RFQ_15-233-SOL-00843.pdf

15-233-SOL-00843

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

09/15/2015 OS156307

1 25

Twinbrook Place, Suite 400 12501 Ardennes Avenue Rockville MD 20857

DHHS/PSC/AMS/DAM

Office of the Secretary

Office of the Secretary 200 Independence Ave. S.W.

Washington

DC 20201

301 443-2342Zipora Chepkoit

09/21/2015 1400 ET

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

NVPO requires digital communications and marketing content, including short videos, infographics web pages, as well as other digital communications that inform vaccine decision-making, promote public support for vaccines, and increase compliance with immunization recommendations.

1 EA

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

RFQ 15-233-SOL-00843

SECTION 1. Supplies or Services/Prices

1.1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) requires the services of a contractor to develop digital communication and marketing content, including short videos, infographics web pages, as well as other digital communications that inform vaccine decision-making, promote public support for vaccines, and increase compliance with immunization recommendations.

1.2. TYPE OF ORDER

The government anticipates the issuance of a Time and Material task order.

1.3. NONSEVERABLE SERVICES

The services specified in this contract (or line item) have been determined to be non-severable services - a specific undertaking or entire job with a defined end product of value to the Government.

1.4. CEILING PRICE

The hours and total price per labor category are for budgeting purposes only. The number of hours actually used for each category may exceed or be less than the estimate by category as long as the ceiling price for the contract/order period is not exceeded. The ceiling for each contract/order period is identified in Section

1.5. The Government shall not be obligated to pay any amount in excess of this ceiling price nor is the

Contractor obligated to continue performance if to do so would exceed this ceiling price. In the event that the Government chooses to exercise optional contract/order periods, unused funds from a previous contract/order period may not be used to fund any services taking place in a subsequent contract/order period. The ceiling price may be modified by the Government if it is determined that the estimated hours are insufficient for the work required.

1.5. CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT (T&M)

In consideration of satisfactory performance of the work as described throughout this contract/order, the

Contractor shall be paid in accordance with the fixed loaded hourly rates as shown herein for the specified categories of labor based on the number of actual hours incurred in the performance of the work specified.

Fully loaded rates shall be all inclusive of direct labor, fringe benefits, applicable indirect costs, and any profit for each labor category. Additionally, the contractor shall be paid for materials and travel directly chargeable to this contract/order.

Example:

Deliverable Unit Price Total Price

Total Price

SECTION 2. Description/Specifications

2.1. STATEMENT OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all of the necessary personnel, materials, services, facilities, (except as otherwise specified herein), and otherwise do all the things necessary for or incident to the performance of the work as set forth below:

2.1.1 Introduction

The National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) plays a critical role in facilitating collaboration and coordination among the many Federal agencies and non-federal partners involved in the national immunization enterprise. As part of this effort, NVPO seeks assistance in developing digital communication and marketing content, including short videos, infographics web pages, as well as other digital communications that inform vaccine decision-making, promote public support for vaccines, and increase compliance with immunization recommendations. Many of these materials will be used on

Vaccines.gov, the NVPO website and/or will need to be optimized for use in a variety of popular social media channels. Some materials or services will also be needed to support meetings, such as the National

Vaccine Advisory Committee meeting or other ad-hoc meetings.

2.1.2. Background

NVPO was established by Congress over 25 years ago and provides leadership and coordination among federal agencies, as they work together to carry out the goals of the National Vaccine Plan. The National

Vaccine Plan establishes priorities in research and the development, testing, licensing, production, procurement, distribution, and effective use of vaccines, describes an optimal use of resources to carry out such priorities, and describes how each of the various departments and agencies will carry out their vaccine functions in consultation and coordination with the National Vaccine Program and in conformity with such priorities.

2.1.3. Purpose/Tasks

The purpose of this contract is to obtain digital communications services, including but not limited to the following components:

Promotion plans and digital marketing assistance.

Content development for the NVPO website, Vaccines.gov and the NVPO-owned email distribution lists. This involves writing web or email copy, using web and email writing best practices and usability guidelines. It also involves creating graphics and multimedia content for use on both sites or in GovDelivery platforms.

Additionally, the contractor shall provide website and email design and maintenance services including performance of the following Tasks:

Infographic development, this includes creating both longer infographics and short, social media graphics with data and information snippets from larger infographics.

Digital information dissemination and message creation, including messages optimized for specific channels, like Twitter, email or video.

Media responses from digital media outlets, which shall generally arise without much notice and will be on tight deadlines.

Search engine optimization of Vaccines.gov content.

Vaccines.gov user experience improvements.

Multimedia development, including writing, directing, shooting, arranging for talent/animation, narration, music and sound effects, duplication, distribution, video scoring; and editing of videos or podcasts, full creation of infographics and other graphics for use on web or social media.

Adapting materials for Vaccines.gov, NVPO.gov or other digital outlets for Section 508 compliance, including both written and video content. This includes providing captioning services, on-line media management; and related activities to web-based marketing services.

Perform metrics and evaluation of above efforts.

NVPO requires support from a contractor for unplanned work as well. This may include; unplanned media questions, stories in the news, outbreaks, advisory committee recommendations, or priority assignments on emerging issues from other groups affiliated with NVPO. In these cases, NVPO will contact the contractor, and make the request for work, explaining the duties and the timeline, the contractor has the right to refuse this work or negotiate for a different timeline. Should the contractor accept the assignment, a modification of the task order to incorporate a change scope will be done before starting the assignment.

A kick-off meeting is requested to lay out the work and provide examples and other information about billing and deadlines. Likewise, NVPO requests a Quality Assurance Plan to ensure that quality and timelines of the project is met. The contractor will also provide a monthly report showcasing monthly progress on items they are working on, as well as the budget expenditures. NVPO can provide a template for this.

2.2. HHS SECTION 508 ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS NOTICE (SEPTEMBER 2009)

This contract is subject to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (the Act) of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers

Compliance Board (Access Board) Electronic and Information Accessibility Provisions (36 CFR Part

1194). Section 508 of the Act requires that, unless an exception applies, all communications products and services that require a contractor or consultant to produce content in any format that is specifically intended for publication on, or delivery via, a federally owned or federally funded website permit the following:

(1) Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use information and data that is comparable to the access and use of information and data by federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities.

(2) Members of the public with disabilities seeking information or services from a federal agency to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use of information and data by members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities.

(Note: Information about Section 508 of the Act is available at http://www.section508.gov/. The complete text of Section 508 can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards.)

Accordingly, regardless of format, all web content or communications materials specifically produced for publication on, or delivery via, HHS websites, including text, audio, or video, under this contract shall conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. Remediation of any materials that do not comply with the applicable accessibility standards of 36 CFR Part 1194 as set forth herein shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

The following Section 508 accessibility standards apply to the content or communications material identified in this SOW or PWS:

Software Applications and Operating Systems (1194.21)

Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (1194.22)

Telecommunications Products (1194.23)

Video or Multimedia Products (1194.24)

Information, Documentation, and Support (1194.41, Subpart D) http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards

SECTION 3. Packaging and Marking

3.1. PACKAGING AND MARKING

All information and deliverables shall be delivered to the address shown in Section 5.2.2 entitled - Place of

Delivery - and shall be marked as follows:

1. Name and address of the Contractor;

2. Contract Number; (to be listed at award)

3. Description of item contained therein; and

4. Consignee's name and address.

SECTION 4. Inspection and Acceptance

4.1. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (Commercial)

Pursuant to 52.212-4, all work described in the SOW/PWS/SOO to be delivered under this contract is subject to final inspection and acceptance by an authorized representative of the Government. The authorized representative of the Government is the Government's COR, who is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all services, materials, or supplies to be provided by the Contractor.

SECTION 5. Deliveries or Performance

5.1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be for 12 months from date of award.

5.2. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

5.2.1. Delivery Time

Pickup and delivery of items under this contract/order shall be accomplished between the hours of

8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday unless changed by mutual agreement between the COR and the contractor. No deliveries shall be made on Saturdays, Sundays, and days of government closure or Federal legal holidays found at:

http://www.opm.gov/operating_status_schedules.

5.2.2. Delivery Address

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Office of the Secretary

200 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20201

5.3. REPORT(S)/DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

The contractor shall submit all required report(s)/deliverables in accordance with the following schedule:

All reports shall reference and cite the contract/order number. (to be listed at award).

Deliverable Quantity Due Date 508

Compliance

Kick-off Meeting 1 W/in 10 days of award

Quality Assurance Plan 1 W/in 10 days of award

Monthly Progress Report 12 W/in 10 days of the first of the month

Ad-hoc* media guidance and messaging

1-5 W/in two weeks of request Yes

Ad-hoc* social media content development and media buying assistance

3-9 W/in two weeks of request Yes

Content development for the

NVPO website

2-4 W/in two weeks of request Yes

Content development for

Vaccines.gov

5-10 W/in two weeks of request for small requests, other deadlines can be negotiated ahead of time.

Yes

Content development for email lists NVPO maintains

1-4 W/in three days of request Yes

Ad-hoc* infographic development 0-4 W/in three weeks of request Yes

Ad-hoc* video development 0-3 W/in four weeks of request Yes

Ad-hoc* graphics development 4-12 W/in three days of request; larger jobs can ask for extended deadlines ahead of time

Yes

Ad-hoc* presentation development**

0-3 W/in three days of request Yes

Search engine optimization** 0-5 W/in three days of request Yes

Metric evaluation reports** 0-5 W/in three weeks of request Yes

SECTION 6. Task Order Administration Data

6.1. AUTHORITIES OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL

Notwithstanding the Contractor's responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of this contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The following individuals will be the Government's points of contact during the performance of this contract:

6.1.1. Contracting Officer

Name: Robert Bowman

Address: 12501 Ardennes Avenue, Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20857

Phone: (301) 443-0705

Email: Robert.Bowman@psc.hhs.gov

All communications pertaining to contractual and/or administrative matters under this contract shall be sent to:

6.1.2. Contract Specialist

Name: Zipora Chepkoit

Address: 12501 Ardennes Avenue, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20857

Phone: (301) 443-2342

Email: Zipora.Chepkoit@psc.hhs.gov

6.1.3. Contracting Officer's Representative

Name: TBD

Address: TBD

Phone: TBD

Email: TBD

Note: The Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to modify the contract.

6.2. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) AUTHORITY

(a) Performance of work under this contract must be subject to the technical direction of the Contracting

Officer's Representative identified above, or a representative designated in writing. The term "technical direction" includes, without limitation, direction to the contractor that directs or redirects the labor effort, shifts the work between work areas or locations, fills in details and otherwise serves to ensure that tasks outlined in the work statement are accomplished satisfactorily.

(b) Technical direction must be within the scope of the specification(s)/work statement.

The Contracting Officer's Representative does not have authority to issue technical direction that:

(1) Constitutes a change of assignment or additional work outside the specification(s)/statement of work;

(2) Constitutes a change as defined in the clause entitled "Changes";

(3) In any manner causes an increase or decrease in the contract price, or the time required for contract performance;

(4) Changes any of the terms, conditions, or specification(s)/work statement of the contract;

(5) Interferes with the contractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of the contract; or

(6) Directs, supervises or otherwise controls the actions of the contractor's employees.

(c) Technical direction may be oral or in writing. The Contracting Officer's Representative shall confirm oral direction in writing within five work days, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

(d) The contractor shall proceed promptly with performance resulting from the technical direction issued by the Contracting Officers, Representative. If, in the opinion of the contractor, any direction of the

Contracting Officers, Representative, or his/her designee, falls within the limitations in (b), above, the contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer no later than the beginning of the next

Government work day.

(e) Failure of the contractor and the Contracting Officer to agree that technical direction is within the scope of the contract shall be subject to the terms of the clause entitled "Disputes."

6.3. INVOICE SUBMISSION - COMMERCIAL

The Contractor shall submit invoices once per month. A complete invoice with all required back-up documentation shall be sent electronically, via email, to:

1. Contract Specialist via DAM mailbox: pscsas.invoices@psc.hhs.gov.

2. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) (To be named at award)

3. Financial Management Service (FMS): psc_invoices@psc.hhs.gov.

* No other non-invoice related documents (i.e. deliverables, reports, balance statements) shall be sent to the

DAM and FMS mailboxes. Invoices Only.

The subject line of your email invoice submission shall contain the contract number, contract line item number, the order number, if applicable, and the number of invoices. The Contractor shall send one email per contract per month. The email may have multiple invoices for the contract. Invoices must be in the following formats: PDF, TIFF, or Word. No Excel formats will be accepted. The electronic file cannot contain multiple invoices; example, 10 invoices requires 10 separate files (PDF or TIFF or Word).

Invoices shall be submitted in accordance with the contract terms, i.e. payment schedule, progress payments, partial payments, deliverables, etc.

All calls concerning contract payment shall be directed to the COR.

In accordance with FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, a proper invoice must include the following items:

FAR 52.212-4(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include:

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, contract line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct

EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer, System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer, Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by EFT.

(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

Additionally, the FMS requires the contractor to include its Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) on each invoice.

In accordance with OMB Memorandum, M-11-32, Agencies shall make payments to small businesses as soon as practicable, with the goal of making payments within 15 days of receipt of a proper invoice. If a small business contractor is not paid within this (15 day) accelerated period, the contractor will not be given a late-payment interest penalty. Interest penalties, as prescribed by the Prompt Payment Act, remain unchanged by means of this memorandum. All small businesses shall label all invoices as "Small

Business."

Additionally, in accordance with OMB Memorandum, M-12-16, all prime contractors are encouraged to disburse funds received from the Federal Government to their small business subcontractors in a prompt manner. To assist prime contractors in expediting contractor payments to small business subcontractors, Agencies shall, to the full extent permitted by law, temporarily establish an earlier, accelerated date for making agency payments to all prime contractors. Consistent with OMB Memorandum M-11-32 above, Agencies shall have a goal of paying all prime contractors within 15 days of receiving proper documentation. In an effort to support small business growth, drive economic activity and job creation, the

Contractor is encouraged to accelerate payments to their small business subcontractors.

In accordance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, all payments under this order will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). The Contractor shall provide financial institution information to the Finance Office designated above in accordance with FAR 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management.

SECTION 7. Special Task Order Requirements

7.1. HHSAR 352.239-73(a) ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ACCESSIBILITY (JAN 2010)

(a) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce

Investment Act of 1998, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 CFR Part 1194), require that, unless an exception applies, all EIT products and services developed, acquired, maintained, or used by any federal department or agency permit—

(1) Federal employees with disabilities to have access to and use information and data that is comparable to the access and use of information and data by federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities;

and

(2) Members of the public with disabilities seeking information or services from a federal agency to have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use of information and data by members of the public who are not individuals with disabilities.

(b) Accordingly, any vendor submitting a proposal/quotation/bid in response to this solicitation must demonstrate compliance with the established EIT accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.section508.gov/. The complete text of Section 508 Final Provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards/section-508-standards.

(c) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are identified in the Statement of

Work/Specification/Performance Work Statement. In order to facilitate the Government’s evaluation to determine whether EIT products and services proposed meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must prepare an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template, in accordance with its completion instructions, and provide a binding statement of conformance. The purpose of the template is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining that EIT products and services proposed support applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows vendors or developers to self-evaluate their products or services and document in detail how they do or do not conform to a specific

Section 508 accessibility standard. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template may be found under Section 508 policy on the HHS Office on Disability website (http://www.hhs.gov/od/).

(d) Respondents to this solicitation must also provide any additional detailed information necessary for determining applicable Section 508 accessibility standards conformance, as well as for documenting EIT products or services that are incidental to the project, which would constitute an exception to Section 508 requirements. If a vendor claims its products or services, including EIT deliverables such as electronic documents and reports, meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards in its completed HHS Section

508 Product Assessment Template, and it is later determined by the Government – i.e., after award of a contract/order, that products or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the Product Assessment Template, remediation of the products or services to the level of conformance specified in the vendor’s Product Assessment Template will be the responsibility of the Contractor and at its expense.

7.2. PRINTING AND DUPLICATION/COPYING

The terms "printing" and "duplicating/copying" are defined in the Government Printing and Binding

Regulations of the Joint Committee on Printing, CFR Title 44. The regulations can be access at http://www.gpo.gov/pdfs/customers/sfas/jcpregs.pdf.

Printing:

No printing by the Contractor or any subcontractor is authorized under this contract. All printing required hereunder must be performed by the Government Printing Office, in accordance with CFR Title 44; Public

Law 102-392, as amended by H.R. 4454; and The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act 2995. The

Contractor shall complete Form HHS 26 and submit it along with all camera-ready copies to the

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

Duplicating/Copying:

If necessary for performance of the contract, the Contractor may duplicate or copy less than 5,000 production units of only one page, or less than 25,000 production units in aggregate of multiple pages for the use of a department or agency. A production unit is defined as one sheet, size 8.5 x 11 inches, one side only, and one color. The pages may not exceed a maximum image size of 10-3/4 by 14-1/4 inches. This page limit is per requirement and not per contract.

All printing, as well as duplicating/copying in excess of the stated limits, shall be obtained by the COR through the Publishing Services, Program Support Center. The cost of any unauthorized printing or duplicating /copying under this contract will be considered an unallowable cost for which the Contractor will not be reimbursed.

7.3. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRACTOR ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT OR THIRD PARTY

INFORMATION

The purpose of this clause is to set forth the restrictions that will govern Contractor employees access to

Government or third party information in order to protect the information from unauthorized use or disclosure.

A. Under this contract, the Contractor will have access to Contractor proprietary information and other nonpublic information.

B. Restrictions on use and disclosure of information.

(1) With regard to any information to which the Contractor is given access in performance of this contract, whether the information comes from the Government or from third parties, the Contractor shall:

(i) Utilize the information only for the purposes of performing the services specified in this contract, and not for any other purposes;

(ii) Safeguard information from unauthorized use and disclosure;

(iii) Allow access to the information only to those employees who need it to perform services under this contract;

(iv) Preclude access and disclosure of information to persons and entities outside of the

Contractor's organization that do not have authority to access the information;

(v) Inform employees, who may require access to information, about their obligations to utilize it only to perform the services specified in this contract and to safeguard that information from unauthorized use and disclosure; and

(vi) Ensure each employee complies with the restrictions set forth in (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) above.

(2) Unless specifically permitted in writing by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall not use information acquired in performance of the contract, or generated by or for the Government to:

(i) Compete for work for the Government; or

(ii) Submit an unsolicited proposal to the Government.

(3) If the Contractor is exposed to information that is marked in a way that indicates the Contractor should not receive this information, the Contractor shall:

(i) Notify the Contracting Officer; and

(ii) Use the information only in accordance with the instructions of the

Contracting Officer.

C. Breach of any of the conditions of this modification may provide grounds for the Government to:

(i) Require the contractor to remove the contract employee or employees from the performance of the contract;

(ii) Require the contractor to terminate the subcontractor;

(iii) Suspend contractor payments;

(iv) Terminate this contract for default or cause;

(v) Suspend or debar the Contractor for serious misconduct affecting present responsibility; and;

(vi) Pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law, regulation, or this contract.

D. Unauthorized disclosure or other misuse of information protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 may result in a fine up to $5000 and /or other penalties. In addition, unauthorized disclosure or other misuse of information covered under the Federal Trade Secrets Act (18 USC 1905) may result in a fine, or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.

E. The Contractor shall flow down this clause to subcontractors at all tiers.

7.4. RESTRICTIONS ON DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

Information made available to the contractor by the Government for the performance or administration of this effort shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any other way without the written agreement of the Contracting Officer.

The contractor agrees to assume responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of Government records, which are not public information. Each contractor or employee of the contractor to whom information may be made available or disclosed shall be notified in writing by the contractor that such information may be disclosed only for a purpose and to the extent authorized herein.

The contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce proprietary data that bears a restrictive legend, other than as required in the performance of this effort. Nothing herein shall preclude the use of any data independently acquired by the contractor without such limitations or prohibit an agreement at no cost to the

Government between the contractor and the data owner which provides for greater rights to the contractor.

The Contractor agrees not to release or disclose, verbally or in writing, information pertaining to the results or findings of work (including data collection, analyses, draft or final papers and reports) for the period of this contract without first notifying the COR in writing at least 21 days prior to the release or disclosure. At a minimum, the notification shall include: (1) who or what is generating the request for advance information; (2) when and how project results/information would be released; and (3) what information would be released.

7.5. POST AWARD ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

a. General: The Contractor shall have programs in place to identify, report, and mitigate actual and potential conflicts of interest for itself, its employees, subcontractors and consultants. The existence of such programs and the disclosure of known actual or potential conflicts are material performance requirements of this contract.

b. Disclosure: The Contractor shall report all actual and potential conflicts of interest pertaining to this contract to the Contracting Officer, including those that would be caused by a contemplated modification to this contact or another contract. Such reports shall be in writing (including by email). Upon request, the Contractor shall respond to a Contracting Officer's request for an OCI mitigation plan.

c. Resolution: In the event the Contracting Officer determines that a conflict of interest exists, based on disclosure from the Contractor or from other sources, the Contracting Officer shall take action which may include, but is not limited to, requesting a mitigation plan from the Contractor, terminating part or all of the contract, modifying the contract or obtaining a waiver in accordance with applicable law, including FAR 9.503 as applicable.

7.6. SERVICE CONTRACT ACT WAGE DETERMINATIONS

The Contractor is bound by the Wage Determination Number 2005-2103, Rev. 16, dated 07/14/2015 and all subsequent revisions made under this Wage Determination Number, issued by the U.S. Department of

Labor, in accordance with the Service Contract Act of 1965, as amended (41 U.S.C. 351). The Contractor is put on notice that after performance begins, the Contractor is responsible for paying employees at least the applicable wage determination rate, if one exists, for the place of performance. The Department of Labor strictly enforces the Service Contract Act for all employees covered by the Act.

The above referenced Wage Determination Number is for the Washington, DC, area. Service Contract Act

Wage Determinations can be found at http://www.wdol.gov/. If the place of performance, depending on contractor location, is not covered by this wage determination, the contractor can contact the Contract

Specialist for additional wage determinations

7.7. HHSAR 352.242-70 KEY PERSONNEL (JAN 2006)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the

Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting

Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the

Contractor or Government.

The following individuals shall be considered key:

Name Title

[To be named at award]

SECTION 8. Clauses

8.1. FAR 52.203-99 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE

CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (FEB 2015) (DEVIATION 2015-02)

(a) The Contractor shall not require employees or subcontractors seeking to report fraud, waste, or abuse to sign or comply with internal confidentiality agreements or statements prohibiting or otherwise restricting such employees or subcontractors from lawfully reporting such waste, fraud, or abuse to a designated investigative or law enforcement representative of a Federal department or agency authorized to receive such information.

(b) The contractor shall notify employees that the prohibitions and restrictions of any internal confidentiality agreements covered by this clause are no longer in effect.

(c) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this clause does not contravene requirements applicable to Standard

Form 312, Form 4414, or any other form issued by a Federal department or agency governing the nondisclosure of classified information.

(d)(1) In accordance with section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing

Resolution Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235), use of funds appropriated (or otherwise made available) under that or any other Act may be prohibited, if the Government determines that the Contractor is not in compliance with the provisions of this clause.

(2) The Government may seek any available remedies in the event the contractor fails to comply with the provisions of this clause.

8.2. FAR 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS. (DEC 2013)

(a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt

Payment Act.

(c) Include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items.

8.3. FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE. (FEB 1998)

This contract 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 of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address:

http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/

HHS ACQUISITION REGULATION (HHSAR) CONTRACT CLAUSES

Clause Number Title and Date

HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor cooperation in equal employment opportunity investigations. (JAN 2010) http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/

8.4. HHSAR 352.203-70 ANTI-LOBBYING (MAR 2012)

Pursuant to the current HHS annual appropriations act, Public Law 112-74, except for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships, the Contractor shall not use any HHS contract funds for:

(a) Publicity or propaganda purposes;

(b) The preparation, distribution, or use of any kit, pamphlet, booklet, publication, electronic communication, radio, television or video presentation designed to support or defeat the enactment of legislation before the Congress or any State or local legislature or legislative body, except in presentation to the Congress or any State or local legislature itself; or designed to support of defeat any proposed or pending regulation, administrative action, or order issued by the executive branch of any State or local government, except in presentation to the executive branch of any State or local government itself; or

(c) Payment of salary or expenses of the Contractor, or any agent acting for the Contractor, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before the Congress or any State government, State legislature or local legislature or legislative body, other than for normal and recognized executive-legislative relationships or participation by an agency or officer of a State, local or tribal government is policymaking and administrative processes within the executive branch of that government.

The prohibitions in subsections (a), (b), and (c) above shall include any activity to advocate or promote any proposed, pending, or future Federal, State or local tax increase, or any proposed, pending, or future requirement for, or restriction on, any legal consumer product, including its sale or marketing, including, but not limited to, the advocacy or promotion of gun control.

8.5. HHSAR 352.231-70 SALARY RATE LIMITATION (AUGUST 2012)

(a) Pursuant to the current and applicable prior HHS appropriations acts, the Contractor shall not use contract funds to pay the direct salary of an individual at a rate in excess of the Federal Executive Schedule

Level in effect on the date the funding was obligated (the effective date of the contract action). Funding obligated on or after December 23, 2011 cannot be used to pay the direct salary of an individual at a rate in excess of Federal Executive Schedule Level II.

(b) For purposes of the salary rate limitation, the terms "direct salary",'' salary", and "institutional base salary'', have the same meaning and are collectively referred to as "direct salary'', in this clause. An individual's direct salary is the annual compensation that the Contractor pays for an individual's direct effort (costs) under the contract. Direct salary excludes any income that an individual may be permitted to earn outside of duties to the Contractor. Direct salary also excludes fringe benefits, overhead, and general and administrative expenses (also referred to as indirect costs or facilities and administrative [F&A] costs).

Note: The salary rate limitation does not restrict the salary that an organization may pay an individual working under an HHS contract or order; it merely limits the portion of that salary that may be paid with contract funds.

(c) The salary rate limitation also applies to individuals under subcontracts. If this is a multiple-year contract or order, it may be subject to unilateral modification by the Contracting Officer to ensure that an individual is not paid at a rate that exceeds the salary rate limitation provision established in the HHS appropriations act in effect when the expense is incurred regardless of the rate initially used to establish contract or order funding.

(d) See the salaries and wages pay tables on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Web site for

Federal Executive Schedule salary levels that apply to the current and prior periods.

SECTION 9. List of Documents, Exhibits and Other Attachments

Attachment Title

508 Compliance I

Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems

Section 1194.22 Web-based Internet Information and Applications

Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products

Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support

Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products

II Labor Wage Determination http://www.wdol.gov/sca.aspx http://www.wdol.gov/sca.aspx

SECTION 10. Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Quoters

10.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The quote must be prepared in three SEPARATE volumes: Volume I - "Technical Volume", Volume II -

"Past Performance Volume" and Volume III - "Price/Business Volume". Each of these parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that the evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the evaluation of the other. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) number should be included on the front cover of each volume.

Your quote must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government. Quotes received by the government after the submission deadline will not be accepted.

The Government will evaluate your quote in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 2 of this solicitation.

This RFQ does not commit the Government to pay any of the costs associated with the preparation and submission of your quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this requirement. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your quote shall become a part of the official contract file.

10.1.1. Questions

Questions relating to this acquisition shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Zipora

Chepkoit, at Zipora.Chepkoit@psc.hhs.gov no later than 12:00 PM ET on September 16, 2015.

The Government does not intend to extend the due date for quotes. All e-mail inquiries shall have

"Question – RFQ 15-233-SOL-00843” included in the subject line

10.1.2. Submission Deadline

Your quote is due by September 21, 2015, at 2:00PM Eastern Time (ET) and shall be uploaded to GSA E-Buy System Only. Quotes sent directly to the Contract Specialist will not be accepted.

Late quotes will not be accepted. All quotes must contain GSA Pricing ONLY.

10.2. TECHNICAL VOLUME INSTRUCTIONS

The Technical volume is not limited in pages but quoters are encouraged to be succinct and economical in their presentation. Excessive volume and elaborate presentation are unnecessary. Tables of contents, and works cited and the Technical Appendix are not included in the page count.

The technical volume must not contain references to price; however, resource information, such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc., must be contained in the technical volume so that the Quoter's understanding of the scope of work may be evaluated.

The technical volume shall contain a response to each of the factors and subfactors identified in Section 2.

The quoter's technical approach must be disclosed in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise presentation that includes, but is not limited to, the requirements of the technical volume instructions. The

Quoter must provide clear responses, including objectives and outcomes, to each Task addressing the work to be performed in the Description/Specifications section. The technical volume must reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. Quotes which merely offer to conduct a project in accordance with the requirements of the Government's requirements will not be eligible for award.

mailto:Zipora.Chepkoit@psc.hhs.gov

Technical Appendices:

The quoter shall include a Technical Appendix that will include all attachments, such as transcripts, resumes, letters of commitment, and the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template (Attachment I).

FACTOR 1 - Understanding of How to Approach and Solve the Problem

FACTOR 2 - Probability of Success

FACTOR 3 - Corporate Capabilities and Experience to Perform the Necessary Support

FACTOR 4 - Qualifications and Experience of Proposed Personnel

FACTOR 5 - Section 508 Compliance

The quoter must demonstrate their compliance with the applicable Section 508 standards. This includes submitting the completed HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template (Attachment I), Information about Section

508 is available at http://www.section508.gov/. The complete text of Section 508 Final Provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm.

10.3. PRICE/BUSINESS VOLUME INSTRUCTIONS

The Quoter shall prepare a price volume that contains all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted. The price quote shall consist of pricing discounts, the proposed labor categories and hours, and GSA Schedules

The pricing shall identify each category of labor proposed for performance, provide the GSA Schedule rate, show the proposed discounts for the rate, and the rate proposed for the particular labor category inclusive of the discount.

The pricing information shall include the following:

(a) A completed Pricing Table, divided by assignment, with a breakdown of estimated cost for accomplishing each task in the Description/Specifications; and

(b) The pricing section of the applicable GSA Schedule Contract(s) and all modifications thereto, and supporting narrative information. The Government anticipates the work to be performed under the Quoter's

GSA Schedule contract. The Government should be able to confirm that the labor categories and rates

(prior to discount) quoted match the Quoter's GSA Schedule contract.

If there have been any recent revisions to the Quoter's GSA Schedule contract, particularly in the area of labor rates, that information shall be submitted and highlighted as part of the Quoter's price quote. The

Quoter's pricing information should also highlight the current expiration date of the Quoter's applicable

GSA Schedule Contract as well as any relevant information regarding any extensions thereto.

*** For firm-fixed-price requirements, your price volume must include a payment plan tied to the deliverables schedule and reflecting an amount equal to the value of the deliverable being invoiced for.

Please express the prices under the quoted payment plan on a per deliverable basis.

The price/business volume shall also include the following Representation and Certification:

10.3.1. CLASS DEVIATION - PROHIBITION AGAINST CONTRACTING WITH

CORPORATIONS WITH A FELONY CRIMINAL CONVICTION UNDER FEDERAL

OR STATE LAW OR AN UNPAID FEDERAL TAX LIABILITY (MAR 2012)

ALTERNATE - REPRESENTATION BY CORPORATIONS REGARDING AN UNPAID

DELINQUENT TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL

LAW

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 Pub. L 112-74 and the Consolidated and Further

Continuing Appropriations Act, Pub.