72066922R00004_Amendment_0001_eSigned.pdf

(x)

72066922R00004 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 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 you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

N/A

Not Applicable

720669

00000 USAID/Liberia

11/19/20210001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

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

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

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

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

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

11/19/2021

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

The purpose of this solicitation amendment 0001 is to provide responses to questions submitted in reference to the subject solicitation, as well as revise specific sections in the solicitation impacted by the responses. The revisions to the solicitation are highlighted in yellow in the document. Attachment J.1 has been amended and the amendments are highlighted in yellow.

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

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Rukmal Perera

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

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

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Project Title: Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia Solicitation 72066922R00004

Clarification questions USAID response

1) Sec B.7 and B.9 - Section B.7 and B.9 appear to present conflicting fee payment methodologies. Could USAID resolve this apparent conflict.

USAID Response: The sections will remain the same as the two sections are not conflicting.

2) Sec I.1 - We note that contract clause 52.219-9 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING

PLAN is incorporated by reference in Section I; however, Section L does not require submission of a plan. Therefore, please confirm that clause 52.219-9 is not applicable and should be removed from the solicitation.

USAID Response: In accordance with solicitation section L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

TO OFFERORS 16. Construction, the clause is applicable to the solicitation and any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation.

3) Sec L.5.a - Please confirm that proposal elements such as tables, call-out boxes, figures, and graphics may use type smaller than the 11-point type required in Section L.5.a – provided that they are clearly legible without magnification.

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the use type smaller than 11-point type is only required for the 20-page limit technical proposal.

4) Sec L.4.7.d and L.4.13 - L.4.7.d and L.4.13 appear to require a full cost proposal (detailed budget and all other attachments). Section L.7, Phase 1 paragraph states Phase I should include a “detailed budget.” Section L.7, Phase 3 paragraph states “The offeror(s) that may remain… will be requested to submit a final Technical and Cost Proposal…” Could USAID please confirm that a full Cost Proposal is required in Phase 1.

USAID Response: USAID requires a detailed budget in Phase 1. Once the competitive range is established and discussions are completed, detailed revised budget (with changes tracked) will be requested.

5) Sec L.4.7.e.vi and Sec L.5(a) - Section L.4.7.e.vi requires that email attachments use 12-point font. Section L.5.a. requires that technical proposals use at least 11-point font. Please confirm that the instructions in L.5 (use of 11-point font) apply.

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended to read 11-point font size in all locations.

6) Sec L.5 - We note that Section B.9 includes a Fee Payment Schedule (Table 1), and Section

L.5 requires technical Annex E, Proposed Fee Structure and Deliverables. We assume that the table in Section B.9 may be used as a model for Annex E. In order to comply with

USAID’s requirement to avoid providing cost information within the technical volume, please confirm that the note underneath Table 1 in Section B.9 applies – that technical

Annex E should show percentage of fee, rather than dollar amounts.

USAID Response: The instructions to offerors are in section L. Section B is for any contract resulting from the solicitation and will be amended as necessary prior to award. The offeror should use the percentage of fee in forming Annex E and not state the fee in U.S. dollars, as noted in page 10, Note:..

7) Sec L.5 - Often past performance matrices, reference forms, and prior use of small business concerns are placed in an annex. Additionally, Section L presents contradictory instructions regarding past performance information. Therefore, would USAID please confirm that

Offerors should:

a. Submit a past performance narrative describing relevant experience of the prime and proposed subcontractors within the 20-page limit for the technical proposal (in line with

Section L.5.b.5.iii); and

b. Submit a Past Performance Annex (Annex C) containing:

i. A Past Performance Matrix (per Attachment J.2) listing up to five (5) relevant projects for the prime and up to an additional five (5) for each major sub-contractor (in line with Section

L.5.b.5.iii.1), and

ii. A description of the prime offeror’s past performance using small business concerns (in line with Section L.5.b.5.iii.d)

Assuming that the above structure for submission of past performance information is correct:

a. Would USAID consider increasing the 5-page limit shown for Annex C in the table on page 123 to allow for the inclusion of up to five (5) relevant projects for the prime and up to an additional five (5) for each major sub-contractor (in line with Section L.5.b.5.iii.1)?

USAID Response: The solicitation was amended.

b. To comply with the stated typeface and font size requirements, may Offerors adjust the structure of the Past Performance Matrix to ensure legibility and efficient use of space, as long as all requested information is included?

USAID Response: The structure of Attachment J.2 must remain the same. The solicitation was amended to allow 9-point for Attachment J.2.

8) Sec L.5.b.1 - Section L.5.b.1 states “The cover page must include the name of the organization submitting the proposal, the organization’s DUNS number, major subcontractors, and contact information…” Please confirm that the contact information being requested is for the organization submitting the proposal.

USAID Response: The contact information requested is of the offeror’s authorized signatory.

9) Sec L.5.b.5.iii.1.i - Section L.5.b.5.iii.1.i states “For all contracts listed above that are in

CPARS, the offeror will attach the official CPARS report(s) by populating the attached Past

Performance Matrix form – Attachment J.2.” Please confirm that Offerors may “attach” the report by stating “Yes” in Column L on the matrix, indicating that a report is available via the

CPARS system.

USAID Response: The solicitation was amended.

10) Sec L.5.b.5.iii.1.i - Section L.5.b.5.iii.1.i appears to request that Offerors submit CPARS reports with their proposals. Per the FAR, CPARS reports are considered “Source Selection

Information,” and as such, their use or disclosure is limited to authorized Source Selection

Officials within the US Government. Therefore, please confirm that USAID will accept submission of CPARS reports directly from proposed subcontractors, since they cannot be shared with prime Offerors for inclusion in proposals.

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

11) Sec L.5.b.5.iii.1.ii - Section L.5.b.5.iii.1.ii states “For all contracts that are not in CPARS, and relevant assistance awards listed above, the Contractor Performance Reference Sheet

[Attachment J.8] must be utilized in collecting the performance information.”

a. Please confirm that USAID will request the performance information from clients listed on Attachment J.8 (i.e., Offerors are *not* expected to do so prior to proposal submission).

b. Please confirm that clients’ failure to return the form in a timely manner will not result in the Offeror’s disqualification from this procurement.

USAID Response: See section L.5.iii.2.

12) Sec L.5.b.6 - Section L.5.b.6 refers to the following information to be submitted for Key

Personnel positions: position description and roles and responsibilities; CV/resume; three

(3) references; and an SF 1420. Given these requirements, please confirm that the 3-page limit for Annex A shown in the table on page 123 refers only to the CV/resume.

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

13) Sec L.5.b.6 - Section L.5.b.6 states that “Each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel must provide a SF1420: USAID biographical data sheet” as part of technical Annex A. Please confirm that this copy of the SF1420 may be submitted with the Cost Proposal as it contains cost information.

USAID Response: AID 1420-17 can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Form_1420_F_21.11.10.pdf . The form does not require any cost data.

14) Sec L.5.b.6 - Section L.5.b.6 contains a link to a Contractor Performance Report – Short

Form template that appears to be from another procurement. Please confirm that this form is not relevant to Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia.

USAID Response: Edit the form as necessary to report past performance for the solicitation.

15) Sec L.5.b.6 - Section L.5.b.6 states that the Offeror must address why each Key Personnel candidate is “interested in being the leaders of this activity and why they are the ‘best fit for the position.’” Please confirm that this may be submitted in the form of a letter of interest/commitment from the candidate as part of Annex A and will not count against the page limit.

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Form_1420_F_21.11.10.pdf

16) Sec L.6.1 - Given that proposals will be submitted electronically, please confirm that electronic signatures will be accepted – including where an “original” signature is specified, as on the SF33.

USAID Response: Yes, electronic signatures are acceptable.

17) Sec L.4.7.e, Sec L.7, and Sec L.8 - With regard to the timeline for submission of PowerPoint slide decks:

a. Section L.4.7.e lists the slide deck for the oral presentation as the first item in the list of submissions – implying that it is submitted before or with the Volume I Technical Proposal.

b. Section L.7 states that only a written technical proposal and detailed budget are required in Phase 1. The PowerPoint slide deck will be submitted as part of Phase 2 and will be used in part to respond to requests for clarification that are sent to the Offeror based on their

Phase 1 proposal.

c. Section L.8 states “Specific details [regarding the digital video conference platform] will be issued in a follow-up communication *after submission and review* of all slide decks.”

Given the above:

a. Please confirm that the PowerPoint slide deck is not to be submitted before or with the technical proposal.

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

b. Please clarify when offerors will be expected to submit their slide decks.

USAID Response: See section L.8.

18) Sec L.6.2.b - The Cost instructions states offerors must provide one excel workbook for proposed cost/price submission. Paragraph (b) also states “Please see the budget template-

Attachment J.11.”

a. Please confirm offerors may use their own budget template so long as all elements from cost instructions (L.6) are included within the budget

b. If offerors are required to use the template provided in J.11, please confirm if we show adequate detail for each in the detail tab, that the separate tabs for categories such as fringe, ODCs, allowances, and indirect costs don’t need to be filled out.

19) Sec F.6 - Section F.6 states that “The Contractor is allowed to propose key personnel positions (up to a total of 5 positions) that match its own technical approach except the COP must be a key position.” However, the RFP then lists the DCOP and MEL Lead as Key

Personnel positions. Can USAID confirm that the COP is the only required key personnel position and that the remaining 4 key personnel positions can be proposed by the Offeror as it aligns to the proposed technical approach?

20) Sec F.7 - Sec F.7 states that “Offerors may determine the qualifications of the COP and other key personnel.” However, the RFP then includes key personnel qualifications for the COP, DCOP, and MEL Lead positions. Can USAID clarify if the qualifications listed under “role” for the COP, DCOP, and MEL positions are preferred, but not required?

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

21) Sec F.6 - Can USAID clarify the use of the term “incumbent” in either the DCOP or MEL key personnel qualification descriptions?

USAID Response: The solicitation was amended.

22) Sec F.6 - For the COP position, would USAID consider a degree in public health, engineering, or utility management as acceptable?

USAID Response: No.

23) Sec F.6 - For the DCOP position:

a. Can USAID elaborate on the requirement for a degree in mechanical engineering? Would

USAID consider a degree in civil and/or environmental engineering acceptable, as the focus of the activity is on water treatment and distribution?

b. Can USAID elaborate on the requirement for project management certification? Can project management experience be substituted for project management certification?

USAID Response: The solicitation has been amended.

24) Att J.1.2 (p.6) - Few details are provided on the 3 water treatment plants to be operated by the successful bidder. Can USAID provide more detailed information on the operations of the three water treatment plants in Robertsport, Sanniquellie, and Voinjama? For example, what type of operations or capital improvements are required at the three facilities? What is the current status of operations? Who operates the plants currently?

USAID Response: These water treatment plants are handed over to the Government of

Liberia and operated by a private sector operator. Capital improvements are not needed.

25) Sec D.5 and Sec F.5.1 - Section D.5 states that “The Branding Strategy, Implementation and

Marking plan must be submitted as an annex and as part of the Technical Proposal during

Phase II of evaluation.” Section F.5.1, Reporting and Deliverable Matrix, states that the Plan must be submitted “30 days after the award of the contract”. Can USAID confirm that the

Branding and Marking plan is not due until Phase 2?

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

26) Pg. 22, Section F.6 Key Personnel: USAID writes that contractors may propose key personnel positions (up to five) “that match its own technical approach except the COP must be a key position.” Then, USAID goes on to list two additional key personnel positions, the

Deputy Chief of Party and the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Lead. Could USAID confirm that all three of these positions are required key personnel positions?

USAID Response: See answer to Question 19.

27) On pgs. 127 and 128, Section L.5(b), there appears to be an error in the instructions.

Additional guidance is provided on the key personnel that seems to be relevant to Annex A, but it comes after instructions for Annex E at the bottom of page 127. Then, after this additional key personnel guidance, the list begins to repeat itself so that guidance for Annex

B: Organizational Chart and Annex C: Past Performance Information is provided twice

(albeit with different guidance) starting at the top of page 128. Could USAID please provide clarified instructions for the Annexes?

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended. Please note that annexes repeated were deleted and information updated accordingly.

28) On page 127, USAID instructs: “Each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel must provide a

SF1420:USAID biographical data sheet, CV/resume and at least three (3) references

(including name, title/position, telephone, and email contact for each reference).”

a. Could USAID please confirm that the 1420 Biodatas should be included in the cost proposal and not the technical proposal?

b. Could USAID please confirm that the CV/Resume must be no more than 3 pages per candidate, and that information on the three references is not included in the 3-page limit?

USAID Response: For questions 28(a)&(b), USAID confirms that the 1420 Biodatas should be included in the cost proposal and not the technical proposal while CV/resume is maximum 3 pages per candidate to include the three references.

29) On pg. 23, 5(i) Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach (a), USAID writes that offerors’ technical approaches must include measurable “quality standards.” On pg. 15, Section F.4 Performance Standards and Evaluation, however, USAID refers to “performance standards.” Similarly, back on pg. 23, 5(i)(c), USAID asks offers to provide “performance standards…with quantitative measures” in the MEL Plan Summary. Could USAID clarify the difference between quality and performance standards, please?

c. If quality and performance standards are synonymous, could USAID clarify in which section—the technical approach or the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan Summary—offerors should propose these standards, please?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the solicitation instructions.

30) Pg. 15, F4 says “Evaluation of the Contractor's overall performance shall be in accordance with the performance standards set forth in Attachment J.1. Statement of Objectives, under

Section 4, Activity Objectives, Illustrative Indicators, as well as the Contractor’s QASP, as incorporated in Section E.3, and the fully incorporated PWS under the contract’s Section C.”

J.1., however, includes expected results (that offers “could include”) rather than performance standards. Could USAID please clarify?

USAID Response: To meet performance standards, the Contractor must achieve the objectives described in the SOO in Attachment J.1.

31) Pg. 14, Section E.3 mentions a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), but no such plan is required as a contract deliverable in Section F, nor is the QASP listed as an annex in

Section L. Could USAID please clarify Section F contract deliverables and confirm that

Offerors are not required to submit a draft QASP?

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

32) Pg. 21 (b) Plans (4): USAID says the AMELP should include “a full list of indicators and targets.” The MEL Plan Summary on page 124, meanwhile, asks for “performance standards” and “quantifiable results.” Could USAID please clarify the terminology used in this guidance?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow USAID’s guidance on the AMELP. A link to

USAID’s guidance was provided in the solicitation.

33) Pg. 120, Section L.4(7)(e) Electronic Submission: In point (i) USAID asks that offerors submit a “slide deck of oral presentation.” On pg. 136, Section L.7, however, USAID indicates only those offerors in the competitive range will be asked to submit an oral presentation in

PowerPoint form. Can USAID please confirm that no PPT is required at Phase 1?

USAID Response: The solicitation section has been amended.

34) Pg. 127, Section L.5(b) Annex A: Key Personnel CVs and Information: Could USAID clarify what information offerors should provide in Annex A, please? The guidance seems to ask for both position information (titles, position descriptions, roles and responsibilities) and

CVs/references. In addition, guidance on this section is spread throughout the instructions in what appears to be a copy-paste error.

USAID Response: See answer to question number 27 and amended solicitation.

35) Under Section L.5 on pages 122 and 123, Annex A limits CVs and KP information to 3 pages per candidate. Since previous USAID Liberia RFPs have allowed for 3 pages on the CV alone, would USAID consider increasing the page limit for Annex A to four pages per candidate in order to provide sufficient information on key personnel positions – as required on page 123

– in addition to CVs?

USAID Response: No. Solicitation has been amended.

36) Under Section L.4 on page 120, USAID requires the use of 12-point font, but on Section L.5

USAID requires the use of 11-point font. Could USAID please confirm that Offerors should use 11-point font for the narrative, and allow the use of smaller, but legible, font size for tables, charts, and graphics (for example, 9-point font)?

USAID Response: The solicitation was amended.

37) Page 120 – “All attachments/electronic contents must be formatted to print on 8.5 by 11 inch or A4 size paper.” In order for USAID to receive a legible version of J.2 Past Performance

Information Matrix in PDF format, would USAID consider allowing Offerors to include pages larger than 8.5 by 11-inch or A4 size paper in the Annexes?

d. Alternatively, would USAID consider allowing Offerors to submit J.2 Past Performance Information in its original Excel form, as a separate attachment within the overall technical proposal submission email, instead of converting the form into a PDF and combining it within the technical volume?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the solicitation instructions.

38) Under L.5 b. Content of the Technical Proposal (page 123), the table asks for “5(iii)Past

Performance and Experience” to be included within the 20-page limit along with Annex C, Past Performance Information. However, it is not clear where J.2 Past Performance

Information Matrix, J.8 Contractor Performance Reference Sheet, and Performance in Using

Small Business (SB) Concerns should be included in the proposal. Could USAID please clarify page 125 “iii. Past Performance [See Section M.2.2.C],” and confirm that Offerors should provide a narrative on past performance and experience as part of the 20-page limit of the PWS, while under Annex C, Past Performance Information, Offerors should include attachments J.2 and J.8 along with the Performance in Using Small Business (SB)

Concerns?

USAID Response: The solicitation was amended.

39) Under Section F.6 on page 22, USAID requires that the DCOP “should have a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering with Project Management Certification.” In order to align with

Locally Led Development principles and ensure greater inclusivity of Liberian engineers, could USAID please amend this requirement by (1) considering candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, and (2) considering at least 7 years of experience managing donor-funded projects as equivalent to a Project Management Certification?

USAID Response: See answer to Question 23.

40) Under Section F.6 on page 22, USAID requires that the DCOP “must have 7 years of experience in MEL and a master’s degree in quantitative sciences / relevant field.” In order to align with Locally Led Development principles and ensure greater inclusivity of Liberian engineers, could USAID please amend this requirement by considering candidates with a master’s degree in quantitative sciences/relevant field or at least 10 years M&E experience with at least 3 years of experience in MEL on USAID projects?

USAID Response: See answer to Question 23.

41) Section H.3(a)(1) states “If, during contract performance, the contractor proposes salary or wages for a new individual(s) that exceeds the ceiling for the position as approved, the

Cognizant Contracting Officer’s approval is required.” The only ceiling mentioned in the RFP is USAID CST (Section H.2 (b)). We also understand that, in accordance with AIDAR

722.170 (b) compensation paid to TCN's and CCN's may not, without the approval of USAID, exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by the USAID Mission. Please confirm that no other ceilings on reimbursable base salary for personnel exists under the RFP.

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

42) Page 127 – Section L.5, Annex E. Proposed Fee Structure and Deliverables. Could USAID please revise Section L to require the Proposed Fee Structure and Deliverables, which will by definition include pricing data and references to the Cost Proposal, to be included in the Cost

Proposal rather than the Technical Proposal?

USAID Response: See answer to question number 6.

43) Page 135 – Section L.6.4, Organizational Policies and Procedures. Could USAID please revise this requirement to clarify that only prime offerors without USAID contracting experience are required to submit organizational policies and procedures within the cost proposal?

USAID Response: Yes, USAID confirms that only the prime contractors’ information is required as per the solicitation instructions under L.6.4.

44) Section L.4, Proposal submission /delivery instructions, USAID notes: 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, and in section

L.5, a. Format of the proposal, Do not use smaller than 11-point font. Offerors must use only 8.5-inch by 11-inch (210mm by 297mm) paper.

Can USAID confirm the font size, and can USAID allow a smaller font size than point-11 for tables, text boxes, graphics, and charts?

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

45) Section L.5 b: Can USAID clarify if for Past Performance Information the forms J.2 and J.8 are to be included as part of section 5(iii) of the PWS, or as part of Annex C: Past

Performance Information?

USAID Response: USAID clarifies that Past Performance Information must be submitted as Annex C, along with the PWS.

46) Section L.5. b: For Annex C, can USAID provide a template for the ‘Contractor Performance

Report – Short Form’; and can USAID confirm if the 5 page maximum limit is inclusive of both prime and sub contractor past performance records? Can USAID allow for a higher page limit to make sure offerors can include up to 5 reports for prime and up to 5 for major sub contractor(s)?

USAID Response: No template is provided. Solicitation has been amended.

47) Can USAID confirm that the slide deck for the oral presentation is to only be included in

Phase 2 of the process?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that the slide deck for the oral presentation will be requested from only offeror(s) who advance to Phase 2 at the competitive stage under

Section L.7 of the solicitation. Solicitation was amended.

48) Section H.18 b: Can USAID confirm that GUC to government entities will be limited to “in-kind grants, technical assistance, or other activities by the recipient to or for the benefit of a partner government entity.”, or is the contractor expected to provide direct funding to

Partner Government Entities compliant to USAID’s requirements.

USAID Response: No direct funding to any partner government entity is planned under this activity.

49) Section B.4, Budget, sets a minimum of 25% for Grants Under Contract. Would USAID consider broadening the eligible contracting mechanisms under this 25% threshold to include subcontracts to local organizations and service providers (for example to support repairs, improvements, and expansion of basic water delivery via local subcontractors)? This will provide offerors more flexibility in substantially engaging local partners.

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

50) We noted some discrepancies in the expected frequency of reports between F.5.1, F.5.2 and F.11. Could USAID confirm the expected frequency of reports, in particular grants report, weekly or biweekly reports?

USAID Response: Reporting frequencies will be negotiated before the awarding of a contract.

51) Section F.6. Key Personnel: For the DCOP position, USAID requires a qualified engineer that should specifically hold a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Will USAID consider other relevant fields of engineering than mechanical engineering that would be relevant to clean drinking water, such as hydraulics, hydrology and civil engineering?

USAID Response: See the answer to Question 23.

52) Section B.4 has a slightly different layout than the provided budget template (Attachment

J.11) and as shown on Section L.6.2. Can USAID please confirm that the Summary Budget tab layout is the preferred version?

USAID Response: USAID has attached an amended budget template to the amendment

01 of the solicitation. Section L.6.2.

53) Within the provided budget format (Attachment J.11), many of the tabs are blank, and the Summary Budget tab has elements missing from the Detail Budget tab. Can Offerors submit budgets in their standard templates, as long as their proposed line items match those presented in the Summary Budget tab?

USAID Response: The budget template is a mandatory format provided for the use of offerors in developing these documents. However, offerors should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to ensure that the information provided is sufficient to provide a basis for USAID to determine that the costs proposed are reasonable and realistic. Offerors are advised to follow the instruction provided in Section L.6 when preparing and submitting a cost proposal.

54) The Cost Volume outline in Section L.6 has assumptions listed separately from the Excel

Workbook and the Budget Narrative. Can USAID confirm that Offerors’ budget assumptions may be listed at the beginning of their Budget Narratives?

USAID Response: The instructions provides for a cost summary budget. Please follow the instructions as laid out under Section L.6.

55) Section L.6.2, under Fringe Benefits, states, “Allowances may be listed under Fringe or

ODC’s but must be captured within the budget.” However, Allowances is shown as its own line item in the Summary Budget, after Travel and before ODCs. Can USAID confirm that this should be its own line item?

USAID Response: The allowance line item is separate item in the budget as specified in the summary budget. Offeror are strongly advised to tailor the budget as specified in the budget Line- Item Definitions and illustrations and as seen in the summary budget.

56) Page 13 of the SOO states that “This activity will also provide operational support to three

USAID-funded water treatment plants in Sanniquellie, Voinjama and Robertsport.” Page 6 of the SOO says that this supports starts “beginning in the fourth quarter of 2022” Given that L.6 gives an anticipated award date of September 2, 2022, should Offerors expect to provide operational support to the three water treatment plants immediately upon award?

USAID Response: Yes.

57) Could USAID also please clarify the expected duration of this operational support in the three water treatment plants?

USAID Response: Offerors should read the SOO (attachment J.1)

58) F.5.1 states that all Quarterly Progress Reports are due 15 days post end of quarter. Could

USAID require Quarterly Reports be due 30 days after end of the quarter (i.e., April 30, July

31, October 31, and January 31)?

USAID Response: No.

59) Per F.5.1 would USAID allow that Quarterly Progress Reports due in October (i.e., the 4th quarter) each year be combined with the Annual Report to eliminate multiple reports and submission dates in one month, which would be more cost efficient for the project?

USAID Response: No.

60) Section F.5.1 states that the submission of the Work Plan, Procurement Plan, and M&E Plan should be 30 days from the day of award. Attachment J.1, Section 6.i states, of the MEL plan, that “The initial draft will be submitted with the proposal, with an updated MEL plan submitted for approval by the COR within 60 days of award.” Could USAID confirm that the updated MEL Plan will be due 60 days of after award (not 30 days of after award)?

USAID Response: Solicitation is amended to read 60 calendar days from the day of the award.

61) Section L.4.7.e.vi states that “All attachments/ electronic contents must be formatted…with

12-point font…” while section L.5.a states that Offerors “Do not use smaller than 11-point font” for the technical proposal. Could USAID confirm that offerors may use 11-point font for the Technical Proposal?

USAID Response: See answer to Question No. 5.

62) Could USAID confirm that Offerors are permitted to use a smaller font, such as 9-point, for tables, graphics, and text boxes as is typical in USAID proposals?

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

63) L.4.7.d states that “The Volume I - Technical Proposal MUST NOT make reference to pricing data…” while L.5.b.6 states that “Each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel must provide a SF1420: USAID biographical data sheet…” Could USAID confirm that biographical data sheets for key personnel should only be included in the Cost Proposal (and not in the

Technical Proposal)?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that biographical data sheets for key personnel should only be included in the cost proposal.

64) L.5.b.6, at the bottom of page 127 (after Annex E) includes additional language on Key

Personnel requirements, but it is unclear where this should be addressed. Could USAID confirm that this should be included in Annex A?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

65) Section L.5.b.6 Annex A: Key Personnel CVs and Information states: “For each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel positions, the offeror will submit the position titles, position description, and roles and responsibilities that align with their qualifications highlighted in Section F.4.” Would USAID consider adding an additional page for each Key

Personnel to Annex A to account for these position descriptions outside the 3 page CVs with references?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

66) Section L.5.b.5.a states that “the technical approach should include the proposed theory of change and results framework for the activity.” As the technical approach is limited to 20 pages and a Results Framework is typically one page, would USAID allow offerors to place the results framework in the AMELP Annex (Annex D)?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the instructions in the solicitation.

67) For the MEL Plan Summary, section L.5.b.5.c states that “Offerors should summarize their plan for collaboration, learning, monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation. Offerors must propose performance standards in clear, specific and objective terms with quantitative measures, specifying when or how the expected results will be achieved. Baseline and supporting data used to establish the offeror’s quantifiable results should be included, as should a brief summary of proposed research and learning topics. A draft AMELP must also be included in Annex D.” Can USAID confirm that the draft AMELP (Annex D) should expand on the information provided in the MEL Plan Summary in the technical?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the instructions in the solicitation.

68) In section L.5.b, the RFP gives three separate instructions for the placement and content of the past performance information. In referencing the main technical body section, L.5.b, iii.

Past Performance ask for a completed Past Performance Matrix (J.2), Contractor

Performance Reference Sheets (J.8) and CPARs reports, and narratives for quality awards and certificates; small business usage, references, and eSRS report listings. Section L.5.b.6 states that Contractor Performance Reports should be included in Annex C. Could USAID confirm that all this information, forms, and matrices should be included in Annex C. as it cannot reasonably fit within the 20-page technical proposal page limit?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

69) Section L.5.b.6.b describes the content of Annex C. as such: “Offerors should provide information for each member of any proposed consortium. Technical capacity will be evaluated, as well as the ability of each member of the consortium to work together towards a common goal. Each member of the consortium is strongly encouraged to provide specific examples of significant impact of their past activities.” This type of instruction is typical of a narrative for past performance or capacity statement that would be in a technical proposal body. Can USAID clarify if offerors should include a short past performance narrative in the technical proposal body, following this instruction?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

70) L.5.b 5.iii.1.i states that “For all contracts listed above [in J.2/Past Performance Matrix] that are in CPARS, the offeror will attach the official CPARS report(s) by populating the attached

Past Performance Matrix form – Attachment J.2.” Could USAID confirm that the attached

Past Performance Matrix will serve as a substitute for CPARS reports for contracts listed in

CPARS and that the full reports do not need to be included in the technical proposal?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

71) L.5.b.5.iii.1.i states that Attachment J.8, or the Past Performance Short Form, “is not to be utilized for Past Performance information that is already accessible in CPARS.” However, section L.5.b.6 states that “Annex C: Past Performance Information Must include the

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT - SHORT FORM for each past performance reference submitted.” Could USAID confirm that offerors should not include the

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE REPORT - SHORT FORM for contracts that are in

CPARS?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

72) L.5.b.5.iii states that “The offeror (including all partners of a consortium) must provide performance information for itself and each major subcontractor.” However, section

L.5.b.6.b states that Annex C “should provide information for each member of any proposed consortium.” Could USAID confirm that offerors should only include past performance information for the prime and major subcontractors, not all subcontractors, in Annex C?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

73) L.5.b states that Annex C: Past Performance Information” is a maximum of 5 pages, but given the amount of information that potentially needs to go into this Annex, this may be insufficient. Presenting information regarding our use of small businesses typically runs 5 pages and a single Past Performance short form is 2 pages. Would USAID allow additional pages for Annex C or remove the page limits altogether to accommodate all the required material?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

74) Section D.3 states that “the Branding Strategy, Implementation, and Marking Plan, must be submitted as an annex and as part of the Technical Proposal during Phase II.” Can USAID please confirm the Branding Strategy, Implementation, and Marking Plan are to be submitted as a separate annex to the oral presentation slide deck in Phase II?

75) Section L.5.b.4 states that the “[Executive Summary] should also include the proposed start and end dates for the activity”; however, the five-year period of performance (2022 – 2027) is listed in multiple locations (cover letter, B.4, L.5, L.4, PWS, etc.) and section L.6 gives an anticipated award date of September 2, 2022. As the start date is typically the anticipated award date, which has been stated by the RFP, could USAID remove this requirement from the Executive Summary?

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended and the Attachment J.1 was amended in section 5.

76) M.4, Determination of Competitive Range states that the two-phase award process for this activity is described in Section L.3, but L.3 is SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEPT 2006). Could

USAID provide the correct text?

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

77) Per L.5.b.6, can USAID provide a template for Annex E: Proposed Fee Structure and

Deliverables for use in the technical proposal?

USAID Response: No, See section B.9 of the solicitation as the illustrative table for the proposed fee structure and deliverables.

78) Section L.5.b.5.i states that “The PWS must demonstrate a capability to meet all the requirements described in the SOO.” It is our experience that a PWS focuses on what work will be performed while the Technical Approach describes how the work will be performed.

Can USAID confirm that Offerors can demonstrate their capability to meet all requirements in the SOO in the Technical Approach and not the PWS?

USAID Response: Under the terminology used in this RFP, the Technical Approach is part of the PWS.

79) Section F.6 states that, for the DCOP, “The incumbent should have a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering with Project Management Certification”. Would USAID consider removing the DCOP requirement for a mechanical engineering degree and PMP certification? Would USAID also consider expanding the technical areas of expertise and type of degree (i.e., any relevant engineering degree) to allow for a broader pool of local candidates and to help Offerors recruit based on their technical approach?

USAID Response: See the answer to Question No. 23.

80) Given the limited number of viable local subcontractors in Liberia and to ensure USAID receives the highest quality proposals, could USAID kindly require that Offerors not enter into exclusive arrangements with local firms?

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the instructions in the solicitation.

81) Could USAID confirm that the Power Point slide deck for the oral presentation will be due during Phase II and only by Offerors selected for competitive range?

USAID Response: Correct, Power Point slide deck for the oral presentation will be submitted by the offeror(s) who advance to Phase II and selected for competitive range.

82) Would USAID consider accepting a second round of questions given the long timeline and multiple holidays until submission, including Thanksgiving which limited the number of working business days between RFP release and question submission?

USAID Response: No

83) The Statement of Objectives (SOO), Section 2, Background and Context (page 2), notes that “50% of the people who use an unimproved water source live in urban areas” and “Water interventions are therefore needed in both rural and peri-urban/urban areas.” However, Section 3, Purpose (page 6), notes that the goal is to increase “access to, use of, and sustainability of basic drinking water services in rural Montserrado and Margibi counties” and “sustainably eliminate the use of unimproved and surface water sources in rural Montserrado and Margibi.”

a. Can USAID please provide additional clarity regarding the intended geographic target areas within Montserrado and Margibi counties? Notably, is the activity expected to only work in rural areas or is it is expected to work in all contexts where access to basic water service is low, including rural, peri-urban, and urban contexts?

USAID Response: Please refer Annex J.1

b. Can USAID please clarify how it defines the terms “rural,” “peri-urban,” and “urban” for the purposes of this activity?

USAID Response: Offerors are expected to follow the definitions of the Government of Liberia.

c. Can USAID please clarify whether the activity is expected to engage with and support capacity development and infrastructure improvements of existing urban piped water service providers in Montserrado and Margibi counties, notably including the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), to expand coverage to poor, marginalized, and hard-to-reach households?

84) Can USAID please provide offerors with a copy of the “Urban Water Assessment Report 2021” cited in footnote 8 of the Statement of Objectives? The link requires permission.

USAID Response: See Attachment J.14 - Urban Water Assessment Report of the solicitation amendment.

85) Section F.6, Key Personnel (page 22), notes that “Offerors may determine the qualifications of the COP and other key personnel.” However, the RFP includes a subsequent section on “Key Personnel Qualifications” (pages 22 and 23) with specific requirements including educational degree requirements. Can USAID please confirm that the “Key Personnel Qualifications” presented in the RFP are meant to be illustrative and offerors are to define and justify these qualifications in their proposals.

USAID Response: See answer to question 23.

86) In Section F.6 (page 23), the DCOP qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Please confirm that other relevant bachelor’s degrees such as civil or environmental engineering are acceptable?

USAID Response: See answer to question 23.

87) Section H.18 on page 55 makes reference to the $100K limitation for GUCs to US NGOs.

This amount was increased to $250,000 per the most recent ADS 302. Would USAID considering revising this amount to $250K to reflect the revised ADS 302?

USAID Response: No

88) Section L.4.7.e.i (page 120) lists the “slide deck of oral presentation in Adobe PDF as well as MS PowerPoint” as the first required element of electronic submissions. However, further instructions state that the oral presentation will be required for Phase 2. Please confirm that offerors do not need to submit a slide deck with their Phase 1 submissions.

USAID Response: See amended solicitation. USAID also confirms that the offeror do not need to submit a slide deck oral presentation in Phase 1.

89) Section L.4.7.e.vi (page 120) states that all attachments/electronic contents must be in 12-point font. Section L.5.a (page 122) states that offerors are not to use font smaller than 11 point. Please confirm that the font requirement for the technical proposal and cost proposal narrative is 11 point.

USAID Response: See answer to question No. 5.

90) Please confirm that offerors may use font smaller than 11 point for tables, figures, and text boxes in their technical proposals.

USAID Response: See answer to Question No. 5.

91) Section L.5.b, Content of the Technical Proposal (page 123), indicates that Key Personnel CVs are limited to 3 pages each and do not count against the overall technical proposal page limit. In addition, the instructions for this annex on page 127 state that “For each of the offeror’s proposed key personnel positions, the offeror will submit the position titles, position description, and roles and responsibilities that align with their qualifications highlighted in Section F.4.” Please confirm that offerors are to provide this information in Annex A and that it also will not count against the 20-page limit.

USAID Response: USAID confirms that offerors are required to provide this information in Annex A. See amended solicitation.

92) Section L.5.b (page 123), states that Annex C, Past Performance Information, is limited to five pages. Given the extensive requirements for past performance information, would USAID consider waving this page limitation?

USAID Response: Solicitation was amended.

93) Section L.5.b.5.iii, Past Performance (page 125), references the inclusion of Attachment

J.2 (Past Performance Matrix) for the presentation of offerors’ most relevant projects.

However, Section L.5.b.6, Annex C. Past Performance Information (page 127), says the annex must include the Contractor Performance Report - Short Form for each past performance reference submitted. Please clarify the format to be used in presenting past performance information.

USAID Response: Offerors are advised to populate the Past Performance Matrix by complying with the instruction laid out in Section L.5.5.iii.

94) RFP Section L.5.b.6 (page 127) instructs offerors to address the following information related to key personnel: “Why they are interested in being the leaders of this activity … ” Please clarify where offerors are to address this requirement in their technical proposals.

USAID Response: See amended solicitation.

95) Section L.5.b.5.iii.1(i) (page 126) says, “For all contracts listed above that are in CPARS, the offeror will attach the official CPARS report(s) by populating the attached Past Performance Matrix form – Attachment J.2.” Please confirm that official CPARs should be included in Annex C for projects listed in the past performance matrix.

USAID Response: USAID confirms that offerors must populate the Past Performance Matrix as per instruction under Section L.5.5.iii.

96) If official CPARS are to be included, given the potential volume of information, may offerors attach only the most…