Attachment_A_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Benin Private Sector Health Partnership Activity RFP No. 72068018R00001

Amendment 0001

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Attachment A: Questions and Answers

1. Section 4.2 in Part I (page 14) states that the contractor will use a “technical assistance approach.” Objective 1 (pages 14 to 18) lists tasks consistent with this approach.

However, the performance standards included in the tables of Outcomes 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 include substantial numerical targets of health facilities and providers receiving project benefits. Please clarify the role of the contractor in the health outcomes for private facilities.

Answer: The role of the contractor here is to provide technical assistance as described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) to enable a good environment for the private sector access expansion and quality of health services supplied. For example the accreditation activity will improve quality of the services for the population which will lead to the contribution to the health outcomes achievement. Please see the updates in section C.4.2.

2. Does USAID expect the offeror to include a performance indicator in the AMELP for each performance standard listed in Section 4.3?

Answer: The offeror can propose performance indicators for performance standards when applicable. Please see revised section L.7.

3. Section C, Objective 2.2.4 – could USAID clarify to whom we are advertising pharmaceutical products? Could USAID provide more clarity around the expected outcome or output of this activity?

Answer: The advertising of pharmaceutical products to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers is forbidden per Benin pharmaceutical regulations and policy. The outcome or output of this activity is a business case presented to policymakers to support advertising of pharmaceutical products.

4. In section L.7 (pg 90), the RFP states that “The monitoring and evaluation approach will build on the required indicators, as well as those identified in Benin’s Performance Management Plan (PMP) referenced in the Attachment J.6.” Do the required indicators refer to the performance standards in section 4.3?

Answer: Please see the revised instruction about the draft AMELP in section L.7.

5. Some of the performance standards in section 4.3 are not clear whether the expected target is over the life of the project or within a specific time period. When not defined, can the offeror assume that the target must be achieved before the end of the contract?

Answer: Yes, when not defined, the offeror can assume that the target must be achieved before the end of the contract.

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6. The RFI for Objective 4, Innovative, successful private sector models, made reference to a table of innovative models. Can USAID provide that table or clarify the kinds of innovative models expected?

Answer: There is no reference of the table in the section C and the offerors are requested to take in account the current version of the Section C. The kinds of the innovative models USAID is looking for are the innovative, successful models which can allow tackling some critical challenges, such as the quality of private health services, profitability and/or sustainability of services, and/or regulatory issues with the private sector.

7. For Task 4.1.3, please explain how “apply” at least one model differs from 4.1.2 about piloting an innovative successful model.

Answer: “Apply” means here to scale up the use of tested innovative and emerging private sector model, which should happen after piloting the model.

8. Task 2.2.5 (20): “Strengthen collaboration between the Platform and UHC insurance providers.” Question: Given the decision of the Benin Ministry of Health to move away from the RAMU more recently towards a new, broader approach based on the concept of a Social Protection Floor, how does USAID plan to identify UHC insurance providers within the private sector at this point?

Answer: Please look at the policy document on ARCH (Assurance pour le Renforcement du Capital Humain) in Attachment J.18 of the revised RFP. The ARCH policy document describes the UHC structure and UHC is one of the 4 pillars in the

ARCH.

9. Regarding the separation of tasks between this project and the forecasted follow on to

ANCRE, would USAID kindly provide some clarifications on the separation of responsibilities between the two projects strengthening the MOH in areas of policy, regulation, and oversight?

Answer: There is no activity from USAID named or considered currently “follow on of ANCRE or any former activity”. The other forecasted activity for Benin is the New Integrated RH/MCH/Malaria Activity. The scope of the private sector activity is focused on the private sector; it will be the only USAID-funded activity addressing strengthening MOH and other entities in relation to private sector policy, regulation and oversight.

10. Section H.4 (44): “Additional requirements for personnel compensation a) Limitation 1.

Nor may any individual salary or wage, without approval of the Contracting Officer, exceed the employee’s current salary or wage, or the highest rate of annually salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three years.” Question:

It is custom, and XXX established policy and practice to offer up to a 5% raise to new

P a g e | 3 employees as an incentive to join our team. We respectfully inquire if USAID would consider changing this stipulation in the RFP.

Answer: Offerors can propose an increase to an employee’s previous salary, however, it will require Contracting Officer (CO) approval. If you are proposing an increase, please provide a rationale in the budget narrative.

11. Although the project aims at increasing the use of high impact health services and healthy behaviors at the community level, the RFP does not clearly describe community interventions. Would USAID provide further clarity on how the expected outcomes and performance standards align with this overall purpose?

Answer: The overall purpose mentioned in Section C.1 refers to the overall purpose of the Benin Project Appraisal Document and refers to the combination of USAID Benin’s health interventions. The purpose of this activity is found in Section C.3. Section C.1 has been revised with this amendment.

12. Local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Benin that implement the USAID-funded community health project play a key role in the provision of community-based packages of high impact interventions in Benin. Could USAID explain the collaborative relationship they expect the contractor to establish and maintain with these essential partners?

Answer: USAID expects the contractor to collaborate as appropriate to achieve maximum results toward the purpose of this activity and the USAID Benin Strategic Framework

13. Section 4.1, on geographic scope and focus. The activity is expected to cover all 34 health zones while 52% of private facilities are in the South (Attachment J.10 Benin private health sector census). Can USAID provide guidance on how it wishes to emphasize coverage/service delivery across these diverse health zones?

Answer: USAID looks to the offerer to propose coverage and service delivery across the diverse health zones.

14. Attachment J.6, Relevant PMP Indicators. The list of indicators goes beyond the expected scope of work. Would USAID clarify indicators that specifically relate to this project?

Answer: Please consider the indicators in the revised Attachment J.6.

15. Can USAID please provide any available baselines for Performance Standards as presented for each outcome and sub-outcome in the RFP?

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Answer: Please see SHOPS assessment, census reports and other available data for baselines for Performance Standards. Baselines may not be available for all performance standards and USAID created Performance Standards based on the requirement.

16. On page 18 there is reference to collecting and analyzing private sector pharmaceutical distribution data as a key task. This data is available, however, there are hefty fees involved in accessing it. Can USAID monies pay for this access? If not, will USAID provide this information for the contractor?

Answer: This is part of the technical assistance element required from the offeror.

17. Page 9, USAID includes as “vulnerable populations” key populations most affected by

HIV/AIDS. However, the RFP does not include HIV services. Should key populations be still considered under this Activity?

Answer: Please consider the full definition in the footer of the page 9. USAID Benin supports other activities with regards to HIV/AIDS in accordance with Benin Strategic Framework.

18. Could USAID kindly confirm what the terminology “private institutions” covers?

Answer: It includes health private sector product and services providers, organizations (PSSP members for instance) and others contributing to the health private sector development. Please see SHOPS assessment and census reports.

19. The RFP indicates on page 15 that “The Contractor must support professional associations to provide technical assistance and training for quality assurance”. Is USAID’s expectation that all training activities will be provided through professional associations? Or should they also be provided through the MoH?

Answer: The contractor must support professional associations to provide technical assistance and training for quality assurance; the contractor may also support others as appropriate.

20. The RFP mentions “direct service delivery” (page 24). Is the Contractor expected to provide direct service delivery on top of technical assistance?

Answer: Please see the revised texts on this.

21. Could USAID kindly confirm whether commodity procurement and distribution will be financially supported through this Activity? Currently, USAID supports the provision of Aquatabs and Diarrhea Treatment Kits (DTK – Orasel/Zinc), which are distributed through the private sector.

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Answer: Commodity procurement and distribution will not be financially supported through this activity.

22. Page 25, the RFP refers to the policy for free SRH youth services. Is it USAID’s expectation that any service or product targeting Youth under this Activity be provided free of charge?

Answer: USAID follows the national policies. See answer to question 21.

23. Page 25, the RFP indicates that Youth “service packages would include contraceptives, counseling, services including implant insertion and removal, management of side effects and HIV testing”. Can funding for this Activity be used to conduct HIV testing services for Youth and would commodities mentioned (contraceptives including implant, HIV tests) be supported?

Answer: No

24. …..We believe that we have the organizational capabilities as well as local resources to deliver this project. As such we want to submit our competitive proposal in response to the RFP, through a collaboration. However, we wanted to seek more clarity on the following point mentioned within the RFP document, which might have implications on our ability to bid for specific elements within the RFP.

Task 2.1.2 Manage an expert “conflict-of-interest-free” sub-contractor to collect routine pharma market data based on existing panels (such as QuintilesIMS or Nielson….. page 18)

In addition to our traditional pharma market data capabilities, health policy reviews and regulatory sectoral analysis is one of key strengths of XXXX.

Hence, can you please clarify if by participating in activities specified in Outcome 2.1, we could still qualify to participate on other outcomes and activities and that in doing so, we will not risk a conflict of interest?

Answer: The sub-contractor performing Tasks 2.1.1, 2.1.2, and 2.1.3 should be independent to avoid conflicts of interest.

25. On page 104 the RFP states: “The draft AMELP includes performance indicators, compliance procedure with the performance standards, planned data sources, data collection and calculation methods, baseline and reasonable annual targets directly linked to proposed activities, including attention to differential impacts by sex and age.” What does “compliance procedure with the performance standards” actually entail?

Answer: Section M.2.(a) has been updated. Please see the revised section M.2.(a).

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26. In Section L.7 on Past Performance pages 92-94 list under a), b), c) and d) as different past performance information that is required to be included in the offeror’s technical proposal. However, on page 94 the RFP says that in Annex 6 Past Performance Matrix the offeror must include five of the most recent and relevant contracts and/or assistance awards of five years for the prime inclusive of major subcontractors, using the form provided attachment J2. Could USAID please confirm that past performance information listed under a), b), c) and d) should be included in an annex in addition to the Past Performance Matrix?

Answer: Yes, past performance information should be included in an annex in addition to the Past Performance Matrix.

27. Under B.8 Payment of Fixed Fee the RFP states that payment of fixed fee will be tied to the execution of tasks and achievement of results per objective outlined in Section C.

When we propose Outcomes/Results can the results be expressed in terms of yearly targets for coverage of health zones and/or completed tasks (Tasks under Outcomes) for example? Is it possible to review the schedule and the results and make yearly revisions?

Answer: The contractor is allowed to propose a fee schedule which will be included in the contract. USAID does not anticipate renegotiating the schedule yearly.

28. Previous iterations of the USAID business forecast slated this opportunity as having a budget of up to $24m USD to successfully implement the proposed scope. Considering that the scope in the RFP has not been significantly reduced or altered from the scope in the original RFI, we are concerned that the updated budget being allocated to this project may not be adequate to successfully implement the required activities. We respectfully ask that the mission reevaluate the feasibility of implementing the proposed activities against the budget allocated to ensure efficacious and sustainable program implementation.

Answer: Please note that Business Forecast usually contains a range for Total Estimated Cost. In case of the Benin Private Sector Health Partnership Activity, the range was posted as “$10M-$24.99M”. The contract range amount was posted based on Independent Government Cost Estimate and estimation availability funds for this activity.

Hence, the ceiling price of the contract will remain the same.

29. Would USAID confirm that the pharmaceutical business and marketing advisor needs a minimum of seven years of total experience, which may be comprised of any combination of the three bulleted technical areas listed under Section F.8.ii (page 35)?

Answer: Yes

30. On page 66 of the RFP, there is a request for a description of the EMMP process.

However, there is no Annex for the EMMP description and no mention of the EMMP as https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast/search/award/1783f79151?search=&location=Overseas&ouid%5B0%5D=3&solicitation_date%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&solicitation_date%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&award_date%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&award_date%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&naics=&specialist=&fy=All&sort_by=title&sort_order=ASC&items_per_page=10

P a g e | 7 part of Annex 1. Can USAID add an Annex for the EMMP? If not, please clarify where in the proposal the EMMP narrative should be included.

Answer: Offerors are not requested to submit EMMP as annex to the offer. The contractor will be required the information in the AMELP.

31. For Objective 2, many of the tasks cite use of a "conflict of interest free" sub-contractor.

Since some prime contractors have the skills to complete the tasks, will USAID please remove reference to "sub-contractor" for these tasks?

Answer: This “conflict of interest free” sub-contractor is essential based on Government’s understanding of the requirement.

32. Can funding under this Activity be used to support demand creation activities? The RFP mentions on page 90 that “While this activity focuses mainly on supply-side activities, offerors must illustrate how demand for preventive and care seeking behavior in communities will be strengthened mainly through collaboration with stakeholders.” Is USAID’s expectations that demand creation be conducted under other projects and through other implementers, i.e. not through the Contractor and Subcontractors?

Answer: Yes, USAID’s expectation is that demand creation be conducted under other activities and through other implementers.

33. Cover page states that the contract type will be term-form, but Section B.2 of Part I (Schedule, page 5) states that the contract will be completion-type. Please clarify.

Answer: The Government contemplates to award a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Completion type contract resulting from this solicitation. The cover letter has been updated accordingly.

34. The cover sheet states that USAID intends to award a cost-plus-fixed-fee term contract.

Section B.2 and Section L.2 indicate that USAID intends to award a cost-plus-fixed-fee completion type contract. Can USAID please confirm its intention to award a cost-plus fixed- fee completion type contract?

Answer: Please see answer to the question no. 33.

35. In Section L.7, page 89, Key Personnel Letters of Commitment are not to exceed 5 pages however on page 92 the RFP states that they are not to exceed 3 pages. Please clarify.

Answer: Section L.7 has been updated.

36. Can USAID please clarify the maximum page limit for Annex 3: Resumes of Proposed Key Personnel? Page 89 says 15 pages, however page 91 says nine pages.

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Answer: Section L.7 has been updated.

37. In Section B.7, it is stated: “This clause may be added if a ceiling for indirect cost rate is negotiated with the successful offeror.” We are interpreting this statement to mean that the indirect cost ceiling rate is only negotiated with the successful offeror and that at this stage bidders do not need to provide this information. Is this a correct assumption?

Answer: This clause will be added if the successful offeror proposes a ceiling on indirect cost rates.

38. In Section L.8. Part 2. Par. (8) of the solicitation, offerors are encouraged to outsource

20% of the total estimated cost to U.S. small business concerns. That would represent a large amount of funding that goes well beyond the current Congressionally mandated USAID requirement, which is 18% of total subcontracted dollars, rather than total estimated cost. Moreover, the reason for such a large amount and different standard (TEC instead of total subcontracted dollars) is unclear. Finally, this requirement appears to conflict with the up-to-now USAID-preferred utilization of local organizations with a view to building local capacity and sustainability. Therefore, we respectfully request that USAID reconsider using total estimated cost as the standard and apply this 20% (or 18%) to total subcontracted cost.

Answer: Please note that offerors are encouraged to allocate 20% total estimated cost for the U.S. small business concerns based on the market research and internal reviews.

Section L.8 and M.5 are updated to use consistent terminologies.

39. Section L.7.3(B) (page 94) requests "a list of three recent contracts for' which you submitted subcontract reports to eSRS (FAR52.219-9(d)(10) and a copy of any similarly recent subcontracting reports if they were not submitted to eSRS," while the RFP instructions for Annex 7 state "provide a list of the recent contracts (performed over the past three years) for which you submitted subcontract reports to eSRS and a copy of any similarly recent subcontracting reports if they were not submitted to eSRS." Would USAID confirm that offerers should provide a list of three recent subcontract reports to eSRS in Annex 7?

Answer: Please see the revised Annex & under Section L.7.

40. Are applicants required to complete and submit Attachment J-3 as part of Annex 7?

Answer: As mentioned in Section L.8 Part 2. (4).(H) of the Solicitation, the apparently successful offeror or offerors included in the competitive range will be required to submit a small business subcontracting plan in accordance with FAR Part 19.

41. On page 99, section L.8 2 (4) (K) Fixed Feed, USAID mentions a required fixed fee plan.

This plan is not included as part of the Cost Proposal Annexes on page 99. Can USAID clarify if the Fixed Fee Plan should be included as an annex to the Cost Proposal?

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Answer: The Fee distribution schedule shall be provided in the budget narrative.

42. Can USAID please clarify where (which proposal, Technical or Cost, and which annex) the offeror should submit biographical data sheets?

Answer: AID Form 1420-17 (Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet) shall be submitted in the cost proposal as part of the budget narrative.

43. Can USAID clarify whether biographical data sheets are required at initial submission for all named long-term personnel or only for proposed key personnel?

Answer: Biographical Data Sheets are required for all long term, short-term expatriates and for all short term and long term cooperating country personnel being proposed.

Please see section L.8, Part 2. (4) (A).

44. In Attachment J.9 Budget Template, the Summary tab includes Unit Cost and Number of

Units (Columns B and C respectively). We respectfully ask that USAID include the Unit Cost and Number of Units columns in the Prime and Subcontract detailed budget tabs and removes them from the Summary budget page.

Answer: Attachment J.9 is updated to delete Column B and C.

45. The cover page of the RFP indicates that “exclusive teaming arrangements that include

Beninese partners are discouraged”. Further, it is mentioned on page 87 that “exclusive partnership with subcontractors is discouraged under this RFP. Subcontractors are allowed to team up with different prime offerors following all the terms and conditions of this RFP”. Could USAID confirm that exclusive teaming arrangements are discouraged, whether subcontractors are Beninese or not?

Answer: Exclusive partnership with subcontractors is discouraged under this RFP.

46. Per the reference to “local Beninese partners” on the cover page, could USAID confirm that the definition of a Beninese partner is a for- or not-for-profit organization that is legally registered in Benin as a local organization?

Answer: The definition of local entities is available in ADS 302 mandatory reference titled “Local Competition Authority Pilot Program” (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/302mbe_0.pdf).

47. The cover page of the RFP indicates that “Offerors are encouraged to register and use the

IVL on the Federal Business Opportunities page, so that firms can contact one another”.

Could USAID indicate where, on the Federal Business Opportunities website, the full IVL can be accessed? The FeBizOpps page for this RFP only indicates how one offeror can be added to interested vendors.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/302mbe_0.pdf

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Answer: Due to some technical issues, the interested vendor list is not visible to prospective offerors. The vendors can still register as interested vendor and the Government buyers can see the interested vendor list. The cover letter has been updated to take out the Interested Vendor List (IVL) language.

[End of Attachment A]

Answer: There is no activity from USAID named or considered currently “follow on of ANCRE or any former activity”. The other forecasted activity for Benin is the New Integrated RH/MCH/Malaria Activity. The scope of the private sector activity is foc...