Solicitation_72066922R00006_ESSA_Amen_01_Final.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Activity Title: USAID Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001 Page 2

CLARIFICATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

USAID is pleased to provide the following clarification answers to the questions submitted by the prospective offerors in response to the solicitation for the USAID Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity.

1. There are various assessments and frameworks identified in the Statement of Objectives overview including the national learning assessment policy and framework, the WAEC assessment grades 3, 6, 9, 12, the EGRA grades 1 and 2 and the group administered learner assessments (GALA) – and others not mentioned such as the Accelerated Learning Assessment Management System, the national reading benchmarks, etc. Would USAID please clarify whether assessments for ECE and early grades in literacy and numeracy, accelerated learning and other assessments will be included in the new national assessment framework?

Response: This will be determined with the MOE after the finalization of the assessment framework. It is anticipated that this activity will provide expert recommendations and support to the MOE on improving and implementing the national assessment framework.

The framework could include other assessments as well as the ones listed. The SOO is amended to reflect that.

2. The SOO overview notes that the MOE aims to conduct quarterly school quality assessments, annual school census, and a school grading exercise every three to five years. Would USAID clarify the expectations on Activity support for ‘regular’ collections on school quality assessment and annual census - given the onerous logistical and accessible challenges that have been acute barriers to MOE implementation with partner support to date? How regular is school quality assessment as per expected results?

Response: The MOE endeavors to conduct a school census every year and school quality assessments each quarter. As the SOO notes, these data collection efforts remain a challenge. Through this activity, USAID aims to support the MOE to collect, analyze, and use data in the form of the school census, school quality assessments, and school grading exercises, but also to advance plans to decentralize and sustain the data collection process, especially in the six target counties. This would ensure the availability of current data regarding the education sector in Liberia.

3. Is the GPE-G2B (Getting to Best Education 2018 -2022) project activity mentioned throughout the document current or being subsumed under the ESP 2022-26?

Response: The GPE-G2B project is one of the current GPE projects in Liberia. During the implementation of the new Education Sector Plan there will likely be additional GPE-funded projects.

4. There is mention of school management and Parent Teacher Association (PTAs) in the SOO overview in relation to supervision and autonomy. There is no mention of School Management Committees (SMCs). Would USAID clarify whether school management is synonymous with School Management Committees’? And whether the school management committee is the unit for support at school level for the operationalization of the GPE-G2B School Quality Assessment Framework and National School Quality Standards and Supervision Tools?

Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001 Page 3

Response: School management is not synonymous with school management committees.

School Management Committees are separately mentioned on page 15 of the SOO. Working with School Management Committees would be one of the ways the activity could help the MOE to operationalize the Quality Standards and Supervision tools. The new tools appear to be flexible for use by different entities, including education officers as well as school administrators and School Management Committees.

5. Can USAID amend the COP qualification on page 27 “Demonstrated experience working in education development with demonstrated experience in education management and governance as well as education quality improvement at national and local levels” to read “Demonstrated experience working in education development with demonstrated experience in education management and/or governance at national and local levels”, to allow for a broader and more inclusive set of qualified Chief of Party candidates?

Response: The solicitation is amended to update the qualification requirements for the COP.

6. If USAID decides to keep the specific chief of party qualifications, would USAID consider amending the professional experience from at least 10 years in education development at a senior program management level, including direct supervision of professional and support staff, to a combined eight or 10 years of professional experience (depending on level of degree) in the fields of education, governance, and capacity building?

Response: USAID will maintain this requirement.

7. Can USAID please clarify if Early Childhood Education should be considered as a focus of the systems strengthening activities?

Response: The main focus of this Activity is on the primary education level. Early childhood education is not compulsory according to the MOE and many children do not start first grade at 6 years old let alone attend the three years of early childhood education. However, early childhood education is an important foundation for school readiness, and it is sometimes provided at government primary schools. Offerors may propose ways the activity can integrate support for quality and equity in early childhood education as well.

8. Can USAID further specify the objectives and intended use of the data generated through the student demographic study? Should this be best considered as a comprehensive census, or would a sample-based approach be accepted? Should the study focus on both in- and out-of-school students?

Response: The objective is to have a baseline for the activity in terms of student demographics in the target counties. Offerors may propose an appropriate approach to conduct the study.

9. For the purposes of properly scoping activities for ESSA, are both Montserrado 1 and 2 to be considered as target counties?

Response: No, though the MOE has divided Montserrado County administratively to have two County Education Officers, who are expected to be supported through this activity, the county shall be treated as one county under this activity.

Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001 Page 4

10. Would USAID please clarify: that the Center of Excellence referred to on page 8 of the SOO refers to the three centers described in the Education Reform Act of 2011 – 1) Curriculum Development/Research, 2) Education Management and 3) Education Accreditation? If not, please explain further. Which of the three centers USAID wants the Contractor to strengthen? whether the current Curriculum Center is the model envisioned by USAID?

Response: The center USAID intends the activity to focus support, is under Intermediate Result 2.2, the Center of Excellence for Education Administration, Certification and Accreditation.

11. USAID has provided a maximum value for the Grants Under Contract mechanism, can

USAID please clarify if the total number of grants to be administered under this contract is at the discretion of the offeror?

Response: Yes. The number of grants will depend on the offerors’ technical approach.

12. On page 6 of the SOO, it states “The Activity will support the MOE, in partnership with other development partners, to conduct school quality assessments, annual school censuses, and school grading exercises” - could USAID please clarify who are the “other development partners” that the Activity should collaborate with to support completion of these specific activities?

Response: USAID recognizes that many development partners are working in education development in Liberia. This activity should seek to integrate ongoing efforts and catalyze joint initiatives. The key partners are members of the Local Education Group; however, engaging the wider group of entities involved in the Education Sector Development Committee will also be useful for reaching shared goals. Offerors should review section 14 in the SOO.

13. Can USAID clarify if a school census is required in Year 1?

Response: The MOE aims to conduct an annual census. This activity should be able to provide a level of support to that effort during the entire performance period .

14. In the Statement of Objectives at Page 5; IR 1, paragraph 1, Will the Mission share any of the evaluations of recent past projects that have addressed data collection/analysis?

Response: Reports from USAID-funded activities and evaluations are available on the Development Experience Clearinghouse website. There are also reports available on public websites of the MOE and development partners, including http://www.moeliberia.com/all-projects/, https://www.globalpartnership.org/where-we-work/liberia, https://www.unicef.org/liberia/, https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P162089, and https://en.unesco.org/countries/liberia.

15. In the Statement of Objectives at Page 5; IR 1, paragraph 2, At what stage is the

Development of the learning assessment policy/framework?

Response: It is in development and being piloted under the GPE-G2B project.

http://www.moeliberia.com/all-projects/ https://www.globalpartnership.org/where-we-work/liberia https://www.globalpartnership.org/where-we-work/liberia https://www.unicef.org/liberia/ https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P162089 https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P162089 https://en.unesco.org/countries/liberia

Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001 Page 5

16. In the Statement of Objectives at Page 6; IR 1.1, paragraph 1, Contractor is expected to provide the MOE with updated info on student demographics/impact of COVID. Can you please clarify? Is the contractor expected to immediately undertake a survey/assessment?

Response: Please see response under question 8.

17. In the Statement of Objectives at Page 7; IR 2.1, paragraph 2, Will the Mission share a synopsis of the current state of the MOE's Center for Excellence?

Response: Yes. The solicitation is amended to include an attachment on the Center of Excellence for Education Administration, Certification and Accreditation. Attachment J.10 -Liberia National Educators’ Awards Program (LINEAP) Presentation.

18. In the Statement of Objectives at Page 10; IR 3.2, paragraph 2, Will the Mission share information on the GPE-G2B initiative on school report cards?

Response: Updates and reports about the GPE-G2B are available here: The World Bank - Getting to Best in Education.

19. The chief of party requirements in Section F.6.b (p.27) and the key personnel requirements in Section L.6.5.ii (p.101) are the same. Can USAID confirm that these complementary skills are not the requirements for the chief of party position alone but, rather, are the required skills of all key personnel combined?

Response: The requirements in Section F.6.b and L.6.5.ii are not the same. Section F.6.b is the COP requirement only while Section L.6.5.ii is about the required skills that the key personnel shall have as a team.

20. Would USAID provide an anticipated start date for this activity?

Response: The anticipated start date for this activity is about the end of December 2022.

21. Section L.5.G.: Would USAID confirm if the cost of attendance, by the Apparently successful offeror employees, will be allowable under this activity? If yes, should offerors include an estimate of these costs in the cost application?

Response: The cost of attendance by the apparently successful offeror will not be allowable under this activity. All charges to attend the collaboration workshop will be at the apparently successful offeror’s expenses.

22. Section L.7.2 Proposed costs: Can USAID confirm that the following format will be sufficient for each proposed subcontractor:

a. Budget detail (Excel workbook with unlocked formula)

b. Budget Narrative

c. NICRA

Response: The budget for the subcontractor (s) should be in the same format as for the Prime.

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23. In Section L.7.2.(4), would USAID please clarify who is meant by “(1) All individuals to be sent outside the United States?” Does this refer to individuals who are to be posted, or to both individuals to be posted and named Short Term Technical Assistance providers?

Response: In accordance with AIDAR 752.7001- Biographical Data, this form shall be provided for all personnel sent outside the “United States” including key personnel and Short-Term Technical Assistance.

24. Can USAID please provide the effective date of the LCP provided as an attachment to the solicitation?

Response: The effective date of the LCP provided is 10-13-2019.

25. Section B.7 of the RFP states that fixed-fee payment will be in accordance with the fee schedule, which is tied to the deliverable schedule in Section F. However, deliverables set as part of the proposal process may change during implementation due to evolving technical needs, newly emerged opportunities, and stakeholders’ priorities. To account for these potential shifts, would USAID consider adding the following language to Section B.7: “The fixed-fee schedule may be adjusted during annual work planning to reprogram any unpaid fees from partially completed or non-accepted deliverables from the past year into other or additional deliverables as mutually agreed to between the contracting officer’s representative and the contractor, ensuring the fee remains fixed”? Adjusting the fee distribution plan with each annual work plan would enable offerors to adjust and reallocate effort and resources as needed to achieve the most results attainable within the total estimated cost.

Response: The fee schedule will be set at the negotiation stage. During implementation, if there is any change to a deliverable, a decision will be made at that time as to whether to modify the schedule or not.

26. Section L.7.2.2.J (p.107) requires the offeror and each major subcontractor to include a copy of its most current NICRA or other documentation from its Cognizant Government Audit Agency. However, Section L.7.2.4 (p.108) requires a NICRA, if applicable, or audited balance sheets and profit and loss statements for the offeror and any subcontractor. Will USAID allow offerors to follow Section L.7.2.2.J and submit a NICRA or other supporting financial documentation for major subcontractors only?

Response: Yes. The offeror must follow Section L.7.2.2.J for the prime and all major subcontractors.

27. Section L.7.2.2 (p.105) states that the detailed budget will include a complete breakdown of associated cost elements for the prime and each proposed subcontractor. Could USAID confirm that this requirement is meant for major subcontractors only?

Response: No. This requirement is meant for all proposed subcontractors that an offeror is seeking consent to subcontract with in accordance with FAR 52.244-2.

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28. Can USAID please confirm that per page 108 Biographical Data Sheets are only required for individuals to be sent outside of the United States and key personnel?

Short-Term Technical Assistance.

29. Can USAID please confirm that, per page 107, only major subcontractors are required to submit a NICRA or Indirect Cost Rate Information?

Response: Please refer to response to question number 26.

30. Per Section H.2, page 35, would USAID kindly remove part H.2.a.2 in regard to the first line “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”, as this poses a limitation on the offeror’s ability to recruit the best staff for each position?

Response: No. USAID will maintain this section under H.2.a.2 of the solicitation.

31. Please confirm that offerors do not need to submit policies and procedures during the proposal stage and that these should only be provided upon the request of the CO at a post-proposal submission.

Response: Yes, this is correct. Policies and procedures will only have to be submitted upon the request of the Contracting Officer in line with Section L.7.3.

32. Can USAID confirm if biographical data sheets are required for any staff traveling to

Liberia over the life of the project?

Response: Please refer to response under question number 23.

33. Can USAID confirm if biographical data sheets are required for only US-based staff or subcontractors traveling to Liberia over the life of the project?

Response: Please refer to response under question number 23.

34. Section H.2 states that salary for all professional positions will be based on the market value of the country and locality of contract performance. Can USAID please confirm that salaries for US based home office support and US expats performing in the country can be based on US market values?

Response: Salaries for US based home office support and US expats to perform in Liberia must be in line with the market value of the position, i.e. salaries for performing similar duties and responsibilities, and in accordance with the Contractor's policies and practices.

However, no salaries shall exceed the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold as stated in Section H.1.(b) of the solicitation.

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35. Please confirm that Section K Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of the offeror do not need to be submitted for subcontractors.

Response: Section K applies to prime Offerors. However, as per Section L.7.3, the prime contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all proposed subcontractors are up to date in SAM in terms of representations and certifications before any subcontract is finalized.

36. Could USAID please confirm for whom biographical data sheets must be submitted? The requirements differ between Section L.7.2.(2)(A); Biographical Data Sheets (AID Form 1420-17) are required for all identified expatriate and Cooperating Country National long-and short-term personnel to substantiate the proposed salary/daily rate and L.7.2.(4) The Contractor will also provide as part of the cost proposal, the Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheets (Form AID 1420-17) on the following individuals to be employed in the performance of the contract: (1) All individuals to be sent outside the United States, or (2) any employees designated as key personnel (Bio-data forms must be signed by both the employee and offeror organization)

Short-Term Technical Assistance. The solicitation is amended accordingly.

37. Could USAID please clarify whether a current NICRA or other documentation from a

Cognizant Government Audit Agency is required for all subcontractors or only those designated as major? The requirements for this differ between Sections L.7.2(4) and L.7.2(2)(J) of the solicitation.

Response: Please refer to response to question number 26.

38. It has been indicated that the Client USAID Liberia can decide to choose more than one implementer for the ESSA. Does that mean in the event the two entities will have to collaborate?

Response: In case USAID decides to go with more than one implementer, the Contracting Officer would make a determination at that time.

39. Would USAID allow offerors to include the QASP in an Annex?

Response: Yes. Section L.6.6 is amended accordingly to add the QASP as an Annex H.

40. Is it acceptable to submit information regarding Past Performance on assistance awards as well as Contracts?

Response: Yes, this is correct.

41. Section L.6 includes a one-page maximum for the organizational chart and staffing plan matrix in Annex D. However, L.6 requires offerors to present a strategy to achieve the objectives specified in the Statement of Objectives with an organization chart that needs to reflect all positions — including proposed key personnel positions, lines of management, Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001 Page 9 and key subcontractors and/or consultants if proposed. Due to the amount of information required in Annex D, we kindly request that USAID consider a maximum of 2 pages for this annex.

Response: Section L.6. is amended to increase the page limit for Annex D.

42. Given the 1-page limitation for Annex D on page 99, could USAID confirm that the requirement is for an organizational chart only? If a staffing plan matrix is also required, would USAID allow offerors a minimum of 3 additional pages for this annex?

Response: Please refer to the response to question number 41.

43. Can USAID confirm that the page limitation for the PPR matrix on page 99 does not apply to additional information provided in the contract short form for projects without CPARS?

Response: The Past Performance Information under Annex F refers to both contracts that are in CPARS and those that are not. Therefore, the page limitation applies to both categories. In providing information for contracts in CPARS, offerors are to follow the Past Performance Matrix provided in J.2. To report past performance information for instruments outside of CPARS, offerors are to follow the guidance in L.6.iv (a) 2.

44. Can USAID please confirm that the first sentence of Section L.6, “technical evaluation criteria listed in the subsequent parts of Section L,” should refer instead to Section M?

Response: That is correct. The solicitation is amended to replace L with M on page 98.

45. Can USAID please confirm that the information from Sections L.6.5.iv (c) and .6.5.iv(d) should be included in Annex G and not the information from Section L.5.5.iv as is stated on page 104?

Response: Yes. That is correct. The solicitation is amended to make reference to L.6.5 iv instead of L.5.5.iv on page 104. Information requested in L.6.5.iv (c) shall be included in Annex F and the one requested in L.6.5.iv (d) shall be captured in Annex G.

46. We respectfully request that USAID remove language in Section H.9 that states

“Modifications to the amount or scope of any grant must be approved by USAID” (p.38).

While offerors will certainly keep USAID apprised of grantee performance and any significant cost or scope modifications, requiring the approval of minor amendments to the cost or scope could slow down implementation. The selected contractor can instead collaborate with USAID on which modification types require prior approval and include those requirements in the grant’s manual submitted to and approved by USAID during Implementation.

Response: No. USAID will maintain the language in Section H.9 of this solicitation.

47. Would USAID consider moving the quality assurance surveillance plan from the performance work statement to an annex?

Response: Please refer to the response to question number 39.

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48. Will USAID consider amending the QASP requirement to be a draft QASP, to be finalized after award in accordance with the activity monitoring, evaluation, and learning plan?

Response: No. The QASP will be finalized and made part of the award.

49. Will USAID allow for the inclusion of an annex for endnotes?

Response: For ease of reference, endnotes shall be on the same page as the citation.

50. Would USAID please increase the page limit for Annex D (Organizational Chart and

Staffing Matrix) from 1 page to 2 or 3 pages to ensure enough space for both pieces?

Response: Please refer to the response to question number 41.

51. At L.6.5. i. Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach, page 99, Will the Mission clarify or confirm that the PWS shall include the technical approach to the tasks and not be two separate sections?

Response: USAID confirms that the Performance Work Statement/Technical Approach is one section and not two separate sections.

52. Clarify for the purpose of Key personnel do we have restrictions as to Nationality or any qualified personnel can be proposed?

Response: There are no nationality restrictions with respect to key personnel. However, in line with Section L.6.5.ii of the solicitation, offerors are requested to maximize the use and recruitment of well-qualified Liberian professionals and administrative staff for local capacity building and sustainability purposes.

53. In the aspect of non-key personnel do we need to indicate/define their involvement/role in

SOW?

Response: Yes, in line with Section L.6.5.ii, offerors are requested to provide a sound description of the proposed approach to managing the activity including among others a brief description of the links between key staff, non-key staff, and home office personnel and an articulation of the division of roles and responsibilities.

54. In regard to the Fee table in Section B.7, page 10, and the deliverables table in Section F.5.3, would USAID allow offerors to include submitted reports and plans (i.e. Annual Work Plan and AMELP, etc.) as part of the deliverables by the appropriate year as these help set the tone for successful implementation?

Response: Yes, USAID would allow offerors to include submitted reports and plans as fee bearing deliverables. The final fee schedule will be negotiated with the apparently successful offeror before award.

55. In regard to the Fee table in Section B.7, page 10, and the deliverables table in Section F.5.3, would USAID allow offerors to present a recommended way to verify how each deliverable will be accepted to help alleviate any nuances during implementation?

Response: Yes, this should be reflected in the QASP.

Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006 - Amendment 0001

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I - THE SCHEDULE 8

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS 8

B.1 PURPOSE 8

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES 8

B.3 ESTIMATED COST, FIXED FEE, AND OBLIGATED AMOUNT 8

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET 9

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE 9

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS 9

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE 10

B.8 MULTI YEAR CONTRACT 12

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 13

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING 14

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JANUARY 1993) 14

D.2 BRANDING POLICY 14

D.3 BRANDING AND MARKING STRATEGY 14

D.4 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN 15

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 16

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 16

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 16

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 17

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 17

F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD 17

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE 17

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EVALUATION 17

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS 18

F.6 KEY PERSONNEL 27

F.7 LANGUAGE OF REPORTS AND OTHER OUTPUTS 28

F.8 752.242-70 PERIODIC PROGRESS REPORTS (OCT 2007) 28

F.9 AIDAR 752.7005 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT

EXPERIENCE CLEARINGHOUSE (SEP 2013) 28

F.10 AUTHORIZED WORKDAY/WORK WEEK 29

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 30

G.1 AIDAR 752.7003 DOCUMENTATION FOR PAYMENT (NOV 1998) 30

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY 31

G.3 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICE 31

G.4 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) 32

G.5 TECHNICAL DIRECTION/RELATIONSHIP WITH USAID 32

G.6 CONTRACTOR’S PRIMARY POINT OF CONTACT 33

G.7 INVOICES 34

G.8 PAYING OFFICE 34

G.9 ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 34

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 35

H.1 AIDAR 752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JULY 2007) 35

H.2 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 35

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE 36

H.4 CONTRACTOR’S STAFF SUPPORT, AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS

ARRANGEMENTS 36

H.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED FACILITIES OR PROPERTY 36

H.6 NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES 37

H.7 CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT 37

H.8 SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REPORT FOR INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS (LARGE

BUSINESSES ONLY) 37

H.9 GRANTS UNDER CONTRACT 37

H.10 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (MAY 2016) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-

DEV-AIDAR-22-06c) (April 2022) 38

H.11 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NOs.

(DEVIATION NO. OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c) (APRIL 2022) 39

H.12 MEDIA AND INFORMATION HANDLING AND PROTECTION (APRIL 2018)

(DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c)(April 2022) 40

H.13 PRIVACY AND SECURITY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS

INCIDENT REPORTING (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO. -OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c) (April 2022) 42

H.14 SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVACY AND

SECURITY STAFF (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO. M-OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-06c) (April 2022) 45

H.15 CLOUD COMPUTING (APRIL 2018) (DEVIATION NO. - OAA- DEV- AIDAR- 22-

06c ) (April 2022) 46

H.16 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE 52

H.17 EXECUTIVE ORDER ON TERRORISM FINANCING 53

H.18 COMPLIANCE WITH THE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS POLICY 53

H.19 GENDER CONSIDERATION 53

H.20 752.222-70 USAID DISABILITY POLICY (DEC 2004) 53

H.21 AIDAR 752.7032 INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL APPROVAL AND NOTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS (APR 2014) 54

H.22 BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL 54

H.23 ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SYSTEM 54

H.24 SUBMISSION OF DATASETS TO THE DEVELOPMENT DATA LIBRARY (DDL)

(OCTOBER 2014) 55

H.25 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE 56

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES 58

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES 58

I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 58

I.2 52.204-1 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (DEC 1989) 62

I.3 FAR 52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(NOV 2021) 62

I.4 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

SYSTEMS (JUN 2016) 65

I.5 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUL 2014)

I.6 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998) 67

I.7 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS (AUG 2013)

I.8 752.7036 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL FOR

ACQUISITION (JULY 2014) 68

I.9 752.222-71 NONDISCRIMINATION (JUNE 2012) 70

I.10 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS. (FEB 2012) 70

I.11 752.229-71 REPORTING OF FOREIGN TAXES (JUL 2007) 71

I.12 752.231-71 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR HOST GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

(MAR 2015) 72

I.13 752.245-70 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY USAID REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(OCT 2017) 73

I.14 752.245-71 TITLE TO AND CARE OF PROPERTY (APR 1984) 74

I.15 752.7018 HEALTH AND ACCIDENT COVERAGE FOR USAID PARTICIPANT

TRAINEES (JAN 1999) 75

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS 77

SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 77

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 78

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF

THE OFFEROR 78

K.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY 78

REFERENCE 78

K.2 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (JAN 2022) 79

K.3 52.204-20 PREDECESSOR OF OFFEROR (JUL 2016) 82

K.4 52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS

AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021) 83

K.5 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES -

REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020) 86

K.6 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

K.7 52.209-12 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TAX MATTERS (FEB 2016) 88

K.8 52.209-13 VIOLATION OF ARMS CONTROL TREATIES OR AGREEMENTS -

CERTIFICATION (NOV 2021) 88

K.9 52.222-56 CERTIFICATION REGARDING TRAFFICKING IN PERSON

COMPLIANCE PLAN (OCT 2020) 90

K.10 52.230-1 COST ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOTICES AND CERTIFICATION

(JUN 2020) 90

K.11 52.230-7 PROPOSAL DISCLOSURE-COST ACCOUNTING PRACTICE CHANGES

(APR 2005) 93

K.12 INSURANCE - IMMUNITY FROM TORT LIABILITY 94

K.13 AUTHORIZED NEGOTIATORS 94

K.14 SIGNATURE 94

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

RESPONDENTS 95

L.1 NOTICE LISTING SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE 95

L.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984) 95

L.3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEPT 2006) 96

L.4 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS 96

L.5 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION/ DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS 97

L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL 98

L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL 104

L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION OF THE BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION

AND MARKING PLAN 110

L.9 WAIVERS UNDER FAR PART 4.2101 PROHIBITION ON COVERED

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES AND

EQUIPMENT (December 2021) 110

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 113

M.1 GENERAL INFORMATION 113

M.2 TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA 113

M.3 BUSINESS/ COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION 117

M.4 DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE 118

M.5 SOURCE SELECTION 118

PART I - THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B - SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

B.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this contract is to acquire services for the implementation of the USAID Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity (ESSA) which aims to build a more capable education system by partnering with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other development partners in the education sector.

B.2 CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES

This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) completion-type contract. For the consideration set forth below, the Contractor shall provide the deliverables or outputs described in Sections C and F, in accordance with the performance standards specified in Section F and comply with all contract requirements.

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

a) The estimated cost for the performance of the work required hereunder, exclusive of fixed fee, if any, is $_________. The fixed fee, if any, is $_________. The estimated cost-plus fixed fee, if any, is $_________.

b) Within the estimated cost-plus fixed fee (if any) specified in paragraph (a) above, the amount currently obligated and available for reimbursement of allowable costs incurred by the Contractor (and payment of fee, if any) for performance of the contract period hereunder is $_________. The Contractor shall not exceed the aforesaid obligated amount.

c) Funds obligated hereunder are anticipated to be sufficient through ___________________.

B.4 CONTRACT BUDGET

The budget for this contract is as follows:

Item number

Supply/Services Description Quantity Unit Amount

Education Systems Strengthening Activity

5 Years TBD

0001 All Other Costs TBD

0002 Subcontracts TBD

0003 Grants Under Contract TBD

0004 Indirect Costs TBD

0005 Total Fee TBD

Total Estimated Cost-Plus Fixed Fee TBD

Notes:

a. The inclusion of any costs in the above budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the terms and conditions of this contract, including the applicable cost principles (see FAR 52.216-7, “Allowable Cost and Payment”); nor, does it constitute a determination of allowability by the Contracting Officer of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract.

b. The Contractor must not adjust the above line items without a written modification signed by the Contracting Officer.

c. The Contractor must not bill any amounts against this contract in excess of the amounts specified for each line item without the Contracting Officer’s prior authorization.

B.5 COST REIMBURSABLE

The U.S. dollar costs allowable shall be limited to reasonable, allocable and necessary costs determined in accordance with FAR 52.216-7, Allowable Cost and Payment, FAR 52.216-8, Fixed Fee, if applicable, and AIDAR 752.7003, Documentation for Payment.

B.6 INDIRECT COSTS

For the Prime Contractor:

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate: Predetermined Period:

For Major Subcontractor(s):

Pending establishment of revised provisional or final indirect cost rates, allowable indirect costs will be reimbursed on the basis of the following negotiated provisional or predetermined rates and the appropriate bases:

Description Rate Base Type Period

TBD 1/ 1/ 1/

1/Base of Application:

Type of Rate: Predetermined Period:

B.7 PAYMENT OF FIXED FEE

The Government must pay the Contractor for performing this contract the fixed fee specified in Section B.3. Payment of fixed fee will be in accordance with FAR 52.216-8 and the following fee schedule which is tied to the deliverable schedule as outlined in Section F. Upon successful completion of a deliverable, the Contractor must provide evidence of its achievement to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Upon acceptance by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), the Contractor must submit an invoice for the amount of the fee associated with the deliverable and approved fee schedule detailed below. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to withhold up to 15% of the total fixed fee or $100,000, whichever is less, to protect the Government’s interest.

Deliverables and Tasks Due date Proposed percentage of Fee

$ Amount of Fee

YEAR 1

Result Area 1

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 2

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 3

YEAR 2

Result Area 1

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 2

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 3

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

YEAR 3

Result Area 1

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 2

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 3

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

YEAR 4

Result Area 1

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 2

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

Result Area 3

TBD Deliverables and Tasks

YEAR 5

Result Area 1

Result Area 2

Result Area 3

Total Fee

(Note: This is an illustrative table. A fee schedule will be negotiated with the offeror as described in Section L).

B.8 MULTI YEAR CONTRACT

The contract is subject to the requirements of FAR 17.106. However, this is a Cost-Plus Fixed Fee type contract where the Contractor is authorized to be reimbursed for all costs which are allowable in accordance with FAR 52.216‐7, “Allowable Costs and Payment.” Therefore, the Contractor will not incur any costs which would have been amortized over the life of the contract should the contract be canceled in accordance with FAR 52.217‐2. If cancellation under the clause at 52.217- 2, “Cancellation Under Multi-Year Contracts” occurs, the Contractor will be paid a cancellation charge not over the cancellation ceiling defined as follows:

Cancellation Dates Cancellation Ceiling

Contract Year 1: N/A N/A N/A Contract Year 2: DATE TBD, [Award year + 1 year] Cancellation Ceiling: TBD Contract Year 3: DATE TBD, [Award year + 2 year] Cancellation Ceiling: TBD Contract Year 4: DATE TBD, [Award year + 3 year] Cancellation Ceiling: TBD

*TBD at time of award.

[END OF SECTION B]

Solicitation Number: 72066922R00006

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK

STATEMENT

[USAID will insert the Contractor’s Performance Work Statement at award; see Attachment J.01 for the Statement of Objectives (SOO) that informs the development of Section C.]

[END OF SECTION C]

Activity Title: USAID Liberia Education System Strengthening Activity

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 AIDAR 752.7009 MARKING (JANUARY 1993)

(a) It is USAID policy that USAID-financed commodities and shipping containers, and project construction sites and other project locations be suitably marked with the USAID emblem.

Shipping containers are also to be marked with the last five digits of the USAID financing document number. As a general rule, marking is not required for raw materials shipped in bulk (such as coal, grain, etc.), or for semi-finished products which are not packaged.

(b) Specific guidance on marking requirements should be obtained prior to procurement of commodities to be shipped, and as early as possible for project construction sites and other project locations. This guidance will be provided through the cognizant technical office indicated on the cover page of this contract, or by the Mission Director in the Cooperating Country to which commodities are being shipped, or in which the project site is located.

(c) Authority to waive marking requirements is vested with the Regional Assistant Administrators, and with Mission Directors.

(d) A copy of any specific marking instructions or waivers from marking requirements is to be sent to the Contracting Officer; the original should be retained by the Contractor.

D.2 BRANDING POLICY

The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the policy directives and required procedures outlined in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 320.3.2 “Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracting” at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/320.pdf; and USAID’ “Graphic Standards Manual" available at: www.usaid.gov/branding, or any successor branding policy.

As per 320.3.2 Branding and Marking in USAID Direct Contracts, USAID policy is to require exclusive branding and marking in USAID direct acquisitions. “Exclusive Branding” means that the project is positioned as USAID’s, as showcased by the project name {e.g., “USAID Liberia Education Systems Strengthening Activity”}. “Exclusive Marking” means Contractors may only mark USAID-funded programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities with the USAID Standard Graphic Identity and, where applicable, the host-country government or ministry symbol or another U.S. Government logo.

It is USAID’s policy that Contractors’ and subcontractors’ corporate identities or logos must not be used on USAID-funded project materials.

D.3 BRANDING AND MARKING STRATEGY

The Branding and Marking Strategy is included as attachment J.3

D.4 BRANDING IMPLEMENTATION AND MARKING PLAN

Final Plan will be incorporated at time of award.

[END OF SECTION D]

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

(48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.246-5 INSPECTION OF SERVICES - COST REIMBURSEMENT APR 1984

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

USAID inspection and acceptance of services, reports and other required deliverables or outputs must take place at the principal place of performance or at any other location where the services are performed and reports and deliverables or outputs are produced or submitted. The COR listed in Section G has been delegated authority to inspect and accept all services, reports and required deliverables or outputs.

A variety of mechanisms may be used to monitor the progress/success of the activity and the Contractor’s performance:

1. Meetings/weekly updates

2. Review of the Contractor’s required reports (Section F)

3. Site visits by USAID personnel to the Contractor’s offices and other implementation locations

4. Reviews of work plan, performance milestones against achievements

5. Periodic internal or external impact evaluations or assessments

Acceptance of services and reports or other deliverables by the cognizant COR will form the basis for payments to the contractor.

[END OF SECTION E]

http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The following contract clauses pertinent to this section are hereby incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date) in accordance with the clause at FAR 52.252-2 “CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE" in Section I of this contract. See http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html for electronic access to the full text of a FAR clause.

NUMBER TITLE DATE

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

(48 CFR Chapter 1)

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER ALTERNATE 1 APR 1984

F.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The period of performance for this contract is _______________through _____________.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Performance of this contract will be in Liberia.

F.4 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EVALUATION

The contractor’s performance will be evaluated based on the contractor’s overall performance toward achievement of the objectives in Section C, adherence to the work plan and to the provisions of deliverables and reports in this section, and the contractor’s compliance with all other terms and conditions of the contract. Acceptance of goods/services and reports or other deliverables by the cognizant COR shall form the basis for payments to the contractor.

The Contracting Officer will be responsible for the evaluation of the Contractor’s overall performance. Evaluation of the Contractor’s performance will be conducted in accordance with FAR 42.15, Contractor Performance Information, and corresponding USAID procedures (AIDAR 742.15) and will form the basis of the Contractor’s permanent performance record under this contract. The Contractor’s performance will be evaluated annually and at contract completion utilizing the performance standards set forth within this contract. These standards will be used by the government to inform the Contractor Performance Appraisal Report System (CPARS), utilizing at a minimum, the following factors:

- Quality,

- Schedule,

- Cost control,

- Management,

- Utilization of Small Business (as applicable),

- Regulatory Compliance and Other Areas (as applicable) (e.g. late or nonpayment to subcontractors, trafficking violations, tax delinquency, failure to report in accordance with http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html contract terms and conditions, defective cost or pricing data, terminations, suspension and debarments).

The Contractor will have the opportunity to review and respond to the documented feedback.

USAID reserves the right to conduct, and the Contractor must expect and be prepared for, a management and/or financial review and/or audit by USAID at any time as per FAR Clause 52.215- 2, Audit and Records - Negotiation. USAID could also conduct performance evaluations of the Activity consistent with the Agency Evaluation Policy and program performance reviews as required. The Contractor must cooperate with and contribute to these reviews and evaluations.

F.5 REPORTS AND DELIVERABLES OR OUTPUTS

Per AIDAR clause 752.242-70, Periodic Progress Reports, the contractor must submit required reports, performance deliverables or outputs electronically to the COR unless otherwise requested in this section. All reports must be written in grammatically correct English. Unless otherwise noted below, narrative reports must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF and budgets in Excel. All plans and reports are to be delivered electronically and in searchable, editable formats. The contractor must promptly notify the Contracting Officer and COR of any problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the contractor's ability to meet the reporting requirements of the contract. Quarterly reports and annual reports must include the specific gender equality results achieved and reflect gender – disaggregated data.

A description of the required reports is as follows, and due dates are noted in the table below:

F.5.1 Reports and Plans

The Annual Work Plan

The contractor must provide an annual work plan to the COR. The Annual Work Plan will form the basis for activities to be initiated in each year. The first work plan covering activities from award date through September 30, 2023, shall be finalized within 30 days after award. Subsequent Annual Work Plans are due one month prior to the start of the following year of implementation and will be approved by the COR by September 30th of each year. Annual work plans describe the activities the Contractor intends to implement during the year and are developed in consultation with USAID, central and county MOE stakeholders, and other key development partners in the education sector at the start of each fiscal year. The COR will review the Work Plan and provide comments within two weeks of receipt. The Contractor shall incorporate these comments and provide a revised version within one week of receiving USAID’s comments.

The Work Plan will include major activities that will be undertaken, anticipated results of these efforts and how they will be measured, projected budget per objective, costs of short-term assistance and training to be delivered during the year; the kind and cost of commodities to be provided, and a timeframe for when activities will commence and end. Details of collaboration with other USAID or donor-funded implementing partners will also be included. Revisions to Annual Work Plans are subject to the approval of the COR.

The Work Plan shall include a local capacity development plan outlining specific results and milestones to be achieved.

The Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (AMEL) Plan

The contractor must develop an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan that permits an efficient and timely measurement of progress towards indicators associated with the Activity’s results and objectives. The AMELP must be developed in accordance with ADS 201 and will be reviewed regularly to confirm compliance with USAID requirements. The USAID how-to Note on AMELP provides additional guidance. The indicators must align with the Activity’s theory of change and logical framework and feed directly into USAID/Liberia's overall Performance Management Plan (PMP) for Development Objective 2: Effective and inclusive governance catalyzed through reforms and greater accountability and Development Objective 3: Foundation for growth strengthened through a healthy, productive, and educated population.

Specifically, the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan will:

● Define specific performance indicators for the different levels of activity’s results.

● Present baseline values, annual targets and end of activity targets for the proposed performance indicators for each of the objectives.

● Cite data collection methods and frequency of data collection for each indicator. The Contractor should consider the use of innovative methods and qualitative techniques in data collection and analysis.

● Demonstrate how collaboration, learning and adaptation will be integrated.

● Develop learning questions that the activity will track

● Include a detailed Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT)

● Include a beneficiary feedback plan and how feedback will be communicated to USAID/Liberia.

● Include…