Amendment No. 1 to Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Request for Application (RFA) Number 72016522RFA00006 (1).pdf

Amendment No. 1 to Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Request for Application (RFA) Number 72016522RFA00006

Issue Date: July 20, 2022 Revised Closing Date: September 30, 2022 at 5 p.m. Skopje Time

Program Title: Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) Subject: Amendment No. 1– Questions and Answers

The purpose of the Amendment 1 is to provide answers to questions received with respect to the Youth Actively Create Opportunities Activity and also extend the closing date for submission from September 15, 2022 to September 30, 2022.

Here is a clear and plain language summary of the page limits:

a. Cover Page – Not to exceed 1 page.

b. Table of Contents – Not to exceed 1 page.

c. Cover Letter – Not to exceed 2 pages.

d. Technical Approach – Not to exceed 16 pages.

e. Management Plan – Not to exceed 3 pages.

(excluding the required “organizational chart”)

f. Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan Not to exceed 3 pages.

g. Key Personnel – Not to exceed 2 pages.

(excluding the Chief of Party’s Curriculum Vitae)

h. List of Acronyms (is permitted) Not to exceed 1 page.

Please find below the answers to the questions below:

Question 1.

Section C Eligibility Information (pg. 12) states: “Eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted.”

This aligns with Additional Information on Eligibility on grants.gov and the Request for Application cover page which state: “Although full and open competition is foreseen, and to ensure local ownership and full sustainability, preference will be given to applications that demonstrate the creation or utilization of partnerships and/or alliances with one or more capable and experienced local implementing partners, and that substantial segments of the work will be carried out by these local organizations.”

In defining a local organization (pg. 12) USAID states: “Entities which do not meet the above-listed “local organization” criteria will be considered ineligible to participate in the further award process.”

Could USAID please confirm the above statement on page 12 is not applicable as the eligibility for this NOFO is not restricted to local primes? Please consider positing an update on eligibility as soon as possible to provide clarity for applicants.

Answer 1.

USAID confirms that this NOFO is not restricted. as noted preference will be given to applications that demonstrate the creation or utilization of partnerships and/or alliances with one or more capable and experienced local implementing partners.

Question 2.

Section D.3 (pg. 15) allows for the use of a 10-point font for graphs and charts. Could USAID kindly confirm that the 10-point font can also be used for text boxes and graphics?

Answer 2.

USAID confirms that the 10-point font can also be used for text boxes and graphics.

Question 3.

Section D.5, (pg. 16) states: “The Technical Application, at a minimum, must contain the following all of which count towards the 25-page limit.” Based on the page allocations listed for each section, the total page count is 28: Cover Page (1), Table of Contents (1), Cover Letter (2), Technical Approach (16), Management Plan (3), Draft AMELP (3) and Key Personnel (2). Could USAID please confirm the page allocations and clarify what sections are included in the 25-page limit?

Answer 3.

USAID confirms that total page counts at 29 limit and the Cover Page (1), Table of Contents (1), Acronym List(1). Cover Letter (2), are not counted toward the page limit.

Question 4.

Can USAID please confirm that the Chief of Party CV is excluded from the overall 25-page limit?

Answer 4.

USAID confirms that the Chief of Party CV is excluded from the overall page limit.

Question 5.

Could USAID kindly allow a one-page acronym list (not to exceed 1 page) and increase the total page limit by one?

Answer 5.

Yes.

Question 6.

Section D(j) (pg. 24) History of Performance states that past performance references should be within the last 5 years. Section E.A.(c) (pg. 27) states that references should be within the 3 years. Could USAID please clarify that History of Performance references can include contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements within the last 3 years?

Answer 6.

History of Performance references can include contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements within the last 5 years.

Question 7.

Section E.A.(c) (pg. 27) states that the applicant must provide information on history of performance “not to exceed 3 years or awards.” Can USAID kindly confirm that applicants should provide no more than 3 past performance references?

Answer 7.

History of Performance references can include 3 awards - contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements within the last 3 years.

Question 8.

Section D(j) (pg. 24) History of Performance: Could USAID please clarify whether applications should provide this history of performance information as an annex to the Cost Proposal or the Technical Proposal? Instructions for the History of Performance appear in the Cost Proposal Instructions and History of Performance is not listed under Section D.5 Technical Application Format. However, the evaluation of History of Performance appears to be part of the Technical Proposal (Section E.A.(c) pg. 27).

If included in the Technical Proposal, could USAID please update the required page lengths and outline to include this section?

Answer 8.

History of Performance can be included alongside the cost application.

Question 9.

Could USAID clarify if applicants can include History of Performance references from sub-awardees as part of the three requested references?

Answer 9.

Applicants need to include History of Performance references; sub-awardees should not be part of the three requested references.

Question 10.

Beyond the requirements listed on pgs. 24 and 27, does USAID have a required template for History of Performance references?

Answer 10.

No, USAID does not have a template.

Question 11.

Section D.5.(g) (pg. 19) states the following regarding Key Personnel: “The applicant should maintain a non-exclusivity and should not provide C.V.s for the component leads at the application phase. The applicant will only have to explain the skills, knowledge and experience each component lead will possess. Once the activity is awarded, the applicant will identify the component leads who will be subject to the approval of the Agreement Officer with the concurrence of the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR).

a. Can USAID please confirm that applicants should not include specific names for component leads?

Answer 11a:

USAID confirms that applicants should not include specific names for component leads in the application.

b. Pages 18-19 explain the desired skills, knowledge and experience required for the component leads. To ensure applicants address the requirement to “explain the skills, knowledge and experience each component lead will possess” could USAID please clarify what information applicants should provide beyond what is provided in RFA?

Answer 11b:

USAID requires the applicant to present the skills, knowledge and experience of each component lead without naming a specific individual. As stated on pg. 19, the component leads can be identified after the activity is awarded.

c. The outline for the Key Personnel narrative section is:

● Narrative insights on recruiting and retention of the Key Personnel.

● Demonstrated experience managing and implementing youth development projects.

● How Key Personnel will honor a positive youth development approach.

Assuming that applicants should not include specific named individuals for the Component Leads, can USAID please confirm that bullet pt. two “demonstrated experience managing and implementing youth development projects” is limited to the Chief of Party?

Answer 11c:

The specific requirements for component leads are outlined in Section D, pgs. 18-19.

Question 12.

Can USAID please confirm that there are no evaluation criteria associated with the Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan or Key Personnel sections? Section E.2.A lists evaluation criteria for the Technical Approach, Management Plan, and History of Performance sections.

Answer 12.

USAID confirms that there are no specific evaluation criteria associated with the Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan or Key Personnel sections. USAID will evaluate the Draft Activity M&E Plan as to how it contributes to the overall Technical Approach, and evaluate the Key Personnel as to how it contributes both to the Technical Approach and the Management Plan.

Question 13.

Could USAID provide an explanation of the adjectival or score-based evaluation methodology the technical evaluation committee will use to assess the technical application?

This will assist applicants in developing the highest quality applications.

Answer 13.

USAID will use an Adjectival Evaluation. The Request for Application describes the evaluation process, which will be carried out in strict accordance with USAID’s operational policy chapter ADS 303 governing assistance awards.

Question 14.

Could USAID please provide a summary budget template? Annex 1 – Summary budget template (pg. 31) contained no information.

Answer 14.

Annex 1, the summary budget template, will be uploaded to grants.gov as an Excel document.

Question 15.

To maximize participation of local organizations newer to working with USAID in line with USAID’s Localization focus and the New Partners Initiative, and recognizing the backlog in applying for and receiving UIEs, can USAID please confirm that sub-awardees must have a valid UIE by start of the program and may still be in process at time of proposal submission?

Answer 15.

Sub-awardees are not required to have a valid UIE by the start of the Activity and may still be in process at time of application submission.

Question 16.

Section D, Application and Submission Information (pages 16-17) states: “The Technical Application, at a minimum, must contain the following all of which count towards the 25-page limit...” with the page allotments listed as detailed below, equaling 28 pages total.

Can USAID please confirm whether we should follow the 28-page format as detailed on pages 16-17 of the NOFO or provide the page allotments for the 25-page limit?

a. Cover Page – 1 page

b. Table of Contents – 1 page

c. List of Acronyms- 1page

d. Cover Letter – 2 pages

e. Technical Approach – 16 pages

f. Management Plan – 3 pages

g. Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – 3 pages

h. Key Personnel – 2 pages

Answer 16.

(As per Answer 3) USAID confirms that total page counts at 29 limit and the Cover Page (1), Table of Contents (1), List of Acronyms (1), Cover Letter (2), are not counted toward the page limit. (Additional clarification is on the cover page)

Question 17.

Section E, Application Review Information (page 26) states: “In accordance with USAID’s prioritization of collaborative design approaches to its awards, USAID intends to collaborate with an apparently successful applicant towards strengthening and refining a submission to align with USAID/North Macedonia’s strategic development objectives and ensure sound implementation with United States Government funds.” Does USAID envision a co-creation phase before award or an inception phase at the start of the program?

Answer 17.

USAID has embraced a range of collaborative design approaches to safeguard taxpayer funds, forge partnerships, and draw upon a range of expertise in implementing its Activities. As stated in the published Request for Applications, "USAID reserves the right to engage in discussions for programmatic adjustments with the apparently successful applicant prior to the award.” A time-limited collaborative design process may be utilized in accordance with USAID’s express statement in the Request for Applications.

Question 18.

Would USAID consider letting applicants use 10pt Times New Roman font for tables?

Answer 18.

(As per Answer 2) USAID confirms that the 10-point font can also be used for text boxes and graphics.

Question 19.

Section A, Program Description (page 7) states that North Macedonian Law on Youth and Youth Participation defines youth as 15-29, while the program is to segment age ranges by 15-19, 20-25, and 26-30. Can USAID please clarify whether the applicant should follow USAID’s age segmentation and still consider 30-year-old participants as youth?

Answer 19.

Yes, the applicant should adhere to USAID’s age segmentation.

Question 20.

Section E, Application Review Information (page 26) states “The extent to which the applicant presents a technically sound and innovative approach towards achieving the programmatic objectives under all three Youth Actively Create Opportunities project components, and the extent to which the Project Principles that are outlined in the Program Description are integrated in the proposed activities and the overall programming approach.”

Can USAID please clarify what is meant by the programmatic objectives?

Are these objectives that the applicant is to create or does this refer to the expected outcomes listed under each component?

Answer 20.

The general programmatic objectives are reflected in the three components’ titles.

Question 21.

Section D, Application and Submission Information, d) Technical Approach (page 17) states the applicant must describe “...how the program will significantly contribute towards accomplishing the program’s proposed expected results.” Are these “expected results” referred to on page 17 the same as the expected outcomes listed under each Component in the NOFO starting on page 7, or broader results?

Answer 21.

The expected results/outcomes refer to the listed outcomes under each component, but may also include broader, relevant results.

Question 22.

The USAID Cross-Sectoral Youth Assessment for North Macedonia refers to a list of annexes which are not included with the public version. Can USAID either post or share the Annex 3 – List of Interviewed Stakeholders?

Answer 22.

The link and the report should have worked in the PDF with a simple click. Alongside these Answers, USAID is posting the cited report on Grants.Gov as an additional attachment.

CROSS- SECTORAL YOUTH ASSESSMENT NORTH MACEDONIA

Question 23.

Section A, Program Description (page 7): Component 1 includes an illustrative activity and outcome associated with entrepreneurship. Would USAID consider moving this activity (“support youth entrepreneurship...” and outcome “youth feel more comfortable pursuing entrepreneurship as a career...” to Component 2 as it is related to youth competencies?

Answer 23.

https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00WB77.pdf

The mentioned illustrative activity under Component 1 refers specifically to youth social entrepreneurship.

USAID envisions strong complementarity and synergies among the three programmatic components as opposed to three separate lines of effort. We leave it to each applicant to define its approach to each programmatic component.

Question 24.

9. Section D, Application and Submission Information (page 17) of the NOFO states that the Key Personnel section should not exceed 2 pages. However, under the Chief of Party description (page 18), it is stated that a maximum of 3 pages are allowed. Can USAID please clarify whether USAID wants a 2-page or a 3-page limit for the Key Personnel section of the technical application?

Answer 24.

USAID confirms that a requirement is a 2-page limit for the Key Personnel section of the technical application. USAID confirms that the Chief of Party CV is excluded from the overall page limit.

Question 25.

10. Section D, Application and Submission Information (page 18) of the NOFO states that 3 pages are allowed for the Chief of Party. Can USAID please clarify whether this means USAID wants an CV at maximum 3 pages for the Chief of Party to be included as an annex to the technical application? If USAID wants the Chief of Party’s CV to be included as an annex, can USAID please specify if this is in addition to the 25 (or 28) page limit of the technical application?

Answer 25.

USAID confirms that there is a 2-page limit for the Key Personnel section of the technical application. USAID confirms that the Chief of Party CV is excluded from the page limit and may be submitted as an annex.

Question 26.

Section D, Application and Submission Information (pages 17-18) of the NOFO calls for a Key Personnel section in which the applicant must both “provide insights on recruiting and retention of Key Personnel” and include information on “demonstrated experience managing and implementing youth development projects.” Additionally, page 19 states that “Once the activity is awarded, the applicant will identify the component leads who will be subject to the approval of the Agreement Officer with the concurrence of the Agreement Officer.” Can USAID confirm that the applicant is to describe expected demonstrated experience of each Key Personnel without naming candidates?

Answer 26.

Once the activity is awarded, the applicant will identify the component leads who will be subject to the approval of the Agreement Officer with the concurrence of the Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR.) Yes, USAID confirms that the applicant is expected to describe the demonstrated experience of each Key Personnel without naming specific candidates. See Answer 11b.

Question 27.

Will USAID allow for an additional 1 page to be added to the technical narrative for an acronyms list in addition to the 25 (or 28) page limit of the technical application?

Answer 27.

Yes, USAID will allow a one page acronym list to be included as a supplement to the technical application. The acronym list will not be counted against the page limit applicable to the technical approach.

Question 28.

Will USAID allow for the required organizational chart to be included as an annex to the technical narrative and not to be included against the 25 (or 28) page limit of the technical application?

Answer 28.

Yes, the “organizational chart” called for under the “Management Plan” of the Request for Application may be included as an annex that does not count towards the page limit.

Question 29.

Section D, Application and Submission Information (page 17) of the NOFO states “The program description must establish the annual timeline for objectives in sufficient detail that indicate progress towards the activities that need to be performed to achieve objectives.” Can USAID clarify if they expect the annual timeline to be incorporated by component or by activity? Would the Mission consider an “annual implementation plan” for Year 1 of the program as an annex to the technical instead?

Answer 29.

In the applicant’s technical approach, the applicant should include a notional timeline illustrating how it will achieve the objectives. This requirement may be met in a narrative form or otherwise so long as the NOFO’s instructions are followed. The language of the NOFO is hereby adjusted to reflect this. The Activity contemplates that any implementing partner will seize upon emerging opportunities, integrate learning and adaptation into the Activity, and draw upon ongoing consultations with youth to inform interventions and activities. USAID understands that these critical inputs will inform the way forward over the life of the award.

Question 30.

Section D, Application and Submission Information (pages 17-18) requires a “Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan” and the “Key Personnel” as part of the technical application. However, these sections are not listed within the Section E: Application Review Information (pages 26-27) - Merit Review criteria. Can USAID kindly clarify how the required “Draft Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan” and the “Key Personnel” section of the technical narrative will be reviewed and against what criteria?

Answer 30.

The Merit Review Criteria will be applied to the entirety of the applicant’s full written submission. The applicant’s submission will be reviewed against the Merit Review Criteria. USAID will evaluate the Draft Activity M&E Plan as to how it contributes to the overall Technical Approach, and evaluate the Key Personnel as to how it contributes both to the Technical Approach and the Management Plan.

Question 31.

Can USAID please provide the current local compensation plan?

Answer 31.

No. USAID is not at liberty to share the compensation plan. USAID will share a range of the salaries in the form of a salary table, which will be attached separately. Each applicant should ensure that compensation is tailored to the local market and informed by market research.

Question 32.

Can USAID please provide a copy of or a new link to the required “Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient” as the link on page 21 of the NOFO leads to an error page?

Answer 32.

The Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient, which is a Mandatory Reference for USAID’s operational policy ADS Chapter 303, is accessible online at: <https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mav.pdf>.

This is a publicly accessible document available via USAID’s website as a reference to USAID’s operational policy at Chapter 303.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mav.pdf

Question 33.

Section D, Application and Submission Information (page 21) refers to a budget summary template within Section H, Annex 1; however, this template is not included. Could USAID kindly provide the Budget Summary template?

Answer 33.

Annex 1, the summary budget template, will be separately uploaded as an Excel document.

Question 34.

Can USAID confirm that the history of performance is part of the Cost Application?

Answer 34.

USAID confirms that the history of performance is part of the Cost Application.

Question 35.

Could USAID clarify how the summary budget should be broken down to include sub-recipients as requested on page 21? Should it be a summary budget for the entire consortium or broken down per partner?

Answer 35.

A sample template will be uploaded to grants.gov. The summary budget should contain the “entire consortium” and in the detailed budget and budget narrative need to be broken down per partner.

Question 36.

1. RFA Page 26 A Merit review (a) Technical approach states: “The extent to which the applicant presents a technically sound and innovative approach towards achieving the programmatic objectives under all three Youth Actively Create Opportunities project components, and the extent to which the Project Principles that are outlined in the Program Description are integrated in the proposed activities and the overall programming approach.”

Similarly, on page 17, USAID notes that “Applicants must describe in detail their proposed program and its technical approach; how they intend to achieve the program objectives and project principles as outlined in Section A Program Description...”

a. Can USAID please confirm that the use of “objective” here refers broadly to the overarching goals of the project and its expected results, and does not refer to CDCS Development Objectives?

i. If not, could USAID clarify its intention in using the word “objective”?

Answer 36/1:

(As per answer 20): The general programmatic objectives are reflected in the component titles.

2. RFA Page 17-18 g) Key Personnel (not to exceed two pages – excluding the CV.)

a. Can USAID please confirm that offerors may include the required CV for the Chief of Party in an annex?

b. Will USAID please confirm that the CV for the Chief of Party does not count toward the 25-page limit of the Technical Application?

Answer 36/2.

See the answers to questions 4, 24 and 25.

Question 37.

RFA Page 24 j) History of Performance “The applicant must provide information regarding its recent history of performance for all its cost-reimbursement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs, not to exceed 5 years 3 award}, as follows:”

a. Could USAID please confirm that offerors should submit past performance information for three related programs in the past 5 years (not past performance information for all past programs)?

ANSWER 37. a.

CORRECT offerors should submit past performance information for three (3) related programs in the past five (5) years.

b. Will USAID allow offerors to include past performance references, in addition to those submitted by the prime offeror, for subawardees in an annex to the Technical Application?

Answer 37. b.

Past performance for the sub-awardees is not required under the RFA.

Question 38.

RFA page 21 provides the following link to the required Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient:

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mav.pdf

a. Will USAID kindly provide an updated link to the required Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient?

http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/303mav.pdf

Answer 38.

(As per Answer 32) The Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient, which is a Mandatory Reference for USAID’s operational policy ADS Chapter 303, is accessible online at:

<https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mav.pdf>. This is a publicly accessible document available via USAID’s website as a reference to USAID’s operational policy at Chapter 303.

Question 39.

May the applicant submit letters of commitment and support from partners as an additional Annex?

Answer 39.

Letters of commitment and support from partners are not required.

Question 40.

Can USAID share the “Youth Contributions to Society Increased Summary Identification Report” referenced on page 4?

Answer 40.

As stated on the NOFO pg. 6, “The research findings and final reports that include an overall view of youth issues and challenges, including a preliminary list of stakeholders that expressed interest for resource partnerships, will be made available to the implementing partner upon award.”

Question 41.

RFA notes Annex 1 as the Summary Budget Template and references it on pages 3, 21, and 31, but it’s not included. Can USAID please provide?

Answer 41.

Annex 1, the summary budget template, will be separately uploaded as an Excel document.

Question 42.

Can USAID confirm that cost share is not required?

Answer 42.

As stated in SECTION C of the Request for Application, while Cost Sharing or Matching is not required, it is encouraged.

Question 43.

Does USAID have geographic priorities that should be included when planning the technical Approach?

Answer 43.

No. However, concentrating only on the country’s capital is not recommended.

Question 44.

Is there an aligned ministry in the Macedonia government for which USAID prefers candidates partner/collaborate with for YACO?

Answer 44.

USAID does not have a preference. The collaboration with the government will depend on the types of activities and may include different entities at different times.

Question 45.

On page 17 the NOFO states, “The program description must establish the annual timeline for objectives in sufficient detail that indicate progress towards the activities that need to be performed to achieve objectives.” Please confirm if USAID is expecting a work plan to respond to this request. If so, could a work plan be submitted as an annex so as not to count against the technical proposal page maximum?

Answer 45.

In the applicant’s technical approach, the applicant should include a notional timeline illustrating how it will achieve the objectives. This requirement may be met in a narrative form or otherwise so long as the NOFO’s instructions are followed. The language of the NOFO is hereby adjusted to reflect this. The Activity contemplates that any implementing partner will seize upon emerging opportunities, integrate learning and adaptation into the Activity, and draw upon ongoing consultations with youth to inform interventions and activities. USAID understands that these critical inputs will inform the way forward over the life of the award.

Question 46.

In order to propose salaries that are comparable with USAID’s salaries, would USAID kindly provide its local compensation plan for CCN staff?

Answer 46.

No. USAID is not at liberty to share the compensation plan. USAID will share a range of the salaries in the form of a salary table, which will be attached separately. Each applicant should ensure that compensation is tailored to the local market and informed by market research.

Question 47.

The RFA requests several cost documents from the applicant (e.g. Representations and Certifications, NICRA, etc.). Are these items required from proposed subrecipients, or only from the prime applicant?

Answer 47.

No, these documents are only required for the prime applicant.

Question 48.

Section D.5 page 16 states “The Technical Application, at a minimum, must contain the following all of which count towards the 25 page limit”. The total of the subsections’ page limits is 28 pages (Cover 1pg., Table of Contents 1pg., Cover Letter 2 pgs., Technical approach 16 pgs., Management Plan 3 pgs., Draft MELP 3 pgs., and Key Personnel CV 2 pgs.). Can USAID please confirm that the page limit should be 28, or if certain items such as the cover page, table of contents, and cover letter were meant to be excluded from the limit?

Answer 48.

Please see USAID’s answers to questions 4, 24, and 25.

Question 49.

Can applicants include a list of abbreviations and acronyms in the Technical Application, and can that list be excluded from the page limit?

Answer 49.

Please see USAID’s answers to questions 4, 24, and 25.

Question 50.

Section D.5.a) page 17 states “If applicable, the TIN and DUNS numbers of the applicant must also be listed on the cover page”; Should the applicant include their UEI rather than the

DUNS?

Answer 50.

On April 4, 2022, the unique entity identifier used across the federal government changed from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity ID (generated by SAM.gov).

Applicants must include their Unique Entity ID instead of DUNS.

Question 51.

The link provided for Certifications and Assurances in Section D.6 page 21 leads to a “Page Not Found”error. Can USAID kindly confirm that the intended link is “https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mav.pdf” (removing the “1868” from the path)?

Answer 51.

The Certifications, Assurances, Representations, and Other Statements of the Recipient, which is a Mandatory Reference for USAID’s operational policy ADS Chapter 303, is accessible online at: <https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/303mav.pdf>.

This is a publicly accessible document available via USAID’s website as a reference to USAID’s operational policy at Chapter 303.

Question 52.

Section D.6.j) page 24 states &quot;The applicant must provide information regarding its recent history of performance for all its cost-reimbursement contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs, not to exceed 5 years 3 awards}”. Section E.2.A.(c) page 27 states “The applicant must provide information regarding its recent history of performance for recent contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements involving similar or related programs, not to exceed 3 years or awards”.

● Can USAID kindly clarify whether the limit is 5 years, 3 years, or 3 awards?

Answer: History of Performance references can include 3 awards contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements within the last 5 years.

● Can USAID provide any additional guidance as to what they consider “similar or related programs?”

Answer: The applicant should exercise its independent judgment with respect to what constitutes “similar or related programs.” This standard language, utilized across USAID funding opportunities, is used in accordance with the plain dictionary definition of “similar or related.”

● Can USAID kindly confirm that short-form PPRs are acceptable to provide the information requested in sections D.6.j and E.2.A.(c), or does USAID have another preferred template for history of performance?

Answer: There is no template for the history of performance.

● Section D.6.j) requires that a History of Performance be included as part of the Cost Application. Section E.2.A.(c) indicates that the applicant’s history of performance will be analyzed as part of the merit review of their Technical Application. Should applicants include History of Performance as an Annex in the Technical Application, as part of the Cost Application, or both?

Answer:

USAID confirms that the history of performance is to be submitted as part of the Cost Application.

Question 53.

Is there a MB limit (per email) for electronic submission?

Answer 53.

25 Mb is the limit for a single email.

Question 54.

Section D.4 page 15 states “Application must be submitted as a consolidated email attachment, e.g. you must consolidate the various parts of application into a single document before sending it. If this is not possible, please provide instructions on how to collate the attachments.”. In the case that consolidation is not possible, is there a limit on the number of attachments per email for the electronic submission?

Answer 54.

25 Mb is the limit for each email transmitted to USAID. Each email transmission from the applicant should be clearly marked sequentially.

Question 55.

Will USAID please consider allowing Letters of Support from resource organizations and collaborating partners to be included in an annex to the technical proposal volume?

Answer 55.

Letters of Support from resource organizations are not required.

Question 56.

Would USAID consider moving the staffing plan organogram to a staffing plan annex?

Answer 56.

The “organizational chart” called for under the “Management Plan” of the Request for Application may be included as an annex that does not count towards the page limit.

Question 57.

Technical Approach, Section D, page 17, states that, “The program description must establish the annual timeline for objectives in sufficient detail that indicate progress towards the activities that need to be performed to achieve objectives.” Would USAID consider allowing applicants to present the annual timeline as a Gantt Chart in an annex?

Answer 57.

The Request for Application requires that the “program description must establish the annual timeline for objectives in sufficient detail that indicate progress towards the activities that need to be performed to achieve objectives.” The applicant must fulfill this express requirement, but may do so in any manner that clearly conveys the requested information. The applicant’s establishment of the annual timelines must be done within the 16 pages allotted for the Technical Approach. It may not be annexed as a separate document.

Question 58.

Will USAID please provide the Local Compensation Plan for N. Macedonia?

Answer 58.

No. USAID is not at liberty to share the compensation plan. USAID will share a range of the salaries in the form of a salary table, which will be attached separately. Each applicant should ensure that compensation is tailored to the local market and informed by market research.

Question 59.

On page 16 of the RFA the technical application states a page limit of 25 pages but when the sections are aggregated they equal a page total of 28 pages (not inclusive of the COP CV).

Could USAID please confirm that the Technical Application is up to 28 pages?

Answer 59.

As per the RFA,Technical Application should not exceed 25 pages (the cover page, the list of acronyms added in this Amendment (29 pages in total)

Question 60.

There is an activity on corruption under Component 2 and under Component 3. Is USAID open to combining the two activities and including them only in Component 3?

Answer 60.

USAID wants to see a meaningful contribution of YACO to the missions’ anti corruption efforts, which may include different activities under different components.

USAID leaves it to the applicant to propose the most effective approach.

Question 61.

Please confirm that USAID expects the offeror to propose all five youth indicators listed in the link on page 9.

Answer 61.

No, USAID does not expect the applicant to propose all five indicators listed in the link on page 9. The listed indicators are standard indicators from USAID, one of which can be chosen to report on. Additionally, more specific custom indicators can be proposed in the final M&E Plan once the award is made. The implementing partner will develop the final M&E Plan in consultation with USAID.