USAID_Clean_Power_Asia_-_SOL-486-16-000005_Amendment_No._1.pdf

Solicitation No. SOL-486-16-000005

Amendment No. 01

A. SPECIFIC CHANGES TO THE SOLICITATION

1. SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

1.1. In Section “H.6 USAID IMPLEMENTING PARTNER NOTICES (IPN) PORTAL

FOR ACQUISITION (JULY 2014)” delete

“https://sites.google.com/site/ipnforacquisitions/” and replace it with

“https://sites.google.com/site/usaidipnforacquisitions/” wherever it appears in this section.

2. SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

2.1. In Section “I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY

REFERENCE” delete FAR clause “52.222-19 CHILD LABOR - COOPERATION

WITH AUTHORITIES AND REMEDIES (JAN 2016)”

3. SECTION J - LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

3.1. Add the following at the end “ATTACHMENT 11 - LOCAL COMPENSATION PLAN

PAY RANGES”

4. SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

OR RESPONDENTS

4.1. In Section “L.5 DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS” after sentence “Excel spreadsheets must be submitted with unlocked cells with formulas included.” Add the following:

“Electronic submissions may not exceed 10 MB in size per email.”

4.2. In Section “L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL” paragraph (b):

4.2.1. Add the following after “an executive summary”: “(not to exceed 2 pages)”

4.2.2. Delete the sentence “If the offeror decides to provide additional charts and graphs, it may provide those in an annex which is limited to five pages (See Section

L.6.5).” and replace it with the following:

“If the offeror decides to provide additional tables, graphics, charts and graphs, it may provide those in an annex which is limited to five pages (See Section L.6.5).”

4.3. Delete Section “L.6 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE

TECHNICAL PROPOSAL”, paragraph (c) and replace it with the following:

https://sites.google.com/site/ipnforacquisitions/ https://sites.google.com/site/usaidipnforacquisitions/

“The technical proposal must be organized into the following sections:

Cover Page

Executive Summary

Technical Proposal Body

1. Technical Approach

2. Key Personnel and Staffing

3. Institutional Experience

Annexes (See Section L.6.5)”

4.4. In Section “L.6.5 Technical Proposal Annexes” delete the following in their entirety and renumber the items that follow:

“1. Cover letter (one-page limit)

2. Executive summary (two-page limit)

3. Title page

4. Table of contents

5. Acronym list

6. Dividers”

5. ATTACHMENTS

5.1. In “ATTACHMENT 4” delete the following sentence “In the same section, on a separate page, provide a narrative summary of your organization’s use of small business concerns over the past three years following the requirements of Section L.6.4.D.3.a.”

and replace it with the following:

“In the same section, on a separate page, provide a narrative summary of your organization’s use of small business concerns over the past three years following the requirements of Section L.6.4.D.3.a and the names and addresses of three SB concerns per Section L.6.4.D.3.c.”

5.2. Add the following at the end:

“ATTACHMENT 11 - LOCAL COMPENSATION PLAN PAY RANGES

Countries/40

HRS/Week

Pay Plan as of

(mm-dd-yyyy)

FSN 1 - FSN 3 FSN 4 - FSN 6 FSN 7- FSN 9 FSN 10 - FSN 12

Laborer Clerical Sr. Admin/Asst Specialist

Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max

Thailand

(THB) 8/9/2015 153,683 384,247 251,050

634,740 480,033 1,143,229 863,567 2,859,507”

[END OF ATTACHMENT 11]”

B. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES UNDER

THE SOLICITATION

1. Question: Per Section L.6 (c) (page 109), the proposed outline for the technical body includes 1. Technical Approach, 2. Key Personnel and Staffing, 4. Contractor Past

Performance Information, and 5. Institutional Experience. Is there a missing ‘#3’ in the description of the outline of the technical proposal body?

Answer: There is no missing description. The typographical error in the numbering is corrected in this amendment to the solicitation.

2. Question: Section C.4.4 (page 27), of the RFP states that the Windows of Opportunity

Fund may be used “for a variety of purposes including private sector engagement to leverage outside resources.” Section C.4.4 also states that “grants under contract are not authorized under this contract.” Because modest amounts of grant funding can be a very effective tool to leverage outside resources, would USAID consider allowing grants under contract under the Clean Energy Windows of Opportunity Fund?

Answer: USAID is not considering the use of Grants Under Contract under the USAID

Clean Power Asia Activity at this time.

3. Question: In Section L.6.1 (page 109) offerors are asked to respond to specific tasks for specific countries (Section L.6.1). For instance, in Task 1.1. Renewable Energy

Target Setting for Low Emission Power Planning, the offeror is asked to describe its approach to this task in Cambodia. Does USAID intend for the offeror to carry out this task and other tasks only in the particular countries specified in L.6.1.

Answer: Per guidance in Section L.6.1, the Technical Approach submitted in the proposal need not address each task listed in Section C. While interventions within the

SOW may be implemented in other countries in accordance with the geographic coverage described, Section L is for proposal preparation purposes only.

4. Question: Can USAID clarify if the contractor needs to support project developers in the design, evaluation, feasibility, planning, and other owner’s engineer-like interventions, per earlier description in the RFI?

Answer: An Offeror may propose such approaches.

5. Question: Per page 114 of the RFP, “It is expected that the Offeror will budget at least

85-90% for interventions for the four-listed Lower Mekong countries, while the remaining budget (10-15%) will be used for interventions in other Asian developing countries. USAID/RDMA anticipates that the majority of the budget will be used for the implementation of Task 2 and Task 3 of the SOW”. Could USAID please clarify the countries USAID is referring to as “other Asian developing countries”? Does USAID intend this to mean all ASEAN developing member countries?

Answer: USAID confirms that the primary and initial place of performance of this contract is Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam, and Thailand. However, as stated, performance may extend to other developing countries in Asia (and not limiting to ASEAN developing member countries), but the specific area of implementation will be dependent on proposed activities and opportunities that arise during implementation.

6. Question: Would USAID consider allowing offerors to submit hard copy proposals 4 days (March 14, 2016) after electronic submissions are due to provide sufficient travel time to hand deliver proposals to USAID/RDMA?

Answer: No, both electronic and hard copies must be delivered by the date and time specified in the solicitation.

7. Question: “Would USAID kindly provide the most current LCP and FSN pay scale for

Thailand as well as for the other listed Lower Mekong countries?”

Answer: The Local Compensation Plan for Thailand is attached to this amendment.

8. Question: On p. 113, Section L.6.5.1- 6, the list seems to indicate that the Cover Letter, Executive Summary, Title page, Table of Contents, Acronym list and Dividers should be located as Technical Proposal Annexes. It seems more likely that this list indicates those items for which page limits (except as indicated elsewhere) will not count against the 30 page technical limit. Can you please confirm your intent for this list?

Answer: Items 1 - 6 have been removed from this section which now contains only required annexes.

9. Question: Pg. 25, Section C.4.3, Task 3. Could USAID please describe how CPA will interact with the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN) for Asia and the Climate

Technology Initiative (CTI) - PFAN? To design budgets and technical approach, it would be helpful to understand whether the CPA will be able to leverage PFAN activities to mobilize investment, and how the two programs will be distinct (e.g., will all future PFAN activity on RE in the Mekong be conducted through the Clean Power

Asia program?).

Answer: USAID confirms that USAID Clean Power Asia is a new and distinct Activity from the RDMA’s PFAN-Asia contract and other CTI-PFAN initiatives; no formal relationship is anticipated. However, as noted in Task 4 of the SOW, in order to avoid duplication of efforts and maximize impacts, the Activity should coordinate with stakeholders in the region and implement its interventions in consultation with other clean energy activities. Through this process, it may be possible for USAID Clean

Power Asia to leverage PFAN activities and other intervention’s expertise to mobilize investment.

10. Question: Pg. 27, Section C.4.3, Task 4. The Regional Power Trade Coordination

Committee (RPTCC) and Regional Power Coordination Center (RPCC) are cited in

Task 4 as potential institutions with which to collaborate both include China as a member. What restrictions and procedures apply to such collaboration, given China’s participation in RPTCC and RPCC?

Answer: It is not anticipated that such membership will be an impediment during implementation.

11. Question: Pg. 109, Section L.6.1. Section L specifies that “The Technical Approach need not address each task listed in Section C. Rather, the Technical Approach need only address the specific tasks in specific geographic regions as described hereunder”.

Without an explicit specification of the activities that an offeror undertakes for all

Tasks, how should offerors provide information to enable USAID to evaluate:

● the technical approach for the entire program?

● all the proposed personnel, when the offeror has not specified all the activities they will be performing?

● cost reasonableness without a basis for checking that proposed cost elements are associated with specific tasks?

Answer: Offerors are requested to submit proposals in accordance with Section L.

12. Question: Would USAID please consider directing offerors to also address subtask 2.2 and task 4 of the SOW in the technical approach, and expand the page limit accordingly?

Answer: No.

13. Question: Pg. 109, Section L.6 (b). The RFP seems to limit the content of the 5-page annex to charts and graphs (it seems to exclude graphics and tables). May the 5-page annex include tables as well?

Answer: Yes, the solicitation is amended to reflect this.

14. Question: Pg. 109, Section L.6 (b). The RFP states that content within the 5-page annex may use smaller than 12 point font size as long as it is legible. May charts, graphs, graphics, and tables included within the proposal text (within the 30-page limit) also use smaller than 12-point font as long as it is legible?

Answer: Yes.

15. Question: Pg. 109, Section L.6 (b). Would the government please confirm if the annexes can be numbered individually (e.g., A-1)?

Answer: Confirmed.

16. Question: Pgs. 109 & 113, Sections L.6(c) & L.6.5, #2. The RFP includes the

Executive Summary both within the Technical Proposal (on p. 109) and as an annex (on

p. 113). Would the Government please clarify in which place the Government wants offerors to include the Executive Summary?

Answer: The executive summary is to be provided as reflected in Section L.6(c) (page

109). The solicitation is amended to reflect this clarification.

17. Question: Pgs. 109 & 113, Sections L.6(c) & L.6.5, #9. The RFP includes the Past

Performance section (response to Section L.6.4) both within the Technical Proposal

Body (on p. 109) and as an annex (on p. 113). Would the Government please confirm that (1) Past Performance section should be included as an annex and not within the 30-page limited technical proposal body and (2) institutional experience should be section

3 within the technical proposal body?

Answer: Confirmed, the solicitation is amended to reflect this.

18. Question: Pg. 111, Section L.6.3 In the institutional experience section, would the

Government please confirm that offerors may include a description of subcontractors that will play an important role on the implementation team, even if their cost is less than of 25% of total proposed cost (the stated value for including past performance for a “major subcontractor”)?

Answer: The information requested under the Institutional Experience section is limited to that of the Offeror and any major subcontractors.

19. Question: Pgs. 111-112, Section L.6.4. This section allows offerors to provide up to 3 past performance examples from subcontractors who will account for 25% of the total proposed cost. May offerors include past performance examples for subcontractors that will be performing important roles on the implementation team, but for which the cost is less than 25% of the total proposed cost?

Answer: Contractor Past Performance Information requested in the solicitation is limited to that of the Offeror and any major subcontractors.

20. Question: Pg. 113, Section L.6.5, #10. The specification for the draft M&E plan that must be submitted includes the following statement: “It is noted that while Section L.6 requests that Offerors only address certain aspects of Activity Tasks, the draft M&E

Plan is requested to cover the overall Tasks and expected results”. Without being able to reference within the M&E plan a task description for the approach to subtask 2.2 and task 4, it will be challenging for offerors to provide context for indicators and other content on these tasks.

Would USAID please consider directing offerors to also address subtask 2.2 and task 4 of the SOW in the technical approach, and expand the page limit accordingly?

Answer: The draft M&E Plan is requested to cover the Tasks and expected results for the overall Activity. See also answer to Question No. 12.

21. Question: Pg. 116, Section L.7, #10. With regard to the Clean Energy Windows of

Opportunity Fund, we understand that indirect costs and fee fall outside of the ceiling of $1,500,000. The structure and amounts of indirect costs will depend on the nature of the actual expenditures under the Fund. For example, indirect costs for labor would be different than indirect costs for ODCs. To assure that USAID is evaluating a level playing field across offers, could USAID please provide direction to Offerors on the composition of Fund expenditures (e.g., $900,000 unloaded subcontractor labor;

$200,000 ODCs; $400,000 travel)?”

Answer: Offerors should propose the costs in accordance with the technical approach proposed.

22. Question: Would the government please confirm the anticipated start date?

Answer: The anticipated start date of the Activity is August 31, 2016.

23. Question: In Section H.28 (page 64), USAID states that “assistance may not be provided to the Government of Thailand unless specifically approved in writing by the USAID Contracting Officer. If approved, USAID reserves the right to withdraw such approval if circumstances warrant.” Given that assistance to Thailand requires

CO approval, should offerors assume that this approval has already been given for the purposes of defining activities under Task 2.1 in our proposals?

Answer: Offerors may propose interventions that includes assistance to the

Government of Thailand, however, implementation of any interventions will require

CO approval as specified in the solicitation.

24. Question: In Section L.5 (page 107), USAID requires proposal submission in both hard copy and on electronic media (email and CD-ROM). However, a size limit is not provided for the email submission. Could USAID please clarify if there are size limits for the individual email submissions for the proposal volumes?

Answer: The size limitation is 10 MB per email. The solicitation is amended to specify this.

25. Question: Section L.5 (page 108) notes that the technical and cost proposals, both electronic and hard copies, must be submitted by the due date and time specified in the cover letter of the solicitation. We respectfully request that hard copies follow no later than five days after the closing date, as most international couriers require three to four days for timely delivery to Thailand.

Answer: Please see answer to Question No. 6.

26. Question: Would USAID consider the identification of geothermal regions and solutions as part of the technical approach?

27. Question: Would USAID kindly provide an anticipated start date for this program?

Answer: See answer to Question No. 22.

28. Question: Section C4.1, pg 18- RE is defined as including Solar PV, Wind, Biomass

Residue and small hydro, which is defined as Run of the River with a capacity of 1-

15MW. Are there capacity ranges preferred for the other RE sources or is this left to the discretion of the contractor?

Answer: Other than hydropower, no capacity ranges are being defined for other RE technologies.

29. Question: Section C4.2, pg 21 –Geographic coverage – there is a reference to other

Asian developing countries, as 10-15% of the budget will be allocated here. For the sake of clarity, can USAID indicate what other countries would this include?

Answer: See answer to Question No. 5.

30. Question: Section C.4.3 Task 1.2 Renewable Energy Zones – is the contractor expected to undertake “detailed geospatial analysis”?

Answer: An Offeror may propose an approach that includes such an undertaking.

31. Question: Section F.5 (b) Key Personnel states “each person will be under the direct supervision of the Prime Contractor (not under a subcontractor), unless otherwise approved by the COR.” Does this mean that key personnel may not be staff of subcontractors? Can key personnel be proposed through a subcontractor provided they report directly and are directly supervised by the prime Contractor?

Answer: Key personnel may not be staffed by a subcontractor.

32. Question: The website referenced in H.6, https://sites.google.com/site/ipnforacquisitions/ appears to be in active. Can USAID kindly provide an updated link?

Answer: The website can be reached at:

33. Question: Per FAR 22.1505, 52.222-19 (in Section I of the RFP) does not appear to be relevant, since this is a contract for services. Please confirm.

Answer: Confirmed, the clause has been removed from the solicitation.

https://sites.google.com/site/ipnforacquisitions/

34. Question: According to L.2, this will be a completion type contract, which means that the contractor’s responsibility is to complete and deliver the specified deliverables.

Could USAID please confirm that these deliverables are the reports specified in Section

F.6?

Answer: As stated in Section B.2 of the solicitation “deliverables and outputs as described in Section C and Section F and in accordance with the performance standards specified in Section F.”

35. Question: Section L.6.b p 109 states “The text in any text boxes included within the technical proposal must not be less than 12 points in size.” Would USAID please consider permitting text in text boxes be the same as that specified for text and graphics

(smaller than 12 points in size but still legible? Alternatively, would USAID allow text for text boxes that is not less than 10 points in size, in a readable font (such as Arial

Narrow)?

Answer: No, the size limitation for information in text boxes remains unchanged.

36. Question: L.6.c p 109 notes that the technical proposal must be organized as follows:

1. Technical approach, 2, Key personnel and staffing, [item 3 missing], 4. Contractor past performance information, 5. Institutional experience. Can USAID please confirm that the correct order and numbering is as given in Section M.2 and Sections L.6.3 and

L.6.4, as follows: 1. Technical Approach, 2. Key Personnel and Staffing, 3. Institutional

Experience, and 4. Contractor Performance Information?

Answer: See answer to question No. 1.

37. Question: L.6.1, p. 110 advises that neither Task 2.2 nor Task 4 is “to be addressed as part of the technical proposal” Will Task 2.2 and Task 4 be considered at all in evaluation of the overall technical approach?

Answer: While Task 2.2 and Task 4 need not be addressed as part of the technical approach. However, the draft M&E Plan, Key Personnel and Staffing will cover the overall Tasks and expected results of the Activity (including Task 2.2 and Task 4).

38. Question: According to L.6.1 Technical Approach, Task 3, page 110, the Offeror is required to “describe implementation plan … that maximize public and private investments in grid-connected solar RE technology in the ASEAN region.” This is not consistent with the definition of RE in the RFP (C.4.1 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES, page 18). Please confirm that only grid-connected solar should be addressed in Task 3.

Answer: Section C.4.1 defined four types of RE technologies in the context of the

Activity, all of which can and should be supported during the implementation stage

(including under Task 3). However, for the purpose of technical proposal, as instructed in Section L. 6.1 Offerors are only required to describe under Task 3 the proposed implementation plan and anticipated impact of the proposed regionally-oriented approaches that maximize public and private investments in grid-connected solar RE technology in the ASEAN region.

39. Question: In Section L.6.2 Key Personnel and Staffing, Other staff, page 111, the RFP identifies important professional expertise which “includes, but is not limited to:

monitoring and evaluation, gender expertise coupled with energy expertise, partnerships and outreach and communications”. Are these considered long term positions? Should CVs, biodatas, bio blurbs or a personnel matrix be provided? Please confirm that any information provided on these additional experts may be provided in an annex and not included in the 30-page limit.

Answer: These functions should be reflected in the staffing plan. The offeror should include the appropriate level of effort in accordance with the Offeror’s approach.

Offerors should not include details on individuals other than key personnel..

40. Question: Section L.6.5.D, page 112 directs bidders to "Provide a narrative summary of your organization’s use of SB concerns over the past three years." Please confirm that this narrative summary is not part of the 30-page limit, is to be included in an annex and has no page limit.

Answer: Confirmed. Please see instructions in Attachment 4.

41. Question: L.6.4.D.3.c p 112, asks that we provide the names and addresses of three SB concerns. Can USAID please confirm that these can go in the CPPI annex?

Answer: Please provide this information along with the narrative requested in

L.6.4.D.3.a. The solicitation is amended to reflect this.

42. Question: L.7.Part II, page 116: Separate line items are requested for monitoring and evaluation, for communications and outreach plan, for costs of branding and marking, and for cost associated with environmental compliance. Yet these four line items are not included in the Cost/price summary table shown on page 119. Please confirm that these line items should be included in the cost/price summary table.

Answer: These four line items must be included separately in the detailed budget, with support narrative for each. However, the summary table includes higher level budget categories, therefore these items do not need to be reflected there.

43. Question: Section M.2 Technical Evaluation Criteria: can USAID please provide adjectival ratings for Technical Approach Key Personnel, Institutional Experience and

Contractor Past Performance?

44. Question: The evaluation criterion for Section M.2.2, Key Personnel and Staffing

(p122) is "The extent to which the proposed key personnel and staffing plan convincingly demonstrate the Offeror's ability to successfully implement the Activity."

Section L.6.2 (p 110) states that "In an annex the Offeror must provide an organizational chart depicting its staffing plan . . ." Section L.6.5.8 (p 113) specifies that the organizational chart be included in an annex containing illustrative charts and graphics. Since the effectiveness of the staffing plan is part of what is being evaluated under Section M.2.2, could USAID please confirm that we may include the organization chart and staffing plan in a separate annex that is not page-limited?

Answer: No, Offerors are requested to provide their organizational chart as part of the

Illustrative charts and graphs annex which may not exceed 5 pages in total.

45. Question: Can USAID confirm that biodata forms and NICRAs should be included in an annex rather than in Part 2 of the financial proposal?

Answer: Biographical data sheets and NICRAs are requested to be submitted as part of

Part 2 of the Cost/Business Proposals. These documents are considered as a subset of information required under Part 2 and they may be labeled/identified accordingly.

46. Question: Section C.4.3. Within Section C.4.3, work with the Government of Thailand in Tasks 1, 2 and 3 appears an integral part of program activities, subject to the guidance provided in section C.4.2 on Geographic Coverage. Will USAID approval of the annual work plan (section F.6.2) describing activities in Thailand be considered approval for such activities as required in section H.28 (page 64)? If not, please advise how such approval(s) are expected to be requested and received for the project

Answer: No, the work plan will not constitute approval for the specified interventions.

Detailed procedures will be provided to the contractor after award.

47. Question: Section L.6. Would USAID clarify the minimum font size for tables and graphics included in the body of the proposal? We propose that font size smaller than

Times New Roman, 12 point, be permitted, subject to legibility (i.e. the same standard put forward for the annexes). Likewise, can USAID consider revising the minimum font size for text boxes included in the technical proposal body to Times New Roman, 10 point?

Answer: No, the size limitation for information in text boxes remains unchanged.

48. Question: Section L.6. There appears a numbering error in the listing of the Technical

Proposal Body Sections, with #3 missing. Please confirm that there are only 4 sections to the technical proposal body, or provide revised guidance here.

Answer: See answer to Question No. 1.

49. Question: Section L.6.4. Other Direct Costs, USAID is requesting that Offerors submit their approach to achieving environmental compliance and management. Please confirm that this information is to be contained within the cost proposal.

Answer: Confirmed.

50. Question: Section L.6.3. The Offeror is to demonstrate its experience and those of any major subcontractor(s) relevant to the scope of work and target geography. Can USAID propose a definition of major subcontractor for use in this section that is different from the 25% of the Offeror’s total proposed cost that is used in Section L.6.4? We would offer 15% as a reasonable threshold for the definition as used in this section. The underlying rationale is that the use of local subcontractors in target geographies and the inclusion of a $1.5M Clean Energy Windows of Opportunity Fund result in a relatively low concentration of proposed budget for any single subcontractor, including those considered by the Offeror to be integral to project delivery.

Answer: The definition of what constitutes a major subcontractor under this effort remains unchanged.

51. Question: Section L.7. Could USAID provide the US Mission (s) Local Compensation

Plan (LCP) or the LCP salary range for the countries specified in the section F.3 Place of performance.

Answer: See answer to Question No. 7.

52. Question: L.5 Proposal Delivery Instructions Please clarify if there is any MB limitation for each email submission.

Answer: See answer to Question No. 24.

53. Question: Section L.7, Part 6, page 120: Can USAID confirm that if less than 20% of the work for this project is implemented in the United States, Offerors do not need to submit a Subcontracting Plan.

Answer: Please refer to Part 6 of Section L.7 of the solicitation.

54. Question: Section L.7, Part 8, page 121: Evidence of responsibility is generally only required of the Prime Contractor, and sometimes major subcontractors. Is this analysis required for every subcontractor, or just major ones?

Answer: The analysis is required for all proposed subcontractors.

55. Question: Section L.6.3, Institutional Experience, page 111: The RFP states that “The

Offeror must demonstrate its experience, as well as that of any major subcontractor(s), in implementing grid-connected renewable energy activities of similar scope and complexity in Southeast Asia… ” Is past experience limited to only Southeast Asia, or can offerors also demonstrate its experience from projects implemented in other parts of the world?

Answer: The requested Institutional Experience is limited to only Southeast Asia.

56. Question: Page 18 section C.4.1. Goals and Objectives states that the Activity is expected to achieve “At least 3.5 million of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, estimated in metric tons of Co2e reduced, sequestered, and/or avoided as a result of

USG assistance.” Please confirm that the target emission reduction is to be achieved by 2030 (Indicator 4.8.235) rather than during the project reporting period.

Answer: No, the target of at least 3.5 million of GHG emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2e, reduced, sequestered, and/or avoided as a result of USG assistance is expected to be achieved within the period of performance of the Activity.

57. Question: Page 18, section C.4.1. Goals and Objectives states that the Activity is expected to achieve “At least $750 million of investment mobilized (in USD) for climate change as supported by USG assistance.” Page 110, Section L.6.1

Technical Approach says Offerors will mobilize investment in grid-connected solar in the ASEAN region. Should Offerors support the mobilization of $750 million in investment for various types of renewable energy projects or solar projects only?

Answer: USAID confirms that the target of mobilizing at least $750 million for climate change is not limited only to solar projects. Guidance on target results is provided in

Section C.4.1 and the references cited therein. Please see also answers to Question No.

38.

58. Question: Page 19, Section C.4.1. Goals and Objectives states that the Activity is expected to achieve “At least 500 MW of clean energy generation capacity supported by USG assistance that has achieved financial closure.” Please confirm that this 500 MW of clean energy generation can include a range of renewable energy technology projects, not only solar PV. Must this 500 MW of clean energy generation occur only in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand, or can they occur in other ASEAN countries?

Answer: USAID confirms that the target of 500 MW generation capacity is not limited to solar PV, and can include other grid-connected renewable energy technologies in the context of the Activity, i.e. wind, small-hydro, and biomass residue. The targeted generation capacity must only occur in the geographic coverage of the Activity. Please see also answers to Questions No. 5 and No. 38.

59. Question: Page 21, Section C.4.2. Geographic Coverage refers to regional interventions and interventions beyond the Lower Mekong countries to other

Asian developing countries. Please confirm which specific countries the Clean

Power Asia project can work in for regional activities, understanding that any interventions planned outside of the four listed Lower Mekong countries would require prior written approval from the COR, in accordance with section H.28 of the contract.

Answer: Please see answer to Questions No. 5.

60. Question: To take advantage of available resources within the ASEAN region to achieve GHG emissions reduction in Lower Mekong developing countries, would USAID consider waiving the geographic code 937 restrictions to allow partners and resources to be accessed from Singapore, a founding member of

ASEAN?

Answer: The authorized geographic code for this effort remains 937.

61. Question: Page 21, Section C.4.2. Geographic Coverage states that “Work in and with Thailand should present opportunities to leverage resources (inkind and/or financial) from other organizations in order to further the impact of the Activity interventions or directly result in meeting the Activity objectives.” Is USAID saying that any activities proposed by Offerors to support tasks in Thailand, including the work in Task 2.1 can only take place with leveraged resources from the private sector or other funds?

Answer: Work in and with Thailand must present opportunities to leverage resources

(in-kind and/or financial) from other organizations (private sector or others) in order to further the impact of Activity interventions or directly result in meeting the Activity objectives, unless otherwise directed by the COR in the implementation stage.

62. Question: On page 64, H.28 Additional Approval Requirements, USAID states that “Assistance may not be provided to the Government of Thailand unless specifically approved in writing by the USAID Contracting Officer.” How does

USAID define “Government of Thailand?” Does “Government” include regulators, utilities, and renewable energy companies that are majority owned by utilities?

Answer: The USG guidance on interactions with the Government of Thailand

(ministries, state owned enterprises, utilities, regulators etc.) continue to evolve.

Proposals exploring various partnerships will be considered, however, individual partnerships with GOT entities will be assessed during implementation.

63. Question: Pages 21-27, Section C.4.3 presents four Tasks, including illustrative interventions and deliverables. However, pages 109-110, Section L.6.1 states that Offerors are not requested to address Task 2.2 or Task 4 as part of the technical proposal. Please confirm that applicants can provide a summary of our overall approach to Task 2.2 and Task 4, but should not provide specific examples of interventions.

Answer: Please see answer to Questions No. 12 and No. 20.

64. Question: For Tasks 1.1, Task 1.2, and Task 3, please confirm that offerors can provide a summary of the overall approach to these tasks for other countries, but should provide details only for the prescribed countries.

Answer: Please see answer to Questions No. 12.

65. Question: Should Offerors budget for activities listed in Section C of the

RFP in the four Lower Mekong countries, including Tasks that the RFP does not require to be addressed in the Technical Approach, Section

L.6.1.?

Answer: Offerors are required to submit a budget that will cover the entire SOW regardless of the specific tasks included to evaluate technical proposals.

66. Question: Page 27, Section C.4.4 describes the Clean Energy Windows of

Opportunity Fund. Can the fund be used to support clean energy generation projects including solar PV, wind, small hydro and biomass? Can the fund be used to support activities in all of the ASEAN countries? Can USAID please provide additional information about what kinds of activities USAID wants the fund to support? Can USAID provide additional information about the mechanism to issue funds if grants under contract are not to be used?

Answer:

● The mechanism used under the Fund is expected to be either sub-contract(s) or direct technical assistance.

● The fund can be used to support interventions in all Asian developing countries, although it should be noted that the primary and initial place of performance of this contract is Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam, and Thailand, and any extension to other

Asian developing countries will require prior written approval of the COR.

● It may be possible to use the fund to support grid-connected renewable energy generation projects including solar PV, wind, small hydro, and biomass.

67. Question: Page 110, Section L.6 of the RFP states that for Task 3, Offerors should describe implementation plan and anticipated impact of the proposed regionally-oriented approaches that maximize public and private investments in grid-connected solar RE technology in the ASEAN region. For Task 3, would

USAID consider investments in other RE areas such as wind, small hydro, and biomass?

Answer: See answer to Question No. 38.

68. Question: Page 111, Section L.6.4, A.1 of the RFP asks for Contractor Past

Performance Information for 35 of the most recent and relevant contracts. As the

RFP’s cover letter states that this solicitation is open to non-profit and for-profit organizations, may we assume that offerors can submit cooperative agreements or grants that are comparable in value and technical complexity to the proposed project as performance references?

Answer: The contract type for this activity is specified in Section B.2 of the solicitation.

69. Question: Pages 112-113, Section L.6.5 of the RFP lists the technical proposal annexes. Will USAID review and consider other documents in the annexes in addition to the items presented?

Answer: As stated in Section L.6.5 of the solicitation “Only those annexes listed below or specifically required in other parts of this solicitation can be submitted.”

70. Question: Please confirm that all of the required Contractor Past Performance

Information listed under Section L.6.4 page 111 of the RFP should be included in an annex, and not as a section in the technical proposal body as shown in the list of required proposal sections on page 109.

Answer: USAID confirms that Contractor Past Performance should be included as an annex, and not as a section in the technical proposal body. The solicitation is amended to reflect this.

71. Question: Page 114 Section L.7 Part 2.1 of the RFP requests completed biographical data sheets for all proposed personnel. Would USAID consider requiring biographical sheets for only key personnel?

Answer: No, biographical data sheets are required for all proposed personnel.

72. Question: Page 115, Section L.7 Part 2.7 of the RFP discusses subcontractor cost requirements. Please confirm that detailed subcontractor budgets are required only for major subcontractors (those with more than 25% of the offeror’s total estimated cost plus fee).

Answer: As stated in the referenced section “cost and pricing proposal must describe all potential subcontracting arrangements”.

73. Question: Please confirm that the following cost proposal requirements are required only for the offeror and major subcontractors (those with more than

25% of the offeror’s total estimated cost plus fee): Part 3 Representations, Certifications, and Other Statement of Offerors; Part 5 Information

Concerning WorkDay, WorkWeek and Paid Absences; and Part 8 Evidence of Responsibility.

Answer: As stated in the referenced sections, the information must be provided for all proposed subcontractors.

74. Question: Can USAID provide Offerors with the latest version of the local compensation plan for the four respective countries?

Answer: See answer to Question No. 7.

75. Question: Does the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation under solicitation number

SOL48616000005 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

Answer: This is a new requirement.

76. Question: Could [Organization] submit more than one proposal or be a partner in more than one proposal?

Answer: In case the question relates to whether an organization may submit multiple proposals as a prime Offeror/contractor, the answer is no. In case the question relates to whether the organization may be proposed as a subcontractor by multiple (prime)

Offerors, the answer is yes. USAID discourages the use of exclusive agreements with organizations.

77. Question: If our firm submitted a proposal providing the services requested in the solicitation, would that prevent our firm from submitting a proposal to supply power generation to the region?

Answer: There is insufficient information available to determine whether the noted scenario would constitute an organizational conflict of interest.

[END OF AMENDMENT NO. 01]