Sol_72061523R00012 Phase One Questions and Answers.pdf

USAID responses to questions related to Request for Proposals (RFP) Solicitation No. 72061523R00012 USAID Kenya Feed the Future Private Sector Activity

1. General Can USAID provide offerors with a start date for the USAID Kenya Feed the Future Private Sector Activity?

USAID Answer: USAID anticipates a start date of April 2024.

2. F.7 Key Personnel

F.7.1 General Requirements a) and f) (pages 24–25) state that “All key personnel must be…employed by the prime Contractor at the time of award” and that “Upon award, the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” Would USAID consider removing the requirement that key personnel candidates must be employed by the prime Contractor at the time of award if these candidates have signed letters of commitment to be available upon award?

USAID Answer: The statement in Section F.7.1. a) and f) is hereby amended to allow the Contractor to submit names, resumes and biodata of proposed Key Personnel for USAID review & approval prior to hiring.

3. L.6 Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal The discussion of private sector partnerships (page 76) highlights that one high-impact partnership must “mobilize health finance to advance health outcomes for rural/low-income populations.” Would USAID clarify whether it is using a specific definition of low-income in this context?

USAID Answer: Two-thirds of the Kenyan population lives in poverty below $3.20 per day and have since independence, meaning the majority of Kenyans, many of whom are women and girls, can be considered chronically vulnerable. There is a persistently large gap between the rich and poor, with approximately 70 percent of Kenyan families chronically vulnerable due to poor nutrition, food insecurity, and preventable diseases spanning generations.

4. The instructions (page 77) state that “The PWS must not exceed 20 pages excluding annexes.” Would USAID inform offerors what types of information are allowed in these annexes?

USAID Answer: Annexes are not required for Phase One, rather those Offerors invited to submit Phase Two proposals should plan to submit Annexes at that time. A list of those annexes is listed in Section L.7. Section L.6 has been amended to provide clarification on content required for Phase One proposals.

5. The instructions (page 77) state that “The cover page, table of contents, acronym list, executive summary and annexes are NOT included in the 20-page limitation.” Would USAID confirm that offerors should use the same guidance for the cover page, table of contents, acronym list, and executive summary that are provided in L.7 Phase Two – Instructions for the Preparation of the Phase Two Technical Proposal?

USAID Answer: Please find instructions for the Phase 2 proposals which have been updated and clarified in Section L.7.

6. The instructions (page 77) state that “Items such as graphs, charts, and tables may be used as appropriate” and that “The Phase One proposal must be written in English using Font 12 point/Arial.” Would USAID allow offerors to include items such as graphs, charts, and tables in a smaller font size if it is legible without magnification?

USAID Answer: Offerors may use not less than Font 10 point Arial for graphs, charts and tables. The RFP has been amended accordingly.

7. J.1.1 Introduction

This section (page 102) states that “It is currently estimated that 70% of the funding will be for agriculture and 30% will be for health and other sectors.” Would USAID clarify what type of health funding is currently anticipated (e.g., PEPFAR, maternal and child health), as this may impact Offerors’ strategies and proposed results within health activities?

USAID Answer: USAID anticipates a mix/blend of PEPFAR, maternal and child health funding

8. On page 22, Section F.4.12 of the RFP states that the fourth quarterly report will serve as an annual report.

However, Sections F.4.4 and F.5 do not note this distinction. Could USAID confirm whether the fourth quarterly report will serve as an annual report?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that the fourth quarterly report will serve as an annual report. The RFP has been amended in Section F.4.4 accordingly.

9. In Section F.7.1, the RFP states that “All key personnel must be full-time, located in Kenya, and employed by the prime Contractor at the time of award.” Based on our experience, staff employed in Kenya may be subject to a notice period of at least 30 days. Would USAID consider adjusting this clause to “All key personnel must be full-time, located in Kenya, and employed by the prime Contractor within 45 days of award.”

USAID Answer: The statement in Section F.7.1. a) and f) is hereby amended to allow the Contractor to submit

10. In Section F.7.1, the RFP states that “Upon award, the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” This contradicts L.7.5, which states that the Contractor must submit key personnel names within five days of award. Could USAID confirm that the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all key personnel no later than 10 days after award?

USAID Answer: The language in Section L.7.5 is hereby amended such that the submission deadline of names and CVs and biodata of proposed Key Personnel is 10 days after contract award.

11. On page 39, Section H.10 of the RFP limits offerors to administering one annual salary increase of not more than 3% to long-term expat project staff, and one annual salary increase of not more than 5% (including promotional increases) to TCN/CCN personnel, with amounts above this subject to contracting office approval. Would USAID consider removing the above-mentioned salary restriction from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation? AIDAR 752.7007 is incorporated in the contract under Section H.3 (page 51), which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold.

The salary restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

USAID Answer: This section has been revised in its entirety. Instead, it now conforms with recommended USAID policy per sections 722.170 (policy) and 752.7007 of the AIDAR.

12. Per Section H.10 of the RFP, “annual salary increases exceeding the maximum salary of the highest senior Foreign Service national position authorized under the U.S. Embassy Local Compensation Plan require the advance written approval of the Mission Director through the Contracting Officer.” Would USAID consider removing the above-mentioned salary restriction from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR

752.7007 Personnel Compensation? AIDAR 752.7007 is incorporated in the contract under Section H.3 (page 51), which stipulates that personnel compensation be in accordance with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The salary restriction above may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.7007.

USAID Answer: This section has been revised in its entirety. Instead, it now conforms with recommended USAID policy per sections 722.170 (policy) and 752.7007 of the AIDAR.

13. Section H.14(g), Environmental Compliance Requirements, notes that the Kenya Market Systems PDD IEE covers the Private Sector Activity and expires on October 31, 2027. However, Section J does not include this IEE in the list of attachments. Would USAID kindly provide the IEE attachment?

USAID Answer: Yes. The IEE has been added as an attachment via an amendment to the RFP as Attachment No.

J.5.

14. The RFP indicates that grants under contract are envisioned; however, the specific authorizing language is not included in Section H of the RFP. Could USAID kindly incorporate the GUC authorizing language from ADS 302 into Section H of the RFP (ADS 302.3.5.6 and ADS 302.3.4.13)?

USAID Answer: The authorizing language to incorporate Grants under Contracts has been added to Section H of the RFP.

15. Section I.5 of the RFP notes that a Letter of Credit will be provided to the successful offeror. Could USAID please clarify whether this Letter of Credit would apply to all costs under the contract, or will be limited in scope (e.g., to grant costs only)?

USAID Answer: Provisions related to Letter of Credit in the original solicitation in Sections I.5 and I. 6 (Forms related to LOC) have been deleted via the amendment to the RFP.

16. Could USAID provide the draft award fee evaluation plan for this contract, so that offerors can take the details under consideration when crafting an award fee distribution plan?

USAID Answer: Please refer to Section L.8.2 m. “Award Fee” - Award Fee Evaluation Plans will be developed by the Offeror.

17. On page 77, Section L.7 (a) 2 of the RFP states that technical proposals should be written in English using 12-point Arial font. Would USAID consider allowing offerors to use a smaller font, such as a legible 9-point font, for graphics, tables, and text boxes in the technical proposal?

USAID Answer: Offerors may use not less than Font 10 point Arial for graphs, charts and tables. The RFP has

18. Page 85 states that “Escalation factors proposed for labor categories identified in Section H.3 of the RFP must not exceed the limitations therein.” H.3 includes geographical code information and does not discuss labor categories. Could USAID confirm that the cited sentence is an error and should be disregarded?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that this sentence is an error and should be disregarded. It has been deleted via an amendment to the RFP.

19. We understand that offerors are expected to complete the fee distribution table found in Section B.8 with the proposed award fee evaluation periods and amounts per period. The RFP includes the following guidance regarding the fee distribution schedule:

● “Percentage of fee proposed for each deliverable must be commensurate with the level of effort required for successful accomplishment of the results.” (Pages 89 and 92)

● “USAID will also review the fee distribution schedule, which must be commensurate with the level of effort required for the successful completion of the results.” (Page 100)

Given that this is not a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for which payment of fee will be made on the basis of completed deliverables or level of effort delivered, could USAID confirm that the clauses cited above should be disregarded?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that these two sentences are errors and should be disregarded. They have been deleted via an amendment to the RFP. See Page 102 of the amendment which now has language related to award fee.

20. Does USAID envision that the Private Sector Activity will provide implementation support to the credit guarantee schemes supported by the Kenya Investment Mechanism project?

USAID Answer: Yes.

21. Section L.4 and M.2.1 - L.4 states that offerors will have a minimum of 30 days between the advisory notification and the Phase 2 submission; however, Section M.2.1 states that offerors will have a minimum of 45 days. Could USAID confirm the timeline between the advisory notification and submission?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that offerors will have a minimum of 30 days and not 45 days to prepare and submit Phase Two proposals. The language is Section M.2.1. has been updated accordingly via an amendment to

22. F.7.1 (p. 24) USAID states: “All key personnel must be full-time, located in Kenya, and employed by the prime

Contractor at the time of award.” By “employed by the Contractor at the time of award” does USAID intend that the Contractor only propose current employees to fill key personnel positions? The opportunity to source and propose individuals not currently employed by the Contractor would allow the contractor to propose the best qualified CCN individuals, irrespective of their current employment status with the Contractor.

USAID Answer: The statement in Section F.7.1. a) and f) is hereby amended to allow the Contractor to submit

23. In F.7.1 (p. 25) USAID states: “Upon award, the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” However, in L.7.5 (p. 80), USAID also states: “…the Offeror must certify that the names and CVs of personnel to fill these key roles will be submitted by the Offeror for Contracting Officer approval within five business days of the date of award.” Will USAID please confirm that the Offeror must submit names and resumes/CVs of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award?

USAID Answer: The language in Section L.7.5 is hereby amended such that the submission deadline is 10 days after contract award.

24. J.1.6. (p. 109) If the new jobs target includes both on-farm and off-farm jobs, please clarify how to distinguish between a new smallholder farmer that has been engaged in an outgrower scheme and the FTE job created by this engagement?

USAID Answer: A smallholder farmer engaged in an outgrower scheme should be included in “the number of additional smallholder farmers engaged/benefitting from USG assistance.” The new jobs target should include new formal FTEs created at a firm-level.

25. L.6. (76) In the section on Private Sector Partnerships, please describe how Offerors should describe the three strategic partnership examples using the language of mandatory obligation. Can USAID please clarify if these partnerships are intended to be contractual obligations to be included in Section C of the resulting contract, or are these partnerships intended to be provided as examples of the types of partnerships the Contractor will explore after award?

USAID Answer: Strategic partnerships the contractor will explore after award.

26. L.4(h) (p.73) How much time after the invitation to Phase Two will offerors have to prepare their Phase Two proposals?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that offerors will have a minimum of 30 days and not 45 days to prepare and submit Phase Two proposals. The language is Section M.2.1. will be updated accordingly via an amendment to

27. L.5(c) (p.74) Would USAID consider allowing offerors a second question/clarification period for Phase Two?

USAID Answer: Yes. There will be an opportunity for those offerors invited to participate in Phase 2 to ask questions and clarifications. Section L.7 has been amended to insert this language.

28. L.6 (p.76) Because some of the information required for the PWS cannot be presented in language of mandatory obligation (e.g., context/background, some elements of approach, sample partnerships), would USAID consider allowing offerors to present some elements of Factor 1 that would precede a Performance Work Statement section?

USAID Answer: No. Offerors are instructed to follow requirements stipulated in the RFP.

29. L.6 (p.77) The instructions for Phase One do not mention a cover letter whereas the instructions for Phase Two do (L.7.1). May offerors submit a cover letter for Phase One that does not count toward the 20-page limit?

USAID Answer: Section L.6 has been amended to provide clarification on content required for Phase One proposals.

30. L.6 (p.77) USAID states that Annexes are excluded from the 20-page limit, however L.6 does not list any required annexes for Phase One. Will USAID please confirm that no annexes are required for Phase 1?

USAID Answer: Annexes are not required for Phase One, rather those Offerors invited to submit Phase Two proposals should plan to submit Annexes at that time. A list of those annexes is listed on Page 78.

31. L.6 (p.77) May offerors use a different, smaller font for graphics, textboxes, and tables?

USAID Answer: Offerors may use not less than Font 10 point Arial for graphs, charts and tables. The RFP has

32. L.7(a)2. (p.77–78). Would USAID kindly remove the phrase “and the page limitation will be calculated by the total number of pages of the entire PDF” since the following paragraph (3.) indicates that some elements that do not count toward the 10-page limit?

USAID Answer: USAID agrees to delete this section as requested in an amendment to the RFP to avoid confusion.

33. L.7.1 (p.78) Please confirm that offerors and their major subcontractors should present their UEI numbers rather than DUNS numbers.

USAID Answer: Correct. USAID confirms that Offerors should present their UEI numbers and not their DUNS numbers. This has been updated via an amendment to the RFP.

34. L.7.7 (p.80) (and Attachment J.3) Please confirm that offerors should use the format of the Past Performance

Matrix as provided to us (that is, use the template font, font size, and margins).

USAID Answer: Offerors may elect to change the layout of the matrix while still presenting all the required information under the listed subheadings.

35. L7.7.2 (p.81) As the information required in this section is included in the matrix template (J3), can USAID please confirm that offerors should provide this information in the matrix template and that it is not necessary to provide this information again outside of the template format?

USAID Answer: Yes. Offerors may elect to change the layout of the matrix while still presenting all the required

36. L.8.2 Part 2 (p.84) An illustrative budget is provided; will USAID provide an official budget template for the cost proposal and subcontract budgets in Phase II?

USAID Answer: No official budget template will be provided for Phase 2 proposals, the illustrative budget was provided to serve as a general guide. Also, please note that cost proposals/budgets are not required for Phase One but only for Phase Two proposals.

37. For project planning purposes, could USAID please provide an anticipated start date for the Activity?

USAID Answer: USAID anticipates a start date of April 2024.

38. Page 39, Section H.10- The RFP states that Consultants should be considered as Subcontractors. However, in the Illustrative Budget Template in Attachment J.2. and Cost Proposal instructions in Section L, Consultants is listed as a separate cost category. Could USAID please confirm that we should follow the format of the Attachment J.2 and keep it as a separate category?

USAID Answer: Offerors should keep consultants as a separate budget category.

39. Page 40, Section H.12- Could USAID please provide a copy of the referenced USAID/KEA VAT Guidance?

USAID Answer: A copy of the referenced USAID/KEA VAT Guidance is included as Attachment J.6.

40. Page 82, Section L.8- Section L instructs bidders to only include budget details, budget narrative, consent to subcontract, etc. for major subcontractors. Could USAID please confirm that offerors will not be excluded from also including budget details and cost proposal documentation for non-major subcontractors, if the offeror determines that approval upon award of all subcontracts will be beneficial and will expedite the start-up phase?

USAID Answer: Offerors are advised to adhere to the instructions as stipulated in the RFP.

41. Page 83, Section L.8.2- The illustrative budget template included on this page is slightly different from the

Illustrative Budget Details Excel template that is included in Attachment J.2. The order of the cost categories is different and there is no Participant Training category in the Excel version. Could USAID please confirm which is the correct format?

USAID Answer: Offerors should follow the order of cost categories as listed out in the narrative in Section L.8.2 “Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices/Budget” as the correct format/content required. Offerors may choose to include Participant Training (if applicable) in their excel budgets during Phase Two proposal stage.

42. Page 85, Section L.8.2- Given that salary history is no longer considered when establishing a candidate’s rate, could USAID please remove this language from the RFP and replace it with “market data”? The RFP would then read: “consideration of the individual's education, relevant work experience and the most recent market data”.

USAID Answer: USAID agrees that in accordance with the latest Form AID 1420-17: Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet, salary history is no longer considered when setting compensation. Offerors should instead follow the instructions in the form in “Box. 16 Rationale for Proposed Salary” when justifying their basis for salary.

43. Page 88, Section L.8.2- If a subcontractor does not have a NICRA, but has charged the 10% de minimis rate on previous USG subawards and can certify this is their consistent practice, would it be acceptable to charge 10% as an indirect rate on this subcontract? If yes, would major subcontractors still need to supply the additional financial documents as requested in the RFP?

USAID Answer: Offerors should comply with instructions in this section as requested in the RFP.

44. Page 90, Section L.8.3- Could USAID please provide a copy of the SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities? There is a reference to Attachment J11, which is not included in the RFP.

USAID Answer: Offerors are instructed to use the Standard Forms available at the GSA Forms Library titled “SF LLL Disclosure of Lobbying Activities” last revised on 07/1997. The RFP has been amended to include these instructions.

45. Page 90, Section L.8.5- Could USAID please confirm that just the Small Business Subcontracting Plan should be included in the Cost Proposal, and just the Small Business Participation Plan should be included in the Technical Proposal?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan should be included in the Cost Proposal, while the Small Business Participation Plan should be included in the Technical Proposal as an Annex.

The RFP has been amended accordingly in Section L.8.5.

46. Page 107, Section J.1.4- The RFP states “Activities in other technical sectors can take place throughout Kenya based on mission priorities.” Should the offeror set aside budget in the proposal for other technical sectors now or does USAID anticipate there will be additional funding added to this Activity at a later stage during implementation?

USAID Answer: It is estimated that 30% of the funding will go toward health and other sectors. The offeror should budget accordingly.

47. Could USAID please provide a copy of the most recent Local Compensation Plan for Kenya?

USAID Answer: To assist Offerors in their submission of local technical assistance hourly rates, the following base rate information regarding the Kenya LCP is provided (based on a 40-hour work-week):

Lowest Professional Annual Rate: KES 2,152,002 (Grade 8 – Administrative Professional) Highest Professional Annual Rate: KES 15,948,384 (Grade 13)

48. For budgeting purposes, could USAID please confirm what exchange rate should be used when converting local currency?

USAID Answer: Offerors should use the prevailing exchange rate as provided by the Central Bank of Kenya.

49. Attachment J.2 Illustrative Budget Template-

a. Could USAID please confirm that Fringe Benefits belong in CLIN 004- ODCs?

USAID Answer: USAID recommends that fringe benefits belong to CLIN 004 ODCs.

b. The Consultant cost category is missing from the “Summary Budget by CLIN” calculations. Could USAID please confirm where this should be captured?

USAID Answer: USAID recommends that Consultants belong to CLIN 004 ODCs.

c. Would USAID please allow the offeror to use its own budget format as long as the cost categories and order matches the template provided?

USAID Answer: Yes. Offerors are free to use their own budget format or templates as long as the budget categories as listed in Section L.8.2 “Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices/Budget” are followed. The budget template provided only serves as an illustrative guide.

d. Is the offeror allowed to add additional tabs to the template to allow for further breakdown of certain costs like Travel and Events?

USAID Answer: Yes. Offerors are free to use their own budget format or templates as long as the budget categories as listed in Section L.8.2 “Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices/Budget” are followed. The budget template provided only serves as an illustrative guide.

e. Would USAID allow the offeror to adjust what is included in each cost category to allow for slight differences according to each organization’s own standard accounting practices? For example, if the offeror typically categorizes local staff benefits as an ODC, rather than a Fringe Benefit.

USAID Answer: Yes. Offerors are free to use their own budget format or templates and own accounting practices as long as the budget categories as listed in L.8.2 “Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices/Budget” are followed. The budget template provided only serves as an example/guide.

50. Please confirm that a font other than Arial 12pt may be used for graphs, charts, tables, and call-out boxes in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 proposals, provided that these elements are legible without magnification.

USAID Answer: Offerors may use not less than Font 10 point Arial for graphs, charts and tables. The RFP has

51. Page 78, Section L.7.a.4 states “Information submitted beyond the 10 pages and beyond the referenced Annexes will not be evaluated.” We interpret this to mean that USAID will accept only the enumerated annexes.

However, Section L.7.b states “NOTE: Offerors will determine the type of information to be submitted as annexes to their technical proposal in response to the instructions provided in the RFP. The list provided above is not all-inclusive.” This appears to allow Offerors flexibility to submit additional annexes.

f. Please confirm that Section L.7.a.4 is referring to Phase 1 submissions, and Section L.7.b is referring to Phase 2.

g. Please confirm that USAID has not requested any annexes to be submitted with Phase 1.

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that annexes are not required for Phase One, rather those Offerors invited to submit Phase Two proposals should plan to submit Annexes at that time. Please refer to Section L.6 and L.7 of the amendment to the RFP for revised instructions clarifying requirements for each phase.

52. Page 81, Section L.7.7.3 requires submission of past performance for both the prime and major subs (if any). It also states “If a CPAR is available for a contract being provided as a past performance reference, Offerors must include a copy of the most recently completed CPAR record for the referenced award as an annex to their proposal (not included in the page limit).” Given that CPARs are considered Source Selection material (and therefore cannot be shared outside the Government), please confirm that subcontractors may submit CPARs directly to USAID.

USAID Answer: As requested in Section L.7.7. in the introductory paragraph, Offerors must provide past performance information for itself and each major subcontractor.

53. Since offers will be submitted electronically, please confirm that USAID will accept signatures applied electronically – including in cases where an “original” signature is referenced (such as the SF 33 in the cost volume).

USAID Answer: Yes, electronic signatures are acceptable.

54. Section L.7.5 states “...the Offeror must certify that the names and CVs of [Key] personnel …will be submitted

…for Contracting Officer approval within five business days of …award;” while Section F.7.1.f states “…the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” Please confirm that the submission deadline will be 10 days after contract award.

USAID Answer: The language in Section L.7.5 is hereby amended such that the submission deadline is 10 days after contract award.

55. Please confirm that Offerors will have another opportunity to ask questions between Phase 1 advisory notice distribution and the due date for Phase 2 proposals.

USAID Answer: Yes. There will be an opportunity for those offerors invited to participate in Phase Two to ask questions and clarifications. The RFP has been amended accordingly.

56. Section F.7.2.C states that Offeror’s should propose the amount and nature of short-term expatriate, local staff, and local consultants to implement their proposal effectively. Please confirm that responses to these requirements should be placed within the Staffing Plan Matrix in Annex 1.

USAID Answer: Yes

57. We note that Attachment J.3 (Past Performance Information) will be difficult to read if it is printed or converted to a PDF file from its current format. In order to comply with USAID’s preference for a single file for each volume of the proposal (page 75), please confirm that Offerors may elect to either:

h. Change the layout of the matrix while still presenting all required information; OR

i. Submit the matrix formatted for 11x17-inch paper.

USAID Answer: Offerors may elect to change the layout of the matrix while still presenting all the required

58. Please confirm that the font size requirements for the technical proposal sections do NOT apply to the Past Performance Information table in Attachment J.3.

USAID Answer: The font size requirements apply to the Past Performance Table as well.

59. Page 109, J.1.6 Results states “The Offeror should propose ambitious but achievable targets for the following indicators.” Please confirm that USAID is referring only to the four indicators noted above the heading “Prospective indicators” and those indicators below are for illustrative purposes only and do not need targets assigned as part of the proposal submission.

USAID Answer: The Offeror should propose targets for the four indicators listed:

● Number of new jobs created

● Amount of new sales/exports

● Amount of new financing mobilized in targeted sectors (agriculture and health)

● Number of additional smallholder farmers engaged/benefitting from USG assistance

The Offeror does not need to provide targets for the other ‘Prospective indicators’.

60. Page 18, Section F.4.2, Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) Due Date. The RFP states, “The Contractor will submit the draft AMELP no later than 60 days following Contract award.” However, on page 22, Section F.4.12, the Summary Table of Reports and Deliverables lists the due date of the draft AMELP as “Submitted for USAID approval within ninety (60) days after award.”

Question: Can USAID confirm that the due date for the draft AMELP is ninety (90) days?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that the due date for the draft AMELP is 60 days. The RFP has been amended accordingly.

61. Page 25, F.7.1 (f), Key Personnel. The RFP states, “the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” However, on page 80, Section L.7.5, Other Key Personnel Roles, Responsibilities and Qualifications, the RFP states, “the Offeror must certify that the names and CVs of personnel to fill these key roles will be submitted by the Offeror for Contracting Officer approval within five business days of the date of award.”

Question: Can USAID confirm that the Offeror must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award?

USAID Answer: The language in Section L.7.5 is hereby amended such that the submission deadline is 10 days after contract award, and should include biodata.

62. Page 25, F.7.1 (f), Key Personnel. The RFP states, “the Contractor must submit names and resumes of all Key Personnel no later than ten (10) days after award.” However, the RFP does not specify if, and by when, the biodatas for all Key Personnel must be submitted.

Question: Can USAID confirm that the Offeror must submit biodatas of all Key Personnel within ten (10) business days of award?

USAID Answer: The language in Section F.7.1. is hereby amended such that the submission deadline is 10 days after contract award, and should include biodata.

63. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “The Phase One Proposal must be written […] using Font 12 point/Arial.”

Question: Can USAID confirm that these instructions refer to the minimum size of regular text, and that 9-point Arial font is acceptable for graphics, tables, charts, and text boxes?

USAID Answer: Offerors may use not less than Font 10 point Arial for graphs, charts and tables. The RFP has

64. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “The

Phase One proposal must be written […] using […] standard margins.”

Question: Can USAID confirm that ‘standard margins’ refer to margins no less than one inch on each border on 8.5” x 11” paper?

USAID Answer: Correct. USAID confirms that ‘standard margins’ refers to margins no less than one inch on each border on 8.5” x 11” paper. The RFP has been amended accordingly.

65. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “The PWS must not exceed 20 pages excluding annexes.” However, no annexes are specified for the Phase One proposal.

Question: Can USAID confirm that the Offeror should not submit any annexes as part of the Phase One Proposal?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that Offerors should not submit annexes as part of the Phase One Proposal.

66. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “The cover page, table of contents, acronym list, executive summary, and annexes are not included in the 20-page limitation.” The RFP also includes detailed instructions on the content and page limits for the Phase Two cover letter (L.7.1), table of contents (L.7.2), acronym list (L.7.3), and executive summary (L.7.4) on pages 78-79.

However, similar instructions are not included in the Phase One – Instructions for the Phase One cover page, table of contents, acronym list, or executive summary.

Question: Can USAID provide details on the expected content and page limitations for the Phase One cover page, table of contents, acronym list, and executive summary?

USAID Answer: Annexes are not required for Phase One, rather those Offerors invited to submit Phase Two proposals should plan to submit Annexes at that time. Section L.7.6. has been updated to include requirements for Phase One Proposals.

67. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “In drafting the PWS, Offerors are required to utilize language of mandatory obligation (“the Contractor must”, instead of “will,” “should,” or “may.”) The words “will” and “shall” are commonly interpreted to be a contractually obligated requirement, while “should” or “may” are suggestions.

Question: Would USAID consider revising the statement to “In drafting the PWS, Offerors are required to utilize language of mandatory obligation (“the Contractor must”, “will” or “shall,” instead of “should” or “may.”) USAID Answer: The statement has been revised via an amendment to update the language of mandatory obligation as proposed.

68. Page 77, Section L.6, Phase One – Instructions for Preparation of the Phase One Proposal. The RFP states, “Offerors must not include any language that is proposal specific.”

Question: Can USAID please confirm that not including any “proposal-specific” language refers to not using the phrase “We propose” in the PWS? Or does it refer to the inclusion of explanatory graphics, text boxes with evidence, and tables that would normally be included in a typical proposal?

USAID Answer: As stated in the instructions, the PWS will be inserted in its entirety into Section C of the contract, so Offerors must state what they will do to meet the government's requirements.

69. Page 78, Section L.7 (a) 3, Phase Two – Instructions for the Preparation of the Phase Two Technical Proposal.

The RFP lists in L.7 (a) 3 that the Offeror should provide “The Cover letter, cover page…” among other sections.

However, L.7 (b) 1 and L.7.1 only mention and provide guidance for a Cover Letter. In addition, the L.7.1 Cover Letter requirements are similar to what would typically be understood as a Cover Page.

Question: Can USAID confirm that for Phase Two, the Offeror is required to submit only a Cover Page (not a Submittal Letter), following the instructions detailed under L.7.1 Cover Letter on page 78?

USAID Answer: Section L.6 and L.7 have been revised via an amendment to clarify requirements for each Phase.

70. Page 78, Section L.7.1 Cover Letter, and Page 90, Section L.8.3 Part 3 – Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors. The RFP page 78 requires the DUNS numbers of the Offeror and major subcontractors to be identified in the cover letter of the technical proposal. Similarly, the RFP page 90 requires the Offer to certify that it has obtained a DUNS number and is registered in CCR. Could USAID confirm that instead of DUNS numbers, the Offeror and major subcontractors should identify their UEI numbers, and Offerors should confirm that they are registered in SAM, not CCR?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that Offerors should present their UEI numbers and not their DUNS numbers as well as confirm that they are registered in SAM, not CCR. This has been updated via an amendment to the RFP.

71. Page 98, Section M.2.1 Advisory Evaluation Factor – Phase One. The RFP states, “Offerors will have at least 45 days from the notification to prepare and submit Phase Two proposals.” However, on page 73, Section L.4 (h) 3, General Instructions to Offerors, it states “USAID/KEA’s Phase One response notifications will include a deadline for the submission of Phase Two proposals, which will be a minimum of 30 days from the date of notification.”

Question: Can USAID confirm that the Offerors will have at least 45 days from the notification to submit Phase Two proposals?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that offerors will have a minimum of 30 days and not 45 days to prepare and submit Phase Two proposals. The language is Section M.2.1. will be updated accordingly via an amendment to

72. Page 99, Section M.3 (d) #1-6. The RFP includes six (6) sub-factors for evaluation of past performance. However, on page 81, Section L.7.7 4 (c), USAID includes a seventh (7th) sub-factor, “(i) Quality of product or service, including consistency in meeting goals and targets.”

Question: Can USAID confirm this seventh sub-factor will be utilized to evaluate the past performance factor?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that evaluation of past performance will include only six (6) subfactors to correspond with the evaluation factors listed in FAR 42.1503 (b)(2). The RFP has been amended accordingly in Section L.7.7.4 (c)

73. Page 106, Section J.1.3, SOO - Purpose. The RFP provides the names of previous and current USAID programming in Kenya that this activity will build on.

Question: Can USAID ensure recent key documents, such as annual reports and evaluations, of KCDMS and LMS are uploaded to the DEC?

USAID Answer: We have requested the respective USAID implementing partners for the KCDMS and LMS activities to upload their latest annual reports into the DEC. Currently, KCDMS annual reports from 2018-21 are in there, as well as LMS reports from 2020.

74. Page 6, B.6 and page 87, L.8.2.3.k. The RFP states, “Offers and all major subcontractors may propose lower overhead rates than their established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement”.

Question: Could USAID confirm that Offerors are not required to propose ceiling indirect cost rates?

USAID Answer: As instructed in the RFP, the prime and all major subcontractors may propose lower overhead rates than their established Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) and sign the letter found in ADS 300, Mandatory Reference for Best Practices Guide for Indirect Costing.

75. Page 39, H.10(e) Annual Salary increases. The RFP states, “U.S. staff (including expats): Annual salary increases (e.g., cost of living, merit, promotion increase, or any other type) of not more than 3% may be granted, once per annum.”

Question: We respectfully request to exempt from the 3% annual salary increase limitation those U.S. Staff who will allocate their time between various activities of the organization and not be engaged 100% on the solicited project. Compensation levels for these staff (including Annual Salary Increases (ASIs) are determined in accordance with the established compensation plan and policies with the consideration of prevailing compensation in the market; such cap would impair consistent application of such policies.

USAID Answer: The original Section H language concerning compensation has been revised in its entirety.

Instead, it now conforms with recommended USAID policy per sections 722.170 (policy) and 752.7007 of the

AIDAR.

76. Page 5, Section B.4 Budget. Both Base Fee and Award Fee have CLIN 6 under the Contract Line Item column.

Question: Can USAID please confirm that CLIN 6 for Award Fee should be CLIN 7?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that the Award Fee CLIN should be 007.

77. Page 89, Section L.8.2 Part 2(m). This section states “The Contractor must propose a fee distribution schedule for review and approval by USAID. Percentage of fee proposed for each deliverable must be commensurate with the level of effort required for successful accomplishment of the results.”

Question: Considering payment of award fee is based on performance instead of deliverables, and “commensurate with the contractor’s overall cost, schedule, and technical performance as measured against contract requirements in accordance with the criteria stated in the award-fee plan,” could USAID remove this paragraph? If not, could USAID please confirm offerors are not required to submit an award fee schedule by LOE for each objective/results?

USAID Answer: Please refer to the answer to Question No. 19. USAID confirms that these sentences referring to fees for “deliverables” are errors and should be disregarded. They have been deleted via an amendment to the

RFP.

78. Page 102, Section J.1.1., SOO - Introduction. The RFP states, “It currently estimated that 70% of the funding will be for agriculture and 30% will be for health and other sectors.”

Question: Can USAID confirm the funding breakdown of 70% for agriculture and 30% for health and other sectors is applicable to the GUC plug figure of $20M?

USAID Answer: USAID confirms that the breakdown of funding should be 70% for agriculture and 30% for health and other sectors is applicable to the GUC plug figure of $20M?

79. Referring to bullet No.10 on "Annex 1: Synthesis of relevant recommendations from USAID/KEA's FtF 3.0 Gender Analysis" i.e. "Given that service the industry is predicted to generate growth in the future, increase women's productivity and value addition in key service sectors", kindly clarify what the key service sectors are referred to, with respect to Agriculture and Health sector given the RFP subject focus is Agriculture and Health.

USAID Answer: Annex 1 includes a list of general recommendations from USAID/KEA’s FtF 3.0 Gender Analysis.

The Analysis does not detail or prescribe specific service sectors.