16PBGC-23-R-0001 - Final.pdf

RFQ IFB RFP

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODEFACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

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

OFFER

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

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

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

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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

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

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

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

OFFER

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

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

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

17a CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR.

CODE

8 (A)

SIZE STANDARD:

NAICS:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

RQ-23-22-000213

16PBGC23R0001

Rudy Baldus

10:00 AM ET

PD

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORP

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

445 12th St. SW

WASHINGTON DC 20024-2101 523940

PD

PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORP

PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT

445 12th St. SW

WASHINGTON DC 20024-2101

see continuation page for line item details.

See Schedule

FEB 06, 2023

Please

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

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

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

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

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

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

16PBGC23R0001

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

The items below are used for PBGC internal funding purposes only. The official Contract Line Item Number (CUN) schedule follows in Section 1: Pricing Schedule.

The contractor shall invoice in accordance with clause PBGC 52.232-7000: Submission of Invoices (Fixed Price).

0001 The Contractor shall provide US Core Fixed Income Investment Management Services in accordance with Section 2: Statement of Work and the CLIN schedule in Section 1: Pricing Schedule.

PR NUMBER: RQ-23-22-000213

1.00 EA

PAGE 3 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Pricing Schedule

Section 2 - Statement of Work

Section 3 - Terms and Conditions

Section 4 - Instructions to Offerors

Section 5 - Evaluation Criteria for Award

Section 6 - List of Attachments

Attachment 1 - Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Attachment 2 - Product Level Questionnaire

Attachment 3 - Firm Level Questionnaire

52.202-1DEFINITIONS (JUN 2020)

52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

52.203-6RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUN 2020)

52.203-7ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (SEP

2007)

52.203-12LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020)

52.203-13CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (NOV 2021)

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

52.204-10REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (JUN 2020)

52.204-13SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-14 SERVICE CONTRACT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2016)

52.204-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

52.209-6PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT`S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (NOV 2021)

52.209-10 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS (NOV 2015)

52.212-4CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

52.219-4NOTICE OF PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE FOR HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (SEP 2021)

52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (OCT 2018)

52.219-28POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REREPRESENTATION (SEP 2021)

52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (JUN 2003)

52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES (APR 2015)

52.222-35EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. (JUN 2020)

52.222-36EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUN 2020)

52.222-37EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON VETERANS (JUN 2020)

52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT (DEC 2010)

52.222-50COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (NOV 2021)

52.222-54EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (MAY 2022)

52.222-55MINIMUM WAGES FOR CONTRACTOR WORKERS UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 14026. (JAN 2022)

52.223-18ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (JUN 2020)

52.223-22 PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND REDUCTION GOALS--REPRESENTATION (DEC 2016) 68

52.225-13RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (NOV 2021)

52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (FEB 2013)

52.232-9 LIMITATION ON WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.232-34 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--OTHER THAN SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (MAY 1999)... 68

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

52.244-2SUBCONTRACTS (JUN 2020)

52.244-6SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (JAN 2022)

PAGE 4 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

52.245-1GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (SEP 2021)

52.245-9 USE AND CHARGES (APR 2012)

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)

52.204-6 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER (OCT 2016)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.204-16COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG 2020)

52.204-17OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF OFFEROR (AUG 2020)

52.204-18COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

52.204-19 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (DEC 2014)

52.204-21BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL (JAN 2017)

52.204-24REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(NOV 2021)

52.204-26COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES--REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018)

52.212-1INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

52.212-2EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

52.212-3OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY

2022)

52.212-5CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2022)

52.215-1INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (NOV 2021)

52.215-19 NOTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES (OCT 1997)

52.217-2 CANCELLATION UNDER MULTI-YEAR CONTRACTS (OCT 1997)

52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

52.222-24 PREAWARD ON-SITE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE EVALUATION (FEB 1999)

52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (SEPT 2016)

52.224-1 PRIVACY ACT NOTIFICATION (APR 1984)

52.224-2 PRIVACY ACT (APR 1984)

52.224-3 PRIVACY TRAINING (JAN 2017)

52.225-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING

TO IRAN--REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (MAY 2014)

52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

52.233-1 DISPUTES (MAY 2014)

52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

52.239-1 PRIVACY OR SECURITY SAFEGUARDS (AUG 1996)

52.249-1 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE) (SHORT FORM) (APR 1984)

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

52.252-5AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

PBGC 52.201-7000 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (JAN 2012)

PBGC 52.204-7000 RECORDS MANAGEMENT (SEP 2017)

PBGC 52.209-7001 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (AUG 2017)

PAGE 5 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

PBGC 52.209-7002 HANDLING PBGC DATA (MAY 2017)

PBGC 52.215-7001 METHOD OF AWARD (OCT 2004)

PBGC 52.215-7003 EXPENSES RELATED TO PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (OCT 2004)

PBGC 52.215-7006 PROPOSAL REVISIONS (OCT 2004)

PBGC 52.215-7009 REFERENCE AND EVALUATION (OCT 2004)

PBGC 52.232-7000 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES (FIXED-PRICE) (SEPT 2017)

PBGC 52.237-7000 KEY PERSONNEL (APR 2018)

PBGC 52.237-7004 TRAINING (MAR 2016)

PBGC 52.237-7005 INFORMATION SECURITY TRAINING (MAR 2020)

PBGC 52.237-7008 OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS (OCT 2018)

PBGC 52.239-7000 SECTION 508 ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS (MAR 2020)

PBGC 52.242-7000 POSTAWARD CONFERENCE (SEP 2020)

PBGC 52.246-7000 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES (JAN 2012)

PBGC 52.247-7000 PACKAGING AND MARKING (JAN 2012)

PBGC 52.207-7001CONTRACTOR TELEWORK (MAY 2020)

52.219-9SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (NOV 2021)

PAGE 6 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

CLAUSES

Section 1 - Pricing Schedule

PAGE 7 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

SECTION 1

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICE/COSTS

1.1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES (AT CONTRACTOR SITE)

The Contractor shall provide the personnel, facilities, equipment, and other materials and services necessary to perform the effort described in Section 2: “Statement of Work.” A Fixed Rate Variable Quantity (FRVQ) contract type contract will be awarded for this effort.

1.2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PBGC is seeking to obtain qualified, experienced, and highly competent contractors to provide active investment management services for fixed income portfolios that will, over a full market cycle, provide a total rate of return which exceeds the benchmark of the respective portfolio, consistent with appropriate levels of risk.

1.3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

PBGC anticipates the period of performance to be one (1) twelve-month base period and nine (9) twelve-month option periods from the date of contract award. *Note: The actual dates of the Period of Performance will be entered at the time of award.

1.4. FEE SCHEDULE – US Core Fixed Income Fund Manager

BASE YEAR

CLIN 0001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

_____% on next $____ million

_____% on balance

OPTION YEAR 1

CLIN 1001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 2

PAGE 8 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

CLIN 2001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 3

CLIN 3001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 4

CLIN 4001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 5

CLIN 5001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 6

PAGE 9 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

CLIN 6001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 7

CLIN 7001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 8

CLIN 8001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

OPTION YEAR 9

CLIN 9001: Asset Based Fees _____% on first $____ million

NOTE: The above fees (i) are annualized rates, (ii) shall be calculated and payable on a quarterly basis and (iii) are based on PBGC’s custodian bank’s market value pro-rated for any period less than a quarter.

The quarterly fee will be based on an average of the month end values within the quarter.

Section 2 - Statement of Work

PAGE 10 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

SECTION 2

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) established Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) as a federal corporation to encourage the growth of defined benefit pension plans, provide timely and uninterrupted payment of pension benefits, and keep pension insurance premiums at a minimum. Defined benefit pension plans promise to pay a specified monthly benefit at retirement, commonly based on salary and years on the job. PBGC, a wholly owned United States Government corporation, administers the insurance program and termination process for most private-sector defined benefit pension plans that are tax-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code. PBGC is headed by a Director who reports to a board of directors consisting of the Secretaries of Labor, Commerce, and Treasury, with the Secretary of Labor as Chairman. The PBGC collects insurance premiums from employers that sponsor insured pension plans, earns money from investments, and receives the assets of the pension plans it terminates.

The strategic objectives of the PBGC are to preserve plans and protect pensions, pay timely and accurate benefits, and maintain high standards of stewardship and accountability across the program. The Smaller Asset Managers Pilot Program (SAMPP) was established in May 2015 and performance measurement under the pilot program began in August 2016. The PBGC Board has noted that the SAMPP has been successful in the pilot phase and that the PBGC Smaller Asset Managers Pilot Program will be an ongoing program known as the PBGC Smaller Asset Managers Program (SAMP).

PBGC maintains two separate investment funds: the Revolving Fund and the Trust Fund. The Revolving Fund (valued at approximately $49 billion as of June 30, 2022) receives all premium payments and is invested solely in “book-entry” U.S. Government securities held at the U.S. Treasury.

The Trust Fund (valued at approximately $72 billion) receives assets from terminated plans and is where the SAMP will be invested. The SAMP aims to reduce competition barriers faced by smaller asset managers while maintaining rigorous investment risk and control standards.

The PBGC Investment Program is structured as a manager-of-managers program. No assets are managed internally. The PBGC exclusively uses institutional investment management firms to invest its assets, subject to PBGC’s oversight and consistent with the PBGC’s Investment Policy Statement. PBGC selects investment managers subsequent to a rigorous procurement process and delegates investment discretion to the selected investment managers to manage the Corporation’s investment assets consistent with guidelines specified by contract. The PBGC continuously reviews and evaluates manager performance and conducts extensive due diligence to ensure satisfaction of performance standards and compliance with investment guidelines.

Investment Mandate

The investment manager (hereinafter referred to as “contractor”) shall provide active investment management service for a U.S. Core Fixed Income Portfolio that will, over a full market cycle, provide a total rate of return which exceeds the benchmark of the respective portfolio, consistent with appropriate levels of risk.

Investment size allocations will vary based on PBGC internal decisions. PBGC expects the investment size allocations to range from a minimum of $50 million to a maximum of $600 million for each manager selected but makes no guarantees as to the investment size under any contract award. These allocations may

PAGE 11 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

change over time due to the investment results generated by the contractor, U.S. Government Policy, and the needs of PBGC.

PBGC intends to add to its roster of fixed income managers in the Trust Fund. PBGC anticipates hiring multiple SAMP managers capable of managing fixed income assets across multiple fixed income mandates or strategies.

Investments for this mandate may include fixed income products that are obligations of domestic (U.S.)

issuers and international issuers. The contractor shall exercise best efforts to select securities suitable and appropriate to the PBGC's mission. Diligent effort shall be exercised to avoid the purchase of a security where the PBGC is likely to terminate the issuer’s underfunded pension plan.

2.2 SCOPE OF WORK

The contractor shall be responsible for providing active investment management and related services for a U.S. Core Fixed Income Portfolio.

Objective

The investment objective is to construct a portfolio of fixed income assets to earn superior returns which exceed the portfolio benchmark (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index), consistent with the risk parameters outlined in the investment guidelines for the respective portfolios.

Tasks

The contractor shall use a well-thought-out investment process which must incorporate, but is not limited to, the following elements in the investment decision making process:

• Establishing an interest rate forecast for short term and long-term time periods

• Conducting yield curve analysis

• Determining the proper maturity and duration allocations

• Performing sector analysis and making sector investment decisions

• Conducting credit analysis of issuers

• Selecting securities within the realm of permissible investments described in the PBGC investment guidelines

The contractor shall evaluate potential investments using disciplined, thorough investment analysis and due diligence. Assets shall be managed with full discretion, in accordance with the policies, of PBGC, and the strategies and objectives mutually agreed upon between the contractor and PBGC. Investment guidelines will be negotiated between PBGC and the contractor subsequent to contract award. After the guidelines are negotiated, PBGC shall deliver them in final form to the contractor.

The contractor shall employ the investment philosophy, style, and strategy for which it was retained.

PBGC, under this contract and not separately priced, shall receive and have access to any of the contractor's internal or external investment, market and economic research training materials and support capabilities and services in the performance of PBGC's investment responsibilities. These materials and services do not include proprietary models or information unique to the contractor's investment process.

The contractor shall maintain close contact with PBGC’s Corporate Investments Department and serve as a resource of economic and investment information and research. The contractor shall keep PBGC fully informed of the rationale for investment decisions and changes in the portfolio under its management.

PAGE 12 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

Under this contract, PBGC, at its discretion, may utilize other investment advisory services offered by the contractor.

The contractor shall be responsible for immediate notification to the PBGC of significant changes in personnel (Key Personnel changes shall be handled in accordance with PBGC clause 52.237-7000, “Key Personnel”), corporate name change, ownership, novation, resources, or firm direction. The contractor shall discharge its duties under this contract solely in the interest of the PBGC with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with like aims. Moreover, the contractor shall utilize best practices of the investment industry, such practices are to include but are not limited to the standards issued by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.

The contractor shall provide PBGC with immediate notification of any potential issue that could hinder the contractor’s ability to trade with full discretion on behalf of PBGC. The contractor shall maintain appropriate operational separation (i.e., a Chinese Wall) between trading and investment duties on behalf of PBGC portfolios and any engagement such as creditor committee representation which could affect the contractor’s full discretion to buy or sell in the marketplace.

The contractor shall work closely with PBGC’s custodian bank to facilitate the efficient and timely recording of purchases, sales, and other activity; reconcile securities and cash balances; and provide information necessary to calculate performance results. PBGC will delegate its proxy voting authority to the investment manager. The investment manager shall maintain records of its votes and report the results, at least annually, to PBGC.

Educational Conferences

The contractor shall provide up to six (6) slots in any educational conferences it may offer to clients as part of the normal contract cost. This opportunity would include the cost of related meals offered as well as education materials provided to all participants as part of the formal conference program. Non-training or non-educational activities offered at the conference including, but not limited to, golf, fishing, tours, entertainment, etc., would not be included, as PBGC can neither pay for these items, nor may individual employees accept these items in these circumstances. PBGC will pay the travel, lodging, per-diem, and other subsistence expenses (e.g., meals not offered to all attendees as part of the conference would not be included; these items, if authorized will be paid by PBGC). PBGC will advise the contractor of its acceptance or declination of slots offered at educational conferences.

Fidelity Bond and Insurance Coverage

The contractor shall have or acquire within six (6) months of contract award an ERISA fidelity bond, with the PBGC as a loss payee, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 and no deductible. The bond shall cover, at a minimum, losses due to dishonest or fraudulent acts by the contractor. Proof of the existence of such fidelity bond shall be provided to PBGC immediately upon its acquisition and then annually thereafter.

The contractor shall have errors and omissions coverage, and any other fiduciary coverage in the minimum amount of $2,000,000.00 with a maximum deductible of $75,000.00 per claim. The policy shall cover, at a minimum, losses caused by errors, omissions, or negligent acts of the contractor. Proof of the existence of such policy shall be provided on an annual basis as part of contract performance.

Disaster Recovery

PAGE 13 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

The Contractor shall provide a current disaster recovery plan and maintain the disaster recovery plan for the life of the contract. The disaster recovery plan shall include critical business operations, computer systems, and telecommunications. Such plan shall be tested and/or updated annually, as necessary. The contractor shall provide a copy of the annual test report to the PBGC within 30 calendar days of the completion of the test. A copy of the current and/or revised plan must be provided to PBGC within 60 calendar days of the completion of the revised plan.

The disaster recovery plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Emergency response procedures, including:

a. Step-by step instructions identifying explicit techniques to be used for responding to various emergency situations;

b. Identification of disaster recovery teams, and;

c. An organizational chart and list of key personnel responsible for performing the disaster recovery actions as well as the priority of duties and lines of authority.

2. Backup site activation procedures which identify:

a. Backup site location; and

b. Backup site activation processes.

If the backup site is operated by an organization other than by the Contractor, a copy of the Alternative Site Processing Agreement must be provided to the PBGC within 30 days after being added to the plan or at the same time as the contractor’s disaster recovery plan is revised, whichever is earlier. Backup site activation procedures must contain a list of key personnel and the recovery team(s) they support.

3. Primary site recovery procedures, including:

a. Instructions for accomplishing salvage operations;

b. A replacement acquisition strategy for hardware, software, telecommunications, etc.;

c. Facility reconstruction plans, and;

d. Identification of personnel supporting the primary site recovery and the team(s) they support.

4. Primary site reactivation/normalization, including:

a. Procedures to ensure a smooth transition from the alternative processing site to the primary site, and;

b. A list of teams performing the various functions and the personnel assigned to those teams.

Deliverables/Reports

The contractor shall provide:

1. Preliminary monthly statements and reports, on or before the seventh business day following month end, which detail the following information:

a. Portfolio Comparison vs. the Benchmark Index – Results must include, but not be limited to, returns for the month, latest three months, calendar year to date, PBGC’s fiscal year to date (the fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30), and since inception. As the

PAGE 14 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

performance history expands, returns for one year, two year, three, five, and ten years should be provided, when applicable.

b. Holdings Report

c. Investment Summary

d. Portfolio-level Characteristics

e. Performance Attribution

f. Economic and Market Commentary

g. Derivatives Report - If the fund or separate account utilizes derivatives in the portfolio, provide a detailed report.

2. Monthly holdings data, electronic copy format to be determined, as required for PBGC risk system, including detailed characteristics of securities. Provide details, as required, of OTC derivatives contracts to the Risk Management System vendor.

3. Quarterly statements and reports that detail the following information (due within thirty calendar days after quarter end):

a. Portfolio Comparison vs. the Benchmark Index – See 1a above.

b. Investment Summary

c. Portfolio-level Characteristics

d. Performance Attribution

e. Economic and Market Commentary

f. Contract Compliance Certification Report – detailing all non-compliance events throughout the quarter which violated the investment guidelines. If there are internal constraints that are not stipulated in the investment guidelines and were violated during the quarter, please provide those as well.

g. Guideline Compliance Status Report – detailing the status of all guideline risk parameters being monitored for compliance.

4. Annual statements and reports that detail the following information:

a. Evidence of fidelity bond and errors and omissions professional liability coverage, within 60 calendar days of renewal.

b. Revised Securities and Exchange Commission Form ADV Parts I and II, within 30 calendar days of revision, if an ADV is filed.

c. Policy on Creditors Committee participation and a record of those personnel who served on such committees where securities held in the PBGC portfolio were involved

PAGE 15 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

d. Revised Ethics Policy (within 30 calendar days of revision).

5. Other reports, research and publications as required by PBGC from time to time.

6. Copies of all PBGC reports noted above must be provided to PBGC’s investment consultant

The contractor shall provide other reports, research, and publications as required by PBGC from time to time. The contractor may provide the above reports electronically and through secure online access to its website.

Deliverable Table

Description of Deliverable

SOW

Paragraph

Trigger Event

Required Delivery

Date

Form of Deliverable

Person to Whom

Deliverable is Provided

1. Fidelity Bond 2.2 Award of Contract

Within six

(6) months after contract award

Microsoft Word Document

Email submission to the COR

2. Key Personnel 2.2 Significant changes in personnel, corporate name changes, ownership, novation, or firm direction

Immediately upon change

Electronically Email to submission to COR and CO

3. Current Disaster Recovery Plan

2.2 Award of

Contract

Within sixty

(60) days after award

Electronically E-mail to COR

4. Annual Disaster Recovery Plan Revisions

2.2 Completion

of Current Plan

Within 60 calendar days of the completion of the current/most recent revision

Electronically E-mail to COR

5. Disaster Plan Annual Test Report

2.2 Completion

of Test

Within 30 calendar days of the completion of the test

Electronically E-mail to COR

PAGE 16 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

6. Preliminary Monthly Reports/Statements

2.2 Month End On or before

the seventh business day following month end

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s investment consultant

7. Monthly Holdings Data

2.2 As required

of OTC derivatives contracts

As required Electronic Copy Format TBD as required for PBGC risk system

Electronically to Risk Management System Vendor and PBGC’s investment consultant and through secure online access to its website

8. Quarterly Statements and Reports

2.2 Quarter

End

Within thirty calendar days of Quarter End

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s investment consultant

9. Annual Statements And Reports - Evidence of fidelity bond and errors and omissions professional liability coverage

2.2 Renewal Within 60

calendar days of renewal

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s investment consultant

10. Annual Statement and Reports - Revised Securities and Exchange Commission Form ADV Parts I and II

2.2 Revision if

an ADV is filed

Within 30 calendar days of revision

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s investment consultant

11. Annual Statement and Reports - Policy on Creditors Committee

2.2 Year End Within 30

calendar days of year end

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s

PAGE 17 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

consultant

12. Annual Statement and Reports - Revised Ethics Policy

2.2 Revision Within 30

calendar days of revision

Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s investment consultant

13. Other Reports, Research and Publications

2.2 As required

by PBGC

As required Electronically Through secure online access to its website for the COR and PBGC’s consultant

Section 3 - Terms and Conditions

PAGE 18 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

SECTION 3

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1. Place of Performance

All of the work performed under the resultant contracts shall be performed at the contractor’s facilities; if the contractor prefers, personnel staffing this contract may telework subject to the limitations found in PBGC telework clause, PBGC 52.207-7001: “Contractor Telework (May 2020).”

Normal business hours of operation are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time (ET).

3.2. Non-Personal Services Contract

This is a non-personal services contract, as defined in FAR 37.101. The Contractor personnel rendering the services under the resultant contracts are not to be subject, either by the contract’s terms or by the manner of its administration, to the supervision and control usually prevailing in relationships between the Government and its employees. Contractor personnel shall be subject to the direction of the Contractor's management.

3.3. Key Personnel Minimum Qualifications

Lead Strategy Portfolio Manager – The Lead Strategy Portfolio Manager shall have one of the following:

1) Post-graduate degree and five (5) years of experience working in investment management.

2) Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience working in investment management.

3) Bachelor’s Degree and Chartered Financial Analyst designation and five (5) years of experience working in investment management.

Section 4 - Instructions to Offerors

PAGE 19 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

SECTION 4

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

4.1.0. General Instructions

4.1.1. The Offeror shall submit a proposal that conforms to the requirements outlined in this solicitation.

The Offeror’s failure to follow any of the requirements in this solicitation’s Section 4: “Instructions to Offerors” may result in the Offeror’s proposal not being evaluated for award. Proposals shall be submitted in three (3) separate volumes: Minimum Eligibility Requirements (Volume I), Technical (Volume II), and Price (Volume III). Please note that each Offeror can only submit one (1) proposal.

4.1.2. The Offeror shall present a proposal in a clear, concise manner, and in understandable terms. The Offeror’s proposal shall address all items in this solicitation’s Section 4: “Instructions to Offerors” and will be evaluated by PBGC in accordance with this solicitation’s Section 5: “Evaluation Criteria for Award.”

This solicitation is for a FAR Part 12 commercial requirement that will be evaluated using FAR Part 15 evaluation procedures. FAR Part 12 shall take precedence over FAR Part 15.

4.2.0. Determination of Responsibility

4.2.1. Contract(s) awarded as a result of this solicitation shall be awarded only to responsible prospective Contractor(s). To be determined responsible, a prospective Contractor shall:

a) Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract or have the ability to obtain them.

b) Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments.

c) Have a satisfactory performance record. A prospective contractor shall not be determined responsible or non-responsible solely on the basis of a lack of relevant performance history.

d) Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

e) Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them (including, as appropriate, such elements as production control procedures, property control systems, quality assurance measures and safety programs applicable to materials to be produced or services to be performed by the prospective Contractor and Subcontractors).

f) Have the necessary production and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them.

g) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

4.2.2. The Offeror shall make affirmative statements in response to items a) through g) above in its submitted Volume III: “Price Proposal.” This will allow the Government to check the Offeror's responsibility. Offeror format is acceptable as long as the provided information clearly provides affirmative statements in the order in which they appear from a) to g). The Government will use information from the Offeror's proposal, past performance references, and other means at its disposal (e.g., SAM, FAPIIS, etc.)

to verify the accuracy of the Offeror's determination of responsibility statements.

4.3.0. Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements

4.3.1. The Offeror shall include, in its Volume III: “Price Proposal,” completed fill-ins for the following clauses:

FAR 52.209-7

FAR 52.212-3

PAGE 20 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

4.4.0. Proposal Submission Instructions

4.4.1. Proposals in response to this solicitation shall be submitted no later than the date and time indicated on page one, Block 8 of the SF1449.

The Offeror shall email a complete electronic version of its proposal to the individuals listed at the email addresses listed below so that the proposal is received by the closing date and time set forth in this solicitation.

Rudy Baldus at Baldus.Carl@pbgc.gov;

Jeff Gangi at Gangi.Jeffrey@pbgc.gov, and;

Mandy Mathews at Mathews.Erin@pbgc.gov.

4.4.2. Please note that the Offeror’s failure to submit a proposal that meets the instructions provided in this section may result in the proposal not being evaluated by the Government.

4.5.0. Question Submission Instructions

4.5.1. Any questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted via email in writing no later than January 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM, Eastern Time. Questions shall be submitted to the following individuals:

Rudy Baldus at Baldus.Carl@pbgc.gov;

Jeff Gangi at Gangi.Jeffrey@pbgc.gov, and;

Mandy Mathews at Mathews.Erin@pbgc.gov.

4.5.2. Questions received and answers provided will be compiled and will be published by amendment to the solicitation at www.sam.gov, giving due regard to the proper protection of proprietary information.

Offerors shall be responsible for monitoring www.sam.gov for the agency’s responses. Any questions received after the solicitation question due date may not be answered before the solicitation closing date.

No information concerning this solicitation will be provided in response to telephone calls. Prospective Offerors are warned against contacting any PBGC personnel outside the PBGC Procurement Department prior to award of a contract resulting from this solicitation. If such contact occurs and is found to be prejudicial to competing Offerors, the Offeror making such contact may be excluded from award consideration.

4.5.3. Prospective Offerors should identify the solicitation section and paragraph to which their question applies. The recommended format for question submissions is as follows:

Item Solicitation Page Number(s)

Solicitation Section Reference

Offeror Question(s)

4.6.0. Proposal Format, Instructions, and Composition

4.6.1.0. Proposal Volumes

4.6.1.1. The Offeror’s proposal will be evaluated in two (2) separate phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2. Please see this solicitation’s Section 5: “Evaluation Criteria for Award” for further details.

PAGE 21 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

The Offeror’s proposal shall be submitted in three (3) separate volumes as listed below:

1) Phase 1

a) Volume I: Firm and Product Minimum Eligibility Requirements

2) Phase 2

a) Volume II: Technical Proposal

b) Volume III: Price Proposal

4.6.2.0. Proposal Formatting

4.6.2.1. All volumes shall adhere to format specifications below, which assist in providing a fair and equitable evaluation of all proposals.

Adobe PDF format;

o Please note that the Offeror’s responses to the tables included in Attachments 1-3 shall be provided in Adobe PDF format, unless Microsoft Excel format is specifically instructed for that respective table. For instances where the Offeror is instructed to provide a table in Microsoft Excel format, the table(s) shall be separated into respective tabs that state the questionnaire question number.

o The Offeror’s response to the Attachment 4: “Price Worksheet” shall be provided in Microsoft Excel format. Additional price and business-related information instructed for Factor 4: “Price” shall be provided in Adobe PDF format.

8.5 by 11-inch paper;

11 font size or larger;

Tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be legible and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point Arial or Times New Roman.

1-inch margin at the top, bottom, and both sides of each page.

All pages single-spaced;

Every page sequentially numbered;

Page numbers on the bottom of each page;

Each volume shall include a table of contents reflecting only the contents of that volume;

Tables of contents shall reference the labeled tabs, making it clear to the reader which tab contains the topic, and;

Subject to the format specifications listed above and the instructions listed in the solicitation, Offerors may present the information in their proposals in whatever format (e.g., narrative, bullets, etc.) they deem most suitable for presenting the information. When describing sequential events or enumerating substantive lists, PBGC recommends that Offerors use bullets or numbered lists rather than embedding the events or list items into narrative paragraphs.

4.6.3.0. Proposal Page Limits

4.6.3.1. The page limits for each proposal volume is as follows. If the Offeror’s volumes exceed the page limitation for any section, all pages in excess of the respective page limitation will be excluded from evaluation for that respective section.

Volume Page Count

PAGE 22 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

Phase 1, Volume I: “Minimum Eligibility Requirements” Not to Exceed (NTE) 50 pages excluding questionnaire supporting documentation Phase 2, Volume II: “Technical” – Factor 1 Not to Exceed (NTE) 50 pages excluding questionnaire supporting documentation

Phase 2, Volume II: “Technical” – Factor 2 Not to Exceed (NTE) 50 pages excluding questionnaire supporting documentation Phase 2, Volume II: “Technical” – Factor 3 Not to Exceed (NTE) 9 pages with no more than three (3) pages per each of the past performance references

Phase 2, Volume III: “Price” Unlimited

4.6.3.2. The Offeror’s cover letter, table of contents, small business subcontracting plan (if applicable), supporting documentation to questionnaires, and resumes/biographies are not included in the page limitations listed above. However, resumes/biographies shall be no longer than two (2) pages each. Any information included in the cover letter and table of contents will not be evaluated by the Government in relation to the non-price (i.e., technical) evaluation factors.

4.6.4.0. Cover Letter

4.6.4.1. The Offeror shall submit, with its Volume I proposal, a cover letter (i.e., letter of transmittal) prepared on the company’s letterhead stationery. The letter of transmittal shall identify all enclosures being transmitted as well as a table of contents for all volumes. The first or title page shall be in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. Specifically, the first page of the proposal shall show:

i. The solicitation number;

ii. The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the Offeror (and electronic address if available);

iii. A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish all Statement of Work items at the prices listed in the Offeror’s price proposal;

iv. Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

v. Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

vi. A statement that the Offeror’s proposal is valid for a period of 270 calendar days from the submission date of the proposal.

Please note that any information included in the Offeror’s cover letter will not be evaluated in relation to Volumes I-III.

4.6.5.0. Compliance

4.6.5.1. The Offeror shall submit a proposal that follows the instructions in this solicitation’s Section 4:

“Instructions to Offerors” and addresses the evaluation factors listed in this solicitation’s Section 5:

“Evaluation Criteria for Award.” All proposals will be evaluated preliminarily by the Government to ensure

PAGE 23 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

compliance with the requirements set forth in this solicitation. The items evaluated for compliance will include, at a minimum, the following:

i. Timely receipt of the offer in accordance with the proposal due date listed in this solicitation.

ii. Information presented in the manner and formatting required by the instructions listed in this Section 4: “Instructions to Offerors.”

iii. Inclusion in the proposal of all information required by the Volume I, Volume II, and Volume III requirements listed in this solicitation.

4.6.6.0. Late Proposals

4.6.6.1. Complete electronic versions shall be received by the proposal receipt time and date specified on page one, Block 8 of the SF1449. If the electronic version of the proposal is received at the virtual destination after the time and date specified for receipt, the proposal will be considered late and will be dealt with in accordance with the late proposal provision of FAR52.215-1.

4.6.7.0. Proposal Preparation Costs

4.6.7.1. This Request for Proposal (RFP) does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an Offeror’s proposal. By the submission of its proposal, the Offeror assumes all associated cost.

4.7.8.0. Volume I – Minimum Eligibility Requirements

The Offeror’s Volume I: “Minimum Eligibility Requirements” shall include a completed version of this solicitation’s Attachment 1: “Firm and Product Level Minimum Eligibility Requirements.” The Offeror shall complete Attachment 1 by answering each question listed in Attachment 1.

The Offeror shall separate Volume I: “Minimum Eligibility Requirements” into tabs/PDF bookmarks titled “Firm” and “Product” for each set of minimum eligibility requirements (i.e., the Volume I firm level minimum eligibility requirements and the Volume I product level minimum eligibility requirements, respectively). The Offeror shall include in its submitted Volume I a signed cover sheet using the format provided in Attachment 1.

The Offeror shall select the appropriate “Y/N” response for any minimum eligibility requirement that requires a yes/no response.

Minimum eligibility requirements that require supporting documentation are marked with an asterisk. For any minimum eligibility requirements that require supporting documentation, the Offeror shall include the supporting documentation as a standalone document in its submitted Volume I. The supporting documentation shall be organized into separate tabs/PDF bookmarks in the chronological order listed in Attachment 1. References or supplemental information included in the Offeror’s submitted Volume II and Volume III will not be considered by the Government during the evaluation of Phase 1 or Volume I.

The Offeror’s submitted supporting documentation shall provide convincing evidence of how the Attachment 1 minimum eligibility requirements that require supporting documentation are met.

Volume I proposals that do not include supporting documentation that provide convincing evidence of how all Attachment 1 minimum eligibility requirements that require supporting documentation are met will not advance to Phase 2 of evaluations.

4.7.9.0. Volume II – Technical

PAGE 24 OF 123 16PBGC23R0001

4.7.9.1. Factor 1 – Product Level Technical

The Offeror’s Factor 1: “Product Level Technical” shall include a completed version of this solicitation’s Attachment 2: “Product Level Questionnaire.” The Offeror shall complete Attachment 2 by answering each question listed in Attachment 2. The Offeror shall provide supporting documentation, as needed or directed by the question, for the Attachment 2 questions.

4.7.9.2. Factor 2 – Firm Level Technical

The Offeror’s Factor 2: “Firm Level Technical” shall include a completed version of this solicitation’s Attachment 3: “Firm Level Questionnaire.” The Offeror shall complete Attachment 3 by answering each question listed in Attachment 3. The Offeror shall provide supporting documentation, as needed or directed by the question, for the Attachment 3 questions.

4.7.9.3. Factor 3 – Past Performance

The Offeror shall provide three (3) recent references (i.e., projects) wherein it was the prime contractor, or a subcontractor with a major role in the requirement, that clearly describe the Offeror’s experience with work similar to the scope of this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide evidence in its proposal that each of its three (3) past performance references are substantially similar in size and scope to that required by the solicitation. Per this solicitation’s Section 5: “Evaluation Criteria for Award,” recent performance is defined as work that occurred within five (5) years prior to the issuance of this solicitation. Please review this solicitation’s Section 5 for a complete list of past performance-related definitions.

Each past performance reference shall include the following information:

Project title;

Name of client;

Contract/Task Order Number;

Total contract value and contract type;

Period of performance;

Current status (i.e., completed, in progress);

Customer point of contact name, phone number, and email address; and Contracting Officer/Customer Contract Owner name, phone number, and email address.

The three (3) references provided shall demonstrate the following:

Quality of products and services as well as technical support provided, to include the quality of the personnel;

Schedule and timeliness of performance;

Management and business relations, to include problem responsiveness, and;

Customer service

The proposal shall include a written account or explanation of each reference above (including any corrective action that may have been taken), not to exceed three (3) pages each. It is incumbent upon the Offeror to explain the relevance of the data provided.