1333ND19QNB680513_Instructions_to_Offeror.pdf

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 1 of 8

I. REQUEST FOR QUOTE FOR Atomic Force Microscope

THIS IS A COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORMAT IN FAR SUBPART 12.6-

STREAMLINED PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATION AND SOLICITATION FOR

COMMERCIAL ITEMS-AS SUPPLEMENTED WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

INCLUDED IN THIS NOTICE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY

SOLICITATION; QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED, AND A WRITTEN

SOLICITATION DOCUMENT WILL NOT BE ISSUED. THIS SOLICITATION IS BEING

ISSUED USING SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION PROCEDURES UNDER THE AUTHORITY

OF FAR 13.5 SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL ITEMS.

A. The solicitation number and a statement that the solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). All communications and documents must include the proposed solicitation number 1333ND19QNB680513.

1. All offerors shall provide a FIRM FIXED PRICE quotation for the Atomic Force

Microscope to include all shipping costs.

2. Closing Response Date: August 22, 2019, 9:00 AM, Mountain Time.

B. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular FAC 2019-03 July 12, 2019.

C. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 334516 Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. This is a full and open competition procurement.

D. CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBERS (CLINs) OVERVIEW:

1.

2. There are OPTION CLINs.

CLIN ITEMS QUANTITY

UNIT

OF

ISSUE

PRICE

0001 Purchase an atomic force microscope (AFM) 1 EA $0.00

OPTION

CLINs OPTION ITEMS QUANTITY

UNIT

OF

ISSUE

PRICE

1001 2021 Yearly AFM Service Agreement as per the SOW 1 EA $0.00

2001 2022 Yearly AFM Service Agreement as per the SOW 1 EA $0.00

3001 2023 Yearly AFM Service Agreement as per the SOW 1 EA $0.00

4001 2024 Yearly AFM Service Agreement as per the SOW 1 EA $0.00

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 2 of 8

E. DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

The Applied Physics Division operates a multi-user, precision imaging facility that supports internal users by providing microscopy and microanalysis capabilities. The facility seeks an atomic force microscope (AFM) to meet user requirements for spatially-resolved, nanoscale measurement capabilities. Samples of interest include microfabricated, on-wafer devices, and other solid-state systems. Desired measurements include high-speed sample topography imaging, surface roughness measurements, step height measurements, as well as local electrical and magnetic sample characterization. The facility seeks a single AFM system that combines: compatibility with wafer-sized samples, large vertical and lateral scan ranges, ease-of-use in a multi-user environment, and high-speed imaging.

ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPE SPECIFICATIONS: SEE ENCLOSED

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT 6 PAGES

F. DATE(S) AND PLACE(S) OF DELIVERY AND ACCEPTANCE AND FOB POINT

1. The delivery schedule shall be completed in accordance with Clause 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010) here within this RFQ.

2. Free on board” or “Freight on board (FOB) Destination delivery terms are requested.

However, FOB Origin delivery terms are authorized for service and maintenance.

FOB Destination means: The Contractor shall pack and mark the shipment in conformance with carrier requirements, deliver the shipment in good order and condition to the point of delivery specified in the purchase order, be responsible for any loss of and/or damage to the goods occurring before receipt and acceptance of the shipment by the consignee at the delivery point specified in the purchase order; and pay all charges to the specified point of delivery. The contractor is responsible for any customs clearance, to include, import duties, taxes, and fees, Power of attorney, bond(s), etc. All shipping costs shall be included in the total firm-fixed price.

3. Delivery address: The Contractor shall include the delivery item to the Place of

Contract Performance:

NIST Shipping and Receiving ATTN: Thomas Mitch Wallace 325 Broadway Boulder, CO, 80305

G. The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See enclosed Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provision at 52.212-1 for additional specific paragraph(s) that apply to the acquisition by addendum included in this provision.

H. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See enclosed FAR provision at 52.212-2 for specific evaluation criteria included that apply to the acquisition by addendum included in this provision. Offerors shall clearly demonstrate their ability to meet the technical requirements and deliverable schedule (period of performance) as outlined in the associated solicitation. Quote shall include all shipping costs.

I. The provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P1614_225899 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P1678_238290 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P1692_240142

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 3 of 8 applies to this acquisition. The Offeror must have completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) Web site located at http://www.sam.gov/portal. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (u) of the enclosed FAR provision at 52.212-3.

J. Clauses at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See enclosed FAR Clause at 52.212-4 for additional FAR clauses cited in the clause that applies to the acquisition.

K. Clauses at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. See enclosed FAR Clause at 52.212-5 for additional FAR clauses cited in the clause that is applicable to the acquisition.

L. Additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions are as follows:

1. INSPECTION

Inspection and acceptance are expected to take seven calendar days after receipt of delivery.

2. WARRANTY

Inspection and acceptance are expected to take one week after delivery. Warranty shall start upon Government acceptance, which differs from the delivery date.

3. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION

In accordance with FAR Clause 52.204-7, the awardee must be registered in the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) prior to award. Refusal to register shall forfeit the award.

M. The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and the assigned rating do not apply to this acquisition.

N. Contact Point or Contracting Officer is MeeLondrell Lumpkin at (303) 497-5270.

II. ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL

ITEMS -- QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

A. Offerors shall clearly demonstrate their ability to meet the technical requirements and deliverable schedule as outlined in the associated solicitation.

B. As set forth in FAR 52.212-1 (g), Contract award, the Government intends to evaluate quotations and award one Purchase Order without discussions with offerors. The offerors’ initial quotation should contain the offerors best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines it necessary.

Please reference the Request for Quote (RFQ) number (1333ND19QNB680513) in the subject line of email communications. Offerors quotations shall not be deemed received by the Government until the quotation is entered in the Contracting Officer’s e-mail inbox:

meelondrell.lumpkin@nist.gov.

http://www.sam.gov/portal http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P2009_285515 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P2209_326287 http://www.sam.gov/ http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P1614_225899 mailto:meelondrell.lumpkin@nist.gov

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 4 of 8

C. SF-18 SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. SUBMIT ONE QUOTE VIA EMAIL. The quote shall be organized, concise, and tabbed. Each factor shall be described in a separate tabbed section. Those Offerors that meet the requirement described in this announcement and wish to be considered must submit an SF- Standard Form (SF) 18, REQUEST FOR QUOTATION – Offeror to Complete Blocks 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. Offerors responding are requested to clearly indicate those required services it intends to self-perform and those it intends to sub-contract. One electronic email with the RFQ response is to be received by email no later than 9:00 AM, Mountain Time on, August 22, 2019.

2. Each submittal shall contain the following information:

a. Cover and title page per FACTOR

b. Title of the Factor and qualification number as applicable

c. Offeror’s name, address, and Point of Contract for Contractual Authority

d. RFQ number

e. Use page numbers, tabs, and dividers are highly encouraged, if necessary

3. Quote Expenses and Pre-Contract Costs

a. The RFQ solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a quote or for any other costs incurred by any offeror submitting a quote in response to this solicitation. Offerors are cautioned against submitting conditional RFQ.

b. The Government will not make assumptions concerning intent, capabilities, or experiences. Clear identification of quote details shall be the sole responsibility of the offeror.

c. Failure to clearly address all submittal requirements, evaluation criteria, and information requirements of the RFQ above may result in rejection of the submission.

III. ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1(b) (11), ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND

CONDITIONS

If the contractor objects to any of the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation, the contractor shall state “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:” [Contractor shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s)]. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to identify in their quote any exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation. If the contractor does not include such a statement, the submission of a quotation in response to this solicitation will be regarded as the Contractor’s acceptance of the Government’s terms and conditions for inclusion into the resultant purchase order.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 5 of 8

IV. ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-2, EVALUATION -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS -

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD

A. The Government intends to evaluate quotations and issue a firm fixed purchase order based on the initial quotations received, utilizing simplified acquisition procedures of FAR Part 13.

The Government will evaluate quotes utilizing the procedures of FAR 13.106-2 Evaluation of quotations or offers. The Government reserves the right to request revised quotations from, or negotiate final purchase order terms with, one or more, but not all, Offerors if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or al

B. Incomplete quotations may be considered non-responsive and removed from further consideration. Quotations shall be clearly and concisely written as well as being neat, indexed (cross-indexed as appropriate) and logically assembled. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the name of the offeror, the date, and the solicitation number.

C. BASIS FOR AWARD

The award will be made to the vendor whose submission represents the best value to the Government. The Government may award to other than the lowest priced Offeror or the highest technically rated Offeror utilizing trade-offs. Pricing will be evaluated separately from technical factors and used as a trade-off. The importance of price in the evaluation will increase with the degree of equality among quotations of the non-price factors. The following factors shall be used to evaluate Offers:

EVALUATION CRITERIA. Evaluation criteria consist of factors. The proposals will be evaluated under four evaluation factors: Technical Approach, Schedule/Delivery, Experience, and Price. In determining best value using trade-off, Technical Capability, Experience, and Past Performance are listed in order of importance. All factors other than price, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL APPROACH

FACTOR 2: SCHEDULE DELIVERY

FACTOR 3: EXPERIENCE

FACTOR 4: PAST PERFORMANCE

: PRICE

D. FACTOR 1 - TECHNICAL APPROACH (VOL. 1)

1. The TECHNICAL APPROACH is defined as the vendor’s proposed solution(s) to successfully fulfill the contract requirements.

2. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

The vendor shall submit technical approach and documentation which may include a narrative, charts, graphs, tables, drawings, product/service literature, and demonstrated authority to provide the necessary items and perform the required services identified in the specification/statement of work. The documentation shall clearly describe, in sufficient detail, the vendor's authority, proposed items, resources and methods to successfully fulfill the requirements including specifications, performance capability http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/52_000.htm#P1678_238290

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 6 of 8 requirements, delivery schedules, warranties and all service requirements per the Request for Quotations.

3. BASIS OF EVALUATION

Evaluation of this factor is a subjective evaluation of the vendor's demonstrated resources, capability, and methods to meet all requirements. The vendor’s submittals will be evaluated to determine whether the proposed technical approach demonstrates a clear and unambiguous understanding and a demonstrated ability to meet the minimum requirements that benefit users in our shared research facility, via (i) improved quality of data/images acquired in common activities such as topography imaging, surface roughness measurements, step height measurements, as well as local electrical and magnetic sample characterization and (ii) improvements in the efficiency of workflow in a multi-user environment.

E. FACTOR 2 – SCHEDULE DELIVERY (VOL. 2)

1. The SCHEDULE DELIVERY is defined as the vendor’s proposed solution(s) to successfully fulfill the contract requirements within an on-time delivery or better.

The vendor shall submit a proposed schedule that demonstrates an on-time (or better).

Submit document(s) that clearly and unambiguously confirms delivery of all items and / or performance of services by required delivery / performance dates, or propose alternate delivery / performance dates. The schedule shall identify proposed item installation dates, training dates, and any other critical date identified in the specification / statement of work / performance work statement. FAR 52.211-8 Time of Delivery shall apply.

This factor will be evaluated to determine whether the vendor understands the delivery / performance schedule requirements and whether the vendor is capable of meeting the required delivery / performance schedule per the request for quotations. The Government may assess an earlier delivery / performance schedule as more favorable and added value to the Government (Sooner may be determined better).

F. FACTOR 3 – EXPERIENCE (VOL. 3)

1. The EXPERIENCE factor involves an assessment of the vendor’s experience in terms of relevancy (similarity in scope, size, and complexity), as a means of evaluating the capability of the vendor to successfully meet the requirements of the request for quotation.

The vendor shall submit a maximum of three (3) projects which best demonstrate your company’s experience performing relevant projects. Each project shall be submitted utilizing RFQ Attachment A - Relevant Experience Project Data Sheet. For all submitted projects, the description of the project shall clearly describe the scope of work performed

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 7 of 8 and the relevancy to the project requirements of this RFQ (i.e., company has built, tested, and deployed similar atomic force microscope systems for wafer-scale imaging).

A relevant project is defined as a project that is similar in size, scope, and complexity to that of the RFQ. Projects submitted for the Vendor must be completed within the past five (5) years of the date of issuance of this RFQ.

The attached Relevant Experience Project Data Sheet (RFQ Attachment A) is MANDATORY and SHALL be used to submit project information. Individual blocks on this form may be expanded; however, total length for each project data sheet shall not exceed eight (8) single-sided pages (or four (4) double-sided pages).

The assessment of the vendor’s submittals will be used as a means of subjectively evaluating the vendor’s demonstrated breadth and depth of experience in performing similar / relevant projects as defined in the solicitation requirements. Project relevancy will be assessed based on a graduated scale. The assessment of the vendor’s relevant experience will be used as a means of evaluating the capability of the vendor to successfully meet the requirements of the RFQ. The Government will only review three

(3) Relevant Experience projects. Any projects submitted in excess of the three (3) relevant projects will not be considered.

G. FACTOR 4 – PAST PERFORMANCE (VOL. 4)

1. Past performance is defined as how well a vendor has performed on meeting recent and relevant requirements in terms of scope, size, and complexity

Vendor’s shall submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) (RFQ Attachment B) or Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) Evaluation Report for each relevant project submitted for Factor 3. If a completed CPARS Evaluation Report is available for each project, it shall be submitted with the quotation. If there is not a completed CPARS evaluation report for the project, then the vendor shall submit a completed PPQ for each project included in Factor 3. The vendor should provide completed PPQs in the quotation. Vendor should follow-up with clients to help ensure timely submittal of the completed questionnaires with the RFQ. If the vendor is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the RFQ closing date, the Vendor should complete and submit with the quotation the first page of the PPQ, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s). The Government may make reasonable attempts to contact the client noted for that project(s) to obtain the PPQ information.

A relevant project is defined as a project that is similar in size, scope, and complexity to that of the RFQ. Project relevancy will be assessed based on a graduated scale.

Vendors may provide any information on problems encountered and the corrective actions taken on projects submitted under Factor 3 – Experience. Vendors may also address any adverse past performance issues. Explanations shall not exceed four (4) single-sided pages (or two (2) double-sided pages) in total.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation 1333ND19QNB680513 Atomic Force Microscope 8 of 8

The Government reserves the right to contact references for verification or additional information. The Government’s inability to contact any of the vendor’s clients / references or the references’ unwillingness to provide the information requested may affect the Government’s evaluation of this factor.

The assessment of the vendor’s past performance will be used as a means of evaluating the vendor’s probability of successfully meeting the requirements of the RFQ. This past performance evaluation considers each vendor’s demonstrated recent and relevant record of performance regarding the RFQ requirement. This subjective evaluation focuses on how well the vendor performed on relevant projects submitted under the Experience Factor as well as Past Performance on other projects currently documented in known sources that include but not limited to 1) Contact information for prior customers and/or test data from deployed systems for atomic force microscope systems for wafer-scale imaging; 2) Professionalism, quality, timeliness, and customer service are consistent with industry standards, 3) Responses to service requests are timely, professional, and appropriate, and 4) Work performed by qualified technicians. More emphasis will be placed on more relevant projects. In addition to the three relevant projects submitted under the Experience Factor, the Government reserves the right to obtain more information for use in the Evaluation of the past performance factor. Evaluation of past performance is a subjective evaluation of how relevant a recent contract effort was regarding the RFQ requirements and how well the vendor performed on relevant contracts

In addition to the above, the Government may review any other sources of information for evaluating past performance. Other sources may include, but are not limited to, past performance information retrieved through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) using all CAGE / DUNS number of the vendor. The Government reserves the right to contact any other source of information that may have knowledge or information on a vendor’s relevant past performance history.

The Government will consider the currency and relevance of the information, the source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in the Vendor’s performance.

This evaluation is separate and distinct from the Contracting Officer’s responsibility determination.

Vendor lacking relevant past performance history will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably in past performance and will receive a Neutral rating.

H. EVALUATION OF PRICE

The price(s) quoted in response to the solicitation will be evaluated through price analysis.