SOL-391-17-000012_Amendment_-_01.pdf

Amendment No. 1

Request for Proposal SOL-391-17-000012

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 2 of 11

Amendment Item 1:

On the cover letter of the RFP, delete the Closing Date for Receipt of Proposals “July 28, 2017, 1500 hours

(Pakistan Time)” and replace with “August 04, 2017, 1500 hours (Pakistan Time)”.

Amendment Item 2:

Specific changes to the Request for Proposal are as listed below:

A. In Section B.7 (a), second paragraph, delete first sentence of the paragraph “This fee ceiling is not applicable to Grants under Contracts (GUCs), if any, or other costs that have a separate fee ceiling established in the contract.” in its entirety.

B. In Section B.10 Labor Categories – Loaded Fixed Daily Rates, delete the entire text including heading and replace with the following:

“B.10 Labor Categories – Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR)

[Only applicable to CPFF task orders]

(a) All CPFF task orders must include rates that are equal to or lower than the Ceiling Daily Rates set forth below.

Each CDR for personnel listed below is “unburdened” and must only include salary costs or consulting rates of the individual providing the services.

The CDR for employees must not include the following:

(1) Payroll costs (social charges/fringe benefits, FICA, allowances, differentials, etc.);

(2) Indirect Costs applicable to labor;

(3) General and Administrative Expenses; and

(3) Profit or fee, if any.

The CDRs set forth below are fixed for the term of the IDIQ award and are for an eight hour day, and apply to the prime contractor and all subcontractors. If a new subcontractor is proposed for a specific task order on other than a fixed-price basis, the FDRs set forth below will apply, and the subcontract is subject to consent by the TOCO in accordance with FAR Part 44.

Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under task orders and final approval is provided by the TOCO. The ceiling daily rates presented below do not constitute approval of final salary rates above the Contractor Salary Threshold (CST) (see ADS 302).

(b) The CDRs for each labor category below represents the senior-level rate in each labor category. If mid-level or junior-level personnel are required under task orders, they must be proposed at rates below the Ceiling daily rates.

[Note1: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any CPFF task order(s) that are awarded under this contract – except Fixed-Priced Task Orders.]

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 3 of 11

[Note 2: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, TCNs, CCN’s and consultant salaries). CCN and TCN labor are also governed by the local compensation plan limitations as further provided in note 3 below. For consultants that typically bill using a loaded rate, contractors must propose any charges above direct salary separately.]

[Note 3: Locally Hired National Personnel or Other Non-U.S. Expatriate Rates

Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this contract and any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007 and should be based upon a combination of factors including the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and consideration of the individual's education, work experience and recent relevant salary history.

Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, the compensation for CCN and TCN labor must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID and must be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.]

Ceiling Daily Rates for Contractor Personnel

No. Labor Category Base

Year

Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

1 Senior Team Leader / IDIQ Manager

2 Subject Matter Expert

3 Capacity Building Specialist

4 Financial Management Specialist

5 Training Specialist

6 Quality Control Manager

7 Senior Manger

8 Manager

9 Audit Associate

10 Public Financial Management (PFM)

Expert

11 Capacity Building Manager

12 Training Manager

13 IT/Database Manager

Contractor Identified Labor

Categories

14 [to be specified by offeror]

15 [to be specified by offeror]

16 [to be specified by offeror]

17 [to be specified by offeror]

18 [to be specified by offeror]

19 [to be specified by offeror]

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 4 of 11

(c) Definition of labor categories:

Following Key Person is proposed for this IDIQ award:

1. Senior Team Leader / IDIQ Manager

The proposed team must include a senior team leader with experience in managing audits will be preferred and must also have experience in organizational risk assessment and project management assessments. The senior team leader having Chartered Accountant Certification (CPA, ACCA, CA) or equivalent will be preferred. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in Organizational Strengthening or related area; including experience designing programs with Organizational Strengthening focus plus conducting Organizational Strengthening analyses (mapping). Desired three (3) years of experience with

USAID programs. This person would also act as the IDIQ Manager.

The following core team members are proposed for this IDIQ award:

1. Subject Matter Expert

Provides subject matter expertise as necessary to suit sector focus of capacity building initiative. Subject matter may include but not limited to accounting, auditing, business planning, community outreach, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, finance, gender, language, law, public policy, health, media and communications, trade and agriculture. Provides industry or sector specific advice to enterprises including industry specific business and action planning, performance measures and indicators, organizational assessments, sector and/or industry assessments, and process and productivity improvement. Education and experience requirements are stated below:

Master’s degree, in a field or sub-field related to subject matters identified above, to include implementation, research and program design depending upon the TO.

Minimum eight (8) years’ experience in Organizational Strengthening or related area; including experience designing programs with Organizational Strengthening focus plus conducting Organizational

Strengthening analyses (mapping).

Desired three (3) years of experience with USAID programs.

Ability to develop Organizational Strengthening strategies that are successful across a range of thematic areas (human resource, finance, procurement, etc.).

Approaches work with strong bias towards collaborative methods.

2. Capacity Building Specialist

Provides expert technical guidance on all aspects of capacity building to the implementing partner, Mission and other stakeholders including, performance assessments, performance solutions design and performance monitoring and management system design. Assumes a lead role in various stages of the capacity building project/program as directed. Performs consulting activities to assist clients in activities such as building leadership, performing strategic planning, conducting information analysis, developing process improvements, performing facilitation services, conducting surveys and improving an organization’s results. Education and experience requirements are stated below:

Master’s degree, in a field of finance, procurement, administration, HR, or project management including implementation, research and program design.

Track record of delivering results in terms of Organizational Strengthening knowledge, attitudes, and practices

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 5 of 11

Demonstrated understanding of and experience working with program teams in challenging and multi-cultural settings

Minimum five (5) years’ experience in Organizational Strengthening or related area; including experience designing programs with Organizational Strengthening focus plus conducting Organizational

Strengthening analyses (mapping).

Desired two (2) years of experience with USAID programs.

Excellent training and facilitation skills, interpersonal communication, and appreciative inquiry skills

Excellent research, writing and presentation skills (written and oral)

Ability to multi-task, work independently, and meet deadlines

Proficiency in Excel, Word and other software packages relevant to work (e.g., internet based search engines and research tools, data analysis software)

3. Financial Management Specialist

Ensures that budget analysis and financial reporting requirements are met for the programs. Assists in project management functions of financial planning, program auditing, budgeting, and reporting.

Education and experience requirements are stated below:

Master’s degree in accounting, business, finance or economics preferably Professional Accountant

(CPA, CA or equivalent) and at least five (5) years of relevant experience in financial management

(FM).

Minimum three (3) years’ experience and in-depth familiarity with public/NGO sector financial management would be a distinct advantage.

Demonstrated understanding of and experience working with program teams in challenging and multi-cultural settings

Proficiency in Excel, Word and other software packages relevant to work (e.g., internet based search engines and research tools, data analysis software)

4. Training Specialist

Provides analysis, advice and or implementation assistance on training strategies, delivery and facilitation of training, organizational training capacity, and management of training activities. Also advises on evaluation of training. Education and experience requirements are stated below;

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Five (5) years of training and facilitation experience

Excellent written and oral communication skills

OTHER TECHNICAL POSITIONS

1. Quality Control Manager

The primary responsibility of Quality Control Manager is to ensure deliverables meet quality and efficiency standards set by the organization. He/She is required to possess Master’s degree and prior experience in relevant field.

2. Senior Manager

Senior Manager will compile the review report. Assist the partner in the review and finalization of the report. Conduct Entrance and Exit Conferences with key members of the review team and the project manager(s) to explain the objectives and focus of the assignment. Discussions with the management of entity, strategic direction for the field work and report Finalization. He/She must have a Bachelor’s

Degree in the relevant field.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 6 of 11

3. Manager

Manager will perform review of consolidation process of financial information and reconciliation of financial statements/records with the reports submitted to USAID; Check compliance with the agreement terms, applicable laws and regulations and with the entity’s internal control procedures;

Obtain specific representations from the management concerning its knowledge of any actual fraud or suspected fraud affecting the entity, involving management or others and potentially having a material effect on financial statements/reports. Review of specific areas identified in the scope of work. He/She must have a Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field.

4. Audit Associate

Audit Associate is responsible for collection of all financial information related to the Cost Categories selected for the assignment, Check compliance with agreement terms, applicable laws and regulations, confirmations from independent third parties, if necessary; ensure that the transactions within projects are properly recorded. Carryout test of controls and test of details to review the specific areas identified in the scope of work. He/She must be part qualified CA/ CPA/ ACCA with three years’ experience in the relevant field.

5. Public Financial Management (PFM) Expert

PFM Expert must have experience in conducting research, assessments, reviews, analyses and is preferred to have demonstrated experience with normative acts governing public procurement in

Pakistan. Experience working with government officials and regulators at the national level with proven ability to be results- and deadline-driven. Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with Master’s degree in procurement, finance, or related area preferred with detailed knowledge of USAID procurement procedures.

6. Capacity Building Manager

Capacity Building Manager will perform consulting activities to assist Capacity Building Specialist in activities such as building leadership, performing strategic planning, conducting information analysis, developing process improvements, performing facilitation services, conducting surveys and improving an organization’s results. Bachelor’s degree, in a field of finance, procurement, administration, HR, or project management including implementation, research and program design.

7. Training Manager

Training Manager will assist Training Specialist in providing analysis, advice and or implementation assistance on training strategies, delivery and facilitation of training, organizational training capacity, and management of training activities. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required with three (3) years of training and facilitation experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required for this position.

8. Information Technology/Database Manager

Provides analysis, advice and/or implementation assistance on design, implementation and evaluation of information systems, with an emphasis on computerized systems of information management. Advises on hardware and software configurations, purchases, maintenance and personnel training requirements.

Education and Work Experience Requirements for Other Technical Positions: Though academic degrees are not generally a requirement for many of the labor categories included under the “Other

Technical” positions, the Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that each person filling a position

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 7 of 11 under this IQC has the necessary educational qualifications, including any appropriate specialized training, necessary to carry out the work specified under each Task Order in a satisfactory manner.

(d) Managerial leadership of task orders:

It is anticipated that either the Senior Team Leader or Subject Matter Expert may act in a management capacity on individual task orders.

(e) Minimum qualifications:

In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor shall provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below. These minimum qualifications for Senior personnel correspond to the unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates above.

Level Academic Degree* Plus

Approximate

Years of

Relevant**

Work

Experience

Including

Years of

Experience in

International

Development

Relevant

Regional

Experience

Relevant

Language

Fluency

Senior Ph.D.

JD/ABD

MS/MA/MBA/CPA/CA

BS/BA

Less than Bachelor’s

As specified in

Task Order

As specified in

Task Order

As specified in

Task Order

*Highest degree obtained should be related to work being performed.

**Relevant Work Experience is required for the levels indicated.

(f) Locally Hired National Personnel or Other Non-U.S. Expatriates

All locally hired national personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates must be paid in accordance with AIDAR 722.170(a): Third Country Nationals (TCNs) and Cooperating Country Nationals

(CCNs) who are working in the United States or are legal residents of the United States at the time they are hired for a task order, must be extended benefits and subject to restrictions on the same basis as U.S. citizens who work in the United States. The U.S. FDRs will be applied to

TCNs and CCNs conforming to this regulatory provision.

Salaries for individual locally-hired personnel and other non-U.S. expatriates under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel

Compensations (July 2007) and should be based upon a combination of factors including prevailing in-country salaries for the professional category being negotiated and consideration of the individual's education, work experience and recent relevant salary history.”

C. In Section B.11Security Costs, delete the existing text in its entirety and replace with the following:

“The Contractor must provide USAID/Pakistan a security plan (referenced in Section H. 31 and

Attachment J.3) and budget for security costs as part of each TO proposal, as further detailed in Section

H of this IDIQ and Section L of each request for Task Order proposal. The Security Plan and budget for

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 8 of 11 each TO must delineate and justify the reasonableness of all costs and provide a coherent, overall integrated security plan that demonstrates that the Contractor has undertaken a thoughtful review of their security needs and includes analysis of the various elements of a security plan.”

D. In Section C.4 Scope of Work, Component II: Systems Strengthening and Technical Support, 2.

Technical Support, under second bullet for Government of Pakistan interventions, delete the text

“especially in the Province of Baluchistan”.

E. In Section F.2 (d), delete the entire text and replace with the following:

“The Contractor is required to, at the Task Order level, (i) obtain registration(s) with any relevant agency of the Government of Pakistan (GOP); (ii) enter into any necessary Memoranda of Understanding with the relevant governmental body; and (iii) obtain any necessary Non-Objection Certificate(s) (NOCs) from the Ministry of Interior or other relevant GOP agency. The Contractor may only initiate mobilization of staff and resources under Task Orders once the pre-mobilization phase of all required and necessary registrations and NOCs are completed and communicated to the Contracting Officer. The

Contracting Officer, subject to internal clearances and approvals, may extend the period of performance of the Task Order to offset the time it takes to obtain the registration(s) and NOC(s) so that the Task

Order implementation period is not effected. (See Section F.6.2.1 for details on Pre-Mobilization Plan and Budget under Task Orders).”

F. In Section F.6.1.1, delete the entire text including heading and replace with “Reserved”.

G. In Section G.1 (d), under local address, delete the existing name, email address and telephone number of the Contracting Officer and replace with the following:

“Contracting Officer: Patrick A. Robison

PRobison@usaid.gov

Tel: +92-51-201 5418”

H. In Section H.28 (b) (2), second sentence, delete the existing sentence and replace with “For this solicitation, USAID will require partner vetting at the competitive range stage.”

I. In Section H.31 Security Conditions, delete second paragraph under Life Support and Security Services

“The Contractor must comply with the Security Plan developed for each Task Order. A sample has been included in Section J.3 Sample format for Initial Security Plan.”

J. In Attachment J.7 Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix, throughout the document, delete “burdened fixed daily rates” and replace with “unburdened ceiling daily rates”, delete “Fixed Daily Rate” and replace with

“Ceiling Daily Rate” and delete “FDR” and replace with “CDR”. Additionally, the labor category of

“G2G Expert” is deleted and replaced with “Public Financial Management (PFM) Expert”.

mailto:PRobison@usaid.gov

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 9 of 11

K. In Section L.6 (e), delete the entire text and replace with the following:

“Additionally, the page limitation does not include the following: Title page, Cover Letter, Table of

Contents, Acronym List, dividers, Appendix attachments which contain biographical information for proposed candidates and Past Performance Information Sheet.”

L. In Section L.6.1, delete the entire text and replace with the following:

“The offeror must describe the overall technical approach it will use to provide the services described in the statement of work through which the offeror must:

(a) (to align with M2.1 sub-factor 1.1) Provide technical approaches for assembling high quality technical assistance teams including local experts, placing them in the field in a timely manner and providing them with all necessary support; ability evidenced by organizational commitment and organizational systems designed to utilize all available resources; feasibility of the proposed methodology and its relevance to the scope of works and realism of the proposed time schedule for scope of work; and ability to build and maintain relationships with host country counterparts and collaborate with clients and donors.

(b) (to align with M.2.1 sub-factor 1.2) Inception plan demonstrating how mobilization will be accomplished in a timely manner with tasks listing, descriptions, and realistic timelines. The Inception

Plan must present a complete, clear, appropriate, and effective plan to meet USAID/Pakistan’s technical requirements as described in Section C. USAID will also consider the extent to which the Offeror demonstrated the reliability and prospective effectiveness of the task lists and descriptions as well as a proposed realistic mobilization and performance timeline.

(c) (to align with M.2.1 sub-factor 1.3) Demonstrate to include both men and women in all aspects of this program including participation and leadership. Further requirements on this are included in Section

C.5 and Attachment J.11. USAID policy requires that gender issues be addressed as appropriate in all

USAID-funded activities. The technical approach will describe how gender considerations will be integrated throughout the program and into specific activities as appropriate. The Contractor must look for gender implications or opportunities in the program, seeking to address embedded gender issues and promote gender equity, as appropriate, in all phases of program implementation and internal management. Offeror will conduct an analysis of relevant gender issues and provide an approach to addressing them relative to the variety of proposed activities for this contract.”

M. In Section L.6.2, delete the entire text and replace with the following:

“The offeror must describe the overall management approach it will use to provide the services described in

Section C.4 of the statement of work through which the offeror must:

Propose a management structure which clearly demonstrates the lines of responsibility, relationships, and communication through which tasks will be managed and the extent to which the offeror’s management procedures are sound and ensure quality control. Propose the procedures to manage task order proposal requests to ensure they are efficient and may appropriately engage with stakeholders, subcontractors, and other technical assistance contractors. The offeror should fully demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness to manage and ensure the reasonableness of costs to enhance the potential for program sustainability.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 10 of 11

Management of key personnel, including appropriateness of personnel for the job to include recruitment, retention and replacement to ensure adequate management oversight is present at all times. Key Personnel identified under the management approach should demonstrate the capability to simultaneously manage multiple task orders involving collaborative efforts drawing upon the full range of available skills and experience available under contractual arrangements and demonstrate capability to effectively select and manage the work of local partners (with appropriate local languages) in the implementation of the project.

Propose qualified personnel who possess the requisite education and experience required to perform the following: program management, contract management, sub-contract and/or sub-grant management and how the Offeror's ability to demonstrate this experience is relevant to its ability to successfully perform Section C in order to achieve the overall project objective.

Propose their organizations' proven capabilities and capacity to mobilize quickly and effectively to establish a presence in the country/region, react to changing conditions in a complex and difficult environment, and move immediately to address implementation issues.”

N. In Section L.6.3, delete the last sentence of the first paragraph “Evaluation of the qualifications of proposed personnel will be based on the extent to which the proposed personnel meet the IDIQ requirements.” and add “or equivalent will be preferred” at the end of the second paragraph.

O. In Section L.8 Security Plan, delete this sub section in its entirety.

P. In Section M.2, Technical Evaluation Criteria, Sub Section (1) Technical Approach, delete the text in its entirety and replace with the following:

“Sub-Factor 1.1 Technical Approach [30 Points]

USAID will evaluate the offeror’s proposed Technical Approach based on the completeness and quality of the proposed plan to achieve or surpass the objectives of the SOW (conforming to preparation instructions in Section L.6.1), including capability in assembling high quality technical assistance teams including local experts and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with all stakeholders.

Sub-Factor 1.2 Inception Plan [05 Points]

USAID will evaluate the quality of the “Inception Plan” on the extent to which the offeror proposed a complete, appropriate, realistic, and effective plan to meet USAID/Pakistan’s technical requirements as described in the SOW (conforming to preparation instructions in Section L.6.1).

Sub-Factor 1.1 Incorporation of Gender [05 points]

USAID will evaluate the demonstrated strength to which the approach includes both men and women in all aspects of this program including participation and leadership (conforming to preparation instructions in Section L.6.1).”

Pakistan Capacity Development Services – IDIQ Page 11 of 11

Q. In Section M.2, Technical Evaluation Criteria, Sub Section (2) Management Approach, delete the text in its entirety and replace with the following:

“USAID will evaluate the offeror’s proposed management structure based on the soundness and completeness of the management plan in describing the processes and approaches necessary to address all the components in the SOW (conforming to preparation instructions in Section L.6.2), including the appropriateness of personnel, the capability to select and manage the work of local partners, the organizational chart, and the ability mobilize quickly.”

R. In Section M.2, Technical Evaluation Criteria, Sub Section (3) Personnel, delete the text in its entirety

“USAID will evaluate the offeror’s proposed Personnel on the demonstrated appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to successfully implement the activity in the SOW (conforming to preparation instructions in Section L.6.3). “

S. In Section M.2, Technical Evaluation Criteria, Sub Section (4) Relevant Past Performance, Paragraph two, replace “10%” with “20%”.

Amendment Item 3:

In Section J “LIST OF ATTACHMENTS” add the following attachment:

“Attachment J.13: Questions and Answers”

Attachment J.14: Illustrative List of G2G Partners”

[END OF AMENDMENT 01]

Attachment – J.13

RFP # SOL-391-17-000012

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract Questions and Answers

S.# QUESTIONS ANSWERS

1. If the two selected bidding contractors have the same sub-contracting firm, can that sub-contracting firm be allowed to work for both selected contractors?

Yes.

2. Section L.6.3 (page 117) of the RFP requires offerors to include brief biographies of the proposed IDIQ manager and other core team members. Section B.10 (c) of the RFP lists four labor categories to be proposed as core team members for the IDIQ award. Given that PCDS is an IDIQ with no funding provided with the IDIQ award, the role of the core team members and how they will be evaluated is unclear. Would USAID please clarify:

• Whether offerors should propose one candidate for each of the four labor categories to be available throughout the IDIQ period of performance (similar to the IDIQ manager), or whether offerors should propose illustrative candidates who demonstrate the type of personnel the offeror can provide for task orders?

• How will the core team members be evaluated?

The core team members will be engaged in the specific task orders (TO) to be issued and will be evaluated at the time of solicitation of the TOs.

The core team positions will be TO specific and the personnel can be different according to the requirements of the respective TO. The offeror should provide illustrative candidates for the core team members for the purpose of evaluating proposed expertise available.

3. Section L.7.9 (pages 122 to 123) is titled “Letters of Commitment (Major Subcontractors).” However, the instructions included therein request that offerors include a letter from each subcontractor. Would USAID please clarify whether offerors should include a letter of commitment from all subcontractors or only major subcontractors?

The offerors should include Letter of Commitment only from the major subcontractors.

4. Section L.6.4 (page 117) defines major subcontractors as “those representing more than 20 percent of the total estimated cost.”

However, Section M.2 (4) defines a major subcontractor “as exceeding 10 percent of the proposed budget.” Would USAID please clarify the definition for major subcontractors?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section M.2 (4) is revised to reflect the requirements of major subcontractor.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

5. Section L.7.2 (page 118) instructs offerors to “submit a completed Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix pursuant to the template set forth in Attachment J.7.” However, Attachment J.11 includes a budget template in an Excel document. Please confirm that offerors should only submit the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix included in Attachment J.7 and that Attachment J.11 Budget Format was inadvertently included in the RFP and does not need to be submitted.

The offerors should only submit completed Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix (Attachment J.7), Attachment J.11 Budget Format is the standardized format to be used for anticipated solicitations for Task Orders and was included for illustrative purposes only.

6. Section B.10 (pages 13 to 14), Section L.7.2 (page 118), and the instructions for completing the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix in Attachment J.7 (page 151) request that offerors propose burdened fixed daily rates (FDRs). However, Section B.2 (page 9) states that the contract type for task orders will either be Cost-Plus- Fixed-Fee or any Fixed-Price type. Given that burdened FDRs are only applicable under Time-and-Materials type contracts, it is unclear why offerors should submit FDRs. Would USAID please confirm that offerors should propose unburdened ceiling daily rates, rather than FDRs, in the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix? If offerors should propose unburdened ceiling daily rates, we respectfully request that USAID revise the RFP to reflect this change.

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section B.10 and Attachment J.7 are revised to change the submission requirements to unburdened ceiling daily rates against burdened fixed daily rates.

7. Attachment J.7. Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix (pages 151 to 153) and Section B.10(b) (page 14) include a labor category for “G2G Expert.” However, Section B.10(c) does not include a labor category for “G2G Expert.” Likewise, Section B.10(c) (page 17) includes a labor category for “PFM Expert.” However, Attachment J.7 and Section B.10(b) do not include a labor category for “PFM Expert.” We respectfully request that USAID revise these sections so that the list of labor categories match.

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section B.10(b) and Attachment J.7 are revised to reflect the correct labor category description.

8. Section L.6.4 (page 117) states that the Past Performance Information Sheet (Attachment J.8) must be used to submit

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section L.6(e) is revised to address the correction.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract relevant past performance, while Section L.6 (e) lists the Contractors Performance Report-Short Form and Past Performance Information and Matrix as not being included in the technical proposal’s page limitations. Would USAID please confirm that offerors should only submit the Past Performance Information Sheet (Attachment J.8) and not the Contractors Performance Report-Short Form and Past Performance Information and Matrix?

9. Please confirm that small business concerns that are bidding on the Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Small Business Set-aside contract are also eligible to bid on the Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – IDIQ contract.

Please refer to paragraph two of the cover page of the solicitation that states “Proposals will be accepted from private, for-profit and non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations. Faith-based and community organizations are also eligible for award. USAID encourages proposals from potential new and/or local partners.”

10. In order for contractors to provide the most effective IDIQ Managers, would USAID consider removing or substituting the Chartered Accountant Certification (CPA, ACCA, CA) requirement? It seems that there are a limited number of seasoned managers of USAID contracts that hold Chartered Accountant Certifications.

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section B.10(c) 1. is revised to change the qualification requirements of Senior Team Leader – IDIQ Manager.

11. In Section M.2 Technical Evaluation Criteria, under (1) Technical Approach, USAID lists as part of the third criterion “realism of the proposed time schedule for scope of work.” Could USAID please clarify this requirement, as the IDIQ scope does not provide for the provision of any timelines for the scope at this stage?

This would include the inception plan and how efficiently the contractor can mobilize its team/sub-contractors to initiate the work. USAID anticipates issuing specific TOs within a short period of time after awarding the IDIQ contracts.

Please also refer to section F.2 (d). Please refer to the updated Evaluation Criteria in Section M and Instructions in Section L.

12. In Section L.6.1 and Section M.2.1, USAID requests an inception plan and states that the “offeror will be evaluated on an inception

Please refer to answer of question number 11.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract plan demonstrating how mobilization will be accomplished in a timely manner…” Could USAID please clarify the purpose of this plan for the IDIQ, given the indefinite nature of the contract?

13. Per page 13, paragraphs C and D, seem to imply that IDIQ holders are obligated to bid on all TOs between $20,000 and $2,000,000.

Is this the case?

The IDIQ awardees are not obligated to bid on all Task Orders.

14. On page 14, point b, could USAID please confirm if Note 3 has been cut off or is complete?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section B.10 is revised for specific changes.

15. On page 25 under technical support, does the specific mention of “especially in the province of Baluchistan” indicate that organizations in that province are viewed as generally less compliant and/or of greater risk by USAID?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section C.4 is revised to delete the text “especially in the province of Baluchistan”.

16. On page 26 the RFP states “the Contractor shall formulate the criteria and performance standards for the selection of suitable training providers in the public and private sector in consultation with the IP and USAID.” Does that mean that USAID would like awardees to plan on subcontracting to training providers beyond those that may already be included in the awardee’s consortium?

It is up to the prime contractor to decide how it would like to address the training requirement.

17. Per (F.6.1.6 p 34) can USAID confirm that monthly success stories are only required once a holder has received one or more task orders?

Yes.

18. Can USAID clarify if text boxes can be less than 12 fonts, as long as they are legible (L.6 d, page 114)?

The offeror must follow the instructions of the RFP.

19. The sample Budget Format included in Attachment J.11 appears to be a Task Order budget format. Could USAID please confirm that for the purposes of the IDIQ Cost Proposal, offerors should use the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix in Attachment J.7 and disregard the Budget Format in Attachment J.11?

Please refer to answer of question number 5.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

20. In the interest of ensuring ease of comparison between offeror’s responses, could USAID provide additional budget input assumptions for the Security Plan budget, i.e. province where work is being completed, number of personnel based in the office, breakdown of USN versus CCN/TCN personnel, etc.?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Sections B.11 and L.8 are revised to delete the Security Plan requirements at the IDIQ proposal stage.

21. Given the indefinite nature of the IDIQ mechanism, would USAID provide a budget template for the security plan for ease of comparison?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Sections B.11 and L.8 are revised to delete the Security Plan requirements at the IDIQ proposal stage.

22. The solicitation states that “Task orders issued under this IDIQ contract may be either Firm Fixed-Price or Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee awards.” Given that Time and Materials awards are not envisioned under this IDIQ, could USAID confirm that the loaded fixed daily rates requested as part of the cost proposal will be used purely to evaluate offers for cost reasonableness and by USAID in budgeting future task orders, and will not become binding ceilings for contractors under this IDIQ?

Please refer to answer of question number 6.

23. Given the wide disparity between expatriate and CCN salary ranges, and in the interest of maximizing ease of comparison, would USAID consider allowing contractors to propose both a USN daily rate and a CCN/TCN daily rate for each labor position?

The offeror should propose one rate.

24. On page 67, the RFP states “For this solicitation, USAID will vet at [insert in the provision the applicable stage of the source selection process at which the contracting officer will notify the offeror(s) who must be vetted].” Can USAID please fill in the bracketed section so the offers can be sure to submit vetting forms at the requisite time?

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section H.28 is updated for the requisite vetting stage for this solicitation.

25. Section B.2, Page 9 states that "The government will issue task orders that are either Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) (term or completion) or any Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type." The cover page

Please refer to Section B.2 for potential task order types envisioned under this IDIQ solicitation.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract also includes cost reimbursement as an option for task order contract types.

Question: Please clarify the potential task order contract types envisioned for this IDIQ.

26. Section B.3, Page 9 states “The basic contract includes an initial obligation of funds in the amount of $5,000 to cover the minimum order guarantee.”

Question: Will the pre-mobilization budget as mentioned on page 33 be incorporated into the IDIQ initial obligation or that of a task order?

The pre-mobilization budget will be part of the Task Order budget.

27. Section B.7, Page 11 states “This fee ceiling is not applicable to Grants under Contracts (GUCs), if any, or other costs that have a separate fee ceiling established in the contract.”

Question a: Please clarify if Grants Under Contract are anticipated under this IDIQ.

Question b: Please clarify if offerors are expected to propose a separate fee ceiling for Grants under Contract or any other costs that are not covered by the main fee ceiling.

Through this amendment of the RFP, Section B.7 is revised.

GUCs are not anticipated under this IDIQ.

28. Section B.10, Page 14 introduces fixed daily rates, yet also states "Actual salaries for all personnel will be negotiated under task orders and final approval provided by the TOCO," which is indicative of ceiling rates.

Question a: Please clarify if Offerors are expected to propose burdened Fixed Daily Rates or Ceiling Daily Rates.

Question b: If burdened Fixed Daily rates are required, please confirm that rates will not be approved on the individual level and

Please refer to answer of question number 6.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract the Fixed Daily Rates will apply to all proposed individuals who meet the stated requirements for each labor category.

Question c: If Ceiling Daily Rates are required, the offeror respectfully requests that they be unburdened rates, which represents a potential cost savings to USAID due to different indirect cost loads applied to different employment types.

29. Section B.10, Page 14 introduces a table of labor categories to be filled out with Fixed Daily Rates for each year. The table includes a "G2G Expert" labor category, which is not defined in the following section. Similarly, the following section includes a "PFM Expert" labor category that does not appear in the table.

Question: Please clarify the intended list of labor categories.

Please refer to answer of question number 7.

30. Section B.10, Page 15 states "The proposed team must include a senior team leader with experience managing audits, organizational risk assessment, and project management assessments. The senior team leader must have Chartered Accountant Certification (CPA, ACCA, CA) or equivalent."

Question a: Would USAID consider altering the profile of the Senior Team Leader/IDIQ Manager to remove "experience managing audits" given the statement on page 21 that "these assessments, while potentially varied in nature, will not include any auditing services."?

Question b: Would USAID consider waiving the requirement for a Chartered Accountant Certification from the Senior Team Leader/IDIQ Manager to allow advanced degrees in related subject areas provided that requirement is satisfied elsewhere in the core team?

Please refer to answer of question number 10.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

31. Section B.10, Page 15 outlines a description of the Key Person and Core Team members for the IDIQ.

Question a: Please clarify if the proposed staff for these positions are expected to be based in Pakistan or if they may be filled by the offeror's home office staff or a mix thereof.

Question b: Please clarify if these positions are expected to be dedicated 100% to PCDS or if they may be filled by the offeror’s staff who will provide technical leadership and guidance to full-time staff under each task order.

It is up to the offeror to propose the labor mix considering that the contractor will be fully responsible for the work performed under this contract.

32. Section B.10, Page 18 includes a table showing education and experience requirements for the Other Technical Positions. The education and experience requirements shown in the table do not in all cases match those described earlier in Section B.10, such as the description for an Audit Associate which states a requirement for a “part qualified CA/CPA/ACCA with three years’ experience in the relevant field.”

Question: Please clarify the requirements for each labor category.

Requirements are already defined in pages 15-18 of the RFP.

33. Section B.11, Page 19 states "The contractor must provide USAID/Pakistan a security plan (referenced in Section H.33 and Attachment J.3) and budget for security."

Question: Given the wide range of potential locations and staffing configurations required to complete the activities in the Scope of Work, would USAID consider providing a scenario or set of scenarios that should be considered when developing the Security Plan and Budget?

Please refer to the revised Section B.11. Activities under PCDS-IDIQ are anticipated to be implemented mainly in the federal and provincial capitals of Pakistan with possible traveling to remote areas. An illustrative list of G2G partners is attached as Attachment J.14 to the solicitation.

34. Section C.4, Page 23 states "Although each task order issued under these contracts will have its own statement of work, the

Please refer to section B.9 (page-12).

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract following provides illustrative examples of the types of potential activities envisioned under PCDS."

Question a: In order to assist offerors with proposing the most appropriate approaches, would USAID be willing to provide further information on the anticipated dollar value, duration, and location(s) for task orders contemplated under this IDIQ?

Question b: The offeror respectfully requests USAID consider issuing a scenario or scenarios for offerors to respond to, potentially in the form of a sample task order.

Illustrative examples are provided on in Section C.

35. Section C.4, Page 24 outlines a requirement for "Providing technical experts for project needs, such as PC-1 preparation. In addition providing experts for the areas of finance, procurement, operations (including IT), human resource management, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and technical (such as engineers)."

Question: Would USAID provide an illustrative list of the sectors and technical expertise expected for technical recruiting activities?

Illustrative list of sectors may include Health, Agriculture, Energy, Economic Growth, Education and Construction.

Technical expertise will include sector specific experience according to task order requirements. An illustrative list of G2G partners is attached as Attachment J.14 to the solicitation.

36. Section F.6.1.1, Page 33 states "The contractor must submit a pre-mobilization plan and budget to meet the requirements of the host government for registration and issuance of NOCs. The pre-mobilization plan must contain only the necessary administrative staff and resources required to comply with the aforementioned registration and NOC requirements. The pre-mobilization budget will serve as a budget ceiling for the Contractor until further notice from the Contracting officer."

Question a: Please clarify when offerors are expected to submit this plan and budget.

Through this amendment of the RFP, Sections F.2(d) and F.6.1.1 are revised.

a. Please see the amendment.

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

Question b: Please clarify if USAID will be providing a funding obligation with each IDIQ award in order to fund the pre-mobilization budget or if this will be funded with a task order.

Question c: If the answer to the above is at a task order level, please clarify if that task order will be issued with the IDIQ to all successful offerors or combined with the first task order issued to each offeror under the IDIQ.

Question d: Could USAID provide an update on the status of implementing partner registration actions in Pakistan and if they are currently being granted in a reasonable timeframe?

Question e: Will USAID be able to provide any assistance or guidance with the registration process given the challenges faced by implementing partners in the past?

Question f: Given that NOCs must be obtained by relevant ministries in the locations contractors will be working, would USAID be able to provide further guidance surrounding the NOCs anticipated to be required under the IDIQ and subsequent task orders to better inform the inception and pre-mobilization plan design?

b. Please see the amendment.

c. The pre-mobilization plan and budget will be part of the first task order issued to each contractor.

d. Implementing Partner registration is a Government of Pakistan process and USAID is not involved in this process and therefore cannot provide an update.

e. Implementing Partner registration is a Government of

Pakistan process and USAID is not involved in this process and therefore cannot provide any assistance.

f. NOC requirement will depend upon specific activities under individual Task Orders. USAID is unable to provide any further details at this stage.

37. Section F.10, Page 42 states "Approval is not required for non-key personnel, unless their rates exceed the FDR in Section B or the ceiling rates for the local compensation plan for CCN personnel."

Question: The offeror respectfully requests USAID provide a copy of the local compensation plan or the ceiling rate as referenced in

The complete Local Compensation Plan cannot be shared however basic salary ranges based on the local compensation plan, exclusive of benefits, are listed as under:

Custodians/Office boys/Gardeners

Minimum Maximum

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract this clause.

FSN 1 272,230 517,240

FSN 2 337,501 641,251

Drivers/Telephone Operators/Warehouseman/Electricians/Clerks

FSN 3 427,586 812,411

FSN 4 498,008 946,208

FSN 5 576,071 1,094,531

Clerks/Secretaries/Admin Assistants/Program Assistants

FSN 6 714,173 1,356,923

FSN 7 932,778 1,772,293

FSN 8 1,228,745 2,334,620

FSN 9 1,557,376 2,959,021

Project Managers/Specialist

FSN 10 2,216,683 4,211,698

FSN 11 2,866,740 5,446,800

Senior Managers/Deputy Officers/Section Chief

FSN 12 3,904,374 7,418,304

38. Section G.6, Page 48 outlines the requirements for contractor invoicing.

The decision to offer Program Funded Advances would be determined at the Task Order level. As the amount of an

Pakistan Capacity Development Services (PCDS) – Indefinite…