12319723R0001 RFQ for SNAP Income Verfification.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

FNS-HQ-MGMT-CMD

ALEXANDRIA VA 22314

Room 208 1320 Braddock Road

FNS-HQ-MGMT-CMD

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

561450

SIZE STANDARD:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORFNS-HQ-MGMT-CMD

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

07/19/2023 1700 ET

06/06/2023

IAN LIPSCOMB

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12319723R0001

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 69 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Alexandria VA 22314 Room 208 1320 Braddock Road

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$36.0

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

FNS-HQ-MGMT-CMD

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Tax ID Number: Not Available DUNS Number: Not Available The purpose of this solicitation is to procure SNAP Income Verification Services.

All questions from vendors are due on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Proposals shall be received no later than Monday, July 19, 2023

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

CHASE A. LUCAS

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

All proposals and questions shall be sent to

Belal Hammad and Ian Lipscomb.

Belal.Hammad@usda.gov and Ian.Lipscomb@usda.gov

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

69 2 of

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products services prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

1.1 The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is seeking Vendor(s) to provide non-personal services to include management, labor, supplies, and equipment necessary for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Earning Verification Services in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) (Attachment 03).

1.2 The Government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

(IDIQ) contract using FAR part 12 and 15. This Request for Proposal (RFP) is full and open using

NAICS 561450.

1.3 Vendors shall ensure their representations, certifications, and other information on the System for Award Management (SAM) website are accurate and current at the time of quotation submission.

2. PRICING

Offerors shall submit a Firm Fixed Pricing for the following Contract Line Items (CLIN), outlined in the table below. The pricing per item shall include all the associated costs required to deliver a successful Actual Income Verification Report, in accordance with the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Offerors shall only propose pricing on the States that they are capable to cover in accordance with the criteria outlined in the PWS. The Government expects the CLIN price to be the same in all the states.

CLIN Number CLIN Description Quantity FFP

0001—Base Year Income Verification Report 1 Enter FFP per Report

1001—Option Year One Income Verification Report 1 Enter FFP per Report

2001—Option Year Two

Income Verification Report 1 Enter FFP per Report https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-12.6#FAR_Subpart_12_6

3001—Option Year Three

Income Verification Report 1 Enter FFP per Report

4001—Option Year Four

Income Verification Report 1 Enter FFP per Report

Important Note to Offerors:

, The Government is seeking unlimited access to run Income Verification Reports at no additional costs, after meeting set minimums per year. Therefore, Offerors are encourage to propose unlimited access to the government, at no additional costs, after meeting specific purchased number of reports per year.

The government reserves the right to request tier approach pricing during negotiation if deemed to be to the best interest of the government

52.216-18 Ordering. (AUG 2020)

(a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from [ 09/2023] through [ 09/2028].

(b) All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract. In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c) A delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when-

(1) If sent by mail (includes transmittal by U.S. mail or private delivery service), the Government deposits the order in the mail;

(2) If sent by fax, the Government transmits the order to the Contractor's fax number; or

(3) If sent electronically, the Government either-

(i) Posts a copy of the delivery order or task order to a Government document access system, and notice is sent to the Contractor; or

(ii) Distributes the delivery order or task order via email to the Contractor's email address.

(d) Orders may be issued by methods other than those enumerated in this clause only if authorized in the contract.

(End of clause)

52.216-19 Order Limitations. (OCT 1995)

(a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $10,000.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract.

(b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor-

(1) Any order for a single item in excess of $38,000,000.00];

(2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of $190,000,000.00; or

(3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within [30 ] days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (b)(1) or (2) above.

(c) If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) above.

(d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) above, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b), unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within [15] days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons. Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source.

(End of clause)

52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity. (OCT 1995)

(a) This is an indefinite-quantity contract for the supplies or services specified, and effective for the period stated, in the Schedule. The quantities of supplies and services specified in the Schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract.

(b) Delivery or performance shall be made only as authorized by orders issued in accordance with the Ordering clause. The Contractor shall furnish to the Government, when and if ordered, the supplies or services specified in the Schedule up to and including the quantity designated in the Schedule as the maximum. The Government shall order at least the quantity of supplies or services designated in the Schedule as the minimum.

(c) Except for any limitations on quantities in the Order Limitations clause or in the Schedule, there is no limit on the number of orders that may be issued. The Government may issue orders requiring delivery to multiple destinations or performance at multiple locations.

(d) Any order issued during the effective period of this contract and not completed within that period shall be completed by the Contractor within the time specified in the order. The contract shall govern the Contractor's and Government's rights and obligations with respect to that order to the same extent as if the order were completed during the contract's effective period; provided, that the Contractor shall not be required to make any deliveries under this contract after [insert date].

(End of clause)

52.217-8 Option To Extend Services. (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days before performance end date.

(End of clause)

52.217-9 Option To Extend the Term of the Contract. (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor 30 days;

provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days unless a different number of days is inserted, before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 66 month.

(End of clause)

452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts. (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000.00, but not in excess of $190,000,000.00.

(End of Clause)

3.0 PERFORMANCE

IDIQ Period of Performance:

The IDIQ shall be a 12-month Base Year with four (4) 12-Month Option Years

Base Year: Expected to be 09/25/2023 to 09/24/2024 Option Year One (1): Expected to be 09/25/2024 to 09/24/2025 Option Year Two (2): Expected to be 09/25/2025 to 09/24/2026 Option Year Three (3): Expected to be 09/25/2026 to 09/24/2027 Option Year Four (4): Expected to be 09/25/2027 to 09/24/2028

3.1 PLACE OF PERFORMACE

FNS expects the contractor to work off-site at the contractor’s location.

ADDENDUM FAR 52.212-1 (INSTRUCTIONS)

3.2 General

a. Any questions concerning this RFP must be submitted via e-mail to Belal Hammad at belal.hammad@usda.gov and Ian Lipscomb at ian.lipscomb@usda.gov , and must be received by 12:00 PM EDT (Eastern Time) June 15, 2023. All (timely) questions received and responses to these questions will be provided to all Offerors via SAM giving due regard to the proper protection of the identity of the submitter of the question and proprietary information. Offerors shall not direct any questions concerning this RFP to anyone other than the Contracting Officers mentioned herein.

b. This RFP does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the submission of any proposal or in making necessary studies for the preparation thereof. Nor does it commit the Government to procure or contract for said services. The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed procurement.

c. The Government reserves the right to incorporate any part of the awardee’s proposal, in part or whole, into the contract. If the Government elects to exercise this right, the Government will address with the awardee whether or not that aspect of the proposal needs to be protected due to being proprietary or a trade secret.

mailto:belal.hammad@usda.gov mailto:ian.lipscomb@usda.gov

d. The Government intends to award a single award IDIQ and task Order resulting from this RFP to Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government after evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria. However, the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government’s best interest to do so..

e. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

f. Offerors shall provide sufficient information for the Government to determine its level of confidence in the ability of the Vendor to perform the requirements of the solicitation based on an assessment of the Offeror’s technical capability information submitted in their offer. Each Offeror shall submit a complete and acceptable proposal in accordance with the instructions contained herein. Such a proposal: (1) is for the total requirement and scope stated in the RFP and (2) accepts each of the requirements, provisions, terms and conditions, and clauses stated in all sections of this RFP. Alternate proposal will not be considered.

g. Proposal shall remain valid for a minimum of 120 calendar days from the deadline of receipt.

3.3 Offers Submission

a. Proposals submitted in response to this RFP shall be formatted in accordance with the instructions provided in this section. To be considered for award, proposals must be sent by email to belal.hammad@usda.gov and ian.lipscomb@usda.gov no later than July 19, 2023 at 12:00 PM EASTERN TIME.

b. In addition, the Offeror shall set forth any assumptions used in development of its pricing. Any exceptions taken to the terms and conditions of the RFP shall be stated in the price proposal. For each exception, the offeror shall identify the term or condition, state the reason for the exception, and provide any other information concerning the exception. The offeror is advised that any exception taken to the terms and conditions of the RFP may adversely impact their evaluation rating. The Government reserves the right not to accept any exceptions to this RFP.

Quotations shall consist of three volumes, as follows:

Volume 1 - Technical Capability – Includes Technical Approach, Management Approach and Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Volume 2 – Past Performance

Volume 3 – Price TECHNICAL PROPOSAL (VOLUME 1) – NTE 32 Pages Total (excluding Resumes) mailto:ian.lipscomb@usda.gov

The length of the technical proposal volume shall not be more than 32 pages total. The Pricing information SHALL NOT be included in the technical proposal. The directions provided within this section assist in providing a fair and equitable evaluation of all proposal received. The Agency may determine those proposals not following the directions to be unacceptable, and if so, shall receive no further consideration.

Proposals shall be submitted via email with the solicitation number in the subject line. All files shall be compatible with Microsoft Office product(s) and/or Adobe software. At a minimum, the quotation must clearly provide the following:

1. Mark each TAB with the correct TAB letter and contain the information cited below for that

TAB.

2. Include with the quotation any documentation that is referenced in the quotation with page and paragraph numbers included with the reference

Include with the quotation any documentation that is referenced in the quotation with page and paragraph numbers included with the reference.

3. Vendors are required to submit, as part of their quotations, an INDEX referencing the page and paragraph numbers that contain their response/methodology/narrative, on an item-by-item basis to all of the requirements and evaluation criteria listed in the following paragraphs and sub-paragraphs.

1. Cover Page (not to exceed 1 page) At a minimum, this page shall include the Offeror’s name, address, taxpayer ID number, CAGE code, and SAM Unique Identification Number; Offeror’s Point of Contact to include name, title, phone number, and e-mail address; the solicitation number and date of submission.

This page shall also include a proposal validity date of no less than 120 days. **This Page is not counted in your page count.**

2. Executive Summary (not to exceed 2 pages)—Tab A The Executive Summary shall provide a concise narrative summary of your technical proposal, highlighting any key or unique features.

3. Technical Approach (not to exceed 22 pages)—Tab B

At a minimum, the following shall be addressed:

1. The Offeror shall provide a written narrative that clearly and concisely describes the proposed approach to be used to accomplish the work described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Sufficient detail should be provided to permit the Government to determine that the Offeror has a substantive understanding of the scope, complexity and requirements described in the PWS and that it has the demonstrated ability to deliver the services required in an efficient manner. Offerors are encouraged to provide clear, succinct process flow diagrams, tables, charts, and other visual aids to demonstrate their proposed processes and techniques. Offerors shall also include as appendices: The appendices are not included in the page count; however, they should not be more than 3 pages.

1. A table that demonstrates the extent to which their third-party income database (TPID) includes current match data, as defined in the PWS, for residents in each of the 50 States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia.

2. A draft deliverable schedule/timeline that shows how much time the vendor believes it would take to accomplish the required tasks (e.g., X weeks from contract award).

In submitting their proposed approach to the technical requirements described in the PWS, offerors shall consider each of the following:

Familiarity with SNAP certification policy. The offeror demonstrates clear knowledge and understanding of the fundamental SNAP certification procedures and requirements for income verification.

Understanding of acquisition objectives. Offerors provide a narrative that demonstrates an understanding of the scope, complexity, objectives, and desired outcomes of the acquisition as described in the PWS.

Quality of earned income data. The offeror demonstrates the ability to provide State SNAP agencies (which includes all 50 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and FNS personnel with access to earned income payroll data, reported directly from employers and payroll providers,1 that can be used to verify earned income for SNAP applicants and participants instantaneously or within seconds of query submission. Income estimation services and credit report data are insufficient under the requirements set forth in section 5(f)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

Scope and Quantity of Data. The offeror demonstrates the extent to which its TPID includes current match data, as defined in the PWS, for residents in each of the 50 States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia. Since direct measures of this threshold are unavailable, the Contractor may provide proxy quantitative data to demonstrate the extent to which it can provide current match data in each geographic area. FNS’s preferred proxy is the percentage of all workers residing in the geographic area, as defined in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Nonfarm Payroll,2 for whom the TPID includes current match data for the most recently available federal fiscal quarter. If this proxy data is not available, for example in the case of Guam, the offeror should present other data to estimate the extent to which it can provide current match data for residents of the geographic area.

Data matching and verification services expertise. The offeror demonstrates proficiency in the delivery of data matching or verification services to public or private sector entities.

Ability to provide query process per FNS specifications. The offeror demonstrates the ability to provide a query process that meets all functional requirements, as defined in the PWS.

1 This requirement is rooted in section 5(f)(2)(B) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which requires States to determine eligibility and benefit amounts for the first month of the SNAP certification period based on the household’s actual income and other relevant circumstances for the first month. While the future months of the certification period do involve an estimation of the income that can be reasonably anticipated to be received, States must use actual income received for the first month.

2 https://www.bls.gov/sae/

Ability to customize query parameters based on FNS specifications. The offeror demonstrates the ability to adjust the frequency with which State agency users can submit queries based on parameters set by FNS (for example, limiting all users within a State to two queries of the same SSN per year).

Quality of training and technical assistance products. The offeror demonstrates proficiency in producing high-quality, well-edited, and professionally formatted training and technical assistance materials for technical and non-technical audiences. Offerors should provide at least 2 examples demonstrating this expertise (e.g., links to training videos, user manuals, etc.).

Quality and timeliness of deliverables. The offeror demonstrates clear ability to fully complete all requirements in a high quality and timely manner.

2. Offeror must submit a plan to manage the challenges and risks associated with the requirement. This includes, but not limited to, controlling the states from running the same income report more than one time (how to ensure not to charge the government for the same report more than one time); controlling the states from using the service for other than SNAP program;

running out of funds before the period of performance ends.

4. Management Plan (not to exceed 7 pages)—Tab C

1. The Offeror shall describe its management approach and business model, clearly outlining how it plans to accomplish the requirements of the PWS. The narrative shall address the Offeror’s plan for recruiting, training, and retention of qualified personnel to fill vacant positions and maintain continuity of personnel throughout performance of the contract.

2. The Offeror must submit a Management Plan that demonstrates they possess appropriate and sufficient management oversight for the planning, initiation, implementation, conduct, monitoring and quality control to meet the requirements outlined in the PWS.

The vendor shall demonstrate what resources (including subcontractors, consultants, teaming) will be available to perform the range of tasks outlined in the PWS. The management plan shall describe the relationship of staff assignments/expertise to needed skills and the relationship of time commitments to anticipated level of effort. If an offeror proposes to subcontract out part(s) of the work described in the PWS, the offeror must outline planned management of and quality control mechanisms for subcontractor staff and/or consultants.

At a minimum, the Offeror’s Management Plan should include plans and procedures for (1) Project Management and Oversight, (2) Key Personnel and Staffing, (3) Quality Control and Assurance, and (4) Data Security and Privacy Governance, each of which should be included as a separate subsection in the proposal. Details about how each of these subsections will be evaluated are included in the Technical Proposal Evaluation Criteria.

Offerors shall designate the Program Manager and Project Manager as key personnel. Offerors may propose additional key personnel, if necessary, with the rationale that addresses the basis for this determination. The Offeror shall provide the following for all prime contractor and subcontractor key or integral proposed staff:

• Detailed description of relevant experience, education, trainings, and certifications

• Percent of time in person-years to be allocated to the project and its tasks

• Resumes (limited to 5 pages each)

• Letters of commitment for all proposed subcontractors, consultants and any key personnel not presently employed by the Offeror or its subcontractor(s)

Additionally, the management plan shall provide:

• A well-organized staffing plan that clearly shows the ability to recruit and maintain the resources necessary for accomplishing the tasks specified in the PWS, as well as a clear chain of responsibility for all tasks and contract administration. Information such as qualification standards may be included to assist the Government in evaluating the offeror's staffing plan.

• The vendor’s process for identifying, addressing, resolving, and communicating problems (including conflicts of interest) to FNS.

• The vendor’s approach to maintaining a positive working relationship with FNS and State staff.

• The Vendor’s process for advising the Government of any problems regarding the commitment of assigned key personnel and its proposed corrective action for staffing issues (including subcontractors) that may affect quality and timely completion of the requirements outlined in the PWS, including an adequate plan for replacement of key personnel and other key staff.

• The vendor’s process for ensuring that staff performing under this contract, including subcontractors, have access to information security and privacy education and awareness training.

• A Quality Control Plan (QCP) for the vendor (including subcontractors) that demonstrates appropriate and sufficient procedures, facilities, and staff to ensure that quality services and products that meet the Government’s requirements will be provided.

• The vendor’s experience in, and processes and procedures for ensuring, data security and the safeguarding of private information.

• The vendor’s plans for ensuring adherence to the Government’s security requirements, including adherence to Federal laws, regulations, and standards, and the completion of security and compliance documentation.

• Offeror shall submit their experience in conducting work similar in scope and size of the work outlined in the PWS.

• If a Large Business, Offeror shall submit Subcontracting Plan in Accordance with FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

5. Past Performance—Tab D

Vendors must provide past performance information in accordance with the instructions and format provided in Attachment 05. Past Performance must be for work completed within the past three years. It is the Vendor’s responsibility to send the Past Performance Questionnaire to its customers and direct the customer to submit the completed survey to Ian Lipscomb at Ian.Lipscomb@usda.gov Belal Hammad at belal.hammad@usda.gov no later than July 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM EASTERN. Past Performance questionnaire received after the due date will be deemed late and may not be considered.

The Vendor must also provide past performance references, in their response, for at least three

(3) contracts held within the past twenty-four months, to include those in progress. Only references for same or similar type of services will be considered. The Government reserves mailto:Ian.Lipscomb@usda.gov the right to independently verify the accuracy of the information provided and to determine Vendor’s performance on the related work with respect to the following factors: technical performance, quality of work, project management, compliance with agreed upon schedule and customer satisfaction.

PRICE PROPOSAL (VOLUME 2)

An offer must be made on all items in the schedule. The total price shall include the unit price, quantity, discount terms, and total Firm Fixed Price to be eligible for consideration of award.

The price proposal shall include the following:

1. Company’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS). Your company must have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration and SAM Unique Identification Number.

2. Complete pricing and any assumptions for the IDIQ CLINs in accordance with the Section

3. Pricing

Offerors are encouraged to offer deeper discounts such as, but not limited to, unlimited Income Verification Reports if the actual number purchased during the year exceeds a certain amount.

The Government reserves the right to obtain data, other than certified cost or pricing data, as necessary to establish fair and reasonable pricing, in accordance with FAR 52.215-20 Requirements for Certified Cost or Pricing Data and Data Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data (Nov 2021)

(End of FAR 52.212-1 Addendum)

4.0 ADDENDUM FAR 52.212-2 (EVALUATION)

1. BASIS OF AWARD:

The Government will select the best value by conducting a tradeoff among all of the evaluation factors:

Factor 1-Technical Approach Factor 2 -Management Plan Factor 3 -Past Performance Factor 4 -Small Business Subcontracting Plan Factor 5 -Price

Evaluation factors are listed in descending order of importance with the technical approach being most important.

Technical Approach, Management Plan, Past Performance and Small Business Subcontracting Plan when combined are more important than price. A contract will be awarded to the Vendor who is deemed responsible in accordance with FAR Part 9, as supplemented, whose proposal conforms to the solicitation’s requirements, (to include all stated terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and all other information required by the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum of this solicitation) and is judged, based on the evaluation criteria to be the best value for the Government. CPARS and FAPIIS searches will be conducted to determine if the selected awardee is a responsible Vendor.

2. EVALUATION FACTORS:

Factor 1: Technical Approach

The Government will evaluate the vendor’s technical approach to determine whether and how well it reflects an understanding of, and clear plan to achieve, all requirements outlined in Sections 3.0 and 4.0 of the PWS (Technical Requirements and Deliverables). The Offeror shall provide a written narrative that clearly and concisely describes the proposed approach to be used to accomplish the work. Sufficient detail should be provided to permit the Government to determine that the Offeror has a substantive understanding of the scope, complexity and requirements described in the PWS and that it has the demonstrated ability to deliver the services required in an efficient manner. The Government will evaluate the vendor’s quote along the following factors:

Familiarity with SNAP certification policy.

Understanding of acquisition objectives.

Quality of earned income data.

Scope and quantity of data.

Data matching and verification service expertise.

Ability to provide query process per FNS specifications.

Ability to customize query parameters based on FNS specifications.

Quality of training and technical assistance products.

Quality and timeliness of deliverables.

Factor 2: Management Plan

The Government will evaluate to determine whether the management plan includes all required components outlined in the Instructions to Offerors as well as the offeror’s plans and procedures for (1) Project Management and Oversight, (2) Key Personnel and Staffing, (3) Quality Control and Assurance, and (4) Data Security and Privacy Governance, as outlined below.

Project Management and Oversight

The Government will evaluate to determine whether the offeror demonstrated the ability to manage and oversee all aspects of the proposed effort including technical performance, time and delivery constraints, cost, status reporting, and subcontractor(s). Demonstrated ability to identify, address, resolve and communicate problems (including conflict of interest), and to maintain a positive working relationship with FNS staff is also important and will be evaluated.

Key Personnel and Staffing The Government will evaluate to determine the extent to which the offeror’s management plan demonstrates the following:

The offeror possesses key personnel with experience critical to successful completion of the project objectives Proposed staff assignments are made according to relevant experience, skill, and availability.

The offeror’s ability to commit and maintain adequate resources (including subcontractors, consultants, teaming arrangements) experienced in disciplines critical to the successful completion of contract objectives to perform the range of tasks required in the PWS.

A clear chain of responsibility for all tasks and contract administration.

A clear connection between staff assignments/expertise to tasks under the contract.

Evidence that the offeror will ensure that its employees and those of its subcontractors performing under this contract have access to information security and privacy education and awareness training.

A sufficient process for advising the Government of any problems regarding the commitment of assigned key personnel and its proposed corrective action for staffing issues (including subcontractors) that may affect quality and timely completion of the requirements outlined in the PWS, including an adequate plan for replacement of key personnel and other key staff.

The following aspects of the management plan shall also be evaluated:

Resumes of Key Personnel proposed to perform the tasks outlined in the PWS (limited to

5 pages each).

Letters of Commitment for all proposed subcontractors, consultants, etc.

Quality Control and Assurance The Government will evaluate whether the offeror demonstrates strong procedures for quality control and assurance, including their approach to ensuring that quality services and products that meet the Government’s requirements will be provided.

Data Security and Privacy Governance The Government will evaluate whether the offeror demonstrates expertise in, and outlines strong procedures to ensure, data security and the safeguarding of private information as described and required in the PWS (e.g., Technical Requirement 3.9 and Section 8.0). The Offeror must also demonstrate a reasonable approach to ensure adherence to the Government’s security requirements, including adherence to Federal laws, regulations, and standards, and the completion of security and compliance documentation.

Factor 3: Past Performance

The evaluation of past performance on projects will be a subjective assessment considering all relevant facts and circumstances, including ratings and references from past and/or current customers. Past performance will be evaluated as a measure of the Government’s confidence in the Offeror’s ability to meet technical requirements, deliver quality products, and meet the cost and schedule requirements of this project. In addition, for past performance, the Government may use data obtained from other sources, such a contractor performance assessment reporting system (CPARS), as well as that provided in the quotation.

The Offeror shall provide a description of past performance which contains at least three (3) relevant experiences within the past three years to include contracts or task orders for work of the same or similar to the requirements specified in the PWS. This list must include the contract number, value, description, and technical/contracting points of contact (POC’s). The POC’s names, telephone numbers, agency and e-mail addresses must also be included. Offerors shall send a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (see attachment 2) to one contact person from a minimum of three references described above for them to complete and include the performance questionnaires in the technical quotation. The Government is not responsible if one or more references fail to provide a completed Performance Questionnaire.

Offerors are also advised that the Government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any sources, including Government sources within and outside of USDA and sources outside of the Government. In the case of a Vendor without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the vendor may be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

Factor 4: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (SBP)—Only applicable to Large Businesses

The government will evaluate the proposed SBP to determine if it is in accordance with terms and conditions of this RFP

Factor 5: Price

To be considered for award, the Vendor shall submit prices which comply with the requirements set forth in the FAR 52.212-1 Addendum. Offerors who fail to comply with these requirements will receive no further consideration and may be eliminated.

The government will evaluate the proposed FFP per report to determine if the price is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR part 15. Moreover, the government will evaluate any proposed discounts offered for volume orders, and unlimited access to reports at no additional cost to the government when ordering specific volume per year.

(End of FAR 52.212-2 Addendum)

Solicitation Provisions and Clauses

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text may be accessed electronically at this address:

https://acquisition.gov/far/index.html.

1-Contract Provisions

452.204-70 Inquiries (FEB 1988)

Inquiries and all correspondence concerning this solicitation should be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer. Offerors should contact only the Contracting Officer issuing the solicitation about any aspect of this requirement prior to contract award.

(End of provision)

452.211-72 Statement of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

(End of clause)

452.211-73 Attachments to Statement of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

(End of clause)

452.215-73 Post Award Conference (1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 7 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at: Via teams meeting.

(End of clause)

452.216-72 Evaluation Quantities - Indefinite-Delivery Contract (FEB 1988)

To evaluate offers for award purposes, the Government will apply the offeror's proposed fixed prices/rates to the estimated quantities included in the solicitation, and will add other direct costs if applicable.

(End of provision) https://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1998)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $10,000, but not in excess of $38,000,000.00.

452.224-70 Confidentiality of Information. (FEB 1988)

(a) Confidential information, as used in this clause, means -

(1) information or data of a personal nature, proprietary about an individual, or

(2) information or data submitted by or pertaining to an organization.

(b) In addition to the types of confidential information described in (a)(1) and (2) above, information which might require special consideration with regard to the timing of its disclosure may derive from studies or research, during which public disclosure of primarily invalidated findings could create an erroneous conclusion which might threaten public health or safety if acted upon.

(c) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify elsewhere in this contract specific information and/or categories of information which the Government will furnish to the Contractor or that the Contractor is expected to generate which is confidential. Similarly, the contracting Officer and the Contractor may, by mutual consent, identify such confidential information from time to time during the performance of the contract. Failure to agree will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(d) If it is established that information to be utilized under this contract is subject to the Privacy Act, the Contractor will follow the rules and procedures of disclosure set forth in the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and implementing regulations and policies, with respect to systems of records determined to be subject to the Privacy Act.

(e) Confidential information, as defined in (a)(1) and (2) above, shall not be disclosed without the prior written consent of the individual, institution or organization.

(f) Written advance notice of at least 45 days will be provided to the Contracting Officer of the Contractor's intent to release findings of studies or research, which have the possibility of adverse effects on the public or the Federal agency, as described in (b) above. If the Contracting Officer does not pose any objections in writing within the 45 day period, the contractor may proceed with disclosure. Disagreements not resolved by the Contractor and Contracting Officer will be settled pursuant to the "Disputes" clause.

(g) Whenever the Contractor is uncertain with regard to the proper handling of material under the contract, or if the material in question is subject to the Privacy Act or is confidential information subject to the provisions of this clause, the Contractor shall obtain a written determination from the Contracting Officer prior to any release, disclosure, dissemination, or publication.

(h) The provisions of paragraph (e) of this clause shall not apply when the information is subject to conflicting or overlapping provisions in other Federal, State or local laws.

(End of Clause)

452.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure. (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor also agrees not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part in any manner or form, or to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify in writing, the Contracting Officer, named herein, in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(b) The Contractor agrees not to disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder.

The following clauses are hereby incorporated by reference into the Solicitation. Additional clauses may be incorporated at the time of issuing Task Orders.

52.203.6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government. (JUN 2020) - Alternate I

(NOV 2021)

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (NOV 2021)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial (see attachment 07—to be completed by vendors and submit with the RFP)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(DEC 2022)

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Products and Commercial Services. (DEC 2022)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (JAN 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-

235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (NOV 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (NOV 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations

(NOV 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial products and commercial services: (Contracting Officer check as appropriate.)

[X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (JUN 2020), with Alternate I (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

[X] (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (NOV 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509).

[ ] (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUN 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

[X] (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUN 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

(5) (Reserved)

[X] (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (OCT 2016) (Pub.

L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[] (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite- Delivery Contracts (OCT 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

[X] (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (NOV 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

[X] (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

[ ] (10) (Reserved)

[ ] (11) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[ ] (12) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (SEP 2021) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

[ ] (13) (Reserved)

[ ] (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-6.

[ ] (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-7.

[ ] (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2018) (15 U.S.C.

637(d)(2) and (3)).

[X] (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (NOV 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[X ] (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2016) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (iv) Alternate III (JUN 2020) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (v) Alternate IV (SEP 2021) of 52.219-9.

[ ] (18)(i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (MAR 2020) (15 U.S.C.

644(r)).

[ ] (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-13.

[ ] (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C. 657s).

[X] (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (SEP 2021) (15 U.S.C.