NOFO DFOP0017536 Questions and Answers.pdf

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Somalia Operational Mentorship and Sustainment Capacity Building

Funding Opportunity Number: DFOP0017536

Questions with Answers as received by 11:59 P.M. on 8/20/2025

1. Application Section 4 (Proposal Narrative) requires an introduction to the organization that describes information on “relevant or similar type projects from grants from the US Embassy and/or US Government agencies.” Can the Bureau confirm that you would accept past performance of relevant/similar projects that were contracts from US Government agencies, and would you also accept relevant past performance qualifications from other country clients?

We welcome feedback in the Proposal Narrative, Introduction to the Organization, to include information on relevant or similar type projects from previous grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements from the US Embassy and/or US Government agencies. We would also accept relevant information in this section to include past performance qualifications from other country clients through a similar funding mechanism.

2. Is this only for 501 C-3 will it be SDVOOSB / or / Full and Open? I only saw info regarding the former and wanted to confirm.

This will be Full and Open.

3. Starting on page 22, there are a number of additional sections that appear outside of the 7-page limit, including M&E, key personnel, the timeline, the security plan, and the contingency plan. Would you please confirm that each of these sections are outside the 7-page technical limit? Are each one of the sections submitted as a separate attachment, or are they to be included as part of the technical submission without counting these sections towards the limit?

The following are included within the seven-page proposal narrative limit:

an introduction to the organization, problem statement, project methods and design, program goal, program objective(s), outcomes, program activities, risk analysis, future funding or sustainability, and project partners (Pages 18, 19, and 20 of the NOFO).

The following are not included in the seven-page proposal narrative limit:

Cover Page/Executive Summary, the Budget Documents, Program Monitoring and Evaluation Narrative and Plan/Tracker, Key Personnel, Timeline, Security Plan, Contingency Plan, and other attachments (if applicable) (Pages 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, and 24 of the NOFO).

4. Font Size Confirmation – The NOFO opening section specifies Calibri font size 14. Can the Authority confirm the required font size for the main body of the proposal?

Calibri font size 14.

5. Period of Performance Clarification – The NOFO’s first page states a period of performance of 12 to 18 months. However, under the Project Goal section, it states that activities will occur between 30 September 2025 and 30 September 2026 (12 months). Can the Authority confirm whether the period of performance is 12 or 18 months, and the exact start and end dates to be used?

The proposal timeline is at the discretion of the applicant, with a minimum of 12 months to a maximum of 18 months. Start date will be 30 September 2025.

6. Asset Register Request – Will the Authority provide a detailed list and asset register of all assets currently held by DANAB and still under the control of USG? This information would allow us to accurately budget for equipment care, maintenance, and the transition of program assets during mobilization and the inception phase.

Asset lists will be provided to the awarded applicant once selections have been completed.

7. Current Contractor Transition Details – Can the Authority confirm whether the current implementing partner will be required to transfer operational, training, and administrative responsibilities to the new implementer, and if so, whether a formal handover plan will be provided?

Yes.

8. Operational Base Locations – Can the Authority confirm the primary and secondary training and operations locations for DANAB mentorship under the new contract, and whether any changes from current locations are anticipated?

Training and operations locations vary and are subject to change. Applicants should expect to conduct training in Mogadishu as well as at sites throughout the Federal Member States.

9. Equipment & Logistics Support – Will the Authority clarify whether the new implementer will be responsible for procurement of new equipment, refurbishment of existing equipment, or both? If procurement is required, will USG procurement guidelines or local procurement laws take precedence?

If new equipment is required, USG will provide procurement guidelines.

Local procurement laws may be utilized as directed by the GOR.

10. Funding for Major Repairs & Replacement – Will there be a separate line item or mechanism for funding major capital repairs or equipment replacement outside of routine O&M budgets?

No.

11. Host Nation Contributions – Will the Authority provide details on Somali government commitments to co-fund, provide facilities, or supply personnel under this program?

Relevant details on host nation commitment will be provided to the selected applicant.

12. Coordination with Other U.S. Government Programs – Can the Authority confirm the expected level of integration with other ongoing USG security sector programs in Somalia, such as the MOD, MOF, MOJ capacity building initiatives, and whether formal liaison mechanisms will be mandated?

This program will not be affected by other USG Programs. Coordination activities may include relevant USG stakeholders such as the Department of Defense, and/or with Federal Government of Somalia organizations as directed by the GOR.

13. Related but separate USG-funded programs – Can the Authority confirm if USG is still funding other Danab-related programs?

All USG programs are subject to funding approval and availability.

14. Danab build – Can USG provide an update on the status of the Danab build, including anticipated construction completion dates for all locations included in the Danab build?

The SNA is responsible for SNA-Danab force management. SNA-Danab Permanent Camps are expected to be completed by the end of 2026 calendar year.

15. Is there a plan or possibility to issue night vision to the Danab over the next year?

No.

16. ECM mentorship and maintenance have been important elements of the current program and reflect a significant USG investment over the past 5+ years. Will the implementor be expected to help ensure the continued operational availability of ECM equipment previously issued to Danab and AUSSOM units?

Per the NOFO, the selected implementor will be required to establish procedures to mentor wider SNAF mechanics to provide vehicle maintenance services to the SNA-Danab and build organic wider SNAF capability to sustain SNA-Danab vehicles and equipment, including building the capability to effectively plan, monitor, and budget for the maintenance of vehicles and equipment supporting operations, which could include ECMs. The selected implementor will be required to mentor select SNA- Danab and TPN’s in operating, maintaining, and equipment logistical planning, as well as in inventory best practices, including tracking equipment and predicting operational requirements.

17. Likewise, the public health efforts (e.g. vaccination campaigns) have been an important part of current medical support. Does PM expect these public health efforts to continue?

The Department intends to fulfil the current vaccination campaign.

18. Each of the three objectives could be the subject of its own CA. What relative weight / prioritization does PM assign to each of the objectives?

The three objectives will be weighted the same. There is only one CA available.

19. What does PM anticipate as some of the additional areas of the country or

“other VEOs” that could be addressed during this CA?

Activities in the CA may take place in various Somalia Federal Members States and in Mogadishu.

20. Can PM clarify the intent of and the differences between the Security Plan

(#9) and the Contingency Plan (#10)? For example, the NOFO encourages the implementer to include contingency plans in the Security Plan.

Additionally, both the Security Plan and the Contingency Plan recommend “consideration of the risks identified in the submitted risk assessment.”

Contingency planning should include rapid demobilization plans, unrelated to security events or risks within Somalia.

21. Is there a page limit for the other attachments (#11), either individually or collectively?

10 Pages collectively.

22. Do the same formatting guidelines (single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins) apply to attachments like the timeline and M&E plan/tracker?

Guidance for formatting may be found in section D.2. of the NOFO. All documents are single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with a minimum of 1-inch margins. Captions and footnotes may be 10-point Calibri font. Font sizes in charts and tables, including the budget, can be reformatted to fit within 1 page width.

23. What specific qualitative and quantitative performance indicators does the Bureau prefer for measuring the success of the project? Additionally, could you provide any existing frameworks or templates for the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan that you would like us to follow?

Qualitative and quantitative performance indicators should include how you will track project performance over the lifecycle of the award. Performance indicators should assess the extent to which project objectives are being met; and highlight successes. Challenges, and unintended consequences include where activities occurred (outputs) and the results or changes caused by these activities (outcomes). After award issuance, the Bureau will work with the selected applicant to tailor an M&E Plan.

24. Given the high-risk environment in Somalia, can you share any specific security protocols or risk management frameworks that the Bureau has found effective in previous projects? This information would assist us in developing a robust security plan for our proposal.

Applicants must provide a security plan and contingency plan that demonstrate their security protocols and risk management framework for operating in Somalia. These plans should be unique to each organization.

Please reference the following website for more information on the security environment in Somalia.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Somalia.html

25. Can you elaborate on the expectations for local partnerships and stakeholder engagement in the project? Specifically, how does the Bureau envision our collaboration with local entities, and are there any recommended partners already identified?

Stakeholder engagement may include Department of State or other USG agencies with Somalia security interests. Local partnerships will be required which may include select Somali Security Forces, select AUSSOM TPNs, or entities as identified by the GOR.

26. Are there already defined designated requirements of Full Operational Capability (FOC) as laid down at the London Conference or is the responder required to articulate them?

Please see Questions Annex 1 found at the end of this document.

27. What Force Protection (FP) status will the delivery team be required to adhere to (it is presumed in accordance with US law) and what does that allow for in terms of FP? (i.e., can they be armed?)

The implementer will be required to adhere with all security directives issued by the SNAF and AUSSOM, within applicable U.S. regulations and the confines of the CA. The implementer shall take significant security precautions and coordinate closely with SNAF, including the SNA-Danab, and AUSSOM TPNs to safeguard its personnel and operations. The implementer shall have no expectation of a USG-assisted evacuation.

28. Per the RFI above, what is/will be the internal FP laydown at the accommodation and training locations? Can it be assumed that this capability will be provided by SNA-Danab personnel?

The implementer shall have no expectation of a USG-assisted evacuation.

The contractor shall establish accommodation for personnel within the confines of a secure compound located within the footprint of the Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA) or within the confines of a facility secured by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), or by follow-on equivalent forces. Select security forces and select AUSSOM TPNs are not responsible for the safety of implementer personnel or equipment.

29. We are basing our response on the fact that accommodation for soldiers and mentors will be available on the Airfield. Is this correct, and if so, would the provider be required to pay a lease fee?

The contractor shall establish accommodation for personnel within the confines of a secure compound located within the footprint of the Aden Adde International Airport (AAIA) or within the confines of a facility secured by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), or by follow-on equivalent forces.

30. For logistics (fuel, O&M, vehicle maintenance), are there existing Somali systems that must align with, or should they be built as part of the program?

Implementer will be provided access to existing SNAF logistics systems and processes upon award.

31. Would civilian aircraft be able to use the local airfield to support ingress of personnel, equipment, and training events to support the program?

Yes. Commercial air travel and cargo flights are available throughout Somalia.

32. How should mentors document and report suspected violations of the Lehey Law and who is the prime PoC for this eventuality?

Implementer is required to adhere to Leahy Law as required by the Department. Specific violations of the provisions found within the Leahy Law should be reported to the GOR.

33. What is the key driver for program success? Operational readiness, independence from USG support, or interoperability with regional/international forces?

Per the NOFO, the project goal states that the project will continue and advance mentorship of the SNA-Danab on the execution of mission command activities at the brigade level and below. Operational mentorship activities will include those activities that support stabilization mechanisms to secure Somali territory, accountability measures to promote SNA-Danab self-sustainment and readiness, and operational capacity to improve force management and operational effectiveness.

34. From an operational outcome perspective to what extent should mentors focus on harmonizing Danab and Gorgor training, versus creating entirely new standard programs?

Please refer to Objective 1 in section A.4. Objectives

35. Arabic linguists will be central to the response but does the organization have English speakers that could function as interpreters, and/or are there formalized interpreters within the force that could be provided to support the mentor program?

The Bureau recommends the applicant includes translation services and or personnel who speak the local language in the budget documents. See budget narrative section under section D.2. of the NOFO for additional guidance.

36. Does the provider have any provisions for dedicated full liability insurance coverage for in-country providers for the duration of the program, or does the provider need to build this into the response financials?

The Bureau recommends that applicants include insurance costs relevant to the scope of work and operating environment in the budget documents under section D.2. of the NOFO.

37. What is the current typical on-the-person equipment profile for SNA-Danab soldiers? Please articulate carriage systems (inc. plate level protection capability), weapons (both personal and support/team weapons), communication systems (both short-range and SATCOM/strat.), helmet, other team equipment, e.g., trauma medical, explosive etc.

The awarded applicant will be provided this information as appropriate.

Questions Annex 1: Danab FOC Definitions

Company Fully Operating Capability – FOC Conduct unaccompanied operations (not unilateral) for up to 72 hours in duration

Command and Control

Capable of receiving order and initiating designated mission within 48 hours, unaccompanied; Command relationship with IOC Danab Battalion established; ability to account for and report personnel

Intelligence Synchronize with higher intel; capable of receiving, passing, and reporting;

capable of conducting basic SSE

Maneuver Has full TO&E (personnel, weapons, and equipment); Trained and capable of conducting unaccompanied operations

Sustainment Has access to and can utilize 72 hours CL I, III, V, VIII, IX; developed mission essential infrastructure

Fires

NA

Protection

Occupy designated protected position for training and preparation – FOB (AUSSOM or SNA)

Engagement Special Engagement Cell (collateral or additional duties within company personnel, able to receive and execute messaging from higher headquarters)

Battalion Fully Operating Capability – FOC Conduct unaccompanied operations (not unilateral) for up to 72 hours in duration

Command and Control

Battalion Command structure established; responsive and established communication with higher headquarters; able to C2 2x simultaneous companies unaccompanied; able to communicate with adjacent units;

capable of receiving and passing reports

Intelligence Capable of developing intelligence picture in support of operations; capable of basic organic targeting

Maneuver Capable of planning and executing (2x company) operations for up to 72 hours; Capable of designating, planning for, and launching QRF; possess 3x companies of trained and equipped AICs capable of executing essential Danab tasks; capable temporary (48 hours) detention of Persons of Interest

Sustainment Possesses permanent mission essential infrastructure; capable of planning for, ordering, receiving, storing, and distributing basic CL I, III, V, VIII, IX;

capable of inventory and accountability; capable of second level maintenance; capable of tracking and forecasting personnel requirements

Fires Capable of integrating organic mortars into operations Protection

Occupied designated protected position – FOB (AUSSOM or SNA); capable of coordinate with force protection provider; capable of conducting organic patient care, CASEVAC, and transportation to next echelon care

Engagement Ability to integrate organic MISO/CA into operations

Brigade Fully Operating Capability – FOC Exercise administrative support over subordinate Danab units

Command and Control

Command structure functional with higher headquarters; ability to plan and coordinate Sector Danab operations in support of FGS security objectives

Intelligence Ability to receive communicate regional and national threats to the FGS, ability to communicate national level threats to sector Danab for analysis;

ability to operationalize intel

Maneuver BDE supports FOC subordinate Danab units; capable of coordinating for external assistance for integrated operations for Sector Danab

Sustainment

Possesses permanent mission essential infrastructure; capable of planning for, ordering, receiving, storing, and distributing basic CL I, III, V, VIII, IX and equipment (pacing items) in support of Sector Danab; capable of providing third level maintenance; capable of tracking and forecasting personnel requirements; capable of recruiting, assessing, and training replacements

Fires Plan and coordinate for external fire support for Sector Danab Protection

Occupied designated protected position at BMA; coordinate for external force protection for Sector Danab

Engagement Liaison on behalf of the CDF- as requested; synchronize messaging across Sector Danab