SOL-OAA-12-000106_Amendment_02.pdf

As a result of this Amendment, the specific changes to the solicitation are as follows:

1. On the Cover Letter (Closing Date:), SF-33 Block 9, and in Section L.6(b), DELETE "October 26, 2012" and

REPLACE with "November 5, 2012".

2. Section I.1 NOTICE LISTING CONTRACT CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, DELETE the following clause references:

52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications, FEB 2009

52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters, JAN 2011

52.215-2, Audit and Records – Negotiation, JUN 1999

52.219-1, Small Business Program Representation, MAY 2004

52.219-19, Small Business Concern Representation for the Small Business Competition Demonstration Program, OCT 2000

52.219-21, Small Business Size Representation for Targeted Industry Categories under the Small Business

Competitiveness Demonstration Program, MAY 1999

52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program – Disadvantaged Status and Reporting, APR 2008

52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation, APR 2008

52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees, DEC 2004

52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, JAN 2009

52.223-13, Certification of Toxic Chemicals Release Reporting, AUG 2003

52.223-14, Toxic Chemical Release Reporting, AUG 2003

And REPLACE with the following clause references:

52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications, May 2012

52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters, Feb. 2012

52.215-2, Audit and Records – Negotiation, Oct. 2010

52.219-1, Small Business Program Representation, Apr. 2012

52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program – Disadvantaged Status and Reporting, Dec. 2010

52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation, Apr 2012

52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, July 2012

And Reserved Clauses have been removed.

3. Section L.8(b), third paragraph, ADD the following to the list of items not included in the page limitation:

Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan

Resume, Signed Acknowledgement Letter and References

4. Section L.8(c)(2)(B) is DELETED AND REPLACED WITH:

(B) Past Performance in Using Small Business Concerns (as defined in FAR 19.001)

[Note: This section is not applicable to prime offers submitted by small business concerns.]

As part of the evaluation of past performance in Section M.3(C)(2) of this solicitation, USAID will evaluate the extent the offeror used and promoted the use of small business concerns under current and past contracts. The evaluation will assess the extent small business concerns participated in these contracts relative to the size/value of the contracts, the complexity and variety of the work small business concerns performed, and compliance with your

SB subcontracting plan or other similar small business incentive programs set out in your contract.

In order for USAID to fully and fairly evaluate performance in this area, all offerors who are not small business concerns must do the following:

(i) Provide a narrative summary of your organization's use of small business concerns over the past three years.

Describe how you actually used small businesses--as subcontractors, as joint venture partners, through other teaming arrangements, etc. Explain the nature of the work small businesses performed--substantive technical professional services, administrative support, logistics support, etc. Describe the extent of your compliance with your SB subcontracting plan(s) or other similar small business incentive programs set out in your contract(s).

(ii) Offerors are required to use the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) and submit their Individual

Subcontracting Report (ISR). Refer to FAR 19.704 (a)(10) (iii) for requirements. Information concerning registration and guidance for submission can be found at http://www.esrs.gov/

(iii) Provide USAID with the names and addresses of three SB concerns for us to contact for their assessment of your performance in using SB concerns. Provide a brief summary of the type of work each SB concern provided to your organization, and the name of a contact person, his/her phone number, and e-mail address for each.

(iv) USAID reserves the right to obtain past performance information from other sources, including any SB concern you have not named or government agency.

5. Section L.8(c)(1), ADD the following:

“(iv) Institutional capacity to manage diverse resources and implementation of organizational systems;

6. Section L.8(c)(5)(i), ADD the following:

“NOTE: The resume, signed acknowledgement letter and references should be provided in an annex to the technical proposal and will not count as part of the 15-page limitation.”

7. Section L.9(b)(1)(a), INSERT the following:

“The proposed ceiling daily rates will be used in the Price Evaluation Matrix and will be incorporated into the contract as the maximum unburdened ceiling daily rate per Section B.11.”

8. Section L.9(b), INSERT the following:

(4) Offerors shall include a budget narrative detailing how offeror arrived at each ceiling daily rate (CDR). The budget narrative shall also provide accompanying assumptions and explanations germane to the offeror‟s costs, including application of fringe benefits, overhead and other indirect rates. The bulk of this narrative should be used to justify the offeror‟s proposed CDRs. The budget narrative shall not exceed nine (9) pages.

9. Section M.2(a) second bullet – DELETE and REPLACE with the following:

Demonstrated institutional capacity to manage diverse resources and implementation of organizational systems;

http://www.esrs.gov/

10. Section M.2(d) is DELETED and REPLACED with:

(d) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Participation Program Targets [5 Points]

[Note: This section is not applicable to prime offers submitted by small business concerns.]

USAID will evaluate all proposals in accordance with the following criteria for SDB participation:

[Note: Within this criterion, the sub-criteria are considered of equal importance.]

The extent to which SDB concerns are specifically identified;

The extent of commitment to use SDB concerns (firm commitments will be weighted more heavily);

The complexity and variety of the work SDB concerns are to perform;

Past performance of offerors in complying with subcontracting plan goals for SDB concerns and monetary targets for SDB participation

The extent of participation of SDB concerns in terms of the value of the total acquisition.

[Note: The total scoring available to small businesses is 90 points since sub-criterion M.2(b)(B), Past Performance in Using Small Business Concerns, and M.2(d), SDB Participation Program Targets, are not applicable to small businesses. Small business offerors will receive a ―Neutral‖ score for these criteria. The final technical score will be commensurate with the percentage of points received vs. possible points. For example, if a small business prime offeror received a score of 70 points out of the 85 maximum possible points, its technical score for evaluation purposes would be 82.36 (i.e., 70/85). USAID understands that there may be minor arithmetic differences in percentage terms as a result. However, these differences are considered to be minor and will not impact any best value decision made under this solicitation.]

11. Section M.3, DELETE the language in its entirety and REPLACE with the following language:

“(a) The price/business evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the Price Evaluation Matrix (Attachment

J.5).

(b) USAID will conduct a price analysis to determine if the proposed fixed prices (i.e., the ceiling daily rates, ceiling indirect cost rates, and ceiling on fixed fee) are reasonable. This evaluation is conducted with the expectation of adequate price competition and will rely heavily on market forces to determine whether proposed prices are fair and reasonable. The comparison of proposed prices in response to this solicitation is the preferred and intended price analysis technique. USAID will also compare the proposed prices to historical prices paid for the same or similar services and the independent government cost estimate. Other techniques and procedures set forth in FAR 15.404-1(b), if deemed necessary, may be used to ensure proposed prices are fair and reasonable.

(c) A cost realism analysis will be performed to determine whether the proposed prices are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements, and are consistent with the unique methods of performance set forth in the offeror‟s technical proposal and budget narrative.

12. Attachment J.5, DELETE Note 3 in its entirety, and REPLACE with the following:

[Note 3: The application of indirect cost line items in the budget proposal may be adjusted by the offeror pursuant to the application of indirect cost rates set forth in the prime offeror‟s NICRA. Offerors must apply the appropriate indirect recovery rate(s) to Attachment J.5(A) in accordance with the Offeror‟s NICRA.]

13. Attachment J.5, DELETE Note 5 in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

“For the positions set forth below the price for these positions will be determined by using the CDR and the prime offeror‟s methodology for recovery of paid absences (leave and holidays). The offeror must enter the appropriate labor cost and paid absences in the Sample Budget below. The budget narrative must clearly and accurately demonstrate the price and method of recovery for workdays and paid absences for all labor categories where applicable. ”

14. Attachment J.5, SAMPLE BUDGET, DELETE in its entirety and REPLACE with the following:

SAMPLE BUDGET

A. Labor:

Category 1:

"260 person-days less paid absence days"{Long-Term (Home Office) US-based} * $625: $150,000.00

"Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 12,500.00

Category 2:

"260 person-days less paid absence days"{Long-Term (Field-based} * $625: $150,000.00

"Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 12,500.00

Category 3:

"40 person-days"{Short-Term US-based Consultant} * $500: $ 20,000.00

Category 4:

"40 person-days"{Short-Term US-based Consultant} * $500: $ 20,000.00

“40 person-days”{Short-Term Local-Hire}*$500: $ 20,000.00

Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 5,000.00

Category 5:

"60 person-days"{Short-Term (Home Office) US-based} * $500: $ 30,000.00

Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 5,000.00

"60 person-days"{Short-Term Field-based} * $500: $ 30,000.00

Category 6:

"80 person-days"{Short Term (Home Office) US-based} * $300: $ 24,000.00

Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 5,000.00

"80 person-days"{Short Term Local-Hire} * $300: $ 24,000.00

Category 7:

"60 person-days"{Short-Term (Home Office) US-based} * $300: $ 18,000.00

Offeror to provide days Paid Absence: $ 5,000.00

"60 person-days"{Short-Term Field-based} * $300: $ 18,000.00

Category 8:

"40 person-days"{Short-Term US-based Consultant} * $300: $ 12,000.00

“40 person-days”{Short-Term Local-Hire}*$300: $ 12,000.00

Category 9:

"30 person-days"{Short-Term US-based Consultant} * $300: $ 9,000.00

“30 person-days”{Short-Term Local-Hire}*$300: $ 9,000.00

Total Labor Costs $571,000.00

B. Fringe Benefits:

Fringe Benefits on LT US-Based Personnel: __________

Fringe Benefits on LT Field-Based Personnel: __________

Fringe Benefits on Consultants: __________

Fringe Benefits on Local-Hires: __________

C. Indirect Recovery on Labor: __________

Other Direct Costs

D - Offeror Travel and Transportation “$100,000.00”

E - Sub Travel and Transportation “$ 50,000.00”

F - Offeror Allowances “$ 75,000.00”

G - Sub Allowances “$ 50,000.00”

H - Offeror ODCs “$ 75,000.00”

I - Sub ODCs “$ 50,000.00”

J - Equipment “$ 50,000.00”

K - SubGrants “$100,000.00”

K.1 SubGrants with LOC “$ 50,000.00”

L - Indirects on D __________

M - Indirects on E __________

N - Indirects on F __________

O - Indirects on G __________

P - Indirects on H __________

Q - Indirects on I __________

R - Indirects on J __________

S - Indirects on K __________

T - Indirects on K.1 __________

U - Indirect Recovery on ODCs __________

Total ODCs + Applicable Indirect Costs: __________

Fixed Fee (Not including Subgrants): ___% __________

Total Estimated Subgrant Costs __________

Fixed Fee (On Subgrant Costs): ___% __________

Fixed Fee (On Subgrant Costs w/LOC): ___% __________

Total Estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee: __________

ATTACHMENT J.7

Questions submitted prior to the August 27 th deadline contained in the solicitation

ATTACHMENT #J.7

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Question: Regarding Attachment J5, Price Evaluation Matrix, on pages 126-127, we have the following questions: On page 127, Categories 5-9 include two lines for each Labor Category representing different types of employees. Can you please confirm that both lines in each category should be calculated using the Offeror‟s corresponding Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rate included in the table on page 126?

USAID Response: Yes the ceiling daily rate should be used.

2. Question: We are planning to submit as a Small Business and, if awarded an IDIQ, we will, of course perform at least 50% of the work. “Major sub-contractor” is defined in Section L.5 and elsewhere as “those subcontractors expected to perform at least 20% of the technical effort under the contract under this

RFP.” There are several sub-contractors which, depending on the nature of the actual task orders awarded, could end up performing more than 20% of the work individually, although the total amount of work that they would collectively perform would be less than 50%.

(a) How should this be addressed for Attachment J.3, the Labor Distribution Chart, since listing each sub-contractor with a likely potential to perform at least 20% of the technical effort would add up to more than

50%?

USAID Response: Please estimate the labor distribution

(b) How should this potential be reflected in the Past Performance References?

USAID Response: Please provide Past Performance References only for major subcontracts that will perform at a level of at least 20% per task order.

3. Question: Page 126, Attachment J.5 “Price Evaluation Matrix:” Offerors are instructed to submit a price for two full-time labor categories over a one year period, based on 240 work days and 20 days of paid absences. For proper evaluation, we request that offerors use their established and approved practices for direct billing of work days and recovery of absences. For example, offerors may recover the cost of paid absences as an indirect cost through their fringe rate, which means that based on the evaluation matrix, some firms may be duplicating costs. Also, some offerors‟ standards require that they direct bill a lower number of work days with a larger number of paid absences different to the provided in the evaluation matrix.

USAID Response: This language has been revised. The “20 days of paid absence” has been removed. Details of a required cost narrative have been inserted. See Section L.9(d).

4. QUESTION: Attachment J.5, Note 5 states: “The Long-term positions set forth below in Labor Category #1 and #2 are full-time positions for one year. Proposals must clearly and accurately demonstrate the price and method of recovery for 240 workdays and 20 days of paid absences for these labor categories.”

If the prime offeror has a fringe rate that covers more than 20 days of paid absences, and therefore, a productive work year of less than 240 days, how should this be presented? If the offeror uses USAID‟s plug figure of 240 days, but then applies a fringe rate which is relevant to less than 240 days, the offeror is unfairly disadvantaged as several days would be „double-counted.‟

USAID Response: The instructions contained in Attachment J.5 have changed via this amendment, removing the requirement related to the inclusion of 20 days paid absences.

5. QUESTION: Page 102, L.8 (b) states that offerors must use Times new Roman font 11 or a similar size typeset.

USAID Response: Offeror should use their own discretion in determining size. Illegible information will not be considered

6. QUESTION: For charts, tables, graphs and text boxes, can the offeror use a smaller, but legible size typeset?

USAID Response: See response to #5.

7. QUESTION: Page 109, L.9 (d) states that, “If the prime offeror or major subcontractor(s) does not have prior

Federal contracting experience it must submit a copy of its personnel policies, especially regarding salary wage scales, fringe benefits, merit increases, promotions, leave, differentials, travel and per diem regulations, etc.”

If the prime offeror has experience as a subcontractor on a Federal contract does the prime offeror need to submit the policies mentioned in L.9 (d)?

USAID Response: Yes.

8. QUESTION: If the prime offeror has experience as a prime implementer on a USAID-funded grant (Annual

Program Statement) does the prime offeror need to submit the policies mentioned in L.9 (d)?

USAID Response: Yes, this information must be submitted per the instructions.

9. QUESTION: On p. 126, “Price Evaluation Matrix”, please confirm that the offeror is required to provide a sample budget for one year only, as prescribed.

USAID Response: Instructions are provided in Attachment J.5.

10. QUESTION: On page 127, Section B. Fringe Benefits, includes the subsection “Fringe Benefits on Local-

Hires.” Fringe Benefits on Local-Hires vary significantly from country to country, as required by the laws of the host country, over which the contractor has little or no control. We therefore respectfully request that

“Fringe Benefits on Local-Hires” be deleted as a subcategory within Fringe Benefits.

USAID Response: See Note 3 to J.5 of the amended solicitation.

11. QUESTION: Just to make sure, for the sample budget in Attachment J.5, the Price Evaluation Matrix, under

Line item A. Labor, we are to insert our own proposed unburdened ceiling daily rate, which will be in place for the life of the IDIQ, for the specified levels of effort, and for Line items B, C, and L-T, we are to provide the dollar amount of the relevant calculations.

USAID Response: Yes, in Line Item A, insert your own proposed unburdened ceiling daily rate. In Line Items

B, C and L-T, provide the dollar amount of the relevant calculations.

12. QUESTION: Page 26, Section D.2: Could USAID please confirm that the required Branding Implementation and Marking Plan is excluded from the page limit of the technical proposal and can be included as an annex?

USAID Response: The RFP has been revised to show that this will not be in the page limit and included in the annex. See Section L.8(c)(6) of the RFP.

13. QUESTION: Does USAID envision one winner working exclusively in a given CPC, or will all IDIQ implementers have the opportunity to bid on multiple HICD activities in each CPC?

USAID Response: Except in cases where there are exceptions to full and open competition, Task Orders will be bid and awarded competitively among all IDIQ holders. The process for competition of task orders is listed in section F.

14. QUESTION: Per p. 7 of the RFP, section B.9 (d) states that “when USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this Contract in a Task Order amount of more than $20,000,000, the contractor is not obligated to bid on an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this Contract.

However, if the contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in excess of $20,000,000 and awarded a Task Order to do so, the contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contracts terms and conditions.” Is this not true for all Task

Orders under this contract, regardless of the amount? Thank you for clarifying the meaning of Maximum Order amount.

USAID Response: Yes, this requirement would be true for all task orders issued under the contract.

15. QUESTION: What is meant to be included in the “Labor Distribution Chart” referenced in L.8.b of the RFP?

USAID Response: See pg. 104: The offeror must also provide a Labor Distribution Chart (See Attachment J.3) as an annex to the Price/Business Proposal identifying the anticipated labor utilization for the prime and all subcontractors.

16. QUESTION: RFP Section B-Supplies or Services and Price/Costs, Sub-Section B.11-Labor Categories -

Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates, page 8, do the ceiling daily rates apply to all team members (prime and subs)?

Do the ceiling daily rates apply to US citizens and TCNs and CCNs?

USAID Response: As stated in B.11 these ceilings apply to all labor charged to the IDIQ including but not limited to TCN, subcontractors and direct employees. Please refer to B. 11 for additional information.

17. QUESTION: RFP Section B-Supplies or Services and Price/Costs, Sub-Section B.11-Labor Categories -

Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates, page 10, please confirm that all labor categories are only Senior labor categories? Can we assume that Junior staff will qualify for these labor categories, as long as their rates are below the ceiling for the Senior level?

USAID Response: Yes, all labor categories are only senior labor categories. Junior staff will qualify for these labor categories.

18. QUESTION: RFP Attachment J.5 – Price Evaluation Matrix, page 126, please confirm that the unburdened ceiling daily rates listed are an example, and the offeror should use their own ceiling daily rates proposed for each labor category.

USAID Response: Yes, the unburdened ceiling daily rates are listed as an example. Offerors should provide their own ceiling daily rates proposed for each labor category.

19. QUESTION: RFP Attachment J.5 – Price Evaluation Matrix, Page 126, Should offerors use any subcontractor rates in the computation of the evaluation model, or is the computation model only to use the Prime‟s ceiling unburdened daily rates, ceiling indirect rates and ceiling Fee?

USAID Response: Only the prime‟s ceiling unburdened daily rates, ceiling indirect rates, and ceiling fee would be included.

20. QUESTION: For Attachment J.3 (Labor Distribution), please clarify whether this is an estimate of potential labor utilization, or is it based on a specific set of labor estimates.

USAID Response: Attachment J.3 is an estimate of potential labor utilization

21. QUESTION: Section B.8(a) (page 6) of the RfP says that contractors will not be able to bill USAID directly

„central management costs‟. Will contractors be able to propose the IDIQ manager and other home office staff for technical or supervisory tasks under task orders (TOs) and invoice for those costs that are accepted in a negotiated CPFF task order contract?

USAID Response: This will depend on the requirements of each individual RFTOP and will be at the discretion of the Task Order Contracting Officer.

22. QUESTION: Upon review of the clauses incorporated by reference in Section I.1, we respectfully note the following corrections to reflect the most recent updates:

a. FAR 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications, May 2012

b. FAR 52.209-7, Information Regarding Responsibility Matters, Feb. 2012

c. FAR 52.215-2, Audit and Records – Negotiation, Oct. 2010

d. FAR 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representation, Apr. 2012

e. FAR 52.219-19, Small Business Concern Representation for the Small Business Competition

Demonstration Program, listed as reserved in current FAR

f. FAR 52.219-21, Small Business Size Representation for Targeted Industry Categories under the

Small Business Competitiveness Demonstration Program, listed as reserved in current FAR

g. FAR 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program – Disadvantaged Status and

Reporting, Dec. 2010

h. FAR 52.219-28, Post-Award Small Business Program Representation, Apr 2012

i. FAR 52.222-39, Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees, listed as reserved in current FAR

j. 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification, July 2012

k. 52.223-13, Certification of Toxic Chemicals Release Reporting, listed as reserved in the current

FAR

l. 52.223-14, Toxic Chemical Release Reporting, listed as reserved in the current FAR

USAID Response: Updates of clauses have been made.

23. QUESTION: Section L.8(c)(2) states that past performance references must be submitted for the offeror and each major subcontractor. May past performance references of non-major subcontractors be submitted?

USAID Response: Past performance references of non-major subcontractors will not be evaluated and should not be submitted.

24. QUESTION: Section L.8(c)(5) on p. 106 states that the offeror shall provide a complete and current resume of the proposed IDIQ Manager along with three references and a signed acknowledgement letter. Would USAID like for offerors to include the CV, references and acknowledgement letter in an annex to the Technical

Proposal, and if so, would USAID please make clear that these pages are not included in the 15-page limit for the Technical Proposal? Also, is there a page-limit on the length of the CV for the proposed IDIQ Manager?

USAID Response: The RFP has been revised. See Section L.8 (c)(5). The page limit for the IDIQ Manager‟s resume is four (4) pages. The IDIQ Manager‟s resume, references, and signed acknowledgement letter are to be provided in an annex and are not included in the 15-page limit of the Technical Proposal.

25. QUESTION: Can the offeror submit reviewed financial statements for the last two complete years if fully audited balance sheets and PNL statements are not available by the proposal due date?

USAID Response: The offeror must submit audited statements as listed in L.9(b).

26. QUESTION: Based on the RFP‟s requirement in L.9(i) Part 9-Information to Support Consent to

Subcontractors, which calls for offerors to address the elements of FAR 44.202-2 to obtain subcontractor consent upon award of the IDIQ, will the IDIQ CO provide consent as envisioned by FAR 52.244-2 at the IDIQ level upon award?

USAID Response: The CO intends to provide consent of subcontractors upon award of the IDIQ.

27. QUESTION: Can USAID confirm that STTA are permitted to work a 6-day work week?

USAID Response: Pursuant to specific Task Orders, STTA may be permitted to work a 6-day work-week.

28. The RFP seems to require that the labor distribution chart be included in both the technical volume (pages 103 and 104) and cost volume (page 107). Would USAID please clarify whether the chart should be submitted as part of the technical volume, cost volume, or both?

USAID Response: The Labor Distribution Chart should be included in the Cost Volume. It should not be included in the Technical Volume.

29. QUESTION: The list of technical volume sections excluded from the page limitation (page 103) does not list the IDIQ manager‟s resume or letter of commitment. Does USAID require that these documents be submitted on numbered pages in the main body of the technical volume, or may offerors submit them in an annex not subject to the page limitation?

USAID Response: The IDIQ‟s resume and letter of commitment are to be included as an annex to the proposal.

These are not included in the page limitation.

30. QUESTION: The criteria for the IDIQ Manager as stated in Section M, “Technical Evaluation Criteria” , (d)

Management, states that the proposed Manager should meet the requirements as described in Section C which allow for CPT or HP accreditation or eight years of equivalent experience. Section L.8 (4) Management requires that the proposed IDIQ Manager “explicitly identify the proposed Manager‟s CPT designation and/or HPI certification. Given the unique challenges of working in CPC-designated areas, the importance of country experience and working with transitional governments, can USAID please confirm that the IDIQ manager can have HPI/CPT certification or eight years of international experience?

USAID Response: USAID can confirm that the IDIQ manager must be HPI certified or CPT designated or have eight years of experience in in applying organizational development methods and theories in government or other institutions in developing countries. Aside from that requirement, the IDIQ manager must also satisfy the requirements set forth in regards to academic degrees on the top of p. 24 of the RFP.

31. QUESTION: Can USAID confirm that both Sudan and South Sudan are considered Critical Priority Countries?

USAID Response: USAID can confirm that South Sudan is a CPC and Sudan is not.

32. QUESTION: May offerors include additional maps, charts or graphics as annexes not subject to the page limitation?

USAID Response: The annex does not have a page limit.

33. QUESTION: Can you please confirm that the resume and letter of commitment for the IDIQ Manager do not count toward the 15 page limit for the technical proposal and should be included as an annex?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that neither the resume nor letter of commitment of the IDIQ Manager are part of the 15 page limit. They are to be submitted as an annex.

34. QUESTION: In reference to Section B Supplies or Services and Price/Costs, Sub-Section B.5 Indirect Cost on page 3 of the RFP, can USAID please confirm that major subcontractors can submit ceiling indirect cost rates in a sealed bid directly to USAID and that their rates will not be disclosed to the prime offeror, due to the proprietary nature of the indirect rates? This would require USAID to be willing to conduct discussions with multiple subcontractors should there be issues/questions related to subcontractor rates.

USAID Response: All responses to the RFP must be in accordance with Section L.

35. QUESTION On Page 23, Section C Description/Specifications/Statement of Work, Results 3 Providing Local

Organization-Funded HICD Services it states, “HICD initiatives can be used to assist host country institutions in reaching minimum standards that are prerequisites for managing direct USAID procurement mechanisms

(i.e., grants and cooperative agreements).” Does USAID expect that the contractor will be required to certify that host country organizations reach minimum standards to receive direct funding?

USAID Response: No.

36. QUESTION: Can USAID please clarify what is meant by, “any requests from host governments would be conducted outside of the framework of this IDIQ”?

USAID Response: Services provided under Result 3 will be subject to terms and conditions negotiated with the host country governments and/or local organizations, separate and outside of the framework of this IDIQ as stated in the RFP.

37. QUESTION: Apart from the differences in eligibility requirements and the overall maximum ordering limitations, how do these two solicitations differ?

USAID Response: The CPC Solicitation will have a place of performance in Washington, DC and CPC countries. The non-CPC solicitation will have a place of performance in Washington, DC and non-CPC countries.

38. QUESTION: Can you provide a listing of the CPCs?

USAID Response: Page 2 of CPC Solicitation: Critical Post Countries (CPC) (currently: Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Sudan). USAID reserves the right to change CPC designations during the period of the Contract.

39. QUESTION: Result 3 for both solicitations note that: “Any requests from host governments would be conducted outside of the framework of this IDIQ.” However, the Alderaan case study is for a government agency. Could you please clarify?

USAID Response: Services provided under Result 3 will be subject to terms and conditions negotiated with the host country governments and/or local organizations, separate and outside of the framework of this IDIQ as stated in the RFP.

40. QUESTION: Page 106, Section L: Could USAID please confirm that the resume, references, and signed acknowledgement letter from the proposed IDIQ Manager are excluded from the page limit of the technical proposal and can be included as an annex?

USAID Response: Confirmed.

41. QUESTION: In the RFP‟s Case Study, should bidders assume that the Mission‟s “Human and Institutional

Development Program” in Alderaan is an ongoing project implemented by a USAID contractor that will now add the Ministry of Taxation-Collections department to its existing portfolio? Or should bidders assume that they have no current on-the-ground presence in Alderaan?

USAID Response: Offeror‟s response to the case study should be framed in the context of having no current on-the-ground presence in Alderaan.

42. QUESTION: We would appreciate clarification about USAID‟s definition and policy regarding HICD.

Specifically, to what extent is “HICD” a prescribed methodology as in USAID‟s HICD Handbook, and to what extent a more general philosophy of incorporating the strengthening of institutions into development planning?

The policy referenced in ADS 201 appears to be more general and does not refer to the USAID HICD

Handbook, whereas the Handbook is a much more comprehensive set of prescribed tools and requirements.

USAID Response: HICD as a policy is a broader approach which required Missions to focus on programming more effective and sustainable foreign assistance. HICD as a methodology and as described in the HICD handbook is a specific approach and model in alignment with the HICD policy.

43. QUESTION: Page 15, Section C: The RFP refers to a Mission‟s “overall HICD effort across its portfolio.” To what extent are Missions worldwide implementing an overarching HICD effort, and are they using the name

“HICD?”

USAID Response: Examples of countries with past USAID-funded HICD programs include and are not limited to Kosovo, Armenia, Nicaragua, Azerbaijan, and Macedonia. Current HICD programs are open in Rwanda and Georgia.

44. QUESTION: Does USAID envision one winner working exclusively in a given CPC, or will all IDIQ implementers have the opportunity to bid on multiple HICD activities in each CPC?

USAID Response: Except in cases of small business set-asides (see solicitation) or justified exceptions to limiting competition of Task Orders (see FAR 16.5), Task Orders will be bid and awarded competitively among all IDIQ holders.

45. QUESTION: The HICDpro for CPCs RFP‟s cover letter states that “proposals will be accepted from private, for-profit and non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including universities, research organizations, professional associations, and relevant special interest associations.” USAID previously disallowed non-profits and NGOs from bidding as a prime on small business set aside contracts, as they do not meet the small business definition. Are non-profit organizations and NGOs eligible to bid as primes for a small business award on this IQC?

USAID Response: Non-profit organizations and NGOs are not small-businesses. Therefore, these entities are not eligible to be awardees under small-business set-asides.

46. QUESTION: Per p. 7 of the RFP, section B.9 (d) states that “when USAID requires services or reports and other deliverables covered by this Contract in a Task Order amount of more than $20,000,000, the contractor is not obligated to bid on an order to furnish those services or reports and other deliverables under this Contract.

However, if the contractor agrees to furnish services or reports and other deliverables required by USAID in excess of $20,000,000 and awarded a Task Order to do so, the contractor is required to provide said services and reports/deliverables in accordance with the Contracts terms and conditions.” Is this not true for all Task

Orders under this contract, regardless of the amount? Thank you for clarifying the meaning of Maximum Order amount.

USAID Response: Yes, this requirement would be true for all task orders issued under the contract.

47. QUESTION: Per p.8 of the RFP under section B.11, “the Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any task order(s) that are awarded under this contract.” Please confirm that CDRs apply for CPFF task orders only, as indicated at the beginning of the said section.

48. QUESTION: The table on p.8 under section B.11 of the RFP lists nine Labor Categories. What happens if a particular Task Order required personnel that do not fit into any of the nine labor categories? Is there a CDR for

“other” categories?

USAID Response: There are only 9 Labor Categories in total. There is not an “other” category.

49. QUESTION: On p.14, Requirement 1.2 consists of “supporting local capacity development service providers and organizations.” What are the types of businesses and organizations that USAID anticipates being included in this category?

USAID Response: All types of organizations and institutions are potentially in this group, including but not limited to: governmental, non-governmental, private sector, and civil society.

50. QUESTION: On p. 17, the RFP states that “when an institutional performance assessment includes recommended performance solutions that would be implemented by one of the FORECAST II – Participant

Training (PT) implementers, or any other technical assistance implementers available to the sponsoring unit, the contractor shall provide coordination allowing for the integration of these solutions and their results into the overall HICD initiative.” Does USAID anticipate that all PT activities to be conducted for HICD initiatives will be carried out by FORECAST II contractors? Or will HICDpro contractors also be expected to deliver PT services?

USAID Response: HICDPro contractors will only be required to provide listed in Section C.

51. QUESTION: On p. 24 of the RFP, under Result 4 (IDIQ Central Management) of section C.4, USAID states that: “It is required that the IDIQ Manager be designated as a Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) by the

International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) (www.ispi.org) and/or certified in Human

Performance Improvement (HPI) by the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)

(www.astd.org) or have a minimum of eight years of experience in applying organizational development methods and theories in government or other institutions in developing countries, and shall have a solid grasp of the physical and psychological challenges inherent in working in in these environments.” Later on, on p. 106, under section L.8 (c)(5) on Management, the RFP details that “the IDIQ Manager‟s resume shall explicitly identify the proposed IDIQ Manager‟s CPT designation and/or HPI certification.” Please confirm that the CPT designation and/or HPI certification are not required for the IDIQ Manager position and can be substituted with

“a minimum of eight years of experience in applying organizational development methods and theories in government or other institutions in developing countries”?

http://www.ispi.org/ http://www.astd.org/ have eight years of experience in in applying organizational development methods and theories in government or other institutions in developing countries. In addition, the IDIQ manager must also satisfy the requirements set forth in regards to academic degrees on the top of p. 24 of the RFP.

52. QUESTION: On p.105 under section L.8 (3), Case Study Workplan, the workplan is to include “personnel requirements to achieve expected outcomes. The Offeror shall use Labor Categories described in Section B.11 in drafting the Workplan.” Is the Offeror expected to simply present requirements for the positions or also to propose staff for each position?

USAID Response: The offeror must submit requirements for the position only; no staff is requested.

53. QUESTION: On p.112, section M.2 (a) on Corporate Capability, the Evaluation Factors for Award for

"Corporate Capability" lists four bullets, three of which correspond word for word with the three numbered bullets listed on p.103 in section L.8 (1). Should the listing in this latter section include the fourth bullet as well

- "Demonstrated ability evidenced by organizational commitment and organizational systems designed to utilize all available resources"?

USAID Response: Please see revision made with this amendment.

54. QUESTION: Page 8, B.11 (b) Note 1 states that, “The Unburdened Ceiling Daily Rates apply to any task order(s) that are awarded under this contract.” Note 3 states that, “The unburdened ceiling daily rates below do not apply to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Orders.” Can you please clarify if the Unburdened ceiling daily rates apply to only CPFF task orders or all task orders?

55. QUESTION: Page 105, L.8 (c) (3) requests that the offeror submit a Work Plan not exceeding 6-pages. Should the workplan be in chart format, narrative format, or a combination of both?

USAID Response: There is no requirement for a chart or narrative format. The offeror should use their discretion to communicate the requirements stated in section L in the most prudent manner.

56. QUESTION: If the 6-pages for the workplan is limited to a chart, will a narrative description included in the 15 pages be evaluated?

USAID Response: The offeror is to respond to the requirements contained in the RFP.

57. QUESTION: Page 112, M.2 (a), bullet #2 requests that offerors address, “Demonstrated ability evidenced by organizational commitment and organizational systems designed to utilize all available resources.” Can you please further clarify what is to be addressed by this bullet point?

Page 109, M.2 (a), bullet #2 requests that offerors address, “Demonstrated ability evidenced by organizational commitment and organizational systems designed to utilize all available resources.” Can you please further clarify what is to be addressed by this bullet point? If possible, an example would be helpful.

58. QUESTION: Can we submit up to 5 contracts in total or 5 contracts for each major subcontractor as well as the prime offeror? Page 103, L.8 (c) (2) (A) (i) request that the offeror and each major subcontractor list up to five

(5) of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to this requirement.

USAID Response: Offeror is to submit up to 5 contracts for each major subcontractors and up to 5 contracts for the prime offeror.

59. QUESTION: Page 106, L.8 (c) (5) states “The Offeror shall provide a complete and current resume of the proposed IDIQ manager. The Offeror shall also include as part of its proposal a signed acknowledgement letter from the proposed IDIQ Manager confirming his/her present intention to serve in the stated position and his/her present availability to serve for the term of the proposed contract.” Should we include the CV and Letter of

Commitment for the IDIQ Manager in the Technical proposal or the annex?

USAID Response: The resume, signed acknowledgement letter and references should be provided in an annex to the technical proposal and is not counted as part of the 15-page limitation. This amendment provides clarification.

60. QUESTION: Reference to page 16, “the contractor should systematically provide the most appropriate partner organizations of HICD initiatives,” does this refer to the selection of our consortium partners for the IDIQ or the selection of potential HICD organization candidates?

USAID Response: This is in reference to partner organizations for potential HICD initiatives under Task

Orders.

61. QUESTION: Reference to Section I.2 52.215-l, should read paper medium instead of paper media?

USAID Response: This should read paper medium.

62. QUESTION: Please confirm five PPRs for the Offeror and major subcontractors combined or five PPRs for the

Offeror and each major subcontractor?

USAID Response: Offeror is to submit up to 5 contracts for each major subcontractor and up to 5 contracts for the prime offeror.

63. QUESTION: The RFP makes no mention of CVs other than the IDIQ Manager‟s, could CVs of additional core team members be included in an annex? The personnel requirements for labor categories seem to be extremely high – the same for subject matter specialists as for administrative help. Could USAID provide labor category information for mid-level personnel?

USAID Response : Only the CV of the IDIQ Manager will be evaluated. CVs of additional core team members should not be included in an annex or otherwise. No CV‟s are required of other personnel. CV‟s will be evaluated at the TO level for specific requirements.

64. QUESTION: In reference to Section C2. The increased use of host country systems is contingent upon strong, accountable, and reliable host country institutions. Is this related to Direct G2G or Sector Budget Support from

USAID to a recipient government (under FORWARD), and hence pre-assessment of fiduciary risk? Or is this related to the selection mechanism suggested in the E3 handbook, by which potential recipients of HICD are assessed along their propensity of being good partners for HICD?

USAID Response: HICD initiatives can be an important component of USAID‟s overall effort to strengthen overall partner country capacity, increase use of reliable partner country systems and institutions, and strengthen local civil society and private sector capacity to improve aid effectiveness and sustainability. In alignment with

USAID/Forward, it will be beneficial for HICDpro contractors to be familiar with the USAID/Forward initiative. Host-country organizations and institutions benefitting from a fully or partially, directly or indirectly

USAID-funded HICD initiatives will contribute to strengthening host-country systems as such.

65. QUESTION: In reference to Section C3. Under task orders, contractors may also be required to coordinate services available under USAID/E3‟s FORECAST II – Participant Training (PT) contracts. FORECAST II is a centrally managed mechanism designed to provide USAID missions with support on Participant Training and

Capacity Building programs. As the HICD methodology may involve Participant Training in any given HICD initiative‟s performance solution design, it is advantageous to be familiar with FORECAST II as well as ADS

252 and 253. Since Participant Training was already awarded to several contractors in a previous IQC this year, what type of “capability” does USAID means by “contractors may also be required to coordinate services available under FORECAST II PT”?

USAID Response: Examples of capabilities USAID anticipates include but are not limited to training program design, recommending participants for FORECAST II contractors, and working with FORECAST II contractors on follow up work after training events end.

66. QUESTION: In reference to Result 3 in the RFP, In support of the Agency‟s emphasis on direct funding with host country organizations, HICD initiatives can be used to assist host country institutions in reaching minimum standards that are prerequisites for managing direct USAID procurement mechanisms (i.e., grants and cooperative agreements). In-country organizations endeavoring to enhance their institutional performance may request that HICDpro contractors provide services and HICD expertise similar to those offered under this IDIQ.

Any requests from host governments would be conducted outside of the framework of this IDIQ. Is this above related in any way to fiduciary risk assessments prior to Direct G2G or Sector Budget Support from USAID to a recipient Government (under FORWARD)?

67. QUESTION: Can USAID provide some background about why the CPCs and non-CPCs were separated into two IDIQs?

USAID Response: The CPCs and non-CPCs were separated into two IDIQs to provide additional opportunities to the small business community (i.e. expanding opportunities to small businesses).

68. QUESTION: RFP Section C-Description/Specifications/ Statement of Work, Result 3, page 23, is there an expectation that the contractor will be required to certify that host country organizations reach minimum standards to receive direct funding?

69. QUESTION: If we do not charge fringe benefits on consultants or local hires (normally recovered as ODCs), is the proper entry 0 for both these categories?

USAID Response: Yes, see revisions to J.5 in this amendment.

70. QUESTION: Please clarify Note 3 in Section B.11: why would an unburdened ceiling daily rate not apply to a

Firm Fixed Price task order, since all task orders would normally be priced under a CPFF format?

USAID Response: In this scenario, this expense would not be reimbursable; hence, contractors will not need to provide ceiling daily rates.

71. QUESTION: Section H.5 and K.11 reference a Secret level facilities clearance. What proportion of the work does USAID anticipate requiring a Secret level facility?

USAID Response: The government cannot provide an estimate of work requiring a Secret level facility clearance. This will be determined on each RFTOP.

72. QUESTION: In section L.9, paragraph (b)(3)(i), the RFP states "The proposal shall also include the name and address of the Government Audit Agency, and the name and telephone number of the auditor." In a case where the offeror has been issued a NICRA by USAID, but the Government Audit Agency that services USAID

(DCAA) has not audited the offeror's rates, will the submission of the NICRA letter alone satisfy the requirements in this section?

USAID Response: Yes, in the case where the offeror has been issued a NICRA by USAID, but the DCAA has not audited the offeror‟s rates, the submission of the NICRA letter alone will satisfy the requirements in this section.

73. QUESTION: Section M.2(a), bullet point 2 on p. 112, says that USAID will evaluate the offeror‟s

“Demonstrated ability evidenced by organizational commitment and organizational systems designed to utilize all available resources.” Could USAID clarify what is meant by “organizational commitment” in the context of this RFP? Is USAID referring, for example, to organizational commitment to development, to client satisfaction, or to some other particular set of objectives?

74. QUESTION: In section M.2, paragraph (e), bullet point 4 on page 115, the RFP states that proposals will be evaluated on "The extent to which the offeror's procedures to manage task order proposal requests are efficient and may appropriately engage with stakeholders, subcontractors, and other technical assistance contractors."

Could USAID explain, perhaps with examples, what is meant by "other technical assistance contractors?"

USAID Response: A technical assistance provider is an entity under contract with USAID and is a provider of goods or services to developing countries and other USAID recipients in direct support of a development…