Amendment_02_SOL-391-14-000059.pdf

Amendment no 02 Solicitation No SOL-391-14-000059

A) Questions & Responses

1. Is a Foreign Company other than US eligible to participate in this solicitation for consulting services?

Yes. The authorized geographic code for this procurement is 935. The Mission has processed a Geographic code 937 waiver.

2. USAID has detailed in Section B.5 that it will “pay a portion of the contractor’s fixed fee each month…” Based on this schedule and noting the language included in the second paragraph of Section B.5, can USAID specify on what portion of the fixed fee it will pay monthly? Recognizing that, per FAR 16.102 (c) and FAR 44.2, fixed fee cannot be paid as a percentage of cost, is the monthly portion referenced a portion of direct costs expended that month or does USAID envision employing a different fixed fee schedule?

This contract is in no way a cost plus percentage of cost type. Please delete the second paragraph in Section B.5. In accordance with FAR 52.216-8, assuming the Contractor submits monthly invoices, USAID will pay one-twelfth of 85% of total fixed fee. The withheld fee amount will be paid upon successful completion of the contract.

3. Section B.5 refers to adjustments in fixed fee paid “proportionately to the deliverables accepted.” Can USAID clarify if this language is pursuant to FAR 52.216-8 (b) and based on withholding fee until deliverables are met and submitted? If not, can USAID specify how this language aligns with FAR 52.246-5/ 52.246-3 that are incorporated in Section E of the RFP? Additionally, can USAID specify if it will accept remedial submissions of deliverables it originally deems unacceptable and how fixed fee will be paid for these submissions?

See question #2 above.

4. In Section I, USAID has incorporated FAR 52.243-2 “Changes--Cost-Reimbursement” and “Changes--Cost-Reimbursement Alternate I”. Can USAID please specify which clause prevails for this contract in light of the delivery and technical requirements? If USAID holds that both services and supplies are to be delivered under this contract, as it seems per the delivery instructions, would USAID kindly consider removing the aforementioned clauses and replacing with FAR 52.243-2 “Changes—Cost Reimbursement Alternate II”?

USAID is not requesting supplies under this solicitation. Alternate I is the correct version of the clause.

5. In Section L.11.2, USAID specifies that the cost proposal must be in Microsoft Excel 2003 and compatible with MS Windows XP. Can USAID clarify if more recent versions of Excel are acceptable if the file is accessible in “Excel 97-2003 Workbook (*.xls)” ?

Any version that is compatible with MS Windows XP and MS Excel 2003 is acceptable.

6. USAID references FAR15.404-4 in Section L.11.4.12; based on the delivery requirements of this contract that include drawings, plans and designs, can USAID kindly confirm that, because the relevant NAICS Code is 541990, specifically FAR 15.404-4 (c )(4)(i)(C ) is applicable, capping fee at 10% of contract’s estimated cost, excluding fee? Can USAID further confirm that FAR 15.404-4 (c )(4)(i)(B ) is not applicable?

The NAICS code is revised to 541330. FAR 15.404-4 (c )(4)(i)(C ) is applicable to this solicitation.

7. Given a firm’s current USAID-funded support of the Diamer Basha Dam Project (Due Diligence, support to USAID in rapid document review, Project’s feasibility – including technical, economic/financial and environmental reviews), is such firm precluded from responding to this RFP, or from being included in a potential offeror’s response as a subcontractor?

None of services provided by firms contracted by USAID have lead directly and immediately to the development of this solicitation. Therefore, there would be no conflict of interest if such firms responded to this RFP either as a prime or a sub.

8. Given the importance of coordinating the required review with WAPDA, are offerors permitted to propose Lahore as the principal location of performance?

The Offerors are required to maintain main office at Islamabad; however, they may propose a sub-office at Lahore

9. The following items listed on page 105 of the RFP appears to be included in error. Please delete or clarify:

a. 1-page Report Outlines specifically requested in this RFTOP

b. Preliminary reports provided as attachments in response to the requirements of this RFTOP….

Please replace word “RFTOP” with the “RFP”.

10. Please confirm that the Letter of Commitment for each of the proposed Key Personnel should be included in the proposal annex.

Yes, letter of commitment needs to be included in the Annex

11. Please confirm that the past performance forms required in Section L.10.3 can be included in the annex. Please clarify that at least two (2) representative projects can be included for the prime and each of the proposed subcontractors.

The main technical proposal must give a sufficient overview of the past performance of the Offeror. The forms required in Section L.10.3 may be included in the annex. Three representative projects are required for the prime and each proposed sub-contractor.

12. Section L.13 calls for a Security Plan to be included in the proposal. Can the plan be included in the annex for the technical proposal? Please confirm.

The main technical proposal must give a sufficient overview of the Security Plan.

However, full length details may be added as annex.

13. Can the Inception Plan required in Section L.10.4. be included in the technical proposal annex?

The main technical proposal must give a sufficient overview of the Inception Plan.

However, full length details may be added as annex.

14. Page 8, Section C.2 – The RFP indicates that “planning and implementation of additional surveys and investigations (if required)” are part of the scope of this project. Please confirm that should additional surveys and investigations be found to be necessary during implementation, USAID will provide for reimbursement of the associated additional level of effort and non-labor costs.

Please delete “(if required)”

15. Page 11 - 13, Section C - Scope of Work: The scope of work includes review of existing data and information potentially available from a number of sources including contractors, WAPDA, other GOP agencies, and NGOs. Can we prepare our budget based on the expectation that these documents and files will be made available at no cost to the Contractor? If not, please provide an allowance for use in budget preparation, to assure uniform assumptions among all Offerors.

The information available with USAID will be provided on a no cost basis.

16. Page 13, Section C.3: The text seems to indicate that the Offeror will need to confirm material properties of the concrete for dam construction. This would potentially entail identification of sources for cement, inert fine material, water, and fine and course aggregates; chemical and physical analysis of these materials; crushing tests for production of aggregates and development trial mix designs and strength testing of cast concrete cylinders. Please confirm that this is the intended scope.

Yes

17. Page 14, Section C.4: Text states that “If after review some other type of dam such as ECRD or CFRD is found more appropriate, the Contractor will have to modify the design accordingly.” Until the studies covered in the Statement of Work are completed, there is no basis on which Offerors can develop realistic estimates of the level of effort and cost required for such design modifications. Therefore, we assume that costs for potential design modifications are not to be included in our Cost Proposal and, if design modifications turn out to be required, their costs will be covered through future budget amendments. If this is not the case, we request that USAID provide a “plug” allowance so that all Offerors can work from the same set of assumptions about budget requirements.

Your assumption is correct.

18. Page 19, F.4(i), please confirm that “Financial Advisor” should be replaced by “Contractor”.

Please replace “Financial Advisor” with the “Contractor”.

19. Page 20, Section F.4.3 – Other Personnel: Text calls for a Finance Modeler. Please explain the role of the Finance Modeler within the Technical Assessment team, the scope of services expected of this individual, and how they relate to the role and responsibilities of the independent Financial Assessment contractor that USAID is hiring separately.

Please delete the requirement for “Finance Modeler” from section F.4.3.

20. Page 21, Section F.5: This section states that all personnel are authorized six-day work week (up to 48 hours), while H.17.j.3 states that short-term technical assistance personnel require written approval from both the COR and the CO prior to working six-day schedules. These provisions seem inconsistent. We recommend authorization of six-day work weeks for all personnel (per F.5), to provide maximum flexibility to accommodate schedule requirements. Please clarify work week authorizations.

Section H.17 is deleted in its entirety

21. Page 23, Section F.7.1 item 6 states in part “Since the (project) location is predetermined…”. Please confirm that siting studies are not required.

Siting studies are not required.

22. Page 24, Section F.7.1.8 & F.7.1.11: par 8 requires a detailed review of cost estimates by end of the eighth month, while par 11 requires an engineering cost estimate within 180 days (six months). Are we required to review existing construction and supply cost estimates (as par 8 implies), or create our own independent construction and supply cost estimates (as par 11 implies)? Or does “Engineering cost estimate” mean the Offeror is to estimate of the cost of detailed design and contract administration to be performed by the “Designer” and the “Engineer” respectively during the implementation phase. Please clarify scope and schedule requirements.

The contractor is expected to review the existing construction and supply cost estimates.

The contractor is only required to add any cost that has not been considered earlier.

23. Page 24, Section F.7.1.10: Text seems to require us to prepare revised and updated tender documents including Special Conditions of Contract, Bill of Quantities, and

Specifications. Until the studies covered in the Statement of Work are completed, there is no basis on which Offerors can develop realistic estimates of the level of effort and cost required for revisions. Therefore, we assume that costs for potential tender document revisions are not to be included in our Cost Proposal and, if revisions turn out to be required, their costs will be covered through future budget amendments. If this is not the case, we request that USAID provide a “plug” allowance so that all Offerors can work from the same set of assumptions about budget requirements.

Your assumption is correct.

24. Page 25, Section F.7.1.16: Text indicates that workshops will be attended by technical experts for USAID, the GOP and other interested donors. We assume that these organizations will be responsible for their own costs in attending these workshops, and that these costs do not need to be included in our budget. Please verify.

Correct. Such organizations will be responsible for their own costs.

25. Page 25, Section F.7.2: Text refers to sampling and field-testing during the initial environmental and social assessment, and specifically references samples of soil, etc. The Statement of Work (Section C.4) refers only to review of existing documents and recommending measures to address gaps. Therefore we understand that no sampling, field-testing, or laboratory analysis is required under the scope of this assignment and no costs are to be included in our budget. Please verify. Or, if these activities are required, please provide a “plug” allowance so that all Offerors can work from the same set of assumptions about budget requirements.

Contractor is required to provide sampling, field-testing, or laboratory analysis. Offerors should include these costs in their proposal.

26. Page 35, Section H.5.e: This section states “(e) Physical fitness. Contractors are required to insure that prospective TCN and CCN employees are examined prior to employment to determine whether the prospective employee meets the minimum physical requirements of the position and is free from any contagious disease.” This contradicts page 54, Section H.22, "the requirements of this provision do not apply to employees hired in the cooperating country". Please clarify.

H.5 refers to the “Employment of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs)” while H.22 states provisions for contractor employees “other than TCNs and CCNs”.

27. Page 46, Section H.16.a – Post differential: If a US citizen is resident in Pakistan for more than 42 days prior to beginning work on this Project, can the 42-day requirement to qualify for post differential be waived?

No.

28. Page. 49, Section H.17.a: Please confirm that compensation for individual consultants can be increased, and reimbursed under the contract, if that individual has held a given compensation rate for twelve months. For example, can we provide, and be reimbursed for, a 5% increase to a consultant who has earned $500 per day for twelve months?

Please delete Section H.17 in its entirety

29. Page 49, Section H.17.c: This section states that initial salaries for TBD positions exceeding 1.7m PKR require Contracting Officer approval in advance. This appears to be directed at CCN personnel only. Please verify.

30. This clause also indicates that “Further, the Contractor must submit a salary scale which reflects its proposed staffing plan covering all planned non-US (CCN/TCN) positions together with Contractor's compensation policies.” Please confirm that a compensation plan is required only for experts which the Contractor expects to hire as staff, to be fully dedicated to work on this project.

31. Page 50, Section H.17.h: Companies provide salary increases on various cycles, rather than a project year basis. Can compensation increases be granted to coincide with each company's annual review cycle, rather than after one year of service on this Project as specified in Section H.17.h?

32. Page 50, Section H.17.h – salary increases for CCN staff: The terms of the contract in H17h limit CCN salary increases to 7% per year. In a country where inflation is running 15-20%, this limit does not empower a contractor to retain quality staff. We request that the CO reconsider this limit and set the salary increase limit to the current inflation rate in Pakistan plus merit increase.

33. Page 105, Section L.10: Text states that “Past Performance Report that contains a letter from the client …” not included in the 20-page limit for the Technical Proposal. What about Past Performance Reports that do not contain a letter from the client? Are these included in the 20-page limit, or are all Past Performance Reports excluded whether or not they include a letter from the client? Does an extracted quote from a client constitute “a letter from the client”, or is an entire letter or email required? Please confirm that for projects funded by a USG agency, this letter is not required, as project evaluation information can be found in the relevant database. Can USAID provide a template for uniformity? And, does the letter need to be in the submission, or can the client send this directly to the COR listed on the SF-33?

Please change the bullet point in Section L.10 that now reads: “Past Performance Report that contains a letter from the client explaining the firm’s role, and timeliness and quality of services provided;” to:

“Information about similar activities performed by your firm and contact information for your clients.”

34. Page 105, Section L.10: Can Timelines and Management Structure Organization Charts be presented on 11x17 paper?

Please follow page size limitation as described in Section L.10.

35. Page 106, Section L.10.1 – Draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plan: Text indicates that the draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plan needs to include “outputs and outcomes for ESIA”.

We understand this to refer to outputs and outcomes from the Technical Assessment that will serve as inputs to the ESIA. Please confirm or clarify.

Correct. ESIA should be changed to Technical Assessment.

36. Page 106, Section L.10.1: The bullet list of sections to be included in the Technical Proposal is not consistent with the sections described in Section M.3. Since Section M.3 provides more detail, we assume that it governs. Please confirm or clarify.

Section M.3 governs.

37. Page 108, Section L.10.3: This section states that “Each project description shall include the names of individuals who worked on them….” Please confirm that bidders must only list those staff that worked on the project for which the reference is provided and is proposed for this Daimer Bhasha assignment for USAID.

Yes.

38. Page 109, Section L.11.1.b.iii: Reference is made to “proposed fixed daily rate for each position”. But elsewhere the contract is referred to as a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.

Therefore we understand that the word “fixed” should be deleted. Please confirm or clarify.

A daily rate and a fee are different things. A fixed daily rate means the rate that will not change during the period of the contract. The amount of negotiated fee will likewise not change regardless of the costs reimbursed to the contractor.

39. Page 111, Section L.11.2.i: Please define the term “major subcontractor”.

“Major subcontractor,” as used in this Solicitation, means a subcontractor that is proposed for subcontract that equals or exceeds 10 percent of the total value the prime proposes.

40. Page 114, Section L.11.4.b: Please clarify that “Libran bonus” is replaced by “Eid bonus”.

Please delete “Libran Bonus”. USAID does not provide Eid bonus to its employees.

41. Page 116, Section L.11.4.9 Program Activities Costs: Please confirm that this line item is intended for costs associated with workshops, training and related activities.

We so confirm.

42. Page 119, Section L.13 – Security Plan: Is a security plan required as part of the proposal, or is it to be submitted after award? Please clarify.

Yes. Security Plan is required to be submitted as a part of the Proposal.

43. Page 124, Section M.3.3: Text requests three representative projects, while Page 108 Section L.10.3 indicates two. Please clarify.

Section M.3.3 prevails.

44. Will the Consultants or Contractors who have been involved in the previous studies / designs be eligible to participate in the Bidding under the subject RFP?

See answers to #6 and #7 above.

45. In light of C.4. Statement of Work, if it is established that the design requires major revisions involving redesign, will it be part of this contract or a separate contract be awarded for further detailed technical analysis and redesign?

See answer to 18 above.

46. Will the successful bidder after performing the Technical Assessment / Review be eligible to participate in bidding for detailed construction supervision stage?

The Construction of the Dam is responsibility of GOP and the Contractor will be required to follow GOP rules.

47. Is Joint Venture allowed? If yes, will past performance of only lead partner or all JV partners be assessed?

USAID prefers to contract with a single prime contractor. Subcontracts are allowed.

Please follow the guidance in the revised section L.11.4.7.

48. Page 2, which we assume to be SF33 of the proposal, is missing. Please provide.

SF 33 is attached

49. Section H. 28 (d) list USAID/Liberia’s Mission controller for the submission of the report for foreign taxes. Please revise.

Please note this is USAID/Paksitan’s Mission Controller

50. Page 24, Section F.7.1.8: The text “economical way to construct dam and generate resources for the construction.” is an incomplete sentence. Please clarify.

Please delete this text

51. Page 111, Section L.11.4 (also page 6, Section B.3): Reference is made to a contract period of two years. But Section F.7.1 seems to require all work to be completed within 365 days of Project Inception. Please clarify what additional services are required in year two, so we can budget appropriately.

This project is for one year.

52. Page 125, Section M.5: The last sentence seems to be incomplete. Please clarify.

Please add word “award” at the end of the sentence.

53. Section L.10 of the solicitation says that “DBDP library of data and information” will be made available to those preparing proposals. We would request if you could share the link for this library.

Please see attached.

54. In which format the ‘design data, designs and drawings’ will be made available to the Contractor during the delivery of the contract under this solicitation. For instance will original AutoCAD drawings and design calculations be made available to the Contractor (ineditable formats) or will only PDF drawings/hard copies etc. be made available?

Only PDF drawings/hard copies etc. be made available.

55. The last bullet point in Section C ‐ Statement of Work says that the Contractor will liaise with the Contractors for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and Financial Assessment. Is it possible that the Contractor is also able to liaise with the consultants who prepared the existing designs?

Yes

56. Section F.4. (g) of the solicitation says “USAID anticipates that in order to successfully complete this assignment the project team should include international and local experts with financial modelling and international project finance expertise.” We assume that the bold print may need rephrasing.

Please delete this section F.4 (g)-

57. Section F.4. (i) of the solicitation says “…..failure to provide such key personnel as specified above may be considered non‐performance by the Financial Advisor.” We assume that the bold print may need rephrasing.

Please replace word “Financial Advisor” with “Contractor”.

58. Does the scope of this solicitation include the design of the relocation of the KKH and/or the designs for the Transmission lines. Although the Contractor under this solicitation will carry out the design review, it is our understanding that the original designer will retain the responsibility for the design for WAPDA. Please confirm whether our understanding is correct.

KKH relocation is not included .

59. The first paragraph of Section C.4- Statement of Work suggests that the Contractor is to advise USAID if the design requires major revisions that would require further detailed technical analysis and design, whereas the fifth bullet point below that statement says that if after review an alternate dam type is considered to be more suitable then the Contractor will modify the design accordingly. In our understanding these two statements would appear to be at odds.

The contractor is required to “only inform” about the design revisions that are required

60. If the Contractor is to provide significant design changes, are these to be completed to tender design level?

61. Page 106 of the solicitation under the heading ‘Draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plan’ says “In addition, the draft Monitoring and Evaluation Plan must identify relevant results and performance‐related indicators and present it in a logical framework, including outputs and outcomes for ESIA, assumptions, and risks related to each results, and sources and targets for each result,” We assume this paragraph may needs rephrasing as a separate contract has been made for the ESIA Component, please confirm.

See answer to 37 Above.

62. In continuation of last item, our understanding is that the M&E Plan is required for the contract under this solicitation and the scope will be limited to the activities of the design review and not cover the full activities of the complete Diamer Bhasha Dam Project.

Please confirm our understanding is correct.

B) Amend Section L of the Solicitation as follows:

i) Delete Section “L.2. 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS— COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)” in its entirety and replace with the following:

L.2. 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMPETITIVE

ACQUISITION

(JAN 2004)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

“Discussions” are negotiations that occur after establishment of the competitive range that may, at the Contracting Officer’s discretion, result in the Offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.

“In writing,” “writing,” or “written” means any worded or numbered expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and includes electronically transmitted and stored information.

“Proposal modification” is a change made to a proposal before the solicitation’s closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.

“Proposal revision” is a change to a proposal made after the solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a Contracting Officer as the result of negotiations.

“Time,” if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

However, if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next working day.

(b) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. The Offeror must acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

(c) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals.

1. All proposals must be submitted electronically. The technical and cost proposals must be submitted as separate documents. The technical proposal must be in Word and the cost proposal must be in Excel with accompanying budget notes in Word or Excel. The Excel spreadsheets must show all formulas used and the formulas must not be locked.

2. The first page of the proposal must show—

• The solicitation number;

• The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the Offeror (and electronic address if available);

• A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item;

• Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

• Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal.

3. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

4. Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals, and any modifications or revisions, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that proposal or revision is due.

5. (A) Any proposal, modification, or revision received at the Government email address designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition.

(B) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful proposal that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

6. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award. Oral proposals in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals, proposals may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.215-5, Facsimile Proposals. Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an

Offeror or an authorized representative, if the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

7. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, the Offeror may propose to provide any item or combination of items.

8. Offerors shall submit proposals in response to this solicitation in English, unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation, and in U.S. dollars, unless the provision at FAR 52.225-17, Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers, is included in the solicitation.

9. Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at any time before award.

10. Offerors may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed by the Contracting Officer.

11. Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Offer expiration date. Proposals in response to this solicitation will be valid for the number of days specified in the solicitation cover sheet (unless a different period is proposed by the Offeror).

(e) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. Offerors that include in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall—

(1) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed—in whole or in part—for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this Offeror as a result of—or in connection with—the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

(f) Contract award.

(1) The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors and sub-factors in the solicitation.

(2) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government’s interest.

(3) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

(4) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with Offeror (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a)).

Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary. If the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals.

(5) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices offered, unless the Offeror specifies otherwise in the proposal.

(6) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government’s best interest to do so.

(7) Exchanges with Offerors after receipt of a proposal do not constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

(8) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or sub line items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

(9) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance or schedule risk.

(10) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful Offeror within the time specified in the proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

(11) If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting Offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(i) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weaknesses or deficient factors in the debriefed Offeror’s offer.

(ii) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful Offeror and the debriefed Offeror and past performance information on the debriefed Offeror.

(iii) The overall ranking of all Offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(iv) A summary of the rationale for award.

(v) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful Offeror.

(vi) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed Offeror as to whether source- selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

ii) Delete Section “L.3. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS" in its entirety and replace with the following:

L.3. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Proposals submitted in response to this RFP will be sent electronically to:

PKContract@USAID.gov

(b) Closing Date and Time. All proposals in response to this RFP must be received at the above email address not later than the date and time stated in the cover page of this solicitation.

(c) The subject line of the email(s) must state:

SOL 391-14-000059; 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.

(d) Procedures for the submission of proposals by e-mail.

• Technical and Cost/Business Proposals must be kept separate from each other.

Technical Proposals must not make reference to pricing data in order that the technical evaluation may be made strictly on the basis of technical merit.

• The USAID email gateway accepts messages whose total size with attachments is 10MB (no zipped or compressed files);

• Time of receipt of the email is the USAID email gateway time-stamped of the message header;

• For proposals submitted by email, respondents are encouraged to request a return receipt.

• Signature Pages must be submitted in PDF format.

• The Offeror must check its e-mail records to confirm that it indeed sent attachments. If the Offeror discovers an error in its transmission, then the Offeror must re-send the document and attachments again and note “corrected submission” in the subject line of the e-mail.

• The Offeror must only send the same e-mail once. If the Offeror changes the contents of its proposal, then the Offeror must note “corrected submission” in the subject line of the e-mail.

• Only one authorized individual in the Offeror’s organization should send e-mail submissions to avoid confusion, duplication, and congestion problems with the USAID e-mail system.

• The Offeror must submit the cost proposal as a separate file from the technical proposal.

iii) Delete Section L. 4 L.4. PROCEDURES FOR THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS BY E-MAIL” in its entirety.

mailto:PKContract@USAID.gov

C) Change the Proposal submission date and time from November 24, 2014 to November 25, 2014 at 7:00 am Islamabad time.

-End of Amendment 02 to RFP no: SOL-391-14-000059-