Water_SOW_Q_ _A__2-28-2013.docx

2-28-2013 Q&A on Draft WADI SOW - Solicitation OAA-13-000033

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS RELATED TO THE TECHNICAL CONTENT OF THE SOW

1. Will any countries/regions be targeted?

Answer: The Water and Development IDIQ is intended to be the primary centrally funded mechanism for implementation of the new USAID Water and Development Strategy. This new strategy is forthcoming. The geographic scope of the IDIQ is global.

2. Will there be alignment with USAID/Afghanistan’s Energy and Water IQC?

Answer: The Water and Development IDIQ and USAID/Afghanistan’s Energy and Water IDIQ are intended to address different development challenges and the mechanisms do not specifically align.

3. Consider including “Climate Change” as a cross-cutting technical area under C3.

Answer: The IDIQ is being developed to support the Agency’s Water and Development Strategy. Climate change is a cross-cutting issue important to all USAID programming. Please refer to USAID’s Climate Change and Development Strategy (http://www.usaid.gov/content/global-climate-change/usaids-global-climate-change-and-development-strategy) for guidance.

4. Consider including “Water Reuse” as a cross-cutting technical area under C3.

Answer: Water recycling and wastewater reuse are included in the list of illustrative technical areas in Section C.4 of the draft SOW.

5. Include more emphasis on flood control, including dam removal.

Answer: Extreme event forecasting, warning, risk mitigation, preparedness, and post disaster recovery are included in the list of illustrative technical areas in Section C.4 of the draft SOW.

6. Specifically mention Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) under C.3.7 Answer: Your comment is noted. CLTS has been added as a technical area in Section C.4.

7. Specifically mention slums under C.3.7 Answer: Projects that support the design and implementation of service delivery options that are responsive and appropriate to urban populations, particularly the urban poor, can be procured under this SOW.

8. Provide more mention of gender.

Answer: Gender is an important cross-cutting consideration in all of USAID’s programming. A specific section on gender has been added to the SOW.

9. Include the concept of scaling-up when discussing sustainability.

Answer: Your comment is noted. The SOW has been adjusted as appropriate.

10. Will incumbents under this IDIQ be expected to possess specific country, regional and local expertise?

Answer: The Water and Development IDIQ is a global mechanism. Personnel requirements will be outlined in the solicitation. Country, regional, and/or local expertise will be Task Order specific and the requirements for such will be stated in the RFTOP.

11. How much of the above expertise will be provided by ongoing, decentralized AID support programs?

Answer: This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to perform any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4.

12. How can interested contractors learn more about the likely, AID country, regional and local priorities over the life of this IDIQ?

Answer: The Water and Development IDIQ is intended to be the primary centrally-funded mechanism for implementation of the Water and Development Strategy. The IDIQ is not specifically targeted towards any particular country or region. The Water and Development Strategy will provide further detail on how USAID views country priorities.

13. Will the incumbent be expected to possess the financial expertise and connections necessary to justify and advance project proposals to investment funding authorities?

Answer: Financial expertise will be necessary to perform some of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 and in the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4 of the draft SOW. Further requirements will be Task Order specific and will be stated in the RFTOP.

14. Approximately what fraction of the work conducted under this IDIQ does AID expect to be of a broad, policy, planning and priority setting nature?

Answer: This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to obtain any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4. No quotas will be set for technical areas.

15. Approximately what fraction of the work conducted under this IDIA does AID expect to be of a more specific, regional, country or local nature?

Answer: This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to obtain any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4. No quotas will be set for specific regions, countries, or locales.

16. Looking at the two broad strategic objectives for the work under this IDIQ: approximately what fraction of the work does AID expect to focus on water quality (i.e., SO1) versus water quantity (SO2)?

Answer: This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to obtain any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4. No quotas will be set for technical areas.

17. Will institutional capacity building work conducted under this IDIQ emphasize U.S. models of water quality and quantity regulation and governance?

Answer: The institutional capacity building work conducted under this IDIQ should promote models of water quality and quantity regulation and governance that are most appropriate to the specific region, host country, or locale.

18. Are data collections and systems developed under this IDIQ primarily for use by host country, region and local officials?

Answer: The end users and/or beneficiaries of the data collection and management systems will be determined on a Task Order-specific basis.

19. Are data collections and systems developed under this IDIQ intended to contribute to larger, aggregated efforts of interest to AID/Office of Water?

Answer: The end users and/or beneficiaries of the data collection and management systems will be determined on a Task Order-specific basis.

20. Approximately what fraction of the work under this IDIQ does AID expect to be for basic institutional capacity building (e.g., developing baseline data, systems and analysis) versus for more specific, water project development and justification?

Answer: This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to perform any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4. No quotas will be set for technical areas.

21. Will contractors be required to perform Gender specific services under Task Orders, or will gender be an important consideration when designing and performing work under Task Orders?

Answer: Gender is an important and cross-cutting consideration in all of USAID’s programming. Contractors will be required to perform appropriate gender-specific analyses and interventions under Task Orders. Task Order-specific requirements will be stated in the RFTOP. Please also see response to Question #8.

22. Please clarify the relationship between WADI contractors and Feed the Future Initiative.

Answer: Feed the Future is a Presidential Initiative. The WADI is one contracting mechanism that can be utilized to support Feed the Future work.

23. The SOW provides that:

“In the absence of preferred mechanisms at the Mission, Region, or Agency level, Task Orders issued under this IDIQ may be accompanied by a companion M&E Task Order dedicated to independent performance evaluation against the indicators identified in the Task Order Statement of Work. “ “It is envisioned that at least three percent of the Task Order budget will be dedicated to external evaluation, as determined by the ordering office, and procured by a separate TO or contract.”

Please clarify if the contractor will be required to have an arrangement for conducting these evaluations within the Task Orders.

Answer: Evaluation Task Orders will be the responsibility of the issuing Mission or Central Office program. The contractor will not be required to have an arrangement for conducting these evaluations.

24. From USAID’s three water pillars – WASH, Water Productivity (WP), and Water Resources Management (WRM) - the WADI Draft SOW seems to focus heavily on WASH (such as in Section C3.3 and C3.6). Through WADI, does USAID see the other two pillars of WP and WRM being represented equally to WASH?

Answer: The Water and Development Strategy focuses USAID’s water programming along WASH and Food Security Strategic Objectives. The Water and Development IDIQ is intended to be the primary centrally-funded mechanism for implementation of the Water and Development Strategy. The SOW is written to be flexible across a range of solutions to priority issues.

25. Section C.1: Overview, paragraph 2, there appears to be a slight disconnect between:

· The economics of sanitation and water; and,

· Greater public health returns from sanitation and water.

While both are significantly impacted by water and sanitation, could USAID please clarify the wording of this sentence?

Answer: Sufficient sanitation services and water supply for human consumption and food production are essential for healthy populations, which, in turn, are foundational for economic growth.

26. Section C.1: Overview, this provides appropriate emphasis to “economic impacts.” However neither SO1 nor SO2 on Page 1 directly address the “economic impacts” that are raised in C.1: Overview. Does USAID consider “economic impacts” as a third SO; as an over-arching impact; or as an ancillary benefit of SO1 and SO2 in conjunction with other USAID initiatives that are more focused on economic growth?

Answer: USAID’s Water and Development Strategy provides the framework for focusing the Agency’s approach to water programming. Economic impacts have not been identified as a third SO under the Water and Development Strategy.

27. Section C.3.4: Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening, there seems to be a lack of emphasis in providing specific assistance to host-country individuals and institutions related to the planning, design, financing, management, delivery and operation of their water and sanitation programs. In our view, these are key areas whereby institutions desperately need support to become sustainable. Would USAID consider clarifying / revisiting the SOW to reflect these areas?

Answer: USAID’s Water and Development Strategy provides the framework for focusing the Agency’s approach to water programming along the WASH and Food Security Strategic Objectives. Providing technical assistance to host-country individuals and institutions related to the planning, design, financing, management, delivery, and operations of water and sanitation programs are all activities that can be procured under this IDIQ (see Sections C.3.4 through C.3.7 and Section C.4).

28. Section C.3.6: Technical Program Support, the text reads, under bullet #1: “Conducting research and developing practical guidance for USAID Missions related to emerging issues in water, sanitation and hygiene sector programming based on knowledge of how guidance is best received and internalized within the specific mission and/or country/region context.” Rather than focusing on further research—and based on knowing what the issues, constraints and challenges are—would USAID consider that the emphasis be shifted in the SOW to an improved regulatory environment and effective delivery – as well as capacity building to better ensure sustainable results?

Answer: USAID’s Water and Development Strategy provides the framework for focusing the Agency’s approach to water programming along the WASH and Food Security Strategic Objectives. The WADI IDIQ is intended to be the primary centrally funded mechanism for implementation of the water and development strategy. Research is not emphasized, but it is an option under this IDIQ. Improving the regulatory environment and service delivery in addition to other capacity building activities are all services that can also be procured under this IDIQ (see Sections C.3.4, C.3.5, and C.3.7).

29. Near the end of Section C.1., reference is made to the fact that this IQC is the Office of Water’s sole centrally funded mechanism and other mechanisms are available to the Missions. Can you elaborate as to how this IQC might be different than the current Water IQC with respect to centrally issued task orders versus Mission issued task orders?

Answer: Like the previous IDIQ, this IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to obtain any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4.

30. Given the broad range of capabilities required of the respondent and desire to access innovative solutions, will USAID consider past performance on other donor, government or private sector projects?

Answer: Yes. In accordance with ADS 302.3.5.18, the Agency prohibits the use of “prior USAID experience” of an Offeror as a minimum qualification, selective factor or evaluation criteria when awarding contracts. Therefore, USAID will consider past performance on other donor, government or private projects.

31. Does USAID anticipate using the WADI mechanism to promote innovative programming approaches that leverage cost share and Corporate Social Responsibility inputs, including GDA-type arrangements with U.S. organizations, university partnerships and south-south twinning partnerships?

Answer: Yes. Innovative programming approaches are encouraged.

32. Section C.1 makes reference to the Agency embarking on a new Water and Development Strategy. Are there specific strategy papers or documents available that potential bidders should review to familiarize themselves with change in Agency thought and direction in this regard? Does the Agency envision an increased focus on technology and technical innovation?

Answer: The USAID Water and Development Strategy is forthcoming. Leading on innovation and supporting capabilities in science and technology are elements of USAID Forward. The purpose of the WADI is to carry out Task Orders that reflect the Agency’s strategic direction and focus on water programming, including elements of USAID Forward.

33. In Section C.1 it is clearly stated that resources will be focused according to the two strategic objectives including managing “water in agriculture sustainably and more productively to enhance food security”. C.3.8, however, indicates that BFS has this lead and this IQC may only support and augment their activities. Can you further elaborate on the role this IQC will have with respect to this strategic objective and the anticipated level of activity?

Answer: The Feed the Future Initiative is a Presidential Initiative driving USAID’s programming. Work performed under this IDIQ will facilitate more sustainable and more productive use of water in agricultural systems, which supports the overall Feed the Future Initiative. This IDIQ will be available for use by all USAID Missions and Central Office Programs to obtain any of the cross-cutting services in Section C.3 or the illustrative technical areas in Section C.4. No quotas will be set for technical services under this IDIQ.

34. We believe that this IDIQ should be driven by consensus-based stakeholder input regarding what the actual water-related priorities are in each country (e.g., dealing w/ reduction of water supply due to snow melt, reduction of diarrheal disease, etc.). This will orient the IDIQ toward producing meaningful results – rather than mere data gathering. If this is done, then capacity building, institutional development, etc. become components that are driving toward the specific objectives a country is trying to achieve, rather than stand-alone efforts not tied to a country’s specific objectives for water-related improvements.

Answer: Your comment is noted.

35. Have representatives of USAID’s host-country counterparts been solicited for their opinions on the WADI IDIQ?

Answer: Host country input is solicited at all appropriate levels of Mission/Operating Unit programming and planning.

36. In Section C.2: Objective, the text reads: “Through this IDIQ, the Office of Water will facilitate Missions’ access to cross-cutting services in the water sector, including Data Collection and Management, Assessment and Analysis, Strategic Planning and Design, Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening, and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation for the implementation of their field programs.” Could USAID please clarify the use of the word ‘design’ in this context?

Answer: “Design” in this context relates to project/program design.

37. In Section C.3.7, we believe program management should be strongly considered for inclusion among the bulleted list of services. This is distinct from work of a Project Implementation Unit or TA. This work involves respectfully working side-by-side with local institutions, often in their offices, and with a contractual mandate for (proven) capacity building.

Answer: Your comment is noted.

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS RELATED TO THE PROCUREMENT

General Comment: USAID is still in the market research phase for WADI. The definitive requirements for this anticipated procurement are not yet finalized. USAID anticipates the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) which will have the specific details for preparation of proposals by interested Offerors. Until then, however, we cannot comment on the specifics of this expected procurement, only on the released draft Statement of Work.

1. What is the duration of WADI?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP. However, there are maximum time limits specified in ADS 302 and AAPD 02-12 which correspond to FAR 16.506(c) which limits the ordering period for these types of IQCs to five years. Please visit the USAID website at www.usaid.gov and use the tab “Work with USAID” – Grant and Contract Resources – Policies and Resources - which will provide you a link for ADS 302 and AAPD’s for more information.

2. What is the ceiling?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP. The January 2013 Washington Business forecast estimated that this procurement (Water III IDIQ) would be over $100 million. The business forecast is available through the USAID website.

3. How many anticipated awards will be made? Will there be any set-asides?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP. The January 2013 Washington Business forecast estimated that this procurement (Water III IDIQ) would be a partial small business set-aside.

4. Will the RFP for WADI include a sample task order?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

5. Does USAID use GSA-negotiated rates when firms have already gone through that process, or would we be renegotiating rates with USAID if we were to win a contract?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP. Please review USAID’s website on the topic “Doing Business with USAID” for general information on cost/price proposals. You might also review AAPD 02-12 for rate information (see #1 above).

6. How many awards does AID expect to make under this multi-award IDIQ?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

7. How important will international experience be in selecting awardees under this IDIQ?

Answer: The evaluation criteria will be part of the RFP. Please review the draft SOW for the requirements for the IDIQ Manager which include international experience. For general information, see Subcontracting/Teaming in “The USAID Grant & Contract Process: A Basic Guide” https://dec.usaid.gov/dec/content/GetDoc.axd?ctID=ODVhZjk4NWQtM2YyMi00YjRmLTkxNjktZTcxMjM2NDBmY2Uy&rID=MzI3MjE2&pID=NTYw&attchmnt=VHJ1ZQ==&rdp=ZmFsc2U=

8. When the agency awards the work to contractors, will it be multiple awards based on area of expertise?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

9. Use of Local Subcontractors.

Section C.3 of the scope, Cross Cutting Services, provides that:

“The contractor shall furnish personnel having substantial experience and expertise, both practical and conceptual, to perform the cross-cutting services and the range of activities described by this Statement of Work, and as further delineated in each subsequent Task Order. The contractor may be requested to set up an in-country office to provide these services with local staff management by a host country national or an expatriate, and to utilize local organizations or other firms, as deemed appropriate by the sponsoring unit.”

Attachment 1, Alignment with Strategic Objectives, USAID FORWARD, Building Local Capacity, provides that:

“Task Orders performed under this contract will seek to build local capacity by engaging local experts and institutions, and equally important, be able to monitor and measure the success of capacity development activities. One way to build local capacity is through subcontracting directly with local and regional organizations which will be done as specified in each Task Order. “ We fully understand the need to build local capacity and use local partners and also the need to encourage U.S. small businesses. In accordance with FAR 52.219-14 small business prime offerors are reminded that at least 50% of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel must be expended for employees of the small business prime offeror. Given the current structure of the IQCs, with one U.S. Prime and a number of U.S. subs to cover all technical areas, we have the following questions:

a. Will subcontracting to local firms be an evaluation factor when evaluating WADI IDIQ proposals?

Answer: Evaluation factors for the IDIQ will be part of the RFP.

b. Noting that some countries have very few qualified local subcontractors; will USAID allow exclusive agreements with local subcontractors on task order proposals?

Answer: This information will be available in the RFP.

c. Will there be a threshold for subcontracting to local subcontractors on RFTOPs?

Answer: This probably will not be addressed at the IDIQ level. Per the draft SOW, task orders are expected to be diverse and issued by a variety of bureaus, missions, and offices.

d. Will there be a percentage of work to be performed by the U.S. prime contractor, U.S. subcontractors, and local subcontractors on RFTOPs?

Answer: See answer c. above.

10. Are the contractors required to bid on all areas of expertise in the SOW?

Answer: This information will be available in the RFP.

11. Does USAID envision a threshold for small business set aside task orders? This information will be very helpful to receive during forming the teams.

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

12. How many contracts does USAID intend to award and what will be the combined contract ceiling?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

13. How many large and small business awards does the Agency anticipate making?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

14. Will there be specific requirements and goals for small business participation?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

15. Will you release a draft section L and section M for comments and questions prior to the final RFP release?

Answer: No. But there will be an opportunity to ask questions as part of the RFP solicitation process, and responses will be posted on www.fbo.gov.

16. Will the prime contractor’s team be expected to possess expertise in all the Performance Technical Areas identified in the SOW? Or will it be acceptable to have significant experience in a few technical areas with little to no experience in other technical areas.

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

17. Does the government anticipate that successful bidders will be able to provide capabilities in all Performance Technical Areas described in Section C.4. of the Draft Statement of Work?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.

18. In its evaluation of Key Personnel, and specifically the IQC Manager, will USAID place greater weight on the individual’s longevity with the organization, as this allows for greater knowledge of the respondent’s organization?

Answer: This information will be part of the RFP.