SOL-641-13-000003_Amend_1.pdf

Request for Proposals No. SOL-641-13-000003 Amendment No. 1

USAID Financing Ghanaian Agriculture Project

1- RFP Cover Letter, RFP Closing Date, DELETE “February 5, 2013” and REPLACE with

“February 19, 2013”

2- Section C.4.2b. Small Grants Facility, Oversight and Audit, DELETE “ USAID will perform periodic and random audits” and REPLACE with “USAID may perform periodic and random audits.”

3- Section C, DELETE all “Agri-Finance Unit” and REPLACE with “Financial Sector Support Unit.”

4- Section F.6 Key personnel, page 42, DELETE “Agri-Finance Unit Manager and Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager” in their entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“Financial Sector Support Unit Manager His/her primary responsibilities are to provide technical oversight and manage the Agri-Finance Unit.

These responsibilities will most likely include planning, budgeting, financial management, supervision, implementation oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The minimum qualifications for the Financial Sector Support Unit Manager include a Master’s degree in business administration, international finance, international development, agricultural economics, or related field of study and at least eight (8) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in finance, preferably within the agriculture sector, or a Bachelor’s degree and twelve (12) years of similar experience. The Financial Sector Support Unit Manager will preferably have at least 5 years of experience in working the financial sector and preferably in Africa.

Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager His/her primary responsibilities are to provide technical oversight and manage the Agribusiness Opportunities Development Unit. These responsibilities will most likely include planning, budgeting, financial management, supervision, implementation oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).

The minimum qualifications for the Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager include a Master’s degree in international development, finance, agriculture, or related field of study and at least six (6) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in business development (preferably agribusiness), or a Bachelor’s degree and ten (10) years of similar experience. The Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager will preferably have at least 5 years of experience in working the agribusiness sector and preferably in Africa.”

5- Section I, page 71, DELETE “52.222-4 – Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act – Overtime Compensation (Jul 2005)”

6- Section J, ADD the following attachments:

“ATTACHMENT 6 - Financial Sector Strategic Plan II (FINSSP II) ATTACHMENT 7 - Local Compensation Plan”

7- Section H.16, Business Class Travel, DELETE “in compliance with FAR 31.205.46 and Executive orders” and REPLACE with “in compliance with applicable Cost principles (OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organization, OMB Circular A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for profit organizations).”

8- Section L.4 (a) DELETE “2MB” and REPLACE with “5MB.”

9- DELETE section L.5.(g) in its entirety.

10- DELETE section L.5 (b) under Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal” in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“The written Technical Proposal is limited to 30 pages and must be written in English. Offerors must use 8.5 inch by 11 inch (210mm by 297mm) paper, single-spaced pages. Offerors must use 12 point Times New Roman font with margins no less than one inch on each border. Each page must be numbered consecutively. The page limitation is inclusive of technical understanding and approach, management approach and key personnel, and institutional capacity. Annexes do not count against the page limit.

Transmittal letter, executive summary, acronym list, and table of contents are excluded within the above page limitation. Any page in the technical proposal that contains a table, chart, graph, etc., not otherwise specifically excluded is included within the above page limitation for the technical proposal.”

11- On page 106 under Annexes, DELETE “and Subcontractors.”

12- Section L.6.B. Proposed Costs/Prices, Subcontracts, DELETE “Plus figure for sub-contracts to DAs is $1.0M.” and Grants under Contracts, DELETE “(Plus figure $1.0M)”

13- The following are responses to all questions received. Some questions are combined to avoid duplication.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1- Would the Government accept a Firm Fixed Price Proposal for a Commercial Item (e.g., on a Federal Supply Schedule) instead of a Cost reimbursable proposal?

Response: The type of project requires awarding Grants under Contract, which is not authorized under Federal Supply Schedule.

2- The RFP was released on December 17, 2012, a period that was followed by two extended federal holidays in the U.S. and widespread closures of key public and private counterpart offices in Ghana for the subsequent two weeks. During this two-week period, which extended from the lead-up to Christmas across New Year’s, a wide range of Ghanaian regulators, financial intermediaries, and agricultural sector participants were not available for the level of consultation required by the RFP.

Accordingly, we respectfully request the Mission provide a limited extension of the due date for two weeks, amending the solicitation such that submissions are due in Ghana on February 19, 2013.

Response: The closing date for submission of proposal has been extended. See amendment.

3- In order to facilitate comparison of proposed costs by the various bidders, please provide an estimated Ghanaian Cedis to U.S. Dollar exchange rate.

Response: It is the responsibility of the offerors to determine the exchange rate for their proposal.

4- Would USAID please clarify the maximum annual salary to be provided to cooperating country nationals?

Response: Under the current local compensation plan for the USAID/Ghana Mission, the maximum base salary for FSN 13 (top grade/step) is Ghana Cedi 57,478.

5- Given the length of the project's official name, would USAID consider providing a shortened version for use in the proposal?

Response: USAID will accept the shortened “FinGAP” for the project’s official name for use within the proposal.

SECTION C

6- Could USAID clarify whether the Small Grants Facility will support Components 1 and 2, or are there to be two separate grant activities, one under Component 1for Matching and OBA Grants in support of public-private partnerships, and the other under Component 2 for a Small Grants facility to support agricultural lending?

Response: The Small Grants Facility will support Components 1 and 2 as mapped in Figure 1 on page 16.

7- Does USAID envision grants through Components 1 and 2 to be awarded to both private enterprises and financial institutions? Further, if USAID envisions a broader scope for grants that encompasses BDS activities, how will the Financial Sector Support Unit award to Agribusiness Opportunities Development (AOD) Unit activities?

Response: Grants are expected to be awarded to private enterprises and financial institutions. The Financial Sector Support Unit, through the Small Grants Facility, must work with the AOD Unit to identify appropriate award opportunities.

8- Can USAID please provide standard time and size range definitions for short-term, medium-term and long-term loans?

Response: For purposes of this project, short-term is considered to be less than 1 year, medium-term between 1 and 3 years, and long-term greater than 3 years. Loans greater than 5 years are encouraged if appropriate for the nature of the investment, with specific considerations to the crop/investment cycle. Medium sized-loans are considered between $25,000 and $500,000, though there are no strict transaction size limitations.

9- Section C.4.2 on the Financial Sector Support Unit indicates that a section of this unit must be devoted to assisting PGI. Does USAID have an expected level of effort or minimum/maximum percentage of the Financing Ghanaian Agriculture Project resources to be devoted to supporting PGI? Specifically, can USAID please indicate the % of grant funds that should be obligated to the Partnership for Growth Initiative?

Response: Grant funds should not be used to support the Partnership for Growth Initiative. Please refer to page 103 which states an estimated $4.5 million will be used to support this Initiative.

10- On page 10, a target transaction loan size of $10,000-500,000 is mentioned, while later in the RFP a target transaction range size of $25,000-500,000 is referenced (pg 17). Specifically, could USAID clarify the target transaction size range?

Response: The Contractor should focus on loans between $25,000 and $500,000, though as stated, there “will not [be] strict transaction size limitations.”

11- Can USAID please provide the current draft version of the JCAP referenced on p. 29?

Response: The JCAP is still in draft form and unfortunately cannot be publicly released. It is hoped the JCAP will be finalized early 2013.

12- Can USAID please provide a list of current agriculture and MSME-related DCAs in Ghana, their start & end dates, size, current utilization rates and bank(s)?

Response: The current USAID/Ghana-related DCAs are:

OISL: Dec 2009 - Dec 2016, $9.3 million Loan Portfolio Guarantee (LPG), 36% utilization Ecobank: Sep 2012 - Sep 2019, $7 million LPG, 0% utilization Sinapi Aba Trust: Sep 2012 - Sep 2017, $3.8 million LPG, 0% utilization

13- In the case that there are to be two separate grant activities, is the “$5 million for grants to support the development and financing of targeted agricultural investments, business advisory services and incentive grants, among others” listed on page 103 meant to be the plug figure for the Small Grants Facility, or does this figure also include the Matching Grants and OBA Grants described under Component 1?

Response: The $5 million figure is meant to support grants within Components 1 and 2.

14- Pages 26-27 of the RFP, section C.4.2b describe four delivery mechanisms of the Small Grants Facility, including: (1) incentive grants; (2) grants to agriculture-focused, or impact investment funds; (3) on-lending, repayable grants, and other instruments that would result in reflows to USAID; (4) and project development costs. Would USAID please clarify if there is a certain portion of the $5 million for grants that should be used for project development costs (4), versus the other three mechanisms (1-3) that target financial institutions?

Response: There is no set proportion between Grants provided within Components 1 and 2 though the proportions should not be too heavily skewed in any one direction.

15- Section C.4.1c of the RFP (page 21) states that partnerships between the private sector and USAID may be supported with Matching Grants and Output Based Aid Grants. Could USAID please clarify whether these funds are considered to be part of the Small Grants Facility?

Response: If partnerships were funded from the contract, they would be funded from the Small Grants Facility.

16- The IFAD RAFiP project seeks to increase farmer access to finance by working with partner financial institutions to build capacity to lend to the agricultural sector. How does USAID envision that the Financing Ghanian Agriculture Project will compliment the ongoing work of IFAD's RAFiP project.

Response: FinGAP‘s focus on mesofinance and non-rural banks and finance institutions complements RAFiP‘s focus on rural and microfinance institutions. The two programs could coordinate to simultaneously and directly support smallholders (RAFiP) and offtakers (FinGAP) in targeted value chains.

17- C.1; P. 10 Can USAID provide offerors with the referenced “Availability of Financing Report”?

Response: Unfortunately, this document is an internal document and cannot be released.

18- C.1; P. 11 Can USAID provide offerors with the referenced “Financial Sector Strategic Plan II

(FINSSP II)”?

Response: The FINSSP II document is attached.

19- In section C.4.2b on page 28, the RFP states that "A key responsibility of the Contractor is to provide oversight and arrange audits to ensure that all supported investments done through intermediaries comply with these policies and procedures. USAID will perform periodic and random audits to ensure full compliance." Could USAID please confirm that the Contractor is not required to budget for audits of intermediaries in addition to those performed by USAID, but is simply required to arrange for the cooperation of intermediaries with USAID-performed audits?

Response: Any USAID-conducted audits would be on the project auditors, not on intermediaries.

The Contractor is responsible to audit the performance of loans/incentive programs with partner Financial Institutions to ensure good performance or offer technical assistance to Financial Institutions to improve performance.

20- In Article C.4.2 on page 28, the RFP discusses "Oversight and Audit." Can USAID provide additional clarification on how they expect this aspect of the project to be implemented as the section mentions that USAID will perform periodic and random audits and that the implementer will be required to have a USAID-approved comprehensive oversight and audit plan. For example, would USAID expect the implementing organization to retain the services of an outside organization to conduct regular audits of the small grants facility?

Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to audit the performance of loans/incentive programs with partner Financial Institutions to ensure good performance or offer technical assistance to Financial Institutions to improve performance. This should minimize the number of non-performing loans assisted by the Project.

21- C.4; P.24, P28 On p24, the RFP states that “A key responsibility of the Contractor is to provide oversight and arrange audits to ensure that all supported investments done through intermediaries comply with these policies and procedures.” On P28, it says that “A key responsibility of the contractor is to provide oversight and arrange audits to ensure that all supported investments done through intermediaries comply with policies and procedures” and also that “USAID will perform period and random audits”. Our interpretation of these clauses is that USAID expects the contractor’s implementation team to perform technical reviews consistent with the Grants Manual and not to subcontract for formal third party audits. However, if USAID does intend formal third party audits, an ODCs amount should be budgeted for those audits. Can USAID please clarify the meaning of these statements? If third party audits should be obtained, will USAID please provide a plug figure to ensure consistency among bidders?

Response: It is the Contractor’s responsibility to audit the performance of loans/incentive programs with partner Financial Institutions to ensure good performance or offer technical assistance to Financial Institutions to improve performance. The Contractor may elect to subcontract for formal third party audits but is not required to do so.

Change the text from “USAID will perform period and random audits” to “USAID may perform periodic and random audits.”

22- Would USAID please clarify the role of the Contractor in overseeing and arranging audits of the Small Grants Facility, as described on page 28 of the RFP? How does this role correspond to the audit unit shown in the project organization diagram on page 16?

Response: As per page 24 of the RFP, “the Financial Sector Support Unit is subject to quarterly audits to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping.” The audit unit shown in the project organization diagram on page 16 would be responsible for conducting and ensuring that audits are conducted to ensure that loans/incentive programs with partner Financial Institutions remain in good standing or offer to technical assistance to Financial Institutions to improve performance.

23- C.4; P. 28 The RFP states that “The Contractor has fiduciary responsibility for expenditures made through this facility, including tracking and reporting, verification of eligibility of FIs with required terms and conditions, audit, and monitoring and evaluation of program impact.” Please confirm that the Contractor’s oversight responsibilities under this Contract are consistent with those outlined in ADS (including ADS 302.3.5.6) for Grants Under Contract activities. A contractor cannot accept fiduciary responsibility for a third party.

Response: The Contractor’s oversight responsibilities under this Contract are consistent with those outlined in the ADS. While the Contractor cannot accept fiduciary responsibility for a third party, it is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that grant recipients are properly selected.

24- In Section C.4., page 16 of 188, the RFP states: “The Contractor must facilitate capital investments in targeted value chains, including, at least initially, rice, maize, and soya as well as the crops supported by the Resiliency in Northern Ghana (RING) project.” Can the Mission specify which crops are to be supported by the RING project?

Response: At this time, we cannot specify which crops will be supported by the RING project.

Note that the RING project’s focus is to improve the livelihood and nutritional status of vulnerable households.

25- Page 15, C.4, Technical Requirements, states that “the Contractor must operate on both the supply and demand sides by establishing two integrated components: (i) an Agribusiness Opportunities

Development Unit, and (ii) a Financial Sector Support Unit.”Please confirm that the two integrated components of the Project are to be the Agribusiness Opportunities Development Unit and the Financial Sector Support Unit, and that any references to the "Agri-Finance Unit", including those on pages 41, 105, and 115, are in fact referring to the Financial Sector Support Unit.

Response: Any and all references to “Agri-Finance Unit” in the solicitation should be replaced by “Financial Sector Support Unit.”

26- Page 33, section C.7.1 indicates that, “as part of an Exit Strategy, the Contractor must identify and train a successor to manage the grants negotiated during the project…though a competitive grant to a local entity no later than year three.” Page 27, section C.4.2b reads, “On-lending, repayable grants, and other instruments…the Contractor may propose use of such instruments to USAID…but they would include the case for additionality, clear explanation of implementation modalities, a case for sustainability, and a clear exit strategy…” And page 24, section C.4.2 indicates that, “the Financial Sector Support Unit will ultimately transfer…the management of the of the Small Grants Facility operations to a Ghanaian entity by the end of year three.” Would USAID please clarify if the Contractor must identify and train a Ghanaian successor to manage the Small Grants Facility if the Contractor does not propose using on-lending, repayable grants, and other instruments that would result in reflows to USAID?

Response: The Small Grants Facility may include instruments that would continue to operate beyond the life of the project, which do not result in reflows to USAID. This would necessitate handing over to a Ghanaian successor. If the Contractor can clearly articulate a viable plan which only supports project activities (including supporting short, medium and long-term loans) within the life of the project, then identifying a Ghanaian successor would not be necessary.

27- Would USAID please clarify the criteria needed for ‘portfolio companies’ as they are deemed on page 20 of the RFP, section C.4.1b, footnote 19? How do those companies differ from other types of companies the contractor assists?

Response: ‘Portfolio companies’ do not differ from other types of companies the contractor assists.

28- Would USAID confirm that, in addition to the target medium-sized enterprises, the project will also be working with small companies within the three value chains to meet the “deliverables and outputs” target of 225 businesses assisted to access loans given on page 41 of the RFP?

Response: The project is expected to work with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, as well as Larger enterprises.

29- Regarding Section C.1.A of the RFP (page 9, third bullet), could USAID please clarify what constitutes the final maturity for a short-, medium- and long-term loan, respectively?

Response: For purposes of this project, short-term is considered to be less than 1 year, medium-term between 1 and 3 years, and long-term greater than 3 years. Loans greater than 5 years are encouraged if appropriate for the nature of the investment, with specific considerations to the crop/investment cycle.

SECTION F

30- F. 6; P. 42 The job descriptions for both the Agri-Finance Unit Manager and Agribusiness Opportunity Manager are identical. Will USAID please clarify these roles, specific to each of the job titles?

Response: The qualifications should read the following:

Financial Sector Support Unit Manager His/her primary responsibilities are to provide technical oversight and manage the Agri-Finance Unit. These responsibilities will most likely include planning, budgeting, financial management, supervision, implementation oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The minimum qualifications for the Financial Sector Support Unit Manager include a Master’s degree in business administration, international finance, international development, agricultural economics, or related field of study and at least eight (8) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in finance, preferably within the agriculture sector, or a Bachelor’s degree and twelve (12) years of similar experience. The Financial Sector Support Unit Manager will preferably have at least 5 years of experience in working the financial sector and preferably in Africa.

Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager His/her primary responsibilities are to provide technical oversight and manage the Agribusiness Opportunities Development Unit. These responsibilities will most likely include planning, budgeting, financial management, supervision, implementation oversight, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). The minimum qualifications for the Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager include a Master’s degree in international development, finance, agriculture, or related field of study and at least six (6) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in business development (preferably agribusiness), or a Bachelor’s degree and ten (10) years of similar experience. The Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager will preferably have at least 5 years of experience in working the agribusiness sector and preferably in Africa.

31- Page 42, Clause F.6.(d), Key Personnel, Key Position/s and Other Personnel Qualifications, Agri- Finance Unit Manager, states that this position will “provide technical oversight and manage the Agribusiness Opportunities Development Unit”. Please confirm that the position will provide technical oversight and manage the Financial Sector Support Unit.

Response: The “Agri-Finance Unit Manager” should be replaced with the title “Financial Sector Support Unit Manager” and will manage the Financial Sector Support Unit.

32- Page 42, Clause F.6(d), Key Personnel, Key Position/s and Other Personnel Qualifications, Agribusiness Opportunities Unit Manager, states that this position requires a Master’s degree in international development, finance, economics agriculture, or related field of study and at least six eight (8) years or more of progressively responsible work experience in business development (preferably agribusiness). Please confirm that eight years are required (not six).

Response: Six are required. See response to question No. 30 and this amendment for revision of qualification for the Agribusiness Opportunities Development Unit.

33- Page 37, section F.2 indicates that, “the period of performance for this contract is five years starting

[TBD] through [TBD].” In order to accurately estimate costs and budget accordingly, could USAID please provide an estimated start date for the contract?

Response: The estimated start date for the contract is July 2013.

34- Page 43 of the RFP, section F.8 indicates that, “the contract will be evaluated twice during the period of contract.” Would USAID please confirm that the contractor is not responsible for covering the costs of those evaluations?

Response: Correct. The Contractor is not responsible for covering the costs of these evaluations.

SECTION H

35- The STTA work-week instructions on page 49 seem contradictory; may a 6 day work week be budgeted for STTA?

Response: Section H.4.(c) authorizes a six-day work week for STTA.

36- For Information Concerning Work-Day, Work-Week, and Paid Absences, the states that the Contractor and each subcontractor must submit information. Is this requirement just for each major subcontractor or all proposed subcontractors?

Response: This information is for major subcontractor(s).

37- Page 54, Clause H.16, Business Class Travel, incorporates reference to the Cost Principles applicable to Commercial Organizations. Please incorporate references to all Cost Principles applicable to other types of organizations.

Response: Section H.16 Business Class Travel is revised to read “in compliance with applicable Cost principles (OMB Circular A-122 for non-profit organization, OMB Circular A-21 for universities, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 31 for profit organizations).”

38- Page 57, Clause H.21, Approvals for Nonexpendable Property Purchases, states a value definition of non-expendable property of $500/unit. While this definition is not incorporated in any cost principle, it is more restrictive than that definition incorporated in the non-profit cost principles, thus increasing the level of paperwork necessary for procurement in support of implementation.

This increased paperwork includes, increased levels of prior approvals, of reporting inventory, and of approvals for disposition. This definition results in an unequal burden on non-profits not experienced by for-profit organizations. Please incorporate an explicit value definition of NXP for this contract performance of $5,000/unit as an equal level of compliance for all organizations.

Response: The definition of non-expendable property of $500/unit provided in Section H.16 of the RFP remains unchanged and applicable to any type of organization.

39- Page 59, Clause H.25 Government Property - USAID Reporting Requirements, requires reporting for any property provided by USAID as GFP. Please confirm what, if any, GFP shall be available for disposition to the Project upon award and provide details on type/condition as applicable and available.

Response: Title of all non-expendable equipment purchased under this contract must be vested to the US Government. Upon award, USAID does not anticipate providing any GFP to the Contractor.

40- Page 50, section H.5(e) of the RFP requires “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.” In light of 48 CFR 752.7033, which provides a USAID contribution towards the cost of physical exams for short-term expatriate employees not to exceed $100 and for long-term expatriate employees not to exceed $300, would USAID please clarify whether USAID will provide contribution towards the cost of these required physical exams for short-term and long-term CCN and TCN employees?

Response: USAID will reimburse the contractor for reasonable and allowable pre-employment physical examination.

41- In Article H.5.(a) on page 50, the RFP mentions that CCNs and TCNs received "the same benefits, and subject to the same restrictions as TCN's and CCN's employed as direct hires by the USAID Mission." Can USAID please provide a copy of the benefits and restrictions that would generally apply to this project?

Response: USAID/Ghana local compensation plan is provided under this amendment.

42- Article H. 2 on page 49 mentions that the authorized Geographic code is 935; however, Article H.22 on page 57 mentions that the authorized source for procurements Geographic code is 937. Can USAID please confirm that the authorized Geographic code is 935?

Response: The authorized Geographic Code of this award is 935 as stated in section H.2. Section H.22(a) 752.225-70 on page 57 is a standard clause that cannot be revised. It is stated in that clause that the authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 937 unless otherwise specified in the schedule of this contract (specified in section H.2).

SECTION I

43- Page 86, Clause I.9, Accelerated Payment for Small Business Subcontractors, states that accelerated payments may be provided under this subcontract. Please confirm that should a small business subcontractor be a member of the awarded performance team, accelerated payments will be made to the prime contractor.

Response: Yes, when the prime contractor submits an invoice that includes payment for small business subcontractor.

44- We request that FAR clause 52.222-4 – Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act – Overtime Compensation (Jul 2005) be removed from the above referenced solicitation. This clause should be included as prescribed in FAR 22.305. In accordance with FAR 22.305(d), this clause is not to be inserted in contracts that will be performed outside of the United States. Please confirm that this clause will not be included in the award.

Response: This is to confirm that this clause will not be included in the award. See amendment of RFP as well.

SECTION J

45- Section J, Attachment 3 of the RFP (page 88) includes SF LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; however, this form is not listed in the required elements of the cost/business proposal in Section L.6. Could USAID please clarify whether this form is required of Offerors and any proposed subcontractors (i.e., all or only major subcontractors)? If required, kindly confirm in what section of the cost/business proposal Offerors should include this completed form.

Response: This is required for the offeror and every major subcontractor and as one of the attachments of the cost/business proposal.

SECTION K

46- In regards to page 110, is the offeror required to submit Section K, if it maintains ORCA?

Response: No.

47- Is each major subcontractor or all subcontractors required to submit a Section K?

Response: Each major subcontractor.

SECTION L

48- Will USAID allow for electronic submission only, as permitted for the recent ATT procurement?

Response: Electronic and hard copy submissions are required.

49- Are Offerors limited to only those Annexes prescribed by USAID on page 106?

Response: Offerors are limited to Annexes listed on page 106.

50- Could USAID please confirm that subcontracts plug amount is a part of the grants figure, and is not in addition to the grants amount?

Response: Please disregard the subcontract plug amount. The only plug figure to be used is the $5million for grants under contract.

51- What is meant by sub-contracts to DAs listed in the cost proposal instructions on page 108?

Response: This is not relevant to this RFP. See amendment.

52- The Instructions for Preparation of the Cost proposal (p. 108) list a plug figure for grants under contract of $1 million. How is this reconciled with the $5 million figure mentioned in the Instructions for Preparation of the Technical Proposal? Would USAID please confirm that the amount referenced is per year.

Response: This $1million plug figure is deleted. The total estimated cost for grants under contract under this project is $5 million.

53- The RFP’s Section L.5., page 103 of 118, states that $4.5M is to support the Partnership for Growth Presidential Initiative. Our understanding is that the $4.5M from PFG should be allocated to the STTA pool for non-agricultural activities. Can USAID please provide more specific guidance on how to reflect this amount in the cost? Should this be shown as an earmark in the budget? Should this amount be presented separately in the budget?

Response: The budget for Partnership for Growth should be presented separately in the budget.

54- In reference to section L.5 (h) on page 103 of the RFP: (1) Through what mechanisms may Offerors anticipate utilizing the estimated $4.5 million fund to support the Partnership for Growth Presidential Initiative? May this $4.5 million be used for subcontracts, cost-sharing investments, etc.? Should Offerors anticipate directing this $4.5 million fund towards contracting “predominantly short term technical assistance on…areas within the JCAP,” including to, “Develop the Financial Sector Infrastructure,” “Broaden and Deepen the Financial Sector,” and “Encourage Development Finance and Support SME Access to Finance” as per page 29? (2) How does USAID intend to measure success of Partnership for Growth initiatives under the FinGAP project? (3) Which U.S. government, Government of Ghana, and/or other institutions will participate in the approval process for spending the $4.5 million fund?

Response:

(1) The Offeror should anticipate using the estimated $4.5 million primarily towards providing short term technical assistance towards the Partnership for Growth Initiative in the illustrative areas listed on page 29.

(2) The offerors must propose indicators for measuring the success of Partnership for Growth initiatives for components 1 and 2 within the contract.

(3) The contractor must identify PFG activities in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, USAID and other institutions as appropriate such as other USG agencies including (among others) Department of Treasury, Securities, Small Business Administration, and Securities and Exchange Commission, and various ministries and departments within the Government of Ghana (Finance and Economic Planning, Trade and Industry, Bank of Ghana, etc.)

55- Page 103, L.5(h), Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, states that $4.5M will support the Partnership for Growth Presidential Initiative using funds other than Feed the Future monies. Please confirm that the $4.5M is not part of the $24M - $24.5M estimate identified for this solicitation.

Response: The $4.5 million is part of the $24M-$24.5M estimate identified for this solicitation.

56- Section L stipulates the evaluation of the technical proposal according to the following categories (page 103):

a. Technical Understanding and Approach

b. Management Approach and Institutional Capacity

c. Key Personnel and Staffing Plan

d. Past Performance Evaluation

Section M, however, groups the categories differently (page 114):

a. Technical Understanding and Approach (40 points)

b. Management Approach and Key Personnel (40 points)

c. Institutional Capacity (10 points)

d. Past Performance Evaluation (10 points)

Can USAID clarify the preferred structure of technical proposals and the points allocated to each section? Please confirm that the correct section titles and content follow the information provided in Subclauses B and D and Clause M.3, not as listed in Subclause L.5(g).

Response: Section L.5(g) is deleted. See amendment. The structure of technical proposal must follow the structure of the evaluation criteria in section M and the points allocated to each section are also provided in section M.

57- L.4; P.100 The RFP requires the budget to be submitted electronically with a file limit of 2 MB, can the file size for the excel file be 5 MB, given the large number of complex calculations involved?

Response: It can be 5 MB. See amendment.

58- Page 100, L.4(a) General Instructions to Offeror, states that “all files must be unprotected including any spreadsheets, which are to be provided as Excel files with cell formulas intact and not exceeding 2MB in file size.” However, the first paragraph under L.5(a) on the following page (101), states that “all files must be unprotected including any spreadsheets, which are to be provided as Excel files with cell formulas intact and not exceeding 5 MB in file size.” Please clarify maximum file size of Excel documents if it differs from the 5MB limit applied to all other documents.

Response: The maximum file size of Excel documents is 5 MB.

59- L.5; P. 102 The RFP states that “Any page in the technical proposal that contains a table, chart, graph, etc., not otherwise specifically excluded below, is included within the above page limitation for the technical proposal.” As no specifics are enumerated below, could USAID please clarify what is excluded? Specifically, we assume that an Organizational Chart and a STTA matrix would be excluded from page count. Please confirm.

60- Page 102, L.5(b) Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, states that the technical proposal is limited to 30 pages. Please confirm that certain pages may be excluded from the 30-page limitation, including such standard exceptions to page limitations as transmittal letter, acronym list, table of contents and annex dividers.

61- Clarify what information should be included within the technical narrative as opposed to within the annexes. Will USAID consider excluding the ES from the page limit as it will not be evaluated?

Response 59-60-61: Page 106 provides list of authorized Annexes. Section L.5.(b) is revised as follows:

“The written Technical Proposal is limited to 30 pages and must be written in English. Offerors must use 8.5 inch by 11 inch (210mm by 297mm) paper, single-spaced pages. Offerors must use 12 point Times New Roman font with margins no less than one inch on each border. Each page must be numbered consecutively. The page limitation is inclusive of technical understanding and approach, management approach and key personnel, and institutional capacity. Annexes do not count against the page limit. Transmittal letter, executive summary, acronym list, and table of contents are excluded within the above page limitation. Any page in the technical proposal that contains a table, chart, graph, etc., not otherwise specifically excluded is included within the above page limitation for the technical proposal.”

62- In Section L.5.D. “Past Performance,” pages 105-106 of 118, the RFP states: “Offerors must include a list of five (5) contracts for work of similar size and scope to that required of this solicitation performed within the last 5 years” and that the “narrative section is limited to 1 page per contract.” The list of annexes also lists “Prime and Major Sub-Contractor Past Performance” as Annex D. Could USAID please confirm that offerors may annex the contract listings as described in Section L, rather than in the narrative of the technical proposal? Specifically, can you please clarify whether all “Past Performance” information should be included as an annex and not within the technical narrative?

Response: This is to confirm that all “Past Performance” information shall be included as annex and not within the technical narrative using the template in attachment 4 of the RFP

63- Page 106, L.5 Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, Annexes, states that Annex D should include Prime and Major Subcontractor Past Performance information. The first paragraph of Subclause D, Past Performance, indicates that the Offeror shall include 5 contracts for past performance listings. Please confirm that both contracts and cooperative agreements of similar size and scope and complexity may be provided.

Response: This is to confirm that both contracts and cooperative agreements of similar size and scope and complexity may be provided.

64- Attachment 4 ―Past Performance Information – Short Form� does not include all of the information required in the bulleted list under ―Past Performance� on page 106 of the RFP.

Please confirm that Offerors are expected to use Attachment 4 in order to respond to the Past Performance requirements on pages 105-106 of the RFP, inserting additional cells for the missing information.

Response: Yes, you can insert additional cells for the missing information.

65- In Article L5.B, the RFP mentions that CVs for Key Personnel are limited to three pages, but should also include a signed letter of commitment from the individual as well as a list of three contacts. Can USAID confirm that these two additional items are not included in the 3-page limit for the CVs?

Response: CV/Resumes for key personnel are to be included in Annex A and letters of commitment in Annex B.

66- On pages 105-106 of 118, the RFP’s Section L calls for resumes/CVs for the three Key Personnel candidates, to be included as an annex. Does the Mission also want to see resumes/CVs for select non-Key core staff candidates?

Response: No. The RFP calls for CV for Key Personnel only.

67- Page 100, L.4(a) General Instructions to Offeror, requires that proposals be submitted both in hard copy and electronically. Please clarify whether hard copy submissions may be received after the February 5 electronic due date to allow offerors more time to prepare a responsive proposal.

Response: Both hard and electronic submissions must be received by the closing date.

68- Page 108, L.6.B(ii), Proposed Costs/Prices, Overhead and G&A, the third paragraph requires any Offeror or subcontractor(s) without a cognizant US Government audit agency approved indirect rate(s) to submit “audited balance sheets and profit and loss statements for the last two years and the current year-to-date statements”. This requirement is excessive especially for small business subcontractors and non-major subcontractors. Please revise the paragraph to allow an Offeror and major subcontractor(s) which do not have a NICRA or a proposed indirect cost rate letter from a cognizant U.S. Government audit agency, to provide sufficient information for USAID to determine the reasonableness of the rates. For example, to require a breakdown of labor bases and overhead pools, the mathematical and logical method of determining the rate, a description of all costs in the pools, in addition to the most recent two fiscal year pools actual versus derived rate comparisons.

Response: This requirement is for prime contractor only. It is the responsibility of the prime contractor to negotiate indirect cost with their sub-contractors and to provide to USAID sufficient information for USAID to determine the reasonableness of the rates. To accept the proposed rate, USAID may request additional information during negotiation.

69- Section L.6. page 108: This RFP includes a clause stating that “It is the responsibility of the prime offeror to negotiate indirect cost with their proposed sub-awardee(s)… to determine reasonableness of the rates as suggested.” Please note that in the event that a subcontractor determines their rates to be propriety, and sends them directly to USAID, the offeror would not be able to perform this function (consistent with FAR 15.404-3 Subcontract pricing considerations).

Response: Noted.

70- Page 109, L.6.C.3, USAID Biographical Data Sheets, requires a 1420 to be submitted for each proposed staff member. We request authorization to provide 1420s only for named proposed key staff since Clause H.6 enables reliance on the contractor’s personnel policy and within regulatory limitations for establishing staff salary in accordance with AIDAR 752-7007 for personnel compensation.

Response: Biographical Data Sheets must be submitted for proposed key staff only.

71- Page 109, L.6.C.3, USAID Biographical Data Sheets, requires the Offeror to submit fully completed and signed USAID Biographical Data Sheet and “For CCNs, the salary in Blocks 6, 14 and 15 must be stated in Local Currency.” Please confirm that offerors may provide CCN salary history information in the currency paid when local currency (Ghanaian Cedis) was not the form of payment.

Response: The offerors may provide CCN salary history information in the currency paid with the equivalency in US Dollars.

72- Page 111, L.6.C.9, requires Letters of Commitment for Subcontractors be included in the Cost/Business Proposal. Letters of Commitment for Subcontractors also are listed in the Technical Proposal, Annex B on Page 106. Please confirm that the subcontractor Letters of Commitment shall be included only in Annex B of the Technical Proposal.

Response: Subcontractor Letters of Commitment shall be included in the Cost/Business Proposal.

List of Annexes is revised. See amendment.

73- Page 106, section L.5 indicates that, “each Offeror must submit information demonstrating the extent to which they have complied with their small business goals for utilizing small business.”

Would USAID please clarify where Offerors should include this information- in Annex D separately from each short form, or in the technical proposal?

Response: All past performance information can be included in Annex D.

74- Page 105, section L.5.D regarding past performance indicates that, “the narrative section described below is limited to 1 page per contract.” Would USAID please confirm that this narrative section is referring to the “brief description of the program” section, listed as number eight in the Performance Report Short Form (RFP attachment 4)? If the page limitation refers to each individual report sheet, would USAID consider granting additional space to adequately fill out the form?

Response: This narrative section is referring to the “brief description of the program.” It is the narrative section that should not exceed 1 page per contract.

75- Page 105, section L.5 indicates that, “Offerors must provide current phone, fax address, and email address for each reference contact.” Would USAID consider waiving the requirement to include fax addresses for key personnel reference contacts?

Response: Fax addresses for key personnel reference contacts are acceptable, but not really recommended.

76- Section L.4.a.ii of the RFP (page 100) provides the submission address for hard copies. However, a telephone number for the recipient (which is required by many courier companies) is not included.

Would USAID please provide an applicable telephone number?

Response: 233 302 741 272

77- Section L.5.a.(i) of the RFP (page 101) states, ―Digital signatures are acceptable...‖ Please confirm that a hand-signed page that is then scanned into an electronic format (such as a PDF file) is equivalent to a ―digital‖ signature in the context used here.

Response: Digital signatures are acceptable.

78- Section L.5.B of the RFP (page 105 – Key Personnel) requires Offerors to submit references for proposed key personnel. Please confirm that these references may be submitted as an annex that will not count against the 30-page limit for the technical proposal.

Response: References may be submitted as an annex and included in the CVs.

79- The RFP contains a budget summary template on page 6 in Article B.4 and on page 107 in Article L.6.B.(i). Can USAID please clarify which format should be utilized for the cost proposal?

Response: Summary budget on page B.4. will be completed upon award. Section L.6.B.(i) is the summary budget format to be used for your proposal.

80- Are bidders restricted from exclusive agreements with Ghanian / local candidates?

81- Can USAID please clarify the statement that "no more than one full-time offshore expatriate personnel is expected to be fielded under this contract" in Article L.5.B on page 105 of the RFP?

For example, would a regional African candidate be considered an expatriate personnel?

Response: As long as the person is not Ghanaian and will get expatriate benefits, he or she will be considered an expatriate.

82- Can offerors submit CVs or other documents (matrices, short bios) of proposed non-key LTTA personnel and STTA Advisors in Annex A in order to demonstrate technical and managerial capacity related to implementation of this project?

Response: No. We require CVs of key personnel only.

83- Article L.5.B on page 104 of the RFP indicates that offerors are required to submit a "full staffing plan" that would "include a full description of the primary responsibilities of each staff person that will play a major role in the project". Can this staffing plan be included in Annex C of the proposal along with the Organizational Structure Organogram?

84- May offerors submit a workplan as part of a non-counting Annex to help illustrate the proposed approach?

[END OF RFP AMENDMENT 1]