Amendment_No._2-Q&A-RFP.IDIQ.NCRP.SOL-367-17-000003.pdf

11AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

11. CONTRACT ID CODE I PA~E OF PAGES

I

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4 . REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 15. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

02 03/27/2017

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE I Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) U.S. Agency for International DevelopmenUNepal U.S. Agency for International DevelopmenUNepal

G.P.O. Box 295, U.S. Embassy, Maharajgung Kathmandu, Nepal

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number. street, county, Stale and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOL-367-17-000003

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

03/15/2017

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBE

D

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE I FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

~ The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers 0 is extended. ~ is not extended.

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 items 8 and 15. and returning 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 solici tation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT 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.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

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

D

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

D B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

D C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORT ANT: Contractor D is not D is required to sign this document and return _ ___ _ copies to the issuing office.

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

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Make changes to portions of the solicitation, the changes are highlighted in the revised solicitation document.

2. Provide answers in response to questions submitted for this solicitation (Questions - Round One).

Continued on page 2 ...

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 1 OA, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

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

Suhaib Khan

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

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

R

Previous edition unusable STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

SOL-367-17-000003

Amendment 02

The solicitation is hereby amended as follows:

1. DELETE Section C.7.4 Quality Control Program in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“C.7.4 Quality Control Program

The Contractor’s Quality Control Program (QCP) is a mandatory and integral component of the construction activities, and must be developed prior to commencing any construction or rehabilitation activities. The Contractor must develop a QCP for the work involved, and it must be submitted to the A-E Firm for review, and to USAID for approval, before proceeding with any construction activities.

The Contractor is responsible for quality control and for the development and maintenance of an effective QCP that is in compliance with all TO quality requirements. The QCP must consist of the plans and procedures necessary to produce an end product that complies with the TO requirements. The QCP must cover all construction related activities under the TO, both onsite and offsite, and must be keyed to the proposed operations sequence. The designated TO Quality Control Manager will responsible for the quality of work performed under the TO.”

2. Section F.6.1.(a) has been revised to remove the requirement for bid bonds. Accordingly, DELETE Section F.6.1.(a) General in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“(a) General

1. To obtain services or other deliverables that are within the scope of this IDIQ contract, the TOCO may issue orders using any of the pricing types specified in the contract.

2. The TOCO must issue the Request for Task Order Proposals (RFTOP) to the following prime Contractors under this IDIQ:

TBD

3. Contractors must respond to the RFTOP within the number of calendar days stated in the RFTOP.

4. No separate payment will be made to the contractor for the cost to prepare, submit and/or negotiate a TO proposal.

5. The Contractor must not commence work until a signed TO is issued and the Contractor is authorized by the TOCO.

6. TOs under this IDIQ will be competed and awarded in accordance with FAR Part 36.2, Special Aspects of Contracting for Construction and FAR Part 14, Sealed Bidding.

7. Performance bonds (or other form of bank guarantee deemed acceptable by USAID), in the amount of 20% of the total TO price (unless otherwise stated in the individual TO), will be required for each TO issued by USAID. The performance bond (or other bank guarantee) must be submitted for approval to the TOCO within 15 days (unless otherwise stated in the individual TO) of award of a TO. Commencement of construction is contingent upon approval of required bonds or guarantees.

All USAID/Nepal Mission Contracting Officers (includes Mission Director and Executive Officer) may issue TOs within their delegated authorities to provide desired services within the scope of Section C and the terms and conditions of this IDIQ. The IDIQ Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) must review the prospective TO requirement or statement of work (SOW).

TOCOs must negotiate and administer TOs in accordance with the ordering procedures set forth herein.

The TOCO must provide each Contractor a fair opportunity to be considered for each TO (also referred to as "order") exceeding $3,500 issued under this contract unless one of the exceptions described in paragraph (b) Fair Opportunity Exceptions, applies. All Contractors (or all Contractors designated under a specific sector) must be contacted and provided the opportunity to be considered before award of all TOs. Although Contractors are not required to submit a proposal for every TO request, all Contractors interested in providing services under the TO must submit a proposal, inclusive of price.”

3. An addition has been made to Section F. Accordingly, ADD Section F.9 Subcontracting Consent as follows:

“F.9 SUBCONTRACTING CONSENT

The subcontractors listed below are approved subcontractors under this IDIQ as of the date of this award.

After award date, the addition of new subcontractors must be made in accordance with FAR 52.244-2.

The list of approved subcontractors is as follows:

TBD”

4. Section L.6.5 has been revised. See USAID/Nepal response to question No. 7.

5. DELETE Section L.7.11.b.i Quality management plan in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“i. Quality management plan: The Offeror’s plan must describe the quality management approach for construction activities under multiple TOs under the IDIQ and multiple projects under a TO, including the following:

• How the Offeror proposes to separate construction Quality Control (QC) responsibilities between the prime Contractor and any subcontractors, or how QC responsibilities are separated among members of a joint venture or other partnership.

• How the Offeror’s proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) prevent or mitigate potential conflicts of interest between QC and Construction Teams.”

6. Section L.8.7 Price Narrative has been revised to remove the requirement for rate analysis.

Accordingly, DELETE Section L.8.7 in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“7. The Price Narrative must provide sufficient information to support the proposed prices and to enable the Government to perform a price realism analysis. The Offeror’s Price Proposal must be based on the Illustrative Task Order Bill of Quantity (BOQ) for 5-R Block School schedule provided in Attachment J.5. The BOQ schedule represents USAID estimates. The Offeror must provide unit rates and total prices for each of the BOQ items. The Offeror must use fixed unit rates for each of the BOQ items for the duration of the Illustrative Task Order performance period. The price narrative must contain information for the prime and all subcontractor(s), if any.

a. The following guidance is provided to Offerors in developing the unit rates. However, it is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that the information provided is sufficient for USAID to determine that the proposed rates are reasonable and realistic: The unit rates and prices in the schedule must include value for all labor, materials, equipment, temporary works, supervision, transportation, repairs, fuel, licenses, bonds clearance, taxes, charges, overheads, profits and all other matters, things, obligations, liabilities and risks which are necessary for the successful execution, completion and maintenance of the works as set forth in the Illustrative Task Order.

The unit rates must also include remedial construction works associated with defects, liability, and maintenance.

b. The narrative, at a minimum, must include the following:

i. An overall narrative discussing the assumptions of annual inflation, risks, material sourcing, productivity rates, etc. which affect the price elements, and which provides adequate justification for the unit prices.

ii. The unit price for each bill item.”

7. Answers to Questions posed by Offerors for Round One are as follows:

Question No. 1. How many of the 14 most affected districts are planned to be included in the Level of Effort (LOE) in the first three years of activity?

USAID/Nepal Response: The specific sites and locations will be identified at the Task Order level.

Question No. 2. When will the A/E firm be identified who will receive the separate NRES contract for design and construction management services? Is there presently an engineer onsite in Nepal?

USAID/Nepal Response: USAID will directly manage both the NRES and the NCRP IDIQ Contractors (including Task Orders under the NCRP IDIQ). The NRES contract is expected to be awarded prior to the award of the NCRP IDIQ award.

Question No. 3. We understand that each Contractor or joint venture must not subcontract TO construction work exceeding 40% of the total TO award value.

● Does the Government anticipate that subcontractors will be drawn from the local area?

USAID/Nepal Response: Offerors are encouraged to choose subcontractors that will provide the best services at the best value to the Government and which meet the requirements of Section C.7.9 of the solicitation.

● Does the Government anticipate that subcontractors will be drawn from the U.S.?

USAID/Nepal Response: Offerors are encouraged to choose subcontractors that will provide the best services at the best value to the Government and which meet the requirements of Section C.7.9 of the solicitation.

● Does the Government anticipate that minority or small business participation (as either a prime contractor or as a subcontractor) will be fulfilled by OCONUS awardees?

USAID/Nepal Response: The geographic code for this procurement is 935. Contractors and sub-contractors may be from any country under geographic code 935, whether they be small, large, or minority owned businesses.

Question No. 4. Is the pre-proposal conference is for both builders and engineering consulting company?

Or this is for builders (Contractors) only?

USAID/Nepal Response: The pre-proposal conference is for prospective offerors of this solicitation.

Question No. 5. Factor 1, Subfactor 2, Specialized Experience, allows projects performed within the last 7 years to be utilized for project experience. However, Factor 4, Past Performance requires projects to have been completed in the last 3 years. The 3-year time period will eliminate many relevant projects and seems overly restrictive. Additionally, 48 CFR 42.1503 (g), which addresses agency evaluation of past performance states “Agencies shall use the past performance information in PPIRS that is within three years (six for construction and architect-engineer contracts) of the completion of performance of the evaluated contract or order […].” Since this is a construction contract the 6 year time period seems to be a more reasonable minimum period and since the experience time period is set at 7 years, we ask that the government please consider changing the time period for both experience and past performance projects to 7 years.

USAID/Nepal Response: Offerors should not confuse or link Evaluation Factor 1, Sub-Factor 2:

Specialized Experience with Evaluation Factor 4: Past Performance; they are separate and distinct evaluation factors. Further, FAR 42.1503 describes the procedures that agencies should follow when completing the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), not evaluating past performance. The FAR provides guidance on evaluating past performance in FAR 15.305, and USAID has specific policy guidance on evaluating past performance in ADS 302 mbh. Neither FAR 15 nor ADS 302 direct the Contracting Officer to evaluate past performance within a specified period. For the requirements of this solicitation, therefore, the periods of time currently stated in the solicitation will remain as they are.

Question No. 6. Section C.7.9, requires “Each contractor or Joint Venture must not subcontract TO construction work exceeding 40% of the total award value”. This clause is very restrictive and may result in little or no work going to local Nepal firms who are typically unable to pass the financial capacity test required for this contract. We request this clause be changed to allow the prime contractor to subcontract up to 85% of the work. This will allow for small Nepal construction firms to take on projects as a subcontractor and focus on project execution. This will result in strong growth of local capacity for the many small companies in the market. It will also make for strong responses to Evaluation Factor 3:

Technical Understanding and Approach of the Illustrative Task Order where the narrative must also include an approach to maximize the use of local expertise throughout the project and approach to engage subcontractors and suppliers.

USAID/Nepal Response: The requirement remains unchanged.

Question No. 7. Section L.6; Eligibility Criteria, Evidence of Financial Capacity. The criteria for financial capacity require ratios of at least 3 for items a&b and at least 8 months for items c&d. These criteria are extremely high for typical construction firms. Most firms in the industry average 1 to 2 for items a&b. We suggest that the maximum for a&b be set at 1 for a and 0.6 for b. We suggest the minimum months for c&d be set at 5 months.

USAID/Nepal Response: The parameters have been changed per the below; changes will be made via amendment to this solicitation.

a. Current Ratio: 2

b. Acid test Ratio: 2

c. Defensive Interval: minimum of six (6) months

d. Working Capital Turnover; minimum of six (6) months

Question No. 8. Evaluation Factor 2: Management Approach. {Reference Section M.3.2} Offerors must address the following sub-factors in their response to this evaluation factor: Sub-factor 1. iv. Stakeholder Coordination Plan. Is it correct that the local community leaders will have been consulted/briefed on the nature of the work by either USAID or the A&E firm and the TO Contractor’s interaction will be to build upon those discussions?

USAID/Nepal Response: Yes.

Question No. 9. In sections C.5.2 and C.7.3, the Contractor is responsible for “….permits and approvals needed from GON entities to enable implementation,…” What types of permits and approvals are contemplated (other than for imported commodities) since the RFP states the sights under any TO will have clear title and prior permission from the GON to construct/reconstruct the selected facilities? For the sights included in any TO request, will the A&E firm have a list of required permits, identifying those already obtained and what will be required to be obtained by the Contractor?

USAID/Nepal Response: Required permits and approvals for the construction work will be clearly identified in the TO solicitations. USAID will not fund any construction works under the NCRP IDIQ without prior concurrence from the Government of Nepal.

Question No. 10. In section F.6.3 (a) Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP): TOs under this IDIQ must be entirely Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). The fixed-price for each TO will be determined based on the price to complete the work and include a payment schedule based upon completion of deliverables/services and total that the contractor will be paid. After acceptance of a fixed-price task order by the Contractor, the task order price will only be adjusted to reflect changes in scope or conditions governed by other clauses (differing site conditions, etc.) or the terms and conditions of the task (for example, economic price adjustments).

Will these TO mods be based on pre-approved unit prices for a BOQ or negotiated for changes in scope?

USAID/Nepal Response: TOs under this IDIQ will be FFP and Offerors should not assume that TO modifications will be forthcoming. Each TO will specify requirements for the individual TO;

modifications to TOs will be made in accordance with FAR 14, FAR 36, and the IDIQ contract.

Question No. 11. According to the following RFP citations, the Contractor is required to self-perform a minimum of 60% of the work. However, the RFP also states the Contractor is a Construction Management Firm managing subcontractors, is required to maximize the use of local expertise and engage subcontractors and suppliers, and subcontract 18% of the work to US Small Business entities.

Based on total dollars of the TO this leaves a maximum of 22% of the work to be subcontracted to local firms and does not align with maximizing utilization of local subcontractors. We request the subcontracting percentage be changed to 85% to maximize participation and development of local firms, and take advantage of their local presence, knowledge and experience of working in this unique environment.

USAID/Nepal Response: The RFP does not state a requirement of subcontracting 18% of the work to US Small Business entities. Attachment J.8 Subcontracting Plan Template simply states USAID’s FY 2017 subcontracting goals for the agency as a whole. These goals should not be interpreted as a requirement under this solicitation. Further, the plan provided is a template and should be tailored to fit the requirements of the solicitation and the offeror’s submission. The requirement for self-performance as stated in the solicitation remains unchanged.

Question No. 12. Section C.7.9 Procurement and Construction Subcontracting. The NCRP Contractor is expected to self-perform the majority of the construction work ordered under this IDIQ. Each Contractor or joint venture must not subcontract TO construction work exceeding 40% of the total TO award value.

USAID/Nepal Response: No question was asked, therefore no answer is provided.

Question No. 13. Section L, 10. Factor 1, a.Sub-Factor 1: Organizational Capacity. The Offeror must describe the labor and equipment resource base that it currently has within its organization, with their present location, demonstrate ability to self-perform a minimum of 60% (by TO value) of the construction work contemplated under this IDIQ. Labor must be listed by both trade type and number of laborers, and correspond to payroll records to be made available upon the request of USAID.

USAID/Nepal Response: No question was asked, therefore no answer is provided.

Question No. 14. Section L, 10. Factor 2, b. Sub-Factor 2: Quality Management Plan. i. Quality management plan: How the Offeror proposes to separate Quality Control (QC) responsibilities between the prime construction management firm and construction subcontractors for the project construction phase?

USAID/Nepal Response: No question was asked, however USAID has identified an error in the text under Section L.7.11.b.i Sub Factor 2: Quality Management Plan and this section will be revised via amendment to this solicitation.

Question No. 15. Section L, 12. Factor 3: a. Sub-Factor 1: Task Order Approach. The narrative must also include an approach to maximize the use of local expertise throughout the project and approach to engage subcontractors and suppliers (if applicable).

USAID/Nepal Response: No question was asked, therefore no answer is provided.

Question No. 16. Will the illustrative task order be awarded to one of the IDIQ holders or is this just to evaluate cost proposal and technical approach?

USAID/Nepal Response: The illustrative task order is illustrative only, as stated in the solicitation. It is for evaluation purposes only.

Question No. 17. Does USAID foresee awarding small business set-aside and if so, how many? If the answer is yes, will the small business awardees be eligible to compete for the full and open RFTOPs or will there be a small business pool of RFTOPs, or both?

USAID/Nepal Response: The solicitation does not include a small business set-aside. Task Orders issued under the IDIQ will be competed in accordance with Section F.6.

Question No. 18. Could USAID please elaborate on what the subcontracting plan goals are?

USAID/Nepal Response: The IDIQ has no subcontracting goals or requirements beyond what is stated in Section C.7.9.

Question No. 19. How many awards does the government expect to issue out of this solicitation?

USAID/Nepal Response: As stated in the solicitation, multiple awards are contemplated.

Question No. 20. p11, Section C.7.4. It states “the designated TO Quality Assurance Manager will [be] responsible for the quality of work performed under the TO. Can USAID please confirm that this role is intended as the Quality Control Manager referred to in page 75, Section L.7 (12.b.iii).

USAID/Nepal Response: The Quality Control Manager described in Section L.7.12.b.iii is for evaluation of the illustrative Task Order only. The Quality Assurance Manager noted in Section C.7.4 may or may not be the same person identified under L.7.12.b.iii, depending on the requirements of each Task Order.

However, the title “Quality Assurance Manager” noted in Section C.7.4 will be changed to “Quality Control Manager” via amendment to this solicitation.

Question No. 21. p12, Section C.7.9. It is stated that “Each Contractor or joint venture must not subcontract TO construction work exceeding 40% of the total TO award value.” Although the maximum 40% of subcontracting is achievable, we suggest that it might be financially advantageous to the USAID to increase this percentage to 60 or 70% to get better pricing and engage more local resources.

USAID/Nepal Response: Section C.7.9 remains as stated in the solicitation.

Question No. 22. p22, Section F.5.2. It is stated that “Distribution of TOs to IDIQ COR. The TO Contractor must provide a copy of each new TO issued under this IDIQ to the IDIQ COR within seven

(7) calendar days of receipt by the Contractor.” There appears to be a missing word in subsection (1) that is integral to the meaning. Please can USAID clarify the meaning of this subsection.

USAID/Nepal Response: Section F.5.2.(1) is correct as stated in the solicitation.

Question No. 23. p26, Section F.6.1 – Bid Bond. This section states that “Bid bonds in the amount of 10% of the total bid price (unless otherwise stated in the individual RFTOP), will be required for each bid submitted to USAID, at the discretion of the TOCO.” Since during the IDIQ evaluation process, USAID would have evaluated the financial, technical, and managerial resources of every awardee, could USAID consider removing this requirement? If this RFTOP was an open tender, then such a requirement is proper. However, since the RFTOP will be issued to prequalified firms, then the only beneficiaries from such a requirement are the Banks issuing the bid Guarantee or bid bond. Also, if USAID is delayed in making RFTOPs awards, then contractor’s financial resources are held for an unanticipated period. This will unnecessarily increase the cost of every proposal submitted to USAID.

USAID/Nepal Response: Bid bond requirement under Section F.6.1.(a).7 will be removed. See changes made to this section via amendment to this solicitation.

Question No. 24. p26, Section F.6.1 – Performance Bond. It is stated that “Performance bonds (or other form of bank guarantee deemed acceptable by USAID), in the amount of 20% of the total TO price (unless otherwise stated in the individual TO), will be required for each TO issued by USAID.” We are requesting that USAID reduce the 20% to 10% to make it comparable to other USAID construction programs. The 20% will unnecessarily increase the value of each task order cost proposal and hold contractor’s financial resources in banks greatly benefiting banks more than USAID or the Nepalese community.

USAID/Nepal Response: RFTOPs will specify performance bond requirements, as applicable. Section F.6.1.(a).8 regarding performance bonds will remain as stated in the solicitation.

Question No. 25. p68, Section L.6 (5) and p76, Section L.7 (13.a.i). Under the eligibility requirement, it is stated that “the Offeror must show evidence of a minimum of five (5) construction projects, active or completed, within the last seven (7) years, each with a contract value exceeding US$ 1 Million.” While on page 76, it is stated that the “Prime and proposed major subcontractors must provide in total as a team no more than five (5) of the most relevant contracts in terms of size, scope and complexity, for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal performed over the past three (3) years.” Can the government clarify whether a minimum of 5 or a maximum of 3 projects are required and whether the time period is 3 or 7 years.

USAID/Nepal Response: As described in Sections L.5, L.6, and L.7, the Response to Eligibility Criteria and the Technical Proposal are two separate submissions with completely separate requirements and submission instructions. Offerors should not mix or link the two submissions or associated requirements in any way. Requirements for both submissions remain unchanged.

Question No. 26. p79, Section L.8 (7.a.iii) – Rate Analysis. It is stated in this section that “In conjunction with the Illustrative Task Order Specifications in Attachment J.2, Offerors will provide a rate analysis for the following five (5) BOQ items: (1) Earthwork in Excavation and Filling, (2) Masonry Work, (3) Reinforced Cement Concrete Works, (4) Reinforcement Work, and (5) Steel Work.” Could USAID please clarify what they require to see in a “Rate Analysis”? Rate analysis is interpreted differently by various contractors and we want to ensure that we provide the USAID with pertinent and comparable responses.

USAID/Nepal Response: The rate analysis will not be required. Section L.8.7.b.iii will be deleted via amendment to this solicitation.

Question No. 27. Attachment J.1. Can the offeror assume that water, electricity and other utilities are accessible at the site?

USAID/Nepal Response: Yes.

Question No. 28. Attachment J.1. The EMP is for the site at the Bahrabise Primary School Construction Project within the Sindhupalchok District. Can the offeror assume that the same conditions listed in that EMP exist at the remaining 7 sites within the Illustrative task order?

USAID/Nepal Response: Note that Attachment J.1 Illustrative Task Order lists 8 sites - not 7 - and note that the EMMP is Attachment J.3, not J.1. That said, Offerors may assume that the conditions listed in the EMMP are the same for all sites noted in the Illustrative Task Order.

Question No. 29. Attachment J.1. USAID included an IEE for the IDIQ however USAID did not included an IEE for the illustrative task order. Table 2 of the EMMP for the illustrative task order includes recommendations to develop an IEE for the construction activities. Can the offeror assume that the A-E firm under the NRES contract will develop the IEE for an actual task order and have it approved before the notice of award of any task order?

USAID/Nepal Response: The NRES contractor will develop the IEEs, as necessary, for construction activities to be performed under the NCRP IDIQ.

Question No. 30. In C.7.8 Here it is mentioned that during field visit: Contactor must provide official space and other facilities, Including logistic support to USAID represent & the Architect & Engineering Firm as required and specified in the respective Task Order. So what are included in other facilities and logistics support to USAID & A&E firm personal ? Please elaborate.

USAID/Nepal Response: Each RFTOP will specify the support details the NCRP IDIQ contractor must provide to USAID and the A-E firm.

Question No. 31. Vertical Construction: Other than 5R structure, what sort of vertical structure could be constructed under this IDIQ?

USAID/Nepal Response: Please refer to Section C.4.

Question No. 32. In H.2:It has been discussed about submission of datasets to the DDL, Cloud computing these are not clear to us, Please confirm us how to deal with this points?

USAID/Nepal Response: The Special Contract Requirements listed in Section H are required in USAID solicitations and contracts; they cannot be removed or altered.

Question No. 33. H.1 Here Regarding Disability Policy given, how do you want to implement this in the project by the Contractors? And what sort of policy is adopted by Nepal Government for the disable people in this type of project. Please highlight on this aspect?

USAID/Nepal Response: The link provided in Section H.1.(a).(4) provides additional information on USAID’s Disability Policy. The Disability Policy will be incorporated into the design process by the NRES Contractor; any requirements for implementation of this policy by the NCRP IDIQ Contractor will be specified in each RFTOP.

Question No. 34. If the US based A&E Firm that has submitted RFP for NRES Contract is awarded the job and our Firm had committed in the RFP to collaborate with them, would we be eligible for being a Contractor as well for the NCRP IDIQ construction services? If there would be a conflict of interest in such an event and we would be automatically disqualified then there is no point in submitting the RFP as per this solicitation. However, the A-E Firm to carry out the NRES Contract has not still been selected and we do not know if the Firm we are collaborating with will bag the Contract, so is it alright if we go ahead and submit the proposal so that we do not lose a chance of being a Contractor for NCRP?

USAID/Nepal Response: The contractor and sub-contractors who will be awarded the NRES contract will be excluded from award of the NCRP IDIQ as there would be a conflict of interest. Given that the NRES contractor and sub-contractors have not been announced, USAID cannot provide guidance on whether individual contractors or sub-contractors may submit offers in response to the NCRP IDIQ solicitation.

Question No. 35. Our firm is already registered for DUNS and SAM. If we wish to enter into joint venture with some other firms in Nepal for the NCRP IDIQ Construction Tasks, do they also have to register for DUNS and SAM?

USAID/Nepal Response: All prime contractors, sub-contractors, and joint ventures are required to have a DUNS number and be registered in SAM.

END OF AMENDMENT NO. 2