Pre-Solicitation Questions and Answers - RFP No. 72051420R00027.pdf

Pre-Solicitation Questions and Answers RFP Number 72051420R00027

Security Awareness and Training Project October 5, 2020

Background: A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) document was posted on beta.sam.gov on July 6, 2020 (DRAFTSOL-614-20-0000, “Draft Security Report and Training RFP”) to solicit industry feedback about the activity and solicitation. USAID reviewed and responded to the questions it received in response to the draft document. These answers are provided below and have been publicized as an attachment to RFP No. 72051420R00027 – Security Awareness and Training Project.

Question 1 Could you also let me know if it is open to US/UK competition?

Answer 1 The solicitation is set aside for local partners. See section L.2 302.3.5.17 LIMITATION ON SUBCONTRACTING TO NON-LOCAL ENTITIES (JULY 2014) for the definition of a local entity and the subcontract limits. The geographic code of the contact is 937 (see section F. 4 Place of Performance).

Geographic code 937 limits the nationality of subcontractors to the US and Colombia. UK is not eligible.

Question 2 Which is the date of submission of the proposal?

Answer 2 See cover letter for the RFP Issuance Date, Deadline for Questions, and Closing Date and Time for proposals.

Question 3 In the bidding it mentions that 1800 men will be trained, but per year there are 12 groups of 30, the duration of the contract is one year or 6 years. If 360 are trained per year it would take 5 year to train 1800 men?

Answer 3 There are approximately 1,800 USAID/Colombia staff and implementing partner staff.

USAID/Colombia estimates there will be 12 training sessions per year. Each training session will contain 30 people. Twelve sessions per year is 360 people trained. If all three options are exercised, the contract will be five years long. USAID/Colombia will train about 1,800 people. COVID will likely affect these numbers.

Question 4 How far in advance are special reports requested and which is the average time for its delivery?

Answer 4 See Section C.4.1.b.i. where USAID/Colombia added the following sentence:

“USAID/Colombia and the Contractor will agree to the report preparation time for each report.”

Also see Section F.3, where USAID/Colombia added the following sentence: “The COR will provide the Contractor with information on the numbers, scope, timing, and/or location for delivery of requirements at least 10 work days prior to the due date, unless otherwise agreed-to by USAID and the Contractor.”

Question 5 How will be the work and the travel experience to regions which have limitations because of the health emergency?

Answer 5 USAID and the Contractor will comply with host country laws and regulations.

Question 6 Are there any criteria to establish the validity or relevance of the information sources for the purposes of preparing reports?

Answer 6 See Sections C.4.1.a.ii and C.4.1.b.ii The following sentence was removed from Section C.4.1.a.ii and Section C.4.1.b.ii of the solicitation:

PLSOs are only permitted to disseminate open-source information that is publicly available.

The following sentence replace it:

The contractor is only permitted to use open-source information that is publicly available to develop RSIRs/Special Reports.

Question 7 ¿Cuándo es la fecha estimada de inicio del proyecto?; esto con el fin de poder brindar las mejores alternativas frente al plan de capacitaciones, que debería ser revaluado conforme a las medidas de cuarentena tomadas por el Gobierno nacional y los Gobiernos Locales.

Answer 7 USAID expects award approximately four months after receipt of proposals

Question 8 Diseñar, desarrollar y entregar un Programa de Capacitación. Dada la emergencia del COVID

– 19, ¿cuál sería la alternativa esperada para la difusión de la información? (virtual, presencial por grupos, algún tipo de solicitud especial).

Question 8 Design, develop and deliver a Training Program. Given the emergence of COVID - 19, what would be the expected alternative for the dissemination of information? (virtual, face-to-face by groups, some type of special request).

Answer 8 See C.4.2.a Virtual Security Introductory Training and Annex A. These virtual training sessions will proceed regardless of whether in-person training sessions are taking place.

Question 9 En temas de capacitación ¿hay alguna necesidad específica sobre algún tema? Ejemplo, autocuidado, acciones frente a secuestros, minas antipersonales, extorsión, etc.

Question 9 For training topics, are there any specific needs on any topic? For example, self-care, actions against kidnappings, anti personnel mines, extortion, etc.

Answer 9 See Section C.4.2 and Annex A.

Question 10 Sobre los informes especiales, estas situaciones se pueden presentar en cualquier momento, por tal razón se quisiera una explicación más detallada sobre el alcance esperado del documento y si este documento será objeto de toma de decisiones.

Question 10 Regarding special reports, these situations can be presented at any time, for this reason a more detailed explanation of the expected scope of the document and whether this document will be the subject of decision-making is desired.

Answer 10 See Sections C.4.1.b.i and F.7.

Question 11 Con ánimo de darle cumplimiento a la Política de Discapacidad de USAID, quisiéramos saber si alguno de los funcionarios receptores de alguno de los entregables (documentos o capacitación) hace parte de este tipo de población. Con esto buscamos brindar las mejores soluciones para garantizar el cubrimiento del servicio a todos los interesados.

Question 11 In order to comply with the USAID Disability Policy, we would like to know if any of the officials receiving any of the deliverables (documents or training) is part of this type of population. With this, we seek to provide the best solutions to guarantee coverage of the service to all interested parties.

Answer 11 It is possible that a person with a disability attends the training, but further information is unknown at this time

Question 12 Además de los temas de seguridad (security) se requerirá la integración con información adicional específica sobre la evolución, situación actual, medidas, núcleos de contagio en relación con la Pandemia del COVID19 en una determinada zona geográfica (departamento, municipio).?

Question 12 In addition to security issues, is additional specific information on the evolution, current situation, measures, and nuclei of contagion in relation to the COVID19 Pandemic in a certain geographical area (department, municipality) required?

Answer 12 Yes

Question 13 Como los RSIR estarán orientados a conocer la información de seguridad Post CoVID y Post Acuerdos más reciente y relevante a los programas de USAID, el levantamiento de información se realizará teniendo en cuenta los PDET, donde la unidad de análisis será:

• ¿Por cada Región (16)?

• ¿Por cada departamento (19)?

• ¿Por cada municipio (170)?

Question 13 Since RSIRs are designed to obtain the most recent and relevant security information post Covid and post accord to inform USAID activities, information gathering will be conducted around PDET municipalities, where the analysis unit will be at the:

Regional level?

Department level?

Municipalities level?

Answer 13 See Section C.4.1.a.i

Question 14 C.4.1.b.ii) Información y Referencia: La información proporcionada por el contratista a USAID/Colombia en los ISR debe ser debidamente referenciada. Sólo se permite a los PLSOs difundir información de fuentes abiertas disponibles al público. Esta restricción garantiza que los PLSOs no violen ningún aspecto de 7 FAM 050, el Programa de Información Consular, los Mensajes para Ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos la política de no doble rasero. Se pueden incluir en las fuentes información que publican las autoridades como Policía, Ejercito, Fuerza Aérea, Armada Nacional, Fiscalía. Etc. por medios abiertos???

Question 14 C.4.1.b.ii) Information and Referencing: Information provided by the contractor to USAID/Colombia in the RSIRs must be properly referenced. PLSOs are only permitted to disseminate open-source information that is publicly available. This restriction ensures PLSOs do not violate any aspects of 7 FAM 050, Consular Information Program, Messages for U.S. Citizens, and the no double standard policy.

Can information provided by police/military forces posted in open-sources be included?

Answer 14 Yes

Question 15 C.4. 2.i Programa de Capacitación en Seguridad (Safety and Security), Concientización y Entrenamiento: Ejercicios y escenarios: Tanto materiales como prácticas serán reforzados a través de ejercicios prácticos y ejercicios prácticos de representación de situaciones que los participantes probablemente encontrarán en campo. USAID/Colombia prefiere considerablemente que los ejercicios de campo mantengan una estricta separación de las agencias militares, policiales y/o agencias de aplicación de la Ley colombianas. ¿Se pueden incluir como instructores miembros en retiro de estas instituciones, ya que son personas que cuentan con la idoneidad y experiencia en este tipo de casos?

Question 15 C.4.2.i Security, Safety, Awareness, and Preparedness Training Program. Exercises and scenarios: Both materials and practices will be reinforced through practical exercises and practical exercises representing situations that participants are likely to encounter in the field. USAID / Colombia strongly prefers that field exercises maintain a strict separation from Colombian military, police, and / or law enforcement agencies. Can retired members of these institutions be included as instructors, since they are people who have the suitability and experience in this type of case?

Answer 15 Yes

Question 16 What is the daily training hour intensity?

Answer 16 See Section C.4.2.a.iv

Question 17 How many training sessions should be taught in groups?

Answer 17 All sessions

Question 18 Give clarity on the number of people to be trained.

Answer 18 See Answer 3

Question 19 The capacities that must be virtual or face-to-face, taking into account the current contingencies due to Coronavirus in the country?

Answer 19 See Answer 8

Question 20 Clarify the regions and / or municipalities where the training should be held.

Answer 20 See Section C.4.2.b.iv

Question 21 Do you have a specific profile set up for trainers, or is the contractor free to set up the profile?

Answer 21 Offerors will describe the minimum qualifications for trainers and key personnel. These qualifications for Key Personnel will be incorporated into the final contract and be binding on the contractor. See Section L.5.2

Question 22 Should teachers' resumes be sent to USAID along with the proposal?

Answer 22 See Section L.5.2

Question 23 Will the costs of teachers' transfers to the different regions be assumed by USAID, or will this cost be included in the rate, or will it be charged as a reimbursable expense?

Answer 23 Cost reimbursable - See Section F.5

Question 24 Can the physical security of the site where the training is given be included in the costs, and policies that support the assurance of teaching, logistics and student personnel in the event of any eventuality such as terrorist attacks, accidents, among others?

Answer 24 Yes

Question 25 Is it possible to participate in Temporary Union for the fulfillment of the Security Reporting and Training services, or can a Security company subcontract the training?

Answer 25 USAID does not understand the term, “Temporary Union”. Firms may subcontract to provide the services as long as the subcontracts comply with L.2 302.3.5.17 Limitation on Subcontracting to Non- Local Entities (July 2014)

Question 26 In accordance with the provisions of page 5 of the specifications, what does the contracting of services by Local Contractors, Local Colombia or Local area of influence of the project refer to?

Answer 26 USAID cannot locate the reference in the RFP

Question 27 Once the contract has been awarded, what is the implementation time of the project?

Answer 27 See Section F.1

Question 28 Are the costs of transportation to and from the city of origin, accommodation and food during the training days of the assistant personnel, borne by USAID, or should it be included in the rate?

Answer 28 See Section C.5. Costs for training participants will not be borne by the Contractor.

Question 29 Given the circumstances of public order, it is necessary to coordinate security support with the public force of each region where the training is held. What kind of management does USAID offer to obtain the support of the Colombian state?

Answer 29 See Sections C.4.2.b.i and C.4.2.b.iv

Question 30 What is the estimated start date of the training, taking into account the contingencies caused by the Coronavirus?

Answer 30 See Answer 7 regarding start date of the Contract. Final dates and contingencies will be determined in consultation with the COR after contract is awarded.

Question 31 Has USAID Colombia established a budget for the development of the project?

Answer 31 The Total Estimated Cost/Amount range published on the USAID Business Forecast website is $1,000,000 to $3,999,999.

Question 32 What does the acronym PLSO stand for?

Answer 32 See Section C.2

Question 33 What do they refer to when they say that RSIRs do not need to be completely rewritten?

Answer 33 See Section C.4.1.a

Question 34 Are PLSO's geographic security monitoring tools that track security incidents and security alerts provided by USAID?

Answer 34 Yes

Question 35 Is the contractor free to use the methodology that he considers necessary for risk analysis?

ISO 31000 example Answer 35 Yes

Question 36 What is the scope for risk analysis in each of the cases?

Answer 36 See Section C.4.1.a.i

Question 37 What is the invoice payment period?

Answer 37 Payments are handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act. Generally, they are paid 30 days from the receipt of a proper invoice.

Question 38 Can invoices be submitted within the same month of execution of the contract?

Answer 38 See section F.4 COR approvals and G.3 ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL.

Question 39 If the contract is extended one or two years beyond the initial validity, what is the percentage% of annual increase authorized by USAID COLOMBIA in the value of the services?

Answer 39 USAID does not provide annual increases. Offerors are responsible for providing prices for each year of performance and each option year that account for all costs including inflation.

Question 40 Does USAID COLOMBIA require a specific number of analysts for this project?

Answer 40 No. See Section L.5.2.

Question 41 Should analyst resumes be submitted in advance?

Answer 41 See section L.5.2.

Question 42 For invoicing, does the relation of travel expenses require that invoices be attached?

Answer 42 No, invoices for travel expenses are not required to be attached. However, the contractor must maintain travel expense documentation as part of their accounting file.

Question 43 Are travel expenses billed as reimbursable expenses?

Answer 43 See Answer 23

Question 44 Can the contractor define the costs of managing travel expenses?

Answer 44 USAID does not understand the question.

Question 45 The proposal must be presented in Colombian pesos or dollars?

Answer 45 United States Dollars

Question 46 Can be made Temporary unIon between Colombian and foreign companies?

Answer 46 See answer 25.

Question 47 Which type of insurances or policies are required in order to provide the services of Regional Security Information Reports, Special Reports and the Training Programs? Which are the contractual guarantees that you’re asking for in the process? In case of contract award, which will be the future contractual policies? For example, the compliance policy.

Answer 47 The only insurance policy required by the contract is Medevac Insurance for expatriates working on the contract. See 752.228-70 Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services (JUL 2007)

Question 48 Which currency will be used for invoicing, US dollar or Colombian pesos?

Answer 48 Invoice will be in dollars. Payments will be in Colombian pesos at the exchange rate on the date of payment.

Question 49 The overall price of MEDEVAC must be responsibility of the contractor?

Answer 49 USAID does not understand the question. See 752.228-70 Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services (JUL 2007). Medevac cost can be charged as reimbursable travel costs.

Question 50 Which is the deadline for register the contractor’s suppliers with USAID? If we want to take part in this request, is it necessary to be registered as supplier with USAID Colombia?

Answer 50 Offerors are not responsible for registering with USAID. They are however responsible for having a DUNS number and registering at www.sam.gov. See L.6 PRICE/BUSINESS PROPOSAL

INSTRUCTIONS.

Question 51 Could it be possible to know the budget available for this project? To know it would be really helpful to make the best offer for you.

Answer 51 See answer 31.

Question 52 Regarding costs – will need the proposal need to consider the lodging costs for USAID staff attending the training?

Answer 52 See Answer 28.

Question 53 Would USAID like to include in the scope of the training aspects as: Human Rights (for security managers), Aquatic rescue, and Minefields and explosives Answer 53 See Answer 9

Question 54 Given the current scenario will USAID like to consider Online Training as well?

Answer 54 See Answer 8

Question 55 Will each group participate only once in the trainings? Or are they expected to eventually repeat the five-day training?

Answer 55 Each group will participate in one training session

Question 56 Do trainers have to meet a specific profile?

Answer 56 Contractors will specify the profile in their offer. See Section L.5.2 http://www.sam.gov/

Question 57 In accordance with the health contingency generated by COVID-19 worldwide, please confirm whether it is possible for personnel to receive the training virtually, in case the contingency lasts longer than estimated.

Answer 57 See Answer 8

Question 58 Please confirm whether any other document additional to the technical proposal and the price proposal must be submitted.

Answer 58 Only the items requested in section L are required.

Question 59 Does USAID have a standard format to present the price proposal or should the format of each company be used?

Answer 59 See Section L.6 and Annex D for guidance.

Question 60 Considering that the information will be the property of USAID, please confirm if our company could use this information for other private trainings?

Answer 60 No

Question 61 Given the COVID-19 return to work challenges, limited personnel, air travel restrictions, and the uncertainty of contract startup timeline can/will an extension of RFP No. SOL-614-20-0000- Security Contract bid proposal submission date and award date be considered?

Answer 62 See Answers 2 and 7

Question 62 SOW Section C.1 Background (page 8, para 2) states, “USAID/Colombia specifically targets vulnerable geographies and populations………This target geography is aligned with the Colombian Government’s “peace geography” as laid out in its Territorial Development Plans.” Can USAID/Colombia please provide the specific Colombia Country Departments that this contract specifically impacts or relates to?

Answer 62 USAID’s target geography is aligned with the Colombian Government’s “peace geography” as laid out in its Territorial Development Plans, or PDETs for short.

Question 63A SOW Section C.2 Purpose (page 8, para 4) states that in “June 2019, USAID/Colombia hired a Security Liaison Specialist (SLS) to establish a Partner Liaison Security Office (PLSO) to provide safety, security, and operations support to the USAID/ Colombia Mission, and non-prescriptive, security guidance to Implementing Partners (IPSs).”

a) Is the referenced hired SLS a USAID, Colombian Government or commercial contract consultant?

Question 63B Is the SLS similar or equivalent to a locally hired Program/Project Manager or subject matter expert (SME)? What is or was the hiring criteria for the SLS i.e. skills, work expertise and years of experience?

Question 63C Will the awarded offeror be required or have opportunity to hire or employ the SLS? If so, can/will USAID share or provide his/her contact information pre or post award?

Answer 63A. The SLS is a USAID/Colombia employee.

Answer 63 B. The SLS will be the Contracting Officer’s Representative for this project.

Answer 63C. No

Question 64A C.2 Purpose (page 8, sub-paras 1 and 2) states that “USAID/Colombia is seeking the services of a local contractor to provide the following services".

• Regional Security Information Reports and Special Reports (RSIRs) specialist(s): Are these skilled analyst-type positions?

• Training instructor(s) Please provide or confirm the anticipated total number of reports (RSIRs) and training specialists that this contract requires.

Question 64BWill the reports and training specialists be expected or required to travel to/from “USAID’s key focus areas aligned with the Colombian Government’s PDET region?"

Answer 64A See Sections C.4.1.a., C.4.1.b., and L.5.2 Answer 64B Any personnel involved in trainings outside Bogota are expected to travel to that location, as specified in Section C.4.2.b.iv; USAID does not anticipate any need for travel in order for the Contractor to develop reports.

Question 65 SOW C.4 Description and Specifications (page 9, para 1, sub-para a) Regional Security Information Reports (i) Preparation and Delivery states, “In addition each RSIR will have a security analysis section available only to USAID/Colombia that identifies increasing risk concerns for USAID/Colombia activities.”

• Can or will USAID/Colombia provide specific details of the security analysis section e.g. physical location, size, infrastructure, office staffing, business hour coverage, security access/controls, IT availability, procurement, installation, etc.?

Answer 65 Specific details will be provided after award of the contract

Question 66 In reference to section C.4 paragraph 1.ii, Declaration: This restriction ensures PLSOs do not violate any aspects of 7 FAM 050, Consular Information Program, Messages for U.S. Citizens, and the no double standard policy. Question: Is it possible to get this 7 FAM 050 Document?

Question 66 Offerors can search for the FAM online. It is publicly available.

Question 67 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2, Declaration: Security, Safety, Awareness, and Preparedness Training Program. Question: Can you provide to us with didactic material list, supplies list, consumibles list and protocols, (stock list) for mentioned training programs?

Answer 67 No.

Question 67 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2.i, Declaration: USAID/Colombia strongly prefers that field exercises maintain a strict separation from Colombian Military, Police, and/or Law Enforcement agencies. Question: What are the criterias for each mentioned sectors to be developed and issues?

Answer 67 USAID does not understand the question.

Question 68 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2.vii, Declaration: Instructor Guides: Instructor guides should be developed for each module of instruction. Question: Are already identified objectives learning as well as approved or can we propose for your approval?

Answer 68 Offerors may propose their approach.

Question 69 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2.xi, Declaration: The final version must be submitted in Word to the COR not later than five (5) workdays after receiving comments. Question: Will printed material and digital be presented through an own platform of USAID or will be used other technologies such as USB, Internet, Zoom, etc.?

Answer 69 See section C.4.2.a.v.

Question 70 In reference to section C.4, Declaration: Each module will have a dedicated presentation that accurately and concisely conveys pertinent information. Question: Is it possible to know the contents of each module?

Answer 70 See Annex A for an illustrative example of a possible Training Program

Question 71 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2.vii, Declaration: Presentation: A comprehensive, professional, and tailored graphical presentation for the delivery of the material. Question: Facing the covid19, can be deemed virtual sessions to be developed having in mind that is not clear how long does the pandemic will take?

Answer 71 See Answer 8

Question 72 In reference to section C.4, paragraph 2.xi, Declaration: Certificate of Completion: At the completion of the training, participants will be provided a certificate of completion. Question: How will be verified the objectives learning fulfillment as well as if rates of assistance to training modules are planned to grant a certification of completion?

Answer 72 Offerors may propose their approach.

Question 73 In reference to section C.6, Declaration: Suggested Sources and Contacts. Question: Can we get the Humanitarian Practice Network, Disaster Risk Reduction, Graphic Standards Manual?

Answer 73 See link in Section C.6

Question 74 When are the values of the skills and jobs broken down to define the price to the Contractor?

Answer 74 See section L.6.

Question 75 The proposed and / or selected candidates will be given: 1 computer, 1 cell phone, 1 vehicle, stationery, fuel (if applicable, how many gallons per day will be provided)? Work endowment.

Answer 75 USAID will not provide such items directly to any Contractor personnel. Offerors may include the cost of such items as part of their price proposal.

Question 76 The security study of the proposed candidates that will be carried out, will this be carried out by the Embassy?

Answer 76 No

Question 77 Which company will take the English exam to certify the proposed candidates?

Answer 77 See Section L.5.2.

Question 78 Can you give us a model format to fill out the technical and price proposal of the 25 pages?

Answer 78 Offerors only required to comply with the directions in section L.5 and L.6.

Question 79 When will the deadline for submitting quotations be established?

Answer 79 See Answer 2.

Question 80 The Resumes of the proposed candidates, must they comply with any special established format? or does the INCONTEC standard apply and the compilation of the documentation for the entrance of the applicants obeys some standard list, can you provide it to us?

Answer 80 No, No.

Question 81 When is it envisaged that the formal RFP will be published?

Answer 81 See answer 2.

Question 82 When is it envisaged that the training and reporting capability should be in place and operating in country?

Answer 82 Offerors may propose these dates in their approach. See Sections C and F for guidance.

Question 83 When would the decision be made to run the contract for a second and third year?

Answer 83 See clause 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (MAR 2000)

Question 84 Approximately what percentage of the IPs would have worked in Colombia before?

Answer 84 All IPs work in Colombia.

Question 85 Approximately how many of the IPs would be on the ground at any one time and requiring reporting and monitoring?

Answer 85 All IPs work in Colombia. The contractor will not monitor IPs.

Question 86 Is the contractor expected to produce 4 reports (RSIRs) per year (quarterly reports)?

Answer 86 Yes

Question 87A If so, does this mean that each report is to be written specifically to each IP? In other words, should the contractor expect to write 250 reports (RSIRs) per year?

Question 87 B And if they are in both Spanish and English, does this mean that the total could be up to 500 reports (RSIRs) per year?

Answer 87 A No Answer 87 B No

Question 88 Is the contractor expected to produce up to 4 special reports per year?

Answer 88 See Section F.7.

Question 89A If so, does this mean that each report is to be written specifically to each IP?

Question 89B In other words, can the contractor expect to write 250 special reports per year?

Question 89C And if they are in both Spanish and English, does this mean that the total could be up to 500 special reports per year?

Answer 89A No Answer 89B No Answer 89C No

Question 90 Does the contractor expect for the RISR to contain information from Colombia’s 32 departments?

Answer 90 Yes

Question 91 Will the RSIRs be obligated to have 96 pages (32x3)? Or will it suffice as long as the reports contain at least one page per department?

Answer 91 See Section C.4.1.a

Question 92 Does PLSO contain economic and political information? If not, where can the contractor access this information from? Is there an authorized source?

Answer 92 USAID does not understand this question

Question 93 Who disseminates these reports? The COR or the Contractor?

Answer 93 The COR will disseminate reports electronically unless otherwise agreed to after award of the Contract.

Question 94 Is the report disseminated electronically or must it be a hard copy?

Answer 94 See answer 93.

Question 95 Please confirm that we will only be required to disseminate the report to 50 IPs and not all 1800?

Answer 95 See answer 93.

Question 96 Please confirm if the cost of preparing and disseminating the reports is billable?

Answer 96 See section L.6

Question 97 If there are 1800 students (IP) personnel and each class is limited to 30 personnel, can we expect to deliver 60 five (5) day sessions during each year?

Answer 97 See Answer 3

Question 98 Or is it 1800 people divided by 12 sessions (one per month), which equates to 150 personnel per month in each class?

Answer 98 See Answer 3

Question 99 In the RFP, it states that each training session will be limited to 30 personnel and have a 5 day duration, correct? Are these days a full 8 hours?

Answer 99 See Answers 3 and 16

Question 100 However, is the contractor free to plan for more than 30 personnel per training? Or less than 30 personnel per training?

Answer 100 See Section C.4.2

Question 101 In section C.4.2.iii on page 11 the RFP requires us to prepare and distribute a student resources kit to reinforce training; should we plan on distributing approximately 360 participant kits? Or should be prepared to distribute 1800 in year one?

Answer 101 See Answer 3

Question 102 Section C.2. on page 8 discusses a five day training class to be conducted and references approximately 1800 IPs, In C.4.2 on page 10 it references that each class should be able to train up to 30 students, and in C.4.2. iv, on page 11 it references 12 training sessions, one per month; six in Bogota, and six throughout Colombia; regarding number of students, should we plan on training 360 IPs per year? Or all 1800?

Answer 102 See Answer 3

Question 103A Regarding “Work Plans”, is USAID expecting to receive an actual full curriculum including all courseware, materials, media, lesson plans, and content as part of the proposal?

Question 103B Or is this a contractual deliverable that will be done in the event of an award?

Answer 103A and B See Section F.4 and F.7, as well as Section L.5 and L.6

Question 104 Can the contractor be expected to develop a full Security and Safety curriculum from scratch?

Answer 104 The contractor is expected to develop a curriculum. See Annex A: Illustrative example of possible Training Program

Question 105 Regarding the above-mentioned resources, will USAID be open to innovative solutions such as Virtual Classrooms? E-learning?

Answer 105 See Answer 8

Question 106. Which other organizations are involved with this effort? NGOs? Private Entities?

Government Entities?

Question 106 This is a USAID/Colombia activity to train its staff and implementing partners.

Question 107 Is it possible to know what type of the environment will IP personnel be assigned to?

Jungle? Urban? Airport? Hospitals? Forward Operating Bases?

Answer 107 See Section C.1 “target geography”.

Question 108 Would USAID expect the contractor to perform a full security survey of these locations and worksites? To include analysis on lodging? Routes back on forth from work? Nearby hospitals? Trauma level and ambulance services analysis of these hospitals? Coordination with local Police?

Answer 108 RSIRs are informational assessments rather than operational assessments.

Question 109 Will USAID expect the contractor to develop Emergency Evacuation Plans and/or

Emergency Reaction Plans (ERP)?

Question 109 No

Question 110 Can the contractor expect to have medical equipment such as defibrillators?

Stethoscopes? Etc? Will IP personnel need to be trained on this equipment?

Answer 110 Offerors are responsible for their technical approach.

Question 111 Regarding Safety, will we be following OSHA standards?

Answer 111 Offerors are responsible for their technical approach.

Question 112 Which COVID-19 standards will we be followed? Is it Colombian? Or US CDC Standards?

Answer 112 The contractor will comply with host country laws and regulations.

Question 113 Will the contractor be required to provide PPE (Masks, Sanitizer, Gloves, etc) of all students?

Answer 113 The contractor will comply with host country laws and regulations.

Question 114 Will the contractor be responsible for coordinating the required quarantine procedures with inbound IP personnel arriving from other countries and/or cities?

Answer 114 The contractor will comply with host country laws and regulations. See Answer 28 regarding travel of IP personnel.

Question 115 Will the contractor be responsible for COVID-19 testing? Taking temperatures?

Swabbing? Etc?

Answer 115 The contractor will comply with host country laws and regulations.

Question 116 Which subjects and type of equipment will USAID be utilizing and who will provide the equipment? For example, will IP personnel have a 1st aid kit? trauma kit?

Answer 116 See Section C.4.2.b.iii

Question 117 Can the contractor be expected to provide security detail, force protection and/or search and rescue (SAR) type services?

Answer 117 No

Question 118 Can the contractor expect to be required to have fully licensed medical staff on board?

Answer 118 Offerors are responsible for providing their technical approach and the qualifications of the personnel they provide under the contract.

Question 119 Can the contractor be expected to apply emergency response procedures in the field to address issues such as: lacerations, sprains, snake bites, bone fractures, etc.?

Answer 119 See Annex A Illustrative example of possible Training Program

Question 120 Can the contractor expect to be required to have Force Protection staff on board? If yes, will this personnel be required to be armed?

Answer 120 No

Question 121 In reference to this language, is all travel reimbursable on this contract? Does this only include travel within Colombia? What about travel to the United States? And within the United States?

Answer 121 See Answer 23.

Question 122 Is the contractor responsible for coordinating and covering the costs for travel, lodging, perdiem, transportation, etc for all personnel, including students, IPs, etc?

Answer 122 See Answer 28

Question 123 In reference to the RFP, are all travel expenses reimbursable on this contract, to include IP travel and contractor’s travel?

Answer 123 See Answer 23 and 28

Question 124 Which travel regulations will be used to approve travel related costs?

Answer 124 State Department Regulations.

Question 125 Should the contract be expected to be one base year and 3 option years? For a total of 4 years?

Answer 125 See Section F.1

Question 126 Is it anticipated that the MEDEVAC insurance will be a part of the FFP CLIN? Or do we only need to produce a contingency contract and will invoice MEDEVAC costs separately as a Cost Reimbursable line item when occurred? Can USAID confirm that the COR or Mission Director will either grant an exception based on the two criteria, or will not grant an exception?

Answer 126 See Answer 49.

Question 126 Can the contractor expect personnel to receive danger pay?

Answer 126 No

Question 127 We assume that a pricing bid schedule will be issued at the time of the RFP which will outline the corresponding pricing CLINs, correct?

Answer 127 No. See section L.6.

Question 128 Will the bid schedule include pricing templates of all option years as well?

Answer 128 See section L.6.

Question 129 What quantities of RSIRs, Special Reports and Trainings can we use in order to arrive at the total fixed price?

Answer 129 See Sections C.4 and F.7

Question 130 Will the bid schedule, if applicable, provide a list of approved positions?

Answer 130 No

Question 131 Will the contractor receive a Standard Form 1449?

Answer 131 Yes.

Question 132 How is “FAR Subpart 13.5 - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items” being applied to this solicitation?

Answer 132 FAR 13.5 Subpart 13.5 - Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items allows for the use of simplified acquisition procedures. FAR 13.106-2 Evaluation of quotations or offers explains the simplified procedures the Government may use for evaluating quotes.

Question 133 What is the criteria for utilizing a local Colombian registered company? It is not clear if the JV itself or only the Colombian entity majority venturer would need to be a Colombian owned/controlled entity meeting the stated requirements.

Answer 133 The only guidance that USAID can offer is the guidance in the 302.3.5.17 Limitation on Subcontracting to Non-Local Entities (July 2014). Section L.6 provides offerors the opportunity to explain their rationale for they how they comply with the clause.

Question 134 Defense Base Act Insurance/Pricing. We would suggest explicitly stating a requirement in the clauses. As much information as can be provided on costs will help get tighter more accurate pricing.

Answer 134 52.228-03 Workers’ Compensation Insurance (Defense Base Act) and 52.228-3 Worker's compensation insurance (Defense Base Act) (December 1991) have been added to the RFP.

Question 135 Past Performance/Experience We would suggest limiting past performance/experience information of subcontractors to those above 15%. Does USAID intend to include a consent to subcontracts clause?

Answer 135 See Section L.5. USAID also included F.8 Consent to Subcontract into the RFP.

Question 136 Budget Section M states acquisition under simplified procedures. USAID will often provide an allocated or planned price range. It would be really helpful for the Government to provide the sort of information that lets a company know if this worth spending time on or too small.

Answer 136 See answer 31.

Question 137 The RFP indicates that the training program will be directed to approximately 1800 IP personnel. The RFP also mentions that “[t]he training will be designed for and accommodate up to thirty

(30) students per session” (page 10). “It is estimated that USAID/Colombia will request 12 training sessions in the first 12 months” and that they will be “5 day training sessions” (page 11). Can you please confirm if the duration of the training for each group of 30 people is of 5 days?

Answer 137 Yes

Question 138 Due to the contingency of COVID-19, Colombia has temporarily restricted the agglomeration of people and the development of face-to-face training. If restrictions continue, it is feasible to carry out virtual trainings?

Answer 138 See Answer 8

Question 139A Is there a specific methodology that the USAID prefers to be used for the development of the Regional Security Information reports (RSIRs) such as PMESII-PT or PESTEL?

Question 139B A combination of different methodological approaches can be use?

Answer 139A No Answer 139B Yes

Question 140 Does the production of the RSIRs include printing and distribution? If yes, can you please specify the number of copies and locations?

Answer 140 RSIRs will be distributed digitally.

Question 141 Can you please provide further information on the personal qualification of the key personnel that the agency is looking for?

Answer 141 See Section L.5.2

Question 142 Is the agency going to provide a financial template or price structure format for the referenced RFP?

Answer 142 See section L.6 .

Question 143 Can a Colombian former government official be eligible as key personnel candidate for the reference RFP?

Answer 143 Yes