ATTACHMENT_to_Amend_No._03_-_RFP_SOL-620-16-000009-Questions__and_Answers.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP) Amendment Number 03 for Solicitation Number SOL-620-16-000009

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) Questions and Answers

A. CONFERENCE RECORDING LINK

USAID Mission to Nigeria held a webinar on May 13, 2016. Below is the link or the conference recording for public viewing:

https://interactivegov.adobeconnect.com/p8xjeagwz22/

B. QUESTIONS

GENERAL:

1. We understand that USAID conducted a recent evaluation of the current USAID MAPS project. Can this evaluation report be made publicly available so that all potential offerors have this information?

USAID Response: The MAPS final evaluation report is currently being finalized. Mission will share it once it is completed, and ready for sharing.

2. What award date/start date is envisioned for this IDIQ?

USAID Response: USAID anticipates awarding by end of February/early March, 2017.

3. Is it expected that future TOs will be limited to the nine states named in the 2016 MOP, or a subset thereof?

USAID Response: The states for TOs will be flexible, and may include the nine states in FY2016 Malaria Operational Plan (MOP), or more, or less.

4. Could USAID specify the role of the implementing partner in helping to shape future state-level task orders?

USAID Response: USAID/Nigeria will develop future TOs under this IDIQ and will not seek Implementing partner engagement.

5. What activities related to this role should the implementing partner include in TO1”? If none, how will the implementing partner’s engagement in future task order planning be accounted for?

USAID Response: None.

6. Can USAID provide further detail about expected work under TO2? Will TO2 focus on federal-level and cross-state/multi-state activities, or will it possibly include specific state-level work?

USAID Response: TO2 will focus on national level, and as need arises, state level activities. TO2 interventions include malaria case management, prevention of malaria in https://interactivegov.adobeconnect.com/p8xjeagwz22/?OWASP_CSRFTOKEN=4745e394ac23be2aeffc6d9a6d6cadab728cd64e7ada2bf253baebe7b906b099

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) pregnancy, health system strengthening, and surveillance, monitoring and evaluation as well as management of all TOs under this IDIQ.

7. Can USAID further clarify the expected release dates for RFTOPs for TO2 and TO3?

USAID Response: As stated in Section C.6.1 of the RFTOP, TO 02 will be awarded before the expiration of TO 1. All other concurrent TOs will be issued on a rolling basis.

8. We understand that during the May 13th webinar for the IHP solicitation, USAID stated that

Task Order 2 for IHP will include an expanded technical scope of work for Abuja-based staff. Is the same expected under the PMI in States bid?

USAID Response: This IDIQ solicitation is for U.S PMI for States Program. TO2 will further define national-level engagement.

9. Please confirm that the 30 pages of the technical narrative for the IDIQ only includes the technical approach and the management approach? Does the task order 01 proposal go after?

USAID Response: Yes. TO 01 proposal has a 15 page limit as well and is not included in the 30 page limit. Refer to section L.3 (a) (2) (ii) of the RFTOP.

10. Does USAID anticipate any non-state specific task orders for example task orders related to orders operational research and/or expanded research that could apply to multiple geographic locations?

USAID response: USAID, guided by the need and expected results, will determine the best way to request task-orders.

11. Will Walter Reed Hospital or the Department of Defense continue to support the parasitological testing/diagnosis in Nigeria?

USAID Response: Department of Defense Walter Reed Program in Nigeria is outside the scope of this IDIQ.

12. Who is working on IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness) in Nigeria? In which states?

USAID Response: The IDIQ solicitation does not include IMCI.

13. The anticipated award date for the IDIQ is listed as 02/28/2017 on the latest Mission

Forecast. Could USAID please confirm that is still accurate? Will TO1 be awarded at the same time? Can USAID provide approximately anticipated award/start dates for the subsequent TOs.

USAID Response: Refer to response to question #2 regarding anticipated award date.

TO1 will be awarded simultaneously with the IDIQ. For subsequent TOs, please refer to response to question 7 above.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) Questions and Answers

14. How does USAID envision this project coordinating with the new USAID Integrated

Health Program, which has 11% of its funding earmarked for malaria? Does USAID expect the two projects will be working in the same states?

USAID Response: The states for this IDIQ do not overlap with the states that will be under the USAID Integrated Health Program. Project coordination will be defined in future TOs.

15. Regarding malaria activities and expected outcomes from those activities, what is the level of coordination and synchronization that USAID Nigeria expects between IHP and the PMI for States project, given that malaria prevention and treatment is one of the six technical areas of IHP and with an 11% funding stream for malaria activities?

USAID Response: Refer to response for Question #14 above.

16. Can USAID Nigeria expand on the timing and outcomes for the new in-country supply chain project and ensure that commodity flow to the lowest level will not impact the performance within the state task orders?

USAID Response: The Procurement and Supply Chain Management program has commenced work in Nigeria. The PSM program is responsible for forecasting, quantification, procurement, and in partnership with the states, provides the support needed for warehousing and distribution of malaria commodities to the service delivery points.

17. What is the process that USAID Nigeria will follow regarding identifying the targeted states for the Nigeria PMI for States project?

USAID Response: USAID, guided by agreed selection criteria, will determine states to benefit from the US PMI for States Project and specified in subsequent TOs.

18. Will USAID release a RFTOP for the design of state-level programs followed by a RFTOP for the implementation of said project? Or will design and implementation for a specific state be included in the same RFTOP?

USAID Response: USAID will not release a RFTOP for the design of state-level programs followed by a RFTOP for the implementation of said project. USAID will design the state activities, and issue RFTOPs for implementation.

19. In view of the nature of the RFP #SOL-620-16-000009 as an IDIQ, it would be helpful to have clearer guidance on the full range of capabilities that may be required to implement future Task Orders under this IDIQ. Understandably, the focus of the RFP is on the technical health care-related requirements for case management, treatment, and prevention of Malaria in at least nine states in Nigeria. Beyond these requirements, our questions are based on the RFP requirements for host-country ownership and sustainability as well as the following statements under Factors for Evaluation on page 150 (emphasis added):

“The Offeror’s approach to Malaria Treatment at the States and Facility Level, and Community Level is realistic and can achieve the desired results.”

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

(a) “…the Offeror’s ability to demonstrate and in-depth understanding of how to engage key stakeholders substantively to ensure state and local government leadership at all levels are involved in malaria programming.”

(b) “The degree to which the Offeror presents a realistic plan on how to monitor and evaluate malaria surveillance, use of health management systems and operations research.”

(c) Accordingly, we are asking whether the following skill sets should also be specifically requested for the project team in order to best achieve the stated goals of the solicitation:

i. Background and experience in analyzing governance processes that impact on effective service delivery in intergovernmental systems (coordination of federal, state, and facility-level governance processes)?

ii. Background and experience in analyzing financial flows, administrative discretion, and program responsibilities in intergovernmental systems?

iii. Background and experience in analyzing the capacity of governmental units in intergovernmental systems to expand the revenue base and mobilize resources for public service delivery including, at the sub-national level, both own-source revenue and transfers from higher-level governments?

iv. Background and experience in the application of Political Economy Assessments (PEAs) to analyze the incentive structures and political constraints that affect service delivery in intergovernmental systems, in particular the use of rapid PEAs so as to permit appropriate mid-course corrections if needed?

v. Background and experience in conducting operations research on why or why not specific interventions introduced in an intergovernmental system have been successful in achieving stated project results?

While these and related capabilities are hinted at in the RFP, these specific skill sets are not clearly identified in the qualifications of the personnel shown on pages 178-183. A clearer statement as to their desirability for the IDIQ would inform allocations of space in a proposal and choice of PPRs.

USAID Response: Refer to Section F of the RFTOP regarding personnel skill sets. We encourage Offerors to propose innovative approaches to implement activities for the desired results outline in the IDIQ.

IDIQ REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

SECTION B:

20. In B.6(a), “non-monetary incentives are mentioned.” What are possible examples?

USAID Response: Please review guidance on monetary and non-monetary incentive-type contracts provided in FAR 16.402.

21. B.13 Cost Reimbursable – we note that the solicitation is quoting the old circulars for cost principles. We request that the reference be changed in the solicitation from Circular 1-21 and A-122 to 2CFR200 subpart E.

USAID Response: Please note that referenced circulars for cost principles are applicable to this solicitation. The new numbering sequence is noted as follows:

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

OMB Circular A-21, Cost Principles for Educational Institutions is now Relocated to 2 CFR, Part 220

OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations is now Relocated to 2 CFR, Part 230

22. Does USAID anticipate issuing TOs that cover multiple states, or only single states?

Similarly, does USAID anticipate issuing TOs that focus on only in interventions addressing specific malaria-related focus areas, or will all TOs cover a broad set of malaria interventions?

USAID Response: USAID reserves the right to do either. The interventions will address specific malaria-related focus areas and also maternal and child health (focused antenatal care and integrated community case management {iCCM}).

23. Under Section “B.8 Labor” USAID describes the level of education and work experience required to categorize a staff person as Junior, Mid, or Senior, to assist Contractors in populating the Labor Matrix found in B.11. However, guidance has not been provided on the Labor Categories that USAID would like to see calculated in the Labor Matrix. Does USAID have a list of the anticipated Labor Categories that Contractors should include in the Labor Table?

USAID Response: USAID does not have a list of the anticipated Labor Categories. Each Offeror must propose labor categories specific to their technical approach and that are appropriate for successful execution of the IDIQ and TOs.

24. Under Section “B.8 Labor” USAID writes that “The single unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/group below represents the mid-level and senior level rate in each category/grouping. One unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category/grouping is included in the contract to provide more flexibility under task orders. If junior-level personnel are required under task orders, they must be proposed at rates below the unburdened ceiling daily rate.” Given this language, would one ceiling daily rate for each labor category be appropriate, with mid and junior level staff rates falling below the ceiling rate?

USAID Response: Such discretion is left to the Offeror. If Offeror chooses this path, ensure proper rationale is included.

25. Section B.5 of the RFP calls for Fixed Fee Ceilings. The header implies that the fixed fee ceiling given will only apply to Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee Task Orders, but the opening sentence of paragraph (a) states that “For each cost-reimbursement TO issued under this IDIQ, the TOCO and Contractor agree to negotiate a set dollar amount for fixed fee. … In no event, however, may the amount of fixed fee in any individual TO exceed TBD percent of the task order’s estimated cost, excluding fee.” Can USAID confirm that the fixed fee ceiling bidders propose in Section B.5 only applies to Cost Plus Fixed Fee Task Orders, and that https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/fedreg/2005/083105_a21.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/fedreg/2005/083105_a21.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/fedreg/2005/083105_a122.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/assets/omb/fedreg/2005/083105_a122.pdf

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) other Cost Reimbursable Task Order (i.e. Cost Plus Award Fee, Cost Plus Incentive Fee) will not be held to the ceiling established here?

USAID Response: Fixed Fee dollar ceiling will apply only to Cost –plus-Fixed-Fee TOs.

As indicated in the last paragraph of B.5(a) “Fees for CPIF or CPAF task order types will be negotiated by the TOCO at the time of task order award.”

26. B.9 LABOR (UNBURDENED CDR) RATE CHANGES

The labor rates are fixed for all Contract years as described within this Contract; however, the Contractor may submit a proposal reducing the labor rates and/or indirect rates at any time during the life of this Contract. The Government will review these proposals and determine if the revised rates are realistic and in the best interests of the Government. If the rates are accepted, the Government will modify the Contract by incorporating the new rates into the Contract.

It is the practice that contractors can only offer ‘reduced’/’discounted’ labor rates for fully loaded rates. Would USAID provide guidance as to what offerors should propose?

USAID Response: Offeror's rates will depend on how personnel and positions are classified within their human resources structure or classification system. However, offerors must use the position requirements indicated under Section F.6 of TO 01 RFTOP as general guidance on how individuals will be classified to facilitate review of proposals. The offeror’s proposed staff must reflect the type of experience for each labor category. Offerors must propose actual or current rates and indicate discounts where applicable.

27. B.10 STTA BURDENED RATE

Certain TOs may require Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA); whereby, the Offeror may propose daily (8 hours of productive work) fully burdened rates. No additional fee, overhead, G&A, or other costs may be added to the fully burdened rates.

If offerors are to provide a detailed budget with unburden daily rates for proposed labor categories, please advise how USAID envisions the incorporation within the same detailed budget of burdened rate for STTA. Wouldn’t USAID prefer to provide unburden daily rate for personnel (LT & STTA)? Please advise.

USAID Response: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, TCNs, CCN’s, and consultant salaries).Offerors must propose fully burdened daily rates for STTA.

28. B.11 LABOR MATRIX

The labor rates below are fixed for the life of the Contract unless amended in accordance with B.9: Under the Table for B.11. Footnote (1): Note 1: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any task order(s) that are awarded under this contract.

There seems to be some inconsistency. No burden daily rates; however, on B.10 STTA Burdened are allowed. Please clarify.

USAID Response: Except STTA all other labor categories must be unburdened. Refer to section B.11 “Labor Matrix”.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

Footnote (2): Note 2: The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to all labor (the prime contractor, subcontractor, TCNs, CCN’s, and consultant salaries). CCN and TCN labor are also governed by the local compensation plan limitations as further provided in note 3 below.

Please advise if USAID will ‘accept/respect’ the proposed personnel salary history (since there are instances in which some personnel would exceed the LCP).

USAID Response: Please note that any unburdened ceiling daily rates for TCNs/CCNs exceeding the local compensation plan must obtain prior approval from the Mission Director before application. Offerors must follow guidance provided under AIDAR

722.170 and AIDAR 752.7007 regarding compensation exceeding stipulated limitations, and present required justifications to facilitate approvals prior to hiring concerned personnel. Please note that such approvals will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

29. B.4 MAXIMUM CONTRACT CEILING

This is a Single Award IDIQ with an overall ceiling not to exceed $90,000,000.00. The maximum aggregate dollar value of TOs awarded cannot exceed the Contract ceiling.

TO1: C.4.2.1 KEY PERSONNEL

The offeror must recruit key personnel listed in Section F.6 and mobilize them in-country. All key personnel must be available to provide services at 100% Level of Effort.

TO1: C.4.2.2. STAFFING STRUCTURE

Develop non-key personnel staffing plan for daily operations of the Abuja central office.

L.4.2 Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices. (d) For each line item, Offerors are to include an itemized budget detail and justification in support of these components. The table below is a representative format of the expected Offeror’s presentation…

Questions regarding the sections above:

(a) Would USAID be providing an estimated ceiling for TO1 and/or the percentage of the total

IDIQ ($90M)?

USAID Response: Offerors must propose an estimated ceiling for TO 1 based on the LOE and other costs required to perform the tasks outlined in section C.4 of the

RFTOP.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

(b) For TO1, USAID expects to have all Key Personnel 100% LOE. Please advise if USAID would be providing any guidance regarding the LOE commitment for the non-key personnel of the Abuja-based office?

USAID Response: No guidance is provided for LOE commitment of non-key personnel. Offerors must propose personnel suitable for the tasks described under section C. 4.

(c) Under the TO1, L.4.2. Part 2, USAID expects offerors to provide IDIQ rates (assuming unloaded) yet to offer a discount (when usually this applies to fully loaded rates). Providing discount on actual daily rates may put at risk the financial stability of offerors’ capacity to compensate the needed and highly qualified personnel to undertake this IDIQ.

USAID Response: Refer to response under question 26 above and 30 below.

(d) Under the TO1, L.4.2. Part 2, under the above-cited table, there is a “TO”, please advise what is the suggested (if applicable) period of performance. Would USAID prefer offerors to submit an annual detailed budget instead? Please advise.

USAID Response: Under “TO” Offerors must propose daily rates for staff envisioned to perform under TO 01 based of the labor categories shown in the cite table. TO 01 period of performance will not exceed 12 months from the date of award. Refer to F.2 of RFTOP under attachment J.I.

30. Per Section B.8 Labor of the Basic IDIQ Contract, the Offeror is highly encouraged to propose lower unburdened daily rates than those listed in the Basic IDIQ.

How does USAID envision offerors to provide discount lower unburdened rates while not reflecting the offerors’ actual and current costs for personnel? This factor is reflected in Section M.3. as follows: “This will consist of a review of the cost portion of the Offeror’s proposal to determine if the overall costs are: (a) realistic for the work to be performed…” Please advise.

USAID Response: Offerors must propose actual and current costs for personnel and indicate the discount as shown in the labor matrix. Offerors’ cost proposals will be evaluated as described in section M.3 taking into consideration all costs/prices including labor described under B.8. and rates under B.11.

31. Can USAID confirm that if an organization does not possess a NICRA, but would like to charge an indirect cost rate, that in accordance with 2 CFR 200.331, pass-through entities may allow subcontractors to propose a de minimis indirect cost rate of 10% applied to modified total direct costs (MTDC) by including the following information in the subaward: “(4) An approved federally recognized indirect cost rate negotiated between the subrecipient and the Federal Government or, if no such rate exists, either a rate negotiated between the pass-through entity and the subrecipient (in compliance with this part), or a de minimis indirect cost rate as defined in §200.414 Indirect (F&A) costs, paragraph (f) of this part.” Can USAID also confirm that in so doing, the submission of documentation from a subcontractors cognizant Government Audit Agency, if any, stating the most recent provisional indirect cost rates (as stated on p. 141, Section L.7.2 – Part 2) is not required.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

USAID Response: Offerors must charge indirect cost rate in accordance with the organization’s accounting procedures, consistent with FAR 31, and Offeror’s approved Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). Offerors without the NICRA must present all proposed costs as “direct costs” in their respective budget detail.

SECTION C:

32. C.5.2 Other Indicators: There is no baseline data or source and an asterisk (*) next to baseline. Could USAID please clarify what this asterisk refers to?

USAID Response: The asterisk (*) is not relevant and it is hereby deleted in its entirety, please disregard.

33. C.5.2 Other Indicators: Where no baseline is indicated, could USAID please indicate what baseline they intend the contractor to use, or whether they would be open to inclusion of interventions that would provide this baseline information as part of later TO implementation?

USAID Response: The Contractor will provide the baselines using existing data sources.

Baselines will be developed under each TO. The Contractor and USAID will agree on the baseline for each indicator.

34. Section C.5.1, Page 23: The baseline for the third indicator “the proportion of pregnant women given two or more doses of IPTp as DOT during ANC visits” is 35%. Section C.4.2 states that according to the NDHS 2013, women who received two or more doses of SP during their last pregnancy is 15%. Is 35% a realistic baseline, given the NDHS finding?

USAID Response: The baselines were set using the recently published 2015 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-PR70- Preliminary-Reports-Key-Indicators-Reports.cfm. The sentence on page 14, Section C.2.1 should read “Despite the average ANC attendance of 61%, the proportion of women who received two or more doses of SP during their last pregnancy has remained low at 13% in 2010 (NMIS), 15% in 2013 (DHS), and 35% in 2015 (NMIS).”

The statement on page 20, Section C.4.2 should read “Despite the average ANC attendance of 61%, the proportion of women who received two or more doses of SP during their last pregnancy is low at 35% (2015 NMIS)”

35. Page 15 of the RFP states that project success will be an increase in the proportion of pregnant women receiving three or more doses of IPTp through Directly Observed Therapy by at least 50% above the baseline in each target state. Page 17, section C.3 notes an expected increase to at least 80% above baseline in each target state. This same indicator is repeated in Section C.5.1 on page 23. Could USAID please clarify the increase for which the contractor is responsible?

USAID Response: The correct figure is 50% above 2015 NMIS level. The statement should read “Increased proportion of pregnant women receiving three or more doses of http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-PR70-Preliminary-Reports-Key-Indicators-Reports.cfm http://dhsprogram.com/publications/publication-PR70-Preliminary-Reports-Key-Indicators-Reports.cfm

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

IPTp through Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) with SP or any other WHO approved drugs at ANC or community level through outreach IPTp from 2015 NMIS level of 35% by at least 50% above the baseline in each target state.” At least 50% above baseline in each target is maintained because IPTp coverage in each state varies.

36. Section C.5.1, Malaria Outcome Indicators, shows that the IDIQ holder is responsible for increases in the proportion of sick children who receive appropriate treatment for diarrhea and acute respiratory infection, in addition to malaria. Could USAID please clarify the anticipated role/SOW of the contractor in implementing the diarrhea and acute respiratory infection components of iMCI?

USAID Response: Please note that iMCI is not part of the scope of this IDIQ solicitation.

37. The performance targets in section C are based on national averages but state performances vary considerably so how will this be taken into account in assessing service provider performance?

USAID Response: The targets in Section C are based on national averages and apply to the overall IDIQ. State Targets will be set in each TO.

38. Can USAID clarify the scope, if any, envisioned for the IDIQ holder in the areas of BCC, ITNs, procurement, logistics, iCCM and similar areas?

USAID Response: For BCC, ITNs, procurement logistics, refer to section C.6.2 on page

27. The IDIQ will receive Maternal and Child Health Funds to support implementation of focused antenatal care and iCCM.

39. Can USAID please confirm that the offeror is not expected to submit a sustainability plan?

(Sustainability Analysis mentioned C.7.3) USAID Response: The Offeror is not expected to submit a sustainability plan as part of Volume 1 of the proposal. Refer to Section L.6. (c).

40. Paragraph C.7.5, p. 30 (Security Considerations) states that “the Contractor is encouraged to establish a comprehensive and dynamic safety and security plan pertaining to all aspects of its activities and the activities of its employees in the performance of all work related to this contract as well as the off-duty activities of its employees.”

a) What level and extent “off-duty” activities should be covered and regulated by a published program security plans?

USAID Response: The Offeror must propose level and extent of “off-duty” activities covered by the Offeror’s Security Operational Plan (Refer to Section L.6.

(c) (10).

b) Does the paragraph C.9 reference to “employees” include all program personnel including local national staff or is this requirement only directed at expatriate and third-country nationals. To what extent do you anticipate or suggest that program

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) security plans and protocols apply to the “off-duty activities” of local national staff?

USAID Response: The Offeror will make the determination on employees to include in the Offeror’s Security Operational Plan and ability to ensure their security.

41. Could you clarify which percentage ITTP indicator is the correct percentage? There are two different percentages named.

USAID Response: ITTP is not mentioned in any part of this IDIQ solicitation.

42. What is the contractor’s role in the non-malarial components of ITCM?

USAID Response: ITCM is not mentioned in any part of this IDIQ solicitation.

43. Why does component 2 (MIP) focus only on preventing malaria in pregnancy and not also prevention in children? 2013 NDHS shows only 17% national ITN use by children under 5.

USAID Response: Prevention of Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) is a core PMI and roll back malaria intervention. Children under 5 are covered by other malaria prevention interventions that are outside the scope of this IDIQ solicitation.

44. C9 Security Considerations: As Nigeria has been designated a high threat post, how does

USAID anticipate security services being provided across task orders? Will the scope of Task 1 be expanded to include additional activities around security planning such as putting a security network in place to cover security requirements for the entire IDIQ as mobilization on subsequent task orders will be dependent on whether or not security services are able to be mobilized? Does USAID envision that there will always be a core management task order that will cover operational costs such as security?

USAID Response: Offerors must propose a Security Operational Plan that includes all security requirements.

45. C.10 Grants under Contract – As a grants manual is required to be submitted as part of the proposal, would USAID consider establishing an IDIQ grants approval process that will be applied consistently across task orders in order to establish a consistent GUC approach?

USAID Response: The Offeror must submit a grants manual with the proposal to be approved by USAID pre-award. Refer to Section H.29. Such processes must be outlined in the grants manual.

46. In describing the IDIQ M&E Plan, pages 38-39 of the RFP defines what must be monitored

(points a, b and d). Does point c, "update of what will be used as part of future award evaluations" refer to the project's Grants Under Contract? Please also clarify that this description of the IDIQ M&E Plan as separate from M&E as one of the core interventions means that those interventions in section L.6.5 refer to the strategic information activities of the project, correct?

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

USAID Response: Section F.5.1 (1) (c) does not refer to Grants under Contract. The M&E Plan mentioned in Section F.5.1 (1) is different from M&E intervention under Section C. Section L.6.5 (d) and describes the instructions for preparing the M&E section of the IDIQ technical proposal.

47. Could USAID please provide a copy of the 2013 FMOH Technical Report cited on page

13?

USAID Response: The Technical Report can be accessed through the Head of Case Management Branch of the National Malaria Elimination Program in Abuja, Nigeria. The report can be accessed on request from the NMEP contact- Head of Case Management. It is not uploaded on the NMEP website.

48. When and where will MAPS1 program evaluation be made public?

USAID Response: USAID/Nigeria is not aware of the MAPS1 program.

49. Can USAID please provide a budget breakdown (projected proportions/percentages) for the four core interventions?

USAID Response: USAID Nigeria is not in position to provide this information at this time.

50. On page 39 of the RFP, section (1) IDIQ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, can USAID clarify what it means by “Additional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) may be proposed by the contractor”, as it implies that there are required KPIs that are not specified in the

RFP?

USAID Response: The Contractor may propose other key performance indicators that are not listed in the IDIQ. Refer to section F.5.1 (1).

51. It is unclear to what extent support for ITN distribution is expected to be part of the new proposal.

In the RFP, diagnosis and case management, along with Prevention of MIP (esp IPTp) are emphasized, but ITNs receive only a passing mention.

USAID Response: This IDIQ solicitation does not include activities for ITN distribution.

52. The RFP contains no specific focus on BCC, which was one of the 5 components of the previous

MAPS 2011-15. Are any BCC efforts expected to promote ITN ownership and use or IPTp? There is no component on communications and advocacy to increase demand for malaria services and commodities.

USAID Response: BCC is not part of the scope of this IDIQ solicitation. Refer to section C.6.2.

53. Supply chain procurement and logistics of malaria commodities is weak and stock outs of RDTs and ACTs occur. However, there is no mention of strengthening/simplifying the fragmented state supply chain systems. Is a separate partner responsible for that work?

USAID Response: Supply Chain Management is not part of the scope of this IDIQ solicitation. Refer to section C.6.2.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

SECTION D:

54. Based on the May 13th webinar for the IHP bid, USAID indicated that offerors should submit two “Branding Strategy, Branding Implementation Plan, and Marking” Plans: one for the IDIQ and one for Task Order 1. Can USAID please confirm this guidance would also be applicable to the PMI in States bid?

USAID Response: For the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States solicitation, one branding and Marking Plan is required for the IDIQ and one for each of the TOs to be issued.

Section D.2(b) and section L.8 of the RFP provides guidance and instructions for preparation of the IDIQ Branding Strategy, Branding Implementation Plan, and Marking.

Section D.2(c) of the RFP and section L.5 of the RFTOP provides guidance and instructions for preparation of the TO Branding Strategy, Branding Implementation Plan, and Marking.

55. Is there a brand and marking plan required for the TO and IDIQ?

USAID Response: Refer to response to question 54 above.

56. Is the branding and marking plan required as an annex for the IDIQ or the Task Order or both? If it is required for both, what are the differences between the two plans?

USAID Response: Refer to response to question 54 above regarding the two plans.

SECTION F:

57. F.6: As USAID anticipates the award of one Single Award IDIQ Contract, why would

USAID require Past Performance information specific to the task order requirement as stated in F.6.1 (f)?

USAID Response: USAID reserves the right to seek past performance information specific to any subsequent TO requirement.

58. Can USAID provide more detail under the labor categories? Can the offeror provide as many labor categories as needed? Do the key personnel listed in the RFTOP need to be mapped to a labor category? Can the labor categories be separated by CCN, TCN and USN?

USAID Response: Offeror must propose labor categories consistent with requirements in their proposal. Offerors must map all key personnel listed in the RFTOP to a labor category in the labor matrix under section B. 11 of the RFP.

59. In the labor matrix, should each labor category presented have a junior, mid and senior level?

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

USAID Response: Key personnel labor category will not have a junior level. However, other “non-key” labor categories, where appropriate, must include junior, mid and senior levels.

60. In Section F.6.2 (d) “Adequate Accounting System” USAID requests evidence of an adequate accounting system. Can USAID confirm whether a contractor’s A-133 report is evidence that the accounting system is approved by USAID? Additionally, who is the cognizant federal auditor; we are not aware of this term.

USAID Response: A-133 report may be considered as evidence of an adequate accounting system if the offeror can provide supporting documents attesting that they have implemented only assistance awards in the past 5 years.

Per FAR 42.101, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) is the Government audit agency for contractors other than educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. The cognizant U.S. audit agency or an independent USAID pre-qualified public accounting firm conducts audits of for-profit organizations.

61. On page 42 of the RFP, the majority of the deliverables for the task order reports are specified with the exception of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan. What is the time frame that USAID Nigeria will use to approve PMI for States’ Monitoring and Evaluation Plan?

USAID Response: Section F.5.2 indicates the types of reports to be incorporated under subsequent TOs, in addition to other reports such as Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, deliverables and timeframes that will be specific to each respective TO.

62. On page 43 of the RFP, section (2) TO Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, the first bullet mentions the need for performance indicators reference sheets. Yet in the second bullet, most of the same information that is included in the performance indicator reference sheets is listed again (i.e., unit of measure, data source, justification/management utility, baseline values, annual targets, annual actual data, etc.) Does USAID Nigeria expect this information twice in the M&E Plan, or should all this information be included in the performance indicators reference sheets?

USAID Response: The TO Monitoring and Evaluation plan should include performance indicator reference sheets listed as one of the contents of the M & E Plan. USAID/Nigeria does NOT expect this information twice in the M&E Plan.

On page 43 of the RFP, section (2) TO Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, the fourth bullet indicates the need for all indicators baseline data be collected and reported to the TOCOR during the first 12 months of award. The establishment of all indicators baseline data requires knowing the project’s targeted states. What is the expected time frame for USAID Nigeria to determine the targeted states?

USAID Response: Refer to response to question # 37 above.

63. On page 43 of the RFP, section (2) TO Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, with regard to

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) Questions and Answers baseline data, does USAID Nigeria expect the Contractor to conduct a population-based survey or to use existing secondary data?

USAID Response: USAID/Nigeria expects the Contractor to use existing data from the 2013 Demographic and Health Survey, the 2015 SMART survey, and the 2016 MICS, as well as other existing secondary data sources.

SECTION H:

64. The RFP indicates that TCNs need to be paid on the CCN scale, which seems to create a bias against qualified TCNs who may be able to bring extensive, relevant experience to the project. Will TCN waivers be considered to allow for payment of TCN staff based on salary history, and for payment of salaries in USD, and for payment of posted allowances?

USAID Response: Unless otherwise authorized by the Mission Director, the compensation of such TCN and CCN employees must be paid in the currency of the cooperating country.

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. The offeror must seek approval prior to hiring any TCN to ensure compliance.

65. With reference to H.3 (a) 1: The FAR gives weight to the contractor’s established compensation policy. In FAR 31.205-6(a)(3), it states that “The compensation must be based upon and conform to the terms and conditions of the contractor’s established compensation plan or practice followed so consistently as to imply, in effect, an agreement to make payment.”

The cost principle on compensation in 2CFR200.430 sets the standard for allowability as “reasonableness for the services rendered and conformance to established written policy of the non-Federal entity consistently applied to both Federal and non-Federal activities.”

Further the cost principle also gives due consideration to “compensation paid for similar work in the labor market in which the non-Federal entity competes for the kind of employees involved.” The standard for reasonableness in Part 31.201-3(a) does not prescribe limited the salary to what the prospective employee currently earns or has earned in the past.

The reasonableness of compensation is again addressed in FAR 31.205-6(b)(2) which states that compensation for each employee or job class of employees must be reasonable for the work performed.

With regard to the requirement for Contracting Officer approval, AIDAR 752.7007(b) H.2, requires CO approval only when compensation exceeds the USAID contractor salary threshold. Under this regulation, Contracting Officer approval is not necessary if the proposed compensation is within this approval threshold. The current salary or wage, or the highest rate of annual salary or wage received during any full year of the immediately

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) preceding three (3) years is not referenced as a limitation in any other AIDAR clause.

There is no other salary approval threshold found in the AIDAR.

Therefore, we respectfully propose a revised contract clause as follows:

“Salaries and wages that are charged to this contract will be reimbursed provided they do not exceed the contractor’s established policy and practice, including the contractor’s established pay scale for equivalent classifications of employees, which shall be certified by the contractor. The contractor shall apply the standards of reasonableness found in FAR 31.205-6(b)(2). Any individual salary or wage in excess of the USAID CST must be approved in advance and in writing by the Cognizant Contracting Officer.”

USAID Response: Clause H.3 of the RFP remains unchanged. Please also note that 2 CFR

200.430 applies to assistance awards, not acquisition.

66. Section H.3 (page 61 of the solicitation) includes language regarding annual salary increases for US staff and TCN and CCN staff. Specifically, the solicitation states that “one annual salary increase of not more than 5% (includes promotional increase) may be granted after the employee’s completion of each twelve months of satisfactory services under the Contract.” In light of the significant fluctuation of the naira, could USAID consider a salary percentage increase range that was higher than the 5% to accommodate these fluctuations in the local currency, and the risk of losing staff to other projects that are not subject to the same limitation?

USAID Response: Section H.3(d.2) of the RFP specifies that for TCN and CCN Staff:

“Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations require the advance written approval of the contracting officer, and annual salary increases exceeding the maximum salary of the highest senior Foreign Service national (FSN) position authorized under the U.S. Embassy Compensation Plan require the advance written approval of the Mission Director through the contracting officer.” It is expected that all proposed salaries exceeding this limitation will be accompanied by sufficient justification for Contracting Officer’s consideration and approval.

67. In regards to H.3 (d): USAID is kindly requested to (a) reconsider lumping salary increases due to merit and promotions. A differentiation is indicated when the prospective Contractor has separate established policies for salary increases due to merit or promotion. Furthermore, the timetable for when salary increases are given will not always be on the same cycle as the commencement of service under the contract because some Contractor employees that may serve under the prospective contract could already be under the employ of the prospective Contractor prior to the award of the prospective contract. We request USAID to consider an alternative clause that will recognize differentiated policies of prospective Contractors but still hold them to the standards of reasonableness of the applicable cost principles. Would USAID consider an alternative to H.3(d) substantially as follows:

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART)

"One annual merit increase may be granted in accordance with the Contractor's established policies, procedures, and practices and the cost principles applicable to this contract. The award of annual merit increases shall conform to the standards of the Contractor's established policies and will be effective on the date consistent with the Contractor's annual salary review cycle. Promotional increases and equity adjustments may be granted according to the Contractor's established policies, procedures, and practices. Salary increases of any kind (merit, promotion, or equity adjustment) shall conform to the standards of reasonableness in 2 CFR 200.430 and FAR 31.205- 6(b)(2). Salaries exceeding the USAID CST must be approved in advance and in writing by the Cognizant Contracting Officer.”

USAID Response: Clause H.3 of the RFP remains unchanged. Please also note that 2 CFR 200.430 is for assistance awards, not acquisition.

68. With reference to H.3 (e): Similar to the position outlined above on limitations on personnel compensation, we request USAID to reconsider the limitations placed on consultant rates and propose the following alternative language:

“No compensation for consultants will be reimbursed unless their use under the contract has advance written approval of the Cognizant Technical Officer; and if such provision has been made or approval given, compensation will be reimbursed provided they do not exceed the contractor’s established policy and practice, including the contractor’s established pay scale for equivalent classifications of consultants, which shall be certified by the contractor. The contractor shall apply the standards of reasonableness found in FAR 31.205-6(b)(2). Any consultant rate in excess of USAID CST must be approved in advance and in writing by the Cognizant Contracting Officer.”

USAID Response: Clause H.3 (e) of the RFP remains unchanged.

69. H.2(a) (p 60) states that “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.” H.3.d.1 (p61) states “U.S Staff (including expats: Annual salary increases (e.g., cost of living, merit, promotion increase, or any other type) of not more than 3% of the current labor pool…” Could USAID confirm which guidance to use when determining compensation?

USAID Response: Sections H.2 and H.3 are applicable to this Contract.

70. In Section H.3 (d) can USAID expand on what is meant by annual salary increase being not more than 3% “of the current labor pool”? How is “the current labor pool” being defined?

USAID Response: Annual salary increases (cost of living, merit increases and other) totaling 3% percent ceiling of the current labor pool (as opposed to an individual) may be granted once a year. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations or exceeding the maximum salary in Section H.3(d)(1) may be granted only with the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) Questions and Answers

71. Does USAID expect us to propose separate Ceiling Daily Rates for expats, LTTA and

STTA in contrast with CDRs for CCNs and TCNs?

USAID Response: Offerors must propose ceiling daily rates for all labor categories as applicable in their proposal.

72. Can USAID confirm that TCNs and CCNs hired under the contract should be granted the same benefits as TCN’s and CCN’s employed as direct hires by the USAID Mission?

USAID Response: It is USAID policy that cooperating country nationals (CCN’S) and third country nationals (TCN’s), 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 TCN’s and CCN’s employed as direct hires by the USAID Mission. Refer to response to question #64 for TCN approvals.

73. Can USAID confirm that Sections H.3 (a)(1) (salary or wage higher than the preceding three years), H.3(a)(3) (TCN and CCN salary tied to Local Compensation Plan of USAID Mission), and H.3(d) (U.S. Staff Annual Salary Increases) apply only to Full Time Project Staff?

USAID Response: Sections H.3 (a)(1) (salary or wage higher than the preceding three years), H.3(a)(3) (TCN and CCN salary tied to Local Compensation Plan of USAID Mission), and H.3(d) (U.S. Staff Annual Salary Increases) apply only to Full Time Project Staff.

74. Under Section H.29 (Grants under Contract) (p78-79), the solicitation states that “the total value of all GUCs that provide funds (as opposed to in-kind assistance) to a particular partner government entity (for example, ministry, municipality, district, etc.) must not exceed $300,000 for the duration of the prime Contract.” Is the intention that a specific government entity can only receive a grant of no more than $300,000 under a specific task order or for all task orders under this IDIQ? Please clarify.

USAID Response: A specific government entity can only receive a grant of no more than $300,000 under a specific task order or for all task orders under this IDIQ.

75. Under H.29(c), “USAID may be less significantly involved when grants are quite small and are incidental to the contractor’s technical activities.” What is meant by “less significantly” and “quite small”?

USAID Response: In cases where GUC is envisioned, the level of involvement will be defined in the RFTOP. Offerors may define small grants in their grants manual.

U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative for States (formerly SMART) Questions and Answers

SECTION J:

76. Some of the headings and information in attachment J.6 Proposal Preparation Checklist do not match what is in the RFP. Please confirm that offerors should follow the instructions in section L and not the headings in the attachment J.6.

USAID Response: Offerors should follow the instructions in section L and not the headings in the attachment J.6. Note that Attachment J.6 is a checklist provided as a guide/tool for offerors to populate in the preparation of their proposals.

77. Can you share Attachment J-5 with the preferred format for past performance references?

USAID Response: Attachment J.5 is the Contractor Performance Report– Short Form.