NOFO Questions 6 19.docx

Department of State Bureau of African Affairs (AF)

NOFO SFOP0006925

June 19, 2020

Mentorship and Training of the Somalia National Army (SNA) and the Africa Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Troop Contributing Countries (TCC): Q and A

Question 1: Proposal Submission Instructions, Page 1 Technical Format Requirements C. "All Microsoft Word documents are single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman font, with one-inch margins." For tables and graphics will the government permit offerors to use Arial Narrow 10 or 11 point font?

Response: Yes, for tables and graphics you may use a different font size as long it is legible Question 2: Proposal Submission Instructions, Page 2, 8. Attachments : "5 -10 pages, preferably Microsoft Word). Three mandatory attachments include the following." To more fully demonstrate our capabilities, can offerors' provide additional documentation such as lesson plans as an attachment outside of the 5-10 page limit?

Response: No, please adhere to NOFO and PSI guidance.

Question 3: Proposal Submission Instructions, Page 1,Technical Format Requirements, "For all application documents, please ensure: A) All pages are numbers, including budgets and attachments." Which does the Government prefer, sequential numbering from the first page to the last or numbering by section?

Response: The Bureau of African Affairs has no preference.

Question 4: NOFO, Page 2, Project Duration Project Start Date: August 2020, Project End Date: August 2022. We understand that there is an incumbent grantee performing these or some of these tasks in Somalia at this time, what will the transition period be to accomplish the hand-off from the current grantee to the awardee?

Response: Reference Grants.gov NOFO Amended on May 11 and June 2 both state end date of August 2021. Whether or not there will be a transition period is a Department of State internal issue; decision will be made in the best interest of the U.S. government.

Question 5: NOFO, Page 2, Project Duration Project Start Date: August 2020, Project End Date: August 2021. How long is the phase-in transition period between incumbent and new awardee?

Response: Whether or not there will be a transition period is a Department of State internal issue; decision will be made in the best interest of the U.S. government.

Question 6: NOFO, Page 2, Project Duration Project Start Date: August 2020, Project End Date: August 2022. Is the phase-in transition part of the 12-Month Period of Performance or in addition to?

Response: Reference Grants.gov NOFO Amended on May 11 and June 2 both state end date of August 2021. Whether or not there will be a transition period is a Department of State internal issue; decision will be made in the best interest of the U.S. government. If there is a transition period it will part of the period of performance.

Question 7: NOFO, Page 2, Project Duration Project Start Date: August 2020, Project End Date: August 2023. What are the calendar dates for the start of the transition period?

Response: Reference Grants.gov NOFO Amended on May 11 and June 2 both state end date of August 2021.

Question 8: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. What level of participation can we expect from current Danab Unit Leaders during basic training?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 9: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Are the standards for graduation set by DOS or the implementor?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 10: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. If DOS sets the standards will they please provide them to applicants?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 11: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Is there standing guidance in relation to addressing trainee behavioral issues?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 12: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. If DOS has this guidance will the Government please provide them to applicants?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 13: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Can awardee fail basic trainees who don't meet those standards and either recycle trainees or in extreme cases send them home?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 14: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Do Danab units or recruits receive payments in the form of stipends from the incumbent in addition to their salaries as incentive to engage in operations against Al Shabab or to complete Danab basic training?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 15: Referencing the Budget Template, what stipends, if any, are we expected to provide to SNA personnel? If we’re expected to provide stipends, where should we budget for these?

Response: Stipends are not expected to be provided; however they would go in the detailed budget.

Question 16: NOFO, Pages 5, Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Are the Danab trainees going through basic training under Task 2, going to stay as a cohort (i.e. Will unit cohesion be maintained?) or be spread amongst the existing Danab units as replacements?

Response: No guidance will be provided at this time. Details will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 17: Reverencing the PSI and NOFO, confirm that within the NOFO, references made to “SNA Advanced Infantry” is referring to the Danab? In effect, are they one and the same?

Response: Danab is a Brigade level Unit under the larger Somalia National Army.

Question 18: NOFO, Page 6, Task 4. Conduct Basic Medic Training and Support SNA Medical Outreach to Villages. ""The recipient will be required to conduct a basic combat medic training and mentoring package that provides selected Somali recruits with basic combat medic skills. Who will be responsible for identifying the “selected Somali recruits” that will receive training & mentoring under Task 4?

Response: It will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 19: NOFO Pages 5 Task 2 - The recipient will conduct the basic training package using existing training facilities, equipment, and support in Mogadishu and other locations, as identified by the GOR". NOFO, Page 6, Task 4, "…The recipient will be required to provide a basic combat medic training package that utilizes existing training facilities, equipment, and support in Mogadishu and other locations as directed". Can the government please confirm that ALL equipment required to conduct training under Tasks 2, 3 & 4 will be present and available at the existing training facilities upon award? We’re particularly interested in the availability of CLS equipment related to Task 4.

Response: It will be discussed with the winning applicant.

Question 20: NOFO, Page 5 Task 2. Conduct Basic Training of SNA Advanced Infantry Personnel. Are there facilities and equipment available to allow for the training of two Danab company-size “cohorts” simultaneously?

Response: No additional facilities would be have to be constructed for the training of two Danab company size ‘cohorts’ simultaneously.

Question 21: Will the USG/Embassy assist with equipment clearance at the Mogadishu port?

Response: No, the applicant is responsible for clearing equipment through Mogadishu ports.

Question 22: Will DOS support the implementer with claiming a tax exemption status with the FGS?

Response: It is the applicant’s responsibility to claim their status with the Federal Government of Somalia, not U.S. Department of State. All companies must be registered with the Federal Government of Somalia and provide the appropriate documentation to indicate tax exemption status. While applicants are not required to be registered at the time of submission, upon award, they must follow local procedures to ensure registration occurs.

Question 23: PSI, Page 3 TAB A: Mandatory Attachment Guidelines a) Roles and Responsibilities. May suppliers include an organizational chart as part of “Attachment A - Roles and Responsibilities?”

Response: Roles and Responsibilities apply to the personnel directly involved in the implementation toward achieving the goals and objectives.

Question 24: NOFO, Page 11, IV. APPLICATION EVALUATION, Personnel Requirements. Are Key Personnel being evaluated? Recognizing that there are no CVs required as part of this solicitation, how are Suppliers expected to show that their personnel meet the requirements on page 11 of the NOFO? How will DOS verify that 1) Personnel meet the requirements listed and 2) At least two of said personnel have SECRET clearances?

Response: The applicant may include a paragraph in the proposal confirming the applicant’s has employees are meeting this requirement.

Question 25: PSI, Page 1, TECHNICAL FORMAT REQUIREMENTS, 4. Proposal Narrative : Up to 20 pages in Microsoft Word. To adequately address the strength of the applicants, will DOS please provide an additional 4 pages to the 20 page limit for technical approach? These four pages can be used to discuss offeror’s approach to how they will coordinate with DOS and the incumbent to transition the program while ensuring that critical stakeholders within the FGS, AMISOM and the SNA are fully informed to avoid confusion or delays during program start-up and Q1 delivery?

Response: No, please adhere to NOFO and PSI guidance.

Question 26: Referencing NOFO, IV. APPLICATION EVALUTION, 2. Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives -20 Points " “The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and include…”, within the evaluation criteria under “Project Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives” it states, “The proposal provides a detailed work plan of proposed project activities and includes…” Is the “Work Plan” referenced the same as mandatory “Attachment B – Timeline/Schedule of Activities?”

Response: No, the work plan and timeline/schedule of activities are two different documents.

Question 27: NOFO, Page 13, IV. APPLICATION EVALUTION, 5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points. PSI, Page 3, TAB A. MANDATORY ATTACHMENT GUIDELINES c) Project Monitoring Plan (PMP). Please confirm that the “Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Plan” referred to in the evaluation criteria is the same as the required Attachment C – Project Monitoring Plan?

Response: No, the PMP and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan are two separate requirements. The grantee has to identify, document, and report its M&E system in the PMP..

Question 28: NOFO, Page 13, IV. APPLICATION EVALUTION, 5. Project Monitoring and Evaluation - 10 points. PSI, Page 3, TAB A. MANDATORY ATTACHMENT GUIDELINES c) Project Monitoring Plan (PMP). Should Attachment C also include a “Monitoring Plan” in addition to the Logical Framework as these are typically two different work products? If not, then please confirm that the Logical Framework is the only required component of Attachment C – Project Monitoring Plan and should include all of the elements of a Monitoring Plan (source, frequency, methodology etc.).

Response: Yes, a monitoring plan should be included in addition to the Logical Framework.

Question 29: NOFO, Pages 8-9 DESIRED RESULTS and ILLUSTRATIVE INDICATORS. Tables. Within the M&E plan, should Targets / Indicators be disaggregated by gender?

Response: Yes, the targets and indicators should be disaggregated by gender.

Question 30: Task 2. The purpose of this training program will be to prepare the recruits to serve as soldiers in SNA Advanced Infantry Battalions, and to ensure that the trainees are capable of taking part in more advanced training provided by the U.S. military under other authorities. How many recruits (male/female) need to be trained and delivered to the U.S. military under other authorities for additional training for the year?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 31: NOFO, Page 6, Task 4. Conduct Basic Medic Training. How many medics need to complete training and delivered to the U.S. military for additional training each year?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 32: NOFO, Pages 5 and 6, Task 2 and Task 4. What USG provided equipment will be transitioned in country to the grant recipient?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant. There are no assurances that U.S. government provided equipment will be available or transitioned.

Question 33: NOFO, Pages 5 and 6, Task 2 and Task 4. We understand that biometric data is currently being collected on SNA recruits and trainees, who receives any biometric data that we gather during our recruiting and training mission?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 34: NOFO, Pages 5 and 6, Task 2 and Task 4. Is the grant recipient required to provide biometric collection tool kits?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 35: NOFO, Page 3, OBJ 1. ii) enable Danab to conduct effective Department of Defense (DoD) mentored, non-DoD mentored, and joint operations with AMISOM in accordance with the May 2017 Somalia Security Pact, the updated AMISOM CONOPs, and STP, to include mentoring during active combat operations. Will the USG provide a copy of the updated AMISOM CONOPs?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 36: NOFO, Page OBJ 1. iii) support training and mentoring in order to assist designated Danab units achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and make progress towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC). Will the USG define which designated Danab units are to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and make progress towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC)? Will the USG define what constitutes IOC and FOC for these designated Danab units?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 37: Task 3. For limited periods of time, and as directed by U.S. Embassy Somalia and AF regional bureau, the recipient will be required to provide combat support (CS) and combat service support (CSS) mentors to UPDF Forces, to include Force Enabling Units (FEUs), Mission Enhancement Units (MEU), and medical capabilities as required in the 2016 AMISOM Concept of Operations, with a primary focus on strengthening the capability of UPDF to conduct joint training and operations with the SNA. What does the government mean by “limited periods of time”?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 38: Are there any agreements that allow the grant recipient use of USG, UN, or UPDF aircraft for intra-country transit in performance of the statement of work?

Response: The U. S. government does not have any agreements that allow grant recipients use of USG, UN, or UPDF aircraft. The applicant will be responsible to arrange its transport and all associated agreements.

Question 39: NOFO, Page 6, Task 4.The recipient will be required to conduct a basic combat medic training and mentoring package that provides selected Somali recruits with basic combat medic skills. The recipient will be required to provide a basic combat medic training package that utilizes existing training facilities, equipment, and support in Mogadishu and other locations as directed. What specific medical training equipment is on hand for SNA medic training?

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant. There are no assurances that U.S. government provided equipment will be available or transitioned.

Question 40: PSI, Page 1, Complete Proposal packages must be submitted through www.grants.gov By June 30, 2020, 11:59 EST. Given how few days there are between the deadline for submitting questions and the submission deadline, will the DOS please extend the deadline by 72 hours to July 3, 2020?

Response: This funding opportunity has no grace period.

Question 41: Referencing the PSI Technical Requirements, page 2, number 7, is there an attachment for the Financial Management Survey? Will the Government accept a DCAA audit for this requirement? If there is no standard format will the Government consider removing this requirement?

Response: The U.S. government will not consider removing this requirement. Applicants are required to submit a copy of the most recent single or program audit (former A-133), if applicable, or a copy of the most recent audit conducted by a certified CPA auditing firm.

Question 42: Referencing the NOFO Page 11, “Personnel Requirements”, to support the requirement for U.S. Secret clearance, will the Government require proof of Secret FCL at time of submission?

Response: Yes, proof of U.S. Secret clearance at time of submission must be annotated in the proposal.

Question 43: Referencing the NOFO Page 11, “Personnel Requirements”, Does the Government consider all "team leaders" to be of equal status or is there an overall senior "team leader" i.e. the "Uganda Team Leader?"

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 44: Referencing the NOFO Page 11, “Personnel Requirements”, Can the Government explain why all team leaders have an assistant except for the "Uganda Team Leader?"

Response: Please follow the NOFO. If the NOFO does not state it, then it will be discussed and finalized with the winning applicant.

Question 45: Referencing the NOFO Page 11, “Personnel Requirements”, will ITARS apply to this award and will the Government assist in this process?

Response: ITARS applies to this award. The U.S. government will not provide any more or less services than it normally does in regards to this award.

Question 46: Referencing the NOFO Page 4, will the Government provide travel to and from MIA to Baledogle?

Response: The U.S. government will not provide travel. It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify services needed to fulfil the NOFO tasks in their proposal submission.

Question 47: Referencing the NOFO Page 4, “Project Description and Guidelines”, Will the Government provide any MEDEVAC support for this contract?

Response: The U.S. government will not provide MEDEVAC. It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify services needed to fulfil the NOFO tasks in their proposal submission.

Question 48: Referencing the NOFO Page 4, “Project Description and Guidelines”, Will the Government provide any interpreters or are interpreters an additional Contractor requirement?

Response: The U.S. government will not provide interpreters. It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify services needed to fulfil the NOFO tasks in their proposal submission.

Question 49: Referencing the NOFO Page 4, “Project Description and Guidelines”, will the Government provide and/or require vehicles to support this contract?

Response: The U.S. government will not provide vehicles to support the contract. It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify equipment needed to fulfil the NOFO tasks in their proposal submission.

Question 50: Referencing the NOFO Page 4, “Project Description and Guidelines”, are there any full time requirements for contract support at MIA during the period of performance?

Response: It is the responsibility of the applicant to identify location of their proposed operations as needed to fulfil the NOFO tasks in their proposal submission.

Question 51: Referencing NOFO 15 June Q&A. Can the Government confirm that only lodging is provided and that meals, laundry, and all other life support is a Contractor responsibility?

Response: The U.S. government can only confirm existing lodging at Baledogle that may be available for use. The condition of these facilities is “as is” and the implementer would be responsible for all repairs, maintenance, and improvements. The USG will not provide additional lodging. No other logistics will be provided by the U.S. government at Baledogle. The implementer would be responsible to arrange all logistics, coordination and all associated agreements with other tenants of Baledogle Military Airfield and the FGS.