Amendment 01.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 18

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

Amendment 01

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

09/04/2021

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY CODE 656 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

USAID/MOZAMBIQUE

JAT COMPLEX, RUA 1231, NO.41

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Same as #6

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X ) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

NO.

72065621R00003

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN

ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to do the following:

1. Provide answers to questions received as per Attachment 01 of this document;

2. Provide the following updated Attachments:

a. Revised Solicitation; and

b. Attachment J.3 - Detailed Budget Template.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Jean-Jacques Badiane – Contracting Officer

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Jean-Jacques Badiane Digitally signed by Jean-Jacques Badiane Date: 2021.09.04 05:22:48 +02'00'

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.24

72065621R00003 – USAID Transform WASH Amendment 01

ATTACHMENT 01

Question 1 Would USAID please confirm that the budget range of $15-$19 million does not include the option period?

Answer Yes, the budget range does include the optional period.

Question 2 Could USAID please clarify whether the one-year option period should be limited to a specific budget ceiling?

Yes, the option period should be limited to a specific budget ceiling to include activities that might extend past the original planned life of the project.

Question 3 Sections B.2 on page 2 and L.2 on page 89 state that the contract type is CPFF term; however, the RFP does not have any LOE requirements that are typically required for a CPFF term contract. Additionally, Section B.7 on page 4 indicates that fee payments will be based on the completion of expected results in the SOW, rather than expended LOE, which aligns better with a CPFF completion contract. Would USAID please clarify if this is a CPFF term or CPFF completion contract?

This is a CPFF term type contract. Offerors must budget a realistic LOE based on the scope of work. Section B.7 has been updated. Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 4 Section C.5.b (Component 2) on page 15 mentions that the contractor shall inform and assist USAID in the needs of “identification and selection of the small towns subject to infrastructure development interventions through a different USAID contract.”

a. Does USAID/Mozambique plan to directly procure design and construction services for these towns, and if so, by when does it envision needing to procure these services?

b. In the “Minimum Expected Results” for Component 2 on page 16, the second bullet point states “increased access to safe drinking water in at least 10 small towns, through the capacity and adoption of management practices for water service delivery.” Will USAID confirm that these 10 small towns are not meant to be those identified and selected for infrastructure development interventions through a separate contract, given that the Transform WASH contractor would not have control over these interventions?

a. Yes. USAID will procure for design and construction services. Design and construction will be implemented under existing IDIQs, and design will start by the time the feasibility study for the small towns selection is concluded. The Contractor is expected to coordinate with the WASH Infrastructure Architect and Engineering (A&E) firm.

b. They are the same. The selection will be done by Administração de Infra-estruturas de Água e Saneamento (AIAS) and USAID, using recommendations from the Transform WASH Contractor through the Feasibility Study.

Question 5 Section C.5.d (Component 4) on page 18 mentions “A formative research study has been commissioned through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Partnerships for Learning and Sustainability (WASHPaLS) project.” Will USAID please share the WASHPaLS study report?

Yes. USAID will share as soon as the final report is approved. The final report is expected to be published in mid September.

Question 6 Per Section F.4.7 on pages 30–31, would USAID consider scoring technical expertise and past experience as a stronger consideration over language requirements for Key Personnel positions other than the Chief of Party (COP)?

Both experience and language are prerequisites, as per the instructions in the RFP.

Question 7 Section H.2(a)(1) on page 56 references salary history for rate setting. Since USAID now requires salary setting based on market data and the updated Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (biodata) does not require candidates to disclose salary/rate history, would USAID please remove the language regarding salary history, and further clarify how Offerors may comply with these requirements while using the new biodata?

This language has been removed from the solicitation. Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 8 Section I.2 on page 66 includes a restriction on severance payments (FAR 52.237-8). Would USAID consider removing this clause?

This clause has been deleted from the solicitation. Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 9 Attachment J.1 on page 79 includes a Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (Biodata sheet); however, this item is not listed as a required element in Section L.7. Could USAID confirm that biodata sheets are not required for this solicitation?

Biodata sheets are required by the solicitation. The language has been included in the solicitation see Section L of the revised solicitation.

Question 10 Attachment J.7 on page 79 includes a Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Work Overview, which typically is required for IDIQs. Could USAID please confirm that it is not applicable for this solicitation?

Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Work overview is applicable for this solicitation.

Question 11 Section K on pages 81–88 does not include a signature block. Could USAID please add one or confirm that Section K may be submitted without a signature?

Section K may be submitted without signature.

Question 12 In section L.6 (a) on page 93, USAID states that “8-point type is acceptable for graphics and tables.” May offerors use 8-point font for text boxes as well?

Yes, an 8-point font for text boxes is acceptable.

Question 13 Per section L.6 on page 93, may offerors include a cover page that does not count against the 15-page limit?

Yes, the cover page does not count against the 15-page limit.

Question 14 Is the “Illustrative Baseline Study Terms of Reference” in Annex B (section L.6 on page 93) intended to guide or inform the “Assessment Report” required in section F.5.2 on page 34?

The terms of reference are intended to guide the Assessment Report and the Baseline Study.

Question 15 Per section L.6 on page 94, can USAID please confirm that that Past Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS) are to be developed during start-up and are not required with the draft Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) in Annex C at the time of proposal submission?

PIRS are required as part of the submission, as indicated in F.5.7 of the RFP. Please take note of the submission requirements for Past Performance Information in the solicitation.

Question 16 Per section L.6 on page 94, Annex F requires “cover letters and resumes” from Key Personnel.

Will USAID please confirm that “cover letters” are “letters of commitment”?

No, the cover letter is not a letter of commitment. A cover letter is an introductory summary of the candidate.

Question 17 The RFP’s list of annexes in section L.6 on page 94 does not include the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (required, per Section L.8) and the Branding Implementation and Marking Plan (required, per Section L.9). Will USAID confirm that these annexes do not count against the 15-page limit?

Annexes do not count against the page limitation.

Question 18 Could USAID please confirm that offerors should include the Small Business Subcontracting Plan in the cost proposal rather than as an Annex in the technical proposal, as it contains cost information?

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan must be submitted as an Annex in the technical proposal per L.8 of the solicitation.

Question 19 Section L..6.5(a)1 on page 95 requires to “List in an annex to the technical proposal up to 5 (five) of the most recent and relevant contracts* for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal.” Will USAID please clarify what the asterisk by contracts indicates?

Please disregard. The asterisk is an error and has been rectified in the revised solicitation.

Question 20 Section L.7.1 on page 97 requires an original signature on the SF-33. Could USAID please confirm the acceptability of electronic signatures for the SF-33?

Yes, electronic signatures are acceptable

Question 21 Would USAID please provide an exchange rate?

The cost proposals should be in US dollars.

Question 22 General - As we aim to understand the Mission's overarching direction better, could USAID please clarify the cooperation and complementarity envisaged between Transform WASH and the Small-Town Sanitation Activity and the extent to which sanitation should be addressed within this activity?

Transform WASH (TW) and Small Town Sanitation (STS) activities complement each other, one addressing water supply and the other addressing sanitation. The governance component in TW is focused on supporting the capacity development of AIAS, which is responsible for both water provision and sanitation in small towns. In order to have a streamlined approach to working with AIAS, TW is expected to coordinate with STS to include governance matters of sanitation too. The synergies among the two activities are intended to be high.

Question 23 General – Can USAID provide the current Mission Local Compensation Plan?

Salaries should be based on current market rates for the position in question. Therefore the Local Compensation Plan will not be provided.

Question 24 C.1. Introduction, page 5 - the Contractor will “develop and manage construction contracts”.

Section C.5. (b), page 15, says that the Contractor will assist USAID in ...the selection of 10 towns for infrastructure improvements. .. ” The section further says that infrastructure will be accomplished under a separate contract.

o Will USAID confirm what types of construction activities, if any, are expected under Transform?

o Will USAID clarify whether there is an expectation of the Contractors providing A&E services for the separate construction contract. If so, can USAID provide a list of expected A&E deliverables and requirements?

o Will USAID provide information on the timing of the potential separate construction contract(s)?

o For the purposes of cost-comparability and to understand the magnitude of potential construction activity, will USAID provide an indicative budget for construction activities?

o No construction is expected in Transform WASH. Construction/expansion/rehabilitation of water systems will be performed under a separate contract, with which Transform WASH is expected to collaborate and coordinate. Transform WASH will assist in recommending designated towns for infrastructure investments, and work with the communities on creating a plan to sustainably manage the infrastructure after its completion by the Construction task order.

o A&E services will be provided under a separate contract. The Contractor is expected to coordinate with the A&E contractor for selection of towns and for supporting the management of the systems once they are completed.

o A&E services contractor is expected to start once the TW Contractor has completed the feasibility study and selection of towns for infrastructure investments. The construction contract will begin once the A&E design is complete.

o Between $10 and 14 million.

Question 25 C.5. (b) p.15 - “The Contractor will...map the water services needs in small towns in Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Zambézia provinces, from which it will assist USAID in the definition of selection criteria and the selection of 10 towns for infrastructure improvements within this activity”. Will USAID please confirm:

o if the geographical location of Transform WASH coincides with the forecasted Small- Town Sanitation Activity?

o all Transform activities, not only infrastructure improvements, will be initially centered in these 10 locations identified through mapping and selection criteria.

• The Transform WASH towns will be selected first, there may be some overlap with the towns selected by the Small Town Sanitation activity.

• Only the infrastructure activity, in component 2, will be limited to the 10 small towns -other components are expected to be implemented throughout the region.

Question 26 C.5. (b) p. 15 - helpfully provides a definition of “small-towns”. What working definition of “Rural Growth Centers” should Contractors use?

Although the expression is widely used, in Mozambique there is no accurate definition of what a rural development center is. For the purpose of this activity, we will refer to rural growth centers as a rural center with potential for further development. Although some sort of growth has been seen through the provision of basic infrastructures in these rural centers, they still need to be supported by further public and/or private sector investment.

Question 27 C. 5. (c) p.17 - USAID says that for the development of this component, the Contractor will work with the GRM’s National Directorate for Water and Sanitation, the municipalities, private providers, and financial institutions. It does not reference AIAS; How does USAID perceive the engagement of these governmental institutions (AIAS, DNAAS) in Transform, particularly around Component 3?

AIAS, under DNAAS, is the main recipient of the Transform WASH activity, as indicated in other sections of the RFP. The Contractor is expected to work with AIAS (along with the other entities listed) to accomplish the expected results in Component 3.

Question 27 C.5. (d) p.18 – Will USAID make the WASHPaLS formative research study on sanitation and hygiene behaviors available to other Bidders?

Yes. Please, see answer to question 5.

Question 28 C.5. (d) p.18 - USAID is requesting an assessment of the different behavior change interventions which have been conducted in the target Provinces. Will USAID confirm whether this is part of the Baseline Analysis to be conducted within 60 days of project start or a separate deliverable?

Yes. This will be part of the Baseline Analysis to be conducted within 120 days after the effective date of award. [Note - we have revised the timeline for the Baseline to be 120 days.] Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 29 C.5.1.(g) p.21 - This section states that certain component areas are linked to a U.S. Government Presidential Initiative with its own set of standard indicators that are required if applicable. Is

USAID able to clarify which Presidential Initiative it is referring to and the associated indicators that are required?

The Water for World Act of 2014 and the re-designation of Mozambique as one of 18 WASH Priority Countries for the Fiscal Year 2021 (see here) . The Mozambique Country Plan (link here) provides the specific indicators. We should clarify that this is a Congressional law, not a Presidential initiative.

Question 30 C.5.1 (g) p.21 - The Contractor is required to develop baseline data and to include the cost of baseline data collection in its budget. In addition, F.5. Table of Reports and Deliverables includes both a start-up Assessment Report, described on page 34 as a landscape baseline assessment to support geographic selection, and a periodic Baseline Analysis, described on page 41 as a rigorous baseline survey within the geographies selected and setting baseline values and targets for all indicators in the MEL plan. The Assessment report is due within 60 days of contract award and requires USAID approval; the Baseline Analysis is due 90 days after the effective date of the Contract. Will USAID:

o Confirm that this will provide sufficient time to produce the Baseline Analysis after location selection and approval?

o Confirm that it is the Assessment Report (Baseline) TOR that is to be included in Annex B?

o Clarify how the Baseline Analysis will be phased as referenced on page 41.

• Please see answer to question 28. The deadline for submission of the Baseline Analysis has been revised to 120 days after contract award. Kindly see the revised solicitation.

• Confirmed. The TOR for the Baseline Assessment is to be included in Annex B.

• There is no requirement to “phase” Baseline Assessments (BA). This language has been updated in the revised solicitation.

Question 31 C.5.1.(g) p.21 - This section requires the Contractor to propose a methodology to estimate the impact of selected reforms. Will USAID clarify/confirm:

o Should Bidders include this methodology as part of Annex C?

o USAID says impact should be assessed in terms of dollar cost savings or income increases to the private sector, new private sector investments, jobs created, number of people affected, or other similar indicators. Is it correct to assume that the methodology should be part of the PIRS associated with an indicator in the MEL Plan?

https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/nov-6-2020-usaid-re-designates-18-high-priority-countries-under-water-world-act https://www.globalwaters.org/sites/default/files/wfw_mozambique_country_plan.pdf https://www.globalwaters.org/sites/default/files/wfw_mozambique_country_plan.pdf o Is USAID able to provide more detail on the expected scope of this required assessment?

• Yes, bidders should include this methodology as part of the annex C.

• Yes, the methodology should be part of the PIRS.

• USAID intends to have a measurable assessment of the impact of the implementation of this activity toward the improvement of the targeted small towns' socioeconomic conditions, particularly for the women and girls, on assessing the extent of private sector participation and maximization in WASH provision, increased access to basic services, jobs created, and women engaged in decision making in WASH.

Question 32 F.5.16 p.41 - USAID states that the Baseline Analysis will serve as a foundation for the First Year Work Plan. We note that the Baseline Analysis is due within 90 days of effective date while the First Year Workplan is due within 60 days. Will USAID please confirm these timings?

We will remove the requirement that “the Baseline Analysis will serve as a foundation for the First Year Work Plan”. The deadline for the First Year Work Plan remains the same. Please refer to the revised timeline in the solicitation.

Question 33 F.5. pp.34-37 - The Table of Reports and Deliverables includes both a Final Management Plan and a Final Management and Staffing Plan – both due within 60 days of Contract start. From the descriptions, it appears that the Management and Staffing Plan is a Mobilization Plan. Will USAID confirm?

Yes, the Management and Staffing Plan is a Mobilization Plan. This has been updated in the revised solicitation.

Question 34 Attachment J.3 (p. 79) is labeled as “Budget Detailed Budget Template” but the link takes the user to a sample proposal budget for OFDA funding recipients or sub-recipients. Can USAID confirm whether offerors can use their own internal template?

This attachment has been updated. Attachment J.3 -Detailed Budget Template has been included in the solicitation as a separate attachment in the revised solicitation.

Question 35 L.4.(h) (p. 92) – The RFP specifies that (1) offerors must use Attachment J.2 to present its past performance information, and (2) past performance information must be submitted in Word or PDF. Because Attachment J.2, the Past Performance Matrix template, is an Excel sheet on paper much larger than standard 8 ½ x 11, please clarify how offerors are to present the Matrix.

Past performance information can also be presented in the USAID template Excel spreadsheet.

Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 36 L.6. (pp. 93-94) - There is a list of required Annexes contained in Section L.6. but no guidance on the contents or timing of submission (with the proposal or post award)? Section F provides some detail on the related reports and deliverables to be submitted after Contract start. Should Section F be used as guidance for the required proposal Annexes? Can additional guidance be provided specific to the Annex contents?

The annexes requested in L.6 must be submitted with the proposal. They are annexes to the proposal components. Information needed for the annexes is highlighted in the instructions for each section (L.6.3, L.6.4 and L.6.5).

Question 37 L.6.(a) – May offerors use a different and smaller font for textboxes, as with tables and graphics?

Please see answer to question 12.

Question 38 L.6.(b) pp93-94 - Will USAID please provide page limits per annex for Annexes A-G?

There is no page limitation for the annexes, however, reasonableness is recommended.

Question 39 L.6.(b) Annex F (p. 94) – Please clarify what USAID wishes to see in terms of a “cover letter” to accompany each resume.

Please see answer to question 16.

Question 40 L.6.(b) (p 94) - Please clarify what is meant to be included in the Management and Staffing Plan Annex, given that the instructions for the Management Approach (Section L.6.4 on page 94-95) do not directly reference the Management and Staffing Plan Annex.

A description of how the offeror will mobilize to meet the objectives of this RFP, e.g. how it will meet staffing requirements, especially the key personnel, description of the organizational structure and responsibilities, timeline for staff mobilization, roles and responsibilities of headquarters and field offices (if needed), management plan for sub-grants and sub-contracts, and how resources will be allocated towards the results. Please see F.5.5 of the revised solicitation.

Question 41 L.6.4. (c) p.93-95 - USAID requests that Factor 2, Management Approach, include a Statement of Qualifications for proposed Key Personnel including CVs. Will USAID confirm that this information will not be included within the 15-page limit of the Technical Approach as it will be part of Annex F?

Annexes are not included in the page limitation, however, reasonableness is recommended.

Question 42

L.6.5(a) (p 95) - This section notes that offerors must “list in an annex to the technical proposal up to 5 (five) of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal.” This section goes on to note that for “all contracts listed above that are not in CPARS” offerors are meant to “provide a list of contact names, job titles, mailing addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, explanation of relevance to the proposed acquisition and a description of the performance…”. Attachment J.2 (Section J.1 on page 79), however, provides a link to the Sample Contractor Performance Information matrix. Please clarify what offerors should submit as part of Annex G: Past Performance Information.

Provide the Past Performance Information as per the J.2 matrix.

Question 43 L.7.4 (b) (p. 103) – Part(a) in this section states that if the offeror does not have prior USAID contracting experience, it must submit a copy of its personnel policies. Part (b) of this section goes on to request a summary of the offeror’s personnel policies used for formulating the cost proposal; will USAID please clarify if the requirements in Part (b) also only apply to offerors who do not have prior USAID contracting experience?

It applies to all offerors.Please refer to the revised solicitation.

Question 44 L.8.(a) (p.105) - Will USAID confirm that the referenced Small Business Subcontracting Plan must be submitted as an annex to the technical proposal. If so, will this be Annex H?

Yes, it must be submitted as an annex to the Technical Proposal. Revision - new Annex H will be the Small Business Subcontracting Plan.Please refer to the revised solicitation.

Question 45 L.9. (p.105) - Will USAID confirm that the referenced 2-page Branding and Marking Plan is an additional required Annex. Will this be Annex I?

Yes, please consider it as an additional annex. Revision: new Annex I will be the Branding and Marking Plan. Please refer to the revised solicitation.

Question 46 Section B.2, Contract Type and Services, states that “This is a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) term type contract.” Will USAID please provide the total levels of effort expected over the period of Performance?

Please refer to the answer to question 3.

Question 47 Section B.7, Payment of Fixed Fee, states that “the Contractor shall be paid fees based on the completion of expected results in the Statement of Work (SOW).” Will USAID please confirm that the payment of fee will be in accordance with the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type (e.g., as a proportion of level of effort delivered)?

Please see answer to question 3.

Question 48 Section F.4.5, Key Personnel, states that all key personnel positions are “full time positions (except for the Social Behavior Change Specialist).” Will USAID please confirm the expectation that the social behavior change specialist is not anticipated to be a full-time position? If this is not a full-time position, does USAID have guidance as to the expected levels of effort/commitment for this position?

It is up to the Contractor to determine the LOE for the SBC Specialist. We only note that it is not required to be full time, as opposed to the other Key Personnel.

Question 49 Section F.5, Reports and Deliverables, states that there are 13 deliverables due within 60 days of award. Will USAID consider adjusting the due dates for any of these deliverables to a later date, given the diverse priorities during the startup period?

No, these are essential to the mobilization and planning for the project.

Question 50 Section F.5.8, Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and Climate Risk Mitigation Plan, states “the EMMP must be submitted to USAID within 60 days after the award prior to.” Will USAID please provide the information to complete this sentence?

This language has been updated. Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 51 Section H.2(a)(1), Personnel Compensation, places limitations on proposed salaries in relation to current salary amounts. In accordance with USAID’s updated stance on establishing salaries (adopted in 2019) and the updated biographical data form, will USAID consider removing this limitation, with salaries instead being negotiated using a market-based approach?

Please see answer to question 7.

Question 52 Section L.6 describes seven annexes that offerors must submit with their technical proposal;

however, no instructions for desired content or page limitations are included. Would USAID provide instructions for the desired content so that proposals may be consistently evaluated across all offerors?

There is no page limitation for the annexes, however, reasonableness is recommended. Refer to the answer to Question 36.

Question 53 Section L.6(b), Technical Approach, notes that Factor 2 is comprised of the Management Approach. However, Section L.6(b) also notes that Annex E (the letter “E” is dropped in the RFP) should include the Management and Staffing Plan. Will USAID please confirm whether the information related to the evaluation components for Factor 2 should be included with the 15-page limit of the technical volume or whether it should instead be included within Annex E?

The evaluation for Factor 2 must be included in both the 15-page Technical Proposal and in the required Annexes.

Question 54 Section C.5.1(g), Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) and Section F.5.7, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan note requirements for the post-award MEL plan. However, Section L does not indicate the information requested to be included as Annex C: Illustrative Activity Page 2 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan. Will USAID confirm that an annex, inclusive of indicator table and narrative of overall approach, will be sufficient for submission of Annex C?

Yes, an indicator table and narrative of overall approach will be sufficient for submission of Annex C.

Question 55 Section L.7.5(d), Subcontractor Information, requests each subcontractor to provide information for Parts 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. In Part 2 (Indirect Cost) and Part 4 (Information Concerning Work- Day, Work-Week, and Paid Absences), the RFP requests this information from offerors and each proposed major subcontractor. Will USAID kindly confirm that information for Parts 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 is needed from all major subcontractors rather than all subcontractors?

It is required from all subcontractors.

Question 56 Section L.7.5(d), Subcontractor Information, requests each subcontractor to provide information for Parts 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7. Please note that there is no L.7.7 (Part 7) listed within the RFP. Will USAID therefore please either provide the requirements under Part 7 or eliminate this reference under Part 5 (Subcontractor Information)?

This has been updated in the revised solicitation.

Question 57 Sections L.8(a) and L.9 state respectively: 1) “Offerors must submit a Small Business (SB) Subcontracting Plan as an Annex to the Technical Proposal; however, it will not be evaluated as a part of technical evaluation” and 2) “In response to this RFP, the Offeror must include a preliminary Branding Implementation Plan (BIP) and Marking Plan (MP), not to exceed two pages as an Annex to the Technical Proposal.” However, neither of these annexes are listed on pages 93-94 with the required annexes.

a. Does USAID request specific labeling or lettering for these annexes as it does for the annexes specified on pages 93-94?

b. Will USAID please confirm that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan and the Branding Implementation and Marking Plans should be annexed to the technical proposal and not the cost proposal?

a. Yes, please use the names of the annexes as per page 93-94.

b. Yes, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Annex H) and Branding Implementation and Marking Plan (Annex I) must be annexed to the technical proposal.

Question 58 The RFP indicates that grants under contract (GUC) are envisioned; however the specific authorizing language isn’t included in Section H. Will USAID please incorporate the GUC authorizing language from ADS 302 into RFP Section H (ADS 302.3.5.6 and ADS 302.3.4.13)?

C.5.1.f has been updated to include the language for GUCs. Please see the revised solicitation.

Question 59 The Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) website is currently unavailable. Will USAID please confirm whether any approved documents from USAID Local Governance Strengthening (LOGOS) have been uploaded to DEC? If not, will USAID please upload these documents for offerors to reference?

The website is available.

Question 60 Given that the scope of this RFP aims to addresses water, sanitation, and hygiene access in small towns within Mozambique, will USAID confirm whether the USAID/Mozambique Small Town Sanitation Activity will still be released as a separate procurement? If yes, will USAID provide further clarity on the scope of work for the Small Town Sanitation Activity?

This would allow offerors to better design activities that do not overlap with between the two activities’ scopes of work.

Yes, Small Town Sanitation (STS) will be released as a separate procurement. STS is still under design, but it will focus on the stimulation of the local sanitation markets in small towns.

Information about STS is available on the Business forecast under the title: “Small Town Sanitation”.

Question 61

F.4 KEY PERSONNEL.

“F.4.1, USAID anticipates that this activity will require a mix of long- and short-term expatriates, Mozambican and/or regional Southern African experts, and support staff. Minimal home office support staff and management may be included. The contractor must provide the most appropriate and cost-effective staffing mix to achieve the objectives of this project. USAID encourages the Contractor to partner with other U.S. or local Mozambican entities, as this may enhance its ability to fulfill project objectives, operate effectively, and deliver high-quality assistance in a timely fashion. The Contractor is encouraged to employ Mozambican and regional Southern African professionals who understand the political economy as well as the technical subject matter. ”

Will USAID rate contractors with key personnel who are not Mozambican and/or regional Southern African, but have experience working in countries with similar WASH challenges unfavorably?

Hiring local staff for key personnel position is encouraged, but not mandatory. Key personnel who have relevant work experience in Mozambique or in Southern Africa countries are preferred, but not required.

Question 62

L.6 TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (VOLUME I)

“(a) The Technical Proposal is limited to 15 pages.”

Does USAID have a preference in the page limit for each of the Technical Proposal Sections namely, Factor 1: Technical Approach; Factor 2: Management Approach; Factor 3: Past Performance Information.

No, USAID does not have a preference on page limits between the three factors.

Question 63 Since this is a full and open solicitation, have you considered creating a small business set-aside category? Would you also consider making this a full small business set aside in the future?

This is a full and open competition procurement and small businesses are encouraged to apply.

Question 64 Is there any envisaged role for Small Businesses apart from being subs to large contractors for example Specific tasks?

Small businesses who are capable of performing the tasks under this RFP are encouraged to apply. Small businesses who are not capable of accomplishing all components are encouraged to form a consortium or become a subcontractor or subgrantee.

Question 65 Do you encourage Small Businesses to respond to this proposal as a Prime?

Yes, Small Businesses are encouraged to respond.

(END OF ATTACHMENT 01)

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