Q&A Responses Amendment #1.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1

January 13, 2020

SOLICITATION NO.: 72068520R00001, AMENDMENT NO.: 1

I. Material Changes to the Original Solicitation

1.1 In the Cover letter, under Closing Due & Time, DELETE “February 19, 2020 at

5:00 PM. GMT, and REPPACE “Closing Date and Time: February 19, 2020 at 5:00

PM, GMT”.

1.2 In Section F, Deliveries or Performance, DELETED in its entirety and REPLACE with language in the revised solicitation.

1.3 In Section L, Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors, DELETED in its entirety and REPLACE with language in the revised solicitation.

1.4 In Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award, DELETED in its entirety and REPLACE with language in the revised solicitation.

II. Administrative and General Questions - Responses to Questions submitted on

December 23, 2019.

1. On page 14, did USAID mean to remove “Senegal” from the project title?

USAID’s RESPONSE: No, USAID did not mean to remove “Senegal” from the project title, however this is a working title and offerors are encouraged to propose a new project title in alignment with their technical approach and could serve as a brand for the activity in their submission.

2. Is any equipment, property or furniture expected to be provided from another project?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Government furnished property is not applicable to this contract. However, there are opportunities for the awardee to receive property disposed equipment from other USAID projects.

3. Can USAID please clarify when an award will be made for this Activity?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The actual award date is unknown at this moment. However, in response to this solicitation, offerors must utilize a June 1, 2020 start date for both Technical and Cost volume submissions.

Solicitation No.: 72068520R00001 Amendment No.: 1 Response to Questions

4. Could USAID please clarify when an award will be made for the policy activity referenced in p108 of the RFP so that bidders can produce accurate work plans for collaboration?

USAID’s RESPONSE: This is provided as contextual information for offerors.

5. Cover Letter: In the cover letter to the RFP, USAID states that “teaming arrangements that include regional and local partners are highly encouraged.” However, the use of Geographic Code 937 potentially limits participation of regional organizations that have relevant expertise and from whom Senegalese partners could learn much.

Would USAID consider using a different Geographic Code such as 935 so that these relevant regional organizations may participate fully in this opportunity?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The geographic code for this activity is 937.

6. Section B.5, p. 9 Please confirm that in the absence of a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement, a contractor will be able to recover applicable indirect rates if they have the requisite documentation from its cognizant Government Audit Agency.

USAID’s RESPONSE: Upon award, the Contractor must request a NICRA with USAID. However, USAID can accept the 10.0 percent de minimis rate for modified total direct costs by non-profit organization that has never held an indirect cost rate agreement with the USG.

7. In Section D.2., the Activity Title includes the word Senegal, but it has been struck-through. Could USAID please clarify whether the activity title should include the word Senegal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #1.

8. Table 1 of Section F.7 does not include the annual “Inventory” deliverable described on pages 26-27. Could USAID please clarify whether this is a required deliverable?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, the annual inventory deliverable is required. The solicitation will be revised accordingly.

9. D2. Can USAID please clarify what the Mission would like to call this Activity? Does it include “Senegal” in the name, and does it have an established acronym?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #1.

10. Section F.7.1. (page 21) indicates that the Start-up and Partnership Development Plan is due 15 days after award. However, further in that section and in Table 1 on the preceding page, the RFP indicates this deliverable is due 30 days after award. Could USAID please confirm this deliverable is due 30 days after award?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The Start-up and Partnership Development Plan is due 30 days after award.

11. Section F.7.3. (page 23) indicates that the Life of Project Delivery Plan is due 90 days after award. However, in Table 1 on the preceding page, the RFP indicates this deliverable is due 30 days after award. Could USAID please confirm this deliverable is due 90 days after award?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The Life of Project Implementation Plan is due 90 days after award.

12. Table 1 of Section F.7 includes both “Local Capacity Development and Exit Strategy

Plan” and “CLA report” deliverables but no other information is provided. Could USAID please expand upon the requirements of these deliverables, as for others included in the table?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offeror must propose requirements for “Local Capacity Project Delivery and Exit Strategy” and “CLA Report” with the submission aligned with their proposed technical approach.

13. Section H.5 states that "the Authorized Geographic Code for the purchase of goods and commodities is 935," while H.10 indicates that the geographic code is 937. Can USAID clarify which is the geographic code for procurement and goods and services under this contract?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #5.

14. H.5 AIDAR 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (FEB

2012): Can USAID please clarify if this opportunity will be partially funded with DFA funds, in which case Geographic Code 935 would apply for all purchases of commodities and services?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #5.

15. Section H.9(a)(1) states that “Nor may any individual salary or wage, without approval of the Cognizant Contracting Officer, exceed the employee’s current salary or wage, or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years.” Given that these approvals are historically based on 1420s, but the current version of the 1420 no longer include salary histories, can USAID please provide guidance on how to comply with this requirement?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Per AIDAR clauses 752.7007, Contracting Officer (CO) approval is required. The CO will use well established cost analysis techniques such as reviews of experience, education, and market value to determine a fair and reasonable salary for an individual. Contractors may determine the market value of the position and advise the CO what it is based on. It is the CO’s responsibility to establish a fair and reasonable price for contractor personnel salaries, including questions regarding the rationale on how the proposed salary determination was made. Therefore, Contractors may use pertinent information, policy and data to support a determination of market value for a labor category salary.

16. H.9 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION, (a) Limitations, (e) Consultants, and (f) Initial Salaries: In light of the recently published new biodata form, can USAID please consider removing references to establishing salaries and rates based on the highest rate of compensation, wages, and/or salaries received during any full year of the immediately preceding three years?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #15.

17. Section H.9 (3) states that TCNS and CCNs shall not exceed the thresholds in the U.S.

Embassy Dakar LCP. Can USAID provide the latest LCP?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The requirements regarding compensation for third country nationals and cooperating country national, as found in AIDAR 722.170, remains in effect, and there are no current plans for USAID to alter these requirements. The revised USAID Form 1420-17, Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet, makes no reference to Local Compensation Plans. In accordance with Section 408(a)(1) of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, a local compensation plan forms the basis for all compensation payments to CCNs and TCNs. The plan is each post's official system of position classification and pay, consisting of the local salary schedule which includes salary rates, statements authorizing fringe benefit payments, and other pertinent facets of compensation for CCNs and TCNs.

The below salary tables in local currency (CFA –XOF) illustrates the salary ranges across support staff and professionals, from junior to senior. The Oanda average “Ask” exchange rate for the month of November 2019 must be used when converting CFA (local currency) to US Dollar.

18. Section H.9(a)(3) states that "Labor Cost for Locally Engaged Staff (LES) shall not exceed the thresholds in the US Embassy Dakar local employee compensation plan (LCP)." Can USAID provide the current FSN scale in the Senegal LCP?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #17.

19. Section H.9(a)(1) on page 41 of the RFP states “…Nor may any individual salary or wage, without approval of the Cognizant Contracting Officer, exceed the employee’s current salary or wage, or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years.” We respectfully request that the above- mentioned restriction be removed from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section H.46, which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices. The limitation may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.700.

20. Page 41, Clause H.9(a)(1), Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, Limitations, states “Salaries and wages may not exceed the Contractor’s established policy and practice and requires that policy shall be certified to by the Contractor. Nor may any individual salary or wage, without approval of the Cognizant Contracting Officer, exceed the employee’s current salary of wage, or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately preceding three (3) years.” Per recent policy revision to USAID form 1420- 17, and subsequent clarification from Mark Walther, USAID Deputy Director for Operations, for the Management Bureau's Office of Acquisition and Assistance, it was confirmed that COs will use well-established cost analysis techniques such as reviews of experience, education, and market value to determine a fair and reasonable salary for an individual, as well as that COs can no longer request salary histories.

The reference in Clause H.9(a)(1) to a historical salary conflicts with the M/OAA guidance. The Offeror kindly requests to remove the requirement for any salary history and rely on the market value rationale presented on the 1420-17 for the proposed salary.

21. Section H.9(a)(3) on page 41 of the RFP states “For this Contract Labor Cost for Locally Engaged Staff (LES) shall not exceed the thresholds in the US Embassy Dakar local employee compensation plan (LCP).” We respectfully request that the above-mentioned restriction be removed from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section H.46, which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices. The limitation may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by

AIDAR 752.700.

USAID’s RESPONSE: No. See response to Question #17.

22. Page 42, Clause H.9(f), Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, Limitations, Initial Salaries, states: “The Contractor shall compensate non-US personnel in accordance with its salary scale, staffing plan and compensation package covering all planned non-US (CCN-TCN) positions. The Contractor shall compensate its staff in accordance with the plan submitted and ensure that initial salaries are within each range and are based on other factors including, but not limited to, prevailing in country salaries for similar positions in the markets, the individual’s education, salary and/or consultant rate history over the most recent 3 years. TCNs will be authorized packages similar to US Nationals consistent with Contractor approved policies and procedures.”

The reference in Clause H.9(f) conflicts with Clause H.9(a)(3), which notes TCN and CCN compensation not exceed the US Embassy Dakar local employee compensation plan (LCP), as well as guidance from M/OAA to utilize market surveys and certified information presented will be the basis for the proposed salaries. The Offeror kindly requests the removal of the limitations for TCN and CCN employees as noted in Clause H.9(a)(3) and defer to guidance provided in 48 CFR § 722.170(b).

USAID’s RESPONSE: No. Per AIDAR, both CCNs and TCNs rates must fall within the LCP max unless a waiver is approved. There are no changes or anticipated changes regarding the requirements of AIDAR 722.170(b), Compensation of TCN and CCN contractor employees.

Please note that waivers are exceptions and not the rule. Contractor must provide a supporting rationale for the market value of the positions. There are no specific USAID requirements for establishing market value. Contractors should use generally accepted, appropriate and reasonable methods when documenting the supporting rationale for the market value of a position.

23. In order to comply with the personnel compensation requirements on page 41, please provide us with the Senegal Local Compensation Plan.

24. Page 42, Clause H.9(f), Additional Requirements for Personnel Compensation, Limitations, Initial Salaries, states: “The Contractor shall compensate non-US personnel in accordance with its salary scale, staffing plan and compensation package covering all planned non-US (CCN-TCN) positions. The Contractor shall compensate its staff in accordance with the plan submitted and ensure that initial salaries are within each range and are based on other factors including, but not limited to, prevailing in country salaries for similar positions in the markets, the individual’s education, salary and/or consultant rate history over the most recent 3 years. TCNs will be authorized packages similar to US Nationals consistent with Contractor approved policies and procedures.”

The reference in Clause H.9(f) to a historical salary conflicts with the M/OAA guidance. The Offeror kindly requests to remove the requirement for any salary history and rely on the market value rationale presented on the 1420-17 for the proposed salary.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #17.

25. H.47 Authorized Work Week: Can USAID please confirm that TCN and CCN short-term consultants are authorized to work a six-day workweek?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Requirements and policy on the employment and compensation for third country nationals (TCN’s) and cooperating country nationals (CCN’s), for USAID requirements can be found at AIDAR 722.170. Offerors are highly encouraged to submit their organizations workday workweek policy with their proposal submission.

26. I.1 Notice Listing Contract Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Can USAID please consider removing the reference to AIDAR 752.7010 Conversion of US Dollars to Local

Currency so that contractor’s may follow their own policies on currency conversion related to travel?

USAID’s RESPONSE: No. USAID is maintaining AIDAR 752.7010 in this solicitation. Upon award and if needed, USAID will assess the conversion and provide guidance to the selected contractor.

27. On p. 94, Section I.11, can USAID please clarify if you mean Senegal and not DRC?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. The solicitation has been amended.

28. I.11, Taxes: Can USAID please confirm that this clause should reference Senegal rather than the DRC?

29. Section I.11, p. 94 Is USAID aware of any bilateral agreements between the U.S.

Government and the Government of Senegal that would exempt contractor’s operating under USAID funding from local taxes? If so, please provide a copy to all offerors.

USAID’s RESPONSE: The bilateral agreement will be shared with the awardee of this contract.

30. RFP page 103 states that Biographical Data Sheets are required for all long- and short-term personnel (US nationals, cooperating country nationals (CCNs) and third country nationals (TCNs)) (See Attachment J.4). Could USAID please restrict this requirement only to key personnel? Given the period of this proposal is over the holiday season, obtaining extensive documentation from personnel is challenging, and maintaining this requirement may result in offeror’s being able to put forward fewer personnel in their proposals.

USAID’s RESPONSE: The prescription for the use of AIDAR clause 752.7001 has not changed. As required by the clause, the contractor must furnish to the contracting officer on USAID Form 1420-17, Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet, biographical information 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”. This restriction is hereby applicable to all long and short term personnel (US nationals, CCN/TCN seeking LCP waivers, and key personnel).

31. Could USAID please provide further detail in section J.3?

USAID’s RESPONSE: These are for reference and the Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEE) were included in the RFP posted on SAMS.gov. IEEs can also be found at www.usaidgems.org.

32. Could USAID provide the current Local Compensation Plan (LCP) scale for Senegal?

33. Page 108: “In parallel to this Activity, USAID/Senegal is working with partners to raise funds to link financial opportunities with enterprises at an estimated potential financing range of $1 million to $6 million, and this Activity should be prepared to provide business support services commensurate with this level should this or similar financing opportunities emerge.” Can USAID provide further information on when these financial opportunities are expected to emerge? Does USAID anticipate that the project will provide direct support to individual enterprises in this case or that support would be provided by in-country business service providers? We believe that direct support to individual SMEs would cause market distortions.

USAID’s RESPONSE: USAID can not provide further information on this, however Offerors are encouraged to identify financial opportunities and raise funds that align with their technical approach.

34. Can USAID please provide the local compensation scale for Senegal?

35. On page 144, please clarify that the RFP # should be 72068520R00001 and not

7268520R000XX.

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. The solicitation number is 72068520R00001.

36. USAID has included SF-LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities as Attachment J.5.

However, this form is not referenced anywhere else in the solicitation. Can USAID clarify whether offerors need to complete the SF-LLL, and if so, where in the proposal this should be included?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Please include the SF-LLL Disclosure as a separate document to Part 3 - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors in Section K. For example, please submit (1) the required documents for Section K and (2) the SF-LLL Disclosure combined as Part 3 of the cost proposal.

37. On p.102 of the RFP (under “Introduction”), there is reference to “strengthening businesses in the targeted sectors.” On p. 107 of the RFP (under “Activity Objectives”), there is reference to “all sectors where there is a business opportunity.” On p108 of the RFP (under “Activity Objectives”), there is reference to “off-farm portions of value chains.” Can USAID please clarify which sectors are of primary importance under this

Activity?

USAID’s RESPONSE: All sectors where there are business opportunities are important under this Activity that contribute to the mission goal including: Feed the Future (FTF), Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Power Africa, Trade Africa, Democracy Governance & Human Rights, Education and Health services.

38. L.7 Part 2 J. Fixed Fee (page 157) “In accordance with FAR 15.404, Fee must be explained based upon…” Can USAID please remove the wording “must” as it conflicts with FAR 15.404 (c)(5): The contracting officer shall not require any prospective contractor to submit breakouts or supporting rationale for its profit or fee objective but may consider it, if it is submitted voluntarily?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The Government will perform cost realism analysis in accordance with FAR15.404-1(d). The contractor may (voluntarily) submit additional supporting documents to justify their proposed fixed fee percentage and amount.

39. L.7 Part 2 J. Fixed Fee (page 157) “In accordance with FAR 15.404, Fee must be explained based upon…” Can USAID please remove the wording “must” as it conflicts with FAR 15.404 (c)(5): The contracting officer shall not require any prospective contractor to submit breakouts or supporting rationale for its profit or fee objective but may consider it, if it is submitted voluntarily?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #38.

40. Consistent with the guidance in FAR 37.113-1 and considering that the anticipated contract will be performed entirely overseas, we request that USAID include FAR 52.237-9, Waiver of Limitation on Severance Payments to Foreign Nationals, to prevent conflict with applicable local employment laws.

USAID’s RESPONSE: No. The Contracting Officer will make exceptions on a case-by-case basis during project implementation.

41. USAID states on page 146 “Do not use a type smaller than 11 point, except for graphics, which may use a different font and size so long as it is legible without magnification.”

Can USAID please confirm that offerors can use a font size smaller than size 11 for tables, text boxes, footers, and footnotes, so long as it legible without magnification?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, offerors can use a font size smaller than size 11 for tables, text boxes, footers, and footnotes, so long as it legible without magnification.

42. On p. 146, USAID states, “While the suggested page length per technical proposal section is given below, offerors may allocate the page count differently, provided the overall

Technical Proposal page limit is not exceeded.” Could USAID provide suggested page length per technical proposal section?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. The technical proposal must not exceed twenty (20) pages. The solicitation has been amended to exclude the Executive Summary from the twenty (20) page limit.

43. Could USAID please confirm that the required front matter named in section L.6. (i.e., Cover page, Table of Contents, List of Acronyms) is excluded from the 20-page limit?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, see response to Question #42.

44. Could USAID please confirm that all annexes named in section L.6. are excluded from the 20-page limit?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, all annexes are excluded from the twenty (20) page limitation for the technical proposal.

45. Per Section L.6.1 on page 146 of the RFP, USAID instructs offerors not to use “…a type smaller that 11 point, except for graphics, which may use a different font and size, so long as it is legible without magnification.” Would USAID consider allowing offerors to use tables and text boxes in a type smaller than 11 point so long as the font meets the same legibility criteria?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to question #41.

46. Section L.6.1.4, Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology (page 149), outlines several requirements for Monitoring and Evaluation and the Performance Monitoring Plan. Could USAID please confirm that this information is to be provided within Annex 1, as this is not included as a specific section in the technical proposal instructions on page 145?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Annex 1 is renamed in the solicitation as “Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology (maximum 10 pages)”. Annex 1 will be the place to respond to the “Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology” selection factor in Section M. Furthermore, Annex 1 must include two (2) indicators per objective with life of the activity targets. The solicitation has been amended accordingly.

47. Section L.6.1.4, Past Performance (page 150), notes that “(t)he information in Attachment J.7 (Past Performance Matrix) will be used to capture the required information”. Attachment J.7 (page 120) notes that the matrix can be found by searching “Forms” on USAID’s official public facing webpage. We were unable to find this matrix on the USAID forms page, but did locate a different Past Performance Matrix at:

https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1868/past-performance-matrix. Could USAID please provide the link to the preferred Past Performance Matrix template for Annex 6?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, the referenced form can be used.

48. Section L.6.1.4, point 5(3)(A), related to performance in using small business concerns

(page 151), notes that a narrative summary of use of small business concerns over the past three years should be included in Annex 4. However, Section L.6 Instructions for Preparation of Technical Proposal (page 145) indicates that Annex 4 should be job descriptions for proposed long and short-term personnel. Could USAID please clarify whether the small business summary should (a) be included in Annex 6 (past performance), (b) be included in Annex 4 (job description), or (c) be an additional annex?

USAID’s RESPONSE: (a) Please include a narrative summary of your organization's use of small business concerns over the past three years, in Annex 6.

The summary should be a maximum of one (1) page long.

49. The Past Performance Matrix template found on USAID’s public website (https://www.usaid.gov/documents/1868/past-performance-matrix) appears different from the format shown in Attachment J.7. Can USAID confirm that the Past Performance Matrix template available via the above link is the version offerors should use?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. See response to Question #47.

50. L.6.1.4 Past Performance (a)1: This section makes reference to Attachment J.6 in relation to Past Performance. Can USAID please confirm that the reference should be to Attachment J.7, which is related to Past Performance?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. See response to Question #47.

51. Can USAID please provide the local compensation scale for Senegal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. See response to Question #17.

52. Section L.7. Part 4 – do offerors need to provide policies and procedures if they have prior federal contracting experience?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. Offerors should submit their policies and procedures as they relate to this project with the proposal.

53. Can USAID please confirm that Section L.7 Part 3 – Reps & Certs is only required from the Offeror and Major Subcontractors (15% or more of the total price)? Requiring Section K for all planned subcontractors could significantly limit offerors’ abilities to bring in new private sector- focused, non-traditional partners that would be highly beneficial to the project.

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. Reps & Certs are only required from the Offeror and Major subcontractors.

54. Would USAID kindly provide the most recent US Embassy Dakar local employee compensation plan?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. See response to Question #17.

55. Given that the RFP was released two weeks before the end of year holidays, which is not a good time to field a capture team, USAID/Senegal consider extending the proposal due date by a few weeks?

56. In the table on page 19 regarding illustrative key personnel, how many regional business advisory service directors and how many investment analysts did USAID intend to include?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offerors will propose a staffing plan based on their proposed technical approach.

57. Can USAID please confirm if the executive summary is counted as part of the 20-page limit for the Technical Proposal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #42.

58. Related to the table on p. 19, it states the list of key personnel is illustrative, while on p.

149 it states that the table of key personnel is required. Kindly clarify.

USAID’s RESPONSE: Key Personnel listed in section F.5. in the RFP are illustrative. Offerors can propose key personnel with skills, abilities, experience, and qualifications that are necessary to implement the offeror's proposed technical approach.

59. On page 23, is the Life of Project implementation plan a co-creation exercise?

USAID’s RESPONSE: No.

60. Section F.5 provides for a total of six Key Personnel positions. This appears to be in conflict with ADS 302.3.5.4 which states that the number of key personnel designated for any contract must not be more than five individuals or five percent of the contractor employees working under the contract, whichever is greater. Can USAID confirm for which five positions offerors should propose candidates?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. Please follow ADS 302.3.5.4. Also, see response to Question #58.

61. Section F.5 contains a table with Illustrative Qualifications for proposed Key Personnel.

In order to sufficiently capitalize on talent from the diaspora and other relevant technical expertise, would USAID consider commensurate experience in one area to compensate for less qualifications in other areas, e.g. 15 years of private sector and/or entrepreneurship program experience in Africa and other emerging economies in lieu of 10 years of experience in West Africa alone?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #58.

62. Section L.6 says that Resumes of Key Personnel are a maximum 4 pages, while Section

L.6.1.3 indicates that CVs are not to exceed 3 pages. Can USAID clarify the page limits for key personnel CVs?

USAID’s RESPONSE: CVs for Key Personnel must not exceed three (3) pages.

63. Section L.7. (page 157) indicates that policies and procedures will be “submitted upon request from the Contracting Officer”. Could USAID please clarify whether (a) inclusion of related policies and procedures in the proposal is based upon determination by the Offeror, or (b) if specific policies and procedures will be requested from the Contracting Officer at a later date?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #52.

64. Section J.1.V. (page 108, paragraph 3) introduces a USAID initiative to “raise funds to link financial opportunities with enterprises at an estimated potential financing range of $1 million to $6 million”. Could USAID provide more information on this effort, including but not limited to whether this fund will (a) be dedicated to the enterprises supported under this award only, or (b) also be accessed by enterprises supported by other USAID/Senegal awards?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #33.

65. Section F.5 Key Personnel on page 18 the qualifications for the Deputy Chief of Party

(DCOP) include the following, “Demonstrated knowledge in agriculture, education, health, digital economy, energy investments.” Does USAID mean for the DCOP to have experience in ALL these areas or should this qualification read, “Demonstrated knowledge in agriculture, education, health, digital economy OR energy investments”?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #58.

66. Section F.5 Key Personnel on page 19 the qualifications for the Investment Analysts include the following, “Relevant work experience in Senegal, West African region or comparable investment experience, including any experience working with debt, quasi-equity, as well as experience with impact investments”. Would USAID define what it considers “quasi-equity”?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #58.

67. Can USAID please confirm whether Resumes of Key Personnel are a maximum of 4 pages as listed on Page 145 or if they are a maximum of 3 pages as listed on page 149?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #62.

68. Are the CVs for non-key personnel as referenced on page 149 to be included in Annex 3 alongside Key Personnel or included in an additional Annex?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Non-key personnel CVs are not required but can be included in Annex 4.

69. F.5, Key Personnel: Can USAID please define the number of years that would constitute significant experience in lieu of the education requirements for the COP and DCOP?

70. The table on pages 17- 19 (Section F.5 Key Personnel— “The illustrative requirements for these individuals are discussed below”) describes the positions, qualifications, and duties of key personnel as "illustrative". Should the offeror therefore assume that there is flexibility in the positions, qualifications, and duties expected of key personnel as they are listed in the request for proposals? In other words, can an offeror propose a different key personnel staffing structure as deemed appropriate based on their approach?

71. P. 20 of 167: In the table the Start-Up and Partnership Development Plan is due 30 days after contract award; however, on page 21 the narrative describes the Plan as being due 15 days after contract award. In a later paragraph a second start-up plan is due 30 days after award. If two plans are due, one 15 days following award and one 30 days following award, this seems like redundant work that takes away from other activities necessary for start-up, such as hiring, operational start-up, and work on the other deliverables that are due shortly after start-up. We would request and recommend that only one start-up report be due, 30 days after award.

USAID’s RESPONSE: The Start-Up and Partnership Development Plan is one report not to exceed five (5) pages, due thirty (30) days after award. See response to Question #10.

72. Section F.7 Table one notes:

a) The due date of the Life of Activity Implementation Plan as “45 calendar days after award and updated 30 days before end of fiscal year for subsequent plans.”

However, F.7.3 notes the due date as 90 days after award. Can USAID clarify which is the correct due date for the Life of Activity Implementation Plan?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The Life of Activity Implementation Plan is due 90 days after award.

b) The due date of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

(AMELP) as 45 days after contract award, which precedes the submission of the first Annual Work Plan (due 60 days following contract award). Additionally, F.7.2 notes that a performance monitoring plan (PMP) shall be submitted as an annex to the Annual Work Plan 60 days following contract award. Can USAID clarify what type of plan (PMP or AMELP) shall be submitted as an annex to the Annual Work Plan?

USAID’s RESPONSE: The AMELP is due 90 days after award and the paragraph referring to the PMP in F.7.2 has been deleted from the solicitation.

c) The due date of the Baseline Report covering each AMELP indicator as 45 days after contract award. Given that this deliverable’s due date coincides with that of the AMELP, can USAID clarify whether this report consists of a plan for conducting the baseline assessment and data collection, and not the completed baseline assessment itself?

USAID’s RESPONSE: A completed baseline report must be included in the final AMELP, due 90 days after award. See response to Questions #72(b).

d) P. 21 of 167: We note that both the AMELP and the Baseline Report are due 45 days after contract award. However, the due date for the Baseline report does not allow for adequate and rigorous data collection activities to establish the baselines to take place. In addition, it is possible that some discussion regarding indicators may take place during the preparation and consultations with USAID for the AMELP, so that simultaneous data collection while discussing indicators may not allow for adequate data collection. We would request that this timeline be modified, and recommend that the Baseline Report be due 90 days after the approval of the AMELP.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Questions #72(a), (b), and (c).

73. Section M.2.3 states that the Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology will be evaluated based on the degree to which the Annual Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) fulfills listed criteria, however Section L only includes instructions for the submission of indicators and targets in the provided Performance Indicator Tracking Table

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offerors will be evaluated on Annex 1 Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology according to the technical evaluation factor in Section M.2(b). See response to Question #46.

74. Please clarify the maximum number of pages for the CVs of Key Personnel. On page 149, the RFP states that “Full CVs should not exceed 3 pages,” whereas on page 145, the RFP says that CVs can be up to a maximum of 4 pages.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #62.

75. Pages 120 (Section J.2) and 150 (Section L.6.1.4 Past Performance). Will USAID allow the offeror to re-format Attachment J.7 (Past Performance Matrix)?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #47.

76. Pages 145 (L.6 Summary) and 149 (L.6.1.2 sub section; (c) (2) Key Personnel) references job descriptions in both annex 3 and 4. Annex 3 states that “resumes of key personnel (maximum 4 pages), job description (maximum 1 page each,) references, and signed statement of commitment for key personnel” should be included. Annex 4 states “Job description for proposed long and short-term personnel (maximum 4 paragraphs) should be included.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #62. Neither job descriptions, nor letters of commitment, nor references are included in the three (3) page limit.

77. Will USAID confirm that job descriptions are to be included in the 4-page limit for key personnel and that the referenced job descriptions in annex 4 are for named long and short-term personnel that are not key personnel?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See responses to Questions #62 and #76. Yes, Annex 3 is for information on Key Personnel and Annex 4 is for information on Non-Key Personnel.

Both Annexes support the Offeror’s Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure.

78. Can USAID kindly confirm that references and signed statements of commitment for key personnel are not included in the 4-page limit for resumes of the key personnel?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. See response to Question #77.

79. Pages 145-146, (Section Summary and L.6.1.1) Would USAID kindly consider not counting the executive summary as one of the 20 pages for the technical proposal?

80. Can USAID please confirm that the Past Performance Summary is counted as part of the 20-page limit for the Technical Proposal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: No. The Past Performance Summary listed on Section L.6 does not count towards the 20-page limit of the Technical Proposal, the required information on past performance must be placed in Annex 6. If not placed in Annex 6, the summary will count towards the 20-page limit of the Technical Proposal.

81. Page 147 (L.6.1.2 L.6.1.3 Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure, and Key Personnel – See Section M.2.2; (a) Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure) states that the evaluation is based on the ability of the offeror to balance three important elements, including (c) the “need to expand or activate options as needed”, would USAID kindly provide additional clarification or examples of these options.

USAID’s RESPONSE: To advance Senegal’s journey to self-reliance, the contract needs to be flexible, able to operate in an entrepreneurial manner, able to seize market opportunities, and able to effectively engage in high potential strategic partnerships that may require expansion to respond to new opportunities during implementation. Activating options can have geographic and/or cost implications.

Offerors must address how they will “activate options” in their proposals addressing section M.2.1(b) of the RFP.

82. We kindly ask for clarification to streamline the contents of subsections L.6.1.2

Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure, and Key Personnel with Section M.2.2 in the following areas:

USAID’s RESPONSE: The solicitation has been amended to streamline the contents of subsections and update the numbering to read L.6.1.3.

83. On pp. 147 and pp. 164 Will USAID confirm whether the Management or staffing plan should address the plan for ensuring rapid project startup, efficient management practices, including at a minimum approach to cost containment, avoidance of duplication of effort, and use of technology.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See responses to Questions #58 and #77 and #82.

84. On pp. 164 Will USAID confirm whether the primary roles and responsibilities of each staff person should be addressed under Management or Staffing Plan.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See responses to Questions #58 and #77 and #82.

85. Attachment J.6, ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENT (OCA) EXAMPLE

OUTLINE FOR FOCUS AREAS: Can USAID please confirm that the OCA Focus Areas are for illustrative purposes only and that offerors are free to propose OCA Focus as they see fit?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Attachment J.6, OCA Example Outline for Focus Areas is not applicable for this solicitation.

86. Can USAID please clarify if all key personnel must be long-term employees?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. Key Personnel participating in this activity must be long-term.

87. Can USAID kindly confirm that attachment J.6, OCA Example Outline for Focus Areas is not required in any way for this submission?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #85.

88. Can USAID please confirm that the Key Personnel positions listed AND their “illustrative requirements” are illustrative and not prescriptive requirements?

89. For the COP, can USAID please reconsider the requirement for 10 years of professional experience in West Africa or consider substituting it for 10 years of experience in Francophone countries of similar socioeconomic status? By adjusting this requirement, offerors have more flexibility to recruit the best possible candidate.

90. F.7.9. Close-Out Plan and L.6.1.2 (b) Staffing Plan (top of p. 148): These are the only sections that reference grants/sub-awards related to the implementation of the project.

Could USAID kindly confirm that offerors are able to propose Grants under Contract in their proposal and that Grants Under Contract are authorized for the resultant contract?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Grants Under Contract (GUCs) are not authorized under this award.

91. On p. 145 of the proposal, USAID states that Annex 4 will consist of “Job descriptions for proposed long and short-term personnel (max 4 paragraphs). Can USAID please confirm that offerors should focus on job descriptions of non-key personnel in Annex 4, given that job descriptions are provided for key personnel in Annex 3?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #77.

92. On p. 146 of the proposal, USAID states that the “suggested page length per Technical Proposal section is given below.” This was not included in the RFP. Can USAID please provide the suggested page length per technical proposal section?

93. On p. 19 of the proposal, USAID states that a Master’s degree in management, finance, or accounting is desirable for the Regional Business Advisory Services Director and the Investment Analysts positions. Would USAID accept a Master’s degrees in other relevant fields (e.g. Business Administration)?

94. L.6.1.2/L.6.1.3. The instructions for the “Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure, and Key Personnel” subsections [(a)-(c)] do not neatly match the subsection titles. For example, the (b) Staffing Plan subsection asks for a lot of information better suited to the Management Plan section (such as subcontractor management and field-office capabilities). Can USAID please confirm that bidders can structure the “Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure, and Key Personnel” section as they deem appropriate so long as all information requested under subpoints (a)-(c) is addressed?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes, offerors can structure the “Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure, and Key Personnel” section as they deem appropriate so long as all information requested under subpoints (a)-(c) is addressed. Also see answer to question #77. The solicitation has been amended accordingly.

Furthermore, offerors must organize their proposals according to Section M.2(b) and Section L.6 of the solicitation has been amended accordingly.

95. M.2.2 (a) asks offerors to lay out the geographic location of activity offices and staff. Can USAID clarify whether it deems field offices as necessary under this opportunity? If so, can USAID confirm if it has a preference on location?

USAID’s RESPONSE: USAID does not have a preference for a field presence location if the offeror wishes to propose them in their technical approach.

96. M.2.2 (a)(c) - Can USAID clarify “activate options” from either an activity level, geographic change or costing standpoint?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #81.

97. Can USAID please provide the analyses listed on page 104?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Analyses and other documents listed on page 104 can be found at USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse website under this link https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/home/Default.aspx

98. L.6.1.4. Can USAID please clarify where offerors should speak to their performance plan and evaluation methodology within the technical proposal? It is not included in the outline provided on page 145 but is listed on page 149 as a component of the technical proposal. Should offerors include it as a subsection within the “Management/Staffing Plan and Organizational Structure and Key Personnel” section of the technical proposal narrative, as a separate subsection preceding the Past Performance Summary section in the technical proposal narrative, or as an annex to the technical proposal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offerors should speak to the Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology in Annex 1. See response to Question #46.

99. Could USAID please allow offerors to include a matrix of short-term technical assistance providers in an annex that does not count against the page limit?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offerors may opt to refer to a matrix of STTA providers in the technical proposal in Annex 4. The reference and explanation will count toward the 20-page limit, and the supporting material in Annex 4 would not count towards the page limit.

100. Could USAID please allow offerors to address the relevant past performance of the prime offeror and all subcontractors in the Past Performance Summary section of the technical proposal narrative (not Annex 6), and not only that of major subcontractors?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Question #80.

101. Could USAID please clarify the page limit for key personnel resumes? The outline on page 145 lists it as 4 pages, but page 149 (c) (2) Key Personnel lists it as 3 pages.

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Questions #77.

102. Can USAID please confirm that offerors may address the requirements for

“Performance in Using Small Business Concerns” listed on page 151 of the proposal can be addressed in Annex 6 of the technical proposal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Yes. Offerors must use Annex 6 for supporting documentation when responding to “Past Performance.”

103. Can USAID please confirm that the Technical Approach section of the proposal need not necessarily be organized by the subheadings “(a) Understanding Program Objectives …, (b) Resource Partnership and Leverage Plan, and (c) Gender and Youth Integration” listed on page 146 as long as all requested information in those subsections is addressed within the Technical Approach?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Offerors must organize their technical proposal according to the headings and subheadings in Section M.2 and the amended L.6.

104. Section L, p. 149 and Section M, p. 163: Both sections require a Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology as part of the evaluation criteria. However, this section does not appear in the instructions on page 145. Can USAID kindly confirm that 1) this section should be placed in the technical proposal between the Management Plan and Past Performance sections, and that 2) this section would count towards the 20-page limit for the technical proposal?

USAID’s RESPONSE: Section L.6. of the solicitation has been amended to place the Performance Plan and Evaluation Methodology in Annex 1, which does not count towards the 20-page limit.

105. Section F, p. 21 The RFP asks for a “mechanism and procedures for grant making” but that is the sole reference to grants in the RFP. Can USAID kindly confirm that there is no grant fund anticipated for this Activity?

USAID’s RESPONSE: See response to Questions #90.

106. Section F.5, p. 18-19 Can USAID please clarify whether the “illustrative” qualifications found in this table are requirements for the positions identified or merely guidelines for the type of experience USAID expects to see for these positions. If the latter, can USAID confirm whether there are any baseline requirements (other than the language requirements found in Section H.14) that key personnel must meet.

107. Section F.5, p. 18-19 If the “illustrative” qualifications are requirements as per the above question, would USAID allow for the COP candidate to have at least 10 years of experience leading and/ or managing projects of similar size and scope but not limited solely to the West Africa Region?

108. Section H.14, p.44 Please confirm that the requirement for French language skills does not mean that all personnel billed under this contract must be able to speak and read French. For example, would this requirement extend to home office support staff?

USAID’s RESPONSE: No, this requirement does not extend to all home office support, however a minimum level of French language skills are needed to perform work in Senegal. Offerors are encouraged to leverage local staff. See response to Question #58.

109. Attachment J.1, p. 108 This section states, “In addition, the mission anticipates a companion policy Activity that is expected to serve as a conduit for this Activity for policy change, addressing policy constraints facing entrepreneurs and business development.” How should offerors address this anticipated activity in work plans, technical narrative and indicators?

USAID’s RESPONSE:…