Amendment No. 1.pdf

RFP No. SOL-388-12-000001 Amendment No. 1

I. SECTION B

In Section B.4, Price/Cost Schedule, include a plug figure of $2,000,000 for “Project Incentive Funds” line item.

II. SECTION C

Delete Section C.6, Staffing in its entirety and replace it with following:

“C.6 STAFFING

The contractor must recruit and establish a team of experts and supporting staff to develop and implement the project and to manage its central and local elements including short-term consulting and coordination with other partners in the project. This project comprises a range of activities, counterparts and participants and therefore requires significant coordination and organization to ensure coherence and consistency. The contractor must include in its team two full-time key personnel; an expatriate Chief of Party and a local Deputy Chief of Party. In addition, it will also have up to three long-term resident advisors for pertinent task areas; at least one of them must be an expatriate. The skills and expertise of the Chief of Party and the Deputy Chief of Party as well as the advisors are critical to the success of this effort and to the optimal use of resources.

The contractor is required recruit resident advisors and short-term personnel with strong professional skills, distinguished in their respective fields of expertise that they can proactively utilize, with strong networking ability and with prior global and preferably regional experience in relevant fields. All staff required to have an awareness of local culture and traditions, and an understanding of the current economic and energy situation in Bangladesh or South Asia.

The project will have a central office in Dhaka in which their major sub-contractors, if any, are co-located. Staffing will include expatriate advisors and Bangladeshi national staff with complementary capabilities. Over the duration of the contract as the local staff becomes more capable – trained local staff must assume greater responsibilities. The Chief of Party must be an expatriate for the entire period of the project. The Implementer is expected to provide a staffing plan in the technical proposal showing the planned level of efforts for each position proposed.”

III. SECTION F

a. Add following illustrative LOE Schedule after the illustrative LOE distributions under Paragraph (a) of Section F.4, Level of Effort/Workdays Ordered.

“Expatriates Chief of Party 1,300 days Resident Long-term Advisor 600 days (For each expat advisor) Short Term consultants 1,500 days Home Office Support 500 days

CCN Professional Staff Deputy Chief of Party 1,300 days Resident Long Term Advisors 750 days (for each local advisor) Other Technical Employees 3,500 days Short Term Technical Advisors 1,000 days

Offerors will provide their own LOE requirement for chosen categories based on their Technical Approach”

b. Delete the first paragraph of Section F.10, Key Personnel and replace it with the following;

“The contractor must propose two key personnel, a Chief of Party and a Deputy Chief of Party. The Chief of Party must be an expatriate. Key personnel are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to replacing any of the specified individuals, the contractor must immediately notify both the Contracting Officer and the USAID Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) reasonably in advance and shall submit written justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact of the program.

No replacement of key personnel shall be made by the contractor without written consent from the Contracting Officer. Please see the minimum requirements described below for key personnel.”

IV. SECTION I

Update Section I.1, Notice listing contract clauses incorporated by reference by deleting the FAR clauses 52.215-10, PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE COST OR PRICING DATA (AUG 2011) and 52.215-12, SUBCONTRACTOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA (OCT 2010) from the reference.

V. SECTION L

a. Update Section L.8.(2), Personnel by deleting paragraph L.8.(2), Personnel in its entirety and replace it by following;

“(2) PERSONNEL

Key Personnel

Offerors must propose appropriate mix of qualified individuals as key personnel to lead the successful implementation of the CCEB program. It is of critical importance that the proposed key personnel are complementary in skill and role, and work together effectively as a complete team. The Chief of Party, will guide the entire project effort forward with a clear, consistent, and committed vision. Key Personnel are expected to have the ability to manage teams of professionals to produce key results.

The offeror shall include a brief summary for each of the two full-time key personnel not to exceed one page including the extent and nature of key personnel’s experience in implementing similar projects. Detailed CV/Resume must be provided in an Annex (not to be counted in page limit). Resume/CVs not to exceed four pages in length and shall be in chronological order starting with most recent experience. Resume/CVs should also include a minimum of three (3) references of professional contacts with their contact information (name, title, organization, phone number, e-mail address). Each resume shall be accompanied by a signed letter of commitment from each candidate including statement of (a) availability to start work as proposed by the offeror and (b) intention to serve for the stated term of the service.

Both key personnel are required to possess skills and qualifications as mentioned in Section F.10. In addition, the key personnel should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

The offerors should illustrate the following aspects for other personnel for the project.

Long-term advisors

Offeror must propose up to three (3) long-term advisors in pertinent task areas. At least one of the advisors must be an expatriate. The advisors will be sufficiently skilled and possess adequate expertise to complement other available skills and expertise. S/He will provide advice and necessary leadership in pertinent task areas for their successful accomplishment. Local advisors should be a well-known local expert of national repute in the particular field of the task for which s/he will be employed. The offeror may also propose alternative deployment schedule for the advisors. Offeror may propose the position descriptions of the advisors based on the technical and management approach.

The offeror shall include a brief summary for each of the proposed advisors not to exceed one page demonstrating the extent and nature of the advisor’s skills and experience in the proposed position with respect to the tasks to be accomplished.

Detailed CV/Resume, not exceeding four pages, should be provided in an Annex (not to be counted in page limit). Resume/CVs shall be in chronological order starting with most recent experience and should also include a minimum of two (2) references of professional contacts with their contact information (name, title, organization, phone number, e-mail address). Each resume shall be accompanied by a signed letter of commitment from each candidate including statement of (a) availability to start work as proposed by the Offeror and (b) intention to serve for the stated term of the service.

Short-Term Consultants The offeror must propose to hire sufficient short-term consultants in order to implement this project effectively. The offeror must make use of local specialists to the greatest extent possible. The amount and nature of such staffing will be described within the offeror’s proposal.

Other Local Staff It is expected that the offeror will propose to hire sufficient local, professional and support staff based in Dhaka in order to implement this project effectively. The amount and nature of such staffing must be described within the offeror’s proposal.

Resumes/CVs are not required for the short term consultants and local staff other than DCOP and Long-Term Advisors. However, the skill sets for the proposed positions should be mentioned in the level of effort table to facilitate the evaluation of management approach as requested in L.10. The offeror must submit complete and properly filled AID

Form 1420-17 (Please see Section J) for all the identified persons as part of the cost proposal.”

b. Update Section L.8. (3), Corporate Capability and Experience by deleting the first line of the paragraph and replace it with the following;

“As part of its proposal, offerors must provide a summary of corporate capabilities and experience in leading and managing projects of similar scope and scale for each prime and major sub-contractor (a major sub-contractor is defined as implementing over 20% of total project funds).”

c. Update Section L.8.(5), Past Performance by deleting bullet point no. L.8.(5).5.(3).(d) in its entirety under paragraph L.8.(5).5, Performance in Using Small Business (SB) Concerns (as defined in FAR 19.001).

d. In Section L.10, Budget please update the detail budget format as follows;

“1. Salary and Wages $___________

2. Fringe Benefits $___________

3. Consultants $___________

4. Project Incentive Funds $ 2,000,000

5. Travel, Transportation, and Per Diem $___________

6. Equipment and Supplies $___________

7. Subcontracts $___________

8. Allowances $___________

9. Participant Training $___________

10. Other Direct Cost $___________

11. NICRA (Overhead, G&A, Material Handling, etc.) $___________

12. Total Estimated Cost $___________

13. Proposed Fixed Fee $___________

14. Total Estimated Cost including Fixed Fee $___________”

VI. SECTION M

Update Section M.3, Evaluation Criteria by deleting paragraph M.3.2, Personnel in its entirety and replace it by following;

“2. Personnel: See Section F.10 and L.8.(2)

Key personnel (15 points)

Individuals proposed as key personnel will be evaluated based on their qualifications with regards to the criteria and factors listed in sections F.10 and L.8, demonstrated success in carrying out proposed activities as well as their knowledge in implementing relevant technical activities. Proposed key personnel shall have demonstrated experience working successfully on similar projects; they will be assessed on demonstrated expertise and experience working on project activities similar to their designated duties and responsibilities for this project. They must have demonstrated successful experience in managing technical assistance in clean energy policy and regulation, capacity building programs, establishing financial mechanisms for small scale renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies in work environments similar to Bangladesh. The U.S. Government reserves the right to interview known references not provided in the proposal submission.

Resident Long-term Advisors (10 points)

Long-term advisors will be assessed on the appropriateness of their background and experience with regard to the appropriate qualifications for implementing activities in the pertinent task areas presented in Section C, Statement of Work of this RFP. They will be assessed on demonstrated expertise and experience in the related field and working on project activities similar to their designated duties and responsibilities for this project as well as previous experience working in Bangladesh and/or South Asia. Local advisors must have national level recognition of their expertise and experience.”

VII. ATTACHMENT 5

Update the Attachment 5 by adding Annex-4, “Industry Opportunity Profile Report”.

VIII. Questions and Answers

1. Question: I was wondering if you could tell me if there is an incumbent contractor currently performing work for this requirement? If so, could you please provide their company name and contract number?

Answer: No contractor is currently performing work for this requirement.

However, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) is working to support the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission.

2. Question: In bullet 2 of Task 2, Expected Results, pg. 19, does USAID expect the contractor to populate the emissions data repository or just provide the infrastructure for the repository?

Answer: USAID expects the contractor to establish a data repository.

3. Question: On page 21, Task 3, Interventions, and Section L.13, Project Incentive (Grants) Program USAID writes that “The CCEB project is expected to spend no more than $2 million over the lifetime of the project as incentive funds for prudent use based on a well-structured incentive scheme and criteria for award.” Could USAID clarify whether the Offerer should use $2 million as a plug number for Incentive Funds (Grants)?

Answer: Yes, use $2 million. See revised Section L.10.

4. Question: Cover letter – the letter mentions a “term contract with an estimated level of effort”. We are generally familiar with two types of CPFF contracts -completion type contracts and LOE type contracts. Is this some kind of a hybrid?

Could USAID please explain? Also neither section B.2 nor section L.2 specifies LOE type.

Answer: No, the intended contract is not a hybrid contract. It will be a Cost-plus-fixed-fee – Term form; See FAR Part 16.306(d)(2)

5. Question: Will site visits to USAID/Bangladesh be permitted?

Answer: A visit to USAID/Bangladesh is not expected.

6. Question: Page 13, section C.1.4 – Can ICEA projects reports be made available to the offerors either as a link or as an annex to the RFP?

Answer: Please find the final report in the following link:

http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACT177.pdf. In addition, the offerors are encouraged to look for other relevant documents and reports in the USAID Development Experience Clearing House (http://dec.usaid.gov).

7. Question: Page 16, section C.2.1, Task 1: Expected Results data depository, docketing, and management system – Will USAID consider funding data processing equipment for the establishment of such a system?

Answer: The funding of IT equipment to support relevant software will be considered. In-country sourcing will be preferred.

8. Question: Page 19, C.2.1 Task 2: GHG Emissions Data and Analysis – If data processing equipment is needed to support the modeling software, will USAID consider funding such equipment?

Answer: See Answer no. 7.

9. Question: Page 20, C.2.2 Task 3: Focus on privately owned small and medium sized industries – Will this include industries located in special export processing zones?

Answer: The focus will not necessarily include industries located in special export processing zones.

10. Question: Page 22, C.2.2 Task 4: Demand Side Management – Will the scope of this task include selected REB PBS cooperatives; i.e. those located in the proximity of Dhaka who actually functions as small utilities?

Answer: The task will not include REB-PBSs.

11. Question: Page 29, C.6 – The final sentence in this section states, “The contractor should plan for the LOE in such a way that they do not require frequent changes.” Could USAID clarify what it means by this?

Answer: Please see the revised texts in item no. II of the amendment.

12. Question: Page 35, section F.8 Performance Management Plan mentions semi-annual portfolio review (SAPR). This seems to be the only mention of SAPR. Is that a formal review? With USAID or host country counterparts, or both?

Answer: SAPR is a formal review by USAID.

13. Question: Section F.6 Page 34 States that “All services will be provided at multiple locations throughout Bangladesh.”

I. Do we need multiple offices?

II. Do we know what the specific locations are?

Answer: The need for multiple offices and locations will depend on the offeror’s technical approach.

14. Question: In reference to section F.10, only the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party have position descriptions. Will USAID provide titles and/or position descriptions for the other three key positions?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. III.b and V.a of the amendment.

15. Question: In reference to page 16, it is our understanding that only a partial uniform system of accounts was completed under IRG. Would a copy of that study be available? Will the contractor under this RFP be required to complete the uniform system of accounts? What sectors are covered by IRG’s work, and what sectors are anticipated? Was IRG’s work consistent with the International Accounting System, and the Bangladesh accounting code?

Answer: Please refer to IRG-ICEA Final Report in the link provided under Answer no. 6.

16. Question: Does this RFP anticipate the creation of regional dispatch centers?

Does this RFP anticipate regional electricity trading centers spanning national borders? Is there sufficient physical infrastructure to provide for international wheeling?

Answer: RFP does not anticipate creation of regional dispatch centers. A cross-border interconnection to import power into Bangladesh from India is currently under construction.

17. Question: How do you define congestion pricing?

Answer: Congestion pricing refers to electricity transmission and distribution network systems.

18. Question: With respect to the expected results of task 2, this appears to be mostly focused on data collection. Are there any expectations for the use of this data, for example, carbon trading or finance?

Answer: Data is expected to be used for various purposes.

19. Question: With respect to the incentive funds discussed on page 21 of the proposal, will these funds be managed directly by the contractor or will the contractor engage a third party to manage the accounts and disburse at contractor direction, or will the fund be maintained by the USAID mission, and disbursed on the recommendation of the contractor? Will the funds be maintained in dollar or taka accounts? What will be the standard for the exchange rate and how will the accounting be structured with regard to declining value of the exchange rate for Taka?

Answer: See Section H.15 and I.10 of the RFP. Details will be finalized by the contractor during the formulation of the Work Plan.

20. Question: With reference to the expected results (page 22) for task 3, what will be the certifying agency for energy auditors?

Answer: The Power Division of the Ministry or their designated agency.

21. Question: With regard to page 23, interventions, are metering systems sufficiently advanced to allow for time-of-day regulation.

Answer: This will be determined through the utility support analysis.

22. Question: In terms of the interventions listed on page 25, the suggestion is made to partner with IDCOL to develop a program of subsidies for cook stoves.

Currently Grameen Shakti has operations marketing such cook stoves with some 25 outlets. Should a subsidy program be implemented which might be difficult to withdrawn, when apparently an on-going operation, with some success, seems to exist?

Answer: This is suggestion only. Offerors may propose other viable alternatives.

23. Question: Reference-SOL Section C and F, Paragraph C.2.2, Page 25 and 33:

Under Task 5, section C, the RFP says that “it is expected that approximately 10% of the overall project budget will be dedicated to this task.” Section F.4 on page 33 allocates 20% of LOE to Task 5. Please explain this discrepancy.

Answer: There is no discrepancy. 10% budget and 20% LOE are correct. The 10% is an approximate percentage and 20% is an illustrative percentage. It is expected that substantive local LOE will be used for the project (See Section C.4.1).

24. Question: Reference- SOL Section F, Paragraph F.10, Page 38: Section F.10 states that only one of five key personnel, including the Chief of Party, shall be an expatriate. Section C.6. states that the Chief of Party role must belong to an expatriate for the entire period of the project. Please clarify – is it only appropriate for an expatriate to occupy the Chief of Party position, and must all four of the remaining key personnel slots be filled by Bangladeshi citizens only?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. II, III.b and V.a of the amendment.

25. Question: Each evaluation factor in section M references a number of subfactors. FAR 15.304(d) requires the RFP to indicate the relative importance of subfactors. Since there isn’t anything to the contrary, shall we assume that they are all of equal weight?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. VI of the amendment

26. Question: In Section L.8 (4) (p. 90), there is a mention of possible field office locations. Could USAID clarify whether field offices are preferred or required outside of Dhaka?

Answer: See answer to the question no. 13.

27. Question: C.6 (page 29) states that “the Chief of Party must be an expatriate for the entire period of the project.” F.10 (Page 39) states that “an expatriate is preferred for this (Chief of Party) position. Please clarify nationality requirements, if they exist, for the Chief of Party position.

28. Question: Will USAID accept cost share strategies in tasks other than those stated in the SOW (Task 3, page 21)?

Answer: USAID will consider other suitable alternatives.

29. Question: Regarding M.3 (page 100) -- is there a break up of points/weighting scheme for key personnel from the total score of 25 points? Example: this has been provided in the RFP for evaluation of Past Performance, wherein 7 points have been allocated to implementation of projects similar in scope, size and complexity; and 3 points for demonstrated utilization for the services of small business concerns.

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. VI of the amendment.

30. Question: We have a fair understanding of clean energy initiatives, power markets, stakeholders, SMEs and other crucial aspects of the proposal with respect to Bangladesh. The RFP calls for leveraging the activities of other donor activities in the energy sector. In this regard, what level of access to information pertaining to ICEA, SARI, Government of Bangladesh initiatives, and other relevant past and ongoing initiatives will be provided to the awardee of CCEB?

Answer: The following link provides information pertaining to ICEA: http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PDACT177.pdf. Other necessary information on SARI/Energy and Government of Bangladesh initiatives can be gathered from the relevant web sites.

31. Question: In L.8, Corporate Capabilities, pg. 90, a minimum of 20% of project funds is set as the threshold for a partner to be included in the corporate capability and experience narrative. Typically USAID restricts the Past Performance evaluation to subcontractors at the 20% threshold. Would USAID consider allowing Offerors to include discussion of all important subcontractors in the Corporate Capability and Experience Section, and limit Past Performance information to the 20% threshold?

Answer: No. Please follow the instructions provided in the RFP.

32. Question: Cover letter – we have grown accustomed to USAID announcing its estimated budget for CPFF procurements such as this one. Normally USAID’s announcement shows a bandwidth of expected cost that is in the range of plus or minus 10%. Would USAID please consider announcing its budget?

Answer: Yes. $14 – $16 million.

33. Question: Could USAID provide a government estimate for this solicitation? If yes, could USAID clarify whether this estimate is inclusive or exclusive of grants?

Answer: See Answer no. 32. The provided range is inclusive of grants.

34. Question: Under Section L.10, Budget, pg. 95, could USAID confirm that the LOE table should be structured by individual, position, daily rate and number of work days rather than skill set? If by skill set, could USAID provide clarification on its understanding or definition of skill set?

Answer: Please follow the instructions provided in the RFP. Skill set may contain the required skill for each of the proposed position in conformity with the respective Position Descriptions.

35. Question: ICF prepared one of the attachments to the RFP, an Industry Profile Assessment. Is ICF precluded from being on a team for this RFP?

Answer: No.

36. Question: Winrock prepared one of the attachments to the RFP, an Assessment of the Cook Stove Market. Is Winrock precluded from being on a team for this

RFP?

37. Question: IRG was prime contractor for the ICEA project, which is mentioned in the RFP. Is IRG precluded from being on a team for this RFP?

38. Question: Tetra Tech, PA Consulting and Nexant have been prime contractors for the SARI/Energy project, which is mentioned in the RFP. Are any of these companies precluded from being on a team for this RFP?

39. Question: NARUC has supported BERC under a cooperative agreement, which is mentioned in the RFP. Is NARUC precluded from being on a team for this

RFP?

40. Question: NREL is supporting EC-LEDS work, which is mentioned in the RFP.

Is NREL precluded from being on a team for this RFP?

41. Question: Page 33, section F.4 – sections (b) and (c) describe “each position specified in this order”, however no positions are specified in the RFP. Is it up to the offeror to specify?

Answer: Yes.

42. Question: Page 35/36 Quarterly Performance Reports and Annual Performance Report – does the annual report take the place of one quarterly report, or are four quarterly reports required each year?

Answer: 4+1. See Section F.3, Deliverables.

43. Question: Page 87, section L.8 - Can an annex of graphs and charts be added to the list of annexes excluded from the 30-page limit?

Answer: Additional graphs and charts are not requested in the RFP. Please see Answer no. 62.

44. Question: Page 88, section L.8 illustrative PMEP – would the illustrative PMEP need to include any indicators beyond those provided in Annex 2? Would it need to include baseline values for any indicators? Section F.5 seems to imply that the baseline work is expected in the first 75 days of the contract.

Answer: Offerors may choose to include baseline values for indicators.

45. Question: Page 89 Key Personnel says “up to 5 positions” whereas Section F.10 says “contractor must propose five key personnel.” Which prevails?

46. Question: Page 89 Other full-time personnel section calls for Resume/CV and references. Does this apply only to “technical” personnel (energy sector professionals), or does it also include full-time local staff who are administrative or logistics staff?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. V.a of the amendment.

47. Question: Page 89 Other full-time personnel section calls for Resume/CV and references, but short-term advisors does not request such information. It seems as if all Other personnel (not just full-time) will be evaluated, according to page 101, section M.3 2. Therefore, are offerors allowed to include Resume/CV for personnel who are not full-time or key personnel?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. V.a and VI of Amendment no 1.

48. Question: Page 90 section L.8 Technical Proposal (after Local Staff) requires Form AID 1420-17 for all identified persons. Shouldn’t this requirement/instruction apply to the Cost Proposal?

Answer: Offerors must submit AID Form 1420-17 for identified persons as part of cost proposals.

49. Question: Page 90 section (3) defines major partner “as implementing over 20% of total project funds”. Does that mean that the subcontractor’s budget should be over 20% of the total budget, or could it mean a subcontractor who leads more than 20% of the budget, even though not all such funds pass through their own subcontract budget?

Answer: Major Subcontractor is defined as having 20% or higher of the overall total budget.

50. Question: Page 90 section (3) defines “major partner” as 20%, whereas section

(5) on page 91 requested information on “each subcontractor whose total estimate cost exceeds 10% of the total proposed offer”. Should these be consistent?

Answer: Corporate Capacity and Experience AND Past Performance are different and they have different requirements.

51. Question: Page 91 section (5) requested information on “each subcontractor whose total estimate cost exceeds 10% of the total proposed offer”. Is that 10% of the offer in funds, or level of effort?

Answer: Funds.

52. Question: Page 91 L.8 (5) Past Performance - Are we correct in assuming that the prime should present five past performance forms, and, in addition, major subcontractors are to submit five past performance forms each?

Answer: Both the prime and major subcontractors must submit five past performance forms each.

53. Question: Section L.9 paragraph 15 appears to require a subcontract agreement be reached before the proposal is submitted. Is this the intent or would a Letter of Intent to subcontract be sufficient. In the letter agreement type, a statement to the effect that the subs agree to confirm to the Ts&Cs as presented in the proposal suffice.

Answer: A subcontract agreement is not required to be finalized before submitting proposal. There are several requirements mentioned for subcontracting throughout the entire RFP.

54. Question: Reference-SOL Section L, Paragraph L.8, Page 89: The RFP refers to the start date of the project as November 2012. Does the Mission plan to the start the project at this date or can it started earlier? Please clarify.

Answer: The project may be awarded before November 2012 depending on the completion of internal procedures.

55. Question: Reference- SOL Section F, Paragraph F.13, Page 41: Under section F.13, responders are requested to include as part of their proposal:

a. Approach to developing and implementing an environmental review process for a grant fund and/or an EMMP or M&M Plan

b. Approach to providing necessary environmental management expertise, including examples of past experience of similar activities

c. Illustrative budget for environmental compliance activities

Due to space restrictions, is it possible for items a. and b. to be included into the proposal in the form of an annex?

Answer: No. Long descriptions covering those two points are not expected.

56. Question: Reference- RFP Section: L, Paragraph: L.8, Page: 87: Section L seems to imply that graphs would count in the page limit, but doesn't say so explicitly. Can USAID please clarify if graphics count against the page count in the RFP?

Answer: See Answer no. 43.

57. Question: Reference- SOL Section L, Paragraph L.8.3 , Page 90: Section L.8.

(3) Due to the focus of USAID Forward on working with multiple local service providers, we would request that bidders be permitted to represent the corporate capabilities of teaming partners that meet a 10 % of contract value threshold (rather than the 20% in the Section L. 8. (3) of the RFP), thereby matching the threshold for presentation of corporate capabilities with the threshold for the presentation of past performance information in Section L.8. (5)?

Answer: See Answer no. 50.

58. Question: Is something missing between pages 100 and 101? 100 ends with a complete sentence, but 101 begins in the middle of a sentence.

Answer: The first letter of the first word of page 101 of the RFP should be capital letter instead of small letter. Insert the word, “Offerors will be….”

59. Question: Page 29 of the RFP calls for a staffing plan showing “the planned level of effort for each position proposed.” May we include this in an annex?

Answer: No. The planned level of effort should be included in the 30 page limitation of technical proposal.

60. Question: Because the RFP requires that contractors address many issues in 30 pages, would it be permissible to include the following as annexes:

a. Descriptions of roles and responsibilities for key and full-time personnel

b. table showing our proposed short-term personnel

Answer: No, this information should be the part of technical proposal.

61. Question: Reference page 89, Short Term Advisors, it appears to say that resumes for short term advisors and associated documentation are not required to be included in the proposal. Is that correct?

Answer: Please see changed texts in item no. V.a and VI of the the amendment.

62. Question: May we provide graphics that illustrate our technical approach, such as an organizational chart, on unnumbered pages of the technical volume? If so, can you confirm that these would not count against the 30 page limit?

Answer: Additional graphics are not required in the RFP. However, if graphics are required as a part of the technical approach, they can be included as a part of technical proposal within the 30 page limit.

63. Question: The RFP does not indicate a government estimate or range for the value of this contract. Could USAID provide a government estimate or a range?

Answer: See Answer no. 32.

64. Question: Under RFP Section L.8 (5) regarding past performance in using small business concerns, Subsection (3)(d) on page 92 requests information related to “demonstrated ability in clean energy and institutional strengthening.” May we address these points in Section 3, Corporate Capability and Experience, rather than in the small business narrative?

Answer: Please see revised texts in item no. V.c of the amendment.

65. Question: F.4 (page 33) states an illustrative distribution of LOE for the different tasks described in the SOW. Please confirm the degree to which bidders may redistribute LOE amongst tasks as appropriate based on evaluation of local realities.

Answer: The illustrative distribution is provided as guidance to the offerors. A further illustrative distribution of LOE is provided in the amendment. Offeror is free to propose alternate distribution of LOE depending on the technical approach.

66. Question: Please confirm the budget ceiling for this solicitation. Such knowledge will be highly valuable to bidders in ascertaining the level of effort required for each activity, including pilot projects. Additionally, this should result in an increased number of competitive financial proposals from interested and technically competent consultants.

Answer: Please see Answer no. 32.

67. Question: Is there a possibility for extending the deadline of proposal submission?

68. Question: Under L.6, Proposal Instructions, pg. 84, the deadline for proposal submission is May 15, 2012 at 1400 Bangladesh time. Would USAID accept electronic copies at this deadline, with hard copies to follow?

69. Question: On page 92, L.8 (5) point 5.3.b regarding Using Small Business concerns, USAID asks for SF 294 forms for each contract in the past 5 years, while on page 98, L.14 (a) 2, USAID asks for SF 294 forms for each contract in the past three years. Could USAID please clarify?

Answer: SF 294 forms are required for each contract in past the three years.

70. Question: Does USAID keep any list of firms or organizations that are banned from doing work on US Government projects?

Answer: As a Federal Agency, USAID does not do business with any organizations banned from doing work on US Government projects.

71. Question: Page 8, section B.4 does not seem to coincide with page 95, section L.10. Could USAID either revise section B.4, or clarify where all of the elements in L.10 fit into B.4?

Answer: B.4 will be contract budget while L.10 describes how the budget should be submitted in cost proposal. L.10 will not be the part of contract.

72. Question: Page 9, section B.7 – Can USAID please confirm if only the prime’s indirect cost rates will be subjected to the indirect rate ceilings, or if major subcontractors must propose ceiling rates as well?

Answer: Major Subcontractors must propose ceiling rates.

73. Question: Page 33, section F.4 – refers to period specified in section F.1, but period of performance is F.2.

Answer: Correct. Period of Performance is specified in Section F2.

74. Question: Page 33, section F.4 – lumping together LOE of different costs can lead to discrepancies in expectation and budget. What is the benefit to USAID in tracking LOE? Could USAID consider using the completion/term type contract rather than the LOE type? If so, then we recommend that USAID delete the requirement to report on LOE (which is after all just an input) in performance reports.

Answer: The Level of Effort requirement stands. See answer to the question no.

4.

75. Question: Page 33, section F.4 – would USAID consider indicating level of effort for CCN separately from USN/TCN?

76. Question: Page 41, Section F.13 b. references a cooperative agreement. Is it correct to assume that the IEE referenced also covers the resultant contract of this solicitation?

Answer: Yes. IEE referenced will cover the resultant contract of this solicitation.

77. Question: Page 41, Section F.13 b.- Was there any Positive Determinations in the IEE? Will the IEE be shared with offerors in order to properly prepare the illustrative budget requested on page 43?

Answer: The IEE can be found in the following link:

http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/

78. Question: Would USAID consider modifying the geographic code to also include Canada and Australia?

79. Question: Page 59, section I.4 Taxes – is the contractor exempt from VAT?

80. Question: Page 84, section L.6 – are hard copies required or will electronic be sufficient?

Answer: Hard copies are required.

81. Question: Page 85, section L.6 (b) if hard copies are required, the RFP states that both couriers and hand delivery options can face significant delays in being delivered (up to three days just to clear security at the Embassy). Would USAID allow the closing date for hard copy receipt to be one week later than the electronic version to accommodate for these known delays?

82. Question: Page 85 section L.6(c) – Can we submit our entire technical and cost proposal in PDF format, along with an excel budget? Submitting in PDF format would help condense our file size to adhere to the 2MB limit as well as assist in avoiding confusion with desired sequencing.

Answer: No. Please follow the instructions provided in the RFP.

83. Question: Page 85, section L.6(c) – If proposals are to be delivered electronically via email, what purpose does the electronic version on a CD serve?

It would be more environmentally friendly and cause fewer problems with customs clearance if CDs were not required for the submission.

Answer: CD’s are required for the submission.

84. Question: Page 86, section L.6(c) – The last sentence states, “USAID/Bangladesh will not be responsible for errors in compiling electronic proposals if no instructions are provided or are unclear.” Does this statement imply that the hard copy versions of our proposals are not the governing documents, but rather the e-mail version is?

Answer: Hard copy versions are the governing documents.

85. Question: Page 87, section L.8 - The Small Business Narrative Summary & supplemental Forms SF 294s are not listed as one of the annexes. Can these be added to the list of annexes excluded from the 30-page limit?

86. Question: Page 87, section L.8 – The letter of intent, the cover page, and the table of contents are all on the list of annexes excluded from the 30-page limit.

Can USAID confirm that these three items do not need to appear after the technical approach, but rather are precursors to the technical proposal?

Answer: USAID did not indicate that letter of intent, cover page and table of contents should appear after the technical approach.

87. Question: Page 88, section L.8 illustrative PMEP - It is stated that the PMEP is to be included as an annex and “must not exceed 10 pages”. The PMEP is not listed amongst the items “excluded from the 30-page limitation” on page 87. Can USAID confirm that the PMEP annex is also excluded from the 30 page limit?

Answer: Yes, PMEP is excluded from the 30 page limit.

88. Question: Page 92, section L.9 – Can USAID please clarify how item 7 is different from items 5 and 6 above it? Couldn’t one detailed budget and one summary sheet capture the information requested in these items?

Answer: No. The differences are related to a budget for the proposed prime contractor (cost elements and associated tasks) and additional separate budgets for the proposed sub-contractors. A summary of all (both prime and subs) is also needed. The requirements as listed remain in effect.

89. Question: Page 95, section L.10 budget also calls for a “detailed level of effort table showing type of position, skill set, daily rate and number of work days”.

This seems appropriate for a fixed burdened daily rate type contract, which is based on a predetermined set of labor categories, rather than a CPFF type.

However, no set of labor categories have been given other than the COP and DCOP, and this table does not appear to be part of the evaluation contemplated in Section M. Could USAID please reconsider the need for such a table?

Answer: No. A detailed level of effort table is required.

90. Question: Page 95, section L.10 budget – LOE table, is the “daily rate” to be equal to the salary rate, or is to be a fully burdened rate, based on some sort of a cost plus fee calculation?

Answer: It is the Offeror’s prerogative to construct an LOE table that fits the company’s cost structure with full explanation. The “daily rate” definition must be defined in the budget narrative.

91. Question: Page 97, section L.13 Project Incentive – for budgeting purposes, shall all offerors use a plug figure of $2 million? How would USAID like that allocated by year?

Answer: Yes. Amount must be allocated by year as corresponds with the approach in the technical proposal.

92. Question: Page 101, section M.3 1. Technical Approach – first line on the page begins without a capital letter – is anything missing?

Answer: No. See Answer no. 58.

93. Question: Page 107, Attachment 3: Deviation from the NICRA – what is the purpose of this form? This seems to be requesting some form of cost sharing that is more appropriate for a grant or cooperative agreement than for a CPFF contract. Do offerors need to submit this form?

Answer: Yes, if needed.

94. Question: Is the Bangladesh USAID Mission Local Compensation Plan the required basis for setting local salary rates? If so, could offerors please obtain a copy?

Answer: No, the Local Compensation Plan (LCP) is not the required basis for setting local salary rates. The Offeror’s personnel policy should be adhered to.

See RFP Sections H4 and H5.

95. Question: The consumer price index inflation rate in Bangladesh was last reported at 10.43 percent in February of 2012, and was well over 10% most of 2011. Does USAID have a plug figure in mind for inflation of local salaries and other costs that all offerors should use?

96. Question: Local subcontractors will not have indirect cost rates, such as the

NICRA that USAID is accustomed to evaluating. Would time and materials subcontracts (rather than CPFF) be permitted with local firms?

Answer: Contract-types chosen for subcontractors must have the required justification exhibiting sound judgment in the submitted negotiation memorandum. See FAR 16.103.

97. Question: Section F.7 page 34 states “A six-day work-week may be approved on a case-by-case basis for short-term assignments, but must be approved in advance in writing by the CO.” For the purpose of the proposal can we assume:

a. The 6 day workweek will be approved and use as a basis for developing costs related to short term personnel?

b. That a 5 day workweek is to be used for Long Term personnel?

Answer: (a) 6 day work is not highly recommended unless required for the short term personnel and (b) a 5 day workweek is standard for the long term personnel.

98. Question: Are EID bonuses for CCN labor to be considered a legitimate cost to propose?

Answer: It depends on the established approved personnel policies of the organizations.

99. Question: Section L.9 paragraph 7 states” A summary budget and detailed budget breakdowns by task "using similar format to L.10" and including a detailed description that identifies each cost element and addresses why these costs are considered realistic. The description shall specifically reference the page and paragraph of the technical proposal that these costs are associated with.”

a. Do we have to provide a detailed breakdown on each budget sheet or

b. Can the breakdown be addressed in the Technical Section and referenced on the budget sheet?

Answer: Yes, the breakdown can be addressed in the technical section and referenced on the budget sheet.

100. Question: Section L.9 paragraph 12 requests that “Completed and signed Contractor Employee Biographical Sheet for each personnel proposed. (Salary history and proposed rates for local employees are to be submitted in local currency "Bangladesh Taka"”.

a. Is “local employees” defined as CCN labor only. Therefore, does not apply to Long term Expats and TCN’s who will be working in Bangladesh.

b. Are CCN estimated labor costs to be proposed in US$

c. Can USAID provide an exchange rate so all proposals can be evaluated on an equal basis or will defining the exchange rates in budget notes be sufficient?

Answer: (a) Local employees are defined as CCN labor; (b) labor cost for CCN employees should be included in the cost proposal using a consistent exchange rate; (c) At present, the official exchange rate used in the US Mission in Bangladesh is 1 USD = 81 Bangladesh Taka. The offeror can propose a current exchange rate which will be subject to review while conducting cost evaluation.

101. Question: Does USAID have a Local Compensation Plan for Bangladesh. If not can USAID offer suggestions of sources that can be used as a basis for determining CCN labor rates?

Answer: See answer to the question no. 94.

102. Question: In a similar manner, may TCN’s be paid international rates, or what will be the standard?

Answer: See AIDAR 722.170.

103. Question: Reference- SOL Section L, Paragraph L.6.b, Page 85: Page 85 of the RFP refers to Proposal Delivery instructions where it states “Also, if you utilize the services of an independent agent in Bangladesh to deliver your proposal, please be certain that he/she understands additional time (2-3 days) may be needed to allow for Embassy security review of any packages hand delivery and that the closing date and time are firm.” Since the delivery date has been set for May 15th, does that mean the hard copies have to be delivered to the Embassy 3 days prior to the due date, or is it acceptable if the hard copies are stamped by the Embassy by the due date. Please clarify.

Answer: Hard copies should be delivered to Embassy prior to the due date.

104. Question: Reference- SOL Section L, Paragraph L.6, Page 85: Section L of the RFP states that physical copies of proposals must be delivered to the American Embassy by May 15th, with electronic versions of documents submitted on CDs. Section L later proceeds to define logistical criteria for submitting a proposal via email. Please confirm whether email submission is required in addition to physical delivery, and if so whether email submission by May 15th with physical copies of proposals being submitted at a (to be defined) later date would be acceptable to USAID

Answer: Email submission is required in addition to hard copies and CDs on the specified deadline.

105. Question: Reference-SOL Section: L, Paragraph: L.6.a, Page: 84: The RFP requests that the offeror complete the annual representations and certifications electronically via the Online Representations and Certifications Application website at http://orca.bnp.gov. Are we still required to include it in the cost proposal volume?

Answer: No. A confirmation should be provided in the cost proposal.

106. Question: Reference- RFP Section L, Paragraph: L.9.13.d, Page: 94: Is the offeror required to propose a ceiling indirect cost rates to be considered eligible for this award, or is this left to the discretion of the offeror?

Answer: Yes, the offerors are required to propose a ceiling indirect cost rates to be considered eligible.

107. Question: Reference- SOL Section L, Paragraph L.9.1, Page 92: Is there a page limit on the Cost Proposal?

108. Question: H15 says that Head of Contracting Activity approval will be required for GUCs. Does this mean HCA has not approved?

Answer: HCA has already approved GUC under this RFP.

109. Question: Section I of the RFP includes 52.215-10 and 52.215-12 and Section

J includes a Certificate of Cost or Pricing Data. Per FAR 15.403-1, the CO shall not require cost or pricing data when prices agreed upon are based on adequate price competition. Since it is likely that two or more responsible offerors, competing independently, will submit priced offers in response to this solicitation, these should be deleted from the RFP.

Answer: The referred two clauses have been deleted from the RFP. Please see item no. IV of the the amendment.

110. Question: FAR 28.309 (b) says that the contracting officer shall insert the clause at 52.228-4, when the contract will be a public-work contract performed outside the United States and the Secretary of Labor waives the applicability of the Defense Base Act (see 28.305(d)). Since the Secretary has waived the applicability for CCN employees in Bangladesh, shouldn’t this provision be included in Section I?

Answer: As per AIDAR 728.309, both FAR Clause 52.228-3 and AIDAR Clause 752.22-3 added in the RFP. Additionally, please see Section I.9 of the RFP. For application of Defense Base Act coverage please see AAPD 12-1.

111. Question: L11 requires a BIP be included in the RFP. The BIP does not appear to be a factor in the evaluation of proposals. Because of the time and resources necessary to produce the BIP, could USAID limit production of the BIP to the successful offeror?

Answer: No. Offerors must submit summary BIP of maximum 2-3 pages and full plan must be submitted later.

112. Question: RFP Section L.6 (a) provides instructions for hard-copy and CD submission, while Section L.6 (c) provides instructions for electronic submission.

Can USAID confirm which format or formats are required?

Answer: Please see Answer no. 104.

113. Question: RFP Section L.8 (5) requires submission of SF 294 reports for the past 5 years, while Section L.14.2 requires submission of SF 294 reports for the past 3 years. Could USAID clarify how many are required? Additionally, since either requirement could constitute a file of an unwieldy size, may this requirement instead be fulfilled by submission of a selection of 10 recent and relevant SF 294 reports in an annex, or may SF 294s be submitted in only the original volume?

Answer: Please see Answer…