34300020Q0029 Combined_Syn.pdf

Solicitation # 34300020Q029

NAICS CODE: 519190, All Other Information Services

PSC: D317 – IT AND TELECOM- WEB-BASED SUBSCRIPTION

This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for Commercial Items prepared in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 12.6, Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) #34300020Q0029. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-06, effective June 5, 2020. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking to procure a global company database subscription.

Reference the RFQ attached to this posting for the complete requirement.

This is a full and open competition. Any vendor that is capable of fully meeting this requirement may submit a quotation. The associated North American Industrial Classification Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 519190, All Other Information Services. Award will be based upon Best Value Criteria as stated within the solicitation attached.

The following solicitation provisions apply, and the successful offeror must comply with the following commercial item terms and conditions, which are incorporated herein by reference: The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors –Commercial Items; the provision at FAR 552.212-2, Evaluation. FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items. FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items applies. FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items, (Oct 2018), Paragraph (a), and the following clauses in Paragraph (b): 52.203-6;

52.204-10; 52.204-10; 52.209-6; 52.209-9;; 52.222-3; 52.222-21; 52.222-35; 52.222-36; 52.222-50;

52-.223-18; 52.232-33. The full text of the referenced FAR clause may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquistion.gov/far/.

The USITC will make one Firm Fixed Price award as a result of this solicitation. The anticipated period of performance is a One Year Base Year and Three (3), one year options for a total performance period Not to Exceed 48 months, if all options are exercised. The Commission reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this Combined Synopsis/Solicitation if it is found for any reason not to be in the best interest of the Government.

In order to be considered for award, the offeror must be registered, and current (with certain exceptions), in the System for Award Management database (www.sam.gov) prior to award being made. (Reference FAR 4.11).

https://www.acquistion.gov/far/ http://www.sam.gov/

Questions related to this solicitation must be emailed to meaghann.peak@usitc.gov no later than Monday, August 31, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Quotations shall be received by the Government on or before 2:00 p.m. E.T., Thursday, September 10, 2020, via email to meaghann.peak@usitc.gov. Please indicate in the Subject Line of the email

GLOBAL COMPANY DATABASE – 34300020Q0029.

PLEASE NOTE: It is required, and included as a part of this solicitation, that the offeror provide to the Government a scheduled demonstration of its solution, which will be scheduled directly with each offeror upon the closing date required for submission of quote.

In addition, allowing the evaluation team a trial period to try the solution.

mailto:meaghann.peak@usitc.gov

34300020Q0029

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SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC or Commission) is issuing this Request for Quotations (RFQ) to obtain a Global Company Database Subscription.

1.2 FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

This requirement is a full and open under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 519190, All other information services.

1.3 PRICING - CONTRACT LINE ITEM (CLIN)

Offerors Shall provide firm fixed price and will include 12- month base year and three 12- month option years.

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT

PRICE

EXTENDED

PRICE

00001 Global Company Database

Subscription October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021

1 YR $ $

10001

Option Year One:

Global Company Database

Subscription October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022

1 YR $ $

20001

Option Year Two:

Global Company Database

Subscription October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023

1 YR $ $

30001

Option Year Three:

Global Company Database

Subscription October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024

1 YR $ $

Total Base Year Plus Option Years Firm Fixed Price Amount:

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SECTION 2

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

2.1 INTRODUCTION

2.1.1 Mission Statement

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial Federal agency established by Congress with a wide range of trade-related mandates. The USITC's mission is threefold: (1) to administer U.S. trade remedy laws in a fair and objective manner; (2) to provide the President, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Congress with independent, quality analysis, information, and support on matters of tariffs and international trade and competitiveness; and (3) to maintain the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. In doing so, the USITC serves the public by implementing U.S. law and contributing to the development and implementation of sound and informed U.S. trade policy.

2.1.2 Background

The Office of Analysis and Research Services contributes directly to and supports the U.S.

International Trade Commission's (USITC) investigative and research activities. In the performance of its mission, the Commission has utilized an international company database to test and deliver survey instruments intended to build information on new or emerging trade topics of interest to the President and Congress. The company database has also been used to scope the composition of foreign markets and to measure the price-cost impact of nontariff measures affecting services trade. In many instances, these efforts require information on thousands of domestic and foreign firms. The availability and integrity of this data is highly important to maintaining the Commission's reputation for producing insightful and authoritative analytical products.

2.1.3 Requirement

The USITC requires extensive company level data to support mission related international trade research and analysis. The database access would support a range of research and investigative purposes, including the testing and distribution of survey instruments, the measurement of barriers to trade in services, and the scoping of market conditions.

The database shall be accessible through the internet as a site license and shall accommodate at least two (2) concurrent Commission users through an internet link accessible anywhere. A single license for unlimited use of the database, including any databases from sub-vendors integrated into the database, shall be provided through an annual subscription fee. The USITC intends to download data into .csv files for internal analysis and manipulation in support of its mission of providing information to the public. The contractor shall provide technical help and expert training as required throughout the period of performance.

2.1.3.1 Performance Requirements

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• Robust country coverage distributed across low, medium, and high-income countries.

• Comprehensive industry coverage, including services, manufacturing, agricultural, chemicals, textiles, and natural resources industries, including all 2-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) major groups (except 92), for all sizes of companies (including small firms).

• Sufficiently detailed company coverage to allow econometric analysis of like firms at a level equivalent to no less than the 6-digit NAICS.

• Data shall be available for both public and private companies.

• Available data shall include:

o General contact information, including current mailing and e-mailing addresses, phone numbers, and website addresses.

o Industry classification codes, including NAICS codes among other local and international codes.

o For publicly listed companies, detailed financial information, including annual revenue, cash flow, balance sheets, profit and loss accounts, and standard financial ratios, for a continuous (i.e. “sliding) 5-year period ending no earlier than the prior calendar year.

o Ownership information, including shareholding and subsidiaries, direct and indirect ownership, ultimate owner, franchisee status (to the extent possible), and corporate group.

o Annual information on companies' employment, for a continuous 5-year period ending no earlier than the prior calendar year.

o Information on companies' merger and acquisition activity searchable by country, industry, date and other criteria.

o Information on banking and insurance companies, and on foreign direct investment in all sectors.

• License shall allow USITC to present both aggregate data and specific examples from the database in public reports.

• To the extent possible, all company information should be in a format that permits sector-level (or industry-level) comparison across countries despite differences in countries’ filing regulations and accountancy practices.

• Downloading capability for information on thousands or tens of thousands of firms simultaneously into broadly available spreadsheet, graphic, and statistical software.

2.1.3.2 Training and Support Requirements

• The Contractor shall provide a one-day training course for up to 20 USITC staff members. The training is anticipated to take place through a virtual platform that the USITC can access. The contractor will provide all course materials.

• When updates or new features are added to the database, the Contractor will notify USITC staff. When significant updates or changes are made to the database, the Contractor will provide additional training to USITC staff.

• The Contractor shall appoint a company representative to answer USITC questions about the database throughout the term of the contract.

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SECTION 3

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated period of performance of this contract is as follows:

Base Year: October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021 Option Year 1: October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 Option Year 2: October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023 Option Year 3: October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024

3.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

U. S. International Trade Commission 500 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20436

3.3 TYPE OF AWARD

The government intends to award a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.

3.4 DELIVERABLES

Post award conference 5 days from award Training 10 days from award

3.5 CORRESPONDENCE

To promote timely and effective administration, correspondence shall be subject to the following procedures:

(a) Technical correspondence shall be addressed to the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) with an information copy to the Contracting Officer (CO);

(b) All contractual correspondence, shall be addressed to Contracting Officer at the address listed in Section 3.5.2

3.6 POINTS OF CONTACT

3.5.1 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require maximum coordination between the Commission and the Contractor.

The COR shall be designated on authority by the CO to monitor all technical aspects and assist in the administration of this contract. A copy of the COR’s letter of designation shall be issued to the COR with a copy furnished to the Contractor, stating the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. This letter shall clarify to all parties of the

5 | P a g e contract, the responsibilities of the COR. The duties of the COR include but are not limited to: 1) assuring the Contractor’s compliance with the technical requirements; 2) performing or arranging necessary inspections in connection with the technical performance; 3) maintaining both written and oral communications with the Contractor;

4) notifying the Contractor and the CO of any deficiencies observed; 5) monitoring the Contractor’s overall performance; and 6) certifying all invoices/vouchers for acceptance of services provided for payment.

The COR does NOT have the authority to alter the Contractor’s obligations, direct changes that fall within purview of the General Provisions clause entitled “Changes,” or modify any of the expressed terms, conditions, specifications, or cost under this contract.

If because of technical discussions it is desirable to alter/change contractual obligations within the Scope of Work, the CO shall issue such changes in writing.

3.6.2 Contracting Officer (CO)

All contract administration shall be effected by the CO. Communications pertaining to contract administration matters shall be addressed to the CO. No changes in or deviations from this contract are authorized unless directed in writing by the CO.

The CO is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of the contract and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract. The said authority remains solely with the CO. The CO is authorized to appoint a Contract Specialist to perform administrative contracting functions for this contract. In the event, the Contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the CO, the change shall be considered to have been made without the authority of the CO and no adjustment shall be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof. The CO is also responsible for making the final decisions on matters under dispute, unsatisfactory conformance, as well as contract terminations for convenience or default.

Meaghann Peak is hereby designated as the CO. The CO may change at any time by the Government without prior notice to the Contractor, but notification of the change, including the name and address of the successor CO, shall be promptly provided to the Contractor in writing.

Name: Meaghann Peak Title: Contracting Officer Location: U S International Trade Commission 500 E Street, SW Washington, DC 20436 Phone: 202-708-2208 Email: meaghann.peak@usitc.gov

3.7 AUTHORITY TO OBLIGATE THE GOVERNMENT

The Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit or obligate the Government to the expenditure of public funds. No cost chargeable to the contract can be incurred before receipt of a fully executed contract or specific authorization from the Contracting Officer.

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3.8 SUBMISSION OF INVOICES

Invoice(s) shall be submitted through the U. S. Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), which provides for secure electronic submission and receipt of invoices.

https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/index

IPP Customer Support may be reached at 866-973-3131 or IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov, is available to assist users of the system.

PLEASE NOTE: When entering the invoice(s) in IPP, ensure the period of performance being invoiced is included in the Description field. Please use the format “MM/DD/YYYY to MM/DD/YYYY.”

1. Name and address of the contractor

2. Invoice date and invoice number

3. Task Order Number (34300020Pxxxx)

4. Description, price, and quantity of services/supplies actually rendered/delivered

5. Delivery date/period of performance covered by the invoice

6. Payment terms

7. Name and address of the contractor’s Point of Contact, and a “Remit To” address that corresponds to the remittance address of the Task Order

8. Name, title, phone number, email address of contact person to be notified in the event of a defective invoice.

9. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

3.9 ACCEPTANCE

Following inspection and evaluation of services provided by the Contractor and determining that the Contractor has fully complied with contract requirements, the COR shall indicate acceptance of the services by signing properly prepared and delivered invoices for such services within three working days after receipt of properly submitted invoice.

3.10 PAYMENT FOR UNAUTHORIZED WORK

No payment will be made for any unauthorized changes to the work specified herein. This includes any services performed by the Contractor on his or her own volition or at the request of an individual other than a duly appointed CO and/or COR. Only a duly appointed CO is authorized to change the specifications, terms and conditions under this effort.

3.11 NOTICE OF DELAY

If, because of technical difficulties, the contractor becomes unable to complete the work as described herein, notwithstanding the exercise of good faith and diligent efforts in performing the work called for under this contract, the Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer written notice of the anticipated delay and the reasons for it. The notice and reasons shall be delivered promptly after the condition creating the anticipated delay becomes known to the Contractor.

3.12 POST AWARD MEETING

https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/index mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

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The Contractor shall attend a post award meeting within one (1) week after contract award. The venue (in-person/telephone), date, and time of the post award meeting will be mutually agreed upon by the Government and the Contractor. The Contractor is responsible for taking the post award meeting minutes and providing them to the COR and CO within three (3) days of the post award meeting.

3.13 CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS

Clauses Incorporated by Reference

Clause Database Clause Number Clause Title

FAR 52.204-19 Incorporation by Reference of Representations and Certifications. (Dec 2014)

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items.

(Oct 2018)

FAR 52.225-25

Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran— Representation and Certification (Aug 2018)

FAR 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations. (JUN 2013)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (Jan 2019)

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (July 1990)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

52.217-8 - Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999)

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

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 calendar days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-17-special-contracting-methods#i1103099

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

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 48 months.

FAR 52.252-2 -- CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (Feb 1998)

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

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ https://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html

(End of Clause) http://farsite.hill.af.mil/ https://www.acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html

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SECTION 4

QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

4.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

Your quotation shall become the property of the Government and will not be returned. If your quotation contains information that you do not wish disclosed to the public or used by the Government for any purpose other than evaluation of your quotation, such restrictions shall be clearly indicated on each sheet containing such information. The Commission will make all reasonable efforts to maintain the quotation in confidence and will release the quotation only to personnel involved with the evaluation of the requirement.

Prior to submission of quotations, Offerors are expected to understand the requirements of this solicitation. If such a review establishes the need for correction or clarification, such information should immediately be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer so that the matter can be resolved and, if necessary, official dissemination of such information can be made to all prospective Offerors.

If an Offeror fails to respond to any portion of the RFQ, the Commission may interpret this as the Offeror’s inability to meet specific requirements. The failure to follow all RFQ instructions may cause the Commission to disqualify the Offeror from consideration of award.

All expenses incurred relative to the preparation of quotes are the responsibility of the Offeror.

4.2 QUOTATION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL INFORMATION

The U. S. International Trade Commission is issuing this Request for Quotation to solicit a requirement for a a Global Company Database Subscription, as detailed in Section 2 of this Request for Quotation.

If you are interested in competing for the work described in Section 2 of this solicitation, you may participate by following the instructions provided herein.

Prior to submission of quotations, offerors are expected to review and understand the requirements of this solicitation. If such a review establishes the need for correction or clarification, such information should be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer and, if necessary, official dissemination of such information will be made, via amendment(s) to the solicitation.

Due Dates

Questions related to this Request for Quotation must be emailed to Meaghann.peak@usitc.gov, no later than 12:00 p.m., E.T., Monday, August 31, 2020.

Written Quotation shall be received by the Government, via the email to

Meaghann.peak@usitc.gov, on or before 2:00 p.m. E.T., Thursday, September 10, 2020.

4.3 TECHNICAL

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The quotation shall consist of a technical volume, which provides the following:

• Brief summary of company’s capabilities, personnel, and experience in providing its global company database;

• Understanding on the work required;

• Demonstration of having the capability to meet all the requirements found in Section 2 of this

RFQ;

4.3.1 The offeror shall provide the Commission a demo of its solution via a one-hour demonstration to no more than five Commission staff to provide for the evaluation of usability and user friendliness. This demo will be scheduled sometime after the date of receipt of quotations. The offeror is also required to allow a limited time access period to the solution for members of the evaluation team to use.

4.3.2 Past Experience/Past Performance

Complete Attachment 1 entitled “Past Experience/Past Performance Reference Information Form.” This form should be completed with information on no more than three contracts/orders that are the same or similar in scope to the work required herein and performed within the last three years.

The offeror must demonstrate proof of usability by identifying at least one of the references as a law firm or Federal Government agency that is successfully using the proposed solution.

4.3.3 Price

The price quotation shall contain fixed unit pricing information (See Section 1), point of contact information, and DUNS Number. In addition, the offeror shall include any information regarding assumptions, conditions, or exceptions to the RFQ.

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SECTION 5

EVALUATION OF QUOTATIONS

5.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Each offer will be evaluated against the evaluation factors listed below.

5.2 BASIS FOR AWARD

Award shall be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer, in conforming to this Request for Quotations, provides an overall best value to the Government, technical evaluation factors, and price considered. The Government's objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable price.

The Government reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this competition if, in the opinion of the Government, none of the submissions would provide satisfactory performance at a price that is considered fair and reasonable and/or economically feasible.

5.3 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The Commission intends to award a purchase order to the offeror whose quotation offers the Government an overall best value. The following two Technical Factors will be equally weighted in the Commission’s evaluation of quotations: Technical Capability and Past Experience/Past Performance.

All evaluation factors other than price, when combined are more important than price. Quotes will be evaluated and scored on technical factors and price. Quotes will be evaluated on the information provided by Offerors and obtained through reference checks and other available information.

The following evaluation criteria will be utilized in order to determine which offer received is the best overall value.

1. Technical Capability o Product Demonstration

2. Past Experience/Past Performance

3. Price

5.3.1 Past Experience/Past Performance

The past performance evaluation will be based on the relevancy of recent effort accomplished by the Offeror. The USITC will contact some or all of the customers listed as past performance references provided by the Offeror. The USITC will ask questions such as whether or not they believe that:

• The Offeror was capable, timely, efficient, and effective;

• The Offeror’s performance conformed to the terms and conditions of the contract;

• The Offeror was reasonable and cooperative during the performance;

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• The Offeror was committed to customer satisfaction; and

• Whether the services provided by the Contractor and its employees were of high quality.

5.3.2 Price

The Government will conduct a price evaluation of all quotations with satisfactory past performance.

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SECTION 6

ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT DESCRIPTION PAGES

1 Past Experience/Past Performance Reference Information Form 2

34300020Q0029 Attachment 1

PAST EXPERIENCE/PAST PERFORMANCE

REFERENCE INFORMATION FORM

1. Complete name of Government agency, commercial firm, or other organization

2. Complete address

3. Order number or other reference 4. Date of Order

5. Date work was begun 6. Date work was completed

7. Estimated Order price 8. Final amount invoiced or amount invoiced to date

9a. Technical point of contact (name, title, address, telephone no. and email address)

9b. Ordering or purchasing point of contact (name, title, address, telephone no. and email address)

10. Location of work (country, state or province, county, city)

11. Description of Order work (Describe the nature and scope of the experience and provide an explanation of how the work is the same or similar to the work required by the USITC). Attach an explanation of any performance problems or other conflicts with the customer. Use a continuation sheet, if necessary.)

12. Current status of Order (choose one):

Work continuing, on schedule Terminated for convenience Work continuing, behind schedule Terminated for default Work completed, no further action pending or underway Other (explain) Work completed, routine administrative action pending or underway Work completed, claims negotiations pending or underway Work completed, litigation pending or underway

34300020Q0029 Attachment 1

Instructions for Completing the Experience/Reference Information Sheet

Item 1: Insert the complete name of the Government Agency, commercial firm or other organization for whom the work was performed.

Item 2: Insert the customer’s complete address, including both post office box and street addresses, if applicable.

Item 3: Insert any Order number or other Order reference used by the customer.

Item 4: Insert the date on which the Order came into existence

Item 5: Insert the date on which you started to perform the work.

Item 6: Insert the date on which the customer agreed that the work was satisfactorily completed. If work is ongoing insert the date of Order expiration.

Item 7: Insert the total estimated Order price or value.

Item 8: Insert the final sum of all invoices, or the sum of all invoices to date.

Item 9a: Insert the name, title, address, telephone no., and email address (if available) of the program or project manager or other customer technical representative who is most familiar with the quality of your work under the Order.

Item 9b: Insert the name, title, address, telephone no., and email address (if available) of the contracting officer, purchasing agent, or other customer contracting or purchasing representative who is most familiar with your work under the contract.

Item 10: Insert the location(s) where the work was performed.

Item 11: Describe the nature and scope of the work. The objective is to show how the work that you did or are doing is similar in nature and scope to the work that is to be performed under the Order contemplated by the request for quote. Describe any unusual circumstances of performance or problems that may be relevant to the work that is to be performed. Tell your side of the story of any conflicts with the customer concerning which they may make adverse remarks about your performance. Describe any actions that you have taken to take to correct any shortcomings in your performance.

Attachment 1 Past Performance