SOL-530-17-000001_-_Amd_No._2.pdf

SOL-530-17-000001

Amendment Two (2)

I. AMEND THE SOLICITATION

STANDARD FORM 30

1. Section 9, date: eliminate “2/26/2018” and replace it with “2/27/2018.”

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

1. Section B.2. CONTRACT TYPE AND SERVICES: delete the first paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“This is a FAR 16.102(b) combination award consisting of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) Completion type contract (CLIN 0001); and a single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) CPFF Completion type contract (CLIN 0002) for the purpose expanding the technical assistance in the Amazon region.”

2. Section B.3.(c) – Payment of Fixed Fee: delete the following paragraph:

“The Contractor’s fixed fee is tied to the accomplishment of the deliverables under each CLIN and all terms and conditions of the award.”

3. Section F.5.(i): delete the following bullet:

“Education: Graduate level education in areas of knowledge related to the responsibilities under the Activity is preferable.”

And replace it with the following:

“Education: Graduate level education in areas of knowledge related to the responsibilities under the Activity is required.”

4. Section F.6. REPORTS AND OTHER DELIVERABLES: add the following at the beginning of this section:

“Wherever the word “days” is included within this section, it is referring to calendar days.”

5. Section F.6.3. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL): delete the following paragraph:

“Due date: The draft MEL Plan submitted with the proposal shall be finalized with USAID within 90 days after the award date.”

And replace it with the following:

“Due date: The activity MEL Plan will be finalized with USAID within 90 days after the award date.”

6. Section F.6.11. Communications and Outreach Plan: delete the following sentence:

“Due Date: 30 calendar days following the end of each U.S. fiscal Year quarter.”

And replace it with the following:

“Due Date: 30 calendar days following the end of each U.S. fiscal Year.”

7. Section H.4. NONEXPENDABLE PROPERTY PURCHASES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES: delete the following paragraph:

“The procurement of non-expendable property purchased under this contract will be approved during implementation.”

And replace it with the following:

“The procurement of non-expendable property purchased not previously negotiated at award under this contract will be approved during implementation.”

8. Section H.8. – Personnel Compensation: eliminate this section in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“Section H.8. AIDAR 752.7007 – Personnel Compensation (JUL 2007)

(a) Direct compensation of the Contractor's personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor's established policies, procedures, and practices, and the cost principles applicable to this contract.

(b) Reimbursement of the employee's base annual salary plus overseas recruitment incentive, if any, which exceed the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold (USAID CST) stated in USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 302 USAID Direct Contracting, must be approved in writing by the contracting officer, as prescribed in 731.205-6(b) or 731.371(b), as applicable.”

9. Section H.11.(D) – Participant Training: delete in its entirety and replace it with the following:

(a) “Definition: An eligible host-country resident or national sponsored by USAID for a learning activity conducted within the U.S., a third country or in-country for the purpose of furthering USAID development objectives. A learning activity takes place in a setting in which an individual (the participant) interacts with a knowledgeable professional predominantly for the purpose of acquiring knowledge, skills, or information for the professional or technical enhancement of the individual. Learning activities may be formally structured, such as an academic program or a technical course, or they may be more informal, such as an observational study tour.

(b) All counterparts/recipients/contractors are required to enter all training related data into TraiNET/VCS system. USAID’s TraiNET system is a web-based repository that enables the planning and reporting of information on all USAID-funded training and education data. This includes all in-country, third-country, regional, and U.S. training that takes place during each fiscal year. Accurate and complete data entry will allow Bureau of Economic Growth and Trade (EGAT) in Washington D.C. to complete its annual submission to the State

Department. This data is also shared with the Congress and other interested parties. It is important that each Mission be able to showcase the short and long term training and education that have taken place across its portfolio.

(c) Application of ADS Chapter 252 and ADS Chapter 253: The Contractor must conform to U.S. Government regulations on Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors, Training for Development, and USAID Mission specific requirements for processing of J-1 Exchange Visitors. The Contractor must enter applicable information into USAID’s web-based training information system, TraiNet, for any exchange visitors, participant training, third-country training, or in-country training funded through this contract. Information on Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors and Participants Training Capacity Development requirements is available in ADS Chapters 252 and 253 at http://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/agency-policy.

(d) For assistance and further details on legal restrictions, the Contractor may consult with the COR.

(e) References and Authorities:

1. ADS 252, “Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors” http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/252

2. ADS 253, “Training for Development” http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/253

3. ADS 206, “Prohibition of Assistance to Drug Traffickers” http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/206“

10. Section H.15: delete in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“302.3.5.19 USAID-Financed Third-party Web Sites (November 2017)

(a) Definitions: “Third-party web sites” Sites hosted on environments external to USAID boundaries and not directly controlled by USAID policies and staff, except through the terms and conditions of a contract. Third-party Web sites include project sites.

(b) The Contractor must adhere to the following requirements when developing, launching, and maintaining a third-party Web site funded by USAID for the purpose of meeting the project implementation goals:

(1) Prior to Web site development, the Contractor must provide information as required in Section C-Statement of Work of the contract (including a copy of the Contractor’s privacy policy) to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for USAID's Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) evaluation and approval. The Contractor must notify the COR of the Web site URL as far in advance of the site's launch as possible and must not launch the Web site until USAID's (LPA) approval has been provided through the COR. The Contractor must provide the COR with any changes to the privacy policy for the duration of the contract.

(2) The Contractor must collect only the amount of information necessary to complete the specific business need as required by statute, regulation, or Executive Order.

(3) The Contractor must comply with Agency branding and marking requirements comprised of the USAID logo and brandmark with the tagline “from the American people,” located on the USAID Web site at www.usaid.gov/branding, and USAID Graphics Standards manual at http://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/agency-policy http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/252 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/252 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/253 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/206 http://www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/200/206 http://www.usaid.gov.

(4) The Web site must be marked on the index page of the site and every major entry point to the Web site with a disclaimer that states: "The information provided on this Web site is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the U.S. Government."

(5) The Web site must provide persons with disabilities access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. As such, all site content must be compliant with the requirements of the Section 508 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act.

(6) The Contractor must identify and provide to the COR, in writing, the contact information for the information security point of contact. The Contractor is responsible for updating the contact information whenever there is a change in personnel assigned to this role.

(7) The Contractor must provide adequate protection from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or misuse of information processed, stored, or transmitted on the Web sites. To minimize security risks and ensure the integrity and availability of information, the Contractor must use sound: system/software management; engineering and development; and secure-coding practices consistent with USAID standards and information security best practices. Rigorous security safeguards, including but not limited to, virus protection; network intrusion detection and prevention programs; and vulnerability management systems must be implemented and critical security issues must be resolved as quickly as possible or within 30 days. Contact the USAID Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at ISSO@usaid.gov for specific standards and guidance.

(8) The Contractor must conduct periodic vulnerability scans, mitigate all security risks identified during such scans, and report subsequent remediation actions to CISO at ISSO@usaid.gov and COR within 30 workdays from the date vulnerabilities are identified. The report must include disclosure of the tools used to conduct the scans.

Alternatively, the contractor may authorize USAID CISO at ISSO@usaid.gov to conduct periodic vulnerability scans via its Web-scanning program. The sole purpose of USAID scanning will be to minimize security risks. The Contractor will be responsible for taking the necessary remediation action and reporting to USAID as specified above.

(c) For general information, agency graphics, metadata, privacy policy, and Section 508 compliance requirements, refer to http://www.usaid.gov.”

11. Section H.17: insert the following clause at the end of Section H – Special Contract

Requirements:

“Section H.17 – AIDAR 722.170 Employment of third country nationals (TCN's) and cooperating country nationals (CCN's)

(a) General. It is USAID policy that cooperating country nationals (CCNs) and third country nationals (TCNs), who are hired abroad for work in a cooperating country under USAID-direct contracts, generally be extended the same benefits, and be subject to the same restrictions as TCNs and CCNs employed by the USAID Mission. Exceptions to this policy http://www.usaid.gov/ mailto:ISSO@usaid.gov mailto:ISSO@usaid.gov mailto:ISSO@usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/ may be granted either by the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility for the project. (TCN's and CCN's who are hired to work in the United States shall be extended benefits and subject to restrictions on the same basis as U.S. citizens who work in the United States.)

(b) Compensation. Compensation, including merit or promotion increases paid to TCN's and CCN's may not, without the approval of the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility for the project, exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by the USAID Mission. Unless otherwise authorized by the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility for the project, the compensation of such TCN and CCN employees shall be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.

(c) Allowances and differentials. TCN's and CCN's, hired abroad for work in a cooperating country, are not eligible for allowances or differentials under USAID-direct contracts, unless authorized by the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility for the project.

(d) Country and security clearances. The contractor shall insure that the necessary clearances, including security clearances, if required, have been obtained for TCN and CCN employees in accordance with any such requirements set forth in the contract or required by the USAID Mission, prior to the TCN or CCN starting work under the contract.

(e) Physical fitness. Contractors are required to insure that prospective TCN and CCN employees are examined prior to employment to determine whether the prospective employee meets the minimum physical requirements of the position and is free from any contagious disease.

(f) Workweek, holidays, and leave. The workweek, holidays, and leave for TCN and CCN employees shall be the same as for all other employees of the contractor, under the terms of the contract; however, TCN and CCN employees are not eligible for home leave or military leave unless authorized by the Mission Director or the Assistant Administrator having program responsibility for the project.

(g) Travel and transportation for TCN's and CCN's. Travel and transportation shall be provided TCN and CCN employees on the same basis as for all other employees of the contractor, under the terms of the contract.

(h) Household effects and motor vehicles. USAID will not provide household effects to TCN and CCN employees; such employees may ship their household effects and motor vehicles to their place of employment on the same basis as for all other employees of the contractor, under the terms of the contract unless they are residents of the cooperating country.

[49 FR 13246, Apr. 3, 1984, as amended at 79 FR 74994, Dec. 16, 2014]”

PART II – CONTRACT CLAUSES

1. Section I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: as it has been placed in full text under Section H, eliminate the following AIDAR Clause by reference:

“752.7007 PERSONNEL COMPENSATION (JUL 2007)”

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

1. Section L.5. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS (i): replace the word “tabbed” with the word “divided.”

2. Section L.6.2. 2) Implementation Team, 4th paragraph: delete the following sentence:

“Offerors must include curriculum vitae (CV) and/or Bio Data Sheets (BDS) for each proposed Key Personnel that the Offeror is proposing as necessary for the successful implementation of the Activity.”

And replace it with the following:

“Offerors must include curriculum vitae (CV) and Bio Data Sheets (BDS) for each proposed Key Personnel that the Offeror is proposing as necessary for the successful implementation of the Activity.”

3. Section L.6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: include the following at the beginning of this section:

“Technical Proposals must include the following information and must not exceed a total of 45 pages (excluding attachments):

Performance Work Statement (not to exceed 25 pages)

Management Plan and Implementation Team (not to exceed 10 pages)

Representative Task Plan (not to exceed 10 pages)”

4. Section L.6.1 Performance Work Statement: under the list of information not included in the page limitation add the following bullets:

“An Executive Summary of no more than 2 pages; and

An acronym list.”

5. Section L.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST/BUSINESS PROPOSAL – 2. Instructions: delete the following sentence:

“The budget format to be submitted must be substantially similar following the sequential narrative which begins on paragraph 3 (b)(2) below. Offeror are required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN 0001, CLIN 0002 and in response to the representative task order (see section L.6.3). The offeror must include in its CLIN 0001 cost proposal sufficient detail to support and explain all costs proposed, giving figures and narrative explanation. For example, labor costs should be supported by daily rates and specified labor escalation; with supporting documentation. For estimating purposes, the offeror must propose a CLIN 0002 cost proposal of up to $4.7 million and a representative task plan cost proposal up to $1.5Million. All proposed indirect rates must be consistent for CLIN 0001, CLIN 0002 and the representative task plan.”

And replace it with the following:

“The budget format to be submitted must be substantially similar following the sequential narrative which begins on paragraph 3 (b)(2) below. Offerors are required to submit a Cost Proposal for CLIN 0001 and a Cost Proposal for the representative task order up to $1.5Million (see section L.6.3). The offeror must include in its cost proposals sufficient detail to support and explain all costs proposed, giving figures and narrative explanation. For example, labor costs must be supported by daily rates and specified labor escalation; with supporting documentation. All proposed indirect rates must be consistent for CLIN 0001, and the representative task plan.”

6. Section L.8 ATTACHMENTS: delete in its entirety and replace it with the following:

“L.8. ATTACHMENTS

Section L.8.1 Attachments to the technical proposal:

“Offerors must include the following attachments to the technical proposal that are not subject to page limitation:

Charts and graphics included as attachments to the PWS;

Past Performance Information;

Branding and Marking Plan; and

Rapid Mobilization Plan.

Section L.8.2 Attachments to the Cost proposal:

Offerors must include the following attachments to the cost proposal:

CVs;

Bio Data Sheets;

Certifications of Section K.”

7. Section M.2. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA: delete the first sentence under this section:

“Technical proposals will be evaluated using the below factors (M.2.1-M.2.3).”

And replace it with:

“Technical proposals will be evaluated using the below factors (M.2.1-M.2.4).”

8. Section M.3. COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION: delete the following sentence:

“As stated under section L.7, Offeror are required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN 0001 only, as proposals for CLIN 0002 will be requested by USAID later during contract implementation (see Section B.2) as needed.”

And replace it with the following:

“As stated under section L.7, Offerors are required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN 0001 and a Cost Proposal for the representative task order up to $1.5Million (see section L.6.3).

9. ATTACHMENT 7 - GENDER ANALYSIS AND GENDER STATEMENT: add the following at the end of this section:

USAID South America Regional Environment Program (SAR-Env) Statement on Gender

SAR-Env recognizes that achieving success in forest and biodiversity conservation and climate change activities depends in good measure on identifying, analyzing and addressing gender issues throughout the project cycle. We encourage partners to use the Statement, Assumptions and Guiding Questions presented here as tools, in addition to other resources, when developing new or modifying existing activities.

Statement:

Men and women face different challenges, vulnerabilities and opportunities when it comes to conserving biodiversity, mitigating and/or adapting to climate change, and managing natural resources.

Many of these differences come from the ways in which societies and cultures define and put into practice norms and expectations as to how men, women, boys and girls should behave. These societal expectations define gender roles, including the different ways that men and women have access to and control over resources. These expectations also affect the distribution of power within families, communities and larger groups. How gender is defined and practiced can promote both helpful and harmful gender norms, drive poverty or create more equitable conditions, or contribute to the manner in which natural resources are managed.

As conservationists, we are responsible for making our programs as successful and equitable as possible, which includes working with males and females of all ages to understand the importance of their use and knowledge of natural resources and the means by which they can or cannot control access to these resources. If programs consider the values that males and females of all ages bring with them when making day-to-day decisions about

Gender Equality &

Gender Equity

“Gender equality concerns women and men, and it involves working with men, boys, women and girls to bring about changes in attitudes, behaviors, roles and responsibilities at home, in the workplace, and in the community.” (USAID Gender Policy).

“Gender equity is being fair to both women and men. It is a precondition of, and leads to, equality. Gender equality is about equal access to resources, opportunities and rewards – allowing both men and women truly to work together.” (UNEP) sustainable natural resources management, they will be better positioned to achieve conservation objectives.

“The recognition of gender inequalities, and the need to move towards greater equity, is a prerequisite for the long-term impact of environmental projects.

Identifying the different ways in which men and women relate to environmental resources allows us to understand the complexity of socio-environmental processes that cause inequality.” (USAID’s Initiative for

Conservation in the Andean Amazon (ICAA))

USAID South America Regional Environment Program (SAR-Env) Statement on Gender

Assumptions:

Prior programming has taught the development field that girls, boys, women, and men:

1. Rely on the natural environment for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, health, food, income and religious, spiritual, esthetic, and cultural values.

2. Often have unequal access to credit, technology, education, property, and resource rights or other assets such that they face constraints in managing natural resources as they would like.

3. Possess valuable and varied knowledge, perceptions, and practices about the natural environment that they take in, process, organize, and share in different ways. As such, their ideas and actions will differ in response to various situations and the solutions that they put forward will provide valuable contributions if approached in gender-appropriate ways.

4. Are at risk of being affected in different ways when programs to conserve the environment do not consider effects on households and communities, and/or when overexploitation (legal or illegal) of natural resources occurs.

5. Are necessary stakeholders and valuable assets for successful conservation programs due to their knowledge, use, and overall relationship with the natural environment and due to their rights and responsibilities as citizens and members of society.

6. Historically have had uneven involvement in decision making regarding natural resources, particularly at the planning stages and also have rights and responsibilities to participate in and/or be consulted about such decisions and policies.

7. Experience a higher rate of inequality in Amazonian regions compared to mountainous and coastal regions, which often negatively impacts conservation success due to a correlation among poverty, gender inequality, and unsustainable uses of natural resources

8. By and large, share our commitment to conservation and, when empowered, are the main factor behind improved governance and conservation indicators.

Important Questions and Considerations When Designing, Implementing, Monitoring and Evaluating Projects/Activities:

1. What are the various ways that men and women rely on the environment and contribute to sound use of natural resources?

2. What knowledge do community members have? How do men and women organize knowledge? How do they share knowledge? How do they take in knowledge?

3. In what ways will involving males in the project activities help achieve success?

4. In what ways will involving females in the project activities achieve success?

5. How can the project reduce discrimination and bias in order to achieve success?

6. What are the barriers to equal participation of women and men in programming?

7. What are the gender norms and/or social factors that exist which could adversely affect programmatic success?

8. What effects could different interventions have on the community, households, and individuals? How do they vary for women and men?

9. What are the most effective approaches to involving females in decisions and planning?

10. What are the most effective approaches to involving males in decisions and planning?

11. How can the project measure improvements in gender equity within activities?

12. How is gender integrated, revisited, assessed throughout the project cycle?

13. How does integrating gender into activities help achieve project goals? How does excluding gender run the risk of not meeting project goals?

[End of Corrections and Clarifications to RFP]

“Gender integration involves identifying, and then addressing, gender inequalities during strategy and project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Since the roles and power relations between males and females affect how an activity is implemented, it is essential that project managers address these issues on an ongoing basis.”

II. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Question: The cover page of the RFP indicates that proposals are due on February 23, 2018, while the Standard Form 33 indicates that proposals should be received by February 26, 2018. Please confirm the proposal due date.

Response: Proposals in response to this RFP are due on February 27, 2018 as stated in the cover page. Amendment No. 02 corrects the error in the Standard Form 33 to reflect the same date.

2. Question: Section B.3, Page 8: Pursuant to Payment of Fixed Fee of the RFP, please describe the distribution method for the fixed fee across the deliverables listed in Section F.6.

Response: First paragraph of Section B.3.(c) has been amended to reflect a clearer instruction on Payment of Fixed Fee.

3. Question: Section C.2.1, Page 11 states that: “The Contract requires an approach where investments in the activities technical team and sub partners, as well as the overhead to support implementation, are strategically balanced to preserve a significant portion of the budget for direct investments at the local level”. Can USAID clarify and provide further guidance on the requirements for direct investments at the local level?

Response: Offeror shall demonstrate that they are maximizing the use of locally available resources to ensure long term capacity and sustainability.

4. Question: Section H.8 (g), Page 35- Can USAID please provide the USAID Local

Compensation Plan (LCP) for Peru, Brazil and Colombia.

Response: Section H.8 - Personnel Compensation has been revised in the solicitation.

The requirement for salary comparison with USAID Local Compensation Plans is no longer in effect.

5. Question: Section L.6.2 on page 67 notes that “offerors must include curriculum vitae

(CV) and/or Bio Data Sheets (BDS) for each proposed Key Personnel.” Please clarify if both CVs and bio data sheets for proposed key personnel are required.

Response: Both CVs and BDS are required. Section 6.2 has been modified to reflect that change.

6. Question: Please confirm that per Section L.7.3.(b)(A) (page 71), bio data sheets should be included as part of an offerors cost proposal, only.

Response: BDS should be included as part of Offerors’ Cost Proposal Only. (Section L.8 of the RFP has been revised to reflect this change).

7. Question: Section L.6.4, Page 69. Please clarify that past performance information in the annex should include up to three activities for offerors and proposed major subcontractors.

Response: USAID confirms that past performance information (that includes up to three activities) is required for each offeror and each major subcontractor.

8. Question: Section L.6.1 (b), Page 66 states that “The written PWS shall not exceed 25 pages and shall be written in English. (Any pages over 25 will not be evaluated and only the first 25 pages shall be reviewed – charts and graphs should be included as attachments and only referenced in the text to meet the 25 page limit). Section L.8 (page 75), however, makes no mention of attachments to the PWS. Please confirm offerors may include attachments to the PWS as a non-page counting annex to the technical proposal.

Response: USAID confirms that charts and graphics included as attachments to the PWS are not subject to the 25-page limitation. Please see revised Section L.8.

9. Question: Section L.8, Page 75- Attachments- Please clarify what information should be included in the attachment 2: “Additional information on proposed sub-awardees or sub-contractors.”

Response: This section has been eliminated from the list of attachments.

10. Question: Section L.8, Page 75- Attachments- Please confirm that Certifications of

Section K (attachment 5) should be included as an attachment to the cost proposal, only.

Response: USAID confirms that Certifications of Section K (attachment 5) must be included as an attachment to the cost proposal, only. See revised Section L.8.

11. Question: Section M.2.2 c), Page 77 states: “The ability to coordinate with other USAID related funded implementing partners, in order to encourage synergies and prevent duplication of efforts”. Please confirm that this refers to both other USAID and other donor funded projects.

Response: This section refers specifically to other USAID activities in the Amazon region. However, USAID expects all implementing partners to coordinate with other donor funded projects, to the extent possible, in order to achieve objectives and amplify impact.

12. Question: Page 8, Section B.2, and Page 27, Section F.8 IDIQ Supplemental Ordering

Procedures, describe the role of the IDIQ mechanism under CLIN 0002 to facilitate requests from other Amazon-Region countries for tasking within the scope of this contract.

This contractual approach provides a flexibility that is important to the AREP activities by broadening coordinated implementation of AREP. Is USAID envisioning a similar mechanism across all AREP procurements and activities?

Response: This approach is envisioned for this activity only. Instructions and approaches for other AREP activities will be specified under each activity’s solicitation.

13. Question: Page 20, Section F.6.3 Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL), states: “The Activity MEL Plan will include relevant indicators taken from the project-level MEL Plan.”

Would USAID consider sharing the full AREP MEL Plan in addition to the illustrative indicators shared in Attachment 8?

Response: No. The illustrative indicators included in the RFP are the indicators relevant to this activity.

14. Question: Page 20, Section F.6.3 Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

(MEL), states: “Key components of Activity MEL Plan…Plan for collaborating with any external evaluations planned by the Mission.”

The offeror respectfully requests that USAID share its thinking for an external evaluation, including whether it would be at an AREP or activity level, and whether it would start at the same time as activity awards, so that the Offeror can respond accordingly in the technical and cost volumes? Additionally, would USAID plan for an impact evaluation or a performance evaluation?

Response: This would be an external performance evaluation at the activity level that will start after award.

15. Question: Page 21, Section F.6.3 Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan

(MEL), states: “Through this collaboration, the contractor will verify that the proposed indicators are consistent with and meet the data collection needs of USAID’s Project MEL Plan and the mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP).”

The Offeror respectfully requests that USAID provide the updated Mission-level PMPs and CDCS documents for countries of performance to ensure that the proposed technical design is consistent with the most updated planning documents.

Response: The offeror will be evaluated by what is requested in this solicitation and not any previous analysis completed by USAID. The design of this activity is guided by the Amazon Vision and USAID’s defined role of a regional program which includes the implementation of targeted activities to address gaps or respond to critical needs which cannot effectively be executed bilaterally.

16. Question: Page 25, Section F.6.11 Communications and Outreach Plan, states: “In collaboration with other USAID activities in the Amazon Region and USG implementing entities working in the environment sectors, the Contractor may be expected to implement joint outreach activities to highlight joint efforts as an intervention aligned with the PWS.”

As USAID is anticipating a high level of coordination among all 3 Amazon Regional Environmental Project (AREP) activities, can USAID provide anticipated award dates for the three activities in the AREP project?

Response: Available information on upcoming Environment & Sustainable Growth activities for USAID/Peru and AREP may be found in the USAID Business Forecast.

17. Question: Page 28, Section H.12 Language Requirements, states: “All deliverables under this contract must be produced in English.”

https://www.usaid.gov/business-forecast/search/results?search=&location=Overseas&ouid%5B%5D=87&sector_id%5B%5D=31&solicitation_date%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&solicitation_date%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&award_date%5Bmin%5D%5Bdate%5D=&award_date%5Bmax%5D%5Bdate%5D=&naics=&specialist=&fy=All&sort_by=title&sort_order=ASC&items_per_page=10

Can USAID please confirm that deliverables signify the reports listed in F.6 on Page 18, and not all technical outputs and products produced in the countries of performance that may be in Spanish, Portuguese, or Dutch?

Response: USAID confirms that technical outputs other than deliverables may be in languages other than English with prior COR approval.

18. Question: Page 34, Section H.8(a) Personnel Compensation Limitations, limits an individual initial increase to 8% over the candidate’s previous salary history. This can conflict with the reliance on market-established salary ranges for an under-compensated and fully qualified candidate.

The Offeror respectfully requests that the 8% increase be applied as an annual initial hiring pool cap rather than an individual cap.

Response: Section H.8 has been revised. Limitation of 8% increase included in the original RFP is no longer relevant.

19. Question: Page 34, Section H.8(f) Personnel Compensation Limitations Initial Salaries, requires Contracting Officer approval of all initial hires to be charged as a direct cost to the contract.

The Offeror respectfully requests that all new employees whose initial salary increases fall within the limits of the overall compensation clause, and within the appropriate market- based salary scale grade, to be exempt from CO specific approval.

Response: Section H.8 has been revised. Compensation requirements under Section

H.8 included in the original RFP are no longer relevant.

20. Question: Page 38, Section H.11 Mandatory Compliance Review, D) Participant

Training, states: “the resulting contractor must comply with Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 253 and other USAID/Mexico specific policies and procedures (i.e., Mission Order 253) governing the effective, efficient planning, design, and implementation of such training programs.”

The Offeror respectfully requests that USAID provide USAID/Mexico Mission Order 253 to inform the requirements specific to the Mission beyond the ADS chapter.

Response: This section has been revised in the RFP. Specific requirements regarding

Mexico Mission Order do not apply to this activity.

21. Question: Page 66, Section L.6.1 Performance Work Statement, states: “For each sector/geography in which work is being proposed, an individual TOC must be provided and shall clearly indicate how it will achieve the expected result.”

Can USAID please clarify whether this means that each unique combination of sector and geography proposed in the proposal needs its own TOC? Or whether the Offeror can choose to develop a TOC either per each sector (including multiple geographies) or per each geography (including multiple sectors)?

Response: Offerors must develop TOC(s) that best communicates how their proposed approach will best achieve the objectives of this activity.

22. Question: Page 67, Section L.6.2 Management Plan and Implementation Team, lists the minimum experience for Key Personnel, which includes a graduate level education.

This conflicts with the education requirements listed in Page 17, Clause F.5, where a graduate degree is preferred.

The Offeror requests the Clause F.5 preference be retained in the key personnel requirements, with an additional two years of relevant experience in lieu of the graduate degree.

Response: Section L.6.2 is correct. Minimum requirements for key personnel includes a graduate level education. Clause F.5 has been updated to reflect correct requirements.

23. Question: Page 70, Section L.7 Instructions for the Preparation of the Cost/Business

Proposal, states: “The evaluation of cost will include a determination of cost realism, completeness, and reasonableness.”

The Offeror respectfully requests that USAID provide a rate of exchange (ROE) for each country of performance for consistency among offers.

Response: Offerors are required to perform their own independent research to determine a ROE that, to the best of the offeror’s knowledge, reflects the fairest rate.

24. Question: Page 86, Attachment 1. 6 Objectives and Required Results, states: “Certain landscapes may provide critical regional or global regulating or supporting ecosystem services such as flood protection, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, or landscapes may provide cultural and spiritual benefits to indigenous populations.”

Does USAID expect that this Activity will be implemented in landscapes with indigenous territories, and if so, how does USAID expect this program to overlap with Objective 2 in the recently released RFI for AIRR that has similar intermediate results and activities?

Response: It is very possible that this activity will be implemented in areas where other

USAID activities being implemented. In these cases, the offeror is expected to closely coordinate with each USAID activity to avoid duplication and maximize achievement of USAID’s objectives in the Amazon region including those in indigenous territories.

25. Question: Page 86, Attachment 1. 6 Objectives and Required Results, states: “This activity should strive to work at the nexus where high priority landscapes, as defined above, are threatened by infrastructure and extractive activities.”

Does USAID prefer that the Offeror propose certain priority landscapes in the proposal itself, or does USAID prefer to guide the selection of landscapes along with key stakeholders during the first-year design of the activity? Can USAID please confirm that the priority landscapes in which the project will focus and operate will be determined in coordination with USAID following project award?

Response: Offerors must propose priority landscapes according to their proposed technical approach and final selection may be refined with USAID during the first year of the activity.

26. Question: Can USAID provide an anticipated start date for the Best Management

Practices (BMP) Activity?

Response: USAID cannot provide a specific date for the starting date of this activity.

27. Question: For consistency, would USAID please insert “calendar” days for all Deliverables & Reporting Requirements, where applicable, for example, Section F.6.1.

Rapid Mobilization Plan (RMP) on page 19 (first paragraph); Section F.6.3. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (MEL) on page 21 (Due date for finalized MEL Plan); Section F.6.8. Annual Performance Report on page 23 (first paragraph); Section F.6.9 Final Report on page 24 (first paragraph); and Section F.6.13. Emergency Contact Plan on page 25 (Due Date).

Response: All timeframes refer to calendar days. Sections mentioned above have been revised to reflect this specification.

28. Question: Page 32. Section H.4. Nonexpendable Property Purchases and Information

Technology Resources: CO approval of NXP will be given during implementation.

However, L.7. (2) (D) Procurement of Equipment and Supplies (page 72), contractor will list proposed non-expendable property purchases in its budget. Would USAID consider including and approving expendable (XP) property and furniture (NXP and XP) purchases, as well as NXP property purchases, at the budget stage to expedite Rapid Mobilization.

Response: Yes. USAID will approve NXP purchases at the budget stage. Section H.4 has been updated to reflect this change.

29. Question: Page 76. Section M.2. Technical Evaluation Criteria: Please clarify whether the evaluation of the technical proposal will include M.2.4. Past Performance, in addition to M.2.1. and M.2.3.

Response: USAID confirms that the evaluation of the technical proposal includes M.2.4.

Past Performance, in addition to M.2.1. and M.2.3. This section has been updated to reflect that change.

30. Question: Please confirm that offerors and proposed major subcontractors may submit past performance information for assistance awards. Assistance awards are common in the Amazon region and would provide relevant information on experience and past performance.

Response: USAID confirms that offerors and proposed major subcontractors may submit past performance information for awards that demonstrate an offeror’s relevant experience and past performance.

31. Question: On pages 20-21, Section F.6.3. Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

Plan (MEL), USAID writes that "the draft MEL Plan submitted with the proposal shall be finalized with USAID within 90 days after the award date." The draft MEL Plan is not mentioned in Section L. Could USAID confirm that a draft MEL Plan should be submitted with the proposal as a separate attachment?

Response: A draft MEL plan is not required for the proposal. This language has been removed from the RFP

32. Question: Page 19, Section F.6.1. Rapid Mobilization Plan: USAID asks the contractor to submit a Rapid Mobilization Plan within 25 days of contract award. On page 67, in

Section L.6.2., USAID asks offerors to submit information on "a mobilization schedule including a plan..." Is a rapid mobilization plan required with the proposal?

Response: The Management Plan under section L.6.2 must include a mobilization plan and schedule that will be the base for a full Mobilization plan required under Section F.6.1.

33. Question: On page 75, Section L.8. Attachments, USAID lists several documents that must be included as attachments that are not subject to the page limit. If a Rapid Mobilization Plan is required, may it be included as a separate attachment?

Response: Yes. Section L.8 has been revised and reflect this change.

34. Question: Page 10, B.5, Could USAID please advise if section B part B.5 is amendable based on the offerors Indirect rates structure.

Response: The Indirect Costs Section is amendable depending on the Contractor’s indirect rates structure.

35. Question: Can offerors assume that allowances/differentials will be allowed to recruit/retain the best qualified TCNs?

Response: Allowances and Differentials will be permitted in accordance with Section H.8 - Personnel Compensation.

36. Question: Section L.5 (f), (g), and (a), on pages 65 and 66, state that the proposal format must be in Microsoft Word 2010 and preferably consolidated into a single document. Since it is more efficient to consolidate volumes using PDF, would USAID please confirm that the technical and cost volumes can be submitted in PDF format not to exceed 10 MB in size per email? For those documents submitted in Word and Excel, would USAID please confirm that a more recent versions of Microsoft applications will be acceptable rather than the 2010 versions of this software?

Response: USAID confirms that technical volumes can be submitted in PDF format not to exceed 10 MB in size per email. Also, Offerors must use versions of Microsoft Office that are compatible with Microsoft Office 2010.

37. Question: Per Section L.6., we understand that the PWS shall not exceed 25 pages, while the Management Plan and Implementation Team narrative and the representative task plan each shall not exceed 10 pages. This would bring the page limitation of the Technical Proposal to 45 pages. Would USAID please confirm whether offerors can include a three-page executive summary and acronym list in their technical proposals, and that these sections will not be included in the 45-page limit?

Response: The list included under section L.6.1 (page 66) has been revised to include

● An Executive Summary of no more than 2 pages; and

● An acronym list.

38. Question: Section E.3, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan on page 15: This section indicates that the QASP “will be incorporated in this section [of the contract] after award," whereas Section F.6.2 (on page 20), calls for an updated QASP as part of the first annual work plan. Please clarify when the initial (draft QASP) would be due.

Response: USAID confirms that the draft Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan is required after award. This will be coordinated with the activity COR. Section F.6.2 refers to an updated QASP for each subsequent AWP.

39. Question: As per page 79, “Offerors are required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN

0001 only, as proposals for CLIN 0002 will be requested by USAID later during contract implementation…” while page 70 states, “…the offeror must propose a CLIN 0002 cost proposal of up to $4.7 million and a representative task plan cost proposal up to $1.5 Million.” Could USAID please confirm that Offerors are only required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN 0001, excluding the $1.5 million representative task plan?

Response: Offerors are required to submit a cost proposal for CLIN 0001; and a representative Task Order cost proposal for CLIN 0002 up to $1.5M. Sections L.7 and M.3 have been updated to reflect this change.

40. Question: Section L.5(i) states that “the sections and annexes in the technical and cost proposals must be tabbed and listed in the table of contents.” Can USAID please clarify what is meant by “tabbed” given that the submission is electronic (via email) only?

Response: Word “tabbed” has been changed by “divided.” Such change is reflected in section L.5(i).

41. Question: In reference to Section L.6.2(2) (pg. 67), can USAID please clarify whether the references for key personnel should be included in the 3-page limit for CVs, or if these may be submitted as a separate page?

Response: Yes. References must be included in the 3-page limitation for CVs.

42. Question: In reference to Section L.6.2(2) (pg. 67), can USAID please clarify whether letters of commitment for key personnel are required with the submission of Offeror’s proposals? If so, should these be included as an attachment/annex to the technical proposal?

Response: As stated under Section L.6.2(2) (pg. 67): “USAID discourages the use of exclusive agreements.” Thus, letters of commitment for key personnel are not required.

43. Question: Section L.6.3 – USAID requests that offerors include a management and staffing approach in their responses to the representative task order (“theoretical scenario” on page 69). Does USAID expect that offerors will also include a technical approach and illustrative technical activities in the response to this section? Regarding the latter, does the "task plan for the hypothetical case" referenced in this section refer to an illustrative work plan enumerating specific technical activities?

Response: Offerors must carefully review sections L.6.3 and M.2.3 to verify what information should be included in their proposals.

44. Question: Section L.6.4 – Can USAID please confirm that there is no requirement for a past performance narrative summary separate and apart from the past performance information references to be included in the technical proposal as an attachment (2 pages per reference)?

Response: USAID confirms that there is no requirement for a past performance narrative summary separate and apart from the past performance information references to be included in the technical proposal as an attachment.

45. Question: Section M.2.1 - What level of commitment does USAID expect offerors to provide at the proposal stage from critical actors in government, the private sector, and civil society? (page 77).

Response: Offerors may submit any documents that demonstrate opportunities to collaborate with other relevant entities within their proposed approach.

46. Question: Attachment One: Statement of Objectives, Section 4 - In addition to the Best

Management Practices activity, which other initiatives does USAID consider to be part of the Amazon Regional Environmental Program and will contribute to the four strategic approaches within it (page 84)?

Response: Available information on upcoming Environment & Sustainable Growth activities for USAID Peru and AREP may be found in the USAID Business Forecast.

47. Question: Attachment One: Statement of Objectives, Section 5 – The RFP references legal codification of BMPs (page 84) as a means to reducing the deleterious environmental and social impacts of infrastructure and extractive industry investments in the Amazon. Will the successful offeror be responsible from promoting the legal codification of specific BMPs? Or will the successful offeror be responsible for promoting laws, policies, and regulations that require implementation of BMPs as a broad standard practice for investment projects without specifying mandatory adoption of individual BMPs?

Response: Offerors will not be evaluated on whether a third party takes an action.

Offerors will be evaluated on their technical approach which includes the promotion of BMPs.

48. Question: Attachment One: Statement of Objectives, Section 6 - In the Statement of

Objectives (page 85) USAID frames the geographic focus of the BMP activity as:

"Infrastructure and extractive megaprojects to be addressed through this Activity are regional in nature and have the potential to radically transform the Amazon in the coming decades due to their…