25Q0022_FINAL.pdf

HT942525Q0022

COMBINED SNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

COMBINED SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION

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

This solicitation is being issued as a Request For Quote (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) Number 2024-07 which are effective 29 Aug 2024. Unless otherwise specified, all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other directive material contained in FAC 2024-07 is effective. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at the following websites:

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

2. Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS); https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars

3. Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement – Procedures, Guidance, and Information (DFARS-PGI);

https://www.acquisition.gov/dfarspgi

The NAICS code is 541715, with a small business size of 1,000 employees.

USAMRAA on behalf of the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Thermal & Mountain Medicine Division requests responses from qualified sources capable of providing Mouse Tissue Proteomics analysis services.

Please see the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for information regarding this Requirement.

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

0001 1 Job Analysis of Samples

FFP

up to 50 FOB: Destination

PSC CD: AN12

NET AMT

0002 1 Job Phosphoproteomic Analysis

FFP

0003 1 Job Ubiquitination Analysis

FFP

0004 1 Job Method Development

FFP

PWS

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Mouse Tissue Proteomics U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) Thermal & Mountain Medicine

Division

SECTION 1 PURPOSE

1.1. Introduction

The U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) exists to optimize Warfighter performance, health, and lethality through medical research. Within the Institute, the Thermal & Mountain Medicine Division seeks to understand the how operations in extreme environments affects normal physiology and may lead to the development of pathophysiology. Efforts are coordinated towards preventing and treating pathophysiological conditions in extreme environments. USARIEM is internationally recognized as the premiere Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory for Warfighter health & performance research and focuses on environmental medicine, physiology, physical & cognitive performance, and nutrition research. USARIEM publishes guidance for DOD operations for both hot and cold weather, high-altitude environments, and nutrition for optimal health and performance.

1.2. Mission

The overall USARIEM mission is to research and deliver solutions to enhance Warfighter health, performance, and lethality in all environments. The mission of the Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division is to conduct field and laboratory research on medical and physiological problems encountered by military personnel during acute and chronic exposure to environmental extremes. Research goals include: to determine the limits of physical exercise including nutritional and metabolic factors; to investigate new methods to improve those decrements; and to assess relative changes in normal physiological and psychological functions as evidenced in the related effects on overall performance. The division is responsible for investigating and developing new approaches to improve military effectiveness based on scientific knowledge in the areas of physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and nutrition.

1.3. Background

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a military medical problem and is the most severe heat illness that requires hospitalization for full recovery and may result in fatality if not treated properly and promptly (~1/2-1 hour after onset). Even after short-term recovery, EHS leads to loss of duty time and may also induce long-term negative health outcomes. Preventative measures are generally more easily implemented compared to treatment measures as prior heat exposure induces heat acclimation [in an artificial laboratory setting] or acclimatization [in a natural environment] (HA). Current recommendations are that HA be initiated ~1 month prior to transfer to a warm environment with data indicating the process requires around 2 weeks to fully develop in humans. However, using a murine model of EHS, we observed that a single prior session of heat+exercise preconditioning (HEx-EHS) mitigated the EHS phenotype by enabling mice to withstand higher core temperatures, accelerating recovery, decreasing markers for organ damage, and eliminating fatalities. This was a marked improvement when compared to mice that were sedentary / not preconditioned prior to EHS (Sed-EHS) and mice that were preconditioned with normothermic exercise (Ex- EHS). In order to identify the salient endogenous differences with severe versus mitigated pathophysiology, we propose to examine the proteome of the mice with or without mitigated

EHS phenotypes as well as in sedentary controls (HEx-EHS, n=10; Sed-EHS, n=8, and Sed mice, n=8).

Furthermore, to determine what mechanisms are activated with HEx and Ex preconditioning, we propose to include mice only exposed to preconditioning in the analysis as well (HEx-0h, n=8; HEx-24h, n=8; and Ex-0h mice, n=8).

The liver is an organ that is severely and acutely impacted by EHS (full recovery in the most severe cases can require a liver transplant). Additionally, the liver has broad functions in the body and is involved in metabolism, digestion, immunity, detoxification, and nutrient storage (several proteins likely have overlapping roles across multiple functions).

Conceptually, understanding the role of the liver during the development of heat tolerance versus heat illness can offer perspective on how the two distinct processes impact the organ differently and may impact multiple physiological processes at the whole organism level.

Consequently, we will focus on liver as the primary organ for examination.

1.4. Scope

The goal of this work is the generation / identification of a comprehensive list of hepatic proteins that are upregulated and/or post-translationally modified following exposure to exertional heating. Exertional heating either initiated the development of heat tolerance or led to full-blown heat illness in other groups. Along with selected control groups, we hypothesize that identification of the differences across groups will enable discernment of proteins, mechanisms, and functions involved in normophysiology versus pathophysiology.

Technical Capability: Award shall be issued upon receipt of a Quotation that provides a Technical Narrative that clearly shows conformance to the Minimum Essential Characteristics (MEC’s): which are:

1. Shall be able to provide proteomic analysis for frozen mouse tissue samples. All samples shall be homogenized, digested to peptides, and analyzed via high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) to identify and quantify the sample proteome.

2. Shall be able to assess the presence of phosphorylated, oxidized, acetylated, and/or ubiquinated proteins using enrichment/affinity purification techniques and high resolution LCMS.

3. Shall be able to compare sample cohorts using a volcano plot of fold change versus statistical significance to identify proteins that are differentially expressed.

4. Shall perform a quality check of data which should include determining Pearson correlation, coefficient of variation, and generating a PCA plot.

5. Shall be able to provide a report including results of Data QC, an overview of methods used, and a summary of results. Shall be able to provide an Excel spreadsheet of raw data including protein identifier, relative abundance, fold change, and P-value.

6. Shall be able to complete all analyses within the period of performance.

7. Shall provide a report and data file for Global Proteomics, Phospho-Proteomics, and Ubiquitinated

Proteomics

SECTION 2 GENERAL REQUIREMENT

2.1. Performance

2.1.1. Place of Performance

The primary place of performance for this work will be the laboratories / facilities of the contractor.

2.1.2. Period of Performance.

The period of performance for this contract is four months.

2.2. Type of Services

2.2.1. Non-Personal Services

This PWS identifies services that are strictly non-personal in nature, as defined by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37, Service Contracting. To ensure there is no appearance of any personal services, the Government shall neither supervise contractor personnel nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks.

Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks or prepare work schedules for individual contractor personnel. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to manage its personnel and to guard against any actions that give the perception of personal services. If the contractor believes that any actions constitute, or are perceived to constitute personal services, it shall be the contractor's responsibility to notify the Contractor Officer (KO) immediately.

2.2.2. Severable / Non-Severable Services

This award identifies services that are severable in nature.

2.2.3. Inherently Governmental Functions

This requirement has been reviewed and contains no services that are inherently governmental functions.

2.3. Contract Management

2.3.1. Government Management.

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for this contract will be appointed by the Contracting Officer (KO). The COR will serve as the primary point of contact for all activities and issues that occur under this contract.

2.3.2. Contractor Management.

The contractor shall designate a single Program Manager (PM) to be the contractor’s authorized point of contact (POC) with the COR. The PM will be responsible for formulating and enforcing performance standards, assigning contractor schedules, reviewing performance quality, communicating policies, purposes, and goals to subordinates. This will include coordination with the KO and the COR to resolve any issues that may arise, trends relating to the contract, or proposed changes or modifications to the contract. The PM shall demonstrate capability in the overall management of complex tasks, and strong team building skills.

2.3.2.1. The contractor shall establish clear organizational lines of authority and responsibility to ensure effective management of the resources assigned to the requirement. The contractor shall ensure that all contractor personnel are advised of their chain of command and who they should contact if they have questions.

2.3.2.2. The contractor shall provide a draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) (Deliverable 1) with their proposal and a final QCP no later than 15 days after contract award. The contractor shall prepare and adhere to a QCP describing how the contractor intends to manage the contract to achieve the established standards set forth in the Performance Standards Summary Matrix and the contractor’s QCP.

2.4. Reports

Reports and documents delivered by the contractor in the performance of this contract shall be considered Technical Data as defined in the applicable FAR clause 52.227-14, Rights in Data. All documentation shall reflect the latest version of the work product or activity, unless specifically directed otherwise by the Government. All documentation shall be prepared in accordance with (IAW) standard industry practices, ensuring electronically produced documents which reflect logical flow of material, tables of contents indexes and page numbering. Where applicable, the contractor’s attention is called to the availability of commercial, industry, federal, and military guides, instructions, and standards for many of the topics addressed in this PWS and under this contract.

2.4.1. Report and Data File for Global Proteomics (Deliverable 2).

The contractor shall provide a report in the form of a presentation with the results of Data QC, an overview of the methods used, and a summary of results. Additionally, a spreadsheet or table of raw data including protein identifier, relative abundance, fold change, and statistical analyses will be included. This will identify proteins that are upregulated in response to the various conditions to which samples were subjected;

oxidation of methionine and acetylation of lysine will be included as a variable modification. This deliverable is due upon completion of the contract.

2.4.2. Report and Data File for Phospho-Proteomics (Deliverable 3).

The contractor shall provide a report in the form of a presentation with the results of Data QC, an overview of the methods used, and a summary of results. Additionally, a spreadsheet or table of raw data including protein identifier, relative abundance, fold change, and statistical analyses for phosphorylated proteins will be included. This deliverable is due upon completion of the contract.

2.4.3. Report and Data File for Ubiquitinated Proteomics (Deliverable 4).

The contractor shall provide a report in the form of a presentation with the results of Data QC, an overview of the methods used, and a summary of results. Additionally, a spreadsheet or table of raw data including protein identifier, relative abundance, fold change, and statistical analyses for ubiquitinated proteins will be included. This deliverable is due upon completion of the contract.

2.5. Contractor Personnel, Disciplines, and Specialties

The contractor shall accomplish the assigned tasks by employing and utilizing qualified personnel with appropriate combinations of education, training, and experience. The contractor shall match personnel skills to the task with a minimum of under or over employment of resources.

SECTION 3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

3.1. The contractor shall provide all necessary personnel required to perform services supporting the Thermal & Mountain Medicine Division. The contractor shall provide Research Support Services to characterize the global and post-translational modification proteomics (phosphorylation & ubiquitination) following mitigated and full-blown EHS. The following section specifies the Performance Objectives and Performance Elements for the contract.

3.1.1. Performance Objectives and Performance Elements

The goal of this work is to characterize global and post-translational modification proteomics in livers from mice subjected to mitigated EHS, full-blown EHS, and appropriate non- pathological controls. The contractor shall:

a) Receive up to 60 samples from USARIEM as specified in their work flow plan

b) Perform the requisite sample processing and / or enrichment.

c) Conduct experiments using above-mentioned samples.

d) Determine protein identities and note species that are upregulated in assays for global [including oxidation of methionine and acetylation of lysine as a variable modification], phospho-, and ubiquitinated proteomics.

e) Analyze the data and note species that are significantly [and/or trending towards being] upregulated.

f) Deliver findings as a presentation and in table format to USARIEM (Deliverables 2-4).

3.2. Performance Requirement Summary Matrix

The Government intends to utilize a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) to monitor the quality of the Contractor’s performance in relation to performance objectives. The Government will finalize the QASP immediately following award, and the COR will provide a copy of the final QASP to the contractor. The QASP is a living document and may be updated by the Government as necessary.

The Government will use the following performance requirements to measure the performance of the contractor.

The contractor shall meet the Performance Objective(s) and Acceptable Quality Level(s) within the “Performance Requirements Summary Matrix” (PRS Matrix).

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY MATRIX

# PWS

Ref. Performance Objective Acceptable Quality

Level Performance Measurement

1 3.1.1. Receive samples from USARIEM as specified in work flow plan

100% Complete Periodic Surveillance

2 3.1.1. Perform the requisite sample processing and / or enrichment.

100% Complete Periodic Surveillance

3 3.1.1. Conduct experiments using above-mentioned samples.

100% Complete Periodic Surveillance

4 3.1.1. Determine protein identities and note species that are upregulated in assays for global [including oxidation of methionine and acetylation of lysine as a variable modification], phospho-, and ubiquitinated proteomics.

100% Complete Periodic Surveillance

5 3.1.1. Analyze the data and note species that are significantly [and/or trending towards being] upregulated.

100% Complete Periodic Surveillance

6 3.1.1. Deliver findings as a presentation and in table format to USARIEM

100% Complete 100% Inspection

SECTION 4 DELIVERABLES

4.1. Deliverables. The contractor shall provide the following deliverable as listed and requested by USARIEM.

Results should be delivered to the COR at USARIEM electronically upon completion.

Item PWS Ref Title Distribution E H Initial Subsequent Deliverable 1 2.3.2.2 Quality Control Plan COR 1 4

Deliverable 2 2.4.1, 3.1.1 Global Proteomics Findings

COR 1 4

Deliverable 3 2.4.2, 3.1.1 Phospho-Proteomics Findings

COR 1 4

Deliverable 4 2.4.3, 3.1.1 Ubiquitinated Proteomics Findings

COR 1 4

SECTION 5 APPLICABLE DIRECTIVES, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES

5.1. Data Rights

The Government will retain rights to all data produced in the course of developing, deploying, training, using and supporting USARIEM or other federal agencies that utilize this order.

Data in Transit:

The Parties are responsible for ensuring that any data shared is transmitted, protected, and stored in a secured information system network that is fully compliant with all applicable Federal legal authorities and DoD regulations.

The data described above may be shared through electronic file transfer via a secure, mutually agreed upon method such as DOD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). Hard copies of such files will be handled per applicable DoD or Service regulations and guidelines.

QASP

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

For

Mouse Tissue Proteomics

Contract Number: Contractor's Name:

1. PURPOSE:

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) provides a systematic method to evaluate performance for the stated non-personal services contract. This QASP explains the following:

a. What will be monitored?

b. How monitoring will take place?

c. Who will conduct the monitoring?

d. How monitoring efforts and results will be documented.

This QASP does not detail how the contractor accomplishes the work. Rather, the QASP is treated with the premise that the contractor is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of the contract. It is the Government's responsibility to be objective, fair, and consistent in evaluating performance. In addition, the QASP should recognize that unforeseen and uncontrollable situations may occur.

The QASP is a "living document" and the Government may review and revise it on a regular basis.

However, the Government shall coordinate changes with the contractor. Updates shall ensure that the QASP remains a valid, useful, and enforceable document. Copies of the original QASP and revisions shall be provided to the contractor and Government officials implementing surveillance activities.

a. QASP RELATION TO THE SOLICITATION:

QASPs shall be developed and appear in every solicitation, as well as the resultant service contract. The Government will retain the right to change the surveillance methods and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures, or to increase or decrease the degree of surveillance efforts at any time necessary to assure contract compliance.

b. REVISIONS TO THE QASP:

The QASP is a tool for use in Government administration of the Performance Work

Statement/Statement of Work (PWS/SOW) and remains subject to revision at any time by the Government throughout the contract performance period. Revisions to this surveillance plan are the responsibility of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). Changes to the QASP shall be made bilaterally.

The contractor will assume responsibility for all tasks and deliverables in the PWS under this award. As the performance period progresses, the levels of surveillance may be altered for service areas in cases where performance is either consistently excellent or consistently unsatisfactory. If observations reveal consistently good performance, then the amount of surveillance may be reduced. If observations reveal consistent deficiencies, increased surveillance may be implemented.

GOVERNMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following personnel shall oversee and coordinate surveillance activities:

e. Contracting Officer (KO) - The KO shall ensure performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, ensure compliance with the contract terms, and shall safeguard the interests of the United States in the contractual relationship. The KO shall also assure that the contractor receives impartial, fair, and equitable treatment under this contract. The KO is ultimately responsible for the final determination of the adequacy of the contractor's performance.

Assigned KO:

Organization or Agency: US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity Telephone:

E-mail:

f. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - The COR will be responsible for technical administration of the contract, and shall assure proper Government surveillance of the contractor's performance.

The COR shall keep a quality assurance file. At the conclusion of the contract or when requested by the KO, the COR shall provide documentation to the KO. A COR is not empowered to make any contractual commitments or to authorize and contractual changes on the Government's behalf. The contractor shall refer any changes they deem may affect contract price, terms, or conditions to the KO for action.

Assigned COR Organization: US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Telephone:

2. CONTRACTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The contractor is responsible for delivering services in accordance with the contract. The contractor shall appoint a single off-site point-of-contact to act as a central recipient of communication from the Government.

Contract Manager:

Title:

Telephone:

3. CONTRACT QUALITY REQUIREMENTS:

a. Contract quality requirements are the technical requirements in the contract relating to the quality of the service and those contract clauses prescribing inspection and other quality controls incumbent on the contractor, to assure that the service conforms to the contractual requirements. Government contract quality assurance shall be performed at such times and places as may be necessary to determine that the services conform to the contract requirements. Failure to meet or exceed the contract quality requirements is defined as a "nonconformance" on the part of the contractor. The contractor shall be held responsible for any identified nonconformance, and the government may require the work to be re-performed.

b. The Government's contract quality assurance is defined as follows:

i. "Acceptance" means the act of an authorized representative of the Government by which the Government, for itself or as agent of another, assumes ownership of existing identified supplies tendered or approves specific services rendered as partial or complete performance of the contract.

ii. "Conditional acceptance" means acceptance of supplies or services that do not conform to contract quality requirements, or are otherwise incomplete, that the contractor is required to correct or otherwise complete by a specified date.

iii. "Minor nonconformance" means a nonconformance that is not likely to materially reduce the usability of the supplies or services for their intended purpose, or is a departure from established standards having little bearing on the effective use or operation of the supplies or services.

iv. "Major nonconformance" means a nonconformance, other than critical, that is likely to result in failure of the supplies or services, or to materially reduce the usability of the supplies or services for their intended purpose.

v. "Critical nonconformance" means a nonconformance that is likely to result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining, or depending upon the supplies or services;

or is likely to prevent performance of a vital agency mission.

c. Documentation:

i. Thorough documentation of unperformed or nonconformance is essential for tracking contractor performance throughout the period of performance. The COR will document deficient work by compiling facts describing the inspection methods and results. The COR will develop documentation to substantiate nonconformance with the Contract and shall forward the documentation by means of a Contract Discrepancy Report

(CDR).

ii. Remedial Action by the Contracting Officer:

A. Shall notify the contractor in writing of the nonconforming service;

B. Shall request that the contractor perform the service, at no cost to the Government; and

C. May accept consideration if offered. For guidance on solicitation of a refund, see

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Subpart 252.71. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.246-4 - "Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price", the Government may require the contractor to re-perform any services that do not conform to contract requirements. If the defects cannot be corrected by re-performance, the KO may either require the contractor to take the necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to the requirements, or the KO may reduce the Contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed. At an extreme decision point, penalties may include a decision not to exercise contract options. The KO will determine the penalty for nonconformance based upon his or her judgment and the severity of the nonconformance.

4. METHODS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE:

Various methods exist to monitor performance. The COR shall use the surveillance methods listed below in the administration of this QASP.

Regardless of the surveillance method, the COR shall always contact the contractor's point of contact to inform the manager of the specifics of the problem. The COR shall be responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance in meeting the contract's quality requirements.

a. DIRECT OBSERVATION: Can be performed periodically or through 100% surveillance

b. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS: Evaluates outputs through the use of management information reports. Best used for general surveillance and may need to be supplemented by periodic inspections.

c. PERIODIC INSPECTION: Uses a comprehensive evaluation of selected outputs.

Inspections may be scheduled as required.

i. Analysis of contractor's progress reports. (i.e. Evaluate cost, schedule, etc.)

ii. Performance reporting.

iii. Customer Feedback.

Surveillance results may be used as the basis for actions (to include payment deductions) against the contractor. In such cases, the Inspection of Services clause (52.246-4) in the Contract becomes the basis for the KO's actions.

5. FREQUENCY OF MEASUREMENT: The Government shall monitor the contractor’s performance under this contract. The Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan follows:

a. Observation of vendor development personnel during developmental tasks noting knowledge and competence with which the tasks are performed.

b. Review of technical reports to insure proper reporting of the contractor’s time and listing of all developmental parts (to include part number, nomenclature, and price) necessary to complete development.

c. Insure the technical report indicates the measures taken to continue development in support of the current or next milestone.

d. Demonstration of an operational check to ensure that the system meets thresholds and strives to meet objectives.

e. Successful performance shall be when development tasks are completed, the prototype is operational within developer’s standards, and all technical reports and invoices have been received by the COR.

6. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

Performance standards define desired services. The Government performs surveillance to determine if the contractor exceeds, meets or does not meet these standards.

The Performance Requirements Summary matrix, shown in Table 1 below and continued within the Performance Work Statement (PWS) for this contract in paragraph 3.0, includes performance standards. The Government shall use these standards to determine contractor performance and shall compare contractor performance to the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL).

Table 1. Performance Standards for Mouse Tissue Proteomics

Performance Requirement

Performance Standard

Acceptable Quality Level

Method of Surveillance

Frequency

PWS 3.1.1. Receive samples from USARIEM as specified in work flow plan

In accordance with lab standard procedures

100% Complete Surveillance by the

COR.

Monthly

PWS 3.1.1. Perform the requisite sample processing and / or enrichment.

In accordance with lab standard procedures

100% Complete Surveillance by the

COR.

Monthly

PWS 3.1.1. Conduct experiments using above-mentioned samples.

In accordance with lab standard procedures

100% Complete Surveillance by the

COR.

Monthly

PWS 3.1.1. Determine protein identities and note species that are upregulated in assays for global [including oxidation of methionine and acetylation of lysine as a variable modification], phospho-, and ubiquitinated proteomics.

In accordance with lab standard procedures

100% Complete Surveillance by the

COR.

Monthly

PWS 3.1.1. Analyze the data and note species that are significantly [and/or trending towards being] upregulated.

The contractor-provided services shall be timely, accurate, and conform to established scientific professional standards.

100% Complete Surveillance by the

COR.

Monthly

PWS 3.1.1. Deliver findings as a presentation and in table format to

USARIEM.

The contractor-provided services shall be timely, accurate, and conform to established scientific professional standards.

100% Complete 100% Inspection. Prior to completion of

POP.

Performance Report

1. CONTRACT NUMBER: W81XWH-15-X-XXXX

2. Prepared by: < COR's Name >

3. Date and time of observation:

4. Observation:

<Examples of items to include in a report are:

-- method of surveillance -- how frequently you conducted surveillance -- surveillance results -- number of observations>

Prepared by: < COR's Name >

Signature - Contracting Officer's Representative Date

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR)

1. Contract Number: W81XWH-15-X-XXXX

2. To: < Contractor or Contractor Representative >

3. From: < COR's Name >

4. Date and time observed discrepancy:

5. DISCREPANCY OR PROBLEM:

< Describe in detail. Identify any attachments >

6. Corrective action plan:

A written corrective action plan < is / is not > required.

< If a written corrective action plan is required include the following. > The written Corrective Action Plan will be provided to the undersigned no later than < # days after receipt of this CDR.

Prepared by: < COR's Name >

Signature - Contracting Officer's Representative Date Received by:

Signature - Contractor Representative Date

< The COR may initiate a CDR at any time, including whenever the number of monthly recorded defects for a performance standard exceeds the allowable number of defects; any time unacceptable performance is determined critical in nature and requires formal corrective action; and whenever an unfavorable trend is detected in contractor performance. >

DELIVERY INFORMATION

CLIN DELIVERY DATE QUANTITY SHIP TO ADDRESS DODAAC /

CAGE

0001 POP 01-MAY-2025 TO

01-SEP-2025

N/A US ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF

US ARMY RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF

10 GENERAL GREEN AVE

NATICK MA 01760

W561UG

0002 POP 01-MAY-2025 TO

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

0003 POP 01-MAY-2025 TO

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

0004 POP 01-MAY-2025 TO

N/A (SAME AS PREVIOUS LOCATION)

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE TERMS

Supplies/services will be inspected/accepted at:

CLIN INSPECT AT INSPECT BY ACCEPT AT ACCEPT BY

0001 Destination Government Destination Government 0002 Destination Government Destination Government 0003 Destination Government Destination Government 0004 Destination Government Destination Government

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications JAN 2025 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance OCT 2018 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and

Certifications.

DEC 2014

52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications.

DEC 2014

52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

NOV 2021

52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

NOV 2021

52.204-26 Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services-- Representation.

OCT 2020

52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application JUN 2023 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic

Corporations

NOV 2015

52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law

FEB 2016

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

NOV 2023

52.227-14 Rights in Data--General MAY 2014 252.203-7000 Requirements Relating to Compensation of Former DoD

Officials

SEP 2011

252.203-7002 Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights DEC 2022 252.203-7005 Representation Relating to Compensation of Former DoD

Officials

SEP 2022

252.204-7003 Control Of Government Personnel Work Product APR 1992 252.204-7016 Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services

-- Representation

DEC 2019

252.204-7017 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services -- Representation

MAY 2021

252.204-7018 Prohibition on the Acquisition of Covered Defense Telecommunications Equipment or Services

JAN 2023

252.225-7048 Export-Controlled Items JUN 2013 252.227-7015 Technical Data--Commercial Products and Commercial

Services

MAR 2023

252.232-7006 Wide Area WorkFlow Payment Instructions JAN 2023 252.232-7010 Levies on Contract Payments DEC 2006 252.244-7000 Subcontracts for Commercial Products or Commercial

Services

NOV 2023

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

(SEP 2023)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition--

(1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers.

Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

https://assist.dla.mil/ https://assist.dla.mil/

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by--

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) Reserved.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1. TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND PRE-PROPOSAL DISCUSSION

Questions concerning the solicitation are due no later than 19 Feb 2025 at 10:00 A.M Eastern Time. Questions shall be submitted to Mrs. Kasey Carroll at kasey.l.carroll.civ@mail.mil. An amendment to the solicitation will be https://assist.dla.mil/feedback mailto:assisthelp@dla.mil http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:kasey.l.carroll.civ@mail.mil posted in order to address the questions received; however, no questions will be addressed after the cutoff date and time listed above. Please note that only one (1) set of question will be accepted by the Government.

2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Failure to submit all documents concurrently and in accordance with these instructions may render a proposal unacceptable. The proposal shall be submitted electronically via email to kasey.l.carroll.civ@mail.mil no later than 26 Feb 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daytime Time. Please note that only one (1) proposal will be accepted by the Government. Late proposals will not be accepted.

3. THE PROPOSAL

The proposal shall be practical, specific complete, and logically assembled. The proposal shall be in a clear, concise format satisfying all requirements of this solicitation. It shall be in sufficient detail to demonstrate a complete understanding of the work to be accomplished.

The overall proposal shall consist of three (3) separate volumes, individually titled. Each volume shall be appropriately titled, as follows:

Volume Number Volume Title Volume I Technical Proposal Volume II Price Proposal Volume III Administrative Documents

Volume I shall be broken up into three (3) sections: Executed Solicitation Documents and Technical Capabilities.

The entirety of Volume I, shall not exceed twenty (20) pages, including appendices, matrices, and tables. Fold-outs (either 8 ½” by 14” or 11” x 17”) shall count as two (2) pages each. Proposals shall be typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font using 1” margins on the top, bottom and sides. Graphics, tables and matrices are exempt from the 12-point font requirement. The Table of Contents, Solicitation (executed copy of this SF1449 and any amendments), tabs and index sheets will not be counted towards the page limits listed above. Any pages exceeding the page limitation or any pages containing materials not legible to the evaluators will be disregarded and will not be evaluated.

There are no page limitations for Volume II of the proposal. However, an electronic copy of the Offeror’s Commercial Published Price List, including any additional discounts off of current pricing, shall be submitted as part of Volume II.

4.1. Contents of the Technical Proposal (Volume I)

All sections of the Offeror’s Technical Proposal shall make direct reference to the Performance Work Statement (Section C of this solicitation) section paragraph numbers, if applicable. The Proposal shall be presented in a clear and logical order. Statements such as “will comply”, “meets the intent of”, or “we intend to meet the requirements” and the like, will not suffice for evaluation purposes.

Section 1 – Technical Acceptability The Offeror shall submit a written narrative that demonstrates how the offer intends to meet the Government requirements at a minimum addresses the Offeror’s approach that effectively demonstrates:

Offeror’s approach to overall understanding of the technical requirements of the PWS including how the Offeror:

• will provide proteomic analysis for frozen mouse tissue samples. All samples shall be homogenized, digested to peptides, and analyzed via high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) to identify and quantify the sample proteome.

• assess the presence of phosphorylated, oxidized, acetylated, and/or ubiquinated proteins using mailto:kasey.l.carroll.civ@mail.mil enrichment/affinity purification techniques and high resolution LCMS.

• compares sample cohorts using a volcano plot of fold change versus statistical significance to identify proteins that are differentially expressed.

• perform a quality check of data which should include determining Pearson correlation, coefficient of variation, and generating a PCA plot.

• provide a report including results of Data QC, an overview of…