RFP for establishment of Long Term Agreements (LTAs) for provision of Third-party labor services (“3PL”) in high risk areas

New clarification added: Clarification 27Question 1. Can you please confirm if the Teaming agreement amongst all members forming consortium is to be submitted as part of the proposal submission? Or details in Form D are sufficient?Answer 1. The submission of the details in Form D [Joint Venture Partner Information] is sufficient at the proposal submission stage. We would like to remind bidders that all JV members and subcontractors must register on UNGM and their unique UNGM number must be provided in the bidding forms.A separate Teaming Agreement amongst consortium members is not required to be submitted as part of the proposal, but if you have one, please submit it. However, please ensure that Form D is duly completed and clearly identifies the designated lead entity with authority to make decisions binding upon the Joint Venture/consortium during the proposal process and, in the event a contract is awarded, during the duration of the contract. All members shall be jointly and severally liable. Reminder: the bidder on eSourcing must be the leading JV member and will be the signatory of the contract, and the one receiving the payments from UNOPS. It is then the responsibility of the lead to manage the relationship with the JV members including the payments. 

New clarification added: Clarification 26We intend to establish lot-specific partnerships with different companies for Somalia and South Sudan in order to meet the respective local registration requirements.Could you please clarify the following:Question 1. Global Partnership Structure:Does the RFP require bidders to establish a single partnership arrangement covering the entire contract, with the proportion of responsibilities between all partners specified at the global contract level, irrespective of the individual Lots?Answer 1. Yes In accordance with Section I (Instructions to Offerors, Article 4 - Offeror Eligibility) and as previously clarified in the Pre-Bid Meeting and Clarification 3 (Question 2), a bidder (including any member of a Joint Venture or Consortium) must maintain a single, strictly identical structural and partner configuration across all submitted Lots. A bidder is not permitted to change its JV partner composition, member entities, or percentage shares between different Lots. The proportion of responsibilities between each partner must be specified in the JV form, this means that you can specify in the JV form that partner X will execute Y% of the work only for lot 4, while partner A will execute B% of the work intervening only in lot 10, ....etc. Question 2. Submission of Form D: If we propose different partnerships for different Lots, are bidders required to submit a separate Form D for each Lot, or should one consolidated Form D be submitted covering all Lots?Answer 2. If bidding as a Joint Venture or Consortium, one single Form D must be submitted covering the single, uniform JV structure for the entire tender. Submitting different Form D forms with different JV partners for different Lots is prohibited and constitutes a Conflict of Interest under UNOPS Procurement Policy, which will result in the automatic disqualification of all associated proposals.Question 3. Lot-Specific Partnerships and Allocation of Responsibilities:a) Is it acceptable for a bidder to establish separate partnerships for each Lot, with a different proportion of responsibilities between the partners (%) for each Lot, based on the respective local requirements and scope of services? b) We would appreciate your confirmation on the permissible partnership structure and the corresponding Form D submission requirements for multi-Lot bids.Answer 3.a) No. It is not acceptable to establish separate partnerships or vary the proportion of responsibilities (%) between partners on a lot-by-lot basis.  If an Offeror is  bidding as a Joint Venture or Consortium, the partnership structure—including the exact partner companies and their fixed allocation of responsibilities/shares (%)—must remain 100% identical across all Lots bid on. b) An Offeror must submit one single Form D that reflects your one, fixed JV structure for the entire tender.  Submitting different Form D forms, varying JV partners, or changing the percentage split of responsibilities for different Lots constitutes a Conflict of Interest under UNOPS rules and will result in the disqualification of your bid.  If an Offeror needs different local arrangements for Somalia and South Sudan, it must bid as a single lead entity (or single fixed JV) with the local partners as JV members (mentioning in the JV form the % of the scope each local partner will be undertaking as part of the total accross all lots) or it can list them as Subcontractors for each specific Lot rather than formal JV partners.  (Note: While subcontracting is permitted, only formal JV partners listed in your single Form D can pool their financial revenue and experience to meet the minimum qualification criteria).   

New amendment added #5: Offerors are hereby notified of the following amendments to the solicitation documents:1. Extension of DeadlinesDeadline for Requests for Clarification: Extended by two (2) weeks.Deadline for Proposal Submission: Extended by two (2) weeks.(Please refer to the updated dates displayed directly in the eSourcing platform system details).2. Revisions to Section III: Schedule of Requirements (Clause 4.2.8.5 Case Scenario)The consultant quantities for specific levels in Call-Off Order 2 and Call-Off Order 3 have been updated (highlighted in orange in the revised document) as follows:Call-Off Order 2 (Complex Mixed Mission Portfolio):International C (Senior Specialist): Updated to 25 consultantsInternational B (Specialist): Updated to 25 consultantsNational LICA-6 (Advanced Support): Updated to 30 consultants(Note: Total International consultants for COO 2 = 2 + 25 + 25 = 52; Total National consultants = 10 + 24 + 30 = 64)Call-Off Order 3 (Targeted Specialist & Rapid Response):International C (Senior Specialist): Updated to 45 consultantsInternational B (Specialist): Updated to 60 consultants(Note: Total International consultants for COO 3 = 45 + 60 = 105; Total National consultants = 15 + 25 = 40)3. Revisions to Form F: Financial Proposal Form (Excel File)The Onboarding Fee quantities for International Consultants under Call-Off Order 2 and Call-Off Order 3 have been updated (highlighted in orange in the revised sheet) to align with Section III:Call-Off Order 2:Onboarding Fee International Consultants: Updated from 32 to 52 (matches the HR Management Fee headcount of 52).Call-Off Order 3:Onboarding Fee International Consultants: Updated from 10 to 105 (matches the HR Management Fee headcount of 105).All other quantities and durations across Call-Off Orders 1, 2, and 3 remain unchanged.Note to Offerors:Offerors are instructed to download and strictly utilize the newly uploaded documents in eSourcing titled "Section III_ Schedule of Requirements - Amended on 19 August 2026" and "Form F_ Financial Proposal Form - 19 August 2026" for their proposal preparation.

New clarification added: Clarification 25Question 1. Form F Financial Proposal provided on the 14th August, we have identified inconsistencies for the following: a. Call-Off Order 2: Quantities for onboarding international consultantes boarding quantities does not match with HR Management Fee International Consultants quantity:Onboardning Fee International Consultant Quantity: 32HR Management Fee International Consultants Quantity: 52Can you confirm if the above quantities are correct or if they are supposed to be the same: 32 for both?b. Call-Off Order 3:Onboardning Fee International Consultant Quantity: 10HR Management Fee International Consultants Quantity: 105Can you confirm if the above quantities are correct or if they are supposed to be the same: 10 for both?Answer 1. a & b. An Amendment will soon be published to ensure complete mathematical alignment.

New clarification added: Clarification 24Question 1. Can UNOPS please clarify the discrepancy found between Form F and the tables in the schedule of requirements section 4.2.8.5 Case Scenarios (pp 25 - 27)? The number of consultans in Form F does not match some of the expeted values from the case scenarios in the Section III schedule of requirements document, particularly for call-off orders 2 and 3.Answer 1. An Amendment will soon be published to ensure complete mathematical alignment. 

New clarification added: Clarification 23Question 1. Following the updated Form F (Financial Proposal Form), we would like to highlight that the amounts specified under Call-off order 2 for "HR Management Fee International Consultants 51 - 100 people" is stated as 52, and under Call-off order 3 for "HR Mangement Fee International Consultants > 100 people" is stated as 105. We have noted that these amounts are different from the previous simulation, and kindly UNOPS confirm if this is an error?Answer 1. An Amendment will soon be published to ensure complete mathematical alignment.

New clarification added: Clarification 22Question 1. We kindly request a period of two weeks following the clarification window before the proposal submission deadline. This additional time would enable us to carefully review the clarifications and submit a comprehensive and well-aligned proposal for UNOPS's consideration. Accordingly, we would appreciate it if the proposal submission deadline could be extended until 1 September 2026.Answer 1. An Amendment will soon be published to extend the submission deadline. 

New clarification added: Clarification 21Regarding Tender Ref. RFP/2026/63543 for the provision of Third-party Labor Services (3PL) in high-risk areas, could you please clarify:Question 1. What type/category of labor services are required?Answer 1.  The services required encompass both National Consultants (Support and Specialist levels, LICA 1–12) and International Consultants (Junior Specialist to Principal Specialist levels, IICA 1–4) across a range of professional profiles (e.g., Engineering, Project Management, Site Supervision, Security, Logistics, Administration, and Technical Advisory). Please refer to Section III (Schedule of Requirements - Section 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.1.4) and Annex 2 (Sample Terms of Reference) for detailed descriptions of profiles and levels.Question 2. Which specific areas/locations in Pakistan require these services? This information will help us better understand the scope of the requirement.Answer 2. This procurement process will establish a Framework Agreement / Long-Term Agreement (LTA) to support UNOPS operations as needs arise. Specific deployment locations within Pakistan (or any other covered country) will be determined on a demand basis upon the issuance of individual Call-Off Orders under the LTA, depending on UNOPS project and client requirements across the country.

New amendment added #4: Amendment to:Extension of the deadline for the tender and for clarifications by 7 days.Correct  a typographical error in the document title heading of Section III (Schedule of Requirements). The heading previously read "Section II. Schedule of Requirements/ Terms of Reference for Provision of Third-party labor services (“3PL”) in high risk areas", and has been corrected to read: "Section III. Schedule of Requirements/ Terms of Reference for Provision of Third-party labor services (“3PL”) in high risk areas" .Section III. Schedule of requirements, 4.2.8.2 Contractor’s Fee. Table I. Recruitment, deployment and HR Management Costs (USD) is updated to include separate Monthly HR Management Fee lines for National Consultants (Items 5–7) and International Consultants (Items 8–10) across volume tiers 1–50, 51–100, and >100 active personnel. Form F is amended to expand Table I from 7 to 10 pricing items, specifically separating the Monthly HR Management Fees for National Consultants (Items 5–7) and International Consultants (Items 8–10) across volume tiers (1–50, 51–100, >100 personnel). The Case Scenario evaluation formulas in the sheet have been updated accordingly to calculate the grand total based on these separate National and International unit rates.   Section III. Schedule of Requirements. Clause 4.2.9.2 - Personal Safety and Security: Updated to clarify that in-person field security training under the UN Security Management System (such as SSAFE) is explicitly non-mandatory and is no longer a pre-condition for deployment.Section III. Schedule of Requirements. Clause 5.1.1 (c) - Updated the compliance repository guidelines to align with the revised security rule—requiring mandatory BSAFE certificates while making SSAFE or equivalent field security certificates optional/on-demand where available. Additionally, introduced strict confidentiality and restricted access controls for Proof of Life (POL) records within the Contractor’s online portal. POL documents must be securely stored and accessible strictly on a confidential, need-to-know basis rather than in an open download format.Section III. Schedule of Requirements. Clause 6.10.3.1 (d) - Private Security & PPE Standards.  Updated to establish explicit technical and certification standards for armoured vehicles and ballistic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE/BPE): (i) Armoured Vehicles: Must meet a minimum ballistic protection standard of VPAM BRV 2009 VR6 (or equivalent CEN BR6/FB6 or STANAG 4569 Level 1) and be independently certified; (ii) Ballistic PPE/BPE: Establishes explicit minimum certifications for Ballistic Vests (NIJ 0101.06 Level IIIA), Rifle Protection Plates (as per UNOPS/UNDSS SRM measures), and Ballistic Helmets (NIJ 0106.01).All amendments to the bidding documents are highlighted in green and written in purple color. 

New clarification added: Clarification 20.Question 1.  Based on Form F (Items 15 and 16–18) and Table I (Section 4.2.8.2), can UNOPS confirm whether the Onboarding Fee should be quoted separately for National and International Consultants? If so, we assume UNOPS does not expect the fees for National and International Consultants to be identical?Answer 1. Confirmed. UNOPS will publish an Amendment revising Form F (Financial Proposal Form) to separate HR Management Fees for National and International consultants.ERRATUM: Please note that Clarification 3, Question 1 published on 2026-07-28 10:09 UTC is rectified through this clarification.-------------------------------------------------------------Note: Regarding the questions below, please see Clarification 19.Hereqith is confirmation of our questions submitted on Monday, 27 July 2026. for which we are to yet receive clarification from UNOPS:Question 1. Clause 4.1in the Schedule of Requirement provides that the Contractor shall comply with prevailing local labour law, which may require payment of severance packages, payment in lieu of notice, or payment in lieu of accrued leave, and that such statutory termination costs are chargeable to UNOPS. Clause 4.1.1.4 separately provides that where UNOPS requests removal of a Consultant at its sole discretion, 'UNOPS' financial liabilities for such action will be limited to the two (2) week notice period.' Can UNOPS please confirm whether the two-week notice period in clause 4.1.1.4 is intended only to describe the procedural notice UNOPS itself must give when requesting a removal? Or is it intended to cap the amount UNOPS will reimburse for statutory termination costs under clause 4.1 at two weeks' pay? Specifically, where a Consultant's termination is triggered by a UNOPS-requested removal and the applicable local labour law requires severance, notice pay, or accrued leave payments exceeding two weeks' pay, can UNOPS please confirm whether the full statutory entitlement remains chargeable to UNOPS under clause 4.1?Question 2.        Regarding 4.2.11, could UNOPS please confirm that any termination costs referred to in Section 4.2.11 which arise under the applicable labour law remain chargeable to UNOPS pursuant to Section 4.1?Question 3.  Regarding Clause 4.2.8.2. please can UNOPS clarify on the cost allocation when pre-deployment medical is an employer responsibility?Question 4.  Regarding Clause 4.3.7 please can UNOPS confirm KPI 7 is not failed where non-approval is attributable to UNOPS PM unavailability?Question 5. On Clause 4.3.10 regarding the insurance requirements according to this clause, will bidders be permitted to propose alternative models for locations like Gaza (Palestine), Ukraine and Myanmar?Question 6. Similarly for Clause 4.3.10, will UNOPS allow the bidders to chare any additional and separate insurance for staff in Gaza (Palestine), Ukraine and Myanmar?Question 7. Also related to Clause 4.3.10, we would like to highlight a contradiction on the area of coverage (country of service) specified in this clause, and the footnotes of page 36 where UNOPS mentions global coverage. Please can UNOPS clarify on the area of coverage?Question 8. On Clause 4.3.10, we also would like to seek clarification on another contradiction of the footnotes on page 36 and page 37, which both contradicts the content of clause 4.3.10 a - c.Question 9. Regarding the KPI Summary, please can UNOPS confirm that Table 1 numbering governs for all purposes under  Section 4.2.4, and that Annex 1 will be re-numbered to align?Question 10.   Regarding Form G; We kindly request clarification regarding the Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria table (Form G). The individual category maximums listed are as follows:-            1A+1B (Organizational Capability): 10-            2A+2B (Approach, Methodology, QA): 12-            3A+3B (Recruitment, Orientation, Training): 8-            4A+4B (Consultants Management, Duty of Care): 13-            5 (Sustainability): 5-            6 (Relevant Experience): 15The sum of these category maximums is 63 points, however the table states a "Total Max No. of Points" of 70. Could UNOPS please confirm which figure is correct - i.e., whether the total should be 63, or whether 7 points are missing from the category breakdown (and if so, under which section)? This will help ensure our proposal is structured to fully address the intended scoring weight.Question 11. Regarding Form F, We intend to submit a Commercial Narrative alongside Form F to support the financial evaluation for each Lot bid upon. Please confirm which of the following UNOPS expects:(a) a single, generic Commercial Narrative applicable across all Lots for which we submit a proposal, accompanied by an individual Form F for each Lot; or(b) an individual Commercial Narrative specific to each Lot, aligned with that Lot's own Form F and Technical Proposal (Part B) submission.Please indicate (a) or (b), or specify an alternative approach if neither applies.Question 12.  In Form J (Performance Statement Form), we have noted that the form requests for a confirmation on (1)  a "description and quantity of ordered items" and (2) whether the "supply of goods" were satisfactory. Please can UNOPS clarify how the bidders are approach the form, considering that services and not goods are requested in the RFP? 

New clarification added: Clarification 19 (cont.)Question 6. Similarly for Clause 4.3.10, will UNOPS allow the bidders to chare any additional and separate insurance for staff in Gaza (Palestine), Ukraine and Myanmar?Answer 6. Yes. Additional or separate high-risk/war-risk insurance premiums required for specific theaters of operation (such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar) are allowable. In accordance with Clause 4.2.8.3 (Item 17), excess War Risk insurance premiums exceeding baseline rates by more than 10% shall be processed as direct Reimbursable Costs under individual Call-Off Orders, subject to prior written approval from UNOPS.Question 7. Also related to Clause 4.3.10, we would like to highlight a contradiction on the area of coverage (country of service) specified in this clause, and the footnotes of page 36 where UNOPS mentions global coverage. Please can UNOPS clarify on the area of coverage?Answer 7. UNOPS acknowledges the inconsistency in the documentation regarding area of coverage and apologizes for any confusion. Please be clarified that for Internationally Recruited Consultants, insurance coverage must be global (to cover mobilization, demobilization, official duty travel, and Regional Area of Care). For Nationally Recruited Consultants, coverage is restricted to the designated Country of Service (including approved emergency ODT and RAC locations where local medical facilities are inadequate).Question 8. On Clause 4.3.10, we also would like to seek clarification on another contradiction of the footnotes on page 36 and page 37, which both contradicts the content of clause 4.3.10 a - c.Answer 8. Bidders are instructed to strictly follow the mandatory terms and coverage thresholds set forth in the main body text of Clause 4.3.10 (sub-clauses a through c). In the event of any discrepancy between footnote references and the main body of Clause 4.3.10, the provisions of Clause 4.3.10 (a–c) shall take precedence.Question 9. Regarding the KPI Summary, please can UNOPS confirm that Table 1 numbering governs for all purposes under  Section 4.2.4, and that Annex 1 will be re-numbered to align?Answer 9. Please, see Amendment 3. Question 10. Regarding Form G; We kindly request clarification regarding the Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria table (Form G). The individual category maximums listed are as follows:-            1A+1B (Organizational Capability): 10-            2A+2B (Approach, Methodology, QA): 12-            3A+3B (Recruitment, Orientation, Training): 8-            4A+4B (Consultants Management, Duty of Care): 13-            5 (Sustainability): 5-            6 (Relevant Experience): 15The sum of these category maximums is 63 points, however the table states a "Total Max No. of Points" of 70. Could UNOPS please confirm which figure is correct - i.e., whether the total should be 63, or whether 7 points are missing from the category breakdown (and if so, under which section)? This will help ensure our proposal is structured to fully address the intended scoring weight.Answer 10.  Please, see Amendment 3.Question 11. Regarding Form F, We intend to submit a Commercial Narrative alongside Form F to support the financial evaluation for each Lot bid upon. Please confirm which of the following UNOPS expects:(a) a single, generic Commercial Narrative applicable across all Lots for which we submit a proposal, accompanied by an individual Form F for each Lot; or(b) an individual Commercial Narrative specific to each Lot, aligned with that Lot's own Form F and Technical Proposal (Part B) submission.Please indicate (a) or (b), or specify an alternative approach if neither applies.Answer 11. We recommend only filling the blue cyan cells in the financial form. The prices must be valid as per UNOPS bidding documents. No commercial narrative that limits in any way UNOPS requirements can be accepted.Question 12.   In Form J (Performance Statement Form), we have noted that the form requests for a confirmation on (1)  a "description and quantity of ordered items" and (2) whether the "supply of goods" were satisfactory. Please can UNOPS clarify how the bidders are approach the form, considering that services and not goods are requested in the RFP?Answer 12. Form J utilizes standard UNGM returnable template terminology. For the purpose of this RFP, Offerors providing past performance references for 3PL or technical labor services should complete Form J by adapting the fields as follows:- "Description and quantity of ordered items": State the scope of 3PL services provided and the average active headcount managed.- "Supply of goods satisfactory": Provide client confirmation regarding the satisfactory delivery and performance of the 3PL services.

New clarification added: Clarification 19Question 1.  Clause 4.1 in the Schedule of Requirement provides that the Contractor shall comply with prevailing local labour law, which may require payment of severance packages, payment in lieu of notice, or payment in lieu of accrued leave, and that such statutory termination costs are chargeable to UNOPS. Clause 4.1.1.4 separately provides that where UNOPS requests removal of a Consultant at its sole discretion, 'UNOPS' financial liabilities for such action will be limited to the two (2) week notice period.' Can UNOPS please confirm whether the two-week notice period in clause 4.1.1.4 is intended only to describe the procedural notice UNOPS itself must give when requesting a removal? Or is it intended to cap the amount UNOPS will reimburse for statutory termination costs under clause 4.1 at two weeks' pay? Specifically, where a Consultant's termination is triggered by a UNOPS-requested removal and the applicable local labour law requires severance, notice pay, or accrued leave payments exceeding two weeks' pay, can UNOPS please confirm whether the full statutory entitlement remains chargeable to UNOPS under clause 4.1?Answer 1. The two-week notice period in Clause 4.1.1.4 is intended as a cap for UNOPS liabilities. It is the Contractor's responsibility to deal with any Consultant's termination costs under the applicable national law (whether call off order by UNOPS or any other reason) and ensure compliance with any such regulations. While termination costs are not reimbursable, UNOPS may nonetheless agree in writing otherwise as set out in Clause 4.2.11.1. Question 2. Regarding 4.2.11, could UNOPS please confirm that any termination costs referred to in Section 4.2.11 which arise under the applicable labour law remain chargeable to UNOPS pursuant to Section 4.1?Answer 2. Consultant's termination costs are not reimbursable by UNOPS unless expressly agreed in writing the respective Call-Off Order. *Please note: Reimbursable statutory termination costs resulting from mandatory local labor law compliance (under Section 4.1) are chargeable to UNOPS and shall be explicitly reflected and authorized in the respective Call-Off Order based on the applicable jurisdiction. Non-statutory or discretionary payments remain non-reimbursable unless agreed in writing.Question 3. Regarding Clause 4.2.8.2. please can UNOPS clarify on the cost allocation when pre-deployment medical is an employer responsibility?Answer 3.  Per Clause 4.2.8.2, pre-deployment medical checks are excluded from the fixed Onboarding Fee. Where local labor regulations require pre-deployment medical examinations to be borne by the employer, these costs must be incorporated into the gross Consultant Fee / statutory payroll structure under Clause 4.2.8.1 rather than billed as a separate administrative cost under Clause 4.2.8.2.Question 4. Regarding Clause 4.3.7 please can UNOPS confirm KPI 7 is not failed where non-approval is attributable to UNOPS PM unavailability?Answer 4. Correct. KPI 7 specifically measures the Contractor’s timely presentation and submission of completed weekly timesheets to the UNOPS Project Manager. As long as the Contractor submits the timesheets within the weekly timeframe, the requirement under KPI 7 is met. Any subsequent delay in formal approval or sign-off that is directly attributable to the unavailability of the UNOPS Project Manager will not be treated as a failure or deficiency on the part of the Contractor.  Question 5. On Clause 4.3.10 regarding the insurance requirements according to this clause, will bidders be permitted to propose alternative models for locations like Gaza (Palestine), Ukraine and Myanmar?Answer 5.  Bidders are permitted to propose alternative insurance operational models for high-risk or access-constrained locations (such as Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar) where local health infrastructure is inadequate. This includes utilizing Regional Area of Care (RAC) coverage in neighboring countries or dedicated medevac reserves, provided that all minimum coverage thresholds, medical evacuation/repatriation guarantees (up to $500,000), and Day-1 eligibility requirements under Clause 4.3.10 are fully maintained.Note: Answers to Questions 6 to 12 will be published separetly due to lack of space (word count) in this text box.

New clarification added: Clarification 18Please note that an official Tender Amendment will be published shortly in eSourcing. As part of this amendment, UNOPS will extend both the Deadline for clarifications and the Proposal Submission Deadline by one (1) week.Bidders are advised to monitor the eSourcing platform for the upcoming amendment, which will include the updated Schedule of Requirements (Section III), the revised Financial Proposal Form (Form F), and the revised closing timeline. 

New clarification added: Clarification 17Question 1. Regarding Section III: Schedule of Requirements, 5.3, p. 50: can UNOPS please provide additional information on the risk register sample, primarily where it should be submitted and how it will be evaluated? There is no section in eSourcing to upload a risk register sample.Answer 1. Pursuant to TOR Section 5.3, Offerors are required to submit a sample of their company’s Risk Register as part of their Technical Proposal.Submission Location:The sample Risk Register should be uploaded under the "Form G: Technical Proposal Form" checklist placeholder in the eSourcing portal, either attached directly within Form G or uploaded as a supporting technical document alongside Form G.Evaluation:The sample Risk Register will be evaluated as part of the overall technical assessment of Form G, Section 2 (Suitability of Approach, Methodology and Quality Assurance). UNOPS does not prescribe a mandatory template. Offerors are expected to present their own standard corporate Risk Register sample as used in their operations.

New clarification added: Clarification 16Question 1: Section II - SOR states the followign:“Incorporate technology in the implementation of and management of assignments, performance measurements, and reporting, e.g., biometric attendance, GPS-tagged reporting, and real-time HR dashboards.”“Maintain and continuously improve the Reporting System to allow UNOPS to access critical data such as statistics, metrics, and insights to facilitate decision processes.”“Maintain a comprehensive recruitment database—including, but not limited to, an active roster of Contractor’s Consultants for the required profiles and positions—which should be made available on request to UNOPS.”(i) Historical Data Migration and StorageWill there be any historical data that the Contractor is expected to receive, migrate, store, manage, or make available through the reporting system or recruitment database?If so, can the client confirm the expected volume, format, retention requirements, and any applicable data protection or access-control requirements?(ii) Reporting System / Technology PlatformCan the client confirm whether UNOPS currently has an existing reporting system or technology platform that the Contractor will be required to use, maintain, or improve?Alternatively, is the Contractor expected to provide and manage its own standalone platform for biometric attendance, GPS-tagged reporting, HR dashboards, performance measurement, and management reporting?(iii) Recruitment Database / Consultant RosterCan the client confirm whether the recruitment database and active consultant roster should be maintained within a UNOPS system, a Contractor-provided system, or both?In addition, will UNOPS require live access to the database, periodic reports, or access only upon request?The scope of this assignment is to provide:a. Recruitment and engagement of Consultants;b. Contract Management of Consultants;c. Management of Consultants services in areas deemed High Risk.”Answer 1. (i)Data Migration & Handover: In accordance with TOR Section 6.9 (Transitional Service Obligations), historical data migration applies specifically to active personnel, ongoing deployments, and open contract files. The outgoing Contractor will transfer these active records to UNOPS/the incoming Contractor within 14 days of request during the 30-to-60-day transitional shadowing phase.  Data Volume: Historical annual deployment volumes (~500–600 active national consultants and ~50–80 international consultants per year) are outlined in TOR Section 2.2 (Historical Data) to indicate the general scope of records. Please note that as an LTA framework, UNOPS does not guarantee minimum future deployment quantities.Data Retention: Pursuant to TOR Section 4.1.1 (f), the Contractor must securely retain all recruitment, vetting, audit, and performance records for seven (7) years.  Data Protection: All transferred and stored personnel data must strictly comply with the UNOPS Personal Data Protection Framework and Information Security policies (TOR Section 6.5).Answer 1. (ii)Reporting system:  In accordance with TOR Section 5.1.1 (Online Contract Management and Reporting Portal), the Contractor is required to provide and maintain its own secure, web-based Client Portal/platform, including a live recruitment tracker, continuous headcount and location tracking, compliance repositories, and consultant rosters. UNOPS requires 24/7 live access to this portal for oversight and contract verification purposes.  UNOPS will only provide direct IT system access (e.g., corporate email, oneUNOPS, Google Workspace) to individual consultants registered as External Affiliates where strictly required by their specific Terms of Reference (TOR Section 6.10.2.4).Answer (iii)  Recruitment Database & System Access: The recruitment database and active consultant roster must be maintained in the Contractor’s system (TOR Section 3 and Section 5.1.1). Regarding access, UNOPS requires a combination of live access, periodic reporting, and access on request, as specified in Section II (Schedule of Requirements):Live 24/7 Access: Provided via a Contractor-maintained web-based Client Portal featuring real-time tools such as the Recruitment Tracker, Live Headcount & Location Tracking, Compliance Repository, and Audit Trail (TOR Section 5.1.1).Periodic Reports: Monthly SLA Performance Reports, Quarterly Gender Mainstreaming Reports, and Combined Annual Reports (TOR Section 5.1).Access On Request: The complete recruitment database, active rosters, and individual recruitment and vetting audit records must be made available to UNOPS upon request (TOR Section 3 and Section 4.1.1).Question 2: Life Support RequirementsFor consultant services in areas deemed high risk, does the scope include the provision of full life support services?For example, accommodation, meals, medical support, welfare support, secure communications, PPE, or any other in-country support requirements.Answer 2. Yes. The Contractor retains primary responsibility for meeting its employer duty of care obligations and operational responsibility for life support, security, medical coverage, PPE, and communications (SOR Sections 4.3.10–4.3.13 and 6.2). However, financial coverage for these items is governed by the specific Call-Off Order (COO). Items such as work travel, PPE, communication allowances, accommodation, and private security are processed as pass-through Reimbursable Costs (SOR Section 4.2.8.3) or subject to Secondary Bidding where total costs per COO exceed $50,000 (SOR Section 4.2.8.4). Where UNOPS already maintains secured compounds or transport infrastructure in specific duty stations, co-location/access may be provided at UNOPS' discretion (SOR Section 6.10.1–6.10.3).Question 3: Transportation RequirementsDoes the scope include the provision of transportation for consultants, including airport transfers, in-country movements, and transportation to and from worksite locations?If transportation is required, can the client confirm whether this includes secure transportation, journey management, tracking, and emergency response support?Answer 3.  Pursuant to TOR Section 4.3.11(a), personnel deployed are Contractor's Consultants and are not covered under the UNSMS. The Contractor retains full duty of care and is contractually required to maintain journey planning, GPS/satellite tracking, emergency communications, and medevac protocols for high-risk movements (TOR Section 6.2). Ground transport is provided via UNOPS vehicles, Contractor-rented vehicles (reimbursable), or Private Security Armoured/B6 transport (TOR Section 6.10.3.1).

New clarification added: Clarification 16. In the RFP documents it is stated: "Except under the circumstances of Force Majeure as described under the UNOPS General Conditions of Contract, if the Contractor fails to deliver any or all of the goods by the date(s) of delivery or perform the services tied to the delivery of goods within the period specified in the Contract, UNOPS may, without prejudice to any or all its other remedies under the Contract and if so stated in Section I: RFP Particulars, deduct from the Contract price, as liquidated damages, a sum of the original total Contract price for each day of delay until actual delivery or performance, up to a maximum deduction of 10%. Once the maximum is reached, UNOPS may terminate the Contract pursuant to the General Conditions of Contract." Question 1: Liquidated Damages are not mentioned in any ppart, and Section 1 has this clause above. We would like to clarify whether liquidated damages are applicable? Answer 1. The reference to Liquidated Damages in Section I of the solicitation document is a conditional clause that applies only when specifically invoked under Section I: RFP Particulars. Liquidated Damages are not invoked or specified in the RFP Particulars for this tender. Furthermore, the UNOPS General Conditions of Contract for Services do not contain a Liquidated Damages clause. Therefore, Liquidated Damages do not apply to this tender, the resulting LTAs, or Call-Off Orders. Operational performance and delivery compliance are governed strictly by the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) set forth in Section II (Schedule of Requirements, Table 1) 

New clarification added: Clarification 15 (cont.)Question 19: If Employer responsibility related to payroll taxes  for National Consultants  are NOT  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify how will contractor bill for these amounts?Answer 19.  Please see Answer 13.Question 20: If payroll taxes  for the National Consultants  are  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee but considering the actual wages are  based on are  unknown of this time , can UN clarify how will the Contractor recoup the additional costs related to the payroll taxes once the actual wages are  known?Answer 20.  Please see Answer 13.Question 21: If the payroll taxes cost for National Consultants  are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee will UN provide average wages to be used so all bidders are equally positions/fair competition?Answer 21.  Please see Answer 13.  

New clarification added: Clarification 15. RFP and Form F-Financial Proposal Form: HR Management Fee: should include Insurance, HR Management, Payroll services and Invoicing:Question 1: Can UN clarify if medical insurance cost  for International Consultants is to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 1. Yes. As indicated in the Form F, Commercial insurance coverage (medical, MEDEVAC, life, malicious acts) must be included in the Monthly HR Management Fee per Form F.  Question 2: If medical insurance cost  for International Consultants  is NOT to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify  how will Contractor bill for the medical insurance cost ?Answer 2. Please see reply Answer 1.Question 3: Can UN clarify if wages for International Consultants are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 3. No. As per the instructions in the Form F, wages are not to be included in the HR management fee.Question 4: If wages for International Consultants are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN provide average International Consultant wages to be used so all bidders are equally positioned for fair competition?Answer 4. Please see reply Answer 3.Question 5: If wages for International Consultants  are NOT to  be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify how will the Contractor bill for the International Consultants wages?Answer 5.  In accordance with Section II (Schedule of Requirements - TOR Clause 4.2.8.1), consultant net take-home fees and statutory obligations arising from applicable local laws (e.g., statutory taxes, mandatory social security contributions, or end-of-service benefits) are calculated and adjusted in the specific Call-Off Orders (COOs) based on actual verified cost. Question 6: Can UN clarify if social  insurance cost for International Consultant  is to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 6.  Commercial insurance coverage (medical, MEDEVAC, life, malicious acts) must be included in the Monthly HR Management Fee per Form F. For mandatory local social security/social insurance contributions required by host-country law, please see reply A5.Questions 7: If the  social  insurance cost for International Consultant  is to be included in the HR monthly management Fee but considering the actual wages the social insurance calculation is based on is  unknown of this time, can UN clarify how will the Contractor recoup the additional costs related to the social insurance costs once the actual wages are  known?Answer 7.  Consultant net fees/salaries are determined internally by UNOPS for each specific assignment following the official UN/ICSC salary scales (taking into account position grade, location hardship, cost of living, and experience), in accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.1.4). Bidders do not propose consultant salaries or wage bands in this tender. The Contractor's fixed Onboarding Fee and Monthly HR Management Fee should be calculated based on the Contractor's administrative, sourcing, and HR management operational costs, rather than the consultant's underlying salary amount.Question 8: If the  social  insurance cost for International Consultant  is to be included in the HR monthly management Fee will UN provide average wages to be used so all bidders are equally positions/fair competition?Answer 8.  Please see Answer 7.Question 9: Can UN clarify if wages for National Consultants are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 9. No. In accordance with Form F, wages for National Consultants are NOT to be included in the HR monthly management fee.Question 10: If wages for National Consultants  are NOT to  be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify how will the Contractor bill for the National Consultants wages?Answer 10. Please see reply Answer 5.Question 11: If wages for National Consultants are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN provide average National Consultant wages to be used so all bidders are equally positioned for fair competition ?Answer 11.   Please see Answer 7.Question 12: Can UN clarify if social  insurance for National Consultant  staff is to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 12.  Commercial insurance coverage (medical, MEDEVAC, life, malicious acts) must be included in the Monthly HR Management Fee per Form F. For mandatory local social security/social insurance contributions required by host-country law, please see reply A5.Question 13: Can UN clarify if Employer responsibility related to payroll taxes  for International Consultants  are  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 13.  Please clarify what you mean by payroll taxes. In accordance with Section II (Schedule of Requirements - TOR Clause 4.2.8.1), consultant net take-home fees and statutory obligations arising from applicable local laws (e.g., statutory taxes, mandatory social security contributions, or end-of-service benefits) are calculated and adjusted in the specific Call-Off Orders (COOs) based on actual verified cost.  Question 14: If Employer responsibility related to payroll taxes  for International Consultants  are NOT  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify how will contractor bill for these amounts?Answer 14. Please see Answer 13.Question 15: If payroll taxes  for the International Consultants  are  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee but considering the actual wages are  based on are  unknown of this time , can UN clarify how will the Contractor recoup the additional costs related to the payroll taxes once the actual wages are  known?Answer 15.  Please see Answer 13.Question 16: If the  payroll taxes cost for International Consultants  are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee will UN provide average wages to be used so all bidders are equally positions/fair competition?Answer 16.  Please see Answer 13.Question 17: If Employer responsibility related to payroll taxes  for International Consultants  are NOT  to be included in the HR monthly management Fee, can UN clarify how will contractor bill for these amounts?Answer 17.  Please see Answer 13.Question 18: Can UN clarify if Employer responsibility related to payroll taxes  for National Consultants  are to be included in the HR monthly management Fee?Answer 18.  Please see Answer 13.Note: Answers to Questions 19 to 21 will be published separetly due to lack of space (word count) in this text box.

New clarification added: Clarification 15. Question 1.We have compiled a matrix summarizing our understanding of the required submission forms for this RFP and their applicability specifically, whether each form must be submitted once as a General requirement (applicable to all lots under the Main Tender) or separately for each Lot as a Lot-Specific requirement. Could UNOPS please review and confirm whether the Form Submission Matrix below accurately reflects the intended submission structure?If any form has been incorrectly categorized, we kindly request that UNOPS provide the correct designation (General or Lot-Specific) for each form.Form D: Joint Venture Partner Information Form:General: YesFor Lot 4 – Iraq: Not requiredFor Lot 14 - Syria: Not requiredForm E: Proposal Submission FormGeneral: YesFor Lot 4 – Iraq: Not requiredFor Lot 14 - Syria: Not requiredForm F: Financial Proposal FormGeneral: Not requiredFor Lot 4 – Iraq: YesFor Lot 14 - Syria:YesForm G: Technical Proposal FormGeneral: Section A onlyFor Lot 4 – Iraq: Section B onlyFor Lot 14 - Syria: Section B onlyForm J: Performance Statement FormGeneral: YesFor Lot 4 – Iraq: Not requiredFor Lot 14 - Syria: Not requiredForm L: Self Disclosure FormGeneral: YesFor Lot 4 – Iraq: Not requiredFor Lot 14 - Syria: Not requiredAnswer 1. Offerors are kindly referred to the "Checklist" tab in eSourcing, which explicitly details whether each document/form must be uploaded under the Main Tender (General Submission) or under a Specific Lot (Lot-Specific Submission).Please ensure that all forms are uploaded strictly into their corresponding document placeholders as designated in the eSourcing Checklist prior to the submission deadline.

New clarification added: Clarification 14 (Cont.)Question 3.Clause 4.2.8.3  Reimbursable costs: costs related to and directly arising from deployment of the Consultants. These costs will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on actual underlying invoices documenting each expense. Acquisition and provision by the Contractor of all reimbursable items is subject to prior approval by the relevant delegation of authority holders within the UNOPS office. The reimbursable costs will include:a.    Expenses related to Travel to Join and Repatriation Travel (mobilisation and demobilisation flights/travel costs; transit visas; transit accommodation);b.    Consultant’s in-Country travel (work related);c.    Movement permits;d.    Leave-related flights, prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order;e.    Rest and recuperation travel for international Consultants, prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order;f.    Visas and work permits as well as any other costs associated exclusively with their issuance;g.    UN ID Cards;h.    Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), when applicable;i.    Communication allowances including internet or phone credit including airtime for satellite phones;j.    Laptops;k.    Phones (including Satellite Phones);l.    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);m.    Cost of rented vehicle (s) (for work related matters and subject to appropriate recording in vehicle’s logbook and approval by UNOPS);n.    Accommodation rental (at duty station) - under 50k USD per annum;o.    Cost of fuel bought for UNOPS vehicle (s) (subject to appropriate recording in vehicle’s logbook and approval by UNOPS);p.    Consultant expenses directly arising from performance of his/her duties and responsibilities for UNOPS, if authorized by UNOPS in advance and properly documented as per UNOPS procedures;q.    Extraordinary War Risk Surcharge: In the event that a location's risk rating increases significantly, causing 'War Risk' insurance premiums to exceed the baseline by more than 10%, the Contractor may submit the excess premium cost as a direct reimbursable expense, subject to UNOPS prior written approval and open-book verification.r.    Any other expenses incurred by the Contractor with the prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order.Q: Can UN confirm that unit rates in the Form F Financial Proposal Form should exclude all costs related to the items presented in the section 4.2.8 ?Answer 3Yes, subject to the explicit cost breakdown defined below.In accordance with Section II (Schedule of Requirements, Section 4.2.8) and Form F (Financial Proposal Form), unit rates quoted by Offerors must observe the following cost boundaries:(a) Excluded Costs (Must NOT be included in Form F unit rates): (i) Consultant Take-Home Fees (Section 4.2.8.1): Offerors must exclude consultant salaries/net fees. Base take-home fees and statutory liabilities (taxes, mandatory social security, end-of-service benefits) are determined and funded through individual Call-Off Orders.  (ii)  Direct Reimbursable Costs (Section 4.2.8.3): Offerors must exclude all pass-through reimbursable expenses listed under 4.2.8.3 (items a–r). These items (including travel/flights, movement permits, visas/work permit issuance fees, UN ID cards, DSA, communications credit, laptops, phones, PPE, rented vehicles, accommodation under $50k/yr, fuel, and extraordinary war risk surcharges >10%) are reimbursed by UNOPS at actual cost against approved invoices.  (iii)  Costs Subject to Secondary Competition (Section 4.2.8.4): Offerors must exclude dedicated transport fleets, security escorts, or accommodation exceeding USD 50,000 per Call-Off Order.(b) Included Costs (What Form F unit rates MUST cover):(i) Onboarding Fee Unit Rates (Form F, Items 1–4):  Must cover contractor corporate overheads for background checks/vetting, induction/training, IT onboarding, and administrative processing fees for international visas and labor cards. (Note: Medical checks are excluded as consultants cover them directly). (ii) Monthly HR Management Fee Unit Rates (Form F, Items 5–7): Must cover contractor corporate overheads, required insurance coverage (Service-Incurred Illness/Injury/Death/Disability, Medical/MEDEVAC, and Malicious Acts/War Risk up to baseline limits), payroll administration, MHPSS/wellness programs, invoicing, and contract management.Question 4.Clause 4.1.4 Contractor’s International Consultants International Contractor’s ConsultantsInternational - A    Junior Specialist    0 to <5 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s usually required    IICA-1(ICSC-8 - ICSC-9)International - B    Specialist    5 to <7 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree usually required    IICA-2 (ICSC-10)International - C    Senior Specialist    7 to <15 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree usually required    IICA-3 (ICSC-11 - ICSC 12)International - D    Principal Specialist    12 or more years’ relevant experience. Master’s degree or Higher usually required    IICA-4 (ICSC-12 - ICSC 14)Q1: Which level should bidders include in the Pricing Form?             Q2: If bidders should include unit rates for each level (1 through 12) will UN provide revised pricing form where bidders can include rates for each of the 4 levels: junior Specialist, Specialist, Senior Specialist, Principal Specialist? Answer 4. Q1. Bidders do not bid on or propose unit rates for specific consultant seniority levels (International Levels A through D or National LICA Levels 1 through 12) in Form F.  Consultant salaries and fee ranges across all levels (Junior Specialist through Principal Specialist) are calculated and set internally by UNOPS based on internal grade scales (ICSC), hardship classifications, and duty station scales.  Bidders compete strictly on two administrative fee categories in Form F:  - Onboarding Fee: Fixed flat rate per person (one-off).  - Monthly HR Management Fee: Fixed monthly rate per person (tiered by volume brackets: 1–50, 51–100, >100 active personnel).  Q2. UNOPS will publish an Amendment revising Form F (Financial Proposal Form) to separate HR Management Fees for National and International consultants.

New clarification added: Clarification 14 Question 1.Clause 6.10.2.5 Communications and Field Infrastructure a. Mobile and Satellite Communications: In alignment with LTA Section 1.3.13, the Contractor shall provide all necessary mobile and satellite telephone hardware to its Consultants as a reimbursable operational expense. Mobile and satellite lines shall utilize pre-paid SIM cards or scratch cards only, up to the authorised financial limit defined in writing by the respective UNOPS Project Manager.Q: Can UN confirm the communication associated costs are reimbursable, as such should not be included in the rates presented in Form F?Answer 1. Confirmed. In accordance with Clause 6.10.2.5 (a) and Clause 4.2.8.3 (i), communication costs (including mobile/satellite hardware, airtime, phone credit, SIM cards, and internet credit up to the authorized financial limit defined in writing by the UNOPS Project Manager) are treated as direct reimbursable operational expenses.  These reimbursable expenses must be excluded from the unit rates entered into Form F (Financial Proposal Form). Reimbursable items will be processed against actual, verified underlying invoices during contract execution under individual Call-Off Orders. Question 2. Clause 6.10.2.1 End-User IT Equipment (Contractor Responsibility)The Contractor shall be solely responsible for provisioning, financing, and maintaining all primary end-user IT hardware (including laptop computers and smartphones) required by the Consultants for the execution of their duties. The Contractor must provide full lifecycle management for these devices, including endpoint security, antivirus/EDR deployment, operating system patching, software licensing, and direct helpdesk support. UNOPS IT Operations will provide no ongoing technical support, hardware troubleshooting, or software provisioning for Contractor-owned devices, except for the one-time security assessment required under clause 6.10.2.2 where internal network access is requested.Q: Can UN confirm the IT associated costs are reimbursable, as such should not be included in the rates presented in Form F?Answer 2.Confirmed for primary IT hardware provision (laptops/phones); Excluded from Form F. - IT  Hardware Provisioning (Laptops & Smartphones): As outlined in Clause 4.2.8.3 (j) & (k) and Clause 6.10.2.1, the acquisition and provision of primary IT hardware (laptops and phones) for deployed Consultants are classified as reimbursable costs upon prior written approval by UNOPS, and must not be included in the Form F unit rates. - IT Administrative Overhead & Software Licensing: In accordance with TOR Section 4.2.8.2, general corporate endpoint management, helpdesk support, and basic corporate IT software licensing costs associated with the Contractor's administrative team are covered under the Contractor's Onboarding Fee and Monthly HR Management Fee in Form F. Note: Answers to Questions 3 & 4 will be published separetly due to lack of space (word count) in this text box. 

New clarification added: Clarification 13 (cont.)Question 4. 4.2.8.3 Reimbursable costs: costs related to and directly arising from deployment of the Consultants. These costs will be reimbursed on a monthly basis based on actual underlying invoices documenting each expense. Acquisition and provision by the Contractor of all reimbursable items is subject to prior approval by the relevant delegation of authority holders within the UNOPS office. The reimbursable costs will include:a. Expenses related to Travel to Join and Repatriation Travel (mobilisation and demobilisation flights/travel costs; transit visas; transit accommodation);b. Consultant’s in-Country travel (work related);c. Movement permits;d. Leave-related flights, prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order;e. Rest and recuperation travel for international Consultants, prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order;f. Visas and work permits as well as any other costs associated exclusively with their issuance;g. UN ID Cards;h. Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA), when applicable;i. Communication allowances including internet or phone credit including airtime for satellite phones;j. Laptops;k. Phones (including Satellite Phones);l. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);m. Cost of rented vehicle (s) (for work related matters and subject to appropriate recording in vehicle’s logbook and approval by UNOPS);n. Accommodation rental (at duty station) - under 50k USD per annum;o. Cost of fuel bought for UNOPS vehicle (s) (subject to appropriate recording in vehicle’s logbook and approval by UNOPS);p. Consultant expenses directly arising from performance of his/her duties and responsibilities for UNOPS, if authorized by UNOPS in advance and properly documented as per UNOPS procedures;q. Extraordinary War Risk Surcharge: In the event that a location's risk rating increases significantly, causing 'War Risk' insurance premiums to exceed the baseline by more than 10%, the Contractor may submit the excess premium cost as a direct reimbursable expense, subject to UNOPS prior written approval and open-book verification.r. Any other expenses incurred by the Contractor with the prior agreement of UNOPS as may be stipulated in the Call-Off Order.Q1: Can UN confirm that Social Insurance One Time Registration Fee and other similar one time fees applicable at certain location is cost reimbursable and shall not be included in the Onboarding Fee?Answer 4. Q1. Confirmed.-In accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.2.8.2), the Onboarding Fee in Form F covers strictly background checks and vetting, induction and training, IT licensing costs, and the Contractor's administrative fee related to obtaining Visas and Labour Cards.Direct Reimbursable Costs (TOR Clause 4.2.8.3): In accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.2.8.3, items 'f' and 'r'), mandatory administrative levies and official government fees imposed directly by local authorities—such as statutory local registration levies, official visa/work permit issuance fees, and statutory social insurance one-time registration fees—are classified as Direct Reimbursable Costs. These shall be reimbursed at actual verified cost under the respective Call-Off Order upon presentation of official third-party payment receipts.Follow Up questions Clarification 1.Section III Schedule of Requirement and Form F Financial Proposal FormQuestion 5. Clarification on Pricing ModelThe financial proposal appears to require a fixed management fee applicable to both national and international personnel across all grades.Given that several cost components particularly insurance premiums and certain statutory obligations vary significantly based on the consultant's location, category, and compensation level, would UNOPS consider allowing a percentage-based HR/Management Fee instead of a fixed fee, or an alternative pricing mechanism that more accurately reflects the varying cost structure across different consultant categories?UNOPS Response: Answer 5. The financial form indeed requires a fixed management fee applicable to both national and international personnel accross all grades. UNOPS has been using this pricing model for many years now successfully therefore an alternative pricing mechanism is not of interest at this point in time. As a reminder, the financial forms are unique to each lot / country. This means that a bidder is free to propose a different price for the fixed management fee for each country.FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS: Q1. Considering statutory obligations and insurance premiums vary by nationality, also by region within the same country, will UNOPS reconsider changing Form F?Q2: Considering insurance cost and statutory obligations are also function of pay, can UN provide pay bands for all Local Nationals and International levels presented in Section III Paragraphs 4.1.3 and 4.1.4?Follow Up questions UNOPS Clarification 1, Question 5, Answer 5. Q1.  UNOPS will publish an Amendment revising Form F (Financial Proposal Form) specifically to separate the HR Management Fees between National and International consultants.Q2. No. UNOPS will not provide specific pay bands or salary scales.

New clarification added: Clarification 13Question 1. Section 4.1 states: The Contractor shall be responsible to provide suitably qualified Consultants for any and all positions that may be required by UNOPS. The Contractor shall be responsible for the: (i) hiring; (ii) deployment activities; (iii) termination; (iv) payroll; (v) insurance; (vi) safeguarding; and (vii) employment relationship and administration of Consultants (e.g. life support, communications,  travel arrangements, per diems, accommodation, claims, etc.Q1: Can UN clarify if actual wages and payroll taxes, social insurance, etc. are to be included in the HR Management Fee?Q2: If answer to question above is "yes", considering payroll burdens/taxes are based on wages and nationalities can UN provide a revised Form F whare bidders can include separate HR Management Fees based on nationalities and category levels presented in Section III, Paragraphs  4.1.3 and 4.1.4.Answer 1. Q1.No. Actual consultant salaries (net take-home fees), payroll taxes, social security contributions, end-of-service/severance entitlements, and mandatory host-country statutory obligations must NOT be included in the Contractor’s HR Management Fee quoted in Form F. In accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.2.8.2 - Contractor's Fee), the fixed unit rates quoted in Form F for the Onboarding Fee (which includes background checks, vetting, induction/training, IT licenses, and administrative handling of visas/labour cards) and Monthly HR Management Fee cover strictly the Contractor’s administrative overhead, insurance, HR management, payroll services, and invoicing.In accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.2.8.1 - Remuneration and Statutory Obligations), consultant net "take-home" remuneration and mandatory obligations arising from applicable local host-country legislation (e.g., statutory taxes, mandatory social security, or statutory severance/end-of-service entitlements) are calculated, funded, and adjusted exclusively within individual Call-Off Orders (COOs) based on actual verified cost.Q2. To accommodate baseline cost and insurance risk profile differences between National and International deployments, UNOPS will publish an Amendment revising Form F (Financial Proposal Form) to separate HR Management Fees for National and International consultants.Question 2.4.1.3 Contractor’s National Consultants: The levels within the National Consultants category are aligned to the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) grades and defined as per below:LICA Support Levels: LICA-1 | ICSC-1 LICA-2 | ICSC-2 LICA-3 | ICSC-3 LICA-4 | ICSC-4 LICA-5 | ICSC-5 LICA-6 | ICSC-6 LICA-7 | ICSC-7LICA Specialist Levels: LICA-8 | ICSC-8 LICA-9 | ICS C-9 LICA-10 | ICSC-10 LICA-11 | ICSC-11 LICA-12 | ICSC-12                                                                                                            Form F Financial Proposal form is not structured to reflect different levels of qualifications presented in.Q1: For properly calculating Onboarding and HR Management fee, will UN please provide the pay (wage) bands for each of the National consultants? Answer  2. UNOPS will not provide internal UN/ICSC salary scales or fixed pay/wage bands in the solicitation documents, nor will wage bands be introduced in Form F.Q1. In accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.2.8.1), National Consultant (LICA) minimum and maximum fee ranges for a given assignment and country are calculated and established internally by UNOPS following the ICSC scale, taking into account the position's grade/level (LICA-1 to LICA-12 per TOR Clause 4.1.3), length of relevant work experience, cost of living, and hardship classification.Because consultant net "take-home" fees and host-country statutory obligations are managed and funded directly under individual Call-Off Orders (TOR Clause 4.2.8.1), Offerors do not require internal UNOPS salary scales to quote their fixed administrative management fees in Form F. In accordance with TOR Clause 4.2.8.2, Offerors must quote their fixed commercial unit rates in Form F based on their operational structure and administrative overhead.Question 3.4.1.4 Contractor’s International Consultants International Contractor’s ConsultantsInternational - A    Junior Specialist: 0 to <5 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s usually required IICA-1(ICSC-8 - ICSC-9)International - B    Specialist: 5 to <7 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree usually required IICA-2 (ICSC-10)International - C    Senior Specialist: 7 to <15 years’ relevant experience. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree usually required IICA-3 (ICSC-11 - ICSC 12)International - D    Principal Specialist: 12 or more years’ relevant experience. Master’s degree or Higher usually required    IICA-4 (ICSC-12 - ICSC 14)Q1: For properly calculating Onboarding and HR Management fee, will UN please provide the pay (wage) bands for each of the International consultants? Answer 3. Q1. Consultant net fees/salaries are determined internally by UNOPS for each specific assignment following the official UN/ICSC salary scales (taking into account position grade, location hardship, cost of living, and experience), in accordance with Section II (TOR Clause 4.1.4). Bidders do not propose consultant salaries or wage bands in this tender. The Contractor's fixed Onboarding Fee and Monthly HR Management Fee should be calculated based on the Contractor's administrative, sourcing, and HR management operational costs, rather than the consultant's underlying salary amount.Note: Answers to Questions 4 and Follow up Question 5 will be published separetly due to lack of space (word count) in this text box.

New clarification added: Clarification 12Question 1. Section 4.3.13 Communications equipment. Does the Client have a preferred mobile communications solution, or is the selection at the contractor's discretion, provided that the proposed solution complies with all applicable regulations and licensing requirements within the relevant country, region, or area of operation?Answer 1.  Not fully at contractor discretion. Per 6.10.2.5, the contractor selects the provider, but mobile/satellite lines must use pre-paid SIM or scratch cards only (no postpaid), and spend is capped by a financial limit set in writing by the UNOPS Project Manager per Call-Off Order - in addition to the regulatory/licensing compliance the bidder already referenced. Question 2. 6.10.2.1 End-User IT Equipment (Contractor Responsibility)Can the Client specify any preferred or mandated brands, makes, models, and technical specifications for contractor-provided equipment required by consultants during contract performance.  Additionally, please confirm whether the Client requires compatibility with any specific systems, software suites, operating systems, security standards, or government-approved applications.Answer 2. No, the Client does not specify preferred/mandated brands, makes, models, or specs - per 6.10.2.1 this is entirely the contractor's responsibility, including full device lifecycle management (endpoint security, Antivirus/EDR, patching, licensing, helpdesk). No specific OS or government-approved application list is required. Default connectivity is via the UNOPS Guest Network (no audit required) for web-based tools like email/Google Workspace/ERP. Internal network access is only granted exceptionally, subject to ITG security audit. Question 3. 6.10.3.1 Ground transportation servicesDoes the Client have a minimum protection standard for B6 armoured vehicles that must be met when transporting consultants, should the preferred vehicle type be unavailable? If so, please confirm the minimum acceptable armouring level, vehicle specification, and any applicable certification requirements.Answer 3. An Amendment to Section III Schedule of Requirements will be issued to reply to this question.Question 4. 6.2 b.v Contractors Security Responsibilities: GPS and TrackingPlease confirm whether secure communications are a contractual requirement? If secure communications are required, please advise the minimum acceptable standard, including any encryption, licensing, interoperability, or regulatory requirements applicable to the area of operations.Answer 4. Secure communications are required only where dictated by the operational environment and interoperability requirements with UNOPS and the wider UN Security Management System (UNSMS). Any communications equipment provided by the contractor shall comply with applicable host-country licensing and regulatory requirements and be interoperable with UNOPS/UNSMS systems where operationally required (e.g. TETRA or other locally deployed systems).Question 5. 6.2 b.vi Contractors Security Responsibilities: MedicalCan the Client please confirm the minimum medical standard required for deployed personnel?                                                      Specifically, please advise whether team members are required to hold a recognized medical qualification (e.g., First Aid at Work, FREC 3, FREC 4, EMT, Paramedic, or equivalent) and whether there is a minimum number of medically qualified personnel required per team, vehicle, or shift?Answer 5. There is no uniform requirement for medical training for UN personnel. In some locations UN personnel are required to have Individual First Aid Kit training and will be equipped with personal IFAKs while deployed. Depending on the environment Emergency Trauma Bag training (paramedic/EMT) is required for personnel performing designated functions. This differs from location to location in accordance with the respective Security Risk Management-Measures.Question 6. Recruitment Request Form -Contractor Led Selection: Support of assignment requiring carrying of weaponOther than the weapon requirements specified within the tender documentation, can the Client please confirm whether there is a preferred weapons system or calibre to be used by contracted personnel?Answer 6. Any weapons (lethal or less-lethal) carried or used by contractor personnel shall comply with all applicable host-country laws and regulations, the terms of the contract, and any applicable UNOPS security requirements. Where armed contractor personnel are proposed, their deployment shall be subject to prior coordination with UNOPS Security in accordance with applicable UNOPS and UNSMS procedures and host-country requirements.Question 7. BPE and PPEDoes the Client have a minimum required standard for Body Protective Equipment (BPE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if these items are to be provided by the Contractor?Answer 7. An Amendment to Section III Schedule of Requirements will be issued to reply to this question.Question 8. Section II - SOR - Pge 28: 4.2.9.1 Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and other trainings Can UNOPS please confirm they shall provide PSEA training Media?Answer 8. Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: PSEA and other trainings. Confirmed. In accordance with Section 4.2.9.1, UNOPS will define, provide, or update the definitive list of required courses (including UNOPS-proprietary modules or standard United Nations organization courses) along with platform access instructions upon contract signature or prior to individual consultant deployment. Alternatively, the Contractor may offer equivalent training modules provided by a recognized Training Institution or qualified subcontractor, subject to prior written review and formal approval by UNOPS. Question 9 Section II - SOR - Pge 28: 5.1.2 Online Contract Management and Reporting PortalCan UNOPS please confirm who is responsible for ensuring BSAFE 1 hour & SSAFE 3 day training is completed by consultants and is this completed prior to deployment?Answer 9. An Amendment to Section III Schedule of Requirements will be issued to reply to this question. 

New clarification added: Clarification 11Question 1.  4.1.1.2 Deployment of personnel: With regard to the requirement to deploy personnel within 10 days. Will allowance be given for the time delay required in some countries for the approval of valid visas?Answer 1. Yes. While Clause 4.1.1.2 and KPI 3 establish a baseline deployment requirement of ten (10) working days following final candidate endorsement and background check clearance, UNOPS recognizes that statutory visa and work permit issuance timelines in certain high-risk duty stations are beyond the Contractor’s direct control. Where deployment delays are caused solely by official governmental or administrative visa processing times, an allowance will be made—provided the Contractor applied for the visa promptly upon selection, actively tracked the process, and submitted written evidence of the delay to the UNOPS Project Manager. Such documented delays will not be penalized as a failed KPI.

New clarification added: Clarification 10Question 1. Evaluation Criteria: LOT 14 - Syria states the following: Experience - Offeror should be in continuous business of providing third-party labor services during the last 5 years (demonstrated by copy of Company registration certificate and at least 2 previous contracts / client letters of reference for similar services provided in the last 5 years in the country).    Considering that Syria remained largely inaccessible to international commercial companies for approximately 14 years and that the relevant security licensing framework was not available until recently, could the Client kindly confirm that the requirement for five years of experience at this specific location will be waived or revised, as bidders could not reasonably have obtained the required licence or accumulated five years of local experience?Answer 1. The requirement for 5 years of continuous experience in the lot country remains applicable to Lot 14 (Syria). However, Offerors lacking direct 5-year local incorporation in Syria may participate by forming a formal Joint Venture/Consortium (Form D) with a qualified local Syrian partner. Under UNOPS evaluation rules, JV members are permitted to pool their operational experience and local registration documents to satisfy the qualification criteria for that Lot.Question 2. PRICING: Prices quoted by the Offeror shall be fixed during the Offeror’s performance of the Contract and not subject to variation on any account, unless otherwise specified in Section I: RFP Particulars. A Proposal submitted with an adjustable price shall be treated as non-compliant and shall be rejected, pursuant to Instructions to Offerors Article 27. However, if in accordance with Section I, prices quoted by the Offeror shall be subject to adjustment during the performance of the Contract, a Proposal submitted with a fixed price quotation shall not be rejected, but the price adjustment shall be treated as zero.Considering at each of the location labor laws and payroll taxes change almost every year, will UN allow price adjustments related to changed in local (host country) labor laws?Answer 2. Bidders should keep in mind the distinction between contractor management fees and consultant salaries/statutory liabilities:- Contractor Management & Onboarding Fees: The fixed unit rates quoted in Form F for onboarding and monthly HR management fees are evaluated in this tender and stay fixed in USD for the first 3 years of the contract. Price reviews can only be requested upon contract extension after the initial period of 3 years, capped at a maximum of 10% and subject to UNOPS approval, as stated in Section Particulars under "Scope of Proposals".  - Consultant Take-Home Fees &  Statutory obligations: In accordance with Section II (Schedule of Requirements - TOR Clause 4.2.8.1), consultant net take-home fees and statutory obligations arising from applicable local laws (e.g., statutory taxes, mandatory social security contributions, or end-of-service benefits) are calculated and adjusted in the specific Call-Off Orders (COOs) based on actual verified cost.  Obligation to Notify: The Contractor is required to inform UNOPS of any mandatory changes to local labor laws and regulations, as well as the financial effect on existing Call-Off Orders, immediately upon enactment and no later than the effective date of the new legislation. Question 3. PERFORMANCE SECURITYThe successful Offeror, if so specified in Section I: RFP Particulars shall furnish a Performance Security in the amount and form specified therein, within the specified number of days after receipt of the Contract from UNOPS. UNOPS shall promptly discharge the Proposal Securities of the unsuccessful Offerors pursuant to Instructions to Offerors Article 19.Failure of the successful Offeror to submit the above-mentioned Performance Security or sign the Contract shall constitute sufficient grounds for the annulment of the award and forfeiture of the Proposal Security. In that event UNOPS may award the Contract to the next lowest evaluated Offeror, whose offer is substantially responsive and is determined by UNOPS to be qualified to perform the Contract satisfactorily. Can UN clarify the value (amount and /or percentage)  of the performance security requirement?Answer 3. As specified in Section I (RFP Particulars) -  in e-sourcing - , no Performance Security is required for this Long-Term Agreement framework. The general references to Performance Security contained in Article 35 of Section I (Instructions to Offerors) represent standard framework template provisions that apply only when explicitly stipulated as required in the RFP Particulars Section in e-sourcing.Question 4. PROPOSAL SECURITYThe Offeror shall furnish as part of its Proposal, a Proposal Security, if required in Section I: RFP Particulars. The Proposal Security shall be in the amount and form specified in Section I: RFP Particulars and shall:(a)    Be in the same currency as stipulated in Instructions to Offerors, Article 17.(b)    Be valid for thirty (30) days beyond the period of Proposal validity prescribed by UNOPS pursuant to Article 13, Proposal Validity Period. A proposal that does not include a Proposal Security in the amount and form described above may be rejected by UNOPS.Unsuccessful Offerors’ Proposal securities will be discharged/returned as promptly as possible, but no later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the period of Proposal validity prescribed by UNOPS pursuant to Article 13, Proposal Validity Period.The successful Offeror(s)’ Proposal securities will be discharged/returned upon the Offeror executing the contract, pursuant to Article 34, Signing of Contract. The Proposal security may be forfeited:a.    If a Offeror withdraws its Proposal during the period of Proposal validity specified by the Offeror on the Proposal submission form; orb.    In the case of the successful Offeror, if the Offeror fails to sign the contract in accordance with Article 34, Signing of Contract.Can UN clarify the value (amount and /or percentage)  of the proposal security requirement?Answer 4. Please, see answer 3.  

New clarification added: Clarification 9.Question 1. Please advise if, as stated in Stage 3 Qualification & Evaluation - "Offeror should be in continuous business of providing third-party labor services during the last 5 years (demonstrated by copy of Company registration certificate and at least 2 previous contracts / client letters of reference for similar services provided in the last 5 years in the country)."  This requirement applies to ALL LOTS, and therefore, a supplier MUST have delivered labour services in that specific country/lot within the last 5 years for any of the lots they wish to bid for?Answer 1. Lot-by-Lot Application:This qualification criterion applies on a Lot-by-Lot basis. For each individual country/lot an Offeror chooses to bid for, the Offeror must demonstrate that it (or jointly with its formal Joint Venture partner) has been in the continuous business of providing third-party labor (3PL) or similar services in that specific country during the last five (5) years.Modality for Bidders Lacking Direct Local 5-Year Experience:- Joint Venture (JV) / Consortium Modality: If an international firm lacks direct 5-year local experience or registration in a specific lot country, it is permitted to submit a proposal as a formal Joint Venture (JV) / Consortium (using Form D) with a qualified local partner. As clarified during the Pre-Bid Meeting, members of a Joint Venture are permitted to pool their qualifications and operational experience to satisfy the Qualification Criteria for that lot.- Subcontractor Modality Note: While bidders are permitted to engage local subcontractors, a subcontractor’s past experience or turnover cannot be used to satisfy this Qualification Criterion on behalf of the lead offeror; capacity-pooling applies strictly to formal JV partners.Bidding Flexibility & Structural Consistency Rules:- Offerors are not required to bid on all 18 countries; they may choose to bid on a single lot, a select group of lots, or all lots for which they meet the qualification criteria.- If bidding as a Joint Venture across multiple lots, the JV must maintain a single, identical structural and partner configuration across all submitted lots to prevent automatic disqualification due to a Conflict of Interest under Section I, Article 4 (same company bidding in different offers, either as the lead partner or a JV member, constitutes a conflict of interest as per UNOPS policy).

New clarification added: Clarification 8. Question 1. Would "Company X" be permitted to enter into teaming or partnership discussions with more than one prospective lead firm in relation to this tender, prior to a final teaming agreement being signed with a single lead firm? Alternatively, is "Company X"  expected to commit exclusively to one lead firm from the outset of discussions? We would appreciate your clarification on this matter to ensure full compliance with the tender requirements.Answer 1. Pre-Submission Teaming Discussions:UNOPS does not regulate or restrict preliminary, exploratory, or commercial discussions that an entity (such as a sub-consultant, local partner, or service provider) may hold with multiple prospective lead bidders prior to the official submission of proposals.Rules at Official Proposal Submission (Conflict of Interest Constraints):- Subcontractor Role: In accordance with Section I (Instructions to Offerors, Article 4 - Offeror Eligibility) and clarifications provided in the pre-bid meeting, a firm may be included as a subcontractor in more than one bid. Serving as a non-exclusive subcontractor for multiple lead offerors does not automatically constitute a conflict of interest, provided that the subcontractor is not a lead offeror or JV partner in another proposal for the same lot. Conflict of Interest: a firm cannot act as a bidder (whether as a sole bidder or as a Joint Venture partner or JV lead partner) in one bid while simultaneously acting as a subcontractor in another bid for the same lot (multiple lot tender) or same tender (1 lot tender). This situation is prohibited and constitutes a conflict of interest.- Joint Venture (JV) / Lead Bidder Role: If the teaming arrangement results in a formal Joint Venture (JV) or Consortium (using Form D), a single entity cannot submit more than one proposal structure across the tender.

New clarification added: Clarification 7.Question 1. Could you please clarify whether Form J for each lot needs to be signed by the client, or is it sufficient for the bidder to provide the required details only?Answer 1. Yes, Form J must be signed and stamped by an authorized representative of the Offeror.  

New amendment added #3: Amendment to:Extend the deadline for the tender and for clarifications by 2 weeks. Correct the numbering of the KPIs to align between section 4.2.4 and Annex I of the TORs.Correct a typo in the Particulars tab on eSourcing: 10% cap (and not 10$ cap) on price adjustment after the initial 3 yearsCorrect the allocation of points in eSourcing to align it with the bidding documents, and clarify the point allocation in the Section II: Evaluation Criteria of the bidding documentsUpdate Section V-3 UNOPS sample contract for Long-Term AgreementAll amendments to the bidding documents are highlighted in yellow and written in red color. 

New clarification added: Clarification 6.Question 1. 4.1.3 Contractor’s National Consultants: The levels within the National Consultants category are aligned to the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) grades and defined as per below:LICA Support Levels: LICA-1 | ICSC-1 LICA-2 | ICSC-2 LICA-3 | ICSC-3 LICA-4 | ICSC-4 LICA-5 | ICSC-5 LICA-6 | ICSC-6 LICA-7 | ICSC-7LICA Specialist Levels: LICA-8 | ICSC-8 LICA-9 | ICS C-9 LICA-10 | ICSC-10 LICA-11 | ICSC-11 LICA-12 | ICSC-12                                                                                                                                                Form F Financial Proposal form is not structured to reflect different levels of qualifications presented in.Q1: Which level should bidders include in the Pricing Form?              Q2: If bidders should include unit rates for each level (1 through 12) will UN provide revised pricing form where bidders can include rates for each of the 12 levels? Answer 1.Q1: Bidders do not bid on or propose unit rates for specific national consultant levels (LICA-1 through LICA-12) or international levels in Form F (Financial Proposal Form).Consultant take-home fees across all levels (LICA-1 to LICA-12) are calculated and set internally by UNOPS in accordance with International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) grade scales and local market classifications. Bidders compete strictly on two administrative cost categories in Form F:- Onboarding Fee: Fixed one-off flat rate per person.- Monthly HR Management Fee: Fixed monthly rate per person, structured by volume headcount brackets (1–50, 51–100, and >100 active personnel).Q2: No revised financial proposal form will be issued. The structure of Form F is intentional. The administrative Onboarding Fee and Monthly HR Management Fee apply uniformly regardless of the consultant’s specific technical grade or LICA level. Bidders should average their corporate administrative overheads across consultant categories within the designated lot-specific fee cells in Form F.Question 2. Section 4.1 is stating The Contractor shall be responsible to provide suitably qualified Consultants for any and all positions that may be required by UNOPS. The Contractor shall be responsible for the: (i) hiring; (ii) deployment activities; (iii) termination; (iv) payroll; (v) insurance; (vi) safeguarding; and (vii) employment relationship and administration of Consultants (e.g. life support, communications,  travel arrangements, per diems, accommodation, claims, etc.Q1: Can UN confirm that UN will not be providing life support/accommodation, local transportation., internet services, communication equipment etc.?Q2: Can UN clarify if monthly rates are to be inclusive of life support, communications,  travel arrangements, per diems, accommodation, etc./Answer 2. Q1. Confirmed. UNOPS will not directly provide life support, accommodation, local transport, IT hardware, or communications equipment, except where explicitly stated for specific operational duty stations in an individual Call-Off Order (COO). The Contractor is responsible for administrative and logistical provisioning as outlined in Section 4.1 and Section 6.10..Q2. No, monthly rates in Form F must NOT be inclusive of pass-through operational expenses. - Form F Monthly HR Management Fees: Must cover strictly the Contractor’s administrative overheads, payroll management, MHPSS/wellness programs, and required insurance coverage (Service-Incurred Illness/Injury/Death/Disability, Medical/MEDEVAC, and baseline War Risk).- Reimbursable Operational Costs: In accordance with TOR Section 4.2.8.3, operational items such as mobilization/demobilization travel, work-related local transport, per diems/DSA, communications allowances, laptops, smartphones, PPE, and accommodation rentals under USD 50,000/year are direct reimbursable expenses. These costs will be authorized and reimbursed by UNOPS at actual cost against approved invoices under individual Call-Off Orders and must not be built into the fixed Form F rates.Question 3. Form F Financial Proposal Form: Column D ,  items 1  through 7:Q1: Can un clarify if the monthly rate should include rotator costs?Q2: If rotator costs is not to be included in column D, where should bidders include the costs associated with backfill /rotators costs to cover leave rotation?Q3: Can UN clarify if rotators are to be billed/priced separately?Answer 3. Q1: No. The Monthly HR Management Fee in Form F (Column D) must not include the base remuneration, travel, or per diem costs of rotation/backfill personnel. Form F unit rates apply strictly to active, deployed headcount positions managed per month.Q2: Costs associated with backfill or rotation personnel (e.g., travel flights for Rest & Recuperation/leave rotation and DSA) are managed as follows:- Consultant Remuneration during Leave/Rotation: Base fee payments during approved contractual leave are covered through the active consultant’s established Call-Off Order rate.- Rotation Travel & Mobilization: Travel costs for rotation/backfill personnel are treated as direct reimbursable expenses under TOR Section 4.2.8.3 (a) & (e) upon prior written approval by the UNOPS Project Manager.- Contractor Administrative Overhead for Backfills: The administrative handling of backfills is covered under the established Onboarding Fee (if a new backfill consultant requires onboarding) or the active Monthly HR Management Fee for the position headcount.Q3: Yes, rotation costs are billed separately under individual Call-Off Orders. Mobilization flights, transit accommodation, and authorized allowances for rotating personnel are invoiced as pass-through reimbursable expenses based on actual, verified underlying expenses, and are not billed through the fixed Form F unit rates. 

New clarification added: Clarification 5Question 1. We respectfully requests a two-week extension to the current submission deadline of 4th August for the above-referenced solicitation. We propose a new submission deadline of 18th August 2026. This additional time will allow us to prepare a comprehensive and fully compliant proposal that best addresses your requirements. We would be grateful if you could confirm whether this extension can be granted.Answer 1. UNOPS Evaluation Team is analyzing your request. In case of an extension an Amendment will soon be published.

New clarification added: Clarification 4. Question 1. For Lots where local registration is not mandatory, please confirm whether an international company that is not locally incorporated may serve as the Lead Partner in a Joint Venture/Consortium with a locally established partner. Will such a consortium satisfy the eligibility requirements for those Lots, assuming all other qualification criteria are fulfilled?Answer 1. Yes, an international company that is not locally incorporated in the lot country may serve as the Lead Partner of a Joint Venture (JV) / Consortium. 

New clarification added: Clarification 3. Question 1. Would UNOPS consider allowing a pricing model with separate HR/Management fees for Local Consultants and International Consultants, reflecting the differing levels of effort and administration associated with each category? Answer 1.  No. In accordance with the financial proposal structure (Form F) and as clarified during the Pre-Bid Meeting, the proposed Onboarding Fee and Monthly HR Management Fee must be the same for both local and international consultants within a specific lot.  Bidders must calculate and average their administrative overhead across consultant categories for each lot-specific rates entered in the designated cyan-blue cells of Form F. Offers proposing alternative percentage-based markups or separate fee tables outside the required Form F structure will not be accepted. Please do not make any modification to Form F as it might lead to the disqualification of your offer, only fill in the cells in cyan blue.Question 2. Is it permissible for a bidder to partner with different consortium members for different Lots, or must the consortium composition remain the same across all Lots for which a proposal is submitted?Answer 2. The consortium composition must remain strictly identical across all submitted Lots. As clarified in the Pre-Bid Meeting Minutes and in accordance with Section I (Instructions to Offerors, Article 4 - Offeror Eligibility), an Offeror (including any member of a Joint Venture/Consortium) may submit only one bid structure across the entire tender.A single entity cannot act as a lead partner in one lot, a non-lead JV member in another, or a subcontractor in a third, nor can a JV change its partner composition or percentage shares between different lots. Doing so constitutes a Conflict of Interest under UNOPS Procurement Policy and will result in the automatic disqualification of all associated proposals.Question 3. For proposals submitted as a consortium:Sub-question (a) Are all consortium members required to submit the complete set of eligibility documents, including financial statements and supporting documentation.Sub- answer (b) Eligibility & Formal Documents: Yes. Each member of the Joint Venture/Consortium must meet the basic eligibility conditions outlined in Instructions to Offerors, Article 4. Every member must provide its respective registration documents, Questionnaire responses, and Form L (Self-Disclosure Form). All JV partners must sign the Form D (JV Form).Sub-question (b) Must each consortium member demonstrate experience in similar services? and (c) Is Form J – Performance Statement required to be submitted by each consortium partner, or only by the lead partner? Sub-answer (b)  Experience in Similar Services & (c) Form J: Experience and past performance can be demonstrated collectively by the JV partners. To satisfy the 5-year local experience requirement (or revenue thresholds) for a specific lot, the JV members may pool their past performance records. Form J (Performance Statement Form) should be submitted to reflect the combined relevant experience of the JV partners supporting the proposal for that lot.Question 4. Are bidders required to possess any specific corporate or operational certifications as part of the eligibility or technical evaluation? If so: Which certification documents should be submitted with the proposal? In the case of a consortium, are these certifications required from all consortium members or only the lead partner? Answer 4. Required Certifications:(a) Business Licenses / Registration: Under Criterion 1.4, holding active local company incorporation and required operating licenses/accreditations is mandatory at submission for Lots 1, 4, 6, 10, 11, 12, 15, and 18 (and desirable for Lots 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17). (b)Security Subcontractor Standards: Where security subcontractors are utilized, the contractor must demonstrate ISMA (International Security Management Association) membership or ISO 18788 certification.  (c) EOD / HMA Technical Roles: As per TOR Section 4.1.2, specialists in Humanitarian Mine Action / Explosive Ordnance Disposal must hold formal professional certifications strictly aligned with IMAS / IATG standards.Consortium Application: In the case of a Joint Venture/Consortium, the required local business license or operational certification may be held by any member of the JV (or the designated local partner) that is legally operating in the lot country to fulfill the requirement for that lot.Question 5. Are the financial qualification requirements, including submission of financial statements, solvency calculations, and liquidity ratios, applicable to each consortium member individually, or can they be demonstrated collectively by the consortium? Answer 5. Financial qualification requirements can be demonstrated collectively by the Joint Venture/Consortium. As clarified in the Pre-Bid Meeting, JV partners are permitted to pool their financial capacity (audited financial statements) to satisfy the Qualification Criteria in Section II (such as the USD 1 Million / USD 10 Million annual revenue thresholds, positive net solvency, and the Liquidity Ratio ≥ 1.0$).Note: Subcontractor financial capacity cannot be used to meet financial qualification thresholds; pooling applies strictly to formal JV partners who sign Form D and assume joint and several liability. In the case of a JV, each JV partner must submit their audited financial statements.Question 6. Where a proposal is submitted as a consortium consisting of an international company and a locally registered company, can the international company act as the lead/primary contractor, or is the locally registered company required to serve as the lead contractor for the respective country/Lot?Answer 6.  Yes, the international company can serve as the Lead Partner. UNOPS does not mandate whether the local or international entity serves as the lead partner. However, the following rules apply:a. The designated Lead Partner must be the bidding entity registered on eSourcing and UNGM.b. The Lead Partner must individually meet all basic eligibility criteria and will be the entity with whom UNOPS signs the contract and routes payments.c. To meet the local business licensing requirement (Criterion 1.4) or 5-year local experience  for a specific lot, the JV submission must include the local partner's registration certificates and Form D signed by all partners, establishing joint and several liability. Question 7. We kindly request a two-week extension to the proposal submission deadline. The additional time will enable us to prepare a more comprehensive and competitive proposal for UNOPS' requirements.Answer 7. UNOPS Evaluation Team is analyzing your request. In case of an extension an Amendment will soon be published.

New clarification added: Clarification 2.Question 1.  Parts A and B of the Technical Proposal are on the same form, yet the instructions are to submit Part A separately, and Part B with each Lot submission. Should the whole form be submitted with each Lot, or should Part A be removed from the form before submitting Part B with each Lot? And should Part B be removed from the form when submitting Part A?Answer 1. Form G - Part A (General Information):- Part A covers general, non-country-specific organizational information (e.g., firm history, SOPs, global QA, sustainability/PSEA policies).- How to submit: Part A must be completed ONCE and submitted under the "Main Tender" / General Document Checklist section in the eSourcing portal. You do not need to re-upload Part A for each individual Lot.Form G - Part B (Country/Lot Specific Information):- Part B covers lot-specific technical information (e.g., local infrastructure, local roster capacity, country-specific security & evacuation plans).- How to submit: A separate, dedicated Form G - Part B must be completed for EACH individual Lot/Country you wish to bid for. Each Part B file must be uploaded under the corresponding Lot Placeholder / Lot Checklist in eSourcing.

New clarification added: Clarification 1. Question 1. Request for Extension. We kindly request an extension of two (2) weeks to the proposal submission deadline to allow sufficient time for preparing a comprehensive and compliant response.Answer 1. As the procurement process is expected to be lengthy and we aim to have a new contractor in place by 1 January 2027, we have decided not to extend the submission deadline at this stage. If, at the beginning of August, it becomes apparent that we have not received a sufficient number of bids, we may consider extending the deadline at that time. Thank you for your understanding.Question 2. Clarification on Lots and Job Categories. The Schedule of Requirements (TOR) does not reference any Lots. However, the document "RFP_2026_63543 - Sections I, II, III, IV and V.docx" contains multiple references to Lots and their corresponding countries. Could UNOPS please confirm whether the Lot structure and country mapping provided in the RFP document are applicable to this solicitation? Additionally, we would appreciate it if UNOPS could provide the job categories/profiles covered under each Lot, along with indicative Job Descriptions (JDs) or representative Terms of Reference (ToRs), where available.Answer 2. The TOR refer to the list of countries covered under this tender as outlined point 2. Background, Table: "Regions & Countries". Each lot represents a specific country. The tender has 18 lots. You can see the lot structure on eSourcing under Tender Information / Particulars / Manage lots. Please also refer to the eSourcing Vendor Guide to navigate the platform (the guide is attached as part of the tender documents). Regarding job categories and profiles, please note the following:Indicative Profiles: A range of representative job profiles frequently utilized under this LTA framework—including Civil Engineers, Construction Management Engineers, Electrical/Mechanical Engineers, Security personnel, Drivers, Logistics, and Psychosocial Support specialists—are detailed in Annex 2 (Sample of Terms of Reference) of the TOR.Scope: These indicative profiles apply across all 18 lots.Finalized Job Descriptions: As specific position needs arise during implementation, the responsible UNOPS Hiring Manager will provide exact, finalized Terms of Reference (ToRs) tailored to the project's requirements at the time of issuing each individual Recruitment Request (Call-Off Order).Question 3. Clarification on Local Registration Requirement. Requirement #5 (Page 17) states that the Offeror must have been in continuous business providing third-party labour services in the respective Lot country during the last five years, demonstrated through a company registration certificate and at least two previous contracts or client reference letters for similar services delivered in that country.We have successfully delivered comparable third-party labour services in several of the Lot countries over the past five years. However, we do not maintain local company registration in all of those countries. Could UNOPS please clarify whether copies of contracts, purchase orders, completion certificates, and/or client reference letters demonstrating successful service delivery in the respective countries would be considered acceptable evidence of experience in lieu of a local company registration certificate?Answer 3. No, past performance documents (contracts, POs, or reference letters) cannot be accepted in lieu of a local company registration certificate. While copies of contracts, purchase orders, completion certificates, and/or client reference letters demonstrating successful service delivery are required to demonstrate effective experience in the country, they cannot substitute a local company registration certificate where this is required. Criteria 1.4 states that "Offeror is incorporated and maintains all required licenses and certifications to operate as required by law in the country(ies) for which the offeror submits proposal. This has to be documented through provision of copies of adequate licences or accreditation. This requirement is mandatory for lots 1,4,6,10,11,12,15, 18 and desirable for the remaining lots 2,3,5,7,8,9,13,14, 16, 17."UNOPS established this criterion based on its experience contracting third-party labour in the past. The local company registration is mandatory only for the lots / countries where based on past experience, it is required to be able to provide third-party labour services legally in the country.Question 4. Clarification on Daily Timesheet RequirementThe TOR refers to the maintenance of daily timesheets. Could UNOPS please clarify whether the Contractor is expected to obtain daily signed and approved timesheets from deployed personnel, or whether the requirement is to maintain daily attendance records, with consolidated monthly timesheets signed and approved at the end of each reporting period?Answer 4.  Consultants must complete attendance timesheets daily (preferably electronically), as stated in clause 4.3.7 Timesheet Approval of "Section 2 - Schedule of Requirements". These timesheets are to be submitted to the Consultant's supervisor, and must be presented by the Consultant's representative to the UNOPS Project Manager on a weekly basis for official review and approval. This weekly approval process is critical to support the KPI targets and to ensure the rapid, accurate processing of payroll and monthly invoicing, preventing administrative delays at the end of the reporting period.Question 5. Clarification on Pricing ModelThe financial proposal appears to require a fixed management fee applicable to both national and international personnel across all grades.Given that several cost components—particularly insurance premiums and certain statutory obligations—vary significantly based on the consultant's location, category, and compensation level, would UNOPS consider allowing a percentage-based HR/Management Fee instead of a fixed fee, or an alternative pricing mechanism that more accurately reflects the varying cost structure across different consultant categories?Answer 5. The financial form indeed requires a fixed management fee applicable to both national and international personnel accross all grades. UNOPS has been using this pricing model for many years now successfully therefore an alternative pricing mechanism is not of interest at this point in time.As a reminder, the financial forms are unique to each lot / country. This means that a bidder is free to propose a different price for the fixed management fee for each country. 

New amendment added #2: Amendment to:Publish the prebid meeting minutesClarify the award setup: one main LTA and one back-up LTA for each lot / country (18 lots / countries)

New amendment added #1: Extension of the deadline for the tender and for clarifications by 7 days