19FS1A25R0007 A0004.pdf

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 1 of 15

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE RATING

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

09/05/2025

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

CODE

Antonio M. Taylor

NAME

TEL.

TaylorAM2@state.gov

EMAIL

6. ISSUED BY CODE7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

19FS1A25R0007

CODE FACILITY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, country, state and ZIP Code) (X)

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

08/15/2025

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER

NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X XThe above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended, Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing items 8 and 15, and returning ____copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE

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

ORDER NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

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

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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

The purpose of this modification is to remove NISS security language from the Tables in Section L6.1 and Section M3 Evaluation Criteria.

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

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

Jane Paek

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED

By (Signature of Contracting Officer)

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

07/01/2025

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.

11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

CGFS // CGFS

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 2 of 15

Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors and Respondents M Evaluation Factors for Award

M.1 PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 3 of 15

Line Item Summary

Solicitation Number:

19FS1A25R0007

Contract Number: Title:

NFATC Information Center

Date of Solicitation:

09/09/2025

CLIN Funding: Cost:

Base Totals: Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Exercised Options Totals: Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Unexercised Options Totals: Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Base and Options Totals: Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Original: $0.00

Change: $0.00

Current: $0.00

Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors and Respondents

L.1 - PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. 52.216-1 -- Type of Contract (APR 1984) The Government contemplates a single-award labor hour BPA.

2. Questions Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted to Contracting Officer, Jane Paek, PaekJ@state.gov and Antonio Taylor, TaylorAM2@state.gov via email with the Subject Header "RFP: 19FS1A25R0007 Questions NFATC Information Center" no later than Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 10:00am EST.

3. Proposal Due Date and Submission

3.1. The Offerors shall submit all proposal volumes email directly to Contracting Officer Jane Paek, PaekJ@state.gov and TaylorAM2@state.gov with the Subject Header "RFP: 19FS1A25R0007 Proposal NFATC Information Center" no later than Friday, September 12, 2025 at 12:00pm EST.

The RFP response package must address ALL the four factors in four (4) volumes (separate files):

• Volume I (Factor 1 – Small Business Participation and Clearance) – Pass/Fail)

• Volume II (Factor 2 – Technical) – Technical Approach

• Volume III (Factor 3 – Past Performance) – Past Performance

• Volume IV (Factor 4 – Price) – Price Proposal

3.2. No other methods of submission will be accepted.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 4 of 15

3.3. The Government is not liable for any expenses incurred by the Offerors in developing and submitting proposals for this solicitation.

3.4. At a minimum, proposal must show:

• Solicitation number

• The name and email address of the Proposal Point of Contact

• SAM UEI and Cage Code

• Small Business Size status for NAICs 519210

3.5. Proposals submitted must be valid for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from the quotation due date.

4. Purpose of Instructions for Proposal Preparation

The purpose of proposal instructions is to establish the requirement for the format and content of an Offeror’s proposal, so that proposals submitted to the Government contain all of the essential information and can be evaluated equitably.

4.1. Offerors are instructed to read the entire solicitation document, including all attachments, prior to submitting questions and/or preparing your offer.

4.2. Offerors are expected to follow the detailed quotation preparation instructions fully and carefully.

4.3. The instructions provided have been specifically tailored to the evaluation procedures to be applied for quotation evaluations. The Government will rely on the information provided by the Offerors and other Government repository of information (e.g. CPARS) to evaluate the quotations.

4.4. Proposals that fail to provide information in the format requested may be found unacceptable and may be rejected without further consideration.

4.5. Additionally, an Offeror’s proposal may be rejected without consideration if the Contracting Officer determines:

• that a significant revision or addendum to the Offerors’ proposal would be required to permit further evaluation

• that the incompleteness of the proposal errant formatting of the proposal appears to be due from a lack of diligence or competence of the Offeror.

4.6. Instructions are designed to ensure the submission of information essential to the understanding and evaluation of proposals.

• Clarity and completeness are of utmost importance to the proposal.

• The relevance and conciseness of the proposal is important.

• The Offerors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their Proposal.

4.7. If the Offeror objects to any of the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation, the Offeror shall 1. Submit a question to the contracting office by the question due date for clarification by the Contracting Officer or 2. state in its proposal, "The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:" [Offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s)]. (Offerors are cautioned that exceptions, deviations from the requirement or if the fail to comply with all material requirements of the solicitation their proposal may be rendered unacceptable.)

• It is the sole responsibility of the Offeror to identify in their proposal any exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation.

• If the Proposal does not include such a statement, the submission of a quotation in response to this solicitation will be regarded as the Proposal's acceptance of the Government's terms and conditions, as contained in the latest amendment, for inclusion into the resultant task order.

5. Page Size and Font

5.1. Number of Pages – Each volume must contain no more than 15 single-sided pages.

• If the technical proposal is longer than this page-count limitation, the excess pages shall not be reviewed nor evaluated.

• The page count for the Price, Technical, and Past Performance Volumes are exclusive of the cover letter, cover page, table of contents, Reps and Certs and resumes (See TAB 6.5 below for a full list of documents excluded from the page count).

5.2. Paper size, font, margins

• 8 1/2 by 11-inch

• 1 inch margins

• White paper

• Single sided

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 5 of 15

• 12-point Calibri

5.3. Reduction is not permitted except for organization charts or other graphic illustrations, or in the headers/footers. In those instances where reduction is allowable:

• Offerors shall ensure that the print is easily readable; no less than 8-point font on graphs and 10-point font on tables.

• Each page shall have adequate margins on each side (at least one (1) inch) of the page.

• Header/footer information (which does not include any information to be evaluated) may be included in the 1" margin space.

• Pages that exceed the maximum page limitation will not be evaluated.

5.4. For the electronic copy of the proposal, each file shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft Office 2000 (or newer version) or searchable Adobe PDF.

5.5. Excluded from page limitations of respective Volumes:

• Security Clearance Certification

• Transition Plan (Transition In Plan (TIP), Transition Quality Plan (TQP), and a Transition Out Plan (TOP)).

• Executive Order Certification (EO) 14173

• Sub-contracting plan

• Quality Control Plan

• Sample Resumes

• Past Performance Questionnaire

• CPARS

• Representations & Certifications as required by 52.212-3

Certification of Contractor Compliance with Executive Order (EO) 14173 Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit- Based Opportunity.

6. Proposal Content and Instructions

6.1. Volume I Factor 1 – Small Business Participation and Clearance – Rating: Pass/Fail

Volume I – Pass/Fail : CONTENT and INSTRUCTIONS Factor 1 – Small Business Participation and Clearance (See Section 14 for the Evaluation Criteria)

Volume I Page Limit

No Page Limit

Section Document Requirements

Tab A (SBPD) Small Business Participation Document – completed by Offeror

Tab B (Reps and Certs) Printout of Active Representations and Certifications from SAM.gov – attached by Offeror

(section K signature)

Tab C (Vendor Certification) Certification of Contractor Compliance with Executive Order (EO) 14173 Ending Illegal

Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

6.2. PRIME must have clearance. Clearance is not accepted from Sub-Contractor if Prime Contractor does not have clearance.

7. Proposal Content and Instructions

7.1. Volume II Factor 2 - Quality - Technical Approach: Content and Instructions

7.1.1. Sub Factor 1. Quality – Understanding and Approach

7.1.1a Staffing Plan and Requirements: Capability to find and retain the highest quality staff to meet the requirements of the Office of the Executive Director.

7.1.1b Quality Control Plan: Offeror must develop a quality control plan that mirrors the Government’s QASP attachment.

7.1.1c Management and Communication Plan: Develop an appropriate level of planning for contract management throughout the term of the contract. Identify roles and responsibilities within the organization and outline the strategies and objectives for internal and external communication to ensure that everyone is working together to meet the organization’s goals.

7.1.1d Compensation Plan: Reflect a clear understanding of the work to be performed and indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 6 of 15

7.1.2. Personnel Qualifications: Two sample resumes per position that meet the qualifications outlined in PWS Section C.

7.1.3. Sub-Contracting Plan (if applicable).

7.1.1a Sub Factor 2. Staffing Plan and Requirements INSTRUCTIONS

1. Staffing and Recruitment Plan:

The Offeror shall provide an approach for recruiting staff. This summary shall:

a. Describe the approaches for recruiting a qualified and capable workforce that possesses the necessary experience, education, certifications, clearances, and skills to support the entire scope described in the PWS.

b. Must specifically address the Offeror’s approach for recruiting for positions that require specialized experience, higher level knowledge, or academic requirements.

c. Describe the approach to replace removed, departed or absent personnel with equally qualified personnel that meet the process and timeframes specified in the SOW.

d. Describe the methods for recruiting for short-notice or short-term positions.

2. Personnel Qualifications:

The Offeror must submit a sampling of resumes of their proposed program management team personnel and the labor categories outlined in the PWS. The Government will evaluate, at minimum, information contained in the resumes submitted with the Quotation.

The Proposal must include two sample resumes from each type of labor category as outlined below – for a total of 8 resumes. Each resume should not exceed three (3) pages in length and should have personal information redacted.

a. Labor Category 1, Program Manager

b. Labor Category 2, Senior Librarian

c. Labor Category 3, Librarian

d. Labor Category 4, Digital Archivist

If there are Sub-Contractors partnering in the offer, at least 50% of all resumes must come from the prime, but there must be at least one resume from each proposed sub-contractor.

Although incumbent personnel may currently occupy some of these positions and those personnel will be afforded the right of first refusal, DoS FSI still requires sample resumes in order to assess the Offeror’s ability to recruit and obtain qualified personnel.

7.1.1b Sub Factor 3. Quality Control Plan INSTRUCTIONS

The Offeror shall develop a Quality Control Plan that mirrors the Government’s QASP.

The Offeror must describe their plan, procedures, and controls to ensure performance standards are met as detailed in the PWS in terms of quality, schedules, cost controls, management, and regulatory compliance.

This document promotes uniform conformance among all stakeholders so that all team members understand what acceptable outputs look like.

• Performance monitoring: establish metrics to track contract performance against key deliverables and timelines.

• Conducting performance observations of staff and managing staff to ensure a high level of performance for all Offeror.

• Dealing with issues regarding the performance or conduct of contract staff, either raised by the Government or discovered by contract management, in a prompt and effective manner, including implementation of performance improvement plans as necessary.

• Ensuring that performance standards are met as detailed in the Performance Work Statement, both in terms of timeliness and quality as stated in the QASP.

• It is expected that the Offeror will ensure that its training of staff is up to date with industry standards.

• The Offeror, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control to meet the terms of the contract.

• Record all surveillance observations and will maintain a file of all inspection results

• Document why performance was unacceptable, how performance will be returned to acceptable levels, and how recurrence of the problem(s) will be prevented in the future.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 7 of 15

• Quality Control Plan (QCP) developed as part of its proposal. Implementation activities include ensuring that performance metrics are met in terms of both quality, timeliness, cost controls, business relations, and regulatory compliance.

7.1.1c Subfactor 4. Management and Communication Plan INSTRUCTIONS

The Management and Communication Plan should contain:

• Clear roles and responsibilities: outline who is responsible for each stage of contract lifecycle.

• Contract identification details:

• Contract number

• Offeror name

• Contract type

• Current contract value

• Performance period

Management Plan: The Offeror should submit an on-site and remote management and administrative plan with proposed methods and activities to execute all FSI requirements in the SOW including but not limited to:

1. The process and timeline for onboarding and initial orientation of new or replacement personnel, including unconscious bias training.

2. The process for providing ongoing training to ensure Contractors are up-to-date with industry standards for their field.

3. Description of the Offeror’s management structure including how the PMs fit into this structure and outlining their roles, responsibilities, and accountability.

4. The process for monitoring and managing all contract staff located on the client site and working remotely to include roles, responsibilities, and accountability.

5. Communication with the CO, Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Assistant Contracting Officer’s Representative (ACOR), and Government Technical Monitors (GTM) regarding program personnel and deliverable status to include timely problem identification, mitigation and resolution of performance and conduct issues with contract staff.

6. Communication with staff regarding logistical or administrative policy changes that impact the workplace or day-to-day operations.

Communication plan: outline strategies and objectives for internal and external communication within the organization, and should specify:

• Target audience

• Types of messages

• Message structure

• Key communication channels

• Frequency of communication

Risk management: identify potential risks associated with the contract and outline mitigation strategies.

Compliance procedures: ensure adherence to relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Change management process: define procedures for managing contract changes, including approval workflows.

Contract lifecycle stages: outline the different stages of the contract lifecycle, from initiation to termination.

Contract termination procedures: define conditions and process for terminating a contract.

Contract renewal process: describe procedures for renewing contracts when necessary.+

Transition Plan: The Offeror must outline the transition methods, budget management, issues, resolutions, and communication for a Transition In Plan (TIP), Transition Quality Plan (TQP), and a Transition Out Plan (TOP). This should address all aspects to transfer knowledge, tools, documentation, equipment, processes, and methodology from the current contractors to the new contractor and its team.

The TIP shall include, but not limited to:

A detailed work break-down structure with intermediate and major milestones A list of all major milestones and deliverables A list of costs associated with each major milestone Processes and standards used to ensure meeting the objective of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) during thetransition Testing Contractor operational processes for verification of full operational capability Governance methods, to include regular reporting to FSI

The TQP shall include, but not limited to:A quality-control program

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 8 of 15

Quality-monitoring tools and techniques A Performance-management system and processes Customer-feedback collection and monitoring methods, tools and techniques (through CPARS and COR) Quality-reporting plans and processes Corrective-action process, if necessary

Transition Out Plan (TOP), but not limited to:

Develop and provide a detailed TOP to be conducted at the time of non-renewal or termination of services that shall notexceed 45-calendar days in length. The TOP will be adjusted to align with the follow-on provider TIP. This plan shallidentify, track and coordinate resolution of transition-related issues.

A detailed work break-down structure Deliverables and description of deliverables A related-staffing plan that shows the staffing requirements by milestone and skill and the status of the staffing plan Identification of the Contractor’s staffing requirements by skill set and related hours/days Identification of Contractor-required-transition tools and equipment All transition-related Contractor personnel as needed to meet the milestones of the Transition Plan A weekly status report to FSI/EX on the progress of the TOP, highlighting:

Milestones Completed per TOP Milestones missed or forecasted to be missed per TOP Latest Forecast Completion Date of TOP Escalated Issues and Up-to-the-Minute Status Conduct the transition by cooperatively working with the follow-on provider to plan and conduct a coordinated transition-out without disruption or degradation of current service performance.

7.1.1d Subfactor 5. Compensation Plan INSTRUCTIONS

• The compensation levels proposed should reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed and should indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives.

• The salary rates must take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty.

• Offerors are cautioned that lowered compensation for professional work may indicate lack of sound management judgment and lack of understanding of the requirement.

Compensation Plan shall include but not limited to:

Description of Prime Contractor and any Sub-Contractors fringe benefit policies and practices for:

• Vacation, sick and personal leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; retirement or 401K matching;

health insurance; and vision and dental insurance.

• For each fringe benefit, discuss the specific benefit offered, the company and employee share of premium costs, any co-payments and deductibles, the effective date of coverage or vesting.

• For health insurance, discuss the company policy on assuming health insurance coverage for incumbent employees, including pre-existing medical conditions, and the Offeror’s policy on spouse and family benefits.

• Salary payment policies, such as cost-of-living adjustments, holiday pay, and any other premium pay anticipated.

• Explain how wage and salary ranges were established.

• Provide written support to demonstrate that the proposed compensation is reasonable to attract and retain employees.

• Incentives to motivate and reward performance and to encourage the retention of personnel.

Compensation Plan shall include but not be limited to a description of prime Offeror’s fringe benefit policies and practices for:

• Health and Welfare Fringe Benefit (Utilize the concepts of 29 C.F.R. § 4.175).

• Personal/Vacation Leave – Two (2) weeks paid leave for FTEs.

• Federal Holiday Leave – Paid leave for all observed Federal Holidays.

• Salary payment policies, such as (COLA), holiday pay, and any other premium pay anticipated. Explain how wage and salary ranges were established. Provide written support to demonstrate that the proposed compensation is reasonable to attract and retain employees.

• Unexpected Government Closures Pricing for any unanticipated closure-related compensation costs in their pricing Quotations.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 9 of 15

While the compensation plan is directed toward quality and will be evaluate as such, the information regarding the compensation package shall be an Appendix to Volume III: Pricing. Proper presentation, organization, and clarity, as well as adequate supporting documentation, must be provided to facilitate Government evaluation of the Quotation.

The Offeor shall implement a compensation plan that is developed as part of its Quotation. Implementation activities include ensuring that compensation is applied as detailed in the proposal. The Offerorshall not alter, cease, or defer compensation plans for the duration of the awarded Order.

7.2. Volume III Factor 3 – Past Performance: Content and Instructions This information comprises the Past Performance Volume that will be used by the Government to evaluate Past Performance. All information obtained will be used for both the responsibility determination and the best value decision.

Volume III – Past Performance CONTENT Use of Confidence Ratings Volume IIIPage Limit15 Sub-Factor Definition Document Requirements

1. Relevancy Previous or current contracts that are most similar in size, scope, and complexity to the work of this acquisition.

Written Narrative explaining relevancy of CPARS or PP Questionnaire

1. Success Previous or current contracts that demonstrate it has successfully operated and maintained systems similar in scope and complexity of this acquisition.

CPARS or PP Questionnaire

7.2.1. The Offeror (including all partners of a joint venture) must provide past performance information for itself and each major Sub-contractor (defined as a sub-contractor that is proposed to perform 20% or more of the work or total proposed price).

7.2.2. This criterion will be scored on the degree of recency and relevancy and success in past performance efforts of a similar scope, size, complexity, and subject matter.

7.2.3. The evaluation will focus on the Offeror’s technical understanding and technical capability as demonstrated by the size, scope, complexity, and results achieved in the completion of actual contracts/task orders similar to those expected under this contract.

7.2.4. Technically complex tasks will be rated more highly than tasks of lesser size, scope, and complexity.

7.2.5. The evaluation will also focus on innovative approaches taken and results achieved by the Offeror in prior technically/ managerially complex engagements.

7.2.6. The Government will also use past performance information obtained from sources other than the sources identified by the Offeror when developing the rating. This includes but is not limited to:

• Prior work experience at the Foreign Service Institute/ Department of State

• Information available on federal databases (e.g. CPARS, PPIRS)

• Any other available/applicable reference sources

7.2.7. Past performance should be the Offeror’s OWN experience as a prime or sub-contractor. The majority of the Past Performance Questionnaires should be submitted by prime.

7.2.8. Past performance information is proprietary source selection information. The Government will only discuss past performance information directly with the prospective Offeror’s, and information will not be used outside of this acquisition.

7.2.9. If the Offeror does not have any past performance information, they will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure the Government receives verifiable information to evaluate the quality of the past performance information submitted. The Offeror shall either submit copies of the Offeror’s Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) or ensure a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) is submitted to the Government so that the Government can contact the reference to discuss the Offeror’s past performance history.

If the Offeror submits a CPAR with their Quotation, a PPQ is not required for the same contract reference

Volume III – Past Performance INSTRUCTIONS Page Limit: 15

8.1 Use of Confidence Ratings (Section 15)

Written Narrative - Explanation of Submitted CPARS OR PP Questionnaire

The Offeror shall:

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 10 of 15

• Detail their past performance experience and how it directly relates to the requirements of this solicitation. Provide at least three (3) but no more than five (5) of the most recent and relevant contracts for efforts similar to the work requirements in the PWS. "Recent" is defined as within the last three (3) years.

• Provide at least three (3) but no more than five (5) demonstrated experiences with a sum total of at least $1,000,000.00

• Demonstrate that it has successfully operated and maintained systems similar in scope and complexity of this requirement.

• Describe how each contract is similar to and dissimilar to this work.

• Provide sufficient information related to past or current design, maintenance and enhancement efforts associated with systems similar to the portal requirements described in the Performance Work Statement.

8.2 Document Requirements

Reference

The Offeror shall provide names and contact information of references with Past Performance submission References must describe and document the Offeror's recent successful past performance providing these types of services.

Each past performance reference (PPR) must include the following information:

• Project title

• Description of the project

• Contract number

• Contract amount

• Contract type

• Government Agency/Organization

• COR's name, address, and phone number

• Contracting Officer's name, address, and phone number

• Contract and, if applicable, task order number

• Current status, e.g., in progress, start and estimated completion dates

• Name of company being referenced

• SOW paragraphs that the reference applies to

• Key personnel

• A brief narrative of why you deem reference to be relevant to effort

FSI recommends that you alert the contacts that their names have been submitted and that they are authorized to provide performance information concerning the listed contracts if and when FSI requests it.

8.3 Document Requirements

Past Performance Questionnaire

• The Offeror shall provide Past Performance Questionnaire to each of the references listed.

• Past Performance Questionnaires received from references will be used to evaluate Offeror past performance success. If the

Offeror is subcontracting with another entity or submitted a Offeror as a Joint Venture, then two (2) of these should come from the sub-contractor/Joint Venture partner.

• If extraordinary problems impacted any of the referenced contracts, provide a short explanation and the corrective action taken (FAR 15.305(a)(2)).

• Describe any quality awards or certifications that indicate exceptional capacity to provide the service or product described in the PWS. This information is not included in the page limit.

• PPQ must be received by Jane Paek, PaekJ@state.gov directly from each of the references listed.

• PPQ must be received on or before the solicitation closing date and time.

• Questionnaires submitted by the Offeror directly to the Government will not be accepted or considered when evaluating

"Factor 23 Subfactor 2: Success."

• The Past Performance Questionnaire is attached with the solicitation.

9. Proposal Content and Instructions

9.1. Volume IV Factor 4 - Price: Content

Volume IV – Price (Phase III): CONTENT Volume IVPage Limit15 Section Document Requirements Tab A (Cover Letter) Quotation Cover/Transmittal Letter Tab B (Pricing Narrative) Narrative for Pricing

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 11 of 15

Volume IV – Price (Phase III): CONTENT Volume IVPage Limit15 Section Document Requirements Tab C (Pricing Excel) Pricing Matrix (Attachment 1)

9.2. Volume IV Factor 4 - Price: Instructions

9.2.1. The solicitation requires Offeror’s proposal to price options which will be included in the overall evaluation of offers for award in accordance with FAR Subpart 17.2. Total price must include base plus four option year pricing.

9.2.2. The Offeror must submit fully burdened labor rates for every LH line item listed under each performance period in the attached pricing spreadsheet.

• 9.2.2a The applicable quantities used to generate the evaluated price are detailed on the attached pricing spreadsheet.

• 9.2.2b The LH labor mix and level of effort specified are for estimation purposes. After the award of the contract, modifications may reallocate, without prior written approval, the number of hours by labor category within the labor CLIN as needed to effectively manage the project, provided the total funded labor cost is not exceeded.

• 9.2.c Any additional labor categories or increases to ceilings or labor rates required during performance must be approved by the CO and added to the task order by modification.

• 9.2.2d The Government will not be liable for any costs exceeding the ceiling price of the LH requirements detailed on the pricing spreadsheet.

9.2.3. Pricing Narrative: The Offeror shall fully support the Price Schedule by providing a narrative on the estimating methodology, the pricing assumptions, and additional sufficient cost and price detail that supports the proposed cost/price as it relates to the proposed technical approach. The Offeror shall show a clear audit trail from the technical approach to the associated labor categories.

The salary rates must consider differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty.

9.2.4. Attachment #1 Price Matrix; Representations & Certifications as required by 52.212-3 and on.

10. Completeness of Each Volume

Information contained in each volume shall be complete to the extent that evaluation of each tab may be accomplished independently of, and concurrently with, evaluation of the other. Your responses must demonstrate that both your firm and personnel can successfully complete this project. Offerors shall strictly adhere to the page limits.

NO PRICE INFORMATION IS TO BE INCLUDED IN VOLUME I, II, or III – ANY PRICING IN VOLUMES I, II, OR III

MAY RENDER THE OFFEROR’S PROPOSAL UNACCEPTABLE

11. Service of Protest (FAR 52.233-2) (SEP 2006)

11.1. Protests, as defined in Section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with the agency shall be served on the CO (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

11.2. The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the agency.

Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

M.1 - PROPOSAL EVALUATION

1. Basis for Award The Government intends to award a single/Award to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government. Using the best-value, tradeoff process, the Government will evaluate each Proposal in accordance with the evaluation criteria.

1.1. Offerors are cautioned that the award may not necessarily be made to the lowest priced proposal.

1.2. Evaluations will be based solely on the materials included in the proposal and other Government resources. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 12 of 15

1.3. After receipt of proposal deadline has ended, the Government will conduct an evaluation. However, during the evaluation process, the Government may, solely at its discretion, communicate with Offerors regarding proposal elements. At any time prior to selection, including upon receipt of proposals, the Government may exclude a proposal from further consideration for any material failure to follow instructions, including the omission of required information, or when the Offeror’s proposal is considered to be technically unacceptable will be excluded from further consideration.

1.4. The Government will evaluate Volume 1 for Pass/Fail compliance. Those that meet all criteria of Step I will move to Step II.

1.5. Step II. – The Government will evaluate Volume 2 (Quality) Technical and Volume 3 Past Performance and assign an adjectival e rating to the submitted proposal. Proposals that are technically acceptable will move to Step III.

1.6. Step III – Government will evaluate Factor 4 Price to determine best value trade-off decision.

2. Order of Importance

2.1. Offerors must pass Factor I to move onto Factor II and Factor 3, all technically acceptable proposal will move onto Factor 4 Price.

Within Phase I, Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4and 5 are of equal of importance.

2.2. Within Phase II, Factor 2: Quality -Technical Approach and Factor 3: Past Performance are in descending order of importance and, when combined, are significantly more important than Factor 4: Price.

2.3. Phase III Price - All non-price evaluation criteria, when combined, are significantly more important than Factor 4 – Price. As the non-price merits of competing Price Proposal’s approach equal, Factor 4 will become more important in the best value trade-off decision.

3. Evaluation Criteria Phase I will be performed using a Pass/Fail evaluation. Those that meet all criteria will move to Phase II.

3.1. Volume I Factor 1 – Small Business Participation and Clearance – Pass/Fail: Evaluation

Section Document Requirements Evaluation Tab A (SBPD) Small Business Participation Document Pass/Fail Tab B (Reps and Certs) Printout of Active Representations and

Certifications from SAM.gov

Pass/Fail

Tab C (Vendor Certification) Certification of Contractor Compliance with

Executive Order (EO) 14173 Ending Illegal

Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based

Opportunity.

Pass/Fail

4. Evaluation Criteria Quality - Technical Approach and Past Performance Step II will be performed using confidence ratings (Section 17). Those that are technically acceptable will move to Step III.

4.1. Volume II Factor 2 – Technical – Technical Approach

Sub-Factor Documents Requirements Evaluation 1a. Quality - Understanding and Approach 1b. Staffing Plan and Requirements 1c. Quality Control Plan 1d. Management and Communication Plan 1e. Compensation Plan

Confidence Ratings

2. Personnel Qualifications Two sample resumes per person Confidence Ratings

3. Sub-Contracting Plan (if applicable) Confidence Ratings

4.1.1. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed technical approach based on their demonstrated understanding of the objectives of the PWS and planned execution of the project and will be assigned a confidence rating.

4.1.2. The Government will assess its confidence that the Offeror demonstrates the capability to meet all the contract requirements listed in Section 8.1 by evaluating:

4.1.2a The Offeror’s understanding of the requirement shall be assessed based on demonstrated comprehension of the specific objectives, intent, and requirements of the work 4.1.2b The way the Offeror proposes to plan, manage, control, and provide the required services and deliverables.

4.1.2c The extent to which the Offeror understands the problems, issues, constraints, organizations and system(s) involved.

4.1.2d The methodologies proposed to ensure successful accomplishment of the work.

4.1.2e The soundness, practicality and feasibility of the work plans that will be provided.

4.1.2f The strength of the proposed resources and approach that the Offeror will commit to the contract to address the requirements.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 13 of 15

4.1.2g The entire proposed technical approach for meeting the scope of work and General requirements and performance standards.

4.1.2h The evidence of specific methods, techniques, approaches, as well as capability to find and retain the highest quality staff to meet the requirements of the Office of the Executive Director (Human Resources and Acquisitions).

4.1.3. Recruitment Plan

The submission of the Offeror’s approach to recruitment will be evaluated as follows:

4.1.3a The extent to which the approach for recruiting a qualified and capable workforce that possess the necessary experience, education, certifications, clearances, and skills to support the entire scope described in the PWS is proven, complete, timely, and feasible.

4.1.3b The extent to which the approach to replace departed personnel with equally qualified personnel meets the process and timeframes specified in the SOW is proven, complete, timely, and feasible.

4.1.3c The extent that recruiting methods for short-notice, short-term positions is proven, complete, timely, and feasible.

4.1.3d Personnel Qualifications:

Evaluation of resumes will be based on the extent to which personnel submitted by the Offeror meet or exceed skills, experience, and education required for performing the work outlined in the PWS. The work must convey similarity in scope, size, and complexity:

4.1.3e Quality and depth of education and experience of individual personnel as measured against the requirements outlined in the labor category.

4.1.3f Quality and depth of education and experience in other work which may not be similar enough to include in response to point a (immediately above) but may be relevant.

4.1.4. Quality Control Plan

The submission of the Offeror’s approach will be evaluated for the soundness, timeliness, practicality, and feasibility of the plan submitted and how well it meets the requirement to ensure performance metrics are met as detailed in the PWS in terms of:

• Quality

• Schedule

• Cost controls

• Management

• Regulatory compliance.

4.1.5. Management and Communication Plan:

The submission of the Offeror’s approach to on-site and remote management and communication will be evaluated for soundness, practicality, and feasibility in addition to:

4.1.5a The extent that the process and timeline for onboarding and initial orientation of new or replacement personnel, including unconscious bias training is sound, timely, practical, and feasible.

4.1.5b The extent that ongoing training to ensure Offerors maintain up-to-date industry standards for their field is sound, practical, and feasible.

4.1.5c The extent that the Offeror’s management structure, including how the PMs fit into this structure and their roles, responsibilities, and accountability is sound, practical, and feasible.

4.1.5d The extent the Offeror’s plan to monitor and manage contract staff located on the client site and working remotely including roles, responsibilities, and accountability is sound, practical, and feasible.

4.1.5e The extent the Offeror outlines the approach and timeline for communication with the Government on personnel and deliverables, including performance and conduct identification, mitigation (Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and resolution is sound, timely, practical, and feasible.

4.1.5f The extent the Offeror outlines how they will communicate with staff regarding logistical or administrative policy changes that impact the workplace or day-to-day operations is sound, timely, practical, and feasible.

4.1.6. Compensation Plan

Total Compensation Plan Evaluation Factors 4.1.6a Structure and Components of Compensation The Offeror shall provide a detailed breakdown of the total compensation structure, including base wages, incentives, benefits (health, retirement, leave), and any other forms of remuneration.The plan should demonstrate how compensation aligns with industry standards and supports employee retention and performance.

4.1.6b Recruitment and Retention Strategy The Offeror shall describe how the proposed compensation plan will attract and retain a qualified workforce.

The evaluation will consider whether salaries, benefits, and career growth opportunities are sufficient to reduce turnover and ensure workforce stability.

4.1.6c Impact on Contract Performance The Quotation shall explain how the compensation plan supports effective contract execution and minimizes workforce disruptions.

Offerors shall explicitly account for any unanticipated closure-related compensation costs in their pricing Quotations.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 14 of 15

Quotations will be evaluated on whether they have sufficiently demonstrated how the compensation approach ensures continuity of operations, reduces risk of labor shortages, and maintains productivity throughout the contract period. Additionally, the government will evaluate whether the Offeror demonstrates that all unanticipated compensation costs, including any applicable closure-related pay, are fully accounted for in the pricing Quotation.

4.1.7 Subcontract Management Plan:

When submitting the Subcontract Management Plan the Offeror must, at a minimum, address the points outlined below:

4.1.7a The extent the Offeror, if partially staffed by a subcontracting company, details how the contract will be managed vis-à-vis the sub-contractor.

4.1.7b The Offeror proposes a sound approach for their criteria used in awarding subcontracts.

4.1.7c The Offeror proposes a sound approach for sub-contractor management structure and the level of corporate oversight.

4.1.7d The Offeror proposes a sound approach for processes that will be used to ensure consistent satisfactory performance of sub-contractors.

4.1.7e The Offeror proposes a sound approach for on-site and remote sub-contractor management with respect to work schedules, change order requests, and quality of work.

4.1.7f The Offeror proposes a sound approach for review of sub-contractor Quotations for cost and schedule impacts prior to submission to the Government.

4.1.7g The Offeror proposes a sound approach for measures to prevent labor violations and actions taken to resolve violations of the Service Contract Labor Standards, Fair Labor Standard, and Davis Bacon Acts, if applicable.

4.2. Volume III Factor 3 – Past Performance – Past Performance: Evaluation Factor Document Requirements Evaluation Relevancy Written Narrative References

CPARS or Past Performance Questionnaire Confidence Ratings

Success Confidence Ratings

4.2.1. The Government will assess its confidence that the Offeror will successfully perform the work by evaluating:

• The Offeror’s demonstrated experience from three contracts/orders performed within the past five (5) years (from the date of this RFQ release).

• Prior experience to assess the expectation of successful outcomes based on the extent to which the Offeror has successfully performed on systems like the portal requirements described in the Performance Work Statement.

• The relevance of the Offeror’s demonstrated prior experience to the PWS technical and business solution.Evaluation Criteria

5. Evaluation Criteria

5.1. Volume IV Factor 4 – Price: Evaluation

5.1.1. The Government will establish a “total evaluated” price based on a completed Attachment I. – OIP Price Schedule, Labor Hours and Proposed Price tabs. Include cost of Unexpected Government Closures.

5.1.2. The Government expects to receive price competition through several quotations.

5.1.3. The “total evaluated price” will be evaluated for price reasonableness through comparison with other proposed prices and may include other price analysis techniques.

5.1.4. The Government will evaluate the alignment of the proposed pricing to the Offeror’s proposed technical and management approach in accordance with FAR 8.405-2(d).

5.1.5. Price that does not align to the Offeror’s proposed technical and management approach may indicate an inability to understand the requirements and therefore may be considered a high-risk approach to contract performance.

5.1.6. The price Quotation will not be given a confidence rating, but discounts and rates will be evaluated to ensure labor categories and rates are fair and reasonable.

Factors 2 and 3 Confidence Ratings Table 1 – Phase II and Phase III Confidence Ratings High Confidence The Government has high confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with little or no Government intervention.

Document Number: 19FS1A25R0007 PROCESSED Page 15 of 15

Some Confidence The Government has some confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, and will be successful in performing the contract with some Government intervention.

Low Confidence The Government has low confidence that the Offeror understands the requirement, proposes a sound approach, or will be successful in performing the contract even with Government intervention.