Amendment_05.pdf

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Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
SOL-615-16-000001
Issued by
US Agency for International Development Kenya

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Amendment 05 - Response to questions raised from Request for Proposals (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 for the procurement of security services through the establishment of the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa.

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Attachment_1_-_Partner_Information_Form.doc DOC document
Amendment_7.pdf PDF
Amendment_06.pdf PDF
Amendment_4_(Signed).pdf PDF
SOL-615-16-000001_-_Revised.docx DOCX document
Amendment_03.pdf PDF
Amendment_02.pdf PDF
Amendment_01.pdf PDF
Attachment_J_-_Budget_Template_for_RFA.xlsx XLSX spreadsheet
SOL-615-16-000001_-PLSO_SOL.pdf PDF

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Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 2 of 11

Response to questions raised from Request for Proposals (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 for the procurement of security services through the establishment of the Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa.

1. Part I, Section B.4.b: "In case of an incident, the Contractor will be required to respond immediately". Please elaborate on what constitutes a "response"? Answer: Offeror will inform the COR in the EXO office at USAID. Section C.3: Duties & Responsibilities does not describe what the response expectation would be. Does this mean gather incident information promptly and report it to the designated people (COR, EXO, MD, RSO, SEC, etc.)? Rush to scene to render assistance? Notify authorities on behalf of the IP? Prescribe or direct security related action (after review and clearance by the Embassy)? Answer: Section C.3 Duties and Responsibilities outlines the responsibilities required of the successful offeror.

2. Part I, Section B.4.b: USAID/KEA is unable to identify how may security incidents will happen in the future, however, can USAID/KEA advise how many incidents have happened in the past (I.e. 2012, 2013 & 2014)? Answer: PLSO is being established as a new unit in USAID in Kenya. At this time there is no documentation available for prior year incidents.

3. Part I, Section C.1: Background: The first paragraph of the background summary mentions 61 IPs in

Kenya, plus support to an unspecified number of cross border programs. Are any IPs expected to be supported by the PLSO in Somalia? Answer: USAID does have limited programs operating in Somalia.

At this time the programs in Somalia are not included in the requirements of this award.

4. Part I, Section C.2: Organizational Location of Position: This section mentions that the Contractor is expected to " provide security support" throughout Kenya as the need arises. This would be across 47 counties, for 61 IPs and would require travel to project implementation sites. Per your the USAID/KEA website, there are 2,195 sites. Please confirm that USAID/KEA expects the contractor to provide support to all 2,195 sites as the need arises? Answer: Please review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

5. (a) Please also define what "support" means? Is it informational support as is described in Part I, Section C.3: Duties & Responsibilities or something more robust (Providing vehicle escorts, a PSD team, risk assessments or other form of personal protection? Or for the PLSO to mobilize to one or all of the 2,195 sites in the event of an incident? Answer: Please review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

6. (b)If so, is there a response standard time standard that must be met?) Answer: Offeror shall propose their estimated service level agreement that would respond to the requirements of the

RFP.

7. Part I, Section C.3: Duties & Responsibilities: Will the COR be the EXO? Answer: The COR will be designated after award is made.

8. We are expected to meet and provide informational briefings to newly arrived IPs. Does this mean meeting and providing informational briefings to the IP entity (Chief of Party or designee) when the IP first arrives, is on boarded, sets up an office in Kenya or for every new employee? Either local engage staff or offshore hire? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 3 of 11

Responsibilities. It is anticipated that the contractor will establish and maintain contact with Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party of the IPs.

9. Will we be expected to wait to be informed of USAID/KEA and Embassy safety and security policies, practices, and notifications as they apply to IPS or should we be expected to be proactive and reach out to the COR, EXO or RSO regularly? Answer: The contractor will maintain a continuous relationship with the COR and EXO to understand the security policies and practices of the Embassy.

10. As security plan best practices can often be considered prescriptive and directive, must they be reviewed and cleared for release by the Embassy? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities. It is anticipated that the contractor will establish and maintain contact with Chief of Party or Deputy Chief of Party of the IPs.

11. Are quarterly risk management meeting expected to be held/hosted in one location for all IPs (currently 61 in Kenya)? Answer: At this time quarterly meetings are anticipated to be held in Nairobi. If so, would that location be in Nairobi? Would the contractor be expected to cover the cost of hosting? Including providing a venue? Answer: Offeror shall provide a budget for quarterly meetings based on realistic participation by IPs. Offeror will likely, but not necessarily engage with the Chief of party and Deputy Chief of Party, and/or the Security official of the IP. Would one representative from each IP be invited or would all IP staff be invited? If not in one location. How many locations and in what regions/cities? Example: Lodwar, Mandera, Eldoret, Lamu, Nakuru, etc.

or is it expected that these quarterly meetings be head at each of the 2,195 sites mentioned in your website? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

12. As security training can be prescriptive and directive, must training recommendations be reviewed and cleared for release by the Embassy? Per Section C.6. Paragraph 4, Bullet 3, if our company provides in-house security training, may we recommend out own training program? Answer: see answer to #10.

13. For the SMS text message notification system, would it be expected that the Contractor distribute text messages to the Chief of Party (or designee) or all IP staff at all 2,195 sites? If all IP staff, how many staff are there across 61 IPs? Will responsibility for providing updated staff phone numbers be the responsibility of the IP? Answer: Offeror shall propose what it believes to be the best and most realistic method for delivery of messages to Implementing Partners.

14. Initially, will USAID/KEA provide contact information for IPs and their COPs to allow the development of the data base of contact information and the 2,195 site location? Does USAID/KEA currently have at least a partially complete data base or spreadsheet with this information that they will share with the Contractor? Answer: USAID will ensure that the successful offeror will have contact information for all Implementing Partners.

15. We are expected to provide a weekly IP incident report to the MD, EXO and SEC which reflects incidents reported by the IPs. In the unlikely event that one or more IPs do not report incidents, is the Contractor expected to regularly reach out to the IP to remind them to report or just report the potential deficiency to the COR? Answer: USAID will encourage all Implementing Partners to engage with PLSO to ensure they receive the most current information regarding the security situation in Kenya.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 4 of 11

16. The security report about the IPs operating environment is to be produced weekly. Should that be sent to the EXO only? Once approved EXO, then distributed to the IPs? Answer: Offeror will provide all deliverables to the designated COR.

17. 5(k) Bullet 23) Can quarterly meetings with IPs (bullets 9 and 23 of the "Duties & Responsibilities") be held at the same time? Answer: Offeror may propose efficient methodologies to ensure all information concerning security issues in Kenya is delivered to the IPs.

18. Part I, Section C.4.d: Method of Collecting Security Information - According to this paragraph, "the Contractor will only provide security support at the request of the IP". Please define "support". Does this mean providing information as per Section C.3: Duties & Responsibilities or something more robust? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

19. Part I, Section C.5: Travel - This section states that the Contractor is required to visit all "activity sites". According to the USAID/KEA website, there are 2,195 sites. Please confirm if USAID/KEA expects the Contractor to visit all 2,195 activity sites and how often? Or just the 61 IP main offices?

Answer: Offeror shall propose its methodology to ensure information is delivered to the IPs.

20. Part I, Section C.8: Logistical Information - It is our understanding that the Contractor is to furnish all logistical support in the USAID/KEA geographical area and world wide. If support it to be provided to 61 IPs within Kenya, what support would be expected to be furnished outside of Kenya?

21. Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

22. Following submission of offers, how long will it take to announce successful offeror? Answer: Please see all amendments to this solicitation to assure you have the correct due date of proposals. USAID will immediately begin review of all proposals submitted on or before the due date. At this time, the government cannot determine the length of time needed to properly review, assess, negotiate and make an award.

23. The RFP says, "The Contractor will only provide security support at the request of the IP." Can you clarify what is "security support."? Does it mean that we would visit, for example, field offices? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

24. Is the contractor supposed to follow up onsite following any and all incidents? Answer: Please carefully review Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities.

25. Do we need to present audited P&L statements or a NICRA? Answer: For U.S based organizations please provide a NICRA and for those organizations without NICRA’s please provided audited P & L for the last 3 years.

26. Could you please elaborate on what databases, systems and other relevant information you would like the Contractor to analyze? Answer: If this question refers to the 7th bullet of Section C.3, offeror shall propose their solution for responding to this distribution of information.

27. Could you let us know an estimated value of the contract? Answer: Offeror shall propose their best offer to the government that is reasonable, realistic and offers the best value to the government.

28. Is this an existing contract? Answer: No

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 5 of 11

29. If so who is the incumbent? How long has this contract been in place with the incumbent?

Answer: See answer to #27.

30. Can you please define a 'security incident' and also what the expected 'response' is? Answer: Offeror shall propose their best response to the RFP.

31. Is this a new capability? How many persons are represented by the IPs will this team support? Who are the IPs? Answer: Please see answers to # 2 and #27.

32. Do you run 24/7 operations, or do you expect this team to be available 24/7? Would staff (or members of the staff) be expected to be “on duty” at all times, or “on call?” Answer: Please see Section C.7, Institutional Capacity.

33. You note the position will be located outside the US Embassy Compound. Is it still in USG space?

Answer: No; Is any office space or other facilities to be provided by USAID? Answer: No

34. (a) You note the collect security information from databases, systems, and relevant sources. Can you provide a list of the databases and systems that will be available? Answer: Offeror shall understand that they will utilize the information that will be provided from various databases and sources of information. Please carefully read Section C.3 Duties and Responsibilities.

(b) Could you please elaborate on what databases, systems and other relevant information you would like the Contractor to analyze? Answer: See response to #33 (a)

35. You note one key personnel, the Operations Manager. Can you provide details as to the length and type of experience you expect? Currently, the requirement only states “significant high level experience.” Answer: See amendment #4 which provided additional information regarding experience for the Operations Manager.

36. The current logistical requirements are for “all logistical support” including a “Systems and databases.” Is there any Government Furnished Equipment provided and What GFE is provided??

Answer: Contractor is responsible for its own logistical support.

37. What systems and databases will require contractor support? Will the contractor be required to supply vehicles, housing, medical care, fuel? Answer: See response to #33 (a) and #35.

38. Given the significant threat environment, are contractors authorized weapons for self defense?

Answer: Contractor will not be authorized to hold or keep weapons. What are the Kenyan laws that apply to self defense and the use/carrying of weapons? Answer: Offeror must follow all local laws.

39. What percentage of the contract requires, MBE, WBE, DBE, 8(a), HubZone or SDVOB?

Answer: If offeror is a large business, a small business subcontracting plan must be submitted.

40. Will the contract be required to design a communication system that operates when the towers are not functioning? Answer: Contractor will not be required to develop a new communication system.

41. Will this contract use the countries exchange rate for travel and hotels? Will an exchange clause be added to this contract based on the value of US versus Kenya’s exchange rates?

Answer: Offeror shall propose all costs in US dollars.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 6 of 11

42. Background – Page 6 of 56 - Kenya’s security ratings? How many USAID’s implementing Partners

(IPs), are there, and are all US or combined US and Third Country Nationals? Is there currently a Partner Liaison Security Operation (PLSO) team in place and will they have the latitude to build the operation with a clearance level in place within their operations arena? Answer: Please see answer to #2 and #30. What is the security clearance level between PLSO and IPs, and who will complete the vetting (if required) for clearance? Answer: There is no need for security clearance. Will the PLSO office set up with secure data computer systems, are they in place and what is the security level of the data and is it releasable to NATO/REL (NATO Releasable) to TCN that may be part of the IPs? Answer: Contractor will not be required to develop a secure data computer system.

43. Duties and Responsibilities: Page 7 of 56 -Will the PLSO and its team members be able to obtain the clearance level to have access to the US Embassy, some of its US Agencies housed in the embassy, and the data collect from other US agency sources on current and real world data? “This would be a must in order to conduct risk mitigation and management meetings for the IPs, USAID, and KEA staff in formulating agenda’s based on IP incident reports and future training. Additionally, this would be helpful and imperative as a participating member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).” Answer: There is no need for security clearance; offeror will not have access to the Embassy other than escorted visits to meet with the COR or CO.

44. PLSO’s database – will the database access be covered with US computer systems with clearance levels for access throughout the PLSO team, USAID and KEA? Is there an ICT/IT department that will maintain the system, its access and clearance level?...... Patrice, I think that number (7), section of Institutional Capacity, page 10 of 56 may have answered my concerns. “The Contractor must also have ready access to databases, systems, and other relevant information which will allow the Contractor the ability to analyze, access and report on security information! It is imperative to seek out a company that is currently in the region and has history working in Kenya. Answer: Please see answer to Questions #41 and #42.

45. We are planning on carrying out the project in Kenya with a Kenyan company as a subcontractor.

Will registration of the subcontractor in the country be sufficient or must the prime register as well?

Answer: The successful offeror and any subcontractors must follow established Kenyan laws.

46. RIGHTS TO DATA – GENERAL OCT 2007 - Could you please let us know if Rights in Data – General or

Rights in Data – Special Works will apply to work under the proposed contract? Answer: If USAID determines this clause is needed in the contract, it will be incorporated.

47. H.27. 752.20470 PARTNER VETTING PREAWARD REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2012) - The contracting officer notifies the offeror when to submit the USAID Partner Information Form. 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]. Could you please let us know at what stage of the source selection process vetting will take place, that is, when should we submit Form 50013? Answer: As stated in H.27, “…any contract resulting from this solicitation is subject to vetting.” The vetting process has not yet started in Kenya. Offerors will be notified if vetting will be required and when or if they must complete and submit the Form 500-13.

48. In Section C.5 it is stated that the contractor is required to travel to IP activity sites to conduct trainings, briefings, site visits and response to security incidents. The frequency and number of briefings and trainings are not specified. Answer: As stated in Section C.3, this travel is “as needed”.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 7 of 11

Offeror should propose training and briefing that would best demonstrate an ability to meet the duties and responsibilities as stated in Section C.3.

49. As this travel will have a significant effect on time allocation and costs we request an estimate of the frequency and location of training and briefings required, and an indication if these meetings will be scheduled at central locations or onsite. Answer: See answer to question #47

50. To further support estimating the travel costs and travel time we also kindly request a list of the current IP activity sites. Answer: Offeror shall propose its methodology to ensure information is delivered to the IPs. The successful offeror will receive contact information of the partners.

51. Section C.5 mentions travel related to “response to security incidents.” What does this task include?

Answer: Please carefully read Section C.3 Duties and Responsibilities. Offeror’s responsibilities include gathering information for transmission to the COR.

52. In Section C.7 it is mentioned that the Contractor must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to

IPs and USAID/KEA EXO – Will a duty phone coverage roster suffice, or is coverage by means of a 24/7 watch keeper required? Or does this refer to the provision of timely security information and advisories (actual reports and advisories) in case of a security incident or confirmed information thereof? In other words are the reporting requirements the same throughout the week (Sat, Sun) Answer: Offeror shall propose their method of ensuring the information requested in the solicitation is provided to the COR. Please carefully read Section C.3 Duties and Responsibilities.

53. If I may ask a quick question, I see from the newspaper advert that we must register on the SAM system to ensure compliance. To this end is it the “Individual Account” portal we are required to follow or the “System Account? Answer: Questions regarding how to register with SAMs should be addressed to www.sams.gov. Below are links that can help you with the registration.

SAM.GOV website: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/##11 How to register on SAM.GOV: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html SAM User Guide: https://www.sam.gov/sam/SAM_Guide/SAM_User_Guide.htm FEDERAL SERVICE HELP DESK: https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do

54. Can we have a list of IPs to include numbers, locations and proposed site locations? Can we have a schedule of IPs works to include types of travel, locations, proposed accommodation, risk appetites and duration. Answer: see response to Question #14 and #49.

55. When visiting will accommodation and life support be provided? Answer: offeror shall propose all accommodation requirements for necessary visits.

56. Will the Contractor provide security support to IP operations in Somalia as per para 2. Answer:

Offeror will not need to travel to Somalia.

57. "The Contractor will be required to travel to program activity implementation sites in the country as the need arises" please provide examples of what these needs may be. Answer: On occasion, offeror may need to visit partners at their implementation sites.

58. Is there a requirement to conduct site Risk Assessments prior to IP activities starting? Answer: No http://www.sams.gov/ http://sam.gov/ https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/%23%2311 http://sam.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/organization-registration/step-2-register-with-sam.html https://www.sam.gov/sam/SAM_Guide/SAM_User_Guide.htm https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/home.do

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 8 of 11

59. How many new personnel requiring induction and briefing does USAID anticipate per year? Answer:

USAID routinely has more than 50 partners operating in Kenya. Offeror will likely work with the COP and Deputy COP of the partners.

60. How does USAID anticipate the flow of personnel arriving throughout the year? Is it a steady stream or will it fluctuate? Answer: Please carefully read Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities

61. Is there a requirement to renew training and induction for personnel who have already received training? Answer: Please carefully read Section C.3, Duties and Responsibilities

62. What method of access to policies and procedures will be provided by USAID? Answer: USAID will ensure that the successful offeror is informed of all policies and procedures required by the Agency, and will be quickly informed of any changes.

63. At who's cost is the venue and administration support for the quarterly security meeting? Answer:

Offeror will include the cost of quarterly meetings in their budget.

64. How many recipients will there be to the bulk SMS notification system. Answer: see response to Question 58.

65. What types of messages are to be sent through the bulk SMS system and to how many recipients?

Answer: Offeror shall keep Implementing Partners informed of all security situations as guided by the COR.

66. (a) Who will require access to the contact database and how will they access it? Answer: The successful offeror will be provided contact information for Implementing Partners and is expected to ensure continuous updates of that information.

(b) Are there any shared online working areas to enable data share and collection? Answer: No

67. How many individual recipients will there be for information services/security reports? Answer: see responses to Questions 58 and 64.

68. To create a formal online community will USAID provide the platform for this? I Answer: No If not are there any restrictions of the type of platform that can be used; SharePoint, social media, etc?

Answer: Offeror shall make a proposal of their best methodology to transmit secure and sensitive information to Implementing Partners.

69. Is training centralized in a single location? Answer: No, but, training events will likely take place in

Nairobi.

70. How often are the Contractors required to visit each site? Answer: This is a new program. Offeror shall propose what it considers to be best practice to keep Implementing Partners informed. Offeror is not expected to make regular visits to partners, but to find ways to keep partners informed.

Please carefully read Section C.3, Duties and responsibilities.

71. How many site visit, training sessions and security incidences were conducted over the last two years? Answer: This is a new program. There is no historical information to provide.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 9 of 11

72. L.5 Will the bidders conference be rescheduled? Answer: No. Please see Amendment 1 to the RFP, which has been posted on FBO.Gov.

73. If the bidders conference is not rescheduled would it be possible to meet with a USAID security representative? Answer: No.

74. Can USAID support the Contractors applications for work permits to demonstrate the need for Expat personnel. Answer: Offeror will be the responsible party to secure work permits for any non-local personnel.

75. H.6 Is it a requirement to subcontract elements of the work performed? Answer: See response to

Question #38.

76. Page 49 - Please confirm that the page limit for the technical proposal is 30 pages, and it is a typo at the end of this paragraph where it states “All items required as part of the technical proposal will count toward the 10 page limit.” Answer: Yes this is a typo and this amendment corrects the typo by replacing the sentence with “All items required as part of the technical proposal will count toward the 30 page limit.” No annexes are permitted.

77. Section 3 – Key Personnel - Please confirm that the resumes and references can be provided in the appendix and do count as part of the 30 page limit. Answer: See response to question 75.

78. H.29 (a) - Can examples be given of an organized collection of structured data, i.e. what would this data represent in reference to, and in comparison with, aggregated performance reporting data?

Answer: No.

79. H.29 (b) - In reference to ‘machine-readable, non-proprietary format’ does this imply XML? If not, can this be elaborated further? Answer: Please review the information regarding submission of information at www.usaid.gov/data.

80. H.8 (b) Does the health program include sufficient MEDEVAC coverage to the extent that would apply to this exception? If not, are costs for MEDEVAC service coverage to be included in the FFP or be covered on an as-needed basis outside of the FFP? Answer: Offeror must propose its health coverage including Medevac coverage. Please see Section H.8, and review the AIDAR clause.

81. H.26 (a) Does this contract involve access to classified information? Answer: No

82. Is it possible to get a list of HQ locations and Area of Operations for the IP locations in Kenya.

Answer: See response to Questions 14, 49 and 53.

82. Section L.6 (e) states in the second sentence that technical proposals are limited to 30 pages.

The fifth sentence in this paragraph states a 10 page limited. Please clarify the perceived ambiguity: Is the limit 30 pages or 10 pages? Answer: See response to Questions 75.

83. Secondly, is the resume (NTE 3 pages) for the only Key Personnel (Operations Manager) considered to be included in the 30 (or 10) page limit? Answer: Yes this should be part of the 30 page limit as stated in Sections L.6 (e) and (f) of the RFP.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 10 of 11

84. What is the estimated or anticipated participation from IPs in this program? Answer: See response to Question #14

85. What information will they provide? Will it be threat and crime information, or will there be other hazard or routine reporting? Answer: Please carefully read Section 3, Duties and Responsibilities.

86. How will they notify the PLSO of changing threat environments or reports of threat/crisis incidents?

Answer: Please carefully read Section 3, Duties and Responsibilities.

87. How many persons working with or employed by the IPs will the PLSO team support? Answer: See response to Question 58.

88. What is the estimated total number of users (IPs, USAID, other US Government staff) for this program? Answer: See response to Questions 58 and 87.

89. Who are the IPs? We want to determine if our team is currently supporting these IPs, or may desire to solicit them for services during the life of the contract. While we understand that the PLSO employees are prohibited from solicitation, ongoing efforts to provide services to these IPs are potentially ongoing. Answer: Please see response to Question 58 and Section C.6.

90. What language skills are required to effectively communicate with the IPs? Answer: All communications will be conducted in English.

91. Does USAID require 24/7 operations, or do you expect this team to be available 24/7? Is the contractor, or members of the contractor team be expected to be “on duty” at all times, or “on call”.

Answer: please see Section C. 7, Institutional Capacity. Offeror is expected to be on call at all times.

92. What is the recall time that is expected for “on call” response? Answer: Offeror shall propose what it considers best practices for response to the government.

93. You note the position will be located outside the US Embassy Compound. Is it in USG space?

Answer: No.

94. Will all meeting locations and venues be in USG or IP space? Answer: Offeror must propose locations for meetings. Will the contractor be required to provide any space for meetings, guest speakers, or any other events? Answer: Yes.

95. What is the security/infrastructure provided for the PLSO team, if any? Answer: Offeror must propose its office location in Nairobi.

96. If the facility must be provided by the contractor, what are the physical requirements for the facility? Answer: See response to Question 96.

97. You note the collect security information from databases, systems, and relevant sources. Please provide a list of the databases and systems that will be available or will be required. Answer: Please see response to Questions 25, 33, 35, and 43.

99. What systems and databases will require contractor support, other than the systems proposed by the contractor to meet the requirements of the RFP? Answer: none.

Amendment 05 (RFP) SOL-615-16-000001 (PLSO) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa Page 11 of 11

100. The solicitation noted that “maximum salary will be the same as the maximum salary under the Kenya Mission Local Compensation Plan. Please provide the most recent version of this plan. Answer:

The maximum basic annual rate under the Kenya Mission Local Compensation Plan is Kshs. 12,809,600.

Please note this is the maximum salary allowable for Local Employees. Offeror must justify all salaries proposed to employees documenting experience and education of employee for that position. Salaries must be reasonable and realistic for the work to be performed so as not to be determined unreasonable by the contracting officer.

101. Assuming local support for the contract will be required, is the contractor responsible for fully validating and vetting local hires? Answer: Yes

102. Section C.3 The SOW states that the contractor is responsible for “Maintaining coordination of pertinent in-country entities such as the UN, international NGOs, the GOK and other international donors that are not IPs for the purpose of sharing and aggregating security information among partners working in the same environment.” Is there a requirement or desire to give any of these entities or any USAID personnel the option to opt-in to SMS notifications? Answer: Sharing of information with entities outside of USAID or its implementing partners will be determined by the COR.

103. Section C.2 - Are there any minimum requirements for the number of site visits to IP locations?

Answer: No. Can USAID provide the minimum IT requirements that IPs are mandated to have in country? Answer: There are no stated minimum IT requirements for IPs.

104. Section C.2 - Is the contractor responsible for ensuring the safety of its personnel operating in country (including providing secure housing, local national drivers, etc.?) Answer: Yes

105. L.6.e - Section L states “Technical proposals are limited to 30 pages” and then subsequently in the same section states that “All items required as part of the technical proposal will count toward the 10 page limit.” Can you please confirm that the page limit for the technical proposal is 30 pages? Answer:

See response to Questions 75.

106. Is regional security support in terms from bases envisioned on this contract? Answer: No

107. Are secure voice communications envisioned? Answer: No

108. Section C.2- Is a separate central operations center envisioned in addition to the security contract HQ to be located outside the USEMB? Answer: No

109. Section C.2 - If a separate central operations center in Nairobi is envisioned, will it be required to be a classified facility as defined by US security standards and to what level? Answer: None required.

110. Will USAID cover DBA insurance for in-country personnel? Answer: See Section H.7 – Insurance and Services

End of Amendment 05.

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .