Trade Facilitation - RFP - Questions_Answers.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 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 offeRFP Cover Page specified "not to exceed" $5 million.

actual price that an offeror bid is still a factor, should an offeror bid a price less than the ceiling See answer to question #3.

entities. (Since this is an overseas contract, we suggest that past performance may be anywhere Please refer to RFP Section Sections L.8.5(a) and (b) key staff? Or is non-key staff completely up to the Contractor's discretion? (We suggest that for No, USAID does not have labor category definitions for non-key staff.

suggest that the Government not require this as key personnel will be presented in offeror's oral Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.1(b)(III).

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

evidence of responsibility for the Contracting Officer to make an affirmative determination of Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.4.

Phase 1: Concept note as described under L.6 pages 86-87 is due on October 18th and then the Please see revised cover page.

Phase 1: Concept note as described under L.6 pages 86-87 is due on October 18th and then the Please see revised cover page, and "confirmed" for question's second portion.

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.

14 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 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.

are due? Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.8.

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

development, or positive youth development”. Would USAID consider modifying this to Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.4.1.

Page 27 “Trade Regulatory Assessment report due in the first 210 days of the activity award, the It's one report and the correct ref is C.3.1.1 Deliverables for Objective 1 mentioned (section H.5) or implied with the use of ceiling unburdened rates (section L.8). Can 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

22 What is the required font, font size, spacing, and margins for the Concept Note? Also, what are

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

efficiently mobilize staff and resources so that activity implementation may begin within three Please refer to RFP Section L.6(c)(ii).

L.7.1.4 USAID states that Key Personnel and Staffing presentation shall not exceed 15 minutes. Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3 and letter of commitment suffice? Please refer to the answer to question #7.

(including any escalation) are fixed for all Contract years.” Can USAID please clarify this Please refer to the answer to question #20.

must not propose ceiling indirect rates.” Can USAID please clarify these statements? As a small Please refer to the answer to question #20.

expected to build their budget using ceiling unburdened daily rates but can use rates that reflect Ceiling rates are not limited to IDIQs, and the solicitation states that offerors shoudl not build 29 If CDRs are required, where should they be presented? The CDRs are not required.

modify the formatting of the attachment, such as the font or margins? Please Refer to RFP Section L8.5 (No page limit required)

(CPARS) offerors (including all partners of a joint venture) must use the “Past Performance Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.5 more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any activity performed within 3 years of the closing A cover letter traditionally introduces the information that is contained in the document.

intended plug figure that all Offerors are to use in lieu of itemizing ODCs as described on pages Attachment J.3 templete is revised to remove the 1,940,000 exceed 10 pages per proposed subcontract”. Can USAID confirm whether it wants this analysis to Yes , the analysis of subcontractor pricing should be submitted with the cost volume- Refer to the Contracting Officer (“CO”) of cost items designated as requiring prior approval by any of the Offerors are advised to familiarize themselves with the cost principles in the Federal Acquisition column on page 26 to be made in the first 150 days of the activity award. Under the delivery Please refer to REVISED RFP Section F.8.

presentation will be limited to the three preselected offerors on evaluation of the Concept note Please refer to RFP Section L.6.1(c).

the MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes”. Then in section L.7.1.4: Key Please refer to the answer to question # 24.

in the prime Offeror’s budget. The unburdened labor rates (including any escalation) are fixed Please refer to the answer to question #20.

Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Offerors are requested to provide completed CPARS 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

H.3 AUTHORIZED GEOGRAPHIC CODE states that the Authorized Geographic Code is 935, and on The RFP Cover Page has been revised to reflect a geographic code of 935.

USAID confirm that the A. RATES are the correct rates to use for budgeting purposes given the Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.2.

under FAR § 52.244-2 do not apply to the following subcontracts, which USAID evaluated during Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.5.

USAID/South Sudan and is attached.” Can USAID confirm that they are referring to Attachment Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

line spacing, etc. Or is the offeror open to use whatever specifications we believe will be legible Please refer to answer to question #22.

also the UEI for the prime and any subcontractors? Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.6(b).

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 conducted virtually or remotely, with no requirement to physically be in Rwanda for the Please refer to RFP Section L.7(c): "USAID/Rwanda will conduct virtual oral presentations ..."

documents: ● Proposed Key Personnel Documentation.” However, on page 92 before section Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.1(b)(III).

that local Rwandan organizations should not enter into exclusive teaming arrangements with Confirmed. There is no requirement for exclusivity.

value of $5M to $10M. Must we submit only those projects that fall within this dollar range. This Please refer to the answer to question #31.

submission … ” What does this mean? Is there an expectation that there will be a cover letter A cover letter traditionally introduces the information that is contained in the document.

for Past Performance information, with both calling for a description of three projects. What is The RFP instructions in Section L.6(c)(iii) describes what is meant by "institutional experience

VOLUME, L.8.1 General, (a) The Offeror must submit the Business Volume (in separate electronic Please refer to RFP Section L.8.1(a) for the submission of the "Business Volume".

three (3) Intermediate Results. However, Section C of the RFP refers to only two (2) Objectives. Refer to attachment J 3 II Summary Budgets B and C .

offeror must provide a separate supplementary table, as shown below.” There is no table shown Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.3.

organized by the standard labor groupings identified in Section L.6.4.2.” Can USAID confirm Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.3.

H.3 on page 38 it indicates that the Authorized Geographic Code is 935. Please confirm that the Please refer to the answer to question #42.

information for itself with a cost between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000, with a period of 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.

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

November 20, 2023. That is the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, when many people will be on It is our intention to have the presnetations prior to the holidays, rather than having offerors the Contractor’s fixed fee each month pursuant to FAR § 52.216-8, “Fixed Fee,” upon the receipt Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.6 please define what constitutes a ‘Major Subcontractor’ for this solicitation? Please refer to the answer to question #13.

adapted trade enabling environment policies analyzed, consulted on, drafted or revised, Yes, that change in language is acceptable, and the RFP has been amended accordingly.

a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the Rwandan, Kenyan, and Tanzania customs Yes, that change in language is acceptable, and the RFP has been amended accordingly.

“Reduce in (sic) border fees by a minimum of 10%”. Can USAID please explain what specifically is Boarder fees means charges (including fields of market systems, workforce development, or positive youth development.” Those would Please see response to question 18 and modify to reflect relevant experience to SOW and submit separate invoices for each CLIN”. Will USAID please the delete requirement to Please refer to REVISED RFP Section G.6.

still relevant? Context: our understanding is that Marsh McLennan Agency is currently the To be confirmed. I sent an email to Fred.Robinson@aon.com to clarify this.

activity. Kindly provide the correct IEE for RTFA. Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

reason for the introduction to be more than a very brief introduction of the two presenters / key The question is addressed in full in RFP Section L.7.1.

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.

personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. We note that presentation of Key Personnel is also Please refer to the answer to question #24.

presentation segment? The Contracting Officer will facilitate the meeting, and will ensure that there is adequate time for with a cost between $5 and $10 million. This would exclude many relevant trade-related Please refer to the answer to question #31. Also, understand that USAID/Rwanda desires to

(including any escalation) are fixed for all Contract years.” Is USAID referring to ceiling Please refer to answer to question #20.

individuals they anticipate hiring in roles”. However, it also refers to “Proposed ceiling Please refer to answer to question #78.

Employment and Entrepreneurship (E&E) Activity, per Section C.4.2, page 13, “The Contractor Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

and Marking Plan should be submitted to USAID for approval within 90 days of the award and Please refer to REVISED RFP Sction F.8.

must submit the Business Volume as a separate file from the technical volume (i.e., the briefing Confirmed.

using Attachment J.4 as a template, list no more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any Confirmed. Please also refer to the slightly-revised version of Section L.8.5 for revised using Attachment J.4 as a template…” Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify that Offerors may Offerors should provide a cover letter in addition to the required content in J.4.

using Attachment J.4 as a template, list no more than 3 of the most recent (defined as any Confirmed.

separately from Technical and Cost. Therefore, Could USAID/Rwanda please clarify whether the As per instructions in RFP Section L.8, past performance is one component of the BUsiness key personnel in their Phase 1 Concept Note submission This is not a requirement, and up to the discretion of the offeror.

subcontractors involved in the concept note and their respective EIN number.” For local Please refer to answer to question #47.

Note that must not exceed 13 pages, including the cover page.” a) Would USAID/Rwanda kindly 1(a): no, the instructions will not be revised to include an "executive summary".

Please confirm that Offerors may briefly summarize their staffing plan in this section, per the Be advised that RFP Section L.6 has been slightly revised. What offerors choose to presnet is presentation will consist of exactly 3 persons from the offeror team, which can include members Please refer to the instructions in RFP Section L.7.1.1. So long as the instructions are followed, the MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. This segment of the presentation Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3

USAID/Rwanda adjusts the time allotted for each segment of the Oral Presentation as Suggestion noted, the time allocations will not change.

Attachment+J.2+-+Budget+Template+(1)+(1), appears to be for a five-year “Feed-the-Future Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections J.2 and J.3. -These are samples subject to edits

18 and page 5 of 18: Some of the language included in this section of the budget template seems Please refer to answer to question #94.

18 states “The TOCO intends to rely on the prime offeror’s documented evaluation of the Please refer to answer to question #94.

pp q )

Could USAID/Rwanda please confirm what is required by a subcontractor who does not Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.7.. The CO has authority to negotiate with successful

Subcontractor(s)”? For example, are major subcontractors those that are expected to perform at Please refer to REVISED RFP Section B.7..

geographic code is 935 whereas the authorized geographic code provided on the cover page is Please refer to answer to question #42.

USAID/Rwanda please confirm that Offerors should submit the three separate files of the Please follow instructions in RFP Section L.8.

Key Personnel Documentation, but there is no further information provided on what is required Please refer to answer to question #7.

items to the template, but it must comply with the template categories as much as practical.” a) Confirmed.

propose ceiling indirect rates.” We ask that USAID/Rwanda deletes this sentence since, in Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.3(b).

subcontractors? And if such documentation is required for “major subcontractors or from all Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections L.8.3(d) and L.10(b). "Major subcontractors" has been business set-aside, and to allow maximum coordination with local partners, would USAID This activity was posted on the USAID Forecast, and afforded all interested offerors to align

(DECA) to help USAID/Rwanda integrate digital development tools and approaches into existing Please refer to answer to question #15 coordination events “pause and reflect” sessions aimed at enhancing joint learning from activity These sessions will be organized and paid for by the implementing partner, not by USAID services under this solicitation is 937 as indicated on the Cover Page, or 935 as indicated in Please refer to answer to question #42.

USAID/Rwanda and is attached. The Contractor is responsible for implementing all IEE conditions Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.1.

Exchange Visitors, Training for Development, and USAID/South Sudan USAID/Rwanda-specific Please refer to REVISED RFP Section H.20.

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE We would be grateful if USAID can make the full The official link to the website containing the referenced Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) volume (i.e., the briefing materials), but include both volumes in the same email, if possible. Confirmed.

presentation must consist of two parts” but only lists one part - Part 1: Monitoring, Evaluation Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3 key personnel should not exceed 15 minutes, whereas L.7.1.4 Key Personnel and Staffing Please see answer to question #113. Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.7.1.3 under the list of required documents in the Business File. Kindly clarify what documentation is Please see answer to question #7. Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.1(b)(III).

refer to the Contractor Salary Threshold for US expats/TCNs and LCP for CCN staff? Please refer to answer to question #20.

systems in place to meet the requirements outlined in Attachments J.2 and J.3. Our The manner in which subcontractors are engaged in the proposed activity is the decision of the are required to submit the Evidence of Responsibility. If so, please confirm this applies only to As per revisions, "major subcontractors" refers to thsoe subcontractors with 20% or more of the be in the range of “$5,000,000 and $10,000,000”? This requirement may limit the participation Please refer to the response to question #77.

clarify what USAID means by “as a cover letter to the submission”. Please refer to the response to question #32.

Lobbying Activities. If so, please confirm this applies only to first-tier subcontractors. Please refer to response to question #104.

for efforts similar to the work in the subject concept This is a decision left to the offeror.

members /subcontractors can be included. This is not a question and is unlcear. Kindly refer to the instructions in RFP Section L.8.5, as part of the Business Volume only. Confirmed.

projects..” Please confirm that the maximum 3 projects to be described in this section can be the This is a decision left to the offeror.

USAID kindly confirm the following?The Phase 1 Notification will be provided before and This is unclear. The advice to USAID/Rwanda is noted.

subcontractors’ budgets.” Please provide a definition of/clarify what constitutes a Please refer to response to question #104.

if there are any page size (margin size) and formatting requirements for the Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.6(a).

subcontractors are required to complete and sign Section K. If so, does this Please refer to response to question #104.

Consultant required to breakdown the budget based upon the IRs identified in our approach, or Please refer to REVISED RFP Sections J.2 and J.3.

131 Budget Narrative Template: Are there any page limitations for the budget narrative Please note that no page limits were included in RFP Section L.8.1 for the Budget Narrative on template (including the font contained therein).Please confirm the font and size Please refer to REVISED RFP Section J.3.

y y g ( y y )

Please confirm that these salary ranges are from the most recent LCP for Rwanda. Confirmed.

over all five years of contract performance.Should the Offeror include the LOE Please refer to REVISED Scetion J.3, and you may provide what information for what is known y p ( ) p yp subcontracts : The text on pages 14/15 makes reference to Sections L.6.4.2 and Refer to REVISED ATTACHMENT 3 PAGES 12 and 14 page Executive Summary with their Concept Notes that will not count against the An executive summary can be provided that will not count against the page limit p p y p

Cost Analysis states that “USAID will not require certified cost and pricing data from the Section M.2 of the RFP is clear as written. Terms used throughout the RFP, and this Section of contractor past performance as an evaluation factor. Please refer to RFP Section M.4.a and M.4.f.

Contract for the implementation of activities. This is not envisioned.

(Question and Answer) session after delivering their oral presentations Yes, Q/A will be built into the presnetation schedule.

other countries (e.g. duplication of compliance requirements for SPS standards between EAS and No, the contractor will not be expected to provide support to actors outside of Rwanda

142 Is there an agreed-upon baseline under Objective 2? Refer to REVISED RFP F.8 Deliverables capacities of several GoR entities to reduce time and expense of trading within a defined The offerror is to propose the defined timeline for capacity building to host country entities as 144 May you please define the criteria for a “first tier subcontractor”? Please refer to response to question #104. First-tier is equivalent to "major-subcontractor".

the concept note, or should all subcontractors be listed in the concept note? Please refer to RFP Section L.6.b. If changes happen outside of the control of the Prime offeror 146 Could USAID specify threshold for major subcontractors? Please refer to the response to question #104.

note, the offeror should describe no more than 3 projects in total, for the entire consortium, or The offerror should describe no more than 3 projects either for the prime or the consortium.

148 Could USAID specify whether the concept note should be submitted in Word or PDF format? Please refer to the response to question #22.

149 Could USAID specify the formatting (font, size, margins) requirement for the concept note? Please refer to the response to question #149.

150 Would USAID allow additional charts, graphs, and tables to be included as Annexes to the concept Please refer to the response to question #149.

need to submit the business proposal at Phase 1? Confirmed.

notification entails notifying USAID of the bidder’s interest to compete in Phase 2, or submitting Please follow instructions in RFP Section L.7.b.

MEL Plan and key Personnel must not exceed 15 minutes. This segment of the Please refer to the answer to question #24.

154 Could USAID specify when the business proposal should be submitted? Refer to the cover letter (Submission of Briefing Materials and Offer: November 17, 2023, 12:00 same as the 3 projects in institutional experience in the concept note, or could they be This decision is that of the offeror's, and not for USAID/Rwanda to influence.

or it can provide past performance information for its subcontractors as well? If the offeror can The offeror can only provide its own past performance information, not past performance

$10,000,000, with a period of performance falling within the last three years, should be provided Please refer to the response to question #31. and Refer to M.4. f: "A Neutral” score will be given subcontractors? Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.4 its subcontractors as well? Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.8.6.

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS? Please refer to REVISED RFP Section L.10(b).

161 Could USAID specify the amount for GuC? Please see response to question #139.

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