SOL-176-14-000006-01_Amendment_and_Question_Responses.pdf

Annex I - Questions and Answers

1. On page 88 of the RFP, USAID states that Offerors can propose up to 7 of the objectives outlined for Uzbekistan (based on feasibility issues, etc.). Is there a minimum package of services that USAID expects?

There is no minimum package of services for UZ. All proposed activities should be based as stated in the solicitation (p.88) "taking into account feasibility issues, operating environment, and as a strategy for maximizing potential impact"

2. On page 99 of the RFP, USAID states the order of importance in which the proposal will be evaluated. Is there a point system?

Pursuant to FAR 15.304(d) the relative importance of all factors and significant subfactors are stated in Section M. Please review this section for this information.

3. Does USAID expect the Offeror to have regional staff be based in Almaty?

There is no requirement for regional staff or a regional office based in Almaty. Please refer to Section L. 8 the RFP, specifically on page 89 regarding the Management Plan and the Personnel Plan, for USAID's specific instructions.

4. Please clarify if Security Cost is an allowable cost item under this project.

Please review the following cost principle guidance as it is relevant for your organization to determine the allowability of specific costs: FAR part 31 (For-Profits), 2 CFR 230 (Non-Profits), 2 CFR 220 (Educational Institutions).

5. Please clarify if the "Activity Management Plan" and the "Management Plan" are both sections within the technical and are counted towards the 20 page limit.

Per Section L. 8(c), the 5-year Activity Management/Implementation Plan is not included in the page limitation. Management Plan, meanwhile, is included in the page limit. Both should be included in the Technical Proposal, although the 5-year Activity Management/Implementation Plan may be submitted as an annex.

6. Please clarify if the DRAFT PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION PLAN should be included in the technical section or within the annex.

The draft Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan may be submitted as an annex to the Technical Proposal.

7. Please clarify if both a "cover page' and a "title page' are the same.

Cover page and title page may be different in that the cover page may include a cover letter. Should either or both be included, they should not exceed a single page and neither will count towards the page limit.

8. Assuming that an Offeror were to have one of Country Directors as COP, would that person be required to report to the COR at the USAID mission in one of the countries and also the COR in the Mission based in Almaty? How will USAID ensure communication between the mission staff in each of the countries and the regional Mission?