47QFWA26Q0001 8(a) Competitive PWS GEMO F2F Solicitation UCF K-M.pdf

Solicitation Number XXXX) Solicitation Section K - M

General Services Administration Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)

Greater Southwest Region

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NUMBER

Solicitation Number

FENCE TO FENCE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

for

ELLSWORTH /GRAND FORKS /MINOT /OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASES

for the

AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER (AFCEC)

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Open Market 8(a)(competitive) 541620

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

(Sections K, L, and M)

29 Sep 2025

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME

All Submissions for the Proposal MUST be RECEIVED BY GSA NO LATER THAN: ________ at _______ Central Time

PART IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K:

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS or

RESPONDENTS

K.1.0 Required Representations and Certifications (Standalone Documents):

The following information contains representations and certifications (REPS and CERTS). Some of these REPS and CERTS will be incorporated by reference (IBR), others will be included by Full Text. REPS and CERTS that require the offeror to Represent, Certify, or provide information will need to be submitted with the offer as a separate file identified as Volume 1 – General Administrative Requirements. All representations and certification documents must be completely filled out and submitted in the correct volume. For your administrative convenience, a separate attachment (Appendix B) has been created that contains all of the REPS and CERTS that will need to be submitted with the offer.

K.2.0 FAR PROVISIONS – REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

K.2.1 FAR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS INCOPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.203-2 Certificate of Independent Price Determination (April 1985) 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions

(FEB 2007)

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that require Certain Internal Confidentiality (JAN 2017) 52.222-38 Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements (FEB 2016) 52.223-1 Bio-based Product Certification (May 2012) 52.223-4 Recovered Material Certification (May 2008)

K.2.2 FAR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN FULL TEXT

52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification (AUG 2009).

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce.

Marginalized populations of Sudan means-

(1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and

(2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate-

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern

Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

(b) Certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan.

(End of provision)

52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representations and Certifications (AUG 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Person-

(1) Means-

(i) A natural person;

(ii) A corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, and any other business organization, any other nongovernmental entity, organization, or group, and any governmental entity operating as a business enterprise; and

(iii) Any successor to any entity described in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition; and

(2) Does not include a government or governmental entity that is not operating as a business enterprise.

Sensitive technology-

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically-

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

(b) The offeror shall e-mail questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of State at CISADA106@state.gov.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this provision or if a waiver has been granted in accordance with 25.703-4, by submission of its offer, the offeror-

(1) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the government of Iran;

(2) Certifies that the offeror, or any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products to Iran, and contributing to Iran's ability to acquire or develop certain weapons or technologies; and

(3) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $3,500 with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN- List/Pages/default.aspx).

(d) Exception for trade agreements. The representation requirement of paragraph (c)(1) and the certification requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this provision do not apply if-

(1) This solicitation includes a trade agreements notice or certification (e.g., 52.225-4, 52.225-6, 52.225-12, 52.225-24, or comparable agency provision); and

(2) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to be supplied are designated country end products or designated country construction material.

K.2.3 FAR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN FULL TEXT REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION

A separate document has been created that lists REPS and CERTS in Full Text.

The name of the document is titled “Section K Full Text REPS and CERTS” and has been posted with the solicitation.

The Full Text REPS and CERTS included in the document include the following:

52.204-3 52.204-8 52.204-17 52.204-20 52.204-24 52.204-26 52.209-2 52.209-5 52.209-7 52.209-11 52.209-12 52.209-13 52.215-6 52.219-1 52.222-22 52.222-25 52.223-22

THE FULL TEXT REPS AND CERTS IN THE DOCUMENT REQUIRE THE OFFEROR TO PROVIDE

INFORMATION AND IT MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER FOR THE OFFER TO RECEIVE

CONSIDERATION AND FURTHER EVALUATION

[End of Section K]

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

L.1 General Solicitation Information

This solicitation is for a Performance-Based non-commercial services contract to be solicited, evaluated and awarded in accordance with FAR Part 15. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541620 This requirement is being solicited as an open-market, competitive 8(a) set aside with an anticipated award to an eligible 8(a) firm whose proposal conforms to the terms and conditions of this solicitation and represents the best value to the Government.

All proposal submission MUST be RECEIVED BY GSA no later than:

To be eligible for award, the contractor must have this NAICS on their SAM.GOV registration.

ACQUISITION STRATEGY:

● Competitive 8(a)

● Commercial

● Severable

● Base Period of 12 months

● Four (4) 12-month Options

● One (1) six-month Option for extension of services

● NAICS is 541620

The offeror’s proposal shall clearly demonstrate in detail an understanding of both general and specific requirements, as well as convey the Offeror’s capability for transforming its understanding into successful performance based on the information provided within the PWS.

It is the offeror’s responsibility in identifying material that may be proprietary to mark each page that the offeror believes contains proprietary information with the notation that says: “(Company Name) Proprietary Information.”

Information requested herein must be furnished in writing and be fully and completely in compliance with RFP instructions. The information requested and the manner of submission is essential to permit prompt evaluation of all proposals on a fair and uniform basis. Simple statements of compliance without the detailed description of how compliance will be accomplished may not be considered sufficient evidence that the Offeror can meet the contract performance requirements and may result in technical unacceptability or an association of greater risk to successful performance posted by an Offeror’s proposal concerning particular evaluation factor(s).

The contractor must submit proposals by the date and time established in the RFP notice posted in GSA's Electronic Ordering System (GSA ASSIST). If you are unable to attach your proposal in GSA's Electronic Ordering System due to some type of technical difficulty, you must report the problem to the CO via email at ____________ in sufficient time prior to closing to allow for the submission of the proposal via an alternative method determined by the CO.

NOTE: Failure to register properly in GSA’s Electronic Ordering System, GSA ASSIST, is not an acceptable reason for the inability to submit a proposal or to receive communications regarding this solicitation.

The only method by which any term of the solicitation may be modified is by a formal amendment to the solicitation generated by the issuing office. No other communication made whether oral or in writing (e.g., Q&A prior to response closing date and time, clarifications, etc.) will modify or supersede the solicitation.

The Government reserves the right to make a selection based upon initial proposals; therefore, the offeror should submit its best terms in its initial proposal. In accordance with FAR 15.306, the Government also reserves the discretion to confer with the offeror and request revised proposals if needed, establish a competitive range, and may also determine to make no award.

The offeror shall thoroughly examine all solicitation documents and instructions. Failure to do so will be at the offeror’s own risk. Failure to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Government’s elimination of the offeror’s proposal from further consideration for award.

If the Offeror is aware or a mistake or sees a contradiction, they must immediately bring this to the attention of the Contracting Officer to be corrected or clarified.

L.1.1 Solicitation Questions

Any questions regarding this procurement shall be sent via e-mail to __________ with the subject line “RFP Questions on SOLICITATION #_____________” no later than _______ at __________Central Time. In posing questions, the offeror must cite the relevant solicitation document, section and page number. Questions should be written in a manner that enables clear understanding of the Offeror’s questions or concerns. Questions must also be written in a manner that allows the government to share the question and response with all other offerors.

Questions will be answered on a non-attribution basis to protect identify of individual asking the questions, but they will be shared. Statements expressing opinions, sentiments, or conjectures are not considered valid inquiries and will not receive a response. Further, the offeror is reminded that GSA will not address hypothetical questions aimed at receiving a potential “evaluation decision.”

The Contracting Officer will provide written answers to questions which will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation, posted to GSA ASSIST and will be viewable to interested offerors.

L.2.0 Pre-Submission Information

L.2.1 General Submission Guidelines:

a) The solicitation will be posted to Beta.Sam.gov.

b) Registration for the GSA ASSIST system will be required for Offerors to submit proposals.

c) Interested offerors will need to submit their proposals within the correct volumes no later than the submission close date of the solicitation.

d) After evaluations are complete, the Contracting Officer will determine if it is necessary to conduct a tradeoff in order to determine an apparent awardee.

e) All proposal documents must be received by the Government prior to the established deadline.

L.3.0 Submission Instructions

L.3.1 Volume 1: General Administrative Requirements

L.3.2.1 Administrative Background Document

The Offeror shall provide a one-page document on business letterhead that clearly lists the following information:

a) A document providing the UEI number and listed Business name of the Prime as it appears in the System for Award Management (SAM).

b) Listed Business Name and UEI number of any subcontractors

c) Email and Phone for Key Points of contact for any Prime and Subcontractors

d) An executive summary discussing the background and history of the company.

L.3.2.2 Representations and Certifications

a) The Offeror must review, complete, sign, and submit all representations and certifications as specified in Section K of the solicitation. Reference Appendix B, Full Text Representations and Certifications in addition to the information listed within Section K of the solicitation.

L.3.2.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest

a) The Offeror shall provide a separate one-page document on business letterhead that clearly states if the firm HAS or HAS NOT identified any potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest. If the firm has not identified any organizational conflicts of interest, then no further action is required.

b) If the firm has identified Organizational Conflicts of Interest, then they must clearly be described and a mitigation plan must be provided for review by the Contracting Officer.

L.3.2.4 Complete and Submit Signed SF 26

a) The Offeror shall complete, sign, and submit the SF 26.

b) Fill in Block 7 with Firm’s name and address

c) Enter Total Amount for all CLINS and OPTIONS in Block 15G.

d) Complete and sign Blocks 19A and 19B

L.3.2.5 Authorized Signatory

a) On a separate one-page document the Offeror shall certify and submit that the individual signing the SF-26 has the legal authorization on behalf of the business firm to legally bind the business to the proposal being submitted.

b) If the firm submitting the proposal is a corporation, the one page document shall be signed in the corporate name, followed by the word “by” and the signature and title of the person authorized to sign.

L.3.2.6 Submission of Joint Venture Agreement or Mentor Protégé Agreement

a) Offerors submitting a proposal with the representation as a Joint Venture Entity or a Mentor Protégé Entity, must submit a copy of the agreement between the two parties. This agreement must state the intended purpose of the Joint Venture or Mentor Protégé and ensure the purpose is in alignment with this requirement.

The agreement must state specifically what each entity will be responsible for and how duties between the two firms will be divided and assigned.

This must be submitted in Volume 1 General Administrative Requirements

Failure to submit copy of agreement will result in offeror receiving no further consideration for the evaluation of their submitted proposal.

L.3.2.7 Submission of SBA Approval for Joint Venture Agreement or Mentor Protégé Agreement

a) Offerors submitting a proposal with the representation as a Joint Venture Entity or a Mentor Protégé Entity, must submit a copy of the SBA approval of the Joint Venture or Mentor Protégé agreement. This must be submitted in Volume 1 General Administrative Requirements

Failure to submit copy of agreement will result in offeror receiving no further consideration for the evaluation of their submitted proposal.

L.4.0 Volume 2: Price

a) The Offeror must use the pricing worksheet provided with the solicitation (Appendix A: Pricing Spreadsheet) to establish their pricing for this requirement, and provide rates for all of the labor categories listed within the pricing spreadsheets.

b) Rates provided in the pricing worksheet must be fully burdened labor rates. No additional G&A or Material and Handling (M&H) will be authorized

c) The hours provided in the Pricing Spreadsheet are estimates only, but will be used for purposes of evaluation. They do not constitute a guarantee of any kind. The actual requirement may require more or less hours than those listed in the pricing spreadsheet.

d) This requirement is for a Time and Materials contract. In an effort to receive the highest quality solution at the best value, the government requests all available discounts on all services offered by the contractor for this requirement

e) The rates and overall prices provided by the offeror in the Pricing Spreadsheet will be used to determine the ceiling price of the contract..

f) Options Clauses FAR 52.217-8 and FAR 52.217-9 have been included. Offerors will submit pricing for all of the Options included in the pricing spreadsheet. Pricing will be evaluated to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Reference Section M Evaluation of Options for additional information to price Options.

g) Offerors are allowed to submit substantiating information to support the pricing provided in the pricing worksheet. No more than one page of substantiating documentation should be used.

h) Do not include or address price in any other volume unless otherwise directed.

i) In order to determine the pricing of the six month option extension in accordance with FAR 52.217- 8, the Government will use the pricing provided by the Offeror from Option 4, divide by 12 to determine a monthly price, and then multiply by six to determine the six month option extension. Offerors will not providing pricing for the six month extension. The pricing spreadsheet has been updated to reflect the change, and the six month extension has been removed from the pricing spreadsheet.

j) The offeror will need to input their price in the GSA ASSIST system.

In the event of a potential discrepancy between the information provided in GSA ASSIST and the pricing spreadsheet provided, the spreadsheet submitted via email will be the controlling document.

The Offeror will need to reference the pricing on the summary page of the pricing spreadsheet and input the prices from the summary sheet into the specific CLINS in GSA ASSIST. For example, transfer your Base Year Labor CLIN Price to the CLIN 0001 in GSA ASSIST for Base Period Labor T&M.

L.4.1 Volume 3: Technical Factors:

L.4.2 Previous Experience:

Using the Previous Experience Information Sheet (PWS/Appendix C) provide the recent and relevant PE information for three (3) past or current contracts/task orders executed and/or completed [Tailor] within the past 3 years with comparable (same or similar scope, size, duration) requirements to the solicited task.

The offeror may use their own previous experience as a subcontractor as well as prime contractor. Prime level experience may be given greater consideration than subcontract level experience, depending on the project scope (value, Period of Performance, and type of work performed and its applicability to the current requirement). The offeror must identify whether it was the prime or a subcontractor for each project.

/OR/

PE will only be considered if the offeror was the Prime Contractor.

Note: In rating this factor, the Government will evaluate the firm’s similar experience. The government’s consideration of experience will include the offeror’s organizational experience but will not include specific consideration of the offeror’s proposed, current, or former contractor personnel experience as part of the offeror’s organizational experience.

Relevancy is defined as work that has been/is being performed for prior or current customer contracts/task orders/projects that are of comparable scope, size, and duration which is similar to the requirement described herein.

Recency is defined as current/former task orders/contracts/projects executed within the past three (3) from the closing date of the solicitation. The work can be in progress at the time of solicitation submission;

however, the project must be far enough along to have a documented record of successful experience.

L.4.3 Technical Approach:

In support of the evaluation of the TA each offeror must submit the following:

● Description/narrative of the vendor’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements as outlined in the PWS.

● The methodologies and techniques proposed to be used to fulfill the PWS requirements including the management of the task.

● Demonstrate that the offeror’s proposal meets the specific requirements of the PWS through the identification of specific skill categories proposed with a description of specific duties each will perform. ** The vendor shall include a “crosswalk” and/or functional description, including experience and education of personnel proposed, and the labor categories identified in this PWS in the Pricing Spreadsheet (Appendix ) and their proposed labor categories. If after submission of an offer, any key personnel availability changes, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer prior to award. NOTE: An offeror must not simply state that it is willing to perform the PWS requirements. Vendors must demonstrate they are capable of performing the work described in the PWS.

● A Transition Plan (Reference in Section____________)

● Organizational Conflict of Interest Plan, if applicable (Referenced in _________)

● Referenced in _______)

● Quality Control Plan: The vendor will include a draft Quality Control Plan (QCP) in the response package that reflects the key areas of support 2.3.0, and also addresses the management of Key Personnel, the overall task, and areas identified in the vendors Technical Approach (TA) submittal. The QCP shall include a Quality Control Matrix that (at a minimum addresses) the elements identified in Section 2.3.0.

proposed by the vendor in accordance with the PWS.

*If a potential/existing OCI is identified by the offeror in their response package, an OCI plan is required to be submitted with the response package.

● Security Plan: This task requires XXX level security clearances for personnel, therefore a DD254 is/is not required, and documentation to show personnel who are proposed to perform this task are required to hold XXX security clearance at the time of award.

● Project Management Plan including teaming partners or subcontractors.

L.4.4 Volume 4: Past Performance:

a) Offerors must submit Past Performance worksheets (see Attachment 10) to be completed and submitted for evaluation.

b) The Offerors shall submit two individual worksheets for a total of two past projects to be evaluated.

c) Offerors will be evaluated based on information provided from the worksheets.

AND on information obtained from Government sources such as PPIRS, CPARS, and other Government and non- government references containing past performance information.

d) The requirement to provide three Past Experience Questionnaires still stands. The Government will allow for the Past Performance Questionnaire to use the projects submitted for the Previous Experience Factor. The Government will also be obtaining information on Prime and Subcontractors from the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

L.5.0 Provisions Incorporated by Full Text

FAR 52.216-29 Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements-Non-commercial Item Acquisition With Adequate Price competition (Feb 2007)

(a) The Government contemplates award of a Time-and-Materials or Labor-Hour type of contract resulting from this solicitation.

(b) The offeror must specify fixed hourly rates in its offer that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit. The offeror must specify whether the fixed hourly rate for each labor category applies to labor performed by-

(1) The offeror;

(2) Subcontractors; and/or

(3) Divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control;

(c) The offeror must establish fixed hourly rates using-

(1) Separate rates for each category of labor to be performed by each subcontractor and for each category of labor to be performed by the offeror, and for each category of labor to be transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control;

(2) Blended rates for each category of labor to be performed by the offeror, including labor transferred between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control, and all subcontractors; or

(3) Any combination of separate and blended rates for each category of labor to be performed by the offeror, affiliates of the offeror under a common control, and subcontractors.

FAR 52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees (Feb 1993)

(a) Recompetition of service contracts may in some cases result in lowering the compensation (salaries and fringe benefits) paid or furnished professional employees. This lowering can be detrimental in obtaining the quality of professional services needed for adequate contract performance. It is therefore in the Government’s best interest that professional employees, as defined in 29 CFR 541, be properly and fairly compensated. As part of their proposals, offerors will submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract. The Government will evaluate the plan to assure that it reflects a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements.

This evaluation will include an assessment of the offeror’s ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work.

The professional compensation proposed will be considered in terms of its impact upon recruiting and retention, its realism, and its consistency with a total plan for compensation. Supporting information will include data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure.

(b) The compensation levels proposed should reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed and should indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives. The salary rates or ranges must take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty. Additionally, proposals envisioning compensation levels lower than those of predecessor contractors for the same work will be evaluated on the basis of maintaining program continuity, uninterrupted high-quality work, and availability of required competent professional service employees. Offerors are cautioned that lowered compensation for essentially the same professional work may indicate lack of sound management judgment and lack of understanding of the requirement.

(c) The Government is concerned with the quality and stability of the work force to be employed on this contract. Professional compensation that is unrealistically low or not in reasonable relationship to the various job categories, since it may impair the Contractor’s ability to attract and retain competent professional service employees, may be viewed as evidence of failure to comprehend the complexity of the contract requirements.

(d) Failure to comply with these provisions may constitute sufficient cause to justify rejection of a proposal.

FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from

________, Contracting Officer __________@gsa.gov 819 Taylor Street, Room 13A33 Fort Worth, TX 76102

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.242-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions 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. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its proposal. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.Acquisition.gov

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (Apr 1984)

(a) The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the provision.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (48 CFR 2) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation. (End of Clause)

L.6.0 Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018) 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (August 2020) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (JUL 2016) 52.215-22 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges-Identification of Subcontract Effort (OCT 2009) 52.215-23 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (OCT 2009) 52.237-1 Site Visit (APR 1984) 52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime (MAR 2015)

L.7.0 INFORM Solicitation Language

INFORM Solicitation Language

FAR Part 15 and Part 16

A. Overview of the IN-depth Feedback through Open Reporting Methods (INFORM) Process

This solicitation is part of GSA’s post award communication process called INFORM. The process is designed to enhance the quality and usefulness of post-award communications by providing greater transparency and openness into the procurement process. INFORM seeks to increase GSA-industry communication by providing clearer and more complete information to explain the award decision.

Through the INFORM process, GSA will seek to share additional information with offerors in writing and/or through an oral feedback meeting that is not required by statute or regulation. For Part 15 including mandatory debriefs and Part 16, and in addition to any information required by FAR 15.503 and 15.506, GSA is providing each offeror with the opportunity to participate in the INFORM process as further discussed below.

B. Detailed Description of the INFORM Process

B.1. Component 1 - Notification of Award

After award and in accordance with any post-award notification timeframes required by regulation (i.e., FAR Parts 15.503(b) and 16.505(b)(6)), the contracting officer will issue written notices to the successful and unsuccessful offerors (the Notification Letter and Evaluation Statement (NLES)). The notices will contain:

All information required by statute or regulation;

An unredacted copy of the complete technical evaluation for that particular offeror that includes a full description of the unsuccessful offeror’s strengths, weaknesses, risks, and deficiencies;

An overall technical evaluation summary for that particular offeror and the successful offeror that includes evaluated price; overall technical ranking, rating, or score.

B.2. Component 2 - Request for Oral Feedback Meeting or Written Questions

Within three business days after receipt of the NLES, an offeror may, but is not required to:

submit a written request to the contracting officer for an oral feedback meeting;

submit a list of written questions to the contracting officer; or take no further action.

If the offeror timely elects to request an oral feedback meeting or submit a list of written questions, GSA will consider any such request to constitute a required debriefing pursuant to FAR 15.506. If an offeror does not request an oral feedback meeting or submit a list of written questions within the three day time period, the receipt of the NLES concludes the INFORM process and satisfies the FAR requirement for debriefs pursuant to FAR 15.506.

If the offeror submits a list of written questions in lieu of the oral feedback meeting, the contracting officer will attempt to respond within five business days of receipt of the written questions. Unless otherwise stated, the contracting officer’s response to the written questions will conclude the INFORM process and any corresponding post-award debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506.

If the offeror requests an oral feedback meeting, the offeror should provide the following information:

Primary point of contact;

List of participants with titles (e.g., Senior Vice President);

List of topics to assist GSA better prepare for the oral feedback meeting; and Preference for in-person, telephone, or web-based conferencing (if available).

B.3. Component 3 - Oral Feedback Meeting

During the oral feedback meeting, GSA’s objectives are to provide:

Reasonable responses to written questions submitted by the offeror;

Explanations for the evaluation conclusions and contract award decisions;

Any additional information about the fairness and impartiality of the evaluation and why the award decision was rational;

Reasonable responses to additional questions raised during the meeting;

Additional transparency into the underlying competition process; and, A greater understanding of the evaluation and award process.

GSA will not provide any information that is prohibited by law or regulation.

B.4. Component 4 - Post Oral Feedback Meeting Questions

Within two business days after the conclusion of the oral feedback meeting, the offeror may submit a list of written questions to the contracting officer. The contracting officer will provide a written response within five business days and, unless otherwise noted by the contracting officer, the INFORM process and any corresponding post-award debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506 will have concluded.

If the offeror elects not to submit a list of written questions within two days after the oral feedback meeting, the INFORM process and any corresponding post-award debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506 is concluded.

SECTION M:

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1.0 SOURCE SELECTION

M.1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The information contained within this Section will be used to evaluate proposals. All information must be clearly marked and submitted within the appropriate Volume to be considered for evaluation. The Government intends to select one (1) offeror. However, pursuant to FAR 15.305(b) the Government may reject all proposals received in response to this solicitation, if doing so is in the best interest of the Government.

M.1.2 BASIS FOR AWARD

The Government anticipates making a contract award to the responsible offeror whose proposal conforming to the solicitation represents the best value to the Government price and other non-price factors considered. The anticipated award may be made to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror.

M.1.3 INTENT TO AWARD WITHOUT DISCUSSIONS

The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if determined necessary but intends to award without discussions. Any discussions will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.306.

M.1.4 EVALUATION

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation—Commercial Items (October 2014):

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Previous Experience and Technical Approach, when combined, are __________

Non-price factors, when combined, are significantly more/equal to/significantly less important than Price.

As the difference in non-price factors becomes closer, Price may become more important. Non-price factors will be evaluated first, then price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

** SPECIAL NOTE TO OFFERORS: Failure to comply with any of the requirements identified in the PWS, may render the contractor's quote unacceptable.**

GSA will make that determination based on each vendor’s response package using the following evaluation criteria, listed in their [descending/or all are of equal importance] order of importance:

M.1.4.1 LIST OF EVALUATION FACTORS

FACTOR 1: Previous Experience (PE) FACTOR 2: Technical Approach (TA) FACTOR 3: Past Performance FACTOR 4: Price

** SPECIAL NOTE TO OFFERORS: Failure to comply with any of the requirements identified in the PWS, may render the contractor's quote unacceptable.**

GSA will make that determination based on each vendor’s response package using the following evaluation criteria, listed in their order of importance:

● Previous Experience (PE) is what specific work was performed previously and its relevancy to the scope, size, and duration of requirements identified in the PWS within the last 3 years This factor considers the extent of the offeror’s previous organizational experience in carrying out similar work. The government must have confidence in the offeror's ability to complete a project with similar scope, size, and duration with minimal risk.

Similar in Scope is defined as a measurable range of operations such as the major requirement areas of a PWS.

Similar in Size is defined as dollar value, number of personnel in similar skill sets, and/or number of users/hardware supported.

Similar in Duration is

Previous Experience will be evaluated on a cumulative basis.

● Technical Approach (TA) and its feasibility, practicability, and appropriateness in accomplishing PWS requirements. This factor considers the extent which the offeror understands the specific requirements of the SOW/PWS, and the offeror’s technical approach to meeting those requirements.

Each offeror will be evaluated on their demonstrated understanding of the task order requirements, the adequacy of the proposed solution/approach, the quality and completeness of their technical solutions to these objectives, and the overall qualifications and skill mix of the contractor workforce proposed to address these task order objectives. The technical approach shall also include items such as a Additional favorable consideration may be given to TA submittals that have desired skills and expertise.

● Past Performance (PP) Past Performance (PP) demonstrates how well contractors managed and complied with contractual requirements in the past. PP evaluation will take into account (a) the currency and relevance of an offeror’s PP; (b) the source of the information; (c) the context of the data; and (d) the quality of an offeror’s PP. The Government may use multiple sources of information including but not excluded to the following: Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) Self-Assessment Questionnaires, Internal Government Documents, Documented knowledge or experience from Government personnel or reports and non-government references containing past performance information.

If any of the evaluation factors (PE/TA/PP) receives a rating of less than acceptable, the Response package may not be reviewed any further and therefore may not be considered for award.

● Price: Evaluated to determine that the price is fair and reasonable.

Price Realism Analysis: The Government may conduct a price realism analysis to determine if the offeror’s prices are unrealistically low and indicate a lack of technical understanding which could create a risk of poor performance. A offeror's proposal can/may be rejected and may not be eligible for award if it is determined through the price realism analysis that the proposed price is unrealistically low.

Cost Realism In accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d), using the Data other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data requested a cost realism analysis shall be performed on cost-reimbursement contracts to determine the probable cost of performance for each Offeror. The cost realism analysis will be conducted to determine whether the estimated proposed cost elements are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the requirements and are consistent with the unique methods of performance described in each Offeror’s technical proposal. As part of the cost realism analysis the Government will develop a Probable Cost for each Offeror which shall be used for the purposes of evaluation to determine the best value. The probable cost may differ from the proposed cost and will reflect the Government’s best estimate of the cost of any contract that is most likely to result from the Offeror’s proposal. The probable cost is determined by adjusting each Offeror’s proposed cost, and fee when appropriate, to reflect any additions or reductions in cost elements to realistic levels based on the results of the cost realism analysis. Cost calculation shall include the base and all option periods and option to extend services, FAR 52.217-8. Cost calculation will include phase-in as part of the evaluated cost. Should the Government determine proposed costs are unrealistically low (an indication of “buy-in”), this will be considered a performance risk.

M.1.5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (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).

M.1.6 EVALUATION OF OPTION FOR SIX MONTH EXTENSION

Clause FAR 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, and Clause FAR 52.217-9 Option to extend the term of the contract have been incorporated in the solicitation. Total evaluated cost/price will also include the six month performance period permitted under the clause, to account for a situation where invoking of the clause, in whole or part, becomes necessary. Specifically, the evaluated cost/price of this six-month period will be calculated by dividing the final proposed contract Option year (Option 4) by 12 to establish an estimated monthly amount. The monthly amount will then be multiplied by six to establish the estimated cost for the six-month option to extend services.

For evaluation purposes only, the Government will calculate a price for FAR Clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, by prorating the evaluated pricing for the final performance period for a six-month period. Offerors shall not submit a separate proposed price for the potential extension of services period of up to six (6) months. As indicated in FAR 52.217-8, the Government may choose to exercise the Extension of Services at the end of any performance period (base or option periods), utilizing the rates of that performance period. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

The applicable fee to the 52.217-8 extension will also be evaluated based on prorating the fee from the final option period. This method is in accordance with FAR 17.207(f)(3) to ensure the maximum or fixed fee is determinable within the basic contract.

[End of Section M]