Amendment 1 - Questions & Answers MCAPS 72065622RFA00004.pdf

AMENDMENT 01

Amendment 1 Issuance Date: January 25, 2022

Opportunity Number: RFA Number: 72065622RFA00004 MCAPS

Closing Date & Time to submit application: February 28, 2022, at 05:00 pm (Maputo Time)

Submit Full Applications to: fsultan@usaid.gov with a copy to patlopez@usaid.gov

Subject: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Request for Applications (RFA)

Number: 72065622RFA00004

Program Title: USAID Malaria Capacity Strengthening (MCAPS) in Mozambique

Dear Applicant:

The purpose of the Amendment No. 01 is to:

1) Amend submission application due date from February 14, 2022, at 09:00 am to February 28, 2022, at 05:00 pm;

2) Provide questions and answers received from potential applicants (in Attachment 1 to this Amendment);

3) Provide form SF-424A - Budget Information; and

4) Provide the Revised Request for Application (RFA) 72075622RFA00004 - Revision I with highlighted areas that have been revised.

Sincerely, Patrice Lopez Agreement Officer/USAID Mozambique

Patrice Lopez

Digitally signed by Patrice Lopez Date: 2022.01.25 16:37:01 +02'00'

72065622RFA00004 MCAPS

USAID Malaria Capacity Strengthening (MCAPS) in Mozambique

Amendment 01: Questions & Answers

ATTACHMENT 01

Questions & Answers

Question NO.01:

On Page 7, USAID refers to a recent landscaping analysis of donor funded malaria interventions in Mozambique, would USAID consider sharing this analysis with applicants?

ANSWER NO.01:

This was an internal analysis and no public report is available.

Question NO.02 On Page 15, the RFA mentions key meetings including the FP TWG, Commodities TWG, and other TWGs, could USAID confirm if it is their vision for this project to support the Family Planning TWG as it seems outside of the scope of this RFA?

ANSWER NO.02:

This is a typo. “FP TWG” should be replaced with “malaria TWG”. This has been corrected in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.03:

Due to space constraints USAID accepts applications that are justified rather than left justified?

ANSWER NO.03:

Yes, USAID accepts applications that are justified. This has been included in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.04:

Could USAID please confirm that the Cover page described on page 25 is the same as the cover letter referenced on page 26?

ANSWER NO.04:

No, the cover page/summary page on page 25 is not the same as the cover letter referenced on page 26. USAID envisions the cover page (in page 25) as the page with brief details included in the application (for example the list of the documents/annexes) and the cover letter (in page 26) is a letter which allows applicants to introduce their company and accompanies the technical and cost applications. This has been included in the revised RFA Revision I.

Question NO.05:

Could USAID please confirm if Certifications and Assurances should be submitted for each partner or for the prime applicant only?

ANSWER NO.05:

USAID confirms that Certifications and Assurances should be submitted for the prime applicant only. This has been revised in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.06:

Could USAID please confirm that applicants are not required to submit any documentation in the Cost Application in regard to section G, Funding Restrictions?

ANSWER NO.06:

USAID confirms that no documentation is required in the Cost Application in regard to Funding Restrictions. This change has been included in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.07:

Section D6 (p30) states, “The business (cost) application must illustrate the entire period of performance, using the budget format shown in the SF-424A” however, the budget categories presented in the summary budget table on p32 do not match the budget categories in the SF424A form, neither do they match the categories presented in detailed budget sections on p32-33. Would USAID please confirm which budget category heading and format applicants should use for the cost application.

ANSWER NO.07:

USAID confirms that applicants should use the same format and budget categories presented in the summary budget table on page 32 (showing amounts per year).

Please also use the SF-424A form, which has similar budget categories (“contractual” captures sub-awards and contracts). This has been included in the

Question NO.08:

Could USAID confirm whether applicants should submit the SF-424B form under cost section B) SF-424 forms or Section C) Certifications, assurances, representations, and other statements of the recipients?

ANSWER NO.08:

USAID confirms that applicants should submit the forms under Section b) SF-424 Forms.

Question NO.09:

Would USAID consider allowing applicants an additional page in the Technical Approach for an executive summary?

ANSWER NO.09:

The Executive Summary is not required. Therefore, no additional page in the Technical Approach will be allowed.

Question NO.10:

Given the uncertainty and staffing issues some applicants may be facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, would USAID consider allowing an additional week for proposal submission?

ANSWER NO.10

USAID is extending the closing date to submit applications from February 14, 2022 09:00 am to February 28, 2022 at 05:00 pm. This has been revised in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.11 Would USAID consider having applications due by 5 p.m. (or later in the day) Mozambique time on February 14, 2022, rather than by 9 a.m. so that applicants may confirm receipt of their submissions during business hours that day?

ANSWER NO.11

USAID is extending the closing date and time to submit applications to February 28, 2022 at 05:00 pm, and therefore will accept applications due by 05:00 pm Mozambique time on February 28, 2022.

Question NO.12:

NOFO Sections A.8.2 and A.8.3 (page 15) state, “The activity must focus on sustainably strengthening the capacity of the GRM to manage FP programs…” and “…participation in key meetings such as the FP Technical Working Group…” Would USAID confirm that these sections should instead state “The activity must focus on sustainably strengthening the capacity of the GRM to manage malaria programs…” and “…participation in key meetings such as the malaria Technical Working Group…” respectively?

ANSWER NO.12:

USAID confirms that “FP programs” and “FP Technical Working Group” should be replaced with “malaria programs” and “ malaria Technical Working Group.

This has been corrected in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.13:

In Section A.8.8, Rapid Response Funds (page 16), the NOFO states that the Rapid Response Funds will be a dedicated line item of $1,000,000. Would USAID clarify whether the Rapid Response Funds amount should count toward the $29.9 million budget ceiling?

ANSWER NO.13:

USAID confirms that the Rapid Response Funds amount is included in the $29.9 million budget ceiling.

Question NO.14:

In Section A.10.5, Key Personnel (page 19), USAID indicates that a master’s degree and a minimum of 12 years of managerial and operational experience is required for the chief of party. Would USAID consider allowing a candidate with a bachelor’s degree and 15 years of managerial and operational experience for the chief of party position in lieu of a master’s degree and 12 years of experience? For the deputy chief of party, would USAID consider allowing a candidate with a bachelor’s degree and 10 years of managerial and operational experience?

ANSWER NO.14:

USAID doesn't agree with the proposed changes and we maintain the original requirements.

Question NO.15:

Section B.2, Start Date and Period of Performance for Federal Awards (page 22), notes the start date of the activity as “TBD,” while Section D.3 (page 26) requires that, “The estimated start date identified in Section B of this NOFO must be used in the cost application.” Would USAID provide the envisioned start date for the activity?

ANSWER NO.15

USAID expects to issue an award on or about the end of May 2022. As stated in the RFA p. 22, the estimated start date will be TBD, upon signature of the award, on or about, or other effective date determined by the Agreement Officer.

Question NO.16:

Section D.5.2, Key Personnel, Staffing and Management Plan (page 28), notes that applicants should “…maximize use of local experts in both key and non-key positions and seek meaningful gender balance and diversity in its overall staffing.” Would USAID clarify if applicants should propose and name any non-key personnel at the proposal stage?

ANSWER NO.16

USAID confirms that the name(s) of non-key personnel is not requested at the application stage. However, if the names are known, they can be included in the application.

Question NO.17:

In Section F.3, Reporting Requirements (page 40), the NOFO lists a "Grants Manual" as a deliverable. Would USAID clarify if it has a specific expectation of the role of grants envisioned for this program?

ANSWER NO.17:

This is a typo and should be removed. This has been corrected in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.18:

Is an indicator table required at the proposal stage as part of Annex 1, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Approach? If so, would USAID provide additional pages to accommodate an indicator table and a narrative for Annex 1?

ANSWER NO.18:

An indicator table is not required at the application stage.

Question NO.19:

Would USAID please consider extending the closing date for this application from February 14th to February 28th?

ANSWER NO.19:

USAID is extending the closing date and time to submit applications from February 14, 2022 at 09:00 am to February 28, 2022 at 05:00 pm.

Question NO.20:

In Section A.6, USAID mentions a review of IMAP. Was this an internal review or a formal external evaluation? If it was the latter, could USAID share the evaluation report?

ANSWER NO.20:

This was an internal review and no public report is available.

Question NO.21 Under sections A.8.2. and A.8.3. USAID makes reference to FP programs and FP technical working groups, respectively—presumably USAID means “malaria” rather than

“FP”?

ANSWER NO.21

This is a typo: FP should be replaced with malaria. This has been corrected in the

Question NO.22:

Can USAID please confirm that the Organizational Charts should be included in Annex 3 and not Annex 2 as currently listed in section D.5?

ANSWER NO.022:

USAID confirms that the Organizational Chart should be included in Annex 3. This has been corrected in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.23:

Could USAID provide applicants with a list of equipment to be transferred as well as the condition of this equipment per Section D.6(d)? This will allow applicants to properly budget for new and replacement equipment over the life of the program.

ANSWER NO.23:

All applicants should develop their budget for the equipment required to accomplish the project objectives. This has been included in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.24:

On Page 7 of the NOFO, USAID indicates that it expects the Activity to transition key activities to the local organizations in a phased approach over the life of the activity.

Does USAID have a timeline when the transition should be completed? If so, can USAID provide this timeline? Additionally, can USAID clarify if they expect a full transfer of responsibility to the local organizations?

ANSWER NO.24:

USAID expects the transition to be completed by the end of year 4, as this will allow at least a year of implementation of the transitioned activities. However, the specific timeline for the transition process will depend on the findings of the baseline assessment and the mid-term evaluation, among other factors.

Secondly, USAID doesn't expect a full transfer of responsibilities to the local organizations. USAID expects a transition of key activities, to be defined based on the findings of the baseline assessment and the mid-term evaluation and based on the institutional capacity of the sub-partner.

Question NO.25:

Can USAID confirm if the Government of Mozambique, at the national, province, and/or district levels, will be eligible to receive sub-grants from this funding?

ANSWER NO.25:

The Government of Mozambique is not eligible to receive sub-grants from this funding.

Question NO.26:

On page 5 of the RFA, USAID states activities “will be implemented at the national, provincial and district levels and all work below the national level will be focused in three provinces: Nampula, Zambézia, and Manica.” In addition, in the Development Hypothesis and Results Framework on page 12 of the RFA, when describing IR2, USAID mentions this activity will be expected to support teams at national, provincial, district, and community levels. In the same page, USAID mentions health facility level indicators. Can USAID clarify if IR2 also includes activities at health facility level?

ANSWER NO.026

Yes, USAID confirms that IR2 (strengthen generation and use of malaria data) includes activities at health facility level.

Question NO.27:

On page 26 of the RFA, USAID states, “The estimated start date identified in Section B of this NOFO must be used in the cost Application." However, USAID states “The estimated start date will be on [TBD].” on page 22. Can USAID confirm the estimated start date for Activity?

ANSWER NO.27:

See answer to Question 15.

Question NO.28:

On page 35 of the RFA, USAID states that each applicant is required to “Be registered in SAM before submitting its application.” Can USAID confirm that just the prime applicant must be registered in SAM before submitting its application, and that sub-recipients are not required to be registered in SAM before the consortium’s application is submitted?

ANSWER NO.28:

USAID confirms that only the prime applicant must be registered in SAM before submitting its application, and that sub-recipients are also required to be registered in SAM before the consortium’s application is submitted. However, please note that by the time of award, the prime and all subs must be registered in SAM. Please also see Answer no.29.

Question NO.29:

On page 35 of the RFA, USAID states that applicants must provide a valid DUNS number for the applicant and all proposed sub-recipients. Would USAID reconsider this requirement for local sub-recipients, or consider accepting a submitted application for a DUNS number, in case the process for a new local sub-recipient to register for a DUNS number goes beyond the proposal submission date?

ANSWER NO.29:

USAID will accept a “submitted” status application for a DUNS number for new local sub-recipients. However, please note that by the time of award, the prime and all subs must have DUNS and SAM registrations complete. This has been included in the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.30:

On pages 26 and 27 of the RFA, USAID does not list 'Executive Summary' as part of the Technical Application Format and Content. Can USAID confirm if this is correct and that an Executive Summary is not required for this application?

ANSWER NO.30:

USAID confirms that it is correct, and an Executive Summary is not required.

Question NO.31:

The USAID Business Forecast, last updated on January 14, 2022, states that the anticipated solicitation release date for the MCAPS opportunity is February 13, 2022. As USAID released this RFA on January 13, 2022 (a month earlier than stated in the Business Forecast), would USAID consider extending the submission date?

ANSWER NO.31:

Part I - USAID Business Forecast shows a typo of February 13, 2022 in the solicitation release date, and should read January 13, 2022. However, in the status, it shows NOFO/Solicitation issued. The solicitation release date was corrected to reflect January 13, 2022.

Part II – USAID is extending the submission date for applications to February 28, 2022 at 05:00 pm.

Question NO.32:

On page 19 of the RFA, USAID states that the Chief of Party, Technical Director and Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist must be named in the proposal. Can USAID confirm that if proposed key personnel are Mozambican nationals, are they to be exclusive to one consortium, or can they be proposed as key personnel in more than one proposal with different prime applicants?

ANSWER NO.32:

USAID confirms that the proposed key personnel can be included in more than one application.

Question NO.33:

On page 38 of the RFA, in the Merit Review Criteria section, USAID provided the criteria listed in order of descending importance, technical approach, then key personnel, staffing and management, then lastly, institutional experience and capability. Can USAID confirm the allocated score for each of these criteria?

ANSWER NO.33:

USAID will not allocate numerical scores for the Merit Review Criteria. Please see Section E.2 of the RFA Revision I.

Question NO.34:

On page 28 of the RFA, USAID provides the instructions for the CVs, references, and signed statement of commitment for each of the three key personnel. Can USAID confirm if there is a template for the CV that USAID prefers applicants use? If so, can USAID please provide that template by uploading it to grants.gov?

ANSWER NO.34:

USAID does not have a template for the CV. Applicants must use their own format.

Question NO.35:

Under Annex 2 of the Technical Application, does USAID expect references to be included within the CVs (i.e., within the 3-page limit/CV), or should they be presented separately from the CVs?

ANSWER NO.35:

USAID does not expect references to be included within the CVs. Applicants may include separately, as an attachment.

[END OF ATTACHMENT 1 Q&A’S]