Amendment__1_to_RFP_SOL-OAA-16-000175.pdf

SOL-OAA-16-000175 – Amendment No. 1

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

1. Cover Page, Closing Date and Time for Receipt of Proposals DELETE May 9, 2017 (17:00 EST) and REPLACE with May 24, 2017 (17:00 EST).

2. P.12, Section B.7.1(b) DELETE the following:

(b) The single unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category below represents the junior level, mid-level, and senior level rate in each category. One unburdened ceiling daily rate for each labor category is included in the contract to provide more flexibility under task orders.

3. P.13, Section B.7.1 INSERT the following:

Offerors’ proposed CDRs for Year 5 will be applied for the potential two years of task order performance beyond Year 5 of the IDIQ.

4. P.20, Section B.7.2 DELETE Academic Degree and Years of Relevant Work Experience for Labor Categories 11 Level 2 and 12 Level 3 in their entirety and REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

• Labor Category 11, Lv.2: MS/MA/MBA 5 years, plus relevant IT certifications

BS/BA 8 years, plus relevant IT certifications

• Labor Category 12, Lv.3: MS/MA/MBA 10 years, plus relevant IT certifications

BS/BA 15 years, plus relevant IT certifications

5. P.49, Section F.5.1(a) DELETE the following sentence in its entirety:

For small business set-asides only, the small business prime must report the percentage of work being provided by its employees. The IDIQ COR must inform the IDIQ CO if the percentage of work being conducted by the small business falls below the 50% requirement in FAR part 52.219-14, Limitations in Subcontracting.

And REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

For small business set-asides only, the small business prime must report the percentage of work being provided by its employees and similarly situated firms/entities. The IDIQ COR must inform the IDIQ CO if the percentage of work being conducted by the small business and similarly situated firms/entities falls below the 50% requirement in FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations in Subcontracting and Small Business Act - 13 CFR 125.6.

6. P.49-50, Section F.5.1(b) DELETE the following sentence in its entirety:

“Depending on the timing of the award of the Task Order, this could be instead of the monthly report for that month.”

7. P.50, Section F.5.1(c) DELETE in its entirety and REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

The Contractor will provide USAID a concise, final report within 30 calendar days prior to completion of this IDIQ. Depending on the timing of this report, it could take the place of the quarterly report, but this will be determined by USAID once a reporting schedule is created with the contractor during the start-up phase. This report will summarize the country situation; program highlights, achievements, and major activities;

funds obligated and disbursed; summary of grant implementation and appraisal; problems encountered and how they were rectified.

8. P.53, Section F.6.1(c), DELETE Classified Task Orders in its entirety.

9. P.129, Sections L.2.8 and L.3 DELETE the following email address:

mkwaw@usaid.gov

And REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

DRGASIV@usaid.gov

10. P.131, Section L.5.1 DELETE the following:

Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates

11. P.136, Section L.6.2.3 INSERT the following:

Cost/Price Matrix Instructions:

i. Offerors must use their ceiling indirect costs for the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix.

The negotiated ceiling indirect rate will be incorporated into the contract in section B.7.1.

ii. A local junior-level salary is provided to the Offerors to calculate fringe benefits for local staff for the purposes of the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix (see attachment J.1). Offerors must use this local compensation plan only for the purposes of calculation.

iii. A senior-level consultant salary (labor category 3- Political or Social Scientist / SME, analytic or country expert (Level 3)) is provided to the Offerors to calculate fringe benefits for Consultant staff for the purposes of the Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix (see attachment J.1). Offerors must use this this rate only for the purposes of calculation.

12. P.150 - 151, Attachment J.1.A DELETE in its entirety and REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

mailto:mkwaw@usaid.gov mailto:DRGASIV@usaid.gov

A. Labor:

Program Development Specialist / DRG Sectoral Expert (Level 1) "140 person-days" * $200 (Short term –Local Hire/CCN) $28,000

Program Development Specialist / DRG Sectoral Expert (Level 2) "140 person-days" * $300 (Short term – Field Based / U.S. Expat) $42,000

Program Development Specialist / DRG Sectoral Expert (Level 3) "45 person-days" * $400 (Short term – Field Based / U.S. Expat) $18,000

Program Development Specialist / Training (Level 1) "180 person-days" * $200 (Short term – U.S. Based) $36,000

Program Development Specialist / Training (Level 2) "180 person-days" * $300 (Short term – U.S. Based) $54,000

Program Development Specialist / Training (Level 3) "180 person-days" * $400 (Short term – U.S. Based) $72,000

Political or Social Scientist / SME, analytic or country expert (Level 1) "25 person-days" * $200 (Short term – Local Hire / CCN) $5,000

Political or Social Scientist / SME, analytic or country expert (Level 2) "30 person-days" * $300 (Short term – U.S. Based) $9,000

Political or Social Scientist / SME, analytic or country expert (Level 3) "30 person-days" * $500 (Short term – Field Based / U.S. Expat) $15,000

Management Information Specialist / ICT Expert (Level 1) "20 person-days" * $200 (Short term – Local Hire/CCN) $4,000

Management Information Specialist / ICT Expert (Level 2) "10 person-days" * $300 (Short term – Field Based / U.S. Expat) $3,000

Management Information Specialist / ICT Expert (Level 3) "80 person-days" * $400 (Short term – U.S. Based / U.S. Expat) $32,000

Field Support / Logistician (Level 1) "20 person-days" * $100 (Short term – Local Hire / CCN) $2,000

Field Support / Logistician (Level 2) "30 person-days" * $300 (Short term – Local Hire / CCN) $9,000

Field Support / Logistician (Level 3) "20 person-days" * $400 (Short term – Local Hire / CCN) $8,000

Admin Support (Level 1) "200 person-days" * $200 (Long term – U.S. Based) $40,000

Admin Support (Level 2) "200 person-days" * $300 (Long term – U.S. Based) $60,000

Admin Support (Level 3) "30 person-days" * $400 (Long term – U.S. Based) $12,000

Total Labor Costs $479,000.00

13. P.152, Attachment J.1.C DELETE in its entirety and REPLACE with the following in lieu thereof:

C. Overhead: __________

Other Direct Costs D - Offeror Travel and Transportation “$ 6,800” E - Offeror Allowances “$103,443.00” F - Offeror ODCs “$196,000.00” G - Equipment “$ 5,500.00” H - Grants Under Contract “$ 250,000.00”

Indirect Costs I - Indirect on D __________ J - Indirect on E __________ K - Indirect on F __________ L - Indirect on G __________ M - Indirect on H __________ N - Total Indirect Recovery on ODCs __________

Total ODCs + Applicable Indirect Costs: __________

Fixed Fee (Not including Subgrants): %__________

Total Estimated GUCs Costs “$250,000.00”

Fixed Fee (On GUCs without LOC Costs): % __________

Total Estimated Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee: __________

Attachment A

Questions and Answers

The following questions were submitted to the FedConnet web site and received by April 10, 2017 (17:00 EST). Questions are organized by topic. While some questions may relate to more than one topic, each question received is listed only once. The names of specific organizations or individuals have been removed. Some questions have been edited for greater clarity.

Procedures/Content:

Q1. Page 135, Section L.6 of the RFP refers: “The Offeror must submit the cover page (Section A) of this request for cost proposal [Standard Form (SF) 33, "Solicitation, Offer, and Award"], with blocks 12 through 18 completed, with an original signature of a person authorized on behalf of the Offeror to sign the offer.” Page 3 of the RFP stipulates “This page Intentionally Left Blank (SF 33 will be Insect here)”. No SF 33 template is provided – kindly provide the SF 33 template to use.

UAID Response: Please see Attachment B.

Q2. Page: 135. Section L.6.1: The Offeror must submit the cover page (Section A) of this request for cost proposal [Standard Form (SF) 33, "Solicitation, Offer, and Award"], with blocks 12 through 18 completed, with an original signature of a person authorized on behalf of the Offeror to sign the offer. Please provide SF 33 for this procurement.

UAID Response: Please see Attachment B.

General RFP Instructions/Submission Questions:

Q1. On p.138 the RFP says, “The Offeror and each proposed subcontractor must complete Section K...the Offeror must provide a signed and dated Section K.” Can you please clarify whether subcontractors must also provide a signed and dated Section K with the proposal?

UAID Response: Yes.

Q2. Page 49-50, Section F.5.1 of the RFP refers, in discussion of the Quarterly Report: “this could be instead of the monthly report for that month” and in discussion of the Final report: “it could take place of the quarterly report and/or monthly report.” Both of these sections mention a Monthly Report; however, a Monthly Report is not mentioned in other sections of the RFP as a deliverable. Please clarify whether a Monthly Report is a required deliverable?

UAID Response: Monthly reports will not be required by this IDIQ. Please see amendment.

Q3. Page 22, Section B.9 Indirect Costs. Table requires insertion of “Source”. Please elaborate what “Source” means for completion of the table.

UAID Response: “Source” refers to where the provided indirect cost rates are coming from.

Q4. Page 49, Section F.5.1 Reports and Deliverables, (a) Annual Performance Report refers.

“For small business set-asides only, the small business prime must report the percentage of work being provided by its employees. The IDIQ COR must inform the IDIQ CO if the percentage of work being conducted by the small business falls below the 50%”. At what level is this 50% requirement? Is it at each task order level or the aggregate of task orders under the IDIQ? The reason for the question is that a subcontractor may have more personnel than the prime offeror for a specific task order in a specific region.

UAID Response: This requirement is at each task order level.

Q5. Are all offerors required to follow the exact order of the technical proposal set out in section M or are we permitted to change the order of the sections as long as they are labeled correctly according to the evaluation criteria?

UAID Response: All offerors are required to follow the exact order of the technical proposal set out in section M.

Q6. In the IDIQ RFP, note 2 under Section B.7.1 on page 12 states that CCN and TCN labor are “also governed by the local compensation plan limitations as further provided in note 3 below”, but Section B.7 (b) notes that “compensation of personnel under this contract or any resulting subcontract must be in accordance with AIDAR 752.7007, Personnel Compensation”. Would USAID please confirm that Offerors are permitted to follow their own practices in regards to TCN and CCN personnel compensation per AIDAR 752.7007?

UAID Response: Please follow all the applicable instructions in regards to TCN and CCN personnel compensation.

Q7. Page 131 of the RFP states that Appendix attachments which contain biographical information for proposed candidates are excluded from the page limitation. Can USAID confirm that a matrix of short term technical assistance provided by the offer in an Appendix attachment would also be excluded from the page limit?

UAID Response: USAID does not require biographical information. Therefore, offerors should not include biographical information as an appendix. A matrix of short term technical assistance provided by the offeror would therefore be counted toward 25 page limit for proposals. The RFP has been amended to remove bullet 6 in section L.5.1 on page 131.

Q8. Page 134 of the RFP states that the Offer should “list three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal for the Offeror, as well as three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts for each of the IDIQ core members.” Could USAID confirm that ‘IDIQ Core Members’ refers to major subcontractors only?

UAID Response: Yes, IDIQ Core Members refers to major subcontractors.

Q9. RFP Section L.5.2(4)(a)(1), p. 134: Can you please confirm that the term “IDIQ Core Members” refers to the Prime Offeror and major subcontractors (“ones whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost”)? Can you also confirm that past performance information, to be submitted in the standardized format provided in Attachment J.4 and Attachment J.5, is only required from the Prime Offeror and proposed major subcontractors?

UAID Response: Yes, IDIQ Core Members” refers to the Prime Offeror and major subcontractors. The offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide performance information for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor (one whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost) proposed.

Q10. P. 134, (4)(a)(1): List three (3) of the most recent (defined as any activity performed within 3 years of the closing date for receipt of the Contractor past performance information) and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work in the subject proposal for the Offeror, as well as three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts for each of the IDIQ core members.

This is the only place in the RFP where the phrase “IDIQ core members” is used. Please provide the definition of “IDIQ core members” and clarify if this is different than major subcontractor?

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q8.

Q11. RFP P.49, F.5.1(a): From RFP: “The IDIQ COR must inform the IDIQ CO if the percentage of work being conducted by the small business falls below the 50% requirement in FAR part 52.219-14, Limitations in Subcontracting.”

NDAA: Page 126 STAT. 2079: “Similarly Situated Entities.-- Contract amounts expended by a covered small business concern on a subcontractor that is a similarly situated entity shall not be considered subcontracted for purposes of determining whether the covered small business concern has violated a requirement established under subsection (a) or (d).”

Is USAID following the SBA final rules that came into effect under the NDAA June 30, 2016 which permit small business set-asides if the total workshare of all small businesses (small business prime offerors plus small business subcontractors) exceeds 50%?

UAID Response: USAID is following the current SBA Small Business Act - 13 CFR

125.6. Please see amendment.

Q12. Page 134: Section L.5.2. (4) Past Performance Information. Please confirm that only the prime and each major subcontractor must list 3 of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work on the Analytical Services Scope of Work.

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q9.

Q13. Page 134: Section L.5.2. (4) Past Performance Information. “List three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts…., as well as three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts for each of the IDIQ core members.” Please clarify the definition of “core” members.

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q8.

Q14. P.131, L.5.1: Not included in this page limitation are the following:

• Title Page

• Cover Letter

• Table of Contents

• Acronym list

• Dividers

• Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates;

• Contractor Performance Report - Short-Form

• Management Structure Organizational Chart(s)

• Past Performance Information and Matrix

Please confirm that the 6th bullet point (Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates) also includes summary tables of personnel by labor category in response to compliance with section M.2.3.

UAID Response: No. The RFP has been amended to remove bullet 6 in section L.5.1 on page 131.

Q15. As per the submission instructions in L.3, will the government please clarify that subcontractors who choose to submit their indirect rates directly to the government should do so via the FedConnect portal also.

UAID Response: No, they should not. Subcontractors who wish to submit their indirecrates directly to the government should do so via email and should be sent to DRGASIV@usaid.gov.

Q16. Would USAID allow offerors to submit an Executive Summary that does not count against the 25-page technical proposal page limit? If USAID allows this, please provide a page limit for the Executive Summary.

UAID Response: The RFP doesn’t discuss an Executive Summary. Offerors are open to include an executive summary, but this will be counted toward the page limit.

Q17. Page: 53. Given that Classified Task Orders are contemplated, will USAID allow successful primes to recoup the costs of facility and personal security clearances upon award of the initial task order?

UAID Response: Classified task orders are not contemplated under this IDIQ. Please see

Q18. Page 53: Given that Classified Task Orders are contemplated, will USAID approve the process for successful primes to secure facility security clearances upon award of the IDIQ contract?

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q17.

Q19. Page 131: Section L.5.1. Please confirm that the offeror may use Arial 9 for text in tables, charts, and graphics.

UAID Response: Arial 9 font size for text in tables, charts and graphics is acceptable.

Q20. Page 131: Section L.5.1. One of the Appendix attachments indicated are resumes. Please clarify for whom / what position(s) should the offeror include CVs for.

mailto:DRGASIV@usaid.gov

UAID Response: There is no Key Personnel Position at the IDIQ level so resumes are not required. Section L.5.1 has been revised. Please see amendment.

Q21. Page 55-56 (and elsewhere): Section F.6.1 General/Fair Opportunity. There is reference to FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting--50% SB rule. Please confirm that USAID will follow the general custom and allow the 50% target to be achieved through an amalgamation of performance by Small Businesses, e.g., the prime + another small business(es). If so, will this “similar size” approach for meeting the 50% target apply for each task order won? Will this approach also apply for the sum of all task orders won on the IDIQ?

UAID Response: Prime contractor must perform at least 50% of the work and must also perform at least 50% of each task order.

Q22. On page 131, section L.5.1 states “Do not use a font type smaller than 11 pitch.”

Would USAID confirm that offeror can use legible font size, smaller than 11 point for graphics, text boxes, tables and charts?

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q#19.

Q23. On page 131, section L.5.1 states “Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates.

Would USAID please provide a page limit for resumes to be included in the annex?

UAID Response: USAID does not require resumes nor does USAID require offerors to identify key personnel. Section L.5.1 has been revised. Please see amendment.

Q24. Are offerors required to submit form SF-LLL? It is included as attachment J.3 but not mentioned as a requirement in Section L.

UAID Response: Yes.

Q25. On page 134, under 4) Past Performance Information, section (a)(1) states “The Offeror must not submit past performance information related to assistance awards.” Can this be revised to allow submission of PPRs from assistance awards?

UAID Response: No, offerors must not submit past performance information related to assistance awards.

Q26. Pg. 53, Delivery Instructions: Section L.3.b, “Format for the Technical Proposals must be in Microsoft Word.” Will the government consider accepting technical proposals in Adobe Acrobat PDF format to ensure the stability of formatting if the PDF is searchable?

UAID Response: There is no Section L.3.b or Delivery Instructions on the cited page in this RFP. Please see L.3 for ASIV Delivery Instructions.

Q27. Will USAID please clarify that the following items are required only from Major Subcontractors versus required from all Subcontractors?

• Section L.6.3 Representation, Certifications

• Section L.6.4 Policies and Procedures

• Section L.6.5 Information Concerning Work days

• Attachment J-3 Lobbying Certificate

UAID Response: Above information are required of prime offeror and its major partners/teammate/subcontractors.

Q28. With reference to Section 3 (i) Page 137, are Major Subcontractors required to submit the name and address of their respective Government Audit Agency?

UAID Response: Yes.

Q29. Will USAID please clarify whether the offeror is required to submit the supporting documents (i.e. bio data forms)?

UAID Response: Offerors must follow all the instructions in the RFP.

Q30. Will USAID accept additional annex materials to the Technical Proposal?

UAID Response: Refer to section L.5.1 in the RFP on page 131. Appendices (or annexes) should not be used to describe the technical approach for which the main body of the technical proposal is intended and subject to a 25 page limit. As section L.5.1 indicates, appendices (or annexes) may include for example biographical information, organizational charts, past performance information, or other documentation that helps to illustrate elements of the technical approach.

Q31. Number of Awards: The predecessor Analytical Services III IDIQ had five awards, including several large businesses, and exceeded X in task orders. Would USAID consider increasing the number of awards from the stated three?

UAID Response: USAID anticipates the award of three five-year IDIQ contracts. Please note however that it is possible through the procurement process that more than three prime awards may be made.

Q32. “Cloud-based computing solutions must comply with guidance supplied by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) where applicable”. Is documentation of FEDRAMP compliance required for the proposal?

UAID Response: No.

Q33. Section L.5.1.ORGANIZATION OF TECHNCIAL PROPOSAL states “Not included in this page limitation are the following: Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates.” Please confirm that the offeror is to submit resumes for the proposed candidates. If so, for which candidates? And if so, submit to whom?

UAID Response: There is no Key Personnel position at the IDIQ level so resumes are not required. Section L.5.1 has been revised. Please see amendment.

Q34. Section L.5.1. ORGANIZATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL. The RFP states

“Do not use a font type smaller than 11 pitch.” Please confirm.

UAID Response: Confirmed.

Q35. Section L.5.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL states “Do not use a font type smaller than 11 pitch.” Would USAID accept a smaller pitch for any other use in the Technical Proposal, such as in a table or chart?

UAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q19.

Q36. Section B.7 LABOR requires Work-Day Work-Week for all MAJOR subcontractors. On page 139, Section L.6.5 requires Work-Day Work Week for ALL subcontractors. Please clarify.

UAID Response: Work-Day Work Week is required for ALL subcontractors.

Q37. Please clarify if USAID requires Letters of Commitments from All Subcontractors or only for MAJOR subcontractors.

UAID Response: USAID requires Letters of Commitments for MAJOR subcontractors only.

Q38. As the anticipated place of performance is worldwide, would USAID please consider changing the geographic code listed under Section H.3 from 937 to 935?

UAID Response: No.

Q39. Section H.18 (1) states that design work under this IDIQ may result in preclusion from implementation. The section further states, “When a task order includes a work requirement that will preclude the contractor from furnishing implementation services, a clause stating the preclusion will be included in the task order.”

Does this mean that if there is no clause stating the preclusion, that there is no preclusion?

Furthermore, does it mean that providing services under the other statement of work categories (listed below) will NOT preclude implementation services?

C.4.1. DRG Assessments, Applied PEA, and Related Analyses and Assessments, C.4.2. Strategic Planning C.4.3. DRG Results Management C.4.5. Research, Special Studies and Surveys C.4.6. USAID Training and DCHA/DRG Networking C.4.7. Rapid Response Transitional Environmental Support

UAID Response: This will be determined on a case by case basis at the task order level.

Q40. On D.1 BRANDING STRATEGY, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND MARKING

PLAN, the last sentence states “[To be completed at the time of the award]” Please confirm the branding strategy, implementation plan and marking plan are to be completed at the time of the award.

UAID Response: Confirmed, Branding and Marking Plan will be completed at the time of award.

FedConnect:

Q1. Is there a file size restriction for uploading our proposal to Fedconnect or sending through email for submission?

UAID Response: The recommended individual file size for attachments is 25 MB or less with a total size for all attachments included in a response of 100 MB or less.

Technical/Programmatic Questions:

Q1. Will offerors be required to provide facilitation of standard USAID trainings, such as PFA, PPM, COR/AOR, etc, as part of C.4.6. (USAID Training and DCHA/DRG Networking)?

UAID Response: No, the Offeror would only support training specifically related to Democracy Human Rights and Governance, not standard USAID trainings such as PFA, PPM, and COR/AOR. Illustrative examples of DRG-specific training include training on: DRG sub-sectors (e.g., elections, human rights, rule of law); integrating DRG principles into non-DRG programs (e.g., health, education); and DRG-conflict linkages.

Q2. What will be the relationship of the activities in C.4.7. (Rapid Response Transitional Environment Support) be to the programs and activities of OTI and OFDA?

UAID Response: The “Rapid Response Transitional Environment Support” component of the Analytical Services IV IDIQ is meant to enable missions and other operating units to access expertise to engage in transitioning environments in limited ways that support immediate and near term DRG needs, and that should help, inform or facilitate the startup of longer term DRG planning and program design. Activities under this component are different than those undertaken by OFDA, which is responsible for leading and coordinating the U.S. government’s response to disasters overseas, and would not duplicate OFDA programs or mandates. The capabilities under this component would be used in situations where USAID does not plan to employ an OTI response, or in conjunction with an OTI response where this component would focus more on discrete and limited activities that are relevant specifically to DRG and inform or help shape longer term DRG outcomes.

Q3. What is the anticipated percentage of task orders related C.4.4 DRG Project and Activity Design (p.31-32) out of the total work under this IDIQ?

UAID Response: While it isn’t possible to forecast the level of demand for each component in the Scope of Work, based on demand under previous Analytical Services we anticipate that task orders related to C.4.4 DRG Project and Activity Design will be less than 5% of the total work.

Q4. On page 80, section H.13 302.3.4.13 states “Partner Government Entities: The total value of all GUCs that provide funds (as opposed to in-kind assistance) to a particular partner government entity (for example, ministry, municipality, district, etc.) must not exceed $300,000 for the duration of the prime contract.”

Would USAID confirm that grants under contract used with partner government agencies would be in the form of in-kind items (consultants, materials) and not cash?

UAID Response: USAID confirms that grants under contract with partner government agencies would not be in the form of cash.

Q5. On page 32, section C.4.5 (g) states “Develop and/or expand online and Web-related capabilities in USAID to provide survey findings and data for further use by missions and other operating units.”

Please confirm that offeror is expected to support the development and/or expansion of “online and Web-related capabilities in USAID to provide survey findings and data for further use by missions and other operating units,” not design and build online and Web-related platforms.

UAID Response: USAID confirms that IDIQ holders would be expected to support the development and/or expansion of online and Web-related capabilities in USAID to provide survey findings and data for further use by missions and operating units, but not design and build online and web-related platforms.

Q6. On p25 of the RFP, DCHA/DRG states that AS IV IDIQ will not include program evaluations, performance evaluations or impact evaluations. On p30 under C.4.3, however, there is reference to possible Results Management and monitoring and evaluation-related products and services that may require the contractor to provide assistance in the implementation of performance monitoring plans and to collect and analyze performance data. Can DCHA/DRG please provide more specificity / clarity as to what will fall under the DRG-LER activity and/or other mechanisms and what will fall under AS IV IDIQ, as it pertains to monitoring and evaluation functions?

UAID Response: ASIV will support the provision of technical assistance to USAID Missions and other operating units to develop or revise performance management plans, indicators, develop data collection and analysis plans that can be used to track progress of USAID programs etc. ASIV however does not support actual performance or impact evaluation activities as the RFP notes. DRG’s LER activity does however support performance and impact evaluations.

Q7. Pg. 25, Objective, Section C.3 “Objective” Can you share the average lead time from past RFP-issuances for Task Orders related to DRG and PEA Assessments to bid due date, to decision-making and contracting, and to start of work?

UAID Response: A task order award takes an average of 75 days of lead time. Once awarded, start time of assessment preparations and fieldwork will depend on the timeframe requested by Missions in the RFTOP, and could vary between 2 weeks and several months following award of a task order.

Q8. Pg. 27, Objective: Section C.4.1, “C.4.1 DRG Assessments, Applied Political Economy Analyses, and Related Analyses and Assessments.” Can you clarify whether the consultant teams listed in the first paragraph must recruit and provide orientation/training to those involved in the Assessments or the consultant team must be recruited and trained?

UAID Response: Consultant teams must be recruited and trained on the DRG Assessment and/or PEA methodologies to be used.

Q9. In order to facilitate rapid deployments, would USAID consider granting a waiver of procurement code 937 for resource groups identified in the contractor’s proposal for use in rapid response transitional environment support.

UAID Response: USAID will consider granting a waiver of procurement code 937 on a case by case basis as per ADS 310.

Q10. On page 19 of the RFP, under section B.7.2 Minimum Qualifications is states: “In order to perform the statement of work set forth in Section C, the Contractor must provide personnel that meet the minimum education and experience requirements set forth below.” Please confirm whether or not personnel for each category need to be named in the proposal.

UAID Response: Offerors do not need to name or provide any biographical information for the labor categories provided in the RFP.

Q11. We appreciate that USAID has included an estimate of the number of DRG assessments.

Can USAID similarly provide an estimate for the number of subsector assessments, workshops, regional conferences, the number of special studies, and rapid response events for planning purposes?

UAID Response: DRG Assessments represent the only portion of the work anticipated under the analytical services IDIQ that has had consistent and regular demand for years, thereby allowing us to predict with some confidence what demand may look like going forward. Other work streams covered by this IDIQ have not had the same level of consistent demand, therefore it is hard to predict. Nonetheless, USAID anticipates that demand for these other work streams will be less than that for DRG assessments, and estimates potentially supporting one to three special studies, research or survey activities per year; supporting three or more political economy analyses per year (PEAs are also growing in usage among USAID missions); and potentially 1-5 sub-sector assessments per year (this broader range is due to greater uncertainty in demand). The DRG Center does not have enough past experience responding to demands for rapid response assistance to estimate what future demand may be.

Q12. Will the contractor be required to obtain security clearances or will USAID facilitate them if the need arises?

USAID Response: We currently don’t anticipate issuing classified task orders under this IDIQ; therefore contractors are not required to obtain security clearance. Please see

Q13. Section F.7 TASK ORDER ADMINISTRATION (d) Right to Procure from Other Sources states “The Government, under the terms of this IDIQ, retains the right to procure similar services from other sources during the period of this contract.” Please identify the conditions under which this statement would pertain.

USAID Response: USAID will follow established policies when issuing task orders.

Q14. Section B.7 (pg. 11) states that contractors will not be authorized to bill directly for management costs. However, the table on pg.12 includes an administrative support (HO staff) labor category. Can we provide a senior manager for a certain number of days on a Task Order? Please clarify.

USAID Response: This will be decided at the time of task order award by the Task Order

Contracting Officer.

Q15. Section B.7.2. Minimum Qualifications table Categories 11 and 12 appear have errors related to the education requirements. Should the education qualifications read as follows?

• 1, 2 MS/MA/MBA 5 years, plus relevant IT certifications BS/BA 8 years, plus relevant IT certifications

• 12,3 MS/MA/MBA 10 years, plus relevant IT certifications BS/BA 15 years, plus relevant IT certifications

USAID Response: Yes, you are correct and repeating MS/MA/MBA a second time for each category was a mistake. The second line in each category should have read BS/BA as you correctly noted. Please see amendment.

Q16. On C.4.3 DRG Results Management. Would this activity involve contractors to review, advise and/or improve both the Custom and Standard indicators? The RFP states the contractor may need provide assistance in refining old indicators (p.30), but it is not clear to which old indicator is referenced.

USAID Response: Yes, the contractor may need to provide assistance to refine old indicators, which would include reviewing, advising and improving both custom and standard indicators depending on the Mission requesting assistance and the relevant performance management plan(s).

Q17. Sub-activity (C) in page 31 states that the contractor may need to “collect and analyze performance data.” Please elaborate what the expected data collection methodologies (e.g., population based survey, qualitative interviews) are under this activity? Also, does “analyze performance data” refer to tracking and analyzing historical data on the indicators? Or, is the expectation to establish a monitoring and evaluation procedure/system to collect and analyze performance data?

USAID Response: The contractor would be expected to suggest data collection methodologies appropriate to the program being monitored and would work with the USAID operating unit requesting results management assistance through a task order to get their input and feedback on the data collection plan prior to beginning any work.

Actual work that will be required will be more narrowly defined in individual task orders that USAID missions or other operating units will procure under this IDIQ. This IDIQ is meant to provide broad analytic capabilities including capabilities to support results management.

Q18. On C.4.5 Research, Special studies, and Surveys Can USAID offer any insight about the expected survey and data collection methodologies under this activity?

How many research, special studies, and surveys are expected to be conducted in each year?

Can USAID elaborate what specific capabilities are referred to under sub-activity (g)

“Develop and/or expand online and Web-related capabilities in USAID to provide survey findings….” Would it involve activities such as developing or expanding existing a particular data platform and additional training USAID staff to effectively managing such a platform? If yes, can USAID share what kind of web-based platform currently in use?

USAID Response:

• USAID is committed to rigorous survey and data collection, recognizes that there are a variety of methodologies, and will want to take advantage of the best methodology or mix of methodologies that are appropriate to each individual request for survey and data collection we may receive as part of a task order under this IDIQ.

• USAID has estimated that potentially 5% of the work conducted under this IDIQ may support research, special studies, and surveys. However, it is quite possible that research, special studies and surveys could comprise more work under the IDIQ in order to support the DRG Center’s growing learning agenda and thirst for evidence based information, as well as potential growth in demand for these services from USAID missions and other operating units.

• USAID’s DRG Center recognizes that online and web-related capabilities offer an excellent vehicle through which to share data and survey information with USAID missions and throughout the agency, but does not currently have an existing data platform in use. If an IDIQ holder is tasked via a task order to help develop an online or web-related data sharing capability for USAID to share data and survey information, the IDIQ holder may also be expected to provide training to USAID staff to manage the platform. The web-based platform currently in use by USAID is DRUPAL. These requirements would be defined in any task order requesting these services.

Q19. Section L.5.2 CONTENT OF TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (1) TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING, (a) and (b) has the same requirements namely “describe the proposed process through which the offeror will undertake activities such as : identify international and local consultants; prepare team members for their assignments…” Please clarify if USAID wishes to have these items that are presented 2 times described twice.

USAID Response: Offerors only need describe their technical approach to design and implement each of the analytical services mentioned in the RFP once. For purposes of technical proposal evaluation, section L.5.2 (b) separates out DRG Assessments from the other work done under the IDIQ, which is addressed by section L.5.2 (a) in order to facilitate specific consideration of enabling each offeror’s approach for DRG assessments separately. (DRG)

Evaluation and Selection Process:

Q1. As a small business, our past experience priming contracts is limited. We have the following questions regarding submission of past performance references:

a. Would the submission of a subcontract be acceptable as a past performance reference?

b. Would it be acceptable to use an ongoing project as a past performance reference?

c. Would it be acceptable to bundle multiple subcontracts for the same prime and overarching project, with same design and activities, under one past performance reference?

USAID Response:

• Yes.

• Must be a minimum of one year into the award/performance period.

• No.

Q2. If POCs for past contracts have left their post at the contract donor agency, should the POC listed be this individual at his/her new post? Or should the POC be the replacement at the contract donor agency?

USAID Response: It should be the POC at his/her new post.

Q3. With regard to L.6.7 Evidence of Responsibility (p.140), what is an example of “sufficient evidence” of responsibility?

a. When do we need to provide this? At the proposal or time of award?

b. Should this be in a narrative form, and included as part of the cost proposal?

c. How is FAR Subsection 9.104-1 evaluated in the proposal if the offeror is determined compliant on the technical evaluations from p.143 in the RFP?

USAID Response:

• Please submit this with your proposal.

• Please follow the instructions in the RFP and the relevant FAR clauses.

• Please follow the instructions in the RFP and the relevant FAR clauses.

Q4. Is there a page limit for each resume submitted in the Annex?

USAID Response: The IDIQ has no Key Personnel position and so resumes are not required. This will only apply to future task orders.

Q5. Is there a font and font size restriction on text boxes, tables, and graphics in the technical proposal?

USAID Response: Please see USAID’s response to Q#19.

Q6. Is the executive summary excluded from the page limit on p.131?

USAID Response: The RFP doesn’t discuss an Executive Summary. Offerors are open to include an executive summary, but this will be counted toward the page limit.

Q7. Does USAID require resumes, names, or any other documentation to be submitted for any or all proposed candidates? Page 131, Section L.5.1 Organization of Technical Proposal refers: “Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates;”

however resume and other documentation for proposed candidates are not specifically requested anywhere else in the RFP – please clarify what exactly should be submitted?

USAID Response: The IDIQ has no Key Personnel position and so resumes are not required. Section L.5.1 has been revised. Please see amendment.

Q8. Page 130, Section L.5 of the RFP refers: “Major subcontractors are those whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.” Will USAID

(1) require that major subcontractors receive 20% of the cost of each TO under the IDIQ, or

(2) receive 20% of the total cost of all TOs under the IDIQ, or

(3) any other requirements?

USAID Response: USAID require that major subcontractors receive 20% of the cost of each TO under the IDIQ.

Q9. Page 136, Section 1. Labor Costs, Section C, refers: “The Offeror must also provide a Prime and Major Subcontractor Percentage of Labor Distribution Chart (See Attachment J.6) as an annex to the Cost/Business Proposal identifying the anticipated labor utilization for the prime and all subcontractors.” The statement indicates Major subcontractors and all subcontractors. Kindly advise whether this applies to prime and major subcontractors only? If no subcontractors are major subcontractors (Subcontractors whose proposed cost do not exceed 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost), what should be included in Attachment J.6?

USAID Response: This requirement applies to the prime and all subcontractors.

Q10. RFP Section L.5.1, p. 131 requires that offerors submit “Appendix attachments which contain biographical information (i.e., resumes and other documentation provided by the offeror) for proposed candidates” and further states, “All information from appendices must be referenced in the technical proposal and summarized and included in the annex section”.

a) Can you please clarify this requirement given that Section L.5.2 (3) on p. 133 and Section M.2.3 on p. 145 do not reference any personnel candidates?

b) Does the reference in Section L.5.1 on p. 131 indicate that the resumes would be used to assist in USAID’s evaluation of Factor 3, Personnel?

c) Could you please clarify what “other documentation” in addition to the resumes are Offerors expected to submit in the appendix, i.e. does USAID require letters of commitment from proposed candidates?

USAID Response: Please see USAID’s response Q7.

Q11. Please confirm that USAID has asked for no key personnel to be named at the IDIQ level?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that no key personnel are required for the IDIQ level.

Q12. Page 134: Section L.5.2. (4) Past Performance Information. “The offeror must provide performance information for itself, the contractor teaming arrangements, if any, and each major subcontractor proposed.” Please confirm that “the contractor teaming arrangements” refers to all proposed subcontractors, even if they are not designated as “major subcontractors.”

USAID Response: Confirmed.

Q14. On pages 13-21, section B.7.1 states “Provided below is a list of the types of labor categories that may be required under task orders.”

Would USAID confirm that resumes are not required for the labor categories provided in the RFP?

USAID Response: USAID confirms that resumes are not required for the labor categories provided in the RFP.

Q15. Attachment J.5 provides a past performance matrix.

Would USAID confirm that the offeror should include all relevant past projects in the J.5 past performance matrix?

USAID Response: Please follow the RFP instructions in L.5.2(4)(a)(1).

Q16. Will USAID please confirm Technical Proposal Section 4, Past Performance Information comprised of a list, corresponding contractor performance reports and matrix, are non-count pages?

USAID Response: Please see the RFP instructions in L.5.

Q17. Section L.5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL it states “Major subcontractors are those whose proposed cost exceeds 20% of the offeror’s total proposed cost.” Please confirm if the costs are based on total costs and not the costs of LOE.

USAID Response: Costs are based on offerors total proposed costs.

Budget/Cost Questions:

Q1. Is there a page limit for the cost proposal?

USAID Response: There is no page limit for the cost/business proposal.

Q2. Page 135, Section L.6.2 – Proposed Costs/Prices refers: “The cost/price matrix reflects all labor categories and levels as well as the average level of effort expected on a task order… The Offeror must submit a completed Cost/Price Evaluation Matrix pursuant to the template set forth in Attachment J.1.”. Attachment J.1 refers “Note 1: The figures that are bolded and in quotes below are USAID plug figures and must be used by all offerors for evaluation purposes”. Kindly advise whether the amount of person-days provided in bold and quotes as plug figures refer to person days per year or one year or multiple years in order for the offeror to determine if an escalation needs to apply for a period more than one year.

USAID Response: The provided person-days are per year.

Q3. Page 11, Section B.5 Ceilings, item (d): If the TOCO determines a Letter of Credit (LOC) is necessary,

(1) Will USAID cover the cost of establishing the LOC?

(2) Will the offeror be expected to issue a LOC to the grantee, and if so, will the cost of issuance be covered as an allowable cost?

USAID Response:

• No, as there is no significant cost associated with obtaining LOC.

• Due to lack of privity with subcontractors USAID is not able to dictate how prime should pay its subcontractors.

Q4. While the solicitation is listed as a five-year award, we noted that the table included on page 12 includes Option Years 6 & 7. Would USAID like Offerors to include proposed Ceiling Daily Rates for Option Years 6 & 7?

USAID Response: Offerors’ proposed CDRs for Year 5 will be applied for the potential two years of task order performance beyond Year 5 of the IDIQ.

Q5. In Attachment J.1 sample budget, CDRs have been included as plug figures for the following labor categories:

a. labor category 5 – Field Support/Logistician (Level 1) - $100

b. labor category 3 – Political or Social Scientist/SME, analytic or country expert

(Level 3) - $500

c. Our understanding is that these are plug figures for the purpose of evaluation (i.e., for use in Attachment J.1) and that Offerors are able to propose alternate rates in the Ceiling Daily Rate matrix that may differ from the provided plug figures.

Could USAID please confirm?

USAID Response: Offerors shall utilize their proposed CDRs for all the labor categories listed in Attachment J.1 except for labor category 5- Field Support / Logistician (Level 1) (Local Hire) and labor category 3- Political or Social Scientist / SME, analytic or country expert (Level 3) (Consultant).

Q6. In Attachment J.1 sample budget, could USAID please provide the location (Home Office or field-based) and expected nationality (US national/TCN or CCN) for each labor category so we can appropriately apply fringe benefits?

USAID Response: Please see amendment.

Q7. In Attachment J.1 sample budget, when calculating “Fringe Benefits on LT Field-Based Personnel”, could USAID please confirm that this category refers to LT expatriate field-based personnel?

USAID Response: Please see amendment.

Q8. In Attachment J.1 sample budget, could USAID please confirm that it is USAID’s intent that Offerors should only apply “Local Hire” fringe benefit costs on labor category 5 – Field Support/Logistician (Level 1) and that no other labor categories are meant to be included as “Local Hires”?

USAID Response: For completion of Attachment J.1, offerors must use this as a plug figure. Please see Note 5.

Q9. In Attachment J.1 sample budget, could USAID please confirm that the intent is that Offerors should only apply “Consultant” fringe benefit costs on labor category 3 – Political or Social Scientist/SME, analytic or country expert (Level 3) and that no other labor categories are meant to be included as “Consultants”?

USAID Response: For completion of Attachment J.1, offerors must use this as a plug figure. Please see Note 6.

Q10.