Questions_and_Responses_ver_Apr_13.pdf

USAID BAA‐MOSO‐ SBAR‐2018 Amendment #2 – Questions and Responses page 1 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018

SBAR General Questions

Question 1: The Pre-Proposal Conference announcement indicates that SBAR is a field-based initiative. If the proposed pilot is a software application, can the development work be performed at the proposer's location and then implemented or supported in the field as necessary, or must all work be performed in the recipient country?

Response: The purpose of stating that this is a field-based initiative was to ensure that Offerors understand that the implementation is overseas. In the solution described, it could be appropriate for some work to be performed in the U.S. That would be subject to negotiation with the respective mission.

Question 2: What is the timeframe for the commencement of any awarded pilot?

Response: It was envisioned that the estimated timeframe could range between 1 - 3 years, but that is not a firm range. The final timeframe is dependent upon the solution proposed and budget, and subject to negotiation with the mission. Short-term demonstration projects might be of interest to the mission. Please pose this question to the respective e-mail address for the problem statement of interest.

Question 3: What is the total amount of funding allocated to this BAA?

Response: Funding varies by mission and problem statement. Budget ranges are indicated in the appendix where problem statements are described.

Question 4: If the pilot solution proves successful in its BAA-designated location, will there be the potential to expand its use to other USAID mission countries where it might provide similar benefits?

Response: A successful demonstration project may have potential for expansion depending on the availability of funding, consistency with mission or regional priorities, and other factors.

However, it is not guaranteed that a successful demonstration project will be expanded.

Question 5: Does extensive experience designing and conducting evaluations, followed by analysis and formal program recommendations, meet the eligibility criteria for R&D?

Response: The concept will be reviewed for whether it meets R&D as well as the degree to which it delivers on the expected results. Please review the expected results for each problem statement found in the addenda. It does not appear likely that an analysis or program recommendation would qualify as a responsive concept if there is no activity planned for implementation.

Question 6: Does conducting research on organizations that leads to a model for performance improvement and capacity-building, meet the eligibility criteria for R&D?

Response: Does the addenda describe one of the results as a ‘model for performance improvement and capacity-building’? If not, then the concept would not likely be evaluated as responsive to the solicitation. The concept will be reviewed for whether it meets R&D as well as page 2 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018 the degree to which it delivers on the expected results. Please review the expected results for each problem statement found in the addenda.

Question 7: Does conducting research that leads to developing best practices meet eligibility criteria for R&D?

Response: Does the addenda describe one of the results as ‘research that leads to developing best practices’? If not, then the concept would not likely be evaluated as responsive to the solicitation. The concept will be reviewed for whether it meets R&D as well as the degree to which it delivers on the expected results. Please review the expected results for each problem statement found in the addenda.

Question 8: Can R&D provided to non-U.S. government agencies be used as evidence of eligibility – or can R&D provided to international development agencies, NGOs, foreign governments or private companies also be included to meet the eligibility requirement?

Response: R&D work conducted for an entity outside the U.S. Government may be considered relevant past performance under Evaluation Factor #2. Evaluation Factor #2 does not limit eligible past performance to only that performed through a U.S. government agency.

Question 9: Regarding the estimated activity cost of $100,000 to $3m, would this range apply to each of the 8 tasks, or would all 8 tasks be included in this amount?

Response: Please refer to the Appendix where each problem statement includes its estimated budget range. Each problem statement has the potential for its own award in the budget range indicated.

Question 10: Can a small business prime include a small-business sub on its submission?

Response: Yes, Offerors may propose the use of small business subcontractors. Final awards will incorporate the applicable FAR Limitations on Subcontracting clause (currently FAR 52.219- 14 (Jan. 2017)).

Question 11: Does the Apparently Successful Partner have to demonstrate capacity in all development areas cited (smallholder agriculture, etc.)?

Response: Each of the eight problem statements has the potential for its own successful Offeror and resulting award. Please refer to the Appendix where details can be found for each problem statement.

Question 12: Would there be a single award for all 8 areas and the three countries targeted, or would each Mission issue separate awards?

Response: Each of the eight problem statements has the potential for its own resulting award that would be issued by the Mission that submitted the problem statement. Please refer to the Appendix where details can be found for each problem statement.

Question 13: Will the conference call be recorded?

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Response: Yes. The recording, along with relevant documents, will be shared publicly after March 14’s pre-proposal conference. Go to https://www.usaid.gov/SBAR and click on the link at the bottom of the page entitled “Recording of the SBAR Pre-Proposal Conference”

Question 14: Do nonprofits qualify for the pilot? (The organization submitting the question is a social enterprise that sells services, but is legally structured as a non-profit.)

Response: Generally, a “small business concern” must be organized for profit. It is suggested that the entity submitting the question review FAR 19.001 and 13 C.F.R. 121.105 and consult counsel if needed.

Question 15: Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number BAAMOSOSBAR2018 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

Response: This is a new requirement.

Question 16: Detailed and final white papers for each problem statement were mentioned. How do I get ahold of these papers?

Response: All information available on the specific problem statements has been provided by links to various reports and analyses in the respective Addendum.

Question 17: Would USAID kindly consider allowing information required for page 6 to flow on to a 7th page? Alternatively, could we be allowed to submit letters of commitment from partners as an annex?

Response: Letters of commitment from partners are not required. No annexes are allowed.

Question 18: Can a small business contact participating missions during the preliminary concept page stage?

Response: No. Please convey your questions through the appropriate SBAR mailbox.

Question 19: Each of the five USAID Senegal addendum topics are projects currently being implemented by universities, research institutes, NGOs or private sector partners. Therefore, are the potential SBAR awardees expected to work collaboratively, complement, or add value to existing USAID Senegal Economic Growth implementing partners' deliverables?

Response: USAID/Senegal coordinates between activities it funds to optimize all its projects and realize maximum results. In this vein, USAID/Senegal will direct potential SBAR awardees to consider collaboration with other USAID projects.

Question 20: We can see a lot of connections and synergies among the first three USAID Senegal Addendum Topics #1, #2 and #4. Would there be any value in emphasizing those connections and identifying such synergies, or will each proposal be considered in silo, independently from any other proposal?

Response: All Concept Papers will be evaluated independently consistent with the criteria/factors outlined in the solicitation. However, offerors will not be penalized if they identify connections and synergies delineated in the various addenda.

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Question 21: Can you provide any further details on the evaluation criteria as relates to a % applied to management, technical, past performance etc.

Response: For the Concept Paper Stage, the solicitation states that “Preliminary Concept Papers will be evaluated against minimum eligibility requirements (Factor 1) and other equally-weighted technical factors.” Factor 1 is a screening pass/fail factor and as such is not weighted. Some Missions have included an additional Final Concept Paper evaluation factor, Factor 5. The weighting of Factor 5 which applies to the Final Concept Paper is equal to Factors 2-4.

Question 22: Can we receive the powerpoint slides from the pre-proposal conference.

Response: Yes. The presentation is posted on FBO.gov

Question 23: Please provide examples or level of detail for a “basic budget” in Section VII p.

#8.

Response: A page 7 has been added for budget content. Offerors may use the template attached to Amendment #3 or other appropriate format with the required content.

Question 24: I am interested in participating in this opportunity and I was looking at the evaluation factors, specifically 2: past performance. We are a startup organization, but have an SBA mentor. How does this weigh in evaluating Factor 2?

Response: USAID may consider relevant and recent performance of the prime organization and its major subcontractors, for example, past performance stemming from a mentor/protege relationship.

Question 25: What is meant by the following statement on page 3 of the solicitation: “a U.S.

small business must . . . Not be dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on government contracts?”

Response: This is part of the statutory definition of “small business,” which is incorporated into

SBA’s size standards, per 13 C.F.R. 121.102(b).

Question 26: - Can a USA Small Business partner with a business from Canada and Kosovo?

Response: The geocode of “935” will apply to most awards. Please review the source nationality requirements of ADS 310 and 22 CFR 228 concerning eligibility of entities from specific countries.

Question 27: Is global partnership allowed and encouraged?

Response: We encourage and support partnerships with local organizations that can facilitate implementation. See also Question 26.

Question 28: Does USAID want us to elaborate upon the potential scale for our project in the 4 page project description?

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Response: It may be appropriate, but avoid compromising space necessary to impart the details in a convincing manner as to the feasibility of the specific scale being proposed (a demonstration of potential). Consider that pages 2-5 need to address “the potential to have a significant impact” and consider whether describing the potential scale addresses the relevant addendum and expected results.

Question 29: In order to deliver a well-conceived proposal for Kosovo, we’d like to connect with potential local partners. Unfortunately, as a small US-based technology developer, we do not have contacts in Kosovo ourselves. Would you please be so kind as to provide two contacts?

A. A contact in the Kosovo Ministry of Education responsible for electronic materials or curriculum materials development for the KCF (Kosovo Curriculum Framework) and who would like to explore mobile teaching and learning technology.

USAID response: Ministry of Education Science and Technology of Kosovo , POC Arbër Salihu, Curriculum Officer – email address: arber.salihu@rks-gov.net.

B. A contact at the VET Agency and/or at a local VTC in Pristina who may be interested in piloting mobile teaching and learning technology.

USAID response: Point of contact - Fikrije Zymberi, Acting Director, Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE). Email address: Fikrije.zymberi@rks-gov.net; or fikrijezymberi@gmail.com.

Question 30: Is the bibliography for the concept paper included in the 6-page maximum allowed? If yes, can we just hyperlink the references to save space?

Response: Do not exceed the page limit. No annexes are permitted. Yes, you may hyperlink to references to save space.

Question 31: I am interested in the solicitation shown in the above subject line. I'm guessing that since it is on FBO.gov it is a contract. Can you kindly clarify/verify?

Response: The resulting awards are anticipated to be contracts.

Question 32: Second question: our company is not registered for the NAICS code that is listed.

Would you recommend that we register for code 541715 – or will our existing codes be acceptable if the Concept Note is of interest to USAID?

Response: Page 1 of the solicitation states: “NAICS: North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) – is assigned to this BAA. The applicable size standard is 1,000 employees. USAID reserves the right to change the applicable NAICS code to correspond to the specific technical solution proposed.

The resulting awards are anticipated to be contracts.”

Question 33: We plan to work with a local NGO in Kosovo and a Jordanian sub-contractor/sub-grantee. I heard in the tape-recorded presentation that the US small business partner would page 6 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018 need to manage at least 50% of the budget as a threshold. Is that correct? Can you please clarify?

Response: For services contracts, the U.S. Small Business would need to perform services equivalent to at least 50% of the cost of contract performance. Please see the applicable FAR Limitations on Subcontracting clause (currently FAR 52.219-14 (Jan. 2017)).

SBAR Technical Questions

Problem Statement 2: SENEGAL - Fisheries - Illegal, Undocumented, and Unregulated Fishing

Question 34: On page 16, Addendum #2, the link for the report on fisheries government reform in Senegal ("Sarr, M., Fisheries Governance Reforms in Senegal.") does not work/contain the PDF. Can you please send a corrected link?

Response: USAID/Senegal is not able to provide another publicly available link to this document, however offerors may use the name of the article to expand their desktop studies of the topic.

Question 35: BAA page 17, Section E, Expected Results, references a Task Force that will address illegal fishing. What organizations will participate in this Task Force and what will their specific roles be?

Response: The Task Force is scheduled to be made up of all government entities with a stake in fisheries, law enforcement, maritime transportation, maritime security, etc. in addition to the fisheries business representatives (the Gendarmerie, the Police, the Navy, the Customs, The Surveillance Department of the Fisheries Ministry, Fisheries Research and Education, Fisheries Extension Department, the National Agency for Maritime Transportation/ANAM, Fisheries professional Organizations, Fisheries Producer Organizations, Private sector, etc.). The Task Force will be lead by the Fisheries and Maritime Economy Ministry.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy (MPEM) will implement the national plan to combat IUU fishing, which will likely be influenced by the previously set U.S. Government Task Force on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud (now referred to as “Government Task Force for Combating IUUF”).

● U.S. Government Task Force on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing and Seafood Fraud: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/international-affairs/us-government-task-force-combating-illegal-unreported-and

Question 36: BAA page 17, Section E, Expected Results, also references increasing the capacity of law enforcement personnel. Are there specific local, national, transboundary, military, or other law enforcement agencies this refers to?

Response: Including, but not limited to: the Directorate for Surveillance and the Protection of Fisheries (DPSP/Fisheries Ministry), the Senegalese Navy, the Police, the Gendarmerie, Regional and Departmental Field offices of DPSP, Regional organizations such as the CSRP/SRCF-Sub-Regional Committee on Fisheries, bodies of the Abidjan Convention, etc.

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Question 37: What is USAID's current role in monitoring, control, and surveillance of illegal fishing and how are these efforts coordinated with those of other local and international stakeholders?

Response: USAID provides assistance to the Department of Surveillance and the Protection of Fisheries (DPSP) and that of Maritime Fisheries (DPM): capacity building, dissemination and training in the Fisheries Code, promoting and supporting Participatory Surveillance (capacity building, training in various skills and the Fisheries Code, GPSs, life-vests & protective gears, weather insurance, gasoline, weather forecast, etc.). DPSP is the liaison and coordinator of efforts locally. DPSP and the Senegalese Navy coordinate internationally and ensure compliance with the Port State Measures Agreement led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Not many donors are active in combating IUUF. USAID and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are the only donors active in the promotion of participatory surveillance. The United States Department of Defence (DOD) and the French Military provide assistance and training to the Senegalese Navy and DPSP. The DOD, Korea, and others have also recently donated some boats and equipment.

Question 38: Will the stakeholder organizations be willing to share data with the awardee(s) beyond the resources outlined in the BAA in order to demonstrate the successes and shortcomings of relevant monitoring and control approaches?

Response: USAID/Senegal does not foresee any issues with stakeholders sharing information, and will encourage local stakeholders and the awardee(s) to work together. The CLPAs (Local Councils for Artisanal Fishing) in particular, have been our partners and main entry point in this sector since 2011.

Question 39: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, of the following issues, how would you rank them in terms of importance to mission success (from most to least important)?

a. Politics

b. Opposition

c. Fisher involvement

d. Monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement

Response: There is no real ranking, however fisher involvement is essential for the success of any project. Monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement is an important area to tackle for success. Politics have been found to interfere with law enforcement and hinder progress toward long-term sustainability. USAID/Senegal has embarked in “Thinking & Working Politically (T&WP)” on Fisheries Issues, but also with an economic efficiency lens. The awardee is welcome to adopt the T&WP approach as well as economic efficiency principles.

Question 40: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, are there any particular fish species, such as Epinephelus aeneus, that are of particular emphasis? What is the reason for their emphasis (unstable population, high value, role in ecosystem, etc.)?

Response: Sardinella, Ethmalosa, Epinephelus, shrimp, and octopus are key species that USAID has traditionally focused on due to ranking that stakeholders provided. Ranking was based on :1) Nutritional content; 2) Role in the ecological chain, 3) Affordability, and 4) Status of the species, e. g., scarcity, etc.

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Question 41: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, how are fisherman typically involved in the decision-making process? Do they have representatives (communal, union, etc.)

who would be contacted, or does each fisherman represent himself?

Response: Fishing communities are generally involved in the decision making process via local artisanal fisheries councils, or CLPAs (Conseils Locaux de Pêche Artisanale) and other groups (producer organizations, professional organizations). Once the CLPA makes a decision that is advised by the Fisheries Administration and endorsed by the Representative of the Central State, it has force of law in the area of jurisdiction of the CLPA. All trades are represented in the CLPA. CLPAs form departmental, regional and national networks. The National Network of CLPAs is the interlocutor of decision-and-policy-makers. CLPAs are organized in different Committees (Surveillance, Management and Knowledge, Finance, Conflict Resolution and Outreach, etc). CLPAs are governed by a Board (Coordination and Advisory Board/ICC). They elect a managing Bureau (a few members of the ICC Board, including the President and Committee Leaders) every other year. The USAID/COMFISH Plus project works closely with many of these CLPAs and could help facilitate contact and coordination with the awardee(s).

Question 42: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, what is the area, in square miles or kilometers, of these protected areas?

Response: Collectively, Senegal’s Marine Protected Areas cover approximately 3,200 km2.

Question 43: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, of the following threats, how would you rank them from most to least grave?

a. Poor management

b. Overfishing

c. Poaching by other nations

Response: USAID/Senegal believes that all three issues listed are equally important to addressing challenges in the fishing sector. The burden of poaching by other nations is however, quite heavy (more than $ 300 million a year).

Question 44: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, what is the estimate $/vessel that the Senegalese government is spending on monitoring and enforcement? (this will help us determine if the cost of our tech solution is feasible for adoption and implementation)

Response: This has been deemed sensitive information and is not provided to the public.

Question 45: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, on pg 17 it states under Expected Results “Fewer vessels operating illegally in Senegalese waters.” What is the estimated number of vessels illegally operating in Senegalese waters?

Response: In 2011, USAID/UBC Sea Around Us modeling of IUUF estimated this number at 73 industrial vessels, of which, 18 vessels with Senegalese flag that could be identified (it was estimated that only 66% of the Senegalese fleet could be identified through their flag as of 2011). About 20,000 vessels make up the Senegalese artisanal fleet. While data have been collected in some areas on vessels caught fishing illegally these past 2 years, it is too early to provide a number on artisanal vessels that engage in IUUF.

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Question 46: Is there a budget range or cap for projects proposed in response to Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15?

Response: Budget Range: $500,000 - $3,000,000.

Question 47: Regarding Addenda #2 problem statement, pg 15, how many contracts will be awarded? If an exact number is unknown, what is the desired range?

Response: The size and number of awarded contracts will be determined by the scope and feasibility of approved submissions.

Problem Statement 3: KOSOVO - Greenhouse-based food production

Question 48: Could you send me any Mission Statements and other info on Addenda 3 Kosovo that would be helpful to me as I prepare my Preliminary Concept Paper so as to be more inline with what USAID is currently doing and plans for the future. Anything you think might be helpful would be much appreciated.

Response: PENDING

Problem Statement 4: SENEGAL - Energy for Productive Agricultural Use

Question 49: I participated on the phone for the SBAR pre-proposal conference. It was mentioned that final white papers are available from Senegal. Can you let me know how I can get a copy of this paper?

Response: USAID/Senegal is not aware of any current white papers related to energy for productive agricultural use.

Question 50: Are there any specifications regarding the min/max energy size or capacity of the energy system?

Response: There are no specifications.

Question 51: Can we get support from the USAID in terms of where the proposed technology will be delivered?

Response: USAID/Senegal intends to facilitate coordination with existing activities to support the awardee(s).

Question 52: Do we need to identify a partner in Senegal?

Response: Offerors are not required to identify a specific partner by name at this point, however, offerors should consider describing the type of local partnerships they will need to ensure that the proposed business model is able to fund operations after the end of the proposed SBAR funding period.

Question 53: Aligned with a market driven science based business development approach, addendum #4 provides excellent opportunities for a water, agriculture and energy nexus important for food crop productivity, food safety and processing and off grid small scale solar page 10 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018 powered sub-sectors. Issue: In the Senegal context, there are pitifully few current or past small scale food security, nutrition or commercial agriculture opportunities where small off grid solar, wind or biomass power energy has benefitted food processing, cooling facilities or commercial grade produce drying. Analysis by consulting firm McKinsey & Company forecasts that "by 2020 at least ten regions with strong sunlight will have reached grid parity". But these will almost certainly be within developed countries such as Italy, Japan, Spain and the United States”.

Question: Given the above, would the technical review panel and USAID Senegal consider the evidence based renewable energy systems application results from other USAID missions in Africa and elsewhere as acceptable to include in our response to Addendum #4 Senegal – Energy for Productive Agriculture Use?

Response: Offerors may include any information that convincingly demonstrates their concept paper’s ability to successfully and effectively implement the proposed project/program, and achieve the expected results.

Question 54: The Background section on pg 21 of the BAA says “USAID focuses on improving the value chains for four key ag products: rice, maize, millet, and fish.” However, the Priority/Rationale section (pg 23) highlights three focus staple value chains (rice, maize, millet).

Can the fish or dairy value chains, for which proposed technology is most suitable, be included in the priorities for USAID/Senegal for this particular SBAR pilot?

Response: While rice, maize, and millet are USAID/Senegal’s primary focus, offerors may propose technologies that focus on other local agricultural products (dairy, fish, mango, cashew, groundnuts, etc.). Offerors should also consider submitting to the fisheries problem statement (Addendum #2, page 15) if they feel their solution has specific applications with fish processing.

Question 55: Customs and VAT payments tend to be a large part of the cost of imported renewable energy technologies. Will USAID provide a duty-free exemption for renewable energy products imported under the Senegal SBAR pilot?

Response: Traditionally USAID/Senegal’s implementing partners do not pay VAT taxes and the Mission provides VAT exemption letters. The same will be the case for the SBAR awardee(s).

Question 56: What is the desired power generation capacity or expected min-max use during a typical day?

Response: There are no required specifications.

Question 57: Is there a cost target? $/kWh

Response: There is no cost target.

Question 58: Can USAID assist with identification of a local partner in Senegal?

Response: USAID/Senegal can assist with the identification of a local partner in Senegal.

Offerors should consider describing the type of local partnerships they will need in order to ensure that the proposed business model is able to fund operations after the end of the proposed SBAR funding period.

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Question 59: If we propose a multi-year program, can we include upgrades within that time-frame to an installation performed early in the program.

Response: Planned and optional upgrades are allowed, but should ideally be described and outlined in the concept paper.

Question 60: Is it preferred to have a fixed or mobile installation?

Response: USAID/Senegal has no preference.

Question 61: Could you send me any Mission Statements and other info on Addenda 4 Senegal that would be helpful to me as I prepare my Preliminary Concept Paper so as to be more inline with what USAID is currently doing and plans for the future. Anything you think might be helpful would be much appreciated

Response: USAID/Senegal’s activities planned for productive uses of energy for agriculture will support goals in line with USAID’s Feed The Future and Power Africa activities (please refer to Addendum #4). Offerors are free to interpret this connection in their concept papers as they see fit.

Problem Statement 5: MADAGASCAR – Civil Society Organizations, High Biodiversity Value Areas, and Civil Society Actors

Question 62: Does USAID have potential contacts on the ground in Madagascar, either internal or otherwise, that can assist with software implementation?

Response: Hay Tao and Mikajy will work in partnership with the offeror on site selection for trials, trials, and implementation.

Question 63: Madagascar has two official languages – Malagasy and French. Is there a need to support both languages in a prototype mobile application, or would French support be sufficient?

Response: For prototype application, French is sufficient. However, the application should be sufficiently flexible to adapt to Malagasy.

Question 64: Will relevant CSOs be providing data or other resources beyond those already referenced in the BAA?

Response: CSOs, and other relevant Community Based Organizations (CBO)/structures being supported by Mikajy and Hay Tao will be the primary data providers.

Question 65: Are there specific geographic regions and/or targeted areas of High Biodiversity Value that are more critical to address in a prototype application than others?

Response: The target zones will be linked to the Mikajy activity, which will implement site-based interventions in 2 of the 5 proposed priority zones. USAID is requesting Mikajy offerors to page 12 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018 propose one zone in the eastern rainforest area that is aligned with engagement opportunities in downstream marine/coastal ecosystems (i.e., MAMABAIE, COFAV, or Anosy) and one zone in the western dry forest area that is aligned with engagement opportunities in downstream marine/coastal ecosystems (i.e., Menabe or Atsimo Andrefana). Additional details about these five zones can be found in the Mikajy Solicitation Number: SOL-687-17-000001

Problem Statement 6: KOSOVO - Integrating Mobile Communications Technology in Teaching and Learning

Question 66: On the matter of electronic materials development: Is it possible to discuss this with someone from the Kosovo mission so that we can find and connect with effective local partner(s) and include in our proposal and budget?

Response: PENDING

Question 67: What on-the-ground support/monitoring may we expect from USAID in Kosovo?

i.e. How do you envision the coordination between technology providers and USAID mission staff working on a day-to-day practical level?

Response: PENDING

Question 68: Is there anyone we could informationally interview as we conduct our Kosovo needs assessment? All the documentation has been helpful, but we tend to learn best by listening to personal experiences and asking follow-up questions. This ensures that we propose concepts that solve real-world problems and use cases.

Response: PENDING

Problem Statement 7: SENEGAL - Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Question 69: How many bidders on item 7?

Response: There is no limit on the number of qualified concept papers that can be submitted to USAID/Senegal through SBAR.

Question 70: Will a bid bond or other security be required?

Response: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is issued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016(c) and not under FAR Part 14 Sealed Bidding. At this stage, Preliminary Concept Papers are expected, and not bids. No bid bond or other security is required to submit a Preliminary Concept Paper(s).

Question 71: Is there a list of areas in which we will be required to work?

Response: The current geographic scope of USAID/Senegal’s intervention is in the regions of Ziguinchor, Sedhiou, Kolda, Tambacounda,Kedougou, and Matam. Technologies proposed by the awardee(s) will ideally be applied in some, or all of these regions.

Question 72: Is there a soils report or similar item available?

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Response: Offerors may reference the 2009, publicly available document entitled “Notice explicative de la carte géologique du Sénégal à 1/500000, feuilles nord-ouest, nord-est et sud-ouest” available at the link below:

● https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273863054_Notice_explicative_de_la_carte_g eologique_du_Senegal_a_1500000_feuilles_nord-ouest_nord-est_et_sud-ouest

Question 73: Will a bid deposit be required?

Response: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is issued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016(c) and not under FAR Part 14 Sealed Bidding. At this stage, Preliminary Concept Papers are expected, and not bids. No bid deposit or other security is required to submit a Preliminary Concept Paper(s).

Question 74: Will there be expectations as to the method of drilling, hand or mechanical, that one must use?

Response: USAID/Senegal has no preference or expectations with regard to this question, however interventions should be compliant with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, part 216.

● SUMMARY OF REG. 216

http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/compliance/summary-216

Question 75: What will be required to be furnished at the bid opening?

Response: This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is issued under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 35.016(c) and not under FAR Part 14 Sealed Bidding. At this stage, Preliminary Concept Papers are expected, and not bids. Requirements for submission of Preliminary Concept Papers are spelled out in the SBAR Pilot solicitation.

Question 76: Is “mobilization” money possible?

Response: Mobilization funds should be requested if they will be needed. Provision of funds will depend on the concept, feasibility, responsibility determination of the awardee(s), and other factors to be determined by USAID/Senegal.

Question 77: Is proof of insurance applicable, if so, what carriers are suitable?

Response: Proof of insurance is not expected to submit a Preliminary Concept Paper(s). This will also depend highly on the proposed concept. USAID/Senegal will enter into discussions with the awardee(s) on this and other topics.

Question 78: What questions could we expect to be asked in an interview?

Response: Questions will depend on the preliminary concept papers submitted by the selected offerors. As an illustrative example, questions may include requests to outline types of local partners or institutional support needed, the assumptions made in the proposed sustainable business models, and requests for more technical details on their proposed technologies in order to gauge the practical application of these technologies.

Question 79: Please define “a more sustainable demand driven model for water”.

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Response: USAID/Senegal would like to see a long-term increase in cases where communities’ demands for water services and products are met by private sector providers who are able to provide upgrades and repairs as demanded without the need for a subsidy.

Question 80: Please define “sustainable business model”.

Response: A sustainable business model does not rely on continuous donor funding and would outline a plan for the proposed technology to generate a profit and expand within the local market, or remain operational through other means.

Question 81: Will there be a requirement that the person chosen have any experience in the borehole industry?

Response: There are no personnel requirements at this stage of the solicitation. The awardee(s) who are asked to submit a final concept paper must ensure that any personnel proposed convincingly demonstrate the ability to successfully and effectively implement the proposed project/program, achieve the expected results, and integrate gender.

Question 82: Are there bidders that have or are currently working in Senegal?

Response: Given that this is an open solicitation with a future submission date, USAID/Senegal is unable to determine the identity or number of offerors for this solicitation.

Question 83: While we at [XX organization] are interested in addressing the problem statement, Improving Water Access in Senegal, we had first thought to ask what aspect of water would be involved?

Response: Offerors are welcome to address whichever aspect of water access they feel best fits their technology and/or expertise, however proposed interventions should be able to contribute to an documented increase in the number of people gaining access to basic drinking water services; and contribute to the sustainability of WASH market in Senegal.

Question 84: What would constitute nanotechnology?

Response: NAICS defines Nanotechnology research and experimental development as “the study of matter at the nanoscale (i.e., a scale of about 1 to 100 nanometers). This research and development in nanotechnology may result in development of new nanotechnology processes or in prototypes of new or altered materials and/or products that may be reproduced, utilized, or implemented by various industries.” (2017 NAICS Manual, p. 475, https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/2017NAICS/2017_NAICS_Manual.pdf ) Offerors should reference this definition if an interpretation/misinterpretation of their proposed technology is flagged as nanotechnology.

Question 85: To be eligible for an SBAR grant, what is the specific level of technology readiness that we would need to meet?

Response: Technology readiness is not stated as an explicit criteria, however, Factor 3 (Technical Merit) of the solicitation’s Evaluation Methodology and Criteria states, “The Concept is compelling as a feasible solution with high potential for successful results in the international development context.” In addition to the entire Evaluation Methodology and Criteria, page 15 of 15 – ver April 13, 2018

USAID/Senegal requires that concept papers offer “an initial sustainable business model to fund operations after the proposed funding period”.