Learning Activity RFP 72026322R00001 Amendment 1- signed.pdf

Request for Proposal (RFP) No.: 72026322R00001

Date Issued: March 21, 2022

Deadline for Questions: April 1, 2022, 5:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

Closing Date: May 10, 2022, 5:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72026322R00001 USAID/Egypt Learning Activity

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (“USG”) represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission in Egypt (USAID/Egypt) hereby amends the above-referenced RFP. The purpose of Amendment 01 is to (a) provide answers to the questions submitted in response to the subject RFP, and (b) amend the RFP as appropriate. Attachment No. 1 indicates the changes made to the RFP and Attachment No. 2 contains the questions and answers.

Thank you for your continued interest and participation in USAID/Egypt activities.

Sincerely, Martin Fischer Contracting Officer

(x)

72026322R00001 x x copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

x

11435

720263

New Maadi, 11435, Egypt Off El Laselki St.

1A Ahmed Kamel St.

USAID/Egypt

03/21/20220001

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.is extended, Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

03/21/2022

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of amendment #01 to RFP # 72026322R00001 Workforce Egypt Activity is to:

(a)provide answers to the questions submitted in response to the subject RFP, and (b)amend the RFP as appropriate.

Attachment No. 1 indicates the changes made to the RFP and Attachment No. 2 contains the questions and answers.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Martin Fischer

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9 A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect .

USAID/Egypt Learning Activity

Attachment No. 1 - Changes to RFP

The solicitation is hereby amended as set forth below:

SECTION C

1. Section C.5.d, Activity 26, Support Improved Knowledge Management, Learning, and

Collaboration for Adaptive Management of Mission Programming: Delete the paragraph in its entirety and replace with the following:

“Conduct and support events, learning fairs and seminars that promote collaboration and learning among USAID, IPs, and other stakeholders, including beneficiaries. Workshops and learning fairs will provide a forum for sharing best practices, summarizing lessons learned from evaluations and analyses, discussing changes to the development context in Egypt related to the critical assumptions outlined in the CDCS, reviewing progress towards the achievement of DOs, and determining whether the CDCS and DOs remain relevant in light of the changing development context. The Contractor must support the Program Office and the technical teams to organize community of practice events, pause and reflect sessions and after-action reviews and learning fairs as needed and requested by the Program Office around the Learning Priorities in the CDCS or additional Administration priorities. The Contractor must document and make available in useful form analytic results, studies and evaluation reports, meeting notes, decisions made and follow up from learning engagements. Facilitate collaborative learning, both internally in the Mission and among IPs and local stakeholders, through periodic meetings with partners, learning networks, and/or topical communities of practice, among other means. The Contractor must assist USAID/Egypt in organizing innovative learning platforms and activities to facilitate knowledge sharing. The Contractor must organize logistics for the events, covering costs of participants, providing a venue, facilitation and soliciting and organizing content (such as presentations, round table discussions, technical discussions, contests, networking opportunities etc.) from among participating stakeholders. The Contractor is expected to conduct and support at least 3 each year over five years for a total of at least 15 workshops or learning fairs over the period of performance.”

SECTION F

2. Section F.7.c, Annual Work Plan: Delete the third paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“For the four subsequent years, the annual work plans will cover the period from October 1 through September 30 of the corresponding fiscal year, except that the final annual work plan covers the period from October 1, 2026 through the end of the period of performance. The annual work plans must be submitted no later than August 15 of the corresponding year.”

3. Section F.7.c, Annual Work Plan: Delete the fifth paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“The Contractor must prepare a stand-alone workplan for activities under the Organizational Development Component C.5.e Organizational Development and Mission of Leaders (MOL).

This workplan must be prepared in consultation with the USAID/Egypt Mission of Leaders Oversight Committee as well as the COR. This workplan will be submitted as an annex to the annual workplan.”

SECTION H

4. Section H.8.b.ii, Professional Level Employees: Delete the section in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“ii. Professional Level Employees. For all employees or consultants other than those specified above, if CO approval is required, it is deemed provided if all of the following conditions are met:

• The Contractor obtains written concurrence from the COR for the employee (including those of subcontractors) proposed;

• The proposed compensation for the employee, regardless of nationality, charged as direct cost is within the market value of the position as established in a contract-specific CCN Local Compensation Plan submitted by the Contractor and approved by the CO; and

• The Contractor retains a fully-executed AID form 1420, “Biographical Data Sheet”, along with a certification that the proposed salary is consistent with market value, in its files for audit, and will be available to USAID upon request by the CO or COR.”

5. Section H.8.c.ii, Return of Overseas Employees: Delete the section in its entirety and replace with the following:

ii. Return of Overseas Employees

“Salaries and wages paid to an employee serving overseas who is discharged by the Contractor for misconduct, inexcusable nonperformance, or security reasons will not be reimbursed for a period which extends beyond the time required to return him promptly to his point of origin by the most direct and expeditious air route. USAID/Egypt will not reimburse any costs including airfares, mob/demobilization in the event that such employee has not completed the agreed upon tenure.”

SECTION I

6. Section I.1, Notice Listing Clauses Incorporated by Reference: Delete the following text from the table:

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

NOV 2021

7. Section I.9 AIDAR 752.231-72 Conference Planning and Required Approvals (AUG 2013) [Deviation (APR 2020)]: Delete the section in its entirety and replace with the following:

“I.9 AIDAR 752.231-72 CONFERENCE PLANNING AND REQUIRED APPROVALS.

[M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-22-05c] (Date TBD)

(a) Definitions. As used in this section —

Conference means a seminar, meeting, retreat, symposium, workshop, training activity or other such event that is funded in whole or in part by USAID.

Net conference expense means the total conference expenses excluding: any fees or revenue received by the Agency through the conference, costs to ensure the safety of attending governmental officials, and salary of USAID employees and USAID personal services contractors.

Personal Services Contractor (PSC) means any individual who is awarded a personal services contract in accordance with AIDAR Appendices D or J.

Temporary duty (TDY) travel means official travel at least fifty (50) miles from both the traveler’s home and duty station for a period exceeding twelve (12) hours.

USAID employee means a USAID direct-hire employee or a direct-hire federal employee from another U.S. government agency detailed to USAID.

(b) Prior Approval. Unless an exception in paragraph (c) applies, the Contractor must obtain prior written approval from the contracting officer at least 30 days prior to committing costs, for the following:

(1) A conference funded in whole or in part by USAID when ten (10) or more USAID employees or Personal Services Contractors are required to travel on temporary duty status to attend the conference; or

(2) A conference funded in whole or in part by USAID and attended by USAID employees or USAID Personal Services Contractors, when the net conference expense funded by USAID is expected to exceed $100,000, regardless of the number of USAID participants.

(c) Exceptions. Prior USAID approval is not required for the following:

(1) Co-creation conferences to facilitate the design of programs or procurements.

(2) Events funded and scheduled by the Center for Professional Development within the USAID

Office of Human Capital and Talent Management.

(3) A single course presented by an instructor conducted at a U.S. Government training facility

(including the Washington Learning Center or other USAID training facilities), a commercial training facility, or other venue if a U.S. Government training facility is not available.

(4) Conferences conducted at a U.S. Government facility or other venue not paid directly or indirectly by USAID, when travel of USAID employees or USAID Personal Services Contractors, light refreshments and, if applicable, costs associated with participation of the contractor’s staff are the only direct costs associated with the event.

(d) Allowability of Cost. Costs associated with a conference that meet the criteria above, incurred without USAID prior written approval, are unallowable.

(e) Post-Award. Conferences approved at the time of award will be incorporated into the contract.

The contractor must submit subsequent requests for approval of conferences on a case-by-case basis, or requests for multiple conferences may be submitted at one time.

(f) Documentation. Requests for approval of a conference that meets the criteria in paragraphs (b) of this section must include:

(1) A brief summary of the proposed event;

(2) A justification for the conference and alternatives considered, e.g., teleconferencing and video-conferencing;

(3) The estimated budget by line item (e.g., travel and per diem, venue, facilitators, meals, equipment, printing, access fees, ground transportation);

(4) A list of USAID employees or PSCs attending and a justification for each, and the number of other USAID-funded participants (e.g., contractor personnel);

(5) A cost comparison for at least three potential venues (including a U.S. Government owned or leased facility) and a justification if the lowest cost facility is not selected;

(6) If meals will be provided to local USAID employees or PSCs (a local employee would not be in travel status), a statement on whether the meals are a necessary expense to support the conference objectives; and

(7) A statement signed by an employee of the Contractor with authority to bind the Contractor, confirming that strict fiscal responsibility has been exercised in making decisions regarding conference expenditures, the proposed costs are comprehensive and represent the greatest cost advantage to the U.S. Government, and that the proposed conference representation has been limited to the minimum number necessary to support the conference objectives.”

SECTION J

8. Section J: Add Attachment J.10, List of PMP Indicators.

9. Section L.7.C.iii.A: Delete the following text:

SECTION L

“Annex 1 – Sustainability Plan [5 pages maximum]”

10. Section L.7.C.iii.D: Delete the following text:

“and Organization Chart”

11. Section L.8, Technical Approach: Delete the following text from the final bullet point under the first paragraph:

“The technical approach must include a section that proposes the indicators for each result for the components stated in the Scope of Work. These indicators should be realistic, obtainable and reflective of the results USAID/Egypt Learning Activity will achieve at the end of project implementation.”

12. Section L.12.a.iii, Section K: Delete in entirety and replace with the following:

“The Cost Proposal should also include completed "Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors" in Part 3 of the cost proposal.”

USAID/Egypt Learning Activity

Attachment No. 2 - Questions and Answers

General

Q1. The RFP makes numerous references to the Activity’s “objectives and results,” for example in L.8 (page 121) where USAID states, “Evidence of knowledge of the Egyptian context demonstrated through a comprehensive approach that addresses the components, and results and objectives in Section C….” However, Section C describes the Objectives as “The objectives of these technical services and capacity building include improved use of Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA); support in implementing MEL aspects of USAID/Egypt’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and enhanced organizational effectiveness,” but does not clearly define results. In order for Offerors to develop an accurate AMELP for Annex 2, can USAID please clarify the distinct objectives versus results expected from the Activity?

Response: The overarching objectives of the activity are as follows:

• Improved use and utilization of CLA, Implementation and operationalization of MEL activities to implement the CDCS, and enhancing USAID/Egypt organizational effectiveness.

• The expected results are clearly highlighted under each component of the SOW as follows:

o Component C.5.a.(i) Performance Management Strengthened o Component C.5.a.(ii) Monitoring - Frequency and quality of project and activity monitoring for timely decision making and adapting Increased.

o Component C.5.a.(iii) Information Management for timely decision making streamlined o C.5.b Evaluability Assessments Supported o C.5.c Evidence-based project and activity design including research services for timely decision making and learning Supported.

o C.5.d Knowledge Management, Learning, and Collaboration for Adaptive

Management of Mission Programming Improved.

C.5.e Organizational Development and Mission of Leaders (MOL) expected results are as follows:

• Enhance USAID/Egypt’s organizational culture, orienting current and in-coming

• staff into the Mission's values and behavioral expectations, while encouraging

• ongoing organizational development;

• Increase staff effectiveness through deeper personal awareness of individual

• behaviors, and shared understanding of interpersonal and team dynamics;

• Strengthen Leadership behaviors, skills and approaches of all staff, to exemplify

USAID/Egypt’s desire to develop a “Mission of Leaders.” This includes, but is not limited to, the development of supervisory skills; and

• Support Continuous Mission-wide strategic planning, communication, and

• operational improvement efforts Supported

Q2. Will USAID provide an example or a section of the PITT?

Response: Yes. We can share a screenshot. To further clarify, to facilitate reporting requirements for the Annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) and other performance monitoring needs, USAID/Egypt’s Program Office (PO), with support from the Services to Improve Performance Management, Enhance Learning and Evaluation (SIMPLE), has developed a Performance Indicator Tracking Table (PITT). The PITT is an automated Excel-based tool that captures data on all indicators per activity, rolled up by each respective Project Appraisal Document (PAD) which then rolls up for the respective technical office and Performance Plan Report (PPR), all linked up by formulas. The tool also features dynamic dashboards that display PPR indicator data graphically across activities and PADs. This is an online tool customized to each of the three technical offices at USAID/Egypt and hosted on Google Drive, which allows for multiple users to update it concurrently. The PITT was designed and rolled out before the ADS 201 changes and changes to the Project Design requirements.

Q3. When does USAID plan to have DIS fully integrated into the mission?

Response: The Mission is currently working on migrating data into the system. We aim to have the DIS fully operational by October 2022.

Q4. Would USAID kindly indicate the anticipated award and/or start date of the activity?

Response: We anticipate an award in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022. Note however that this award date is an estimate and will depend on a variety of factors.

Q5. Can USAID provide the current local compensation plan (LCP)?

Response: This is considered an internal document and will not be shared. It is not binding on the contractor.

Cover Page

Q6. Noting that this solicitation was released ahead of the expected date from the forecast, and had previously appeared to have been seen as a small business set aside, would USAID postpone the due date beyond May 10 to ensure that USAID achieves the best quality of offers?

Response: USAID/Egypt will not extend the due date at this time. The posting of an RFI and the inclusion of key personnel requirements with the synopsis posted on SAM.gov provides additional time for offerors to have begun their preparations. There is adequate time for offerors to prepare high-quality technical proposals.

Section B.

Section B.4

Q7. The RFP on page 6 under B.4 provides a budget table with budget categories the Offeror is required to follow as part of the Cost Proposal. This table does not include a 'Fees' category.

Kindly confirm that this table should include fees as per the instructions in Attachment J.1 and Section L.12 of the RFP.

Response: This table is not intended to include fee, just cost. Unlike cost, fee cannot be adjusted as it is fixed. Please note, however, that the total cost line should reflect the same amount as the total cost listed in B.3.

Section C.

Section C.4.b

Q8. Different Missions in practice prefer different aspects of CLA. Could USAID discuss how it sees "collaborating" as well as "adapting". In this project, is USAID, for example, more interested in adapting that occurs at the IP level, local partners, or adapting at USAID?

Response: Collaborating and learning are crucial for adapting, which is both complex and challenging but universally recognized as critical to improving results. By improving and expanding existing collaboration and learning efforts, the Mission is both strengthening and shortening “feedback loops” to enable a quicker adaptation throughout the life of activities and/or projects.

Section C.5

Q9. Page 16 states that his activity is for evaluation services (among other services) and C.5.b which references this contract's role in updating the Mission's Evaluation Plan. Activity 14 on page 23 appears to suggest that the contractor may undertake evaluations, though it is unclear.

Pages 22 and 24 references "the independent evaluation mechanism". Would USAID clarify whether this project will go beyond evaluability assessments to actually include evaluations?

Where the solicitation says to work with the other mechanism (Activity 17), would this be for helping with the TOR and then for the learning?

Response: We do not currently anticipate conducting any evaluations under this award. We do anticipate conducting evaluability assessments and providing support to the Program Office and technical teams to complete the Post Evaluation Action Plans. It is anticipated that this award will provide support as needed to support the design of evaluation questions and statement of work for evaluations. Additionally, the planned award is expected to assist with dissemination of Evaluation findings and recommendations for learning.

Q10. Section C.5 Services and Tasks Required mentions the estimated number of services for some activities but not others. For budgeting and planning purposes, can USAID provide more information around the expected number of services? In particular, it would be helpful to know the estimated number of: a. Activity and project MEL plan development and reviews (Activity 2); b. Comprehensive reviews and dissemination of M&E findings (Activity 9); c. Evaluability assessments (Activity 14); d. Post evaluation action plans (Activity 16).

Response: The following information are only estimates that can be considered by the offerors in preparing their proposals. These estimates are in no way mandatory and will not be part of the contract that is awarded.

a. Based on previous experience, activity MEL reviews between 5- 6 annually depending on needs and new designs and awards. The offerors could be asked to review revised versions of the same MEL plans.

b. The comprehensive reviews and dissemination of MEL findings may be needed on quarterly or semi-annual basis depending on Mission needs.

c. Evaluability Assessments between 4- 6 annually depending on the Mission’s Evaluation plan and Mission needs.

d. The number of Post Evaluation Action Plans depend on the number of Evaluations carried out in a specific year. Offerors should plan on 4- 6 Post Evaluation Action Plans but this depends on Mission needs and plans.

Section C.5.a(i)

Q11. Section C.5.a(i) Performance Management Strengthened, states that “This information is used to monitor whether planned results are being achieved, as defined in the Mission’s CDCS and existing Project Appraisal Documents (PAD), Project Development Document (PDD) and other activity design documents, and the Mission PMP.” Can USAID please clarify if they have active PADs in addition to PDDs, even though PADs are no longer required under the latest ADS 201 revisions? Furthermore, can USAID please clarify if the Mission has an active portfolio of Projects in addition to Activities, even though Projects are now optional according to the latest ADS 201 revisions?

Response: Currently, USAID/Egypt is adopting the requirements under ADS 201 latest revisions. USAID/Egypt has few activities that are active and originally designed under PADs.

USAID/Egypt does not have active PMELPs.

Q12. Section C.5.a(i) Performance Management Strengthened, Activity 2, page 19, states that the contractor will assist USAID to “review and finalize project and activity level monitoring evaluation and learning plans.” Can USAID please clarify if they still have active Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans (PMELPs) in use, even though PMELPs are no longer required under the latest ADS 201 revisions?

Response: USAID/Egypt does not have active PMELPs.

Q13. On page 19, Section C.5.a.(i), Activity 2, USAID states that “capacity varies widely among IPs.” Would USAID describe the make-up of the Mission’s IP community, including what proportion are IPs experienced with USAID requirements and procedures, and roughly what proportion are new partners with little or no understanding and experience with USAID requirements?

Response: Most USAID/Egypt Implementing Partners have experience working with USAID.

However, capacity with regards to MEL requirements and CLA requirements varies among IPs especially as new or updated requirements are introduced by ADS revisions and other updated guidelines. As per activity 2 requirements, the Contractor is expected to work with the COR to assess the level of support needed and provide this to IPs, noting that capacity varies widely among IPs and some require more assistance than others. This support may be offered through a variety of capacity building modalities, including formal training, one on one coaching, or advising on specific issues and requirements, Q14. On page 20, Section C.5.a.(i), Activity 5, USAID states that the contractor should design half-day trainings in specialized areas. Would USAID clarify if these are specialized MEL areas (e.g., data quality, data collection, developing a learning agenda, evaluability), or specialized development sectors (e.g., health, economic growth, etc.)?

Response: Specialized MEL areas include but may not be limited to data quality assessments, performance monitoring and management, developing performance indicators, developing a learning agenda, conducting evaluability assessments, developing an evaluation statement of work, etc.

Section C.5.a.(ii)

Q15. For purposes of staffing and budgeting, can USAID estimate the scale and frequency of Third Party Monitoring requested? Is it USAID's expectation that the only staffing for conducting Third Party Monitoring are the three specialists specified on page 48?

Response: Third Party Monitoring may be requested on as needed basis. We do not anticipate many requests for that because most of the sites are accessible to USAID/Egypt except in limited certain locations.

Section C.5.a.(iii)

Q16. Section C.5.a(iii), Activity 12, page 22, references the need for the contractor to maintain and train on the Predictive Analysis tool that is already developed under the previous MEL platform. To ensure equitable competition and understanding of this activity, can USAID please provide more information about the objective of the Predictive Analysis tool, how it is structured, and how it has been used thus far?

Response: The Predictive Analysis tool is an Interactive data visualization tool (originally developed to inform the CDCS and included the USAID Journey to Self Reliance Country map primary and Secondary metrics) that USAID staff can use to view the trends and correlations between Egypt macro level indicators, compare with other countries, and analyze how these key development indicators interact. Hosted on an online Tableau dashboard, the tool explores the relationship between context indicators across 134 countries with a focus on Egypt. The goal of the tool is to support project managers of USAID-funded programs to explore trends and correlations between various macro level indicators to better plan and adapt their programs. The data covers the period between 2013 and 2021 and helps show how important sectoral indicators interact to influence Egypt’s development outcomes. Thus far, the tool is used internally by USAID/Egypt. The Predictive analysis tool and background information will be provided upon award.

Here is a screenshot of the tool:

Section C.5.a.(ii) and (iii)

Q17. Activities 6 and 7, as well as much of the Learning work suggests that the contractor may have a role in working with the DIS, which is stated in Activity 7. Activity 13 discusses training about the DIS. Would USAID explain the current status of the DIS in implementation and use in Egypt, whether they are now training about it, and which offices at the Mission we would interact with?

Response: The DIS is currently in use by USAID/Egypt staff and Implementing Partners (IPs).

All relevant USAID/Egypt staff have completed DIS training and are in the process of updating the data for their awards in the system, as needed. IPs are at various stages. Some IPs completed the DIS training and have access to the system, while other IPs are still in the process of completing the training. DIS training is currently available to the IPs and USAID/Egypt staff.

There are available resources including DIS video tutorials and reference guides, for both USAID staff and IPs. These resources will be shared with the winning offeror upon award.

For use of the DIS, the winning offeror will coordinate with the Program Office. The Program Office is the office in charge of DIS at the Mission, and if assistance is needed from the technical teams then the contractor will coordinate directly with the Program Office which will facilitate support.

Section C.5.b

Q18. On page 22 under section “C.5.b Evaluability Assessments Support,” the RFP states that, “USAID Egypt will conduct a series of Mid-Term and Final Performance Evaluations through an independent Evaluation mechanism.” Would USAID consider it a conflict of interest for the Egypt Learning Activity Contractor or any subcontractors to also implement or contribute to these evaluations through an independent mechanism?” Will the holder of the USAID/Egypt Learning Activity contract be eligible to compete for the “independent evaluation mechanism”?

Response: It would be a conflict of interest for the Egypt Learning Activity contractor or subcontractors to implement or contribute to these evaluations through an independent mechanism.

The successful Contractor under this RFP will not be eligible to compete for independent evaluations. Please also refer to Section H.22, Limitation of Future Contracting.

Q19. On page 22, Section C.5.b, USAID references an “independent evaluation mechanism” that “USAID plans to award”. Will this mechanism be responsible for conducting all USAID/Egypt evaluations during the period of performance of this contract?

Response: No, this will not be used exclusively.

Q20. On page 23, C.5.b, Activity 15, USAID mentions “an opportunity for conducting an evaluation at the IR level.” Would USAID clarify if this text pertains to an impact evaluation as does the rest of the paragraph?

Response: No this does not pertain to only impact evaluation opportunities but pertains to identifying opportunities for intermediate-results (IR) level evaluation. As per USAID PMP and Learning Agenda, USAID/Egypt plans to conduct IR level evaluations.

Q21. Section C.5.b, Activity 15, page 23, states that “the Contractor will review and work with USAID/Egypt to update high priority evaluation questions for each DO.” Can USAID please clarify if the DO-level evaluation questions are currently articulated in the PMP, an active PMELP, PDD, and/or an AMELP?

Response: High priority learning questions are articulated in the PMP Learning Agenda per learning priority and not by DO. Some preliminary questions are incorporated in existing PMELPs and AMELPs. However, as per activity 15 in the RFP, the contractor is expected to work with the Program Office and the technical teams to update or develop relevant focus evaluation questions. The Contractor will review and work with USAID/Egypt to update high priority evaluation questions for each DO. These questions should consider addressing: a) The development hypotheses and key assumptions underlying the proposed programs; b) Estimating program outcomes; c) Policy approach in a specific sector; and/or r d) The efficiency of the USAID implementation approach (with attention to program costs).

Q22. Regarding the Evaluation Synthesis in Activity 18, would there be more than one during the life of this project?

Response: It is anticipated that the Evaluation Synthesis may be needed twice.

Section C.5.c

Q23. On page 25, Section C.5.c, Activity 19(b), USAID states that the “contractor will be expected to translate the executive summaries of the assessments and desk research into Arabic” Is this the only case where translation is required? Should the contractor budget for translation services for all capacity development work (i.e., with both local Ips and the “certain government representatives” referenced on page 16)?

Response: Translation may be needed for certain activities, so the contractor should budget for that, possibly through staff resources, access to short-term translation services or other methods if needed.

Q24. On page 24-25, Section C.5.c, USAID mentions evidence-based activity design and associated consultations. Would USAID clarify how many new activity designs are envisioned, and if the number differs from the number of co-creation processes mentioned under Activity 20?

Response: Over five years, it is difficult to anticipate the number of new designs envisioned, however for year 1 and 2, we anticipate between 7 and 9 new designs. The number of anticipated new designs may differ from the number of co-creation processes mentioned under activity 20.

Section C.5.d

Q25. Section C.5.d Support Improved Knowledge Management, Learning, and Collaboration for Adaptive Management of Mission Programming, Activity 23, page 26, references the need to “Facilitate the development and implementation of organizational and technical learning agendas at the technical office level and activity level.” Given that activity-level learning agendas are normally part of the AMELP, in what document or MEL plan does USAID currently keep technical office-level learning agendas?

Response: Currently, we have the Mission Learning Agenda as part of the PMP. We currently do not have a technical office level learning agendas. Recent Activities’ AMELPs include learning agendas or plans.

Q26. On page 26, under Activity 25, the RFP states that the contractor will “conduct surveys, studies, assessments and analyses…” Activities 19(a) and 19(b) also require desk studies, assessments, analyses and surveys.” Would USAID kindly clarify if these are different types of requirements, and how many of each type of requirement is estimated for the life of the project, in order to facilitate budgeting?

Response: The activities under 19(a) and (b) are to inform new program designs, while activity 25 is related to internal USAID/Egypt Mission learning, including testing current assumptions and development hypotheses and informing learning for adapting. Under Activity 25 the Contractor will conduct surveys, studies, assessments, and analyses to: a) assist USAID/Egypt decision making; b) test critical assumptions; c) describe changing circumstances that affect activity effectiveness; and d) test development hypothesis The analysis anticipated may be rapid analysis or desk studies based on existing data and rapid survey or KIIs to test critical assumptions, and development hypothesis as needed and requested. Support under this activity is on an as needed basis if rapid analysis is requested to inform current Mission Learning needs.

Under activity 19(a) Activity 19(a), the Contractor will, in collaboration with, and as required by the Program Office and Mission technical offices, conduct desk studies and assessments and analyses (i.e. focused on poverty levels, geographical, sectoral, etc.), and/or stakeholder consultations necessary to inform activity and project design. This activity may include rapid consultations and KII with stakeholders. Support under this activity is on an as needed basis and depends on Mission needs prior to design of new activities. Under question 20, USAID/Egypt provided a planning number for anticipated new designs.

Under activity 19(b) Activity 19(b), the Contractor is expected to perform up to 5 sectoral or cross cutting assessments, which includes primary data collection as well as secondary data analysis, as needed and requested by the Program Office and technical teams. This may include youth assessments, digitalization and utilization of ICT, gender assessment, behavioral change studies, climate change, and or other needed topics as requested. In conducting those cross-cutting assessments, the Contractor must incorporate behavioral science methodologies and insights. The purpose is to expand and scale up USAID’s incorporation of behavioral science in USAID/Egypt programming.

Q27. On page 26, Activity 26, USAID states, “The Contractor must organize logistics for the events, covering costs of non-USAID participants, providing a venue, facilitation and soliciting and organizing content (such as presentations, round table discussions, technical discussions, contests, networking opportunities etc.) from among participating stakeholders,” estimated to be a total of approximately 15 events over five years. Will USAID/Egypt provide the venue for all other in-person meetings, trainings, new CDCS stakeholder consultations, etc., or should these costs be included in the cost proposal, e.g., room rental, A/V equipment, water, coffee breaks for meetings lasting more than two hours, and meeting supplies?

Response: Those costs should be included in the cost proposal as per section H.3

Q28. Page 26 references a knowledge management portal or hub. Would USAID elaborate on aspects of this requirement? First, will this portal have direct data-exchange hooks into the Mission's DIS?

Response: It is not anticipated that the portal or system to have a direct data exchange hooks into the Mission DIS.

Section C.5.e

Q29. USAID’s concept in regard to the Mission of Leaders (page 27) is unclear. What is the Mission of Leaders, or is it composed of the Mission staff mentioned doing the Oversight? What does the MOL do, and where? Does it involve any non-Mission persons?

Response: Mission of Leaders and organizational development efforts involve USAID/Egypt Mission staff only. Mission of Leaders is an organizational development initiative to promote leadership behaviors among Mission Staff at all levels. Please refer to pages 11-13 of the RFP for additional background. The Oversight Committee is responsible for designing and overseeing organizational development activities planned under Mission of Leaders. The OC provides ongoing input for quality assurance and maximized tailoring to USAID/Egypt’s needs, and will continue to provide ongoing input on any planned sessions by the Facilitators under this component described in section C.5.e Organizational Development and Mission of Leaders (MOL). The activities described under this component is expected to lead to the following results:

• Enhance USAID/Egypt’s organizational culture, orienting current and in-coming

• staff into the Mission’s values and behavioral expectations, while encouraging

• ongoing organizational development;

• Increase staff effectiveness through deeper personal awareness of individual

• behaviors, and shared understanding of interpersonal and team dynamics;

• Strengthen leadership behaviors, skills and approaches of all staff, to exemplify

• USAID/Egypt’s desire to develop a “Mission of Leaders.”This includes, but is

• not limited to, the development of supervisory skills; and

• Support continuous Mission-wide strategic planning, communication, and

• operational improvement efforts.

Section E.

Q30. Section E.3.b., page 36 USAID states “DQAs must be conducted for all indicators and must be updated every three years or as needed whenever there are any modifications of indicators or a new implementer.” Does this also refer to any new subcontractors to new implementers?

Response: DQAs will cover the indicators of the activities, not subcontractors. However, they will cover data reported by subcontractors or grantees to the prime implementer. The DQAs will be conducted in accordance with ADS 201 requirements.

Section F.

Section F.6

Q31. Section F.6, page 39, shows the Deliverable Timetable expected under Egypt Learning Activity. Would USAID clarify if due dates expressed in days in the Deliverable Timetable are calendar days or work days?

Response: Calendar days.

Section F.7.b

Q32. Section F.7.b, page 40, Staffing Plan and Organizational Chart, USAID states that “Any subsequent changes to the Staffing Plan must be approved by the COR in writing.” Similarly, Pg.

49, Section F.8 Key Personnel, f. Additional Staffing Requirements states “Specific responsibilities and roles for these non-Key Personnel staff positions will be determined by the contractor, subject to approval by the USAID COR for this contract. Once it has been awarded, the exact staffing plan, consistent with the projected annual work plan, shall be subject to the discretion of the contractor, subject to approval by the COR.” To allow flexibility for the Offeror to amend the staffing plan and team roles and responsibilities in a responsive manner, would USAID consider loosening the approval requirements for non-KP positions by requiring informal consultation only with the COR and on significant staffing changes only?

Response: No, we are not changing this requirement.

Section F.7.c Q33. Section F.7.c, page 40, Annual Work Plan, USAID states “For the four subsequent years, the annual work plans will cover the period from October 1 through September 30 of the corresponding fiscal year, except that the final annual work plan covers the period from October 1, 2025 through the end of the period of performance.” Assuming the contract is awarded in 2022, at the earliest, the final annual work plan year would be for fiscal year 2026 or 2027. Will USAID consider removing the reference to year 2025?

Response: USAID will be using a fiscal year reporting schedule. We do anticipate that the project will end in 2027, therefore, the final workplan will cover the period of October 1, 2026 through the end date of the project in 2027. The RFP has been updated through this Amendment.

Q34. On page 41, Section F.7.c Annual Work Plan, USAID states that the contractor must prepare a separate, “stand-alone workplan for activities under the Organizational Development Component.” This deliverable is not included in the table on page 39, nor are due dates provided.

Would USAID please advise if the OD Workplan is a one-time submission or an annual submission, when is the OD workplan due, and can USAID please confirm that the offeror does not need to include a separate workplan for the OD component as part of Annex 1, Draft Implementation Plan?

Response: The OD workplan is an annual submission and will be part of the annual Implementation Plan submission. This will be due at the same time as the annual Implementation Plan. The offeror should plan to include a separate annex for the OD workplan as part of the Draft Implementation Plan with the proposal.

Section F.8

Q35. With regards to section “F.8 KEY PERSONNEL,” on pages 45-46, and 48, both the Senior Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and the Senior Monitoring Specialist have the same responsibility description that includes, “….will conduct Data Quality Analyses in accordance with ADS 201, lead/oversee the review of activity-level M&E plans, and work to ensure the quality and utility of performance monitoring data. This individual will also support the Field Monitors by reviewing reporting methods, carrying out training needs analyses, designing reporting tools, and advising technical offices on ways to improve field monitor performance.” Could USAID clarify the anticipated division of labor between these staff with regards to the stated tasks.

Response: The offerors are expected to propose this division of labor in the Management Approach based on their unique technical approach.

Q36. Section F.8 Key Personnel, e. Key Personnel Qualifications, page 47. The Senior Learning and Performance Management Advisor requirements include “Demonstrated Knowledge: Understanding of the economic, ecological, social, cultural, and political characteristics of Egypt context and development dynamics.” Would USAID accept a candidate who brings this knowledge of Egypt, regional or similar country context?

Response: USAID-Egypt will evaluate the qualifications of the proposed candidate in accordance with the desired qualifications for this Key Personnel position described in section F.8 p 47.

Q37. Section F.8 Key Personnel, pages 44-50, designates four key positions and provides narrative around other staffing requirements. In particular, Subsection f. Additional Staffing Requirements, lays out an estimated 6 core positions, while Subsection h. MOL Staffing and Prior Experience Needs inserts the new position of Organizational Development Team Lead (not mentioned elsewhere). Can USAID please clarify: a. The final anticipated level of core staff and other staff that must be included in the Technical Proposal, Staffing Plan Annexes, and Business Proposal; b. The overall total estimated Core and non-Core Staffing so that offerors can be accurate in their technical and cost proposals; c. Whether the OD Team Lead is seen as full time staff; and d. How offerors should interpret the final statement around successful proposals in F.8.h.: “The successful proposal, must demonstrate the best effort at the most reasonable cost emphasizing the following qualities:” Specifically, is this meant to apply solely to the Organizational Development Team Lead and if so, how it will be applied or does it have broader application to the Personnel under F.8 or the proposal overall?

Response:

• a. Offerors should propose the number of staff in accordance with their technical approach.

• b. See above.

• c. The Organizational Development (OD) Team Lead is not envisioned to be a full-time staff member. He /She will be supported by the Learning Advisor who can co lead the OD efforts.

• d. This applies to section F.8.

Q38. Section F.8 Key Personnel, f. Additional Staffing Requirements, page 48 outlines up to 6 additional core staff positions in addition to the 4 Key Personnel positions. Can Offerors expect that these 10 positions are the only ones in the Learning Activity project team or are Offers able to provide a flexible staffing structure according to their technical approach to carry out the scope of the project.

Response: Offerors should propose the number of staff in accordance with their unique technical approach.

Q39. For purposes of our budgeting, can USAID suggest the scale/frequency of the STTA anticipated from the bullets on page 49, such as vocational training and workforce development?

Response: The scale and frequency of short-term consultants is dependent on the demand for specific services. USAID/Egypt recommends that the offerors plan according to their previous experience conducting desk research on a specific related topic or their previous experience in conducting sectoral or cross cutting assessments.

Q40. Page 50 specifies experience with the Insights Discovery® Model. Does USAID intend to require application of this proprietary commercial tool or are offerors encouraged to discuss psychometric tools more generally?

Response: In order to maintain continuity of USAID/Egypt mission learning activities, we require the application of this proprietary tool.

Q41. With regards to section “h. MOL Staffing and Prior Experience Needs” on page 50, does the Mission anticipate that the “Organizational Development Team Lead” should be a full-time staff member located in Cairo?

Response: The Organizational Development Team Lead is not anticipated to be a full-time staff member located in Cairo. He/She will be supported by the Learning Advisor who can co-lead the OD efforts.

Q42. Section F.8 Key Personnel, h. MOL Staffing and Prior Experience Need, page 50. The Organizational Development Team Lead description requires “extensive past experience applying the Insights Discovery Model and possession or ability to obtain an Insights practitioner license is required.” Since only a small pool of candidates would qualify, would USAID consider an organizational development candidate who has the requisite expertise in other OD models?

Response: To ensure consistency and building on the current model, the position needs to have the Insights Discovery experience.

Section H.

Section H.3

Q43. Could USAID please clarify whether the Contractor staff will be expected to work out of the annex-based office or USAID/Egypt’s office? If staff are required to work in the USAID/Egypt Office, will USAID make exceptions for the non-USN Egypt Learning Activity staff to allow free movement in and out of the office? If USAID/Egypt Learning Activity staff are expected to work in the USAID/Egypt Office, will USAID or the Contractor be responsible for procuring laptops for staff for use within the office?

Response:

a. The contractor and contractor staff will be required to follow the Regional Security Office (RSO) access to the building requirements and badging rules. The Program Office will facilitate and coordinate access requests with the RSO.

b. Non-USN Egyptian Staff…