TASC4 - Africa Amendment 2.pdf

Amendment #2 – Page 2 Answers to Questions for TASC4 - Africa

1. Delete in entirety “H.41 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL

TRAVEL”.

2. In L.6.e.2.a), please delete the link for the Freight Delivery Request Form:

http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/a519-1.doc. The correct link for this form is www.usaid.gov/forms/a519-1.doc

3. Add to Section L.8.4) (ii):

“IDIQ Project Director Experience/Education Equivalents Chart

IDIQ Project Director Qualifications and

Requirement per RFP Acceptable Experience Equivalent

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; plus minimum 10 years in-country experience working in field of health care delivery in developing countries, with emphasis on primary health care service and which shall include experience in at least three (3) out of the first seven (7) technical areas described in (A-G) (see RFP Section L.8. 4) (ii)).

BA/BS from an accredited college or university degree plus minimum 15 years in-country experience working in field of health care delivery in developing countries, with emphasis on primary health care service and which shall include experience in at least three (3) out of the first seven (7) technical areas described in (A-G) (see RFP Section L.8. 4) (ii)).

No less than five (5) years’ experience managing donor-financed projects and staff in the design and implementation of overseas health projects.

No less than five (5) years’ experience managing donor-financed projects and staff in the design and implementation of overseas health projects.

4. Add as second paragraph to Section L.8.4) (iii): “Professional references are required for the proposed IDIQ director. Three professional references must be provided on a list with the following details for each:

Contact Name Contact Email Contact Phone number Name of contact’s employer # years of professional relationship w/proposed IDIQ Director Relationship to proposed IDIQ Director

This information shall be included as the IDIQ reference list in the Annex along with the CV/Resume and Letter of Commitment/acknowledgement letter”

5. In L.8.4) (iv) Delete “Section 4, Personnel, H. Other Disciplines” – there is no requirement to address these disciplines.

6. In L.8.4) (v) Delete “L.8 Section 4 – Personnel (v)” there is no requirement to address these disciplines and they should not be included in the roster/matrices for personnel.

Amendment #2 – Page 3 Answers to Questions for TASC4 - Africa

7. Delete Section L.9. II. 1) b. in entirety and replace it with the following: “Section L.9.

II. 1) b. The proposed fixed fee percentage will be incorporated into the contract as the maximum fixed fee percentage allowed for all task orders (See Section B.8). Offerors should review “FAR 15.404-4 Profit” to assist in establishing offerors profit or fee ceiling.”

8. In M.4 Personnel, second bullet - delete “Extent to which Other Personnel proposed fill the needs for and address the technical areas outlined in Sections C and L.10; (5 points)” and replace it with “Extent to which Other Personnel proposed fill the needs for and address the technical areas outlined in Sections C and L.8; (5 points)”

Questions and Answers for TASC4 - Africa

1. Section L.8, Section 5)A – Past Performance References (i) (page 101), requests that the offeror/subcontractor use the Contractor Performance Report-Short Form (Attachment J.6) to present past performance references. Section J, Attachment J.7 references a Past Performance Matrix, which would require information similar to that provided in the Contractor Performance Report-Short Form. Please confirm that the offeror/subcontractor is only required to complete the Contractor Performance Report-Short Form. Offerors shall provide both items requested. The Past Performance Matrix shall be provided in the annex to include a summary listing of all Past Performance References that will be individually provided on the Contractor Performance Short Forms. See Section L.8, Section 5) A, (i) for instructions on which part to complete.

2. Section L.7.b (page 93) states, “Offers shall use only 8 1/2” x 11” paper.” Can a “fold-out” of larger sized paper (e.g., 11” x 17”) be used for matrices, such as the personnel summary matrix? No. Section L.8, Section 4 – Personnel (vi) indicates the preference for a matrix to summarize staff expertise. Given the number of categories/subcategories of technical areas, a matrix on larger sized paper would be the most legible method to present this information.

Offerors shall use only 8 ½’ x 11” paper.

3. Section L.8, Section 4 – Personnel (v) (pages 99-100). This section, which includes an additional 12 technical areas, appears to be a request that corresponded to the HIV/AIDS Research Sector portion of the 2006 TASC3 RFP, which combined the Global Health and HIV/AIDS Research Sector procurements within one RFP. Please confirm that offerors should present staff/consultants per Sections A-H (pages 97-99) and should disregard Section L.8, Section 4 – Personnel (v). Please disregard L.8 section 4 – Personnel part (v), which lists 12 technical areas. These 12 technical areas under part (v) should not be included in the roster/matrices for personnel. Since part (v) will not be included, USAID believes that the page limit of 2 pages for the personnel matrix will be sufficient enough to include areas A-G and their subcategories located in L.8 section 4- Personnel part (iv)-Other Personnel.

4. Section L.6.e) 1) (pages 90-91). Given the 2pm deadline on May 19th and uncertainty regarding how long it could potentially take to go through Federal Center Plaza security, an offeror could elect to submit its proposal on May 18th. Will the Point of Contact listed in the Section L.6.e), Kate Bryant, be available at the 301 C Street, SW location on that date for delivery or could an alternate point of contact for hand-carry delivery for May 18th be provided? The POC and/or the Alternate POC will be available to accept hand-delivered proposals. If offeror desires to deliver the proposal in advance of the stated date of delivery, offeror must send an email to the POC and Alternate POC to request an acceptable time for proposal delivery at the 301 C Street SW, Washington DC location. Please see Section L.6 for delivery instructions (other than due date/time).

The proposal due date shall be extended to Monday May 23, 2011, due no later than 4 pm Follow the delivery instructions provided as stated in the RFP (except for due date/time).

5. The small business plan template asks for the subcontract plan to be broken down by both $ value and %. Given the nature of this IDIQ with total dollars largely an unknown, may we assume a breakdown by % is sufficient? As detailed on the Model Subcontracting Plan Outline found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ - Model Subcontracting Plan Outline, offeror’s goals should be expressed in both percentages and in dollars.

6. Given USAID’s emphasis on procurement reform, competition, and IQCs as a limiting measure, would USAID consider briefly explaining the rationale behind the limit of four (non-small business) IDIQ awards, since a larger number would seem to increase competition for task orders under the contract? USAID has determined that up to four (4) unrestricted awards and two (2) small business set aside awards is sufficient.

7. May offerors include an executive summary that does not count against the 20-page limit for the proposal? Any executive summary should be included in the stated page limit.

8. Could USAID please supply the words that seem to be missing from page 16 of the RFP in the second bullet under number 3, under the heading Global Health Functional Areas? No words are missing on page 16. The bullets in section 3, Global Health Functional Areas, all refer to activities in Community Mobilization and Individual Behavior Change.

9. For the case study, is it desired that a national scale program be presented or is it expected that the case target the areas with the highest impact potential? It is expected that the case study target the areas of the country with the highest impact potential.

10. Our read of pages 96-100 of the RFP is that USAID has requested offerors to include biographical statements for all proposed personnel with experience in technical areas listed as A-G and their respective sub-categories, and a short-term matrix of personnel with experience in the 12 technical areas listed on pages 99-100. If this is the not the case, can USAID please clarify how it would like to see personnel presented in the proposal in rosters/matrices. From our experience, it is not possible to include in a two-page matrix the areas A-G and their subcategories and the 12 technical areas listed on pages 99-100 (see sample attached). See answer to #3.

11. On RFP page 95 it is stated that offerors “Provide a copy of the management plan for implementing future task orders (including financial and administrative support), and an organizational chart that depicts the relationships; and an overall plan for using local host country staff and consultants and/or specialists in order to reduce costs and build capacities in countries.” Can USAID please clarify what is meant by “provide a copy of the management plan”: is this narrative text to explain the annexed organizational chart? The management plan for implementing future task orders is the outline of offerors plan to manage implementation of future task orders. This information shall be included in the Annex section. The organizational chart depicting relationships and the overall plan for using local host country staff and consultants shall also be included in the Annex section.

12. On page 109 of the RFP, USAID has requested that offerors provide biographical data sheets for three candidates representing the levels of the functional labor categories. Can USAID please clarify whether it would like to see one biographical data sheet per level of each technical area for a total of 3 biographical sheets per technical area, or if USAID would like to see 3 biographical data sheets per level of each Offeror shall provide ONE biodata sheet for EACH level of category proposed. That would be a maximum of 3 biodata sheets per Labor Category, if the offeror wishes to propose all three levels. Selection of levels to be proposed is offerors choice. The labor proposed shall be for the case study only. Please note the instructions stated in Section L.9,II regarding the Biodata sheets and the information and signatures required. This information will be considered as part of the Government’s cost realism analysis. Biographical data sheets detail actual candidates with current salary information, not composite rates or ceiling rates.

13. Please clarify the case study instructions on p. 112: Should illustrative staff be identified only by position, education, and experience and described by types and number (levels)? Or does USAID wish to have specific named personnel proposed? For the case study, offeror shall identify illustrative staff only by position, education, and experience, and described by types and numbers.

14. On page 107 USAID requests that for the purpose of the Case Study cost proposal that one item that must be included is the “ total number of hours, and hourly rate for each category per year” As all other tables are for setting daily rates, does USAID mean “Daily rate” in this item? Table refers to Daily rates.

15. On page 104 II. Proposed Costs/Prices - 1) - c) it states that “ceiling rates will also be listed in Section J of the contract and daily rates for employees/consultants proposed for any task order shall not exceed the Daily Rate Ceilings set forth.” How would USAID like for offerors to account for annual increases to those rates throughout the life of the master contract?

Ceiling rates shall be proposed for all labor categories offeror desires to propose to successfully implement the scope of work it has provided for the case study. These ceiling rates shall establish the cap for those positions proposed. Offerors discretion on how to escalate rates for positions proposed.

16. The case study has a reasonable 5 page limit, but the requirement for a detailed work plan leaves very little space for linking the proposed approach to context. Would it be permissible to append the case study work plan as an annex? No; the detailed work plan for the case study shall be included in the 5 page limit.

17. Section L.9 indentifies that a Cost/Business proposal shall be submitted for the Case Study only. Further guidance within the section (specifically b) II.1) indicates that the “Offerors must use the dollar estimates (to be used for evaluation purposes) to apply the appropriate indirect rates and fee to its budget.” The following questions are derived from this statement, together with other sub-items of the section:

Sub-item a.

The offer is directed to apply ceiling rates for indirect expenses rather than approved billing rates established with its cognizant government audit agency. This guidance is inconsistent with applying appropriate indirect cost rates and does generate a representative price for the Case Study for evaluation purposes. Please clarify the direction. If offeror has existing indirect ceiling rates established with a government agency, these rates should be proposed. If offeror has an existing indirect rate agreement with USAID or another government agency with no ceiling rates approved, offeror shall propose ceiling rates for indirect expenses. If offeror has no indirect rate agreement, with any US Government agency, please see Section L.9.II.1)f.

Sub-item b.

The offer is directed to apply a contract-wide fixed fee maximum percentage rather than a fee rate that is consistent with weighted fee guidelines and execution risks associated with the Case Study scope. This guidance is inconsistent with applying an appropriate rate and does generate a representative price for the Case Study for evaluation purposes.

Please clarify the direction. Offeror shall propose a single ceiling fee in accordance with Section B.8. Please see amendment to the solicitation.

Sub-item c.

The LOE breakdown guidance indicates that the table provided as Note 4 shall be completed. Further, it appears that the Offeror is directed to establish ceiling rates for each category and level proposed and that those rates will establish ceiling rates for all other task orders issued under the contract. The ceiling rates appropriate for broad application among undefined task orders would not be consistent with the specific labor categories and individuals proposed to execute the Case Study and may skew evaluation of the representative price. Please clarify the direction. Offeror shall provide ceiling rates for those labor categories it chooses to propose to accomplish implementation of the case study.

The general structure of the LOE table does not appear to provide for subcontractor staff and local professional staff. Please clarify if and/or how staff in these categories should be presented. There is a line provided for local professional staff. Also see L.9, Note 3.

There is a plug figure for subcontracts. Please use the plug figure.

Sub-item d.

The guidance above is inconsistent with the direction to “provide a detailed case study budget and supporting information in sufficient detail to allow a complete analysis of costs with a realistic cost ceiling.” Please clarify the direction. Offeror shall provide detailed budget information to enable USAID to evaluate the case study cost proposal.

Sub-item e.

The Offeror is guided to apply most recent NICRA rates in developing its price. In sub-item a. the Offeror is directed to use ceiling rates for indirect cost. Please clarify, noting that ceiling rates may not be included in the Offeror’s NICRA. See answer to #17 sub-item a.

18. Section L.9 sub-section Case Study Cost/Business Proposal Case Study Budget provides a format for the presentation of pricing. The format includes values for the following cost elements: Subcontracts, Allowances, Travel, and ODCs. Several questions result from the table and its associated notes:

o The section begins with the statement, “Offerors must provide a 5-year base period budget for the IDIQ and the case study using the format below.” Other RFP language implies that only task order specific costs would be expected; unless the Government is planning a management task order for IDIQ management, there is no way to create an IDIQ budget.. Please clarify the Government’s expectations or confirm that only a Case Study budget is required. The budget table provided in Section L.9.II.2). Case Study Cost/Business Proposal Case Study Budget must be completed.

o If the plug values included in the table are inconsistent with the Offeror’s approach (e.g. the Offeror does not intend to use Ex-Pat staff and no allowances would be required), we assume the actual proposed costs can be substituted to be consistent with guidance provided in other parts of Section L.9. Please confirm. These are plug figures. Use the figures provided.

o The subcontract line item will include the fully loaded costs of all proposed subcontractors which would likely include more than “Staff & Consultants, and respective Fringe Benefits & Overhead.” Please confirm. These are plug figures. Use the figures provided.

o In cases were cost elements defined as part of the Other Direct Costs are included in the Offeror’s indirect rates the ODC values from the table should only reflect the costs that are not elsewhere classified and should be adjusted. Please confirm. These are plug figures. Use the figures provided. Offeror should ensure that it clearly represents (narratively) to USAID which costs it includes as indirect costs and which costs it includes as Other Direct Costs.

19. Section L.9 sub-section Note 4 (LOE Table) provides for daily rate presentation.

o If the Offeror’s business practices record labor on an hourly basis to ensure cost accuracy and consistency with internal policies/practices as well as established Cost Accounting Standards, we assume hourly rates may be substituted. Please confirm.

Offeror shall provide daily rates. Please review the information following the Labor category chart regarding Contractor Salary Threshold. Note that USAID considers one year equivalent to 2080 hours, and 260 days.

o The LOE table does not appear to provide for subcontractor staff and local professional staff. Please clarify if and/or how staff in these categories should be presented. How would the classifications, levels and country context of local staff be integrated into the table? Local Staff are included in the chart. Please see Section L.9 Note 3. See answer to #17 sub-item c.

o Please clarify how the LOE Table will be utilized in the execution of the contract and individual task orders. The case study cost proposal will be used to evaluate cost realism of the contractor’s proposal. The contractor’s proposed costs should be relevant based on the case study technical approach provided.

Will both the rates and effort function as ceilings? Only the daily rates will establish a ceiling.

20. Please confirm that the fee ceiling identified in Section B.8 only applies to task orders issued under the CPFF type. The fixed fee proposed shall be the fee ceiling applicable to all task orders issued under this IDIQ. Please refer to FAR 15.404-4 for additional information.

21. In the context of the overall contract, Offerors may expect to employ “Major Subcontractors” who are not part of the technical approach for the Case Study. Other than indirect cost support no further Cost/Business documentation appears to be required. Please confirm. See answer to #19, third bullet. Costs proposed must be supported and detailed in order that USAID may complete a cost realism evaluation of offeror’s proposal.

22. In light of the guidance included in Section L.9 related to the construction of pricing including the application of ceiling rates and pre-populated significant values for non-labor direct expenses, how will the “best value” (as outlined in section M.3 and M.5) be evaluated?

The entirety of Section M describes evaluation of the solicitation; please see Section M.2 for discussion of DETERMINATION OF COMPETITIVE RANGE & SOURCE SELECTION.

23. We are hereby requesting an extension of at least a week to the due date of the proposals.

The proposal due date will be extended to Monday May 23, 2011, due no later than 4pm Eastern time. All other delivery instructions stated in the RFP remain the same.

24. We kindly request an extension to the due date of the proposals. The question and answer period is very close to the submission date, and there may not be adequate time to reflect any significant changes in the bids. Will USAID please consider an extension? See answer to #23.

25. Section L.8, Section 4, (vi), does a fold out page for the Personnel Annex count as two pages or one? Can a larger page (11X 17) foldout be included for the matrix? Please confirm.

A fold out page sized 11x17 printed on one side would count as two pages. If printed on both sides it would count as four pages. The Personnel Annex Section is a separate section, to be included as an Annex and it the individual components of this do not have page limitation unless stated. While it does not count toward the 25 page technical proposal limitation (including the Case study technical portion), specifically this summary of staff expertise requested is to be a summary, and it is page limited, and shall be no more than two pages.

Offerors shall use only 8 ½ by 11 inch paper.

26. Section 4.(vi) states that the Offeror shall include in the Personnel Annex a two page

(maximum) summary matrix of the expertise of staff, consultants, and other personnel specialists that will not be included within the Technical Proposal 25-page limitation. We kindly request that the maximum page limit for this Personnel Annex staffing matrix be increased to allow for the graphic presentation of personnel expertise across the 100+ technical areas listed under A-H (and other experience noted on page 97-100). See answers to questions #3 and #25.

27. Section L.8, Section 4, (v), is the roster of staff that includes items 1-12 a separate table from the Personnel Annex mentioned in (vi)? See answer to #3.

28. Section L.10, the case study instructions include a product outline requirement. Please clarify what a product outline is? Is it a list of technical deliverables for the proposed approach, or is it linked to the “high-impact services and products for child, maternal, and neonatal health” cited in the case study statement of work? As stated in Section L.10, the “…product outline (shall describe) what would be the deliverable(s) and/or result(s) of this task;” Please read all of the instructions in this section carefully.

29. Section L.9, II, 2), Note 4, We assume that the labor category table included in this section is an illustrative format for presenting a list of potential staff across three levels of the relevant technical areas for the entire IDIQ. We also assume that for the purpose of the case study, offerors are to designate relevant labor categories and staff among the choices on the full table to accomplish the proposed technical scope, and only provide daily rates and LOE for these specific positions in the cost proposal. Please confirm that we are correct in our assumption. Correct.

30. Section L.9, II, 2), Note 4, the labor category table last line refers to “Local Professional

Staff”. What kinds of staff are considered to be local professional staff? Do we assume that technical staff members in the rest of the table are not considered local? Please clarify how local professional labor rates should be calculated? Offeror must provide interpretation of what it proposes as “local professional staff” and determine local professional labor rates.

31. Section L.9, II, 2), Note 4, it states “Offeror shall submit AID Form 1420-17…for three candidates representing the levels of each functional labor category listed.” We assume this refers to the Labor Category Table on the preceding pages. Please confirm if we must name three staff members and submit biodata forms for each category. For example, must we provide a staff name and biodata for Level I, II and III of Family Planning/Reproductive Health Specialist category? See answer to #12.

32. Section H.10. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

(pp. 48-49), regarding items a., d., e., f., it is this contractor’s established policy and practice to pay new employees within our established salary scale, regardless of current salary, in order to ensure new employees are paid at a rate equitable to employees with equivalent job classifications. In addition, it is also within our policies and practices to provide annual salary increases based on performance which can sometimes be greater than 5% and promotional increases are generally between 5%- 10%. We also have established pay scales for each country we are working in which has been created based on review of LCPs and market analysis. In some cases these scales may exceed the established LCPs for a country. Given these exceptions, will USAID revise the guidance in the RFP as long as contractors are following their established policy and practice? As stated in Section H.10 ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS FOR PERSONNEL COMPENSATION proposed increases above the amounts stated in H.10 require additional and advanced approvals. Contractor may only bill the US Government at approved salary rates.

33. Section L.9.II.c, the RFP references, “A level of Effort (LOE) breakdown is given in Note (4) to be used in generating the cost proposal.” The breakdown was not provided in Note (4). Please provide a level of effort breakdown if this is a requirement. Offeror shall determine its own staffing requirements to successfully implement the scope of work it has proposed for the Case Study. It shall propose its own level of effort/person days per category as it pertains to this requirement, selecting the category and level of staff required.

34. Section L.9.II.c, the RFP states that the Subcontracts line item includes staff and consultants and respective Fringe Benefits and Overhead. Please confirm that offerors can add a line item for the proposed fee for subcontractors, as the plug figure does not include proposed subcontractor fee. There is a line for subcontractor included as a plug number. Assume the subcontracts plug line includes fee. Use the figures provided.

35. Please confirm we can propose consultants with unburdened daily rates, as staff are being proposed with unburdened daily rates. The labor category chart included requires ceiling rates for consultants – these should be burdened rates.

36. Section L.6, e), 2, (a), the link to the delivery request form provided in the RFP does not work. Please provide a copy of the required form as an attachment to the responses to questions. The link to the Delivery Request Form is as follows:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/a519-1.doc

37. Section M.1, (e), “There is no restriction from submitting a proposal as a prime offeror, while also being included as a subcontractor under another offeror‘s proposal. However, USAID may preclude the inclusion of your firm as a subcontractor to another proposal if both your proposal and the other offeror‘s proposal are in consideration for a prime award. If this situation appears likely, during discussions USAID may inquire with the offeror that has included your firm as a subcontractor to determine how their proposal would be modified should they be required to remove you as a subcontractor in their consortium?” Does this apply to small business that are also applying for a small business set aside as a prime contractor? Yes, the same applies for small businesses.

38. Section B.2, indicates task orders will be Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Firm Fixed price

(FFP); however, the level of effort and the application of rates appears to be more in line with a Time and Materials (T&M) task order. Please clarify. Task orders issued under this IDIQ will be either Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee (CPFF) or Firm Fixed price (FFP).

39. Section L.8.5.A: Does USAID require 5-8 past performance references for the prime and each proposed subcontractor? Or a total of 5-8 past performance references for the prime and proposed subcontractors? Please read carefully Section L.8.5.A(i) – for the offeror and each MAJOR subcontractor…

40. Section L.8.5.A: The RFP instructions for the Past Performance section state that offerors must list “the most recent and relevant contracts (within the past 7 years) for efforts similar in scope and complexity to that which is detailed in Section C of the RFP.” Please confirm USAID will accept past performance references for grants and cooperative agreements, in addition to contracts. Grants and Cooperative Agreements which are recent (within the period referenced), relevant and similar in scope and complexity may be submitted.

41. Section L.8.5.B: The RFP instructs offerors to submit “a copy of the most recent SF 294 ‘Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts’ for each contract against which offeror was required to report for the past 3 years”. Our SF 294 submissions for the past 3 years constitute more than 500 pages and 20 megabytes. Would USAID allow the offeror to instead include 10-20 SF 294 reports from the most recent reporting period? Yes – provided the SF-294s provided meet the recency criteria.

42. Evaluation Criteria Section M.4 (1), Part 1 references “…Asia and global institutions involved in Health policy….” Does “Asia institutions” refer to institutions at all levels to include in-country organizations such as CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, etc., or does it just refer to regional organizations and agencies? “Asia, Latin American, African institutions” refers to institutions at all levels, including in-country organizations such as CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, etc.

43. Evaluation Criteria Section M.4 (1), Part 1 references “…Latin American/Caribbean and global institutions involved in Health policy….” Does “Latin American institutions” refer to institutions at all levels to include in-country organizations such as CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, etc., or does it just refer to regional organizations and agencies? See answer to #42.

44. Evaluation Criteria Section M.4 (1), Part 1 references “…African and global institutions involved in Health policy….” Does “African institutions” refer to institutions at all levels to include in-country organizations such as CBOs, CSOs, NGOs, etc., or does it just refer to regional organizations and agencies? See answer to #42.

45. Will small businesses be responsible for filling the same extensive criteria that apply to large businesses; that is, experience in a minimum of 4 of 7 technical areas and at least 6 to 8 sub-areas within each (as defined on pages 96 to 100)? The nature of small businesses is more specialized, and they have fewer staff members and consultants that cover areas beyond their core competencies. Moreover, the TASC4 size definition of the small business set-aside RFTOPs would seem not to require such extensive breadth of experience. All businesses, large and small, that respond to the RFP are required to meet the same criteria as stated in the instructions (Section L) and evaluation (Section M) sections. There is no difference in the response and evaluation requirements due from large or small business offerors, with the exception of 1) L.8 Technical Proposal Sections, 5) Past Performance, C. SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS (SDB) PARTICIPATION PROGRAM TARGETS and 2) L.9.V Subcontracting Plan. However, small businesses who do not clearly indicate their offer is submitted only for consideration of the set-aside award MUST submit the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Participation Program Targets. Carefully review RFP Sections L and M.

46. Given that task orders to be set aside for small businesses under TASC4 will not be large enough to cover the types of program assistance called for in the case study examples, are small business offerers expected to complete the case study requirement or would there be another way to demonstrate expertise and relative costs? All offerors, including small business offerors are expected to complete the case study requirement as stated in the RFP.

For small businesses that are successful contract awardees for the IQC, there is no limit to the size of task orders they may compete on and subsequently, if selected, win and be awarded.

As stated in F.7.b., all task orders greater than $3,000 but less than or equal to $1,000,000 shall be competed first with any category of small or small disadvantaged business contract holders. All contractors (large and small businesses) shall be given a fair opportunity to be considered for Task Orders over $1,000,000 unless the TOCO determines that one of the statutory exceptions as stated in the RFP applies.

47. Page 100 of the RFP states, "The minimum qualifications defined for personnel specialists shall be strictly followed in the selection, placement, and payment of personnel via the task order system. With the approval of the Contracting Officer, equivalent work experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement.” Shall offerers assume appropriate approvals in their proposals, or should all staff members and consultants who do not possess a doctoral degree (regardless of their experience or billing rate) be listed as level III personnel? As stated in the RFP, Contracting Officer approval is required to substitute equivalent work experience for the education requirement. Offerors may propose personnel and provide rationale for proposing personnel at a certain level, but should understand that Contracting Officer agreement and approval of substituting work experience for education is subject to approval.

48. Page 100 of the RFP defines personnel levels by, “…developing-country, health-relevant work experience (and)…years working in a developing country context.” Please clarify the difference between developing-country experience and experience in a developing country context. “Developing country experience” refers to living and working in a developing country; “experience in a developing country context” means working with developing countries, without necessarily residing in them.

49. L.8, Section 5A. page 101 - Under Past Performance References, it states that “Offerors shall, for all past performance references cited, indicate whether past performance information has been registered in the NIH Contractor Performance System or in ORCA database”. Can USAID explain how a past performance can be registered in ORCA? Can USAID also explain what it means to have a PPR registered in ORCA? Offeror shall indicate if past performance information has been registered in PPIRS.

50. L.8, Section 4 – Personnel #3 states…”The proposed IDIQ Project Director shall have at least ten (10) years in-country experience working in the field of health care delivery in developing countries……..”. Please elaborate on what would be acceptable to meet this requirement. Would someone with ten (10) years experience providing STTA to a country suffice? Would ten (10) years experience in country/region that is not continuous be acceptable? A combination of STTA/TDY experience and resident experience may be considered, provided the experience total is equivalent to the period stated. Approval for substitution of experience for education requires the prior approval of the Contracting Officer. See experience/education equivalency chart provided in the posted amendment.

51. In Section L.8.vii., may offerors propose personnel for each of the labor categories and levels based on the note regarding substituting years of experience for degrees? Although the RFP mentions making such substitutions under future task orders, is it permissible to do so under the IDIQ proposal as well? In other words, can USAID amend the description of each level by adding the words “or equivalent”. See answer to #47.

52. Can USAID please clarify section L.8 Section 4) (v) on page 99-100. Six of the 12 categories in part (v) on page 99-100 overlap with Letter G (Research) also on page 99.

Does part (v) from page 99-100 refer to HIV/AIDS-related research areas? Does the offeror need to include these technical areas in the labor category and LOE chart referenced on page 107 to 108 of the RFA? See answer to #3.

53. Section L.9 a), requires Cost/business proposal CD’s to be labeled “TASC4-Africa, Cost/Business Proposal – Case Study” and L.9 b) requires Cost/business proposal to be labeled “TASC4-Africa, Cost/Business Proposal”. Are these two different CDs? If so, can USAID explain what documents these two CDs should contain? There is only one CD to be submitted under the name “TASC4-Africa (or Asia, or Latin America), Cost/Business Proposal – Case Study”.

54. Section L.9 a) States that “Offerors must submit a Cost/Business proposal for the Case Study only” and Section L.9 II 2) b. 2, states that “Offerors must provide a 5 year base period budget for the IDIQ and the Case Study using the format below”. Are we providing two separate budgets, one for the IDIQ and one for the Case Study? If we are providing two separate budgets then what will be in the IDIQ budget? Please clarify. The 5-year Case Study budget is the only budget that is to be submitted. It shall include the Case Study Cost/Business Proposal Cost Study Budget chart as provided in Section L.9 (including the plug costs that are provided) along with the Labor Categories and ceiling rates (same section) offeror has determined to be applicable for the proposed technical approach to the Case Study.

55. In the Case Study Budget, does USAID want us to show employee unburdened and consultant burdened rates? Employee unburdened and consultant burdened rates are to be provided in the Labor Category Chart with ceiling rates.

56. The LOE categories showed in Section L request unburdened salaries for Employees, but burdened salaries for consultants. Can USAID explain why it is asking for employee rates as unburdened and consultant rates as burdened? USAID desires to have offerors provide daily unburdened ceiling rates for employees (this includes subcontractor’s employees) and daily burdened ceiling rates for consultants.

57. For the Consultants line-item in the Case Study Budget template, should we use the burdened rate or unburdened rate? Consultants are considered short term technical assistance.

Consultant rates shall be presented as burdened rates.

58. When USAID says “Burdened Consultant Rates”, does this include fee? Yes. Would USAID find it acceptable to show the rate without fee and list the fee on a separate line item? No. for the purposes of this cost analysis, provide consultant daily ceiling rates as fully burdened rates.

59. Section L.9 II 2) b.2 states "Offeror shall submit AID Form 1420-17 - Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheets for three candidates representing the levels of each functional labor category listed." We interpret this to mean Offerors shall submit biographical data sheet for 1 candidate for each of the three levels of labor categories and not 3 candidates for each level. For example, USAID requires 1 biographical data forms for the Family Planning/Reproductive Health Specialist, not 3 forms. Please confirm. See answer to #12.

60. Section L.9 II 2) b.2 states that “Offeror shall provide the calculations and budget narrative explaining how the daily rates were computed. Daily rates shall be included as base, unburdened rates. The offeror must demonstrate the calculations for the base daily labor rate proposed”. Can USAID explain what this means? Does USAID want to see the employee’s yearly salary divided by number of days per year? Offeror must provide detailed information justifying all rates. Base rates provided for employees should be based on employment history, education, and experience. The daily rate is typically annual salary divided by number of days per year. USAID considers one year equivalent to 260 days.

61. Section L.9 II 2) b.2 also states that “for calendar years 2011 and 2012 there will be no increase in the CST, therefore offerors shall not escalate this rate”. We assume we can escalate the rate starting from calendar year 2013. Please confirm. Given that calendar year 2011 will be over by the time the TASC 4 IDIQ contracts are issued, can we escalate the rate from year 2? USAID anticipates, but does not guarantee that award of the IDIQ contracts will be made on or before the end of the 2011 Fiscal Year.

62. Given that the Functional Labor Category list is not inclusive, can we add other labor categories or are these positions included under Other Technical Specialist? “Other Technical Specialist” category may include other labor categories. If other technical specialties are proposed, offeror must identify the level of work proposed and provide the ceiling rates for the levels proposed.

63. If we use Subcontractor employees to fill any labor categories, should we list them in the

“Unburdened Employee Rate” or “Burdened Consultant Rate” column? Subcontractor employees shall be presented as unburdened employee rates.

64. In the Functional Labor Category List, what is the purpose of “LOE Person/Days” in the

IDIQ labor category? See answer to #33. How would an Offeror propose LOE for IDIQ? See answer to #33.

65. On page 107, above the Functional Labor Category List, it states that “For the purpose of the

Case Study.” However, isn’t the chart for the IDIQ and not for the Case Study? See answer to #54.

66. Can USAID state what cost proposal documentation is required from subcontractors? Offeror must submit the budget chart provided as well as supporting cost information as requested.

Section L.9 outlines the cost requirements for both prime and subcontractor. Please review the entirety of Section L.9 for instructions on preparation of the Cost information from both prime and subcontractor.

67. For the Case Study budget, does the Offeror need to budget for the Training and Equipment or are these costs included in ODCs? These items are included in ODCs. Please see Section L.9. II Note 3.

68. Local Professional Staff – figure for labor cost of professional staff estimated at 6500 person days. Is this per year? Or total for 5 years. Please confirm. 6500 person days is the total for 5 years

69. Local Professional Staff – shall we assume the local professional staffs are from the country for the Case Study? Correct.

70. Page 104 under Section II Proposed Costs/Prices (1c) states that “A Level of Effort (LOE) breakdown is given in Note (4) to be used in generating the cost proposal.” Note (4) contain no LOE breakdown. Please clarify. See answer to #33

71. Based on the language in page 104 Section II Proposed Cost/Prices (1c) regarding ceiling rates, can USAID please clarify if it intends to issue ceiling rates to each IQC holder based on its proposed personnel for labor categories. Correct. Please note this was not done in TASC3 IQC. If USAID wants to impose a ceiling shouldn’t it be asking for employees’ fully burdened rates? Please provide proposed employee unburdened ceiling rates.

72. The RFP requests SF 294s for the last three years which represents approximately 950 pages for our firm. May we provide 10 – 15, SF 294s which are indicative of our work? See answer to #41.

73. L.8, Section 4 – Personnel asks the Offeror to demonstrate technical expertise in a minimum of 57 technical areas. In addition the RFP asks in the cost proposal to submit a rate for an employee and consultant at each level for each major technical area in the Labor Category table (found in Section L.9.II.2; 28 named staff/rates). Would USAID consider increasing the page length of the summary skills matrix (currently set at 2 pages) so both of these requirements can be met in addition to balancing US-based, local and partner staff? See answers to #3 and #25.

74. May the Offeror submit a work plan for the cast study as an annex to the proposal? No, the work plan should be included in the case study proposal and is included in the page limitation.

75. If the Offeror would like to include an Executive Summary, can this be counted outside the maximum page limit of 25 pages? An Executive Summary is not required, but if it is provided it shall be included in the 25 page limit, which includes the case study.

76. May the Offeror submit both the technical and cost volumes in PDF format with only budget narratives in Microsoft Word and budget spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel? Will this satisfy the requirement that all files must be text accessible? Yes, provided the font size and page margins on the PDF documents are not significantly different from the instructions provided in Section L.

77. May the Offeror use a smaller size for figures, graphics and tables in the technical and annexes? If so, please specify the font size and type. No

78. Would USAID reconsider the number of awards under this IDIQ in order to ensure adequate competition for Task Orders? See answer to #6.

79. Section H.3 – the statement “The authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 000 unless otherwise specified in the schedule of this contract”. Given this, are all contractors in the consortium required to be US incorporated at the point of submission of this IDIQ proposal? No

80. Section H.9 states that compensation of personnel will be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices. However, Section H.10.a and d both cap salary increases to < 5%. Additionally Section H.10.e caps promotions to 5% as well. Capping of compensation will not comply with our established HR policies. Can USAID please clarify this requirement? See answer to #32.

81. Section L.9.a states that Offerors must submit a case study budget only. However, L.9.II

Note 4 requests a labor category table. Are both the case study budget and the labor category table with ceiling rates required? Yes. See answer to #54.

82. Section L.9.II.1.c. states that a LOE breakdown is given in Note (4) to be used in generating the cost proposal. Could USAID provide LOE breakdown by days for each labor category?

See answer to #33.

83. Section L.9.II.1.c and Note 4 requests burdened daily rates for consultants which is a Time and Materials (T&M) rate. However, the case study cost/business proposal case study budget table reflects a CPFF budget. Please clarify that USAID does indeed expect consultants to be proposed with fully burdened rates and employees with unburdened daily rates in the case study. See answer to #56.

84. Case Study Cost/Business Proposal Case Study budget – the line item for Consultants. Is this line item just for Consultant labor or should it include all items related to Consultants (travel, other direct costs, etc.)? Consultant line item should include all items related to consultants.

85. USAID is requesting a CPFF case study budget. However, under Section L.9.II.1.c is requesting ceiling daily rates and labor categories which are not typical for cost type contracts. Please clarify that ceiling daily rates are indeed required. If ceiling rates for labor categories are required, are the ceiling daily rates incorporated into the IDIQ and therefore, any task order proposal under this IDIQ must propose staff by labor categories not to exceed the ceilings? See answer to #56. Ceiling rates established will be the cap that offeror may propose for that labor category. Subsequent task orders may require additional personnel labor categories to be proposed.

86. Section L.9.II.2 Note 3.vi states that the travel transportation and per diem plug figures does not include subcontractor travel. Should Offerors add another line item just for subcontractor travel or should we assume that it is included in the Subcontracts plug figure of $3,000,000?

Assume travel is included in the subcontracts plug figure.

87. Section L.9.II.1.c and Section L.9.II.2 Note 4 request daily rates for every single labor category and level for both employee and consultants. Are Offerors required to submit a rate for every single category and level? See answer to #33.

88. Section L.9.II.2 Note 4 requests biodatas for three candidates representing the levels of each functional labor category listed. Does this mean a total of 6 biodatas must be presented for every labor category – 3 from employees for each level and 3 from consultants for each level? See answer to #12.

89. Section B.9 (f)(1) states that TCNs or CCNs who work in the U.S. or are legal residents of the US should be treated as U.S. citizens. Offeror shall read this section carefully – there are restrictions and conditions. How should regional TCNs be classified in the labor category table? TCNs will either be prime or sub employees, or consultants. Can a TCN be proposed as a Chief of Party for the case study example? A TCN may be proposed as Chief of Party for the Case Study. Please be aware of the difference between the treatment of TCNs, CCNs and US citizens with respect to salaries, allowances and differentials and the difference in the differentials and allowances permitted for TCNs and CCNs.

90. Section L.II.(2) Note 4 states that biodata sheets provided must be a representation of the prime and/or subcontractor employees. How should subcontractor daily rates be classified in the labor category table as there is no listing for subcontractor personnel? Offeror may indicate prime vs. subcontractor labor on the labor category table. Biodata sheets should detail the employer.

91. Additionally, should subcontractor daily rates be burdened or unburdened? See answer to

#63.

92. For those organizations with cost structures that direct bill project management and administration costs, how should US home office project management/administrative costs be reflected in the labor category table and in the case study budget?