Trade Facilitation - RFP - Questions_Answers (1).pdf

# Questions Answers 1 Is there an incumbent contractor or contractors for this effort? No.

2 Does the Government have an internal government cost estimate (IGCE) that can be shared with offerors? Yes we have an IGCE, but it cannot be shared.

3 Does the Government have a maximum ceiling value for this contract that can be shared with offerors? RFP Cover Page specified "not to exceed" $5 million.

If there is a maximum ceiling value that can be shared with offerors, please confirm that the actual price that an offeror bid is still a factor, should an offeror bid a price less than the ceiling value. See answer to question #3.

Please confirm that past performance cited for the past performance factor may be with non-US entities.

(Since this is an overseas contract, we suggest that past performance may be anywhere in the world for legal entities of any domicile.) Please refer to RFP Section Sections L.8.5(a) and (b)

Besides the two key personnel, does the Government have labor category definitions for non-key staff? Or is non-key staff completely up to the Contractor's discretion? (We suggest that for uniformity of offers between offerors, the Government suggest non-key personnel labor categories and provide brief labor category descriptions.) No, USAID does not have labor category definitions for non-key staff.

Are resumes/CVs for key personnel required to be submitted with offeror's proposals? (We suggest that the Government not require this as key personnel will be presented in offeror's oral presentations.)

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.1(b)(III).

Please confirm that there are no citizenship, residency, or US visa requirements for the two key personnel.

(We suggest there should be no limitations on key personnel for a contract performed largely overseas.) Confirmed.

olicitation, L.8.4 Evidence of Responsibility, pp. 91-92 states, "the Offeror must submit sufficient evidence of responsibility for the Contracting Officer to make an affirmative determination of responsibility pursuant to the requirements of FAR Subsection 9.104-1. However, in the case of a small business Offeror, the Contracting Officer will comply with FAR 19.6. The Offeror must address each element of responsibility below. To be determined responsible, a prospective Contractor must: ... 1) Have adequate financial resources to perform the Contract, or the ability to obtain them (see FAR 9.104-3(a); ... 5) Have the necessary ... accounting ... controls, ... (See § FAR 9.104.3(a)), ..."

a) Please confirm that under FAR 9.104-3(b), 19.602-1(a), and 19.602-1(b), if a small business offeror is unable to provide satisfactory evidence with respect to L.8.4(1) nd/or L.8.4(5), and if the Contracting Officer finds that due to the resulting apparent inadequacy of financial resources or accounting system, that under the criteria of an offeror's ability to perform, the offeror is therefore unable to perform, but the that offeror's offer is otherwise acceptable with regard to matters of responsibility and there are no other disqualifying factors other than this ability to perform, then such a small business offeror may affirmatively apply to the SBA for a Certificate of Competency (COC) as conclusive determination of that offeror's responsibility. b) And/or that, alternatively, the Contracting Officer, in the case of the lack of such evidence, would refer the offeror to an auditor of the cognizant Government agency, such as DCAA, for audit or review of their accounting system before any award decision is made. (We suggest that a reasonable alternative or addition to having the SBA issue a COC would be for the Contracting Officer to request an audit or review by the Cognizant Agency for an apparent awardee.)

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.4.

Can USAID please clarify what documents are due October 18th? Our understanding is that Phase 1:

Concept note as described under L.6 pages 86-87 is due on October 18th and then the Submission of Briefing Materials and Offer is due on November 17th which consists of Phase 2 documentation - as outlined under L.7 in addition to the business volume as outlined under L.8. Please confirm whether this understanding is correct, and that the Briefing Materials documentation and the price proposal documentation should not be submitted on October 18th.

Please see revised cover page.

Can USAID please clarify what documents are due October 18th? Our understanding is that Phase 1:

Concept note as described under L.6 pages 86-87 is due on October 18th and then the Submission of Briefing Materials and Offer is due on November 17th which consists of Phase 2 documentation - as outlined under L.7 in addition to the business volume as outlined under L.8. Please confirm whether this understanding is correct, and that the Briefing Materials documentation and the price proposal documentation should not be submitted on October 18th.

Please see revised cover page, and "confirmed" for question's second portion.

Can USAID please clarify what exactly constitutes the “Briefing Materials and Offer” to be submitted on November 17th?

Please refer to RFP Sections L.5(e) and L.7(e)

13 How does USAID define a “Major Subcontractor” for this solicitation? Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.7.

Will a regional partner (e.g., based in Kenya) be considered as a ‘local’ partner? Please refre to RFP Section L.6(c): "... The technical approach must also discuss and highlight the necessary interventions to promote sustainability by maximizing the usage of local (Rwandan) organizations ..." Also, refer to RFP Section C.4.7.3.

USAID notes that a Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) is being conducted by the mission. If this study is available, can USAID please share that with Offerors? It is currently ongoing and is still not available for an external audience at this time.

Can USAID inform Offerors when the Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Analysis and Strategy are due?

“The Contractor must conduct a gender and social inclusion assessment of the opportunities and challenges faced by women, youth and persons with disabilities in regard to trade facilitation.”

Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.8.

Can USAID confirm when the Branding Implementation and Marketing Plan is due? Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.8.

USAID states that the COP should have experience “in the fields of market systems, workforce development, or positive youth development”. Would USAID consider modifying this to “experience relevant to the

SOW”?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.4.1.

Can USAID please confirm that these are the same study?

Page 27 “Trade Regulatory Assessment report due in the first 210 days of the activity award, the contractor must conduct and present a trade regulatory assessment report which identifies non-tariff barriers to trade faced by the Rwandan business community…” The RFP references Section 3.1.2 however, this study is not mentioned there.

On page 11 (Section 3.2.1), the RFP notes: “Prior to implementation of interventions, the Contractor must identify, prioritize, and analyze gaps in existing trade policies, guidelines and international trade procedures to facilitate reforms for improved trade competitiveness.”

It's one report and the correct ref is C.3.1.1 Deliverables for Objective 1

There are references in a few places including Sections L and H where “IDIQ” is either explicitly mentioned (section H.5) or implied with the use of ceiling unburdened rates (section L.8). Can USAID please clarify that this is an unintended error?

This is an unintended error. Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections H.5. and L.8.3.

21 Can USAID please clarify the references to USAID/South Sudan? Please refer to REVISED RFP Sctions H.12 and H.20

What is the required font, font size, spacing, and margins for the Concept Note? Also, what are the required font and font size for text boxes, captions, and figures/graphics?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.6(a).

USAID notes “The Contractor must discuss and demonstrate the capability to quickly and efficiently mobilize staff and resources so that activity implementation may begin within three (3) months of the effective date of the contract, demonstrating a rapid set-up plan.” Would USAID like the proposed Mobilization Plan in the Concept Note to be for a 3-month period?

Please refer to RFP Section L.6(c)(ii).

USAID states that the MEL and Key personnel presentation shall not exceed 15 minutes. In L.7.1.4 USAID states that Key Personnel and Staffing presentation shall not exceed 15 minutes. Can USAID clarify how much time for the MEL section and how much time for the Key Personnel and Staffing sections?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3

Can USAID clarify what constitutes “Proposed Key Personnel Documentation”? Does a biodata and letter of commitment suffice?

Please refer to the answer to question #7.

USAID mentions unburdened labor rates under section (b) citing, “The unburdened labor rates (including any escalation) are fixed for all Contract years.” Can USAID please clarify this statement? As some of the proposed labor rates may be illustrative with several candidates for proposed positions yet to be identified at until implementation, proposing fixed labor rates at the proposal stage may become burdensome to both USAID and the contractor. Would USAID consider amending this given the understanding that AIDARs

752.7007 and ADS 302.3.6.9 already apply?

Please refer to the answer to question #20.

USAID mentions unburdened labor rates under section (b) citing, “The Large Business Offerors must not propose ceiling indirect rates.” Can USAID please clarify these statements? As a small business set-side, large businesses are not eligible to apply to this solicitation.

Please refer to the answer to question #20.

USAID mentions ceiling unburdened daily rates under section (c) citing “The Offerors are not expected to build their budget using ceiling unburdened daily rates but can use rates that reflect estimated salaries of the individuals they anticipate hiring in roles provided they do not exceed proposed ceiling unburdened daily rates.” This solicitation is not under an existing IDIQ and to our knowledge does not have CDRs established. Can USAID please clarify this statement?

Ceiling rates are not limited to IDIQs, and the solicitation states that offerors shoudl not build their budget using rates that reflect estimated salaries of the individual.

29 If CDRs are required, where should they be presented? The CDRs are not required.

Is there a page limit for Attachment J.4 Past Performance Information sheet? May offerors modify the formatting of the attachment, such as the font or margins?

Please Refer to RFP Section L8.5 (No page limit required)

USAID notes “For contracts not in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must use the “Past Performance Information Sheet” (included as Attachment J.4) to list past performance information for itself with a cost between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000, with a period of performance falling within the last three years, and involving similar work as in Section C.” Would USAID consider expanding the budget range to smaller and larger projects?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.5

USAID notes “As a cover letter to the submission using Attachment J.4 as a template, list no more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any activity performed within 3 years of the closing date for receipt of the Contractor past performance information) and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject concept note for the Offeror.” What does USAID mean by “as a cover letter to the submission…”?

A cover letter traditionally introduces the information that is contained in the document. Howveer the offeror chooses to introduce its content in J.4, please, at a minimum, follow the instructions in RFP Section L.8.5.

Can USAID please clarify if the ODC number of $1,940,000 is an illustrative example or if it is an intended plug figure that all Offerors are to use in lieu of itemizing ODCs as described on pages 8, and 10-13?’ Attachment J.3 templete is revised to remove the 1,940,000

USAID states “The prime offeror’s documented analysis of subcontractor pricing must not exceed 10 pages per proposed subcontract”. Can USAID confirm whether it wants this analysis to be submitted with the Business Volume or it is should be submitted after award with the request for consent to subcontract?

Yes , the analysis of subcontractor pricing should be submitted with the cost volume- Refer to page13 of Attachment J.3" A budget narrative must be prepared for each "major subcontractor" and included as separate sections in the prime offeror’s budget narrative"

“The inclusion of any costs in the budget does not obviate the requirement for prior approval by the Contracting Officer (“CO”) 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 CO of any item of cost, unless specifically stated elsewhere in this contract.” Q: Can you please provide examples of such costs requiring prior approval of the CO.

Offerors are advised to familiarize themselves with the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, as well as specific USAID policies whtin the ADS series. One example of a cost requiring prior approval is a motor vehilce. This prior approval requirement concerns post-award actions.

The scheduled delivery date for the Time Release Study 1 is indicated under the deliverable column on page 26 to be made in the first 150 days of the activity award. Under the delivery date column you however has indicated within 180 days of the effective date of award and during the last quarter of the activity Implementation. Can the government please clarify the dates and also what you mean by “the last quarter of the activity implementation”

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section F.8.

Section L.7 discusses about the oral presentation. It however does not clarify if the oral presentation will be limited to the three preselected offerors on evaluation of the Concept note in Phase 1. Can the government clarify this please? Please refer to RFP Section L.6.1(c).

Section L.7.1.3: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) provides that “The presentation of the MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes”. Then in section L.7.1.4: Key Personnel and Staffing Approach you indicate that “The presentation of Key Personnel and Staffing Approach must not exceed 15 minutes.” Can the government confirm that these are two separate presentations each for 15 minutes, one for MEL and the other for Personnel and Staffing Approach? Please refer to the answer to question # 24.

Under L.8.3 Budget Spreadsheet (a) “The Offeror must not include prime Offeror burdened rates in the prime Offeror’s budget. The unburdened labor rates (including any escalation) are fixed for all Contract years. The Offeror must break down all prime Offeror direct and indirect costs to their component parts.

The Large Business Offerors must not propose ceiling indirect rates.” Please clarify the following: Q: In the last sentence you have indicated of large business offerors. Please clarify as the assignment is for small business set aside.

Please refer to the answer to question #20.

Under L.8.5 Past Performance Information (b) “For contracts in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Offerors are requested to provide completed CPARS reports. For contracts not in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must use the “Past Performance Information Sheet” (included as Attachment J.4) to list past performance information for itself with a cost between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000, with a period of performance falling within the last three years, and involving similar work as in Section C. All applicable fields in Attachment J.4 must be completed. Offerors must not submit past performance information for contracts in CPARS.” Please clarify the following: Does it mean that an offeror who may be having relevant experiences but the projects of less than $5,000,000 to 10,000,000 in relevant assignments will not be considered for this activity? Can an offeror who has past performance with a value between the stated values above but in other sectors include these as past performances? If yes can the government consider extending the period of performance to at lease 10 years? Please refer to RFP Section L.8.5, and Section M.4(e).

41 What is the project’s expected project start date for budgeting purposes? The anticipated start date is mid-January 2024

On page 1, the RFP it states that the Authorized Geographic Code is 937, while page 38 under H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE states that the Authorized Geographic Code is 935, and on page 62 under I.11 752.225-70 SOURCE AND NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS (Feb 2012), the RFP states that the Authorized Geographic Code is 937. Can USAID clarify the Authorized Geographic Code?

The RFP Cover Page has been revised to reflect a geographic code of 935.

On page 36, the RFP refers to H.2 DEFENSE BASE ACT (DBA) INSURANCE FOR 2015-2020. Can USAID confirm that the A. RATES are the correct rates to use for budgeting purposes given the recently signed contract with Starr Indemnity & Liability Company with new rates?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.2.

Page 39, “H.5 REQUESTS FOR CONSENT TO SUBCONTRACT” (a) states that the requirements under FAR § 52.244-2 do not apply to the following subcontracts, which USAID evaluated during the IDIQ procurement and received CO consent to subcontract at the IDIQ level.” Can USAID confirm to which subcontractors FAR § 52.244-2 does not apply?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.5.

Page 44 of the RFP states that “An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been approved for USAID/South Sudan and is attached.” Can USAID confirm that they are referring to Attachment J.1 approved by USAID/Rwanda?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

For the concept note, does USAID expect any particular specifications, such as font, point size, line spacing, etc. Or is the offeror open to use whatever specifications we believe will be legible and engaging for USAID, including for components such as tables, charts, graphics, text boxes, etc.? Please refer to answer to question #22.

In the RFP’s Section L.6 Phase 1 Concept Note (b) on page 86, does USAID want only the EIN or also the UEI for the prime and any subcontractors?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.6(b).

In L.6 Phase 1 Concept Note (c)(iii), does the limit of three projects apply to the team as a whole, assuming that the offeror has engaged subcontractors, or for the prime only?

Please refer to RFP Section L.6(c)(iii): "This section must describe no more than 3 projects that demonstrate the offeror’s (and consortium’s) particular experience ..."

In L.7 Phase 2 Oral Presentation on page 88, please confirm that the oral presentation can be conducted virtually or remotely, with no requirement to physically be in Rwanda for the presentation. Please refer to RFP Section L.7(c): "USAID/Rwanda will conduct virtual oral presentations ..."

On page 90-91, the RFP states, “Business File. The Offeror must include the following documents: ● Proposed Key Personnel Documentation.” However, on page 92 before section “L.8.6 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities,” the RFP does not outline what documents are required for key personnel documentation.

Relatedly, if USAID wants to see resumes for proposed personnel, where in the proposal response should the resumes be included? Is there a related page limit?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.1(b)(III).

The RFP emphasizes the use of local Rwandan organizations as partners. Could USAID confirm that local Rwandan organizations should not enter into exclusive teaming arrangements with any one international implementing partner serving as an offeror for this solicitation, so as to minimize the chance of a protest? Confirmed. There is no requirement for exclusivity.

In Section L.8.5 Past Performance Information, page 92, the RFP refers to projects with a dollar value of $5M to $10M. Must we submit only those projects that fall within this dollar range. This would appear to be a limiting factor for the proposal response.

Please refer to the answer to question #31.

In Section L.8.5 Past Performance Information (a), the opening line says, “As a cover letter to the submission

… ” What does this mean? Is there an expectation that there will be a cover letter specifically for Past Performance Information?

A cover letter traditionally introduces the information that is contained in the document. Howveer the offeror chooses to introduce its content in J.4, please, at a minimum, follow the instructions in RFP Section L.8.5.

The concept note calls for Institutional Experience and Capability and the Business volume calls for Past Performance information, with both calling for a description of three projects. What is the difference between what is called for in the concept note vs the Business volume? Should we use the same information for both?

The RFP instructions in Section L.6(c)(iii) describes what is meant by "institutional experience and capability", which very clearly different from the structured content required of "past performance".

On page 90, the RFP states that “L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE BUSINESS VOLUME, L.

8.1 General, (a) The Offeror must submit the Business Volume (in separate electronic files as specified below)” and on page 88, the RFP states “L.7 PHASE 2: ORAL PRESENTATION, (e) Briefing Materials. The Offeror must not present any cost proposal information.” Can USAID confirm that the business volume should be submitted at the same time as the briefing materials on November 17, 2023 in a separate email? Please refer to RFP Section L.8.1(a) for the submission of the "Business Volume".

In Attachments J-2 and J-3, the RFP indicates that the business volume must be broken out into three (3) Intermediate Results. However, Section C of the RFP refers to only two (2) Objectives. Are there three (3) IRs and, if so, how are they different from the two (2) objectives? Also could you please clarify the three (3) IRs?

Refer to attachment J 3 II Summary Budgets B and C .

In Attachment J-3, on page 7 it states “C. Local Fringe Benefits. 3. For any direct charge, the offeror must provide a separate supplementary table, as shown below.” There is no table shown below, can you USAID please share the applicable table?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.3.

In Attachment J.3 on page 12, it states that “(1) Fixed-price type subcontracts … labor must be organized by the standard labor groupings identified in Section L.6.4.2.” Can USAID confirm where Section L.6.4.2. can be found in the RFP?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.3.

In the cover page to the RFP, it states that the Authorized Geographic Code is 937, but in Section H.3 on page 38 it indicates that the Authorized Geographic Code is 935. Please confirm that the Authorized Geographic Code is 935. Please refer to the answer to question #42.

In Section L.8.5 on p 92, the RFP states that the Offeror must submit “Past performance information for itself with a cost between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000, with a period of performance falling within the last 3 years, and involving similar work as in Section C.” Please confirm that “for itself” can include all partners of a joint venture or consortium.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.5

61 Would USAID consider extending the date of relevance for past performance to five years? Please refer to answer to question #31.

Could USAID clarify if the period of performance for past performance needs to fall within 3 years from the issuance of the RFP or 3 years from the submission of the proposal?

3 years in the past refers to the date of the issuance of the RFP. Please refer bto REVISED RFP Section L.8.5.

Page 1, the cover letter, notes that Oral Presentations will be scheduled for the week of November 20, 2023. That is the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, when many people will be on leave. Would USAID consider moving the schedule to start Oral Presentations the following week?

It is our intention to have the presnetations prior to the holidays, rather than having offerors focus on finalizing their presnetations over the holiday season. If this needs to be reconsidered we will do so at a later date.

Page 7, section B.6. Payment of Fixed Fee. The RFP first states: “USAID will pay a proportion of the Contractor’s fixed fee each month pursuant to FAR § 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” upon the receipt of an acceptable invoice.” However it then make a contradictory statement: “Payment for associated fee will be included in the invoice for the month of Quarterly Progress Report. USAID acceptance of the associated Quarterly Progress Report will constitute approval of the deliverable(s) or result(s) and the associated fee”.

Can you please clarify the conditions for the payment of the fixed fee? Does the contractor bill for the fixed fee proportionally each month? Or, is the payment of the fixed fee contingent upon approved deliverables?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.6

Page 8, Section B.7, USAID asks for indirect rates for each “Major subcontractor(s)”. Will USAID please define what constitutes a ‘Major Subcontractor’ for this solicitation? Please refer to the answer to question #13.

Page 11, Section C.3.1.1, Objective 1, notes an expected Target Result as “At least 5 new or adapted trade enabling environment policies analyzed, consulted on, drafted or revised, approved, and implemented with USG assistance”. In our experience, ‘approval’ is subject to internal deliberations within the host government that are often political or bureaucratic in nature, and is not something we can effectively (or ethically) influence. Would USAID please consider revising this Target Result to read “as “At least 5 new or adapted trade enabling environment policies analyzed, consulted on, drafted or revised, and if approved, implemented with USG assistance” ?

Yes, that change in language is acceptable, and the RFP has been amended accordingly.

Page 11, Section C.3.1.1, Deliverables for Objective 1, states that the contractor must “Establish a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the Rwandan, Kenyan, and Tanzania customs agencies to grant Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs)a from one country the same status in the other country”. Since this project is limited to Rwanda, it seems outside of the scope to provide support to the Kenyan and Tanzanian governments. Would USAID please consider revising this deliverable to read “Support the Rwandan government to negotiate a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the Rwandan, Kenyan, and Tanzania customs agencies to grant Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs)a from one country the same status in the other country”

Yes, that change in language is acceptable, and the RFP has been amended accordingly.

Page 12, section C.3.1.1, Objective 2, notes that an Expected Target Result of Objective 2 is “Reduce in (sic) border fees by a minimum of 10%”. Can USAID please explain what specifically is meant by “border fees”?

Boarder fees means charges (including inspection fees, licenses, permits and other fees) collected upon importation and exportation

Page 24, section F.4.1: The required qualifications for the COP include a master’s degree in “the fields of market systems, workforce development, or positive youth development.” Those would appear to be only tangentially related to this trade facilitation activity. Can USAID please correct or clarify this requirement? Please see response to question 18 and modify to reflect relevant experience to SOW

Page 34, section G.6, Paying Office and Invoicing Instructions , “(c) The Contractor must prepare and submit separate invoices for each CLIN”. Will USAID please the delete requirement to submit a separate invoice for each CLIN? Invoicing by CLIN increases the administrative burden and cost to implementers (and subsequently to USAID and the taxpayer).

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section G.6.

Page 38, H.2.A. Obtaining DBA Coverage: Can USAID confirm that information in this paragraph is still relevant? Context: our understanding is that Marsh McLennan Agency is currently the vendor authorized to provide DBA coverage. “A. OBTAINING DBA COVERAGEContractors must apply for coverage directly to AON Risk Insurance Services Inc., the agent for AWAC DBA Insurance. For instructions on the required application form and submission requirements, contact the following office:

AON Risk Insurance Services West, Inc.

2033 N. Main St., Suite 760 Walnut Creek, CA 94596-3722".

To be confirmed. I sent an email to Fred.Robinson@aon.com to clarify this.

Page 70, Section J,: The IEE that was included with the solicitation on sam.gov is for a different activity.

Kindly provide the correct IEE for RTFA.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

The RFP states "USAID WILL NOT EVALUATE THE INTRODUCTION". In that case, is there any reason for the introduction to be more than a very brief introduction of the two presenters / key personnel? Also, Will the time for the introduction count against the 60 minute limit? The question is addressed in full in RFP Section L.7.1.

Page 89, L.7.1.3, The text says "This segment of the presentation must consist of two parts", but on the following page only one part is listed. Is a part missing, or is there only one part?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3.

Page 89L.7.1.3.,: The first sentence states that the presentation of the MEL Plan and key personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. We note that presentation of Key Personnel is also included in the instructions in L.

7.1.4. We suggest removing key personnel from the presentation of the MEL plan. Please refer to the answer to question #24.

Page 89, L.7.1, Should presenters allow time for questions from the audience during each presentation segment?

The Contracting Officer will facilitate the meeting, and will ensure that there is adequate time for questions.

Page 92, L.8.5(b): The instructions ask offerors to list past performance information for projects with a cost between $5 and $10 million. This would exclude many relevant trade-related activities that are similar in scope but perhaps just slightly over or under this $5-$10m range. We kindly request that USAID expand or remove the total cost eligibility criteria and instead factor total cost into its consideration of how relevant a specific activity is as an example of the offeror’s recent past performance.

Please refer to the answer to question #31. Also, understand that USAID/Rwanda desires to limit the activities being used to justify and support an offeror's experience with similar activities to the one presented in this RFP. Implementing activities at budgets much larger than the range indicated in the RFP presents a different level of complexity, as does implementing activities with budgets much smaller. By "relevant" USAID/Rwanda has chosen to focus on scope, operating environment, and budget size.

Page 91, L.8.3.(b), USAID states that in the Budget Spreadsheet, “The unburdened labor rates (including any escalation) are fixed for all Contract years.” Is USAID referring to ceiling unburdened rates, or are all proposed labor, even for personnel to-be-determined, to have fixed rates for a four-year period? Please refer to answer to question #20.

Page 91, L.8.3.(c), USAID instructs offerors to “use rates that reflect estimated salaries of individuals they anticipate hiring in roles”. However, it also refers to “Proposed ceiling unburdened daily rates”. How would USAID like offerors to categorize ceiling unburdened daily rates and what impact would the ceiling rates have for evaluation purposes? Please refer to answer to question #78.

Attachment J.1, IEE: Thank you for providing the “Attachment+J.1_IEE-E_E+Activity+(1)” for the Employment and Entrepreneurship (E&E) Activity, per Section C.4.2, page 13, “The Contractor must collaborate with the USAID FTF Employment and Entrepreneurship activity…” Could USAID/Rwanda also share the IEE for the subject USAID FTF Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

SECTION D – MARKING AND BRANDING: Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm that the Branding and Marking Plan should be submitted to USAID for approval within 90 days of the award and that Offerors do not need to submit a Branding and Marking Plan with their initial proposals?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.8.

EMAIL SUBMISSION PROCEDURES: “(e) Separate Technical and Business Volumes. The offeror must submit the Business Volume as a separate file from the technical volume (i.e., the briefing materials), but include both volumes in the same email, if possible. Emails (including attachments) cannot exceed 20 MB.” Please confirm that these instructions apply to Phase 2 only and that the Business Volume should not be submitted with the Phase 1 submission. Confirmed.

Page 92, Section L.8.5 Past Performance Information, “(a) As a cover letter to the submission using Attachment J.4 as a template, list no more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any activity performed within 3 years of the closing date for receipt of the Contractor past performance information) and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject concept note for the Offeror.” Please confirm that, similar to the instructions provided in “SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE, (c) Content, (iii) Institutional Experience and Capability,” Past Performance Information should describe no more than 3 projects, performed within 3 years, altogether for the Offeror and Consortium members.

Confirmed. Please also refer to the slightly-revised version of Section L.8.5 for revised parameters.

Page 92, Section L.8.5 Past Performance Information, “(a) As a cover letter to the submission using

Attachment J.4 as a template…” Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify that Offerors may provide a cover letter for their Past Performance Information submission in addition to completing the required Past Performance Information (PPI) using Attachment J.4, rather than presenting all Attachment J.4 PPI forms in a cover letter format? Offerors should provide a cover letter in addition to the required content in J.4.

Page 92, Section L.8.5 Past Performance Information, “(a) As a cover letter to the submission using Attachment J.4 as a template, list no more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any activity performed within 3 years of the closing date for receipt of the Contractor past performance information) and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject concept note for the Offeror.” Please confirm that, similar to the instructions provided in “SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE, (c) Content, (iii) Institutional Experience and Capability,” Past Performance Information should describe no more than 3 projects, performed within 3 years, altogether for the Offeror and Consortium members.

Confirmed.

It appears on page 98, Section M.4 that Past Performance Information will be evaluated separately from Technical and Cost. Therefore, Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify whether the Phase II submission should include (i) the Technical Volume (i.e., Briefing Materials), (ii) the Business Volume, and (iii) the Past Performance Volume? As per instructions in RFP Section L.8, past performance is one component of the BUsiness Volume.

SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE – Please confirm that Offerors may name their confirmed key personnel in their Phase 1 Concept Note submission This is not a requirement, and up to the discretion of the offeror.

Page 86, SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE, (b) Cover Page, “(v) Name of proposed subcontractors involved in the concept note and their respective EIN number.” For local subcontractors that do not have an EIN number, could UEI or CAGE numbers be provided instead? Please refer to answer to question #47.

Page 86, SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE: “(a) General. The offeror must submit a Concept Note that must not exceed 13 pages, including the cover page.” a) Would USAID/Rwanda kindly revise the total page limit for the Concept Note to not exceed 14 pages, to allow for a one (1) page Cover Letter / Executive Summary, in addition to the Cover Page? b) Please confirm that the following format for the Phase 1 Concept Note response is acceptable to USAID/Rwanda: Microsoft Word, single-spaced, with font not smaller than in 11-point Calibri (condensed font NOT allowed), with top, bottom, left, and right margins no less than one inch; and each page numbered consecutively. c) Would USAID/Rwanda allow charts, tables, and graphics to be in a smaller font, but not less than 9-point? d) We kindly request for USAID/Rwanda to allow for a Table of Contents and List of Acronyms to be included with the Phase 1 Concept Note submission, and not subject to the total page limitation.

1(a): no, the instructions will not be revised to include an "executive summary".

1(b): please refer to answer to question #22.

1(c): please refer to answer to question #22.

1(d): the page limit is set, anything in addition will not be counted towards to page limit maximum.

Page 87, SECTION L.6 PHASE 1: CONCEPT NOTE: (c) Content, (ii) Rapid Mobilization Strategy: Please confirm that Offerors may briefly summarize their staffing plan in this section, per the additional guidance provided in the table on page 27, “Mobilization Plan: Within 20 days of the award, the contract will submit a mobilization plan and the plan should include office setup, staffing plan, logistical arrangements and procurement plan, partners etc..” Be advised that RFP Section L.6 has been slightly revised. What offerors choose to presnet is their decision, so long as the instructions are followed.

Page 89: SECTION L.7.1.1 Instructions for the Oral Presentation, Introduction: “The oral presentation will consist of exactly 3 persons from the offeror team, which can include members from its subcontracting consortium... In addition, the Offeror will introduce the below individuals that will lead the presentation: (1) COP, (2) Trade Facilitation Expert candidate, and (3) the Corporate Executive Providing Primary Home Office Support (i.e., “Principal in Charge”).” Considering that the oral presenters can include members from the Offeror’s subcontracting consortium, will USAID/Rwanda allow up to four (4) persons from the offeror team, specifically (1) COP, (2) Trade Facilitation Expert candidate, and (3) the Corporate Executive Providing Primary Home Office Support (i.e., “Principal in Charge”), and (4) an optional member from the subcontracting consortium?

Please refer to the instructions in RFP Section L.7.1.1. So long as the instructions are followed, what an offeror chooses to do in addition to the instructions is the offeror's decision.

Pages 89-90, SECTION L.7.1.3: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): “The presentation of the MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. This segment of the presentation must consist of two parts.” a) Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify the total time limit for this MEL segment presentation? The “Key Personnel and Staffing Approach” segment comprised of “(i) Part 1: Key Personnel” and “(ii) Part 2:

Staffing Approach” in the proceeding Section L.7.1.4 is also allocated a total presentation time of 15 minutes. b) Section L.7.1.3: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) states that there are two segments of the presentation but only lists “(i) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)”. Could USAID/Rwanda confirm that the MEL segment of the presentation only contains one (1) part and not two (2 parts)?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3

Page 89-90, SECTION L.7.1.1 Instructions for the Oral Presentation: We suggest that USAID/Rwanda adjusts the time allotted for each segment of the Oral Presentation as follows:L.7.1.1 Introduction (5 minutes) -L.7.1.2 Implementation Approach and Utilization of Local Rwandan Organizations (30 minutes) -L.7.1.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) (10 minutes, instead of 15 minutes) -L.7.1.4 Key Personnel and Staffing Approach (15 minutes) Total Oral Presentation Time for each Offeror Team: 60 minutes

Suggestion noted, the time allocations will not change.

Attachment J.2, Budget Template: The attachment provided with the solicitation, Attachment+J.2+- +Budget+Template+(1)+(1), appears to be for a five-year “Feed-the-Future Employment and Entrepreneurship (“E&E”) Activity” with budget line items for three Intermediate Results (IRs) that each include GUCs. We believe this to be an error. Could USAID/Rwanda kindly provide the correct Attachment J.

2. Budget Template that Offerors should use for the four-year Feed-the-Future Rwanda Trade Facilitation Activity?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections J.2 and J.3. -These are samples subject to edits

Attachment J.3, Budget Narrative Template (Attachment+J.3_Budget_Narrative+(1)), page 4 of 18 and page 5 of 18: Some of the language included in this section of the budget template seems to be more relevant to a Time and Materials or Fixed Loaded Rate type contract. There are also references to “labor categories” and detailed rate buildups. Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm that the Offeror may edit the tables in this section to present information more aligned for a CPFF-type contract? Please refer to answer to question #94.

Attachment J.3, Budget Narrative Template (Attachment+J.3_Budget_Narrative+(1)), page 14 of 18 states “The TOCO intends to rely on the prime offeror’s documented evaluation of the proposed subcontractor pricing together with the subofferor’s budget narrative to the maximum extent practicable. The prime offeror’s documented analysis of subcontractor pricing must not exceed 10 pages per proposed subcontract. This limitation does not apply to subcontractor budget narratives submitted by the subcontractors and included as part of the prime’s cost volume. Documenting these items is a material requirement of the solicitation. Insufficient documentation of these items may cause USAID to exclude the offeror from further consideration for the award.” Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify what is required to show a documented analysis of the subofferors? Please refer to answer to question #94.

The RFP does not include a detailed section on the support required for indirect rates. a) Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm what is required by a subcontractor who does not currently hold a NICRA? 2) Would this be only required for “major” subcontractors or all subcontractors?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.7.. The CO has authority to negotiate with successful offeror on what is required by a subcontractor who does not currently hold a NICRA .refer to Cost Principles and Procedures Required by 2 CFR 200

Page 8, SECTION B.7 INDIRECT COSTS: Does USAID/Rwanda have a definition for “Major Subcontractor(s)”?

For example, are major subcontractors those that are expected to perform at least 15% or a prominent part of the technical effort?

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.7..

Page 38, SECTION H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE: This section states that the authorized geographic code is 935 whereas the authorized geographic code provided on the cover page is 937. Can USAID/Rwanda kindly confirm that the authorized geographic code for this procurement is 935? Please refer to answer to question #42.

Page 90, SECTION L.8. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE BUSINESS VOLUME: Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm that Offerors should submit the three separate files of the Business Volume in the following formats? a) I. Budget Spreadsheet – Microsoft Excel using the Budget Template contained in Attachment J.2 (as specified in the RFP) b) II. Budget Narrative – Microsoft Word as specified in Attachment J.3 (as specified in the RFP) c) III. Business File – We request this file to be submitted in Adobe PDF format. Please follow instructions in RFP Section L.8.

Page 91, SECTION L.8.1 General, III. Business File: It is stated the Offeror must include “Proposed Key Personnel Documentation, but there is no further information provided on what is required in this section.”

Could USAID/Rwanda confirm that this documentation refers only to signed Employee Biographical Data Sheets for Key Personnel? Please refer to answer to question #7.

Page 91, SECTION L.8.3 Budget Spreadsheet (a) states “If necessary, the Offeror may add line items to the template, but it must comply with the template categories as much as practical.” a) Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm that the Offeror may make changes to the formatting of the template so that it complies with the Offeror’s branding policy (i.e. color, general formatting) as long as any changes do not affect the information required by USAID? b) Could USAID/Rwanda also please confirm that this would also apply to the budget narrative template?

Confirmed.

Page 91, SECTION L.8.3 Budget Spreadsheet, (b) mentions “The Large Business Offerors must not propose ceiling indirect rates.” We ask that USAID/Rwanda deletes this sentence since, in accordance with FAR Part 19.5, this acquisition is a total small business aside for the U.S. Small Business Offerors only.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.3(b).

Pages 91-96: Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify what documentation is required from subcontractors? And if such documentation is required for “major subcontractors or from all “first-tier” subcontractors? In particular, we are referring to the forms for Evidence of Responsibility, Section K, Letter of Commitment, and Disclosure of Lobbying.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections L.8.3(d) and L.10(b). "Major subcontractors" has been defined as those partners with 20% or more of the total estimated cost of the activity budget.

Considering the acquisition strategy for this procurement was only recently revised to be a small business set-aside, and to allow maximum coordination with local partners, would USAID consider extending the closing date for Concept Notes to November 08, 2023, the deadlines for Briefing Materials to December 08, 2023, and oral presentations for the week of December 11, 2023?

This activity was posted on the USAID Forecast, and afforded all interested offerors to align their strategies accordingly. No extension will be made at this time.

C.4.7.5 states: The mission is in the process of conducting Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA) to help USAID/Rwanda integrate digital development tools and approaches into existing activities and future activities.. Is USAID able to provide information on when the results of the DECA expected to be available?

Please refer to answer to question #15

C.4.7.6 states: Starting in Year 2, the Contractor must include in its work plan annual coordination events “pause and reflect” sessions aimed at enhancing joint learning from activity implementation. Please clarify whether the Offeror should budget for the costs of organizing these types of coordination events/sessions, or whether this will be coordinated/facilitated directly by USAID.

These sessions will be organized and paid for by the implementing partner, not by USAID

Please clarify whether the Authorized Geographic Code for the procurement of goods and services under this solicitation is 937 as indicated on the Cover Page, or 935 as indicated in section H.3. Please refer to answer to question #42.

Pg. 44 - An Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) has been approved for USAID/South Sudan USAID/Rwanda and is attached. The Contractor is responsible for implementing all IEE conditions pertaining to activities to be funded under this contract.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

Pg. 51 - The Contractor must conform to U.S. Government regulations on Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors, Training for Development, and USAID/South Sudan USAID/Rwanda-specific requirements for processing of J-1 Exchange Visitors.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.20.

NSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS - FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE We would be grateful if USAID can make the full text of the solicitation provisions available to all Offerors.

The official link to the website containing the referenced Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) has always been included in the RFP.

L.5 states: The offeror must submit the Business Volume as a separate file from the technical volume (i.e., the briefing materials), but include both volumes in the same email, if possible.

Please confirm that the complete Business Volume should be submitted together with the Briefing Materials (currently due on November 17, 2023), and not with the Concept Note due on October 18, 2023. Confirmed.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) This section states that “this segment of the presentation must consist of two parts” but only lists one part - Part 1: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL). Please clarify what the second part will comprise in this segment of the presentation.

Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3

L.7.1.3 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) states that the presentation of the MEL and key personnel should not exceed 15 minutes, whereas L.7.1.4 Key Personnel and Staffing Approach provides a separate time allocation for the presentation of the key personnel and staffing approach. We recommended the following correction to the text: The presentation of the MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. This segment of the presentation must consist of two parts. the following.

Please see answer to question #113. Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3

The 5th bullet point under L.8.1 General III mentions “Proposed Key Personnel Documentation” under the list of required…