NOFO Questions 6 9 FINAL.docx

Department of State Bureau of African Affairs (AF)

NOFO SFOP0006925

Jun 9, 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: Page 3 of the NOFO states: The awardee, in coordination with the Ugandan Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) Contingent, will provide the Mission with specialists, accepted by the Force Headquarters as Experts on Mission, per Section VII of the African Union Convention and Chapter VI of the Status of Mission Agreement on AMISOM between the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union.

Can we please confirm what exceptions are permitted under this Agreement and if they are extended to team members / subcontractors?

Response: It cannot be confirmed at this time that exceptions are permitted under the Status of Mission Agreement on AMISOM between the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union will be extended to team members / subcontractors.

Question 2: There is a strong assumption mentors will need to be armed, for the purposes of self protection. Will DoS / AMISOM be in a position to support to the provision or procurement of firearms needed to enable to project?

Response: The Department of State is supportive of arming of mentors under this award from a policy perspective provided AMISOM and US Embassy also approve. These approvals would have to be obtained after the award is issued. Specific details of firearms procurement and provision will be agreed upon after the issuance of the award, however the Department of State cannot approve funding of firearms through this award at this time.