Workforce Egypt RFP Amendment No. 1 - Signed.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 56

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (X) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

All Offerors 72026320R00008

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

07/10/2020

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

CODE FACILITY CODE

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

01 08/27/2020 REQ # 263-20-000068

6. ISSUED BY CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6) CODE

Office of Procurement USAID/Egypt Maadi, Cairo Egypt

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended. is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

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

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER

NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

See attached

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

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

The purpose of amendment #01 to RFP # 72026320R00008 Workforce Egypt Activity is to:

(a) extend the Request for Proposal closing date from September 8, 2020 to September 22, 2020 at 3:00pm (Cairo Local Time),

(b) provide answers to the questions submitted in response to the subject RFP, and (c) amend the RFP as appropriate.

Attachment No. 1 indicates the changes made to the RFP and Attachment No. 2 contains the questions and answers.

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

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

Martin Fischer, Contracting Officer

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

16C. DATE SIGNED

Previous edition unusable STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Request for Proposal (RFP) No.: 72026320R00008

Date Issued: July 10, 2020

Deadline for Questions: August 3, 2020, 11:00am (Eastern Standard Time)

Closing Date: September 22, 2020, 2020, 3:00pm (Cairo Local Time)

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) No.: 72026320R00008

Workforce Egypt Activity (Workforce)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government (“USG”) represented by the U.S. Agency for International

Development’s Mission in Egypt (USAID/Egypt) hereby amends the above-referenced RFP. The purpose of Amendment 01 is to (a) extend the Request for Proposal closing date from September

8, 2020 to September 22, 2020 at 3:00pm (Cairo Local Time), (b) provide answers to the questions submitted in response to the subject RFP, and (c) amend the RFP as appropriate.

Attachment No. 1 indicates the changes made to the RFP, Attachment No. 2 contains the questions and answers, and Attachment 03 contains to the two new attachments for Section J.

Thank you for your continued interest and participation in USAID/Egypt activities.

Sincerely, Martin Fischer

Contracting Officer

Attachment No. 1 - Changes to RFP

The solicitation is hereby amended as set forth below:

COVER LETTER

1. Cover Letter (page 1): In the header entitled “Closing Date”, delete “September 8, 2020” and replace it with “September 22, 2020.”

SECTION B

2. Section B.5 Payment of Fixed Fee, Table 1 – Fixed-Fee Payment Schedule: Delete items

6 and 13 in Table 1 and replace with the following:

6 Five Model Technical/Applied Technology Schools are supported by Workforce

Egypt and are operating according to international standards

C.5.b.i.B $______

13 Ten (cumulative) Model Technical/Applied Technology Schools are supported by

Workforce Egypt and are operating according to international standards

C.5.b.i.B $______

SECTION C

3. Section C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.1: Delete the third paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

It should be noted, however, that the Parliament may not approve the establishment of the new entity (ETQAAN) and may, instead, recommend strengthening the capacity of the existing entity (NAQAAE) to fully undertake the mandate of providing quality assurance and accreditation for TVET institutions and programs. It is expected that the decision will be made during the next Parliamentary round (October 2020-June 2021).

4. Section C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.2: Delete the second paragraph in its entirety and replace it with

The Contractor must support TVETA in building the Skills of all TVET agents, including teachers, school principals and administrators, trainers, and assessors, to secure the required level of human resources capable of managing the technical education transformation process over the coming decades. Support will include providing assistance in the following areas: i) identifying the core technical and soft skills training programs to be taught by TVETA with the active involvement of the private sector in the design of those programs, ii) developing a number of essential training programs including programs related to digitalization of educational materials, iii) assisting in the selection, appointment and training of an initial pool of Master Trainers and assessors in priority occupations/sectors, iv) providing training for existing (in-service) technical teachers and trainers as well as management and administrative personnel of technical schools, v) establishing and developing a TVET research unit within TVETA, vi) working with the MOETE to identify and develop potential sustainable financing and funding sources for TVETA, vii) providing technical support for at least two TVETA satellite units, and viii) any other areas essential for ensuring the efficiency, market orientation, and sustainability of TVETA.

5. C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.3: Delete the first paragraph in its entirety and replace it with the following:

The MOETE strategy TE 2.0 includes the establishment of a number of modern technical schools (sometimes referred to as Applied Technology Schools) to become the innovation hubs for technical education development at the regional level in terms of research, knowledge transfer, and student-centered education. USAID/Egypt, through the WISE project, is in the process of developing generic manuals for the different features of a typical

Modern Technical School and the MOETE will review those manuals, and will determine whether or not to use them as the foundation for school transformation.

6. Section C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.3a: Delete in its entirety and replace it with the following:

Support the establishment of at least 10 Model/Applied Technology Technical Schools: The

Contractor must support the MOETE in transforming 10 technical Schools into Model

Technical Schools, designed and implemented according to best practices, and serving as hubs for other schools in their vicinity. Selection of the ten schools will be made in collaboration with the MOETE and USAID and will include up to 2 five-year technical schools. The Contractor must ensure that the Model Technical Schools have the following main features : a) an efficient governance structure with special focus on extensive private sector participation, quality assurance, and effective school management; b) accreditation and certification including the incorporation of accredited curricula from certified education/business organizations; c) implementation of competency-based education and specializations based on market needs; d) ensuring adequate hard and soft infrastructure, including IT, Fab-labs, library and technical workshops, and capacity building for teachers including technical and soft skills; e) career development centers providing a wide range of student services such as career guidance, entrepreneurship and innovation training, employment and internship services and community participation; and f) funding capacity including the ability to attract private sector and NGOs contributions and generate revenues through internal activities.

7. Section C.5.b.i.B, Objective 1 Targets: Delete item 1 in its entirety and replace it with the following:

Ten Model Technical/Applied Technology Schools are supported by Workforce

Egypt and are operating according to international standards based on strong private sector partnerships. These schools should become accredited by the end of the project.

SECTION F

8. Section F.7.c, Annual Work Plan: Delete paragraph five in its entirety and replace it with

“Work plans must be prepared in compliance with sustainability and environmental considerations. Workplans must also be informed by the necessary gender analyses to ensure sufficient gender integration throughout implementation. As part of the Annual Work Plan, the Contractor must also submit, at a minimum, the following annexes:”

9. Section F.8, Key Personnel: Delete the table in this section and replace with the following:

No. Key Personnel Position

1 Chief of Party

2 Deputy Chief of Party

3 TBD

4 TBD

5 TBD

SECTION H

10. Section H.8, PERSONNEL COMPENSATION. (JUL 2007) (AIDAR 752.7007 &

752.2027): Delete paragraph (a) in its entirety and replace it with the following:

(a) Contracting officer’s approval of personnel reimbursed under the Contract is required as specified in AIDAR 752.7007 AND 752.7027. Nothing specified below limits in any way the authority of the Contracting Officer to determine the allowability, allocability or reasonableness of any cost, including those relating to compensation. The requirements of

AIDAR 752.7007, “Personnel Compensation,” that (a) compensation paid by the Contractor be in accordance with the Contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, and the applicable cost principles and (b) specific written approval is require when an employee’s base annual salary plus overseas recruitment incentive, if any exceeds the USAID Contractor

Salary Threshold (USAID CST), apply regardless of the language set forth above.

11. Section H.8, PERSONNEL COMPENSATION. (JUL 2007) (AIDAR 752.7007 &

752.2027): Delete paragraph (b)(i) in its entirety and replace it with the following:

i. No-professional-level Employees. Any approval required by the contract for any employee who is (1) a citizen of Egypt (Cooperating Country National); (2) whose annual salary, not including benefits, is equivalent to or less than Egyptian Pounds (EGP)

324,228; and (3) the Contractor has obtained written technical concurrence from the

COR.

SECTION I

12. Add the following clause to this section in its entirety:

I.17 FAR 4.21Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment

Subpart 4.2102 Prohibitions:

(a) Prohibited equipment, systems, or services.

(1) On or after August 13, 2019, agencies are prohibited from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, unless an exception at paragraph (b) of this section applies or the covered telecommunications equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in 4.2104.

(2) On or after August 13, 2020, agencies are prohibited from entering into a contract, or extending or renewing a contract, with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, unless an exception at paragraph (b) of this section applies or the covered telecommunications equipment or services are covered by a waiver described in 4.2104. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract.

(b) Exceptions. This subpart does not prohibit agencies from procuring or contractors from providing-

(1) A service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(2) Telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Contracting Officers. Unless an exception at paragraph (b) of this section applies or the covered telecommunications equipment or service is covered by a waiver described in 4.2104, Contracting Officers shall not—

(1) Procure or obtain, or extend or renew a contract (e.g., exercise an option) to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system; or https://www.acquisition.gov/content/42104-waivers#id1989GI040ZO

(2) Enter into a contract, or extend or renew a contract, with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

(d) Recording prohibitions in the System for Award Management (SAM).

(1) Prohibitions on purchases of products or services produced or provided by entities identified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of the definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services” (including known subsidiaries or affiliates) at 4.2101 will be recorded in SAM (see 9.404).

(2) Prohibitions on purchases of products or services produced or provided by entities identified pursuant to paragraph (4) of the definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services” (including known subsidiaries or affiliates) at 4.2101 are recorded by the Department of Defense in SAM (see 9.404).

(3) Prohibitions on purchases of products or services produced or provided by entities identified pursuant to paragraph (4) of the definition of “covered telecommunications equipment or services” (including known subsidiaries or affiliates) at 4.2101 are recorded by the Department of Defense in SAM (see 9.404)

SECTION J

13. Section J, LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS:

Please add the following two attachments:

Section J.13 “Technical Standards Developed by WISE for NAQAAE”

Section J.14 “Sector Skills Council Initial Concept”

SECTION L

14. Section L.7.c.3, ANNEXES: Delete item vi, Past Performance Information Sheets, in its entirety and replace with the following:

vi. Annex 6 – Past Performance Information Sheets

15. Section L.8, TECHNICAL APPROACH: Delete the third bullet in its entirety and replace with the following:

• For each of Workforce Egypt’s three objectives, offerors must propose modalities for private sector engagement and suggest partnership schemes between the different stakeholders, including USAID. Moreover, for Objective 1, offerors must propose any additional areas of assistance, including developing innovative https://www.acquisition.gov/content/42101-definitions#id1897F0DI0UI https://www.acquisition.gov/content/9404-exclusions-system-award-management#i1115204 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/42101-definitions#id1897F0DI0UI https://www.acquisition.gov/content/9404-exclusions-system-award-management#i1115204 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/42101-definitions#id1897F0DI0UI https://www.acquisition.gov/content/9404-exclusions-system-award-management#i1115204 techniques to incorporate youth with disabilities in the TVET system and institutionalizing digitalization and online learning in secondary technical schools.

Offerors must justify the merits of these additional activities and their contribution to the overall objective. Offerors must also propose new specializations that can be incorporated into commercial schools’ curricula.

Moreover, offerors should propose the extent of the support to be provided to the

TVETA satellite units under Result 1.2. Under Result 1.3, offerors must describe the main elements of the strategy for improving the social perception of TVET.

Under Objective 3, Offerors are encouraged to propose other mechanisms and/or counterparts that Workforce Egypt can work with to achieve this Objective.

16. Section L.8, TECHNICAL APPROACH: Delete the fourth bullet in its entirety and replace with the following:

• This section should also address how monitoring and evaluation (M&E) will be implemented and applied as a management tool to guide the implementation of the activity.

17. Section L.9, MANAGEMENT APPROACH AND STAFFING PLAN: Delete the final bullet in its entirety and replace with the following:

• Annex 5 – Letters of Commitment: Required for all proposed Key Personnel confirming their present intention to serve in the stated position and their present availability to serve for at least the initial two years of the performance period; at the option of the offeror, for any other personnel or partner of any kind, including, without limitation, subcontractors, resources partners, etc. (not included in page limitation).

18. Section L.12a, INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST

PROPOSAL: Delete item 3, “Section K”, from this Section.

19. Section L.12.b.2.A.4, Equipment and Supplies: Delete the content in this section and replace with the following:

This includes equipment (unit cost, or bulk purchase total, equal to or greater than $500) and supplies (equipment with a unit cost less than $500, including but not limited to work stations

& chairs, file cabinets, computers, cellular phones, printers, etc.). This cost category does not include office supplies, which must be included under Other Direct Costs.

20. Section L.12.b.4, Fixed Amounts for the Cost Proposal: Delete the content in this section in its entirety and replace with the following:

Pursuant to ADS 302.3.5.7, the magnitude of the requirement is between $67 and $70

Million for a five-year activity. This range is just an estimate provided for informational purposes to the Offerors and is not binding.

Offerors should budget for the following 2 (two) plug figures:

• Activities in disadvantaged areas, $2 Million

• Equipment support and maintenance provision for the 10 Model Schools, $5-6 Million.

For the purpose of budget preparation only, USAID/Egypt directs offerors to usean exchange rate of US$1 = EGP 16 in the offeror’s cost proposal when necessary.

21. Section L.12, INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE COST

PROPOSAL: Please add a “paragraph j” to the end of this section with the following:

j. Part 10 – Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Offerors must provide the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, form SF-LLL, which is available as Attachment J.4.

SECTION M

22. Section M.2.a, TECHNICAL APPROACH: Delete the fourth bullet in its entirety and replace with the following:

Offeror’s proposed monitoring and evaluation approach to allow for Adaptive Management.

23. Section M.3, PRICE/COST PROPOSAL EVALUATION: Delete this section in its entirety and replace with the following:

Proposed costs shall be evaluated for cost realism, completeness, reasonableness, allowability, allocability and the competitiveness of the fee proposed. An overall evaluated price (cost plus fixed fee) will be determined and will be used as part of the tradeoff analysis in determining source selection. The evaluated cost will be based on probable cost (FAR

15.404-1(d)(2).

Attachment No. 2 - Questions and Answers

Q1. (Pages 6–7, B.5 Payment of Fixed Fee) The list of 18 deliverables in the Fixed Fee

Payment Schedule in Section B.5 on pages 6–7 of the RFP is identical to the list of 18 deliverables in Section L.12.b on page 115—but is different than the list of 15 deliverables in the Table of Contract Deliverables in Section F.6 on pages 37–38. Can

USAID please confirm that the list of deliverables in Section B.5 is the correct list of deliverables for this Activity?

Response: Table 1 in Section B.5 of the RFP is intended to specify the deliverables that will lead to the payment of part of the fixed fee once these deliverables are accepted by

USAID. Not all deliverables required in Section F lead to payment of fixed fee; only those specified in Table 1 in Section B.5 will lead to the payment of fixed fee.

Q2. (Reference page of 18 the RFP) Of the four sectors mentioned on page states, can USAID confirm that agricultural sector jobs are not a focus of the project?

Response: The RFP mentioned three sectors, not four, and the Agriculture sector was not included. USAID/Egypt is targeting the agricultural sector under separate on-going

Activities.

Q3. (Page 18) The RFP states "The Contractor shall submit an analysis justifying the selection of the economic sectors and governorates." Can this analysis be provided in an annex of the proposal, or does this analysis have to be part of the narrative requirements?

Response: Section C is what happens after award. Unless specified in Section L.8, the offeror is not required to provide the deliverables specified in Section C prior to award.

Q4. We would appreciate clarification around sector and governorate selection processes.

RFP Section C.4.e Target Sectors and Geographical Areas (page 18) states, “The

Contractor shall submit an analysis justifying the selection of the economic sectors and governorates.” Further, Section F.7.f Sector and Governorate Analysis (page 42- 43) states the requirement for “An analysis justifying the selection of the economic sectors and governorates must be submitted no later than 100 days after the effective date of the

Contract.” However, Section L states, “The technical approach must propose at least 15 governates that will serve as the target location for the Workforce Activity. Governates should include such locations as the Delta, Upper Egypt, Suez Canal Corridor, and disadvantaged areas. Offerors must also propose the economic sectors to be included in

Workforce Egypt,” and that “This assessment will determine the economic sectors (which sub-sectors of industry, services, IT, etc.) and the 15 governorates that will identify the scope of Workforce Egypt.” Would USAID kindly clarify what information regarding economic sector and governorate selection should appear in the technical proposal and what information should be understood to appear in the Sector and Governorate Analysis

(post-award)? If a methodology for selection of economic sectors and governorates is required in the technical proposal, would USAID consider adding “Sector and

Governorate Selection” to the list of permitted annexes?

Response: There is no contradiction. Section C says what happens after award, while

Section L provides instructions regarding the contents of the proposal.

Q5. (Section C.4.e, Target Sectors and Geographical Areas, page 18) “The Contractor is also encouraged to select additional governorates in disadvantaged areas.” Should this selection be included in the proposal or will it occur upon award (in partnership with

USAID)?

Response: Section L defines the specific requirements for the proposal. The Offeror is required to review Section C and define its technical approach for inclusion in its proposal consistent with Section L instructions. As mentioned in Section C: "Upon award, the Contractor will work with USAID/Egypt to develop a plan for selecting the disadvantaged areas and related interventions."

Q6. (Section C.4.d Gender Integration, page 18) “A review of successful experiences in other countries promoting women in education, training, innovation, and employment must be used to better inform implementation.” This review does not appear in Section F under required deliverables. Should this review be presented and budgeted as a required deliverable?

Response: No, the review is not a required deliverable, but it is included in the work plan process. Section F.7.c has been revised above to clarify this.

Q7. (Section C.4.d Gender Integration, page 18) “Specific activities in technical education and vocational training under the WE contract must ensure the adequate representation of females at the student/trainee level, the teacher level, and the employment level…. All activities must include clear targets for female participation and must document the process for meeting these targets.” Would USAID please clarify whether offerors are expected to document the process for meeting these targets in the proposal phase or in the finalization of work planning and MEL planning post-award?

Response: Section L defines the specific requirements for the proposal, including a technical approach that is consistent with Section C.

Q8. (RFP page 21) “the Parliament may not approve the establishment of the new entity

(ETQAAN) and may, instead, recommend strengthening the capacity of the existing entity (NAQAAE) to fully undertake the mandate of providing quality assurance and accreditation for TVET institutions and programs. It is expected that the decision will be made during the current Parliamentary round (October 2019-June 2020)”. Can USAID report on whether the Parliament met and if a decision was taken and what the decision was.

Response: Section C.5.b.i.A has been revised above to clarify this.

Q9. NAQAAE has (draft) quality assurance frameworks and accreditation documents specific to TVET which were developed with the support of WISE. Can USAID please share these?

Response: Section J.13 entitled, “Technical Standards Developed by WISE for

NAQAAE” has been added. Please note this new document is in Arabic.

Q10. (Reference page 20 of the RFP) "(5) establishing/upgrading a number of technical schools to meet international standards including funding the necessary equipment, tools and refurbishments;" Pg. 23 of the RFP States: "Funding the necessary equipment, tools and refurbishments for the digitization of learning and the entrepreneurship/innovation activities in the schools." Can you please provide clarification of the term

"Refurbishments" encompasses?

Response: Examples of refurbishments include, but are not limited to: electric wiring and installation, wall paintings, internet connections, etc.

Q11. (Reference page 21 of the RFP) "The Contractor must provide the necessary technical support to the 60 schools previously assisted by USAID under the WISE activity (2015-

2019), to ensure their accreditation by the entity responsible for the quality assurance and accreditation of TVET institutions. As a first step, the Contractor will conduct an assessment of the 60 schools to identify existing gaps and develop action plans for addressing those gaps. The Contractor must also work with CEQAT to develop and assist in the implementation of innovative ideas to secure funding for required infrastructure improvements in those schools to facilitate and speed up the accreditation process." Does this mean that the Contractor is not expected to spend project funds on the required infrastructure improvements in the 60 schools? In this case, the technical support provided by the project to the 60 schools will include all gaps required by the assessment except for infrastructure improvements as they should be done by non-project funds?

Response: Yes, that is correct.

Q12. (Reference RFP page 22) Under minimum tasks required for Result 1.2, the RFP states

...working with METE to identify and develop potential sustainable financing and funding..." Is this the MOETE?

Response: Section C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.2 has been revised above to correct this.

Q13. (Reference page 22) "USAID/Egypt, through the WISE project, is in the process of developing generic manuals for the different features of a typical Modern Technical

School and the MOETE will review those manuals to use them as the foundation for school transformation." When will such manuals be available for contractors to review?

Response: It is uncertain when the manuals will be ready or whether they will be used for review. Section C.5.b.i.A, Result 1.3 has been revised above to clarify this.

Q14. (Reference page 22) The RFP mentions supporting the establishment of at least 8 model technical schools. In the same paragraph it then mentions "selection of 10 schools". Can

USAID please clarify the number of model technical schools to be supported?

Response: The number of model technical schools is 10. Three changes were made to reflect this correct – Section B.5, Table 1 items 6 and 13; Section C.5.b.i.A, Result

1.3.a; and Section C.5.b.i.B, Objective 1 Targets item 1.

Q15. Concerning the Model Schools … Is the model already developed and being implemented? If the model is not fully developed, does USAID expect that Workforce

Egypt continue its development? Or, should the project expect to develop its own model?

Response: The Model is not fully implemented. It is expected that Workforce Egypt will continue the development of the model based on international standards and in collaboration with the MOETE.

Q16. (Reference page 23 of the RFP) "Support for student services and transition to employment activities, tracer studies (studies that follow up on the beneficiaries -technical school graduates in this case - to ensure sustainability of the results), and transformation to a green school;" The term ‘transformation to a green school’ is not clear. Can USAID clarify what this means further, and the expectations of the contractor?

Response: The green school is based on three main pillars: 1) Reduced environmental impact, which includes reducing energy and water use, as well as waste; 2) Increased health and well-being by ensuring a clean and healthy indoor environment in the school, as well as providing programs and services for good nutrition and physical activity; and

3) Increased environmental and sustainability literacy for all students.

Q17. (Reference RFP page 25) "The Contractor must start with an assessment of the mandate, structure, and sustainability of the current model/framework for sector skills councils" and also mentions on page 26 "an assessment of existing councils". Can you please provide a list of the sector skills councils that exist as well as share the "current model/framework" mentioned?

Response: There are currently no fully developed Sector Skills Councils. There is a framework that is currently being developed by the EU-funded TVET Egypt project but has not been completed. It is not expected to have a complete framework before the end of October/November 2020. However, there is a pilot Sector Skills Council financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Section J.14 has been added, entitled “Sector Skills Council Initial Concept”.

Q18. (Reference RFP page 27) "The Contractor shall support the establishment of at least 2 new EPCs..." Is the existing EPC in Beni-Sweif to be included among the two, or are these two in addition to the EPC in Beni-Sweif?

Response: The 2 new EPCs are in addition to the EPC that currently exists.

Q19. May we consider the internships as distinct from employment? That is, we consider that a single student may have an internship AND also have employment (at a later date) so that a single student may be counted in both categories. Please confirm this is correct.

Response: Internships are distinct from employment. Hence, a student can be counted in both categories.

Q20. Can USAID please define what is meant by medium to high skilled jobs? Can you give a range of examples?

Response: Medium-skilled jobs are level 3 technicians, and high-skilled jobs are level 4 senior technicians.

Q21. What about TVET graduates who select low skilled jobs or jobs in the informal sector as well as those who become entrepreneurs? Please confirm that the project will track the number of all graduates employed, with a target of 50,000.

Response: The project will track the total number of graduates who are employed or self employed. It should be taken into account that the MEL should validate those numbers with supporting documentation, which can only be provided by formal employers. The amount of investments in Workforce Egypt requires that the project focuses on medium and high skilled jobs. So, the project is responsible for working with the schools and the private sector to ensure that graduates receive those job opportunities.

Q22. What is the anticipated effective date of the contract and period of performance?

Response: The period of performance is stated in Section F.2 of the RFP. Our best estimate of the effective date of the contract is February 1, 2020, although that depends on a variety of factors relating to this solicitation and other factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q23. Personnel – Section F8 of the RFP says that Key Personnel includes the Chief of Party only and that other Key Staff will be decided upon at the time of award. Section L9 says offerors are to propose 5 staff including a DCOP and Technical Leads and to list the criteria used in selection. Can USAID please clarify what staffing and information is required at the time of submission and how the staffing should be presented and where.

Response: Section L.9 defines what information is required in proposals with respect to staffing. Section F.8 has been revised to indicate that a Deputy Chief of Party is required

Q24. The final report is due prior to the end of the period of performance. Please clarify the timeline for submission of a draft final report.

Response: Since the timeline is not specified, the successful offeror will have to submit the final report in sufficient time to get it approved.

Q25. (Page 60, H.8.a Personnel Compensation) In Section H.8.a of the RFP, USAID says, “In addition, the Contractor must also confirm with the Contracting Officer that Mission

Director authorization exists (either specifically or through a general delegation) if it intends to provide compensation, benefits and allowances to cooperating country nationals, and third country nationals that vary from the prevailing wage in Egypt.”

Mission Director approval confirmation is typically obtained through a request to the

Contracting Officer is accordance with AIDAR 752.7028 and we therefore assume that process will satisfy this requirement. However, noting that a “general delegation” or blanket waiver might exist, would USAID kindly provide any general or blanket approval information—or confirm that none exist and that requests should be submitted on a case-by-case basis?

Response: There is no general or blanket waiver or delegation. Please submit on a case-by-case basis to the CO. Section H.8 has been revised to delete the reference to a general delegation or blanket waiver.

Q26. (Page 60, H.8.b. Personnel Compensation) Could USAID please delete H.8(b)?

Response: Section H.8.b streamlines the approval process and will not be deleted.

Q27. RFP Section H.8 (Page 61) states “(b) Annual Salary Increases. Annual salary increases for U.S Staff of not more than 3% is approved after the employee's completion of each twelve-month period of satisfactory services under the Contract. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations or exceeding the USAID CST, require the advance written approval of the Contracting Officer. TCN and CCN Staff: One annual salary increase of not more than 5% is approved after the employee’s completion of each twelve months of satisfactory services under the Contract. Annual salary increases of any kind exceeding these limitations require the advance written approval of the Contracting

Officer, and annual salary increases exceeding the maximum salary of the highest senior

Foreign Service national (FSN) position authorized under the U.S. Embassy

Compensation Plan require the advance written approval of the Mission Director through the Contracting Officer.” We respectfully request that the above-mentioned restriction for salary increases of no more than the annual Contractor Salary Threshold received by federal General Schedule (GS) employees be removed from the RFP as it appears to be inconsistent with AIDAR 752.7007 Personnel Compensation, incorporated in the contract under Section H.8 (page 60), which stipulates that personnel compensation comply with the contractor’s established policies, procedures, and practices, with reimbursement subject only to the USAID Contractor Salary Threshold. The limitation on salary increases may preclude contractors from following their established policies, procedures, and practices, as required by AIDAR 752.700.

Response: The question fundamentally misunderstands Section H.8(b). This section does not impose any requirements for approval that are not mandated by the AIDAR. All this subsection does is allow for a streamlined approval if the relevant AIDAR clauses require approval. If approval is required, USAID/Egypt retains the right to not approve unreasonable salary increases regardless of the contractor’s policy.

Q28. (Page 62, H.8.c TCN and CCN staff) Could USAID please provide the Local

Compensation Plan (LCP), which we believe to also include salary scales, and taken together, provide important market information for contractors to use in determining their compensation approach?

Response: The contractor will have to demonstrate that the proposed salary is consistent with the prevailing wages in Egypt, which is not the same thing as the LCP.

Q29. Per RFP Section H.8, “CCN Employees Compensated below the FSN-9 Level. Any approval required by the contract for any employee who is (1) a citizen of Egypt

(Cooperating Country National); (2) whose salary, not including benefits, is equivalent to or less than the compensation specified for Grade 8 step 13 in the Egypt Local

Compensation Plan; and (3) the Contractor has obtained written technical concurrence from the COR.” Will USAID provide offerors with the most recent Egypt Local

Compensation Plan? (Page 60, H.8.b.ii Professional-Level Employees and Consultants)

How does USAID define “professional level” on the FSN scale? Is this considered to be

FSN-9 and above?

Response: Because the LCP is a sensitive document and is just one factor in determining the prevailing wage, we will not provide it. We also have specified a specific salary level instead of the FSN-9 level as the dividing line between professional and non-professional employees. Section H.8(b)(i) has been revised to reflect this change.

Q30. (Page 62, H.9 International Travel) Could USAID please consider replacing Section H.9

International Travel with the language below, as we assume this was the intended clause?

SEE NOTE 2 FOR EXTENSIVE SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Response: This clause remains unchanged.

Q31. (Page 115, L.12.a.3 Section K) USAID asks Offerors to submit Section K in Part 1–SF

33, Section B, and Section K of the cost proposal on page 115 of the RFP under Section

L.12.a.3 and also in Part 3–Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of

Offerors on page 120 under L.12.c. Can USAID please confirm that Offerors should submit Section K for themselves and each major subcontractor in Part 3 of the cost proposal only?

Response: Confirmed, please see revised Section L.12.a.

Q32. The RFP does not include an Executive Summary as a requirement of the proposal submission … Should offerors include an Executive Summary?

Response: No executive summary is requested.

Q33. Ref. L.7 page limitations - Can the Technical Proposal include a Cover Letter and will it count towards the 30 page limit?

Response: Please refer to RFP Section L.7.b.

Q34. Ref. L.7 page limitations - Are Bibliography/References included in the 30 page limit?

Response: There is no authorized annex for Bibliography/References, so this would count in the 30 pages.

Q35. On page 113 of the RFP, Section L.10 , for Annex 6 the instructions say: “The Offeror should include the completed form provided in Attachment J.5 in this Annex for up to five (5) of its most relevant contracts, orders or other mechanism for efforts similar to the work specified in Section C. In addition, the Offeror shall provide information on the form provided in Attachment J.5 for the five contracts or orders involving international development work with a value over $20 million that have been completed most recently, assuming that such contract or order was not already listed. If the offeror has not completed five contracts or orders over $20 million, it should so state and list those contracts that do qualify, if any.” ... Please clarify if this means that offerors may provide up to 10 PPRs for itself and 10 for each major subcontractor – 5 that demonstrate work similar to this proposal but that may not meet the $20 million threshold and 5 for projects that may be different in scope but with a value above $20 million. May Offerors submit

Past Performance Information Sheets for projects that are ongoing?

Response: Yes, it means that offerors can provide up to 10 PPRs for itself and 10 for each major subcontractor – 5 that demonstrate work similar to this proposal but that may not meet the $20 million threshold or be completed and 5 for projects/activities that are above

$20 million and are the most recently completed international development contracts or orders, regardless of scope. Offerors may submit Past Performance Information Sheets for projects/activities that are ongoing with respect to the requirement to submit five for their most relevant efforts.

Q36. (Page 108, L.7.c.3 Organization) USAID limits Annex 6–Past Performance Information

Sheets to 10 pages maximum. In this annex, however, USAID instructs Offerors to submit up to 10 Past Performance Information Sheets for itself and each major subcontractor. Would USAID please remove the page limitation for this annex, as the allotted space is inadequate to provide all requested information?

Response: RFP Section L.7.c.3 has been revised to remove the page limitation.

Q37. Is it acceptable to submit information regarding Past Performance on assistance awards as well as contracts?

Response. Please read the instructions. For the five most relevant, it says "other mechanisms", which includes assistance awards. For the five most recently completed, it is limited to contracts or orders.

Q38. Please clarify the difference between the Contractor Performance Information and the

Experience and Organizational Capacity sections of the Technical Proposal. Please confirm that the Contractor Past Performance is an Annex containing PPRs and that the

Experience and Organizational Capacity is a narrative included in the 30-page limitation.

Response: Please review Section M. No supplemental information on these factors will be provided. A narrative is required for both sections; the extent and content of these sections should be determined by the offeror based on the guidance in Section L.

Q39. (Page 113, L.11 Experience and Organizational Capacity) May offerors include the experience of non-major subcontractors in its Experience and Organizational Capacity section?

Response: Offerors have discretion to draft their proposals as they determine is best, consistent with the instructions and evaluation criteria.

Q40. Regarding the budget format (noted in pages 116 and 117 of RFP) … Contractual category – In addition to subcontracts/subgrants and Consultants, the RFP suggests that this category should include program implementation costs, training costs and MEL costs. Would USAID find it acceptable if these costs are included under Other Direct

Costs instead?

Response: No. Offerors should follow the instructions, including the budget headings and categories specified in Section L.12.b.2. Program implementation costs, training costs and MEL costs should be classified under the “Contractual” cost category.

Q41. (Page 116, L.12.b Part 2–Proposed Cost Price) Please confirm that USAID wants a single

Excel file with multiple tabs, including but not limited to, a summary budget tab and a detailed budget tab, each listing various costs by year. The detailed budget would list costs according to the categories in section L.12.b.2 on pages 116–117. Should USAID wish to see an annual breakdown (Section L.12.b.1.ii and L.12.b.1.iv), could USAID please provide an Excel template to ensure Offerors provide all information needed for a thorough review.

Response: Offerors should follow the instructions or risk being eliminated from the competition. Offerors should provide the information requested in the clearest possible format.

Q42. Pg. 117 of the RFP States: "* PLEASE NOTE THAT THE COSTS FOR COST-TYPE

OR T&M SUBCONTRACTS SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED HERE; INSTEAD,

THOSE COSTS SHOULD BE BROKEN DOWN AND ALLOCATED TO THE

RELEVANT COST CATEGORIES FOR EACH LINE ITEM IN THE

SUBCONTRACTOR’S BUDGET" Pg. 118 of the RFP State: "Subcontracts: FAR

44.101 provides for any contract entered into by a subcontractor to furnish supplies or services for performance of a prime contract or a subcontract. For every subcontract that involves development services or deliverables AND is not expected to be awarded on a fixed-price basis, separate spreadsheets must be submitted for each such subcontract with the same detail, organization and format set forth above." Can you please confirm that

USAID is requesting the submission of separate budgets for the prime and for each subcontractors? Should these be in separate files or separate worksheets within one file?

Can USAID indicate where and how should subcontractor costs be presented in prime's budget?

Response: USAID/Egypt is not requiring separate budgets for subcontractors, nor is it prohibiting them. USAID/Egypt does require that for the specified types of subcontractors, their costs should be included in the main summary and detailed budgets under the specific cost category applicable. USAID/Egypt is not mandating any particular way of doing this and is not prohibiting offerors from including, in addition, a separate subcontractor budget in their discretion. Please present your EXCEL spreadsheets in a manner that best presents this information and meets this requirement.

Q43. (Page 117, L.12.b.2 Budget Line Item Headings) As government approved accounting principles allow organizations to create accounting structures that reflect their unique approach to cost recording, including the categorization of costs as direct or indirect, please confirm that Offerors may account for expatriate allowances under a separate budget category (and not necessarily under Fringe) according to their approved accounting structure?

Response: USAID/Egypt expresses no opinion on how offerors account for their costs internally. USAID/Egypt expects, if offerors do not want to run the risk of being excluded from the competition for non-compliance with the instructions, that the spreadsheets submitted with their cost proposal comply with USAID/Egypt's instructions.

Q44. In Section L.12, sub-section A.4 (page 117) identifies equipment as items that cost

$5,000 or more (supplies less than $5,000K). Could USAID clarify whether the RFP means $5,000 or $500 for either equipment or supplies?

Response: Section L.12.b.2.A.4 has been revised to correct this. Please note that budgets are not required to segregate equipment from supplies.

Q45. In paragraph 4 on page 119, the RFP estimates the "magnitude of the requirement" to be between $67 million and $70 million but adds that this range is "just an estimate provided for informational purposes to the Offerors and is not binding." Can USAID clarify if it will review proposals with budgets of less than $67 million or more than $70 million? In addition, can USAID clarify what is meant by “not binding”?

Response: We mean what we say. "Not binding" means that offerors can propose a cost outside the range if they so choose. USAID/Egypt will review all proposals for cost realism and determine a probable cost as required by the FAR.

Q46. Please clarify whether these plug figures are inclusive of indirect costs.

Response: The plug figures are just estimates; these estimates are not intended to be inclusive of indirect costs.

Q47. Please confirm these costs [plug figures] should be included in ODCs or provide alternative instructions.

Response: The plug figures fall under “General Program Implementation Activities”, which according to Section L.12.b.2 fall under the “Contractual” category.

Q48. Would USAID please provide a standard exchange rate for all offerors to use for the cost proposal evaluation?

Response: RFP Section L.12.b.4 has been revised to provide an exchange rate for use in preparation of the proposal.

Q49. (Page 119, L.12.b.5 Indirect Costs) The RFP states that “The Offeror and each subcontractor must include a complete copy of its most current NICRA or…