SOL-72067418R00005_MEKLAC_Amendment_No._01_12.19.17.pdf

5. PROJECT NO.

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODECODE

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:

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____1_____ 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 AC- KNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 10-83)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.is not, 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.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you 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.

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

D. OTHER

BY ---//s//--

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14.

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 STANDARD FORM 30

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(If applicable)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

72067418R00005

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

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

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 29

01 See Block 16c

ALL PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS

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

The purpose of this Amendment No. 01 to SOL-72067418R00005 is to:

(1) Answer the prospective offerors’ questions (Attachment 1);

(2) Provide local compensation plan information (Attachment 2); and

(3) Extend the proposal deadline to January 31, 2018 at 3 pm local South African Time.

Continued on page 2.

Jessica R. Faber.

Regional Contracting Officer, USAID/SA

(X)

12/19/2017

X

USAID/SOUTHERN AFRICA

100 TOTIUS STREET

GROENKLOOF, 0027

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA

12/19/2017

Attachment 1: USAID Responses for the Monitoring and Evaluation to Collaborate, Learn, Adapt, and Knowledge Management Activity (MECLAK)

1. As a commercial items vendor we are unsure if the Government is looking for IDIQ holders who can perform both CPFF and FFP task orders. Is this solicitation open for commercial item vendors to prime if they are only able to respond to the FFP task orders and are only able to provide commercial rate pricing information? Any clarification you can provide would be appreciated.

This RFP is for monitoring, evaluation, and learning services and not commercial items. The RFP is a full and open competition; if your organization is able to meet the RFP requirements, you are more than welcome to submit a proposal.

2. Is there is an incumbent contractor currently performing these services or if this is a new requirement. If there is an incumbent, could you please provide the contract number?

No. This is a new requirement.

3. On page 7 of the RFP, under B.8.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates, (b): It says, "Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR) apply to all labor (i.e., the prime contractor, subcontractor, Third Country Nationals (TCNs), Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs), and consultant salaries on CPFF task orders.” Can USAID/ Southern Africa confirm that labor categories provided under (Table 1: Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates) of Page # 8 of the RFP was meant to be used for International Staff and Cooperating Country National (CCN) staff? If so, are the Cooperating Country National (CCN) staff expected to fall under the local compensation plan (LCP) and can the Mission advise which LCP we should refer to since the objective of the IDIQ contract is to support USAID programs in the 14 Southern Africa countries?

The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates as found in Table 1 are meant to be used for International Staff, CCNs, and Third Country Nationals (TCN); however, per B.8.1(a), CCN and TCN staff rates should be calculated in accordance with the LCP information as found in Attachment 2 of this Amendment.

4. On page 92 of the RFP, under L.8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST PROPOSAL, Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices: It says, “The Offeror must provide a complete budget by cost element.” Since the offeror is only providing Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates (CDR), can USAID clarify what other cost elements that the budget should include?

Please see Number 34 below.

5. Can USAID confirm if there is a requirement for a budget narrative from subcontractors?

Yes, there is a requirement for a budget narrative from each proposed subcontractor. See RFP Section L.8, Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices, Budget Narrative.

6. Can USAID confirm if a Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan is required to be submitted with the technical proposal?

No, a branding and marking plan is not required to be submitted with the technical proposal.

Per Section D.3 of the RFP, the selected contractor(s) must submit a final branding and marking implementation plan no later than 30 days after award in accordance with ADS 320.3.2.

7. Can USAID confirm if the MECLAK IDIQ will cover the bilateral USAID health programs for Lesotho and Swaziland run out of the USAID Southern Africa Regional Mission, or just the programs funded through the Southern Africa operational plan?

MECLAK is a regional buy-in mechanism, which means that the USAID program managers in Lesotho and Swaziland will be able to contract services of MECLAK through individual task orders.

8. Can USAID provide a breakdown (most current year available) of Mission funding by funding account and sector?

Visit https://www.foreignassistance.gov/explore for a better idea.

9. In Section B.8 Labor, the RFP states "Contractors will not be authorized to bill USAID directly for IDIQ management costs." Can USAID please confirm what specific costs would be considered management costs?

These are the costs directly related to managing IDIQ activities; for example, these activities might include responding to task order proposal requests.

10. Can USAID please confirm if under B.8, Labor, the limitation on IDIQ management cost billing will apply to ALL task orders?

Yes, confirmed.

11. Under L.8, it is stated that ‘a list of sample curriculum vitaes’ should be provided. Can USAID please provide more details on what it is looking for here?

We would appreciate reviewing the caliber of consultants the bidder would plan to bring to potential task orders, which information such as work previously conducted on behalf of the bidder, relevant work experience, relevant education, etc.

12. Under Section L.8, can USAID please provide further guidance on the request for

Supporting Documentation as included in Part 2?

The offeror must submit supporting documentation that it believes will substantiate its proposed costs, such as documentation in support of its cost estimates, its estimating methodology, and/or information related to the organization’s policies or industry’s prevailing practices.

13. What is the expected level of support to contractors regarding data sharing, collection, and analysis with existing implementing partners?

All such important details should be specified in the task orders. Should unforeseen circumstances or opportunities arise, the respective Mission/office purchasing the task order would have incentives to coordinate within legal constraints.

14. What is the mission’s expectation on where project offices and key personnel will be located in each country?

Contractors carrying out task orders will have to make their own accommodations in terms of locating office space from which consultants will carry out their work. Venues will vary, depending on the nature of the task order and premises available for each contractor.

15. With our read of the RFP, the tasks are very clearly articulated and also very intertwined. Is it USAID’s intent to include aspects of each technical task within each TO issued, or is it envisioned that each TO would focus on one of the technical tasks?

Each task order will specify the work to be carried out relative to the objectives and deliverables of the issue at hand. Some task orders may be focused exclusively on just one activity area covered by MECLAK. It will depend on the specific assignment and context in which it will be carried out.

16. For the Theory of Change activity, please clarify types of “conflict of interest issues” to be included in SOWs for evaluations.

Should the SOW, which will be drafted by USAID personnel, lead to potential future bids, both the contractor and USAID should be cognizant of potential conflicts of interest which may arise in view of the work contractor fulfilled under the MECLAK IDIQ.

17. Are the “strict statistical guidelines” for conducting meta-evaluations in accordance with a specific USAID policy? If so, please provide the link to the policy.

There are no strict statistical guidelines regarding meta analyses other than to be cognizant of and clearly explain the caveats in evaluating or conducting them. Such caveats can be very troublesome if they go unnoticed in meta analyses, particularly if results are appealing.

18. Has each country written a CDCS that can be shared or accessed online?

When complete, CDCS documents are made available online. However, please note that new CDCS designs are currently on hold.

19. Can training for Knowledge Management services include on-line training opportunities, including web-based virtual options?

Yes, this would be considered a viable option, so long as its relevance to the task order is clear.

20. Can you please clarify what “The fixed fee ceiling does not apply to firm fixed price (FFP) task orders” means?

The fixed fee ceiling only applies to CPFF task orders; please note per FAR 16.2, an FFP contract provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract (i.e. the profit margin is built into the price of an FFP contract). In contrast, a CPFF contract provides for reimbursement for fair and reasonable expenses up to a certain amount and then pays a pre-negotiated fixed fee above said expenses.

21. How many stakeholder engagement workshops are estimated?

That will depend on the demand from USAID Missions/offices.

22. When is the first task order expected to be released?

Calls for task order proposals may be issued within a few months of the establishment of the base IDIQ.

23. Can you please clarify what is meant by “environmental requirements” costs for the Cost Proposal?

The environmental requirements costs refer to those associated with satisfying Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) determinations that might be applicable to a MECLAK

IDIQ.

24. The RFP clearly states that USAID discourages exclusivity. Based on this preference by USAID, which is applauded by this bidder, please advise whether formal letters of collaboration (LOCs) are required, since local firms that have already formed exclusive partnerships may be reluctant to collaborate with other bidders. Therefore, can bidders simply demonstrate an understanding of strategic local/regional institutions available and qualified to collaborate with if awarded the contract?

Yes, bidders can simply demonstrate an understanding of strategic local/regional institutions available and qualified for collaboration if awarded the contract. LOCs are not required.

25. Due to holiday season challenges in organizing capture trips to the various countries and lining up meetings with key local organizations and individuals, would USAID consider an extension of the submission deadline?

Yes. An extension is granted until January 31, 2018.

26. Please advise whether the task orders are expected to be ordered for specific Missions or the regional Mission?

Both bilateral missions and the Regional Mission are expected to issue task orders.

27. Specifically for Task 4, Knowledge management, is this expected to be performed across the regional missions to improve knowledge management across the Southern African region or within respective country missions?

It will depend on the specific task order. Generally, knowledge management throughout the region is the purview of the regional mission. However, instances in which regional knowledge management influences country programming (for example, water rights between two countries), it would stand to reason that all relevant stakeholders share knowledge across borders.

28. Can you please confirm that there are no page limits for the technical proposal?

There are no page limits for the technical proposal.

29. On page 98, section M.3(c), states that the “evaluation will be based on the cost/price matrix” in section J. However, section J does not reference this attachment. Can USAID provide clarification?

Please disregard this statement. USAID will not be providing a cost/price matrix.

Instead, the cost/price evaluation will be based upon the cost proposal and supporting narrative provided by the offeror.

30. For additional clarification would USAID consider providing a pricing template for the

IDIQ?

No.

31. Can USAID post the local compensation plans for supported countries or links where they would be found?

Yes. Please see the local compensation plan at the end of this document. It includes salary information for USAID/Southern Africa, U.S. Embassy Botswana, USAID/Malawi, USAID/Mozambique, USAID/Namibia, USAID/Zambia, and USAID/Zimbabwe. Please use this information as a guide for the remaining countries covered under this RFP.

32. The IDIQ is being conducted through full and open competition for all types of organizations. Any plans that the TO(s) would be bid for small business only?

No.

33. Is this a follow-up project, is there an Incumbent?

This is not a follow-on; it is a new requirement.

34. RFP Section Reference B.2 & L.8 on page 4 & 92: As per this section, this is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. And in section L.8., Part 2, Proposed Costs/Prices, offerors are to ‘provide a complete budget by cost element.’ Would USAID clarify that the only pricing requirements are those stated in B.8.1. Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates Table?

Yes.

35. RFP Section Reference L.8 on page 92: Subcontracts: Would USAID clarify that potential subcontractors are submit the CDRs rates as per Section B.8.3.Subcontractor Rates?

Yes. Potential major subcontractor CDR rates should be submitted.

36. RFP Section Reference H.17 on page 54: Would USAID clarify the inclusion of this section:

“Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Asia 17-033 has been approved for the activities funding this contract. IEE Asia 17-033 is a supplement to IEE Asia 14-69 - Regional Energy and Water Cooperation in Central Asia), FY 2014-2020 (Programmatic). The IEE covers activities expected to be implemented under this contract. USAID has determined that a Negative Determination with conditions applies to one or more of the proposed activities.

This indicates that if these activities are implemented subject to the specified conditions, they are expected to have no significant adverse effect on the environment. The contractor shall be responsible for implementing all IEE conditions pertaining to activities to be funded under this award.”

Please note that this is a typo; ignore this information, as this is the incorrect IEE for this opportunity.

37. RFP Section Reference F.2 on page 29: Period of performance. Would USAID provide additional information on the estimated start date? Offerors understand that this is a five-year project.

The start date depends on various factors still to be determined. Should there be no inordinate delays, the project will start roughly between May – July, 2018.

38. RFP Section Reference L.8 on page 92: Based on Section B and Section L of the RFP, can USAID please confirm that bidders are only required to submit the following documents for the cost proposal:

● B.5.3 – Ceiling on fixed fee. (Prime and Major Sub)

● B.6 – Indirect Costs. (Prime and Major Sub)

● B.7 - Ceiling on Indirect Costs. (Prime and Major Sub)

● B.8 – Table 1: Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates.

● L.8 Part 1 - Standard Form (SF) 33. (Prime Only)

● L.8 Part 3 – Evidence of Responsibility. (Prime and Major Sub)

● L.8 Part 5 – Information to Support Proposed Subcontractors (Prime)

● L.8 Part 6 - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors

(Prime and Major Sub)

● L.8 Part 7 - Joint Venture Information (if applicable)

● L.8 Part 8 - Information Concerning Work-Day, Work-Week, and Paid Absences

(Prime and Major Sub)

● Additionally can USAID confirm that no sample task order budget is required for this submission or if a sample task order budget is required would USAID please provide detailed information on requirements and activities to include in such a budget?

Yes, those cost documents are required; however, no sample task order budget is required for this submission.

39. RFP Section Reference B.8.1 on page 8: Table 1: Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates. As per section F.2. Period of Performance, this is a five-year PoP. Are potential offerors to provide a Table 1 for each of those years? How would USAID prefer the inclusion of the different years and the proposed rates for all levels?

Please provide a Table 1 for Year 1 and escalation rate, if any, for years 2 - 5.

40. RFP Section Reference B.8.2 on page 10: Table 3: Minimum Personnel Qualifications. Would USAID allow the inclusion of the language that may make reference to (for instance):

“MS/MA/MBA or BS/BA or the equivalent professional experience?” This language will provide flexibility to the potentially proposed personnel and may be in line with the qualifications and experience of many of the professionals of the listed countries.

For the purposes of understanding the talent pool available in the bidding for the IDIQ, USAID will allow for the requested flexibility. However, please note that each separate task order will require backgrounds specific to the needs.

41. RFP Section Reference L.8 on page 92: Can USAID confirm that no sample task order budget is required for this submission or if a sample task order budget is required would USAID please provide detailed information on requirements and activities to include in such a budget?

No sample task order budget is required.

42. RFP Section Reference L.8 on page 92: L.8 Part 4 – Biodata form, can USAID please clarify if these are needed to support the information in Table 1?

No, they are not required for Table 1.

43. Section B.2 clearly states that this is an IDIQ type contract, and that the Government will issue task orders of different types to which successful IDIQ awardees will respond over the life of the program. The SOW lists illustrative services. Table 1 on page 8 requests offerors to specific unburdened ceiling rates for different types of staff who may be required to carry out any of the task orders issued. However, in section L, the guidance for cost proposals seems to indicate that a detailed price quote is required, complete with anticipated subcontracts and in excel format with formulas included. Please clarify the following:

● Page 92, Part 2, Proposed Costs/Prices states that “Offerors must also submit the summary table showing the total price of their proposal”. Please clarify that this refers to Table 1 on page 8, which asks for our proposed Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates within specific labor categories.

Yes.

● Page 92, Part 2, Proposed Costs/Prices, please provide more specificity on what other types of costs should be included in the budget for the response to this specific RFP.

Please see the Number 34 above.

● Page 98, section M.3.c states that “the evaluation will be based upon the cost/price matrix (see section J) and the supporting narrative provided by the offeror.” Please note that there is no cost/price matrix included or referenced in Section J. Does this language refer to Table 1 on page 8? If not, please provide the cost/price matrix.

Please disregard this statement. USAID will not be providing a cost/price matrix.

Instead, the cost/price evaluation will be based upon the cost proposal and supporting narrative provided by the offeror.

44. Page 93, Part 4, contractor Biographical Data Sheets, specifies that these sheets “must be submitted for each and every individual proposed for long term positions to be charged as direct costs under the contract”; and also for “each proposed employee that has been identified by name in the proposal (for both key and non-key positions)”. We request that this section be amended to indicate that this will be the case for future task orders issued under the IDIQ. Given that this response is intended to award numerous IDIQ holders only, and not to award a funded contract to carry out any specific scope of work, we anticipate that most applicants may provide an illustrative list of experts and their CVs to illustrate capacity to carry out this work. It will be significantly burdensome to obtain biographical datasheets from all of those individuals identified by name in the proposal.

Agreed. Biodata sheets will be required for each individual task order issued under the base IDIQ, but not for the initial IDIQ proposal itself.

45. Page 91, Section 3 requests offerors who are not able to provide five examples of relevant experience to “provide an explanation demonstrating capacity to provide performance information for itself and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 10 percent of the Offeror’s total proposed cost or plays a significant role in the execution of the proposal….)” Typically a major sub has 20% of budget. Since Offerors will only submit a rate card, please clarify the major criteria for determining a major subcontractor.

A major subcontractor is one that will comprise 20% or more of the prime contractor’s budget (not 10%). The major subcontractors to be included in the offeror’s proposal are those that the offeror plans on utilizing that amount of their budget - or more - on.

46. Section J –List of Attachments (p.71): Please confirm that Attachment 1 Contractor Performance Report –Short Form, Attachment 3 SF LLL – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, and Attachment 4 Past Performance Matrix are not required in response to this IDIQ.

Please disregard Attachment 1 - Contractor Performance Report - Short Form and Attachment 4 - Past Performance Matrix.

Instead, submit the information as required in Section L.7.3 - Examples of Relevant Experience on page 91 in an organized and easy-to-follow format of your choosing.

Attachment 3 - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities - is required. Please place it in the annex to the technical proposal.

47. Past Performance (p. 91): Can USAID confirm that offerors need to provide up to five examples of relevant experience including subcontractors, instead of providing five examples for itself and five examples for each major subcontractor, respectively?

The relevant experience examples are required for both the offeror and each major subcontractor.

However, please note that the RFP language states “up to five examples”, so the total number of examples submitted is at the offeror’s discretion.

48. Past Performance (p. 91): The Past Performance section seems to be part of the Technical Proposal Body yet in Section 3 on page 91 the RFP states that offerors should “list in an annex to the technical proposal up to five of the most recent and relevant contracts […]”. Should Past Performance information go into the Technical Proposal Body, the annex, or both?

Past performance information should go in the annex to the technical proposal and not in the body of the technical proposal.

49. Electronic Submission (p. 89): Please confirm that the Technical Proposal may be submitted in PDF format only.

Yes. The technical proposal may only be submitted in PDF format.

50. Electronic Submission (p. 89): Please clarify the solicitation number for the subject line of the transmission email(s) – the number on page 89 is not the same as the number on the cover letter of the solicitation.

Please use the brand new USAID numbering format for the submission of proposals. The new solicitation number for this RFP is SOL72067418R00005.

51. Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices (p.92): The solicitation asks for a complete budget broken down by cost element for both the Offer and any proposed Subcontractor. Given that this is for an IDIQ contract, can USAID please confirm that only the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates listed in section B.8.1. provided in the tables on pages 8 and 9 are required, and that any subsequent budgets will only apply to the Task Order level.

Yes. Confirmed.

52. Part 2 – Proposed Costs/Prices (p.92). The solicitation requests that “Offerors must also propose a list of sample curriculum vitaes (detailed in Section M), as well as daily rates for each”.

There are no instructions provided in Section M referencing the curriculum vitaes. Can USAID please clarify what is required?

Thanks for noticing. The reference to Section M will be deleted. Please see Number 11 above for more information re: CVs.

53. Part 4 – Contractor Biographical Data Sheet (p.93-94) requires for 1420s for each proposed employee that has been identified by name in the proposal. Given the requirements for the Ceiling Daily Rate Table by labor category, can USAID please confirm that 1420s are not required at this stage?

1420s are not required to illustrate the daily rate at this stage.

54. Will USAID confirm whether an office is required in South Africa?

An office is not required in South Africa.

55. Will USAID please provide a major subcontractor threshold?

The major subcontractor threshold is 20%.

56. Will USAID please provide anticipated lengths of time for STTA and LTTA trips?

STTA will vary by task order. LTTA is highly unlikely, as it may involve interventions that might merit a separate mechanism.

57. The RFP states that “USAID’s operations in the Southern Africa region are comprised of country offices in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and the Power Africa office located in Pretoria.” Will USAID please provide the budget allocation regarding travel to each of these countries? Similarly, will a travel plug figure for the IDIQ be provided at this time for budgeting purposes?

The travel budget will vary depending on each task order.

58. Will USAID please confirm biodatas are required in both the technical and cost IDIQ proposal?

Bio-datas are required for neither and will only be mandatory at RFTOP stage. However, CVs are required for the technical proposal. Please see Number 11 above for more information on CVs.

59. Section L - This section refers to detailed budget by cost element. Given this is an IDIQ, our understanding is to provide unburdened daily ceiling rates in Section B.8.1 for the identified labor categories. Please clarify how these instructions apply to the IDIQ contract, without a RFTOP?

Please clarify whether supporting documents are required at the RFTOP level?

Please see Number 34 above. There will be more documentation required at the RFTOP level. The specific documentation information will be provided with each individual RFTOP.

60. Will USAID please provide the USAID/Southern Africa Local Employee Compensation Plan?

Please see Attachment 2 to this Amendment.

61. Will USAID please confirm there is no page limit restriction for the technical proposal.

Please see Number 28 above.

62. Section B.8.1, Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates on page 7 states that compensation paid to TCN and CCN “must not exceed the prevailing compensation paid to personnel performing comparable work in the cooperating country as determined by USAID…”

a. Would USAID clarify what those limitations are in each of the 14 Southern Africa countries?

b. Would USAID provide local compensation plans for each of the 14 Southern Africa countries?

63. Table 1 Unburdened CDRs, in Section B.8.1 on page 8 requests rates by labor category and labor category staff level. Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices on page 92, requires a complete budget by cost element. As this is an IDIQ proposal, could USAID please confirm a complete budget by cost element is not required?

Please see Number 34 above.

64. Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Costs/Prices on page 92 states, “Offers must also propose a list of sample curriculum vitaes (detailed in Section M), as well as the daily rates for each.” Could USAID please confirm if illustrative personnel experience can be presented in forms other than curriculum vitaes? If not, please provide the details for the sample curriculum vitaes from Section M.

The reference to Section M will be deleted. Please see Number 11 above for more information re:

CVs.

65. Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices on page 92, the RFP states, “Offerors must also provide detailed budgets for each proposed subcontract…”.

a. As this is an IDIQ proposal, please confirm that USAID does not desire detailed subcontractor budgets at this time.

Confirmed. Detailed subcontractor budgets are not required at this time.

b. Additionally, please confirm that it is sufficient to propose one set of CDRs that would apply for both the prime and all subcontractors.

Confirmed - it is sufficient to propose one set of CDRs that would apply for both the prime and all subcontractors at this time.

66. Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices on page 92 states, “The information in the narrative must be in sufficient detail to allow for a complete analysis. This must include a complete breakdown of cost elements associated with each budget line item and those costs associated with any proposed subcontract. The cost information will include the basis of each and every cost, (e.g., current salaries, vendor quotes, market surveys, historical experience, etc.) including the proposed fee. The amount of fixed fee proposed should include the rationale for the proposed amount.” This does not appear appropriate for an IDIQ proposal requesting composite CDRs as a basis for price analysis and evaluation. Could USAID please clarify the requirements for the budget narrative?

Please see Number 34 above. Only that information will need to be detailed in the budget narrative.

67. Under Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices on page 92, Offerors are requested to provide “supporting budget documentation to substantiate all proposed costs.” Please clarify that USAID is not looking for proposed costs, as if a CPFF or FFP proposal was being developed at this time, but instead look for UCDRs.

Yes, USAID is looking for UCDRs and not proposed costs at this point.

68. Section L.8, Part 2 – Proposed Cost/Prices on page 93 states, “If the Offeror does not have a NICRA, it may elect to propose all costs as direct charges…” Could USAID please confirm that specific costs will not be a part of this IDIQ proposal, but instead will be a part of the cost proposal for CPFF or FFP task orders?

Confirmed.

69. Section L.8, Part 4 - Contractor Biographical Data Sheets on page 94 states, “Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheets must be provided for each proposed employee that has been identified by name in the proposal (for both key and non-key positions).” Would USAID consider the provision of Biographical Data Sheets for personnel from prime and subcontractors upon Task Order in place of upon submission of the IDIQ?

Confirmed. Bio data sheets will only be required when bidding on specific task orders.

70. Section M.3 (c) on page 98 states, “The [cost] evaluation will be based upon the cost/price matrix (see Section J) and the supporting narrative by the Contractor.” Could USAID please provide the cost/price matrix that should be used as it is not found in Section J?

Please disregard this statement. USAID will not be providing a cost/price matrix.

Instead, the cost/price evaluation will be based upon the cost proposal and supporting narrative provided by the offeror.

71. Could USAID please describe existing technology or knowledge management tools and platforms that are currently in use among Mission staff to help inform the technical approach?

There are several examples on the internet that bidders can draw from. Bidders’ own ideas are preferred.

72. Will the Government be awarding the Task Orders the same time as the IDIQ?

Task orders will follow within a few months after the IDIQ is awarded.

73. How many awards are expected?

The IDIQ is limited by a $10 million ceiling. There is no set expectation regarding the total number of awards.

74. If multi-award, what will the basis be for determining what Services are ordered from which Contractor/Vendor?

Each new requirement will be advertised to holders via a Request for Task Order Proposals (RFTOP); those holders that are interested in bidding may do so. The submitted proposal(s) will then be evaluated by a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) and the holder’s proposal that best fits the requirement, if any, will be awarded a task order by the Task Order Contracting Officer.

75. Please provide current names of incumbent(s) if any, performing these services and contract number.

This is a new requirement; there is no incumbent.

76. Does the government require Resumes for all Labor Categories or any Key Personnel?

Illustrative CVs are required for each labor category, as well as ceiling rates. Some STTA may be considered key personnel on individual task orders.

77. Will travel for Labor categories and any support in other than assigned post, or station be reimbursed in accordance with the GSA or Dept of State Federal Travel Regulations?

Yes, with CPFF contracts. With FFP contracts, the costs for travel should be built into the proposal.

78. Part 2 - Proposed Costs/Prices: will the Government be providing a standardized Microsoft excel format to all potential offerors or will offerors need to provide their own format?

No. Offerors must provide their own format.

79. Will there be separate Contract line items numbers for Other Direct Cost (ODCs) and Travel?

Yes, for individual task orders.

80. Will the government be providing Pricing Sheets or will those need to be provided by the offerors?

By the offerors.

81. Are there any mandatory disclaimers/statements offerors need to include in their response?

Please see Section K and Section L.8, Part 6.

82. How will the reports and deliverables or outputs be evaluated?

They will be evaluated by the Mission/office personnel who administer the task order.

83. Regarding meetings, will all contractors be on site, or will contractors be able to attend meetings remotely?

It is conceivable that some meetings may be electronic/remote. The justification will depend on the task order.

84. Will each contractor/subcontractor need to register for the IPN portal or is it one registration for the entire team?

Each prime contractor must register for the IPN portal.

85. Will USAID allow past performance submissions from subcontractors?

Yes. These submissions are mandatory per Section L.7.3, Examples of Relevant Experience, for each major subcontractor.

86. Is there a limit to the number of subcontractors or personnel to be staffed on the project?

No, but an approach must make sense and compete successfully against other bidders for task orders.

87. Report Writing: Will reports be submitted in English or will they need to be prepared in multiple languages?

English only.

88. Please clarify if there is a page limit for both the volumes?

There is no page limit for either volume; that being said, please be as clear and and concise as possible.

89. Please clarify if there is a page limit past performances?

No, there is no page limit for past performance.

90. Please clarify if offerors need to give past performances in Attachment 1.4 and Section L (Examples of Relevant Experience) formats? Please clarify.

Please disregard Attachment 1 - Contractor Performance Report - Short Form. Please submit the information as required in Section L.7.3 - Examples of Relevant Experience on page 91 in an organized and easy-to-follow format of your choosing.

Also, as required in this section, please be sure to include this information in an annex to the technical proposal and not in the body of the technical proposal.

91. Please clarify if we need to include Attachment 1 and this will need to be sent to USAID directly with Proposal to email - jfaber@usaid.gov.

Proposals are only to be sent to proposals@usaid.gov and tmokhele@usaid.gov.

92. Can the government please clarify the font style, as it is not mentioned in the RFP Instructions.

Please clarify.

It is up to each offeror to utilize the font of their choice.

Please note for all questions under #93: These questions are applicable when specific task orders are requested. At this stage, offers are being evaluated for their general capacity to perform a variety of services related to monitoring and evaluation, collaborate learn and adapt, and knowledge management.

93. A. Task 1 – Monitoring Services:

(1) For the Data Management task, can they give us more information about the breadth and scope of the data that needs to be managed? How many partners? Different types of data? Database, spreadsheets, etc?

Management of monitoring data owned by the Mission/office requesting the task order will be supplied by that Mission/office. Should new data be required, it will depend on the specific task order, objectives, secondary sources of data available and budget allocated to collect primary data.

Assessment of external data sources and their value relative to the budget will likely constitute criteria for evaluating task order proposals.

(2) For the various partners that will be submitting data, what is the mechanism for collecting the data? Will it be collected via the internet? Media(DVD/CD)? Emailed files?

This will depend on the specific task order and the nature of the data. Transferring data electronically through the internet would be the most efficient and preferred method, but there may be instances when the data would be transferred physically on storage devices.

(3) Task states “GIS mapping support”, does USAID have a GIS in place or our they looking to have a GIS system implemented.

This will depend on the specific task order. Missions and project managers typically use GIS mapping, but may need assistance in synthesizing and analyzing the data. Some task orders may request assistance in sourcing new GIS data.

(4) Task 1 Monitoring Services: Is a monitoring tool currently in place? If so, what is being used?

If not, will the contractor be responsible for procuring/supplying and/or developing a monitoring tool?

Monitoring tools vary widely across all Missions/offices and projects. All USAID awards are required to have monitoring systems in place. However, assistance may be needed in in establishing monitoring systems, or in making monitoring systems more efficient and effective. Again, all will depend on the specific task order.

93 B. Task 2 – Evaluation and Assessment Services:

(1) For the Reporting task, what is the requirement for data timeliness? The data will be pulled from multiple sources/partners on what sort of interval? Real Time? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? How is USAID connected to those partners for the data transport?

Timeliness, sources, intervals - all will depend on the specific task order.

(2) For the Reporting task, are there current reporting tools and technologies that we would be required to use or is USAID looking for recommendations on products?

A variety of tools/technologies are currently in use. Utilizing them, or establishing new systems based on new products will depend on the task order.

93 C. Task 3 – Collaborating, Learning and Adaptive Services:

(1) They reference “building and leveraging evidence base”. Can we get more information on what they are envisioning the “evidence base” to be? Is it the information stored in myUSAID subject areas? Information in new document management system?

This will depend on the evidence pertaining to a specific task order and issues being addressed.

(2) What change management strategies have been used by USAID in the past? Are there lessons learned from those efforts that USAID can share?

USAID’s Learning Lab may have additional ideas. USAID/South Africa has no specific guidance on the issue at this stage.

93 D. Task 4 – Knowledge Management:

(1) What are the requirements for migrating existing information and documents into the KM information classification (taxonomy) structure that is to be developed? Will all information be migrated, no information migrated, information from the last X years?

There are no requirements at this stage. Migrating data and information will depend on the specific task order.

(2) Task states, “Audits need to be grounded on the Country Development Cooperation Strategies”.

Can we get more information on these strategies and how they impact this task?

Country Development Cooperation Strategies (CDCS) are available on line when complete.

Currently, however, development of new CDCSs is on hold. Individual Missions may opt to share draft CDCSs to firms working on a specific task order.

(3) What existing USAID infrastructure is in place that we will need to work with or integrate with?

That will depend on the specific task order.

(4) There are a couple of references to myUSAID and the work creating expertise in it or integrating with its existing subject areas. Can we get more information on myUSAID to understand what is required to build information in it and to understand the existing work spaces.

myUSAID is an internal information-sharing system that functions similar to social media sites such as Linkedin and Facebook. Should myUSAID be helpful or required under a specific task order, access will be addressed at that time. Suffice it to say for the purposes of bidding on selection of MECLAK IDIQ firms, my USAID is not a widely used information sharing tool.

(5) Is reviewing and recommending updates to the current work spaces in myUSAID part of this engagement or will the work be to add new subject areas?

Depends on the task order. It could be either or both.

(6) Task states “Develop a document management system for organizing and retrieving documents that is not reliant on the internal shared P: drive system”. Is the “document management system” to be developed an actual software product (system) or is it a set of processes and procedures (system).

Please note this is an “illustrative task” and will not necessarily be part of a task order. For the purposes of bidding, it would be advised to demonstrate capacity to supply the corresponding service “Actions and Activities for the Effective Utilization of Technology”.

94. In Section C Scope of Work; Task 3: Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting Services, USAID includes CLA in CDS and RDCS implementation as a key service to be delivered. Can USAID please provide an update on current efforts to revise the Southern Africa’s Regional Development Cooperation Strategy?

Currently, strategy development is on hold until the redesign processes for the State Department and USAID are completed by the new Administration. The old RDCS remains as a guiding instrument until the new one is approved.

95. Can USAID please clarify whether offerors should anticipate the release of an IDIQ Management Task Order (TO) to provide overall oversight of the services delivered under each of the four tasks outlined in Section C.3?

Yes, we fully anticipate that task orders will be issued for services in each of the four broad activity areas listed in Section C3.

96. Can USAID provide an anticipated release date for the issuance of the first task order under this activity?

The date depends on various factors still to be determined. Should there be no inordinate delays, task orders should start being issued in summer 2018.

97. Section L Instructions for the Preparation of the Technical Proposal, Section 3: Past Performance on p. 91 indicates, “The Offeror must summarize up to five examples of relevant experience (or if not available, provide an explanation demonstrating capacity to provide performance information for itself and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 10 percent of the Offeror’s total proposed cost or plays a significant role in the execution of the proposal). Can USAID please clarify whether a narrative past performance summary is to be included in the technical draft, or if offerors are only required to submit the annexed PPR short form and Table?

Please see the answer to Question 90 above.

98. Section M.2 Technical Evaluation Criteria listed on page 96 indicates that under Item 1, Technical Approach offerors will be evaluated on quality control, effective feedback loops, and collaboration. Can USAID please confirm whether offerors should also include their approach to implementation in the technical approach?

If the offeror believes that it will enhance their proposal, then this information is acceptable.

99. Can USAID please provide an estimate of the anticipate funding levels across each of the four tasks outlined on page 14, in Section C.3?

This IDIQ has a ceiling of $10 million. The funding level for each task is unpredictable, as each task order will vary based upon the requirements of the requesting Mission/Office.

100. Can USAID please provide an estimate of the funding that will be allocated toward USAID Southern Africa Regional Mission under this activity versus the funding allocated for the 14 bilateral Missions under this activity?

Please see Number 99 above.

101. Section L Instructions for Preparation of the Cost Volume; Part 4 states on page 94, “A Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (See link in Section J) must be submitted for each and every individual proposed for long term positions to be charged as direct costs under the contract. Each sheet must be completed and signed, reflecting accurate up-to-date information and indicating the proposed salary as it relates to the Offeror's proposal. Completed and signed AID Form 1420-17 - Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheets must be provided for each proposed employee that has been identified by name in the proposal (for both key and non-key positions).” Can USAID confirm that offerors are required to submit USAID Biodata forms for proposed employees named in the cost volume only?

Please see Numbers 11 and 44 above.

102. RFP Section L.5 Various, incl Header and General Instructions on page 1, 83-102, 88 & 89:

Cover page lists Sol# SOL72067418R00005. Page 2 on lists header SOL-674-17-000018: MECLAK Activity. For email submissions, Sol# listed differs to cover page plus SF33.

Please confirm the correct Solicitation Number?

Please see Number 50 above.

103. RFP Section B8 Labour, L.8 Instructions on page 7,93: B.8: "A full-time key personnel position is not necessary or required to administer the IDIQ". L.8: "Biographical Data Sheet must be submitted for each and every individual proposed for long term positions to be charged as direct costs under the contract." The RFP does not include either key or long term personnel positions.

Please advise if the mission believes there are key or long term personnel? If so, for which positions?

There might be long-term personnel at the task order level. That will be determined at a future point in time and task order by task order.

104. RFP Section B8 Labour, L.8 Instructions on page 7,93: B.8: B8 "Biographical Data Sheets must be provided for each proposed employee that has been identified by name in the proposal (for both key and non-key positions).

Does this mean a biodata for only employees proposed? Or does it mean an example of biodatas for both employees and consultants proposed under any labor categories?

Please see Numbers 11 and 44 above.

105. RFP Section B.8.1 Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates on page 8: The table appears to be requesting CDRs for the base year only. Should the Offeror present CDRs with increases for years 2-5?

Yes, using a standard escalation rate.

106. RFP Table 2: Definition of Labour Categories on page 10: Table 2 lists these illustrative examples Personnel Advisors, Systems Management, Evaluation and Communication Specialists under Labor Category “Workshop and Retreat Organizers”: These examples do not seem strongly related to Workshop and Retreat Organizers. Is Workshop and Retreat Organizers the correct label for this labor category? If so, are the illustrative examples correct?

These are illustrative examples. Offerors are free to provide what they believe is the best fit under each labor category. Providing a rationale is ok.

107. RFP Section F.5.1 IDIQ Reports on page 31: The Section 4 required report is called “Foreign Assistance…