meant by

“the contractor may earn and be paid all or a portion”?

USAID’s 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 the 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. As a result, a contractor could possibly not be paid the entire 100% fee amount being proposed.

67. On P. 1 of Attachment J-1, it is stated that “TEST will work with four to ten teacher training institutions in USAID/Liberia’s six priority counties”: Please clarify if Contractor will be expected to work in all of the six counties or in “one or more” of the six counties.

USAID’s response: Any of the six counties that has a community, private, or faith-based institution that has an Education education program.

68. “After oral presentations (Phase I), some offerors may be required to submit a full technical narrative proposal (Phase II).” On page 99, USAID states that “after oral presentations (Phase

1), some offerors may be required to submit a full technical narrative proposal (Phase II).”

However, on page 98, USAID states, “The oral presentation slide deck must also be submitted as a Adobe Acrobat PDF alongside the Volume I submission.” USAID then defines Volume I as, “Volume I – Technical Proposal in Adobe Acrobat PDF.” May USAID kindly clarify and provide a specific timeline for when the full technical proposal is due?

USAID’s response: The oral “Powerpoint” presentation slide deck must be submitted as an

Adobe Acrobat PDF which is also considered as Volume I (including all annexes listed in

Section L.6.2.) Volume II is the cost proposal. USAID does not anticipate the submission of a full Technical proposal narrative at this time in phase I.

USAID estimates that the full technical proposal will be requested in about 30 days after the oral presentation from only those offerors who make it to phase II.

69. “The key personnel that the Contractor must furnish for the performance of this contract are as follows: No. Key Personnel Position 1 Chief of Party (COP). Can USAID please confirm if offerors may propose less than 5 key personnel, as indicated on page 19?

USAID’s response: Please refer to question number 32 for an answer.

70. “The Offeror should assume a fictional award date of December 2020, and end date of

December 2025,” whereas the instructions for the cost proposal states, “all offerors are to utilize an anticipated award date of February 19, 2021, for budget purposes.” What is the correct assumption to use for the start date of the period of performance, as the instructions indicate December 2020 for the implementation plan and February 2021 for budget purposes?

USAID’s response: Please refer to question number 18 for an answer.

71. “Offerors must provide one Excel workbook for their proposed Cost/Price submission.

Offerors must incorporate and link sub-contractor budgets within their own. There must not be multiple workbooks between the prime and subcontractor(s), if applicable. Each tab spreadsheet must be linked to the detailed budget with visible formulas. Please see the budget template - Attachment J.11.” Could USAID please confirm Attachment J.11 is merely a sample budget and that offerors may submit their own template, as long as it complies with the layout and structure outlined?

USAID’s response: Yes, USAID confirms that offerors may submit their own template, as long as it complies with the layout and structure outlined.

72. “The offeror must submit a deliverables table and fee structure as per Section B.8, Table 1.

The offeror should complete the deliverables and propose due dates with a proposed percentage of the total percentage of fee being proposed. Offerors are advised not to present actual costs but their proposed fee percentages of project cost; actual cost figures will be determined at time of award.” Could USAID please confirm whether the Proposed Fee

Structure and Deliverables should be within the cost volume, technical proposal, and oral presentation slide deck?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that the proposed fee structure and deliverables should be within oral presentation slide deck and briefly discussed as per the instruction specified in Section L.6.5(e), but also reflected in details in excel spreadsheet tab in the cost volume proposal.

73. The Contractor's subcontracting plan dated is hereby incorporated as a material part of this contract. In accordance, with FAR 52.219-9, subcontracting reports must be submitted under this Contract.” The H.11 Special Contract Requirement references a subcontracting plan, but there is no other reference to the plan in the solicitation. Can USAID please confirm that a

Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not required? If required, will it only be needed from the apparent successful offeror?

USAID’s response: USAID confirms that a small business subcontracting plan is not required at this time. However, if required, one will be requested from the apparent successful offeror.

74. “Performance reports submitted by the Contractor must be focused on reporting progress against the approved AMELP. Key components of the monitoring plan typically include:

The activity’s monitoring approach, including relevant performance indicators of activity outputs and outcomes, including value for money analysis” Can USAID confirm that offerors should provide a value for money analysis as part of the Draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (annex) of the proposed Performance Work Statement?

USAID’s response: Offerors are advised to submit a draft plan as requested and specified in

Section L.6.7(A). USAID is not requesting a value for money analysis to be presented at this stage.

75. All offerors will be required to prepare for and furnish oral presentations. As stated above, oral presentations will only consist of the offeror’s slide deck covering their technical approach and past performance, that address all the elements listed in Volume I - Technical

Proposal and that addresses the evaluation criteria in Section M.” Does USAID expect offerors to include small business utilization experience during the oral presentation?

USAID’s response: USAID expects offerors to comply with the instructions specified in

Section L.6.6 as it relates to past performance.

76. “Offerors are required to furnish two key personnel to present their submitted slide deck.

Only the two identified positions will be allowed to present. Other members of the offerors team may be present for the presentation as observers only.” Will other members of the offeror’s team be allowed to contribute to answers provided during the Q/A stage of the oral presentation?

USAID’s response: Yes - observers may contribute to the answers but only the key personnel will be allowed to respond to questions posed during the Q&A part of the oral presentation.

77. “Performance Work Statement (maximum 20 pages) a. Performance Work Statement/

Technical Approach 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” If Offerers integrate “Graph/tables and charts” into other sections of the PWS, do they need to be repeated in section f?

USAID’s response: No, but it is up to the offerors to integrate graphs/tables and charts where appropriately suited in their slide deck presentation.

78. “(b) Branding, Marking and Implementation Plan, (BMIP): Offerors must note that the

BMIP is a separate item and will not be evaluated. However, the BMIP from the apparently successful offeror will be reviewed and be subject to approval prior to contract award. Please see Section D for additional information and Branding and Marking Template – Attachment

J.12.” Can USAID clarify that the Branding, Marking and Implementation Plan is only required from the apparent successful offeror?

USAID’s response: Confirmed - offerors are not required to submit the BMIP at Phase 1.

It will only be required from the apparent successful offeror in phase II.

79. The Offeror must provide activity-related organizational charts that support the management and staffing section of the PWS. “Organizational Structure and Staffing Plan: The offeror must demonstrate an organizational structure and staffing plan that is responsive to the PWS and likely to achieve the proposed results. This will include an organogram and accompanying brief description with projected positions (key and non-key), level of effort, and reporting relationships that reflects the offeror’s PWS.” May USAID kindly consider for offerors to include the organizational chart in an annex of the technical proposal only?

USAID’s response: Offerors are advised to prepare their slide deck oral presentation in accordance with Section L.6.

80. “Adjectival rating methodology will be used to evaluate all responsive technical proposals received under this solicitation and will be rated in the order of importance as indicated in the table below.” Did USAID intend to say that Factor 1 would be the PWS, with Sub-factor

1.1 the Technical Approach, Sub-factor 1.2 Adaptive Management, and Subfactor 1.3

Sustainability and Innovation? Also, under Factor 6, as subfactor 6.6, “other,” is not always rated. Might USAID consider not including it? Do we consider only the subfactors or the entire factor when weighting evaluation criteria?

USAID’s response: No, the numbering for Factor 1 is correct and USAID anticipates no change as indicated in the above question. With regard to Factor 6, subfactor 6.6 “other”, this has been deleted. Please see amended solicitation.

81. Table 1 – Fee Payment Schedule, Illustrative. Does USAID intend for Outputs listed in Table

1 to indicate how Results will be measured, therefore, so only outputs in the table above should be fee bearing?