HSS+Questions+(1).pdf

Request for Information (RFI) USAID/India: Health Systems Strengthening and Building Resilience to Future Pandemics and

Climate Change

Reference Number: 72038623RFI00003 Amendment Date: July 25, 2023 Revised RFI Response Due Date and Time: August 10, 2023, 23.59hrs (India Local Time)

Subject : Amendment No. 1 - Request for Information for RFI Number 72038623RFI00003 - Health Systems Strengthening and Building Resilience to Future Pandemics and Climate Change, USAID/India

This RFI Amendment No. 1 intends to provide responses to questions (Appendix 1) received and revise the responses due date of the RFI

Sincerely, Cheryl Hodge-Snead

Contracting Officer

Office of Acquisition and Assistance

USAID India

Appendix 1: Responses to Questions received

Note: USAID will not accept any further questions

1. Confirm if the 10-page maximum page count include both the capabilities statement and responses to select questions, or only the responses to select questions? Can capability statement be included as an Annex, and not included in the 10-page response limit?

UAID Response: Yes, the maximum 10-page limit excluding Cover Page includes both capabilities statements and responses to the select questions. The capabilities statement must be built in as examples to substantiate ideas in the response to select questions.

2. Clarify whether the responses in providing background information of our experiences, and ability to perform the type of work described and past performance are to be included within the 10-page overall limit, or is the 10-page limit with reference to only the answers to the listed questions excluding elaboration of our past performances?

USAID response: The maximum page limit is 10 pages excluding Cover Page. No additional information or documentation (for e.g. Past Performance, background information, etc.) is not requested or required at this time.

3. Considering there is a page limit of 10 pages to accommodate 6 questions and 29 sub questions, can you please clarify whether you are looking for preliminary ideas under relevant sections or specific solutions?

USAID response: USAID/India is seeking preliminary ideas, substantiated by brief mention experience of working on those ideas.

4. Clarify whether our responses in providing background information of our experiences, and ability to perform the type of work described and past performance are to be included within the 10-page overall limit, or is the 10-page limit with reference to only the answers to the listed questions excluding elaboration of our past performances?

USAID response: Please refer to Answer 1 and 2 above.

5. The RFI states that “the capability statement must include relevant examples within and outside of governmental awards under which the firm has performed if applicable.” Should the capability statement be presented as a separate document from a firm’s responses to

USAID/India’s questions, or should it be incorporated in our responses? If the capability statement is intended to be a separate document, is there a page limit for this document?

USAID response: No additional documentation is required for the capability statement. The capabilities statement must be built in as examples in the responses to the RFI questions.

6. If USAID decides to develop a solicitation, any insights on if contracting mechanism will be a Grant or a Co-operative agreement or another arrangement?

USAID response: The activity is currently in the pre-planning stage and the award mechanism is yet to be determined.

7. Clarify if this award is open to be issued as a grant to not for profit and is not restricted to be awarded only as a contract to any type of entity.

USAID response: Please refer to Answer 6 above.

8. Can the closing date of the RFI be extended by 15 days beyond July 25, 2023.

USAID response: The closing date of the RFI is extended until August 10, 2023, 23.59hrs (India

Local Time). Please refer to the RFI Amendment No. 1 for details.

9. Clarify if the response can be sent through a consortium participation with one or multiple firms?

USAID response: An organization can form a consortium, however the response must be submitted through the Prime Organization only.

10. Confirm the anticipated eligibility criteria for offerors to apply for the solicitation resulting from this RFI?

USAID response: The activity is currently in the pre pre-planning phase and the eligibility criteria is yet to be determined.

11. For Question 1.1: Given the diversity of health facilities and capabilities across states, and the differences in population density, resource allocation, access to healthcare services, etc., can USAID clarify if the preferred approach should focus more on national or sub-national level engagements?

USAID Response: The ideas and solutions suggested can be at the levels of national, state, district, city, facility, community, habitation, business unit or market-wide.

12. For Question 4.2: Can USAID provide more details on how they are defining “pay for results model” in this specific context?

USAID Response: The responses on “pay for results” can include the broad spectrum of such approaches, including, but not limited to results-based-financing, outcome-based-payments, social and development impact bonds, social success notes, productivity linked incentives, etc.

13. For Question 5.1: In addition to climate shocks, does USAID feel it is useful to evaluate the incrementally increasing risks from climate change (steadily increasing extreme heat, sea-level rise in coastal areas, gradually shifting disease vectors), and the necessary gradual changes to public health systems? If so, could this information be incorporated into Q5.1?

USAID Response: Yes

14. For Question 5.2: Clarify whether the applicant(s) would include reference to state and local level disaster management authorities?

USAID response: Yes, in case the ideas/solutions suggested involve the state/local disaster management authorities.

15. For Question 5.3: In addition to health facilities and laboratories, does USAID feel it would be useful to expand the scope to include public health supply chains and transportation

(e.g., vehicles supporting health facilities)?

USAID response: Please include elements, sectors, entities, that are essential part of the ideas and solutions suggested in response to the questions.

16. Are there examples of frameworks USAID worked with to enhance health system resilience to future pandemics and climate change in other countries? What lessons can be learned from these interventions?

USAID response: The responses must include ideas of different health system resilience frameworks and models. It is for the respondents to suggest such models, based on evidence that they have come across.

17. Would pre-hospital or pre-Health & Wellness Centre Emergency Medical Services be included in the scope of this RFI?

USAID response: Relevant elements along the value chain, in the context of ideas/models suggested, may be included while responding to the questions.

18. Are firms expected to answer all sub-questions within a category or can firms select any sub-questions to respond to within the list shared by USAID/India?

USAID response: It is up to the respondents if they want to answer all or some of the questions/sub-questions.

19. Given the significant importance of investing in the 6 topic areas outlined in the RFI, to support transformational development in India, please share more information on how USAID envision bringing these ideas to action? For example, will it be focused on shaping task orders and activities on existing programs -- and/or also through new funding opportunities?

USAID response: The activity is currently in the pre pre-planning phase and the mechanism is yet to be determined.

(End of Amendment # 1)