ATT010 - Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Factors for Award.pdf

Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Factors for Award

I. Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Tailored Instructions to Offerors In Accordance with FAR 12.301(b)(1)

1. The Government contemplates award of one or more Firm Fixed Price contracts resulting from this solicitation. One or more awards will be made as a result of this notice, which utilizes commercial simplified acquisition procedures. The issuance of any contract pursuant to this Request is contingent on the availability of funding.

2. Contractor shall submit each proposal in two parts: Volume 1, Technical Proposal and Volume 2, Business Proposal.

Each part shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of evaluation of the other. The sections of this Request for Quote (RFQ) that request information related to the technical criteria shall be submitted as part of the Technical Proposal and the sections of the RFQ that contain cost/price information shall be submitted as part of the Business Proposal.

3. NOTE: Offerors must submit separate and distinct proposals for each Target Group to which they are proposing. These Target Groups are 1) Survivor Population, 2) Responder Population, and 3) Young Adult Population. Offerors may submit a proposal for each Target Group (for example, an Offeror may submit separate proposals for each of the Target Groups, or for two of the Target Groups, or for only one of the Target Groups). However, proposals should be targeted to the applicable Target Group and not overlap. The three Target Groups are further defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Any proposals that do not comply with these directions may be removed from consideration.

4. Please note that the Government reserves the right to award NO CONTRACTS or up to 1 or more contracts for each particular Target Group. For example, the Government may decide to award one or more contracts in the Survivor Population Target Group, one contract in the Young Adult Population Target Group, but no contracts in the Responder Population Target Group. Or, for example, the Government may decide to award no contracts in the Survivor Population Target Group, one contract in the Young Adult Population Target Group, and one or more contracts in the Responder Population Target Group.

5. As part of their proposal(s), the offeror must include a cover letter with the following information:

a) The name, title, phone number, e-mail address, and signature of the authorized representative

b) The name, title, phone number, and e-mail address of the person to be contacted concerning any matter related to the solicitation (if different from above)

c) Unique Entity Identifier number

d) Company name and mailing address

e) Date proposal submitted and proposal expiration date

f) Type of company (i.e. small business, 8(a), woman owned, etc.) as validated via the System for Award Management

(SAM). All offerors must register in SAM, located at http://www.sam.gov.

6. The technical proposal shall not contain reference to cost; however, resource information, such as data concerning labor hours and categories, material, subcontracts, etc., must be contained in the technical proposal so that understanding of the PWS can be evaluated. The technical proposal must disclose Contractor’s technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise proposal that addresses the requirements of the technical proposal instructions.

7. Contractor’s proposal must be signed by an official authorized to bind Contractor organization.

8. Contractor shall submit one electronic copy of the written Technical Proposal and Business Proposal via email to: Contract Specialist Joseph Jones at zjb2@cdc.gov. The electronic copy shall be submitted in PDF format. The Business Proposal shall also include an Excel spreadsheet of cost/price information. Any formulas used in deriving cost/price shall be visible when cursor is positioned in cell (i.e. do not convert formulas to values).

9. In accordance with FAR 19.704 and FAR Clause 52.219-9, the submission of a subcontracting plan (or an explanation of why no subcontracting opportunities exist) by other than small business offeror(s), under the applicable NAICS, is a requirement as a part of the proposal submission process and is to be submitted separately from the technical and business proposal. Offerors shall submit their respective subcontracting plan electronically using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) system at https://osdbu.hhs.gov/subcontracting/bccbed10-567b-4283-9961-6f7298e7d3d2. The offeror shall follow the instructions outlined in the SBCX Industry Guide (https://sbcm-acqtools.s3.amazonaws.com/SBCX+Industry+Subcontracting+Guide.pdf) to successfully submit their subcontracting plan by the proposal submission deadline. The official point of receipt for determining timely submission of an offeror’s subcontracting plan is the SBCX system and/or email notification. Once the subcontracting plan is successfully submitted in the SBCX system the offeror should receive an email notification and confirmation message of completion upon submission.

If an offeror’s subcontracting plan is not confirmed as received within the SBCX system by the proposal submission deadline specified in the solicitation, it will be considered late. Disposition of late submittals of a subcontracting plan by an offeror via the SBCX system is at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

10. Inquiries concerning the RFQ should be submitted in writing by email to the Contract Specialist. Any additions, deletions, or changes to the RFQ will be made by an amendment. Questions must be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Joseph Jones no later than 4:00 PM EST/EDT on 4/7/2025 via email to zjb2@cdc.gov. Questions shall identify the pertinent RFQ Section (e.g. PWS, Evaluation Procedures, RFQ Preparation Instructions, etc.) and page number. To ensure a prompt response, include:

“RFQ 75D30125Q00092 World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program Outreach and Education” in the subject line of the email. The Government reserves the right to post Offeror questions and responses to all Offeror questions on Sam.gov.

11. Proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM EST/EDT on 4/30/2025. Proposals shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Joseph Jones, at zjb2@cdc.gov, Subject: “[Company Name] World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program

Outreach and Education RFQ 75D30125Q00092 – Quote - [Target Group Selected]”.

12. Technical Proposal Instructions. The Technical Proposal shall be no more than 15 pages. Pages shall be 8 ½ x 11, Times New Roman font, 12 pt. font. Cover letter, cover page, table of contents, resumes, letters of commitment, curricula vitae, demonstrated experience examples, and other appendices do not count towards the page limit. Text included in any graphics or diagrams may be no less than 10 pt. font. Any pages included in the technical proposal beyond the page limitation (not otherwise specifically excluded from page count) will not be evaluated.

Technical Proposals shall detail the following:

1. Technical Approach:

The Offeror shall provide a description of the performance techniques and methodology they propose in performance of the tasks in the PWS. The Offeror shall specifically address aspects such as technical understanding, methodology and approach, along with the aspects listed below:

a. Target Group: Offerors shall identify one of the following Target Groups, as defined in the PWS, on which to focus Outreach and Education Activities: 1) Survivor Population (excluding Young Adults); 2) Responder

Population; or 3) Young Adult Population (individuals who were 21 years old or younger at the time of their

9/11 exposures).

Offerors may submit, as separate and distinct proposal submissions, proposals targeting more than one Target

Group. However, multiple Target Groups cannot be combined in a single Proposal.

Offeror shall also identify any subpopulation(s) on which they propose focusing O&E Activities. The PWS includes examples of known underrepresented subpopulations within each Target Group. If proposing to focus on an unlisted underrepresented subpopulation, the Offeror shall include a justification with evidence to demonstrate that the subpopulation is underrepresented and appropriate for focus within the Target Group.

This information should be included in the proposal as a narrative explanation before going in-depth with the outreach plan.

Offeror shall provide the following information regarding the Target Group/subpopulation(s) (together, the selected population):

a) Identify the Target Group and any subpopulation(s) on which the Offeror will focus O&E

Activities.

b) Describe the unique needs of reaching the selected Target Group and subpopulation(s).

c) Describe whether any subpopulations within the Target Group could have outreach and education needs differing from those of the Target Group as a whole. Elaborate on how these unique needs will be addressed.

d) Explain the intended method(s) to assess what the Target Group and any identified subpopulation knows and does not know about the Program.

e) Describe the barriers to reaching the selected population and address how the proposed O&E plan will overcome them. This includes any known attempts to reach the Target Group, whether or not past attempts were made by Offeror, and what was successful or not successful about past attempts.

b. Outreach and Education

a) Provide a detailed and comprehensive statement of the scope and purpose of the project to demonstrate complete understanding of the intent and requirements of the contract

b) Offeror’s Proposal should address how Offeror will meet all the requirements and each of the tasks of the PWS, including:

Task 1 Kickoff Meeting and Strategic Outreach Plan

Task 2 Conduct outreach on behalf of the WTC Health Program

Task 3 Obtain clearance and approval of all outreach materials and distribute select materials

Task 4 Assist, educate, and engage with individuals of the selected underrepresented population(s) regarding the WTC Health Program and its eligibility criteria

Task 5 Assist individuals from the selected population(s) with Enrollment Application questions and submissions

Task 6 Assess and report outreach and education activities and impact

Task 7 Coordinate with other outreach and education partners

Task 8 (if applicable) Assist with and conduct Youth Research Cohort (YRC) outreach and education

c) Discuss how each task will be evaluated for full performance and acceptability of work from the offeror’s viewpoint

d) Discuss the plan and solutions for mitigating and overcoming difficulties, should they arise, involved with performing the work requirements

e) Describe the overall approach for addressing the selected population’s need.

a. Describe plans for tracking and meeting the Minimum Outreach Standard as defined in the PWS Section 4, page 3.

b. Identify and describe plan for tracking Other Metrics of Success (Reference PWS

Section 4, Item 2, page 4).

f) What strategic outreach approaches will the offeror employ to reach this population?

a. Identify which Component(s) each proposed activity addresses (see Task 2 of the

PWS)

g) If the offeror would like to conduct an audience analysis (a process that involves understanding your audience's demographics, psychographics, and the situation to tailor your message and presentation effectively, ensuring it resonates with their needs and interests) to better serve the selected population, they may include the audience analysis as part of their proposal for the base year.

h) Offerors shall explain how they plan to provide enrollment assistance to the selected population. Assistance must include, but is not limited to, reviewing enrollment requirements with potential applicants, step-by-step explanation of application questions as needed, assisting with supporting document(s) selection, and answering applicant questions.

c. Technical Outreach Plan

Offeror shall attach to their Technical Proposal a completed Technical Outreach Plan Proposal Template

(ATT007). This Template should give an overview of specific, proposed O&E activities and should correlate with strategic outreach approaches identified in Offeror’s Technical Proposal and the requirements of the

PWS. This Template should not contain pricing information. If contract award is made, the Contractor’s

Strategic Outreach Plan will be based on this technical proposal.

2. Demonstrated Experience:

The Offeror shall describe any relevant demonstrated experience in reaching the selected Target Group or similar populations (such as, but not limited to, for Tricare, Medicare/ACA outreach, VA, COVID Vaccine, COVID Testing).

Offeror shall explain why the offeror is uniquely situated to reach the population(s). The Government will consider no more than three projects and/or events completed by an Offeror within the past three years that clearly demonstrate the Offeror’s experience in reaching the targeted, or similar, groups. The up to three projects and/or events described by the offeror should clearly demonstrate the offeror’s experience in performing projects of similar scope, size, and complexity to the requirements described in the PWS.

For each project/event identified, Offeror shall provide the following information:

a) Contract number, customer/agency name, and contract title (if applicable)

b) A brief narrative description of the work performed for each project/event, including the ways the services that were performed are relevant to the services required under this RFQ

c) Dollar value, contract type, period of performance, place of performance, and the number and types of personnel used in the performance of the project/event

d) A description of the unique needs of the population(s) reached through the similar project/event

(examples of unique needs may include unwillingness to travel to in-person events, language barriers, etc.)

e) Description of barriers to reaching this population and attempts made to reach this population

f) Description of successful and unsuccessful attempts to reach the population

3. Staffing Plan:

Offeror shall provide a staffing matrix showing type and number of staffing resources readily available to complete the tasks outlined in the PWS. Offeror shall include:

a. A resume of the key personnel (project manager), listing experience and, where relevant, educational background

b. A description of the offeror’s approach to rapidly obtain and/or replace qualified staffing resources to support the tasks outlined in the PWS

c. A description of the decision-making authority of the project manager as related to other elements of the organization

d. The percentage of time each staff member shall contribute to the contract

e. The extent to which outside consultants, celebrity speakers, or specialists will be used and evidence of availability shall be indicated

f. The Offeror is to provide information to support the qualifications of subcontractors as well. The Offeror shall identify any portions of the contract that shall be performed by subcontractors. This information must include the subcontracting firm, and the specific duties and labor categories that shall be performed by the subcontractor. The Offeror shall also furnish a written copy any draft subcontracting agreements or service level agreements.

13. Business Proposal Instructions. This part of the Proposal has no page limit and shall include details for all resources required to accomplish the requirements for the base and any option periods, e.g., labor hours, rates, travel, incidental equipment, and any other direct cost (ODCs). Offerors must submit a business proposal supported by detailed pricing information, including labor categories, labor rates, and the basis for such. The Business Proposal must also identify any GFE and/or GFI required for contract performance.

Business Proposals must contain the following:

a) A statement that the Proposal is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of the Request for Quote;

b) A statement to the effect the Proposal is firm for a period of at least 180 days from the date of receipt by the Government;

c) A list of any current commitments with the Government that may interfere with the completion of work and services as contemplated in this request for task Proposal;

d) Detailed pricing for each performance period, in an Excel format, which includes the labor categories, number of hours, hourly labor rates, discounts and totals, material costs, and other direct costs, plus a grand total for each of the base and option years and the entire contract value.

e) Other Direct Costs: provide a breakdown of all other costs not otherwise included in the categories listed above (e.g. computer services, photocopying costs).

f) Travel Costs: Offeror shall include a detailed breakdown of proposed travel costs including trip locations, duration, number of travelers, hotel, airfaire, rental car, per diem and purpose for the base and each option year.

g) Indirect Costs: Indicated how you have computed and applied your indirect costs. Provide the rates used and a copy of your current approved indirect cost rate agreement if applicable.

h) Facilities Capital Cost of Money: if you elect to claim facilities capital cost of money as an allowable cost, you must submit Form CASB-CMF and show the calculation of the proposed amount.

i) If subcontractors are proposed, information to support their pricing should be provided. Offerors shall identify any hours that will be performed by subcontractors, as well as the labor categories and labor rates

j) A proposed milestone payment chart, tying specific deliverables to payments

k) Signed copy of the solicitation face page and any solicitation amendment face pages

l) Completed section B with the heading “Supplies or Services and Prices/Cost” of the solicitation (pages 3-5).

m) Your proposal must identify any former HHS employee to be utilized on this project by providing the individual’s name, dates of employment by HHS, where employed, and the capacity in which that person was employed.

n) Offeror shall attach to their Business Proposal a completed Business Outreach Plan Proposal Template (ATT008).

This Template should match Offeror’s Technical Outreach Plan Proposal Template (ATT007) but should disclose estimated costs associated with each O&E activity proposed.

****Anticipated budget limitations: The Government anticipates awarding multiple contracts resulting from this solicitation. The budgetary constraints on each contract are as follows. Offerors are instructed that their proposal (inclusive of the travel costs) for any particular Target Population should not exceed the budgetary limit for that Target Population.

a. Survivor Population Target Group – the estimated annual maximum budget (for each of the base and option periods) is $250,000.00 per contract and $1,250,000.00 for each entire contract.

b. Responder Population Target Group – the estimated annual maximum budget (for each of the base and option periods) is $250,000.00 per contract and $1,250,000.00 for each entire contract.

c. Young Adult Population Target Group – the estimated annual maximum budget (for each of the base and option periods) is $300,000.00 per contract and $1,500,000.00 for the entire contract.

NOTE: The Contracting Officer reserves the right to request supporting data for proposed prices in order to adequately determine the reasonableness of the proposed amounts.

14. The Government will not pay any cost for the preparation and submission of Quotes submitted in response to this RFQ.

15. All communications concerning this project prior to the award of a task order under this RFQ shall be with the Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist. Communications with unauthorized individuals concerning a specific RFQ prior to award may jeopardize your eligibility for award.

II. FAR 52.212-2 – Tailored IAW FAR 12.302 – Evaluation Factors for Award - Commercial Items

1. The Government will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in this section.

Contract award of one or more contracts shall be made to the responsible offeror(s), with an acceptable past performance rating, whose offer(s), in conforming to this solicitation, provides the overall best value to the Government. The Government’s objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives, with a realistic and reasonable cost. Offerors are advised that all evaluation factors other than cost or price are more important than cost or price.

Therefore, the Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced offeror. However, the Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall cost to achieve only slightly superior performance capability features. In the event proposals are evaluated as technically equal or approximately equal in quality, price or cost will become a major consideration in selecting the successful offeror(s). The Government reserves the right to reject any Proposal that includes any assumption(s) that impact satisfying the Government’s requirements.

The Government will conduct a three-part evaluation of quotes: an evaluation of the Technical Factors, an evaluation of the

Past Performance Factor, and an evaluation of the Business proposal and subcontracting plan. Quotes that are rated as unacceptable the Technical Factors evaluation may not be evaluated for past performance and price, at the Government’s discretion.

The evaluation process will adhere to the following steps:

1. Evaluate each Offerors’ submission for adherence to solicitation instructions;

2. Evaluate Technical proposal of each offeror;

3. Evaluate the past performance of each offeror who received at least a Satisfactory rating for Technical;

4. Evaluate the business proposal and subcontracting plan (if applicable) of each offeror who received at least a

Satisfactory rating for Technical and an Acceptable rating for Past Peformance;

5. For those Offerors who received at least a satisfactory rating for Technical and an Acceptable rating for Past

Performance, make an award determination.

****Note: the proposals submitted for each individual Target Group – Survivor Population Target Group, Responder Population Target Group, and Young Adult Population Group will be evaluated and ranked separately. For example, the proposals submitted for the Survivor Population Target Group will only be ranked against the other proposals submitted for the Survivor Population Target Group. The proposals submitted for the Responder Population Target Group will only be ranked against the other proposals submitted for the Responder Population Target Group. The proposals submitted for the Young Adult Population Target Group will only be ranked against the other proposals submitted for the Young Adult Population Target Group.

****Please note that the Government reserves the right to award NO CONTRACTS or up to 1 or more contracts in each particular Target Group. For example, the Government may decide to award one or more contracts in the Survivor Population Target Group, one contract in the Young Adult Population Target Group, but no contracts in the Responder Population Target Group. Or, for example the Government may decide to award no contracts in the Survivor Population Target Group, one contract in the Young Adult Population Target Group, and one or more contracts in the Responder Population Target Group.

3. Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the base 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). FAR clause 52.217-8 will be evaluated by taking 50% of the value of option year 4. This amount is for evaluation purposes only and will not be reflected in the awarded contract.

4. 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.

5. Technical Evaluation - Technical evaluation factors/subfactors will not be assigned point values and will instead be rated adjectivally. For each factor, the government will identify strengths, weaknesses, or deficiencies as applicable using the definitions from Table 1 below:

Table 1

DEFINITIONS

Strength A quality or characteristic in the proposal that increases the probability of successful contract performance

Weakness A flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance

Significant Strength A quality or characteristic that appreciably increases the probability of successful contract performance

Significant Weakness A flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Deficiency A material failure of the proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level

Based upon the identified strengths, weaknesses, or deficiencies (as applicable), the Government will then assign an adjectival rating for each technical factor, as well as an overall adjectival rating, for the technical proposal, from Table 2 below, for each offeror. If the overall rating is satisfactory or higher, the offer will be considered technically acceptable.

Table 2

RATING DEFINITIONS

Excellent The proposed approach indicates an exceptionally thorough and comprehensive understanding of the program goals, resources, schedules, and other aspects essential to performance of the program. The proposal contains significant strengths, exceptional features, or innovations that should substantially benefit the program. There are no significant weaknesses or deficiencies.

The risk of unsuccessful contract performance is extremely low.

Good The proposed approach indicates a thorough understanding of the program goals and the methods, resources, schedules, and other aspects essential to performance of the program. The proposal has major strengths and/or minor strengths which indicate the proposed approach will benefit the program. Weaknesses, if any, are minor and are more than offset by strengths. The risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Satisfactory The proposed approach indicates an adequate understanding of the program goals, methods, resources, schedules, and other aspects essential to the performance of the program. The proposal has few, if any, exceptional features to benefit the program. The risk of unsuccessful performance is low. Weaknesses are generally offset by strengths.

Marginal The proposed approach indicates a superficial or vague understanding of the program goals and methods, resources, schedules, and other aspects essential to the performance of the program.

The proposal has weaknesses that are not offset by the strengths. The risk of unsuccessful performance is moderate

Unacceptable The proposed approach indicates a lack of understanding of the program goals and the methods, resources, schedules, and other aspects essential to the performance of the program. The proposal has numerous weaknesses and deficiencies. The risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

The following technical factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

1. Technical factor 1 - Technical Approach (including Target Group, Outreach & Education, and Technical

Outreach Plan): This criterion will be evaluated according to the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of the Contractor’s technical approach for providing the services required for this contract. An offeror’s technical outreach plan will be considered part of its technical approach.

Proposals will be evaluated on the offeror’s technical understanding and approach for fulfilling all requirements set forth in the Performance Work Statement. The Government will evaluate the proposal to determine if the Offeror’s methods and approach to meeting the requirements are sound, feasible, and realistic. Proposals will be evaluated to determine whether the offeror’s methods and approach to meeting the requirements specified in the PWS provide the Government with a high level of confidence of successful completion.

This criterion will assess the offeror’s:

a) understanding of the scope and purpose of the project, including the intent and requirements of the contract.

b) proposed technical approach and if it complies with each of the requirements and tasks specified in the Performance Work Statement and is consistent with the stated goals and objectives.

c) proposed approach for reaching and conducting outreach & education activities aimed toward the selected Target Group, including the consideration of any unique needs in reaching the selected Target Group and any subpopulations within the Target Group

d) Proposed approach for tracking and meeting the minimum Outreach Standard outlined in the PWS and for identifying and tracking other metrics of success, outlined in the PWS

e) Proposed approach for providing enrollment assistance to the selected Target Group and any subpopulation(s)

f) Plans and solutions for mitigating and overcoming difficulties, should they arise, involved with performing the work requirements, or with reaching the selected Target Group and any subpopulation(s).

g) Proposed approach for how each task will be evaluated for full performance and acceptability of work from the offeror’s viewpoint

h) submitted Technical Outreach Plan Proposal Template and its correlation with the strategic outreach approaches identified in Offeror’s Technical Proposal and the requirements of the PWS.

Overall, this criterion will be evaluated according to the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of the offeror’s proposed technical approach as it relates to the PWS tasks.

2. Technical factor 2 - Demonstrated Experience: This criterion will be evaluated according to the extent Offeror’s prior experience lends confidence to Offeror’s ability to implement proposed O&E activities and meaningfully reach target population(s) consistent with WTCHP’s mission and goals. Proposals will be evaluated based on the submitted recent and relevant experience in performing projects of similar scope, size, and complexity to the requirements described in the PWS. Overall, this criterion will be evaluated to assess the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of offeror’s similar experience as it relates to the PWS tasks. This evaluation is separate and distinct from the past performance evaluation.

3. Technical factor 3 - Staffing Plan: This criterion will be evaluated according to the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of the Contractor’s staffing plan for providing the services described under Offeror’s Technical Approach and the PWS.

Offeror will be evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate a plan for qualified labor resources in numbers adequate to address the requirements and deliverable schedules outlined in the PWS. This criterion will assess:

a) The type and number of staffing resources readily available for the effort

b) the offeror’s approach to rapidly obtain and/or replace qualified staffing resources to support the tasks outlined in the PWS.

c) the decision-making authority of the project manager as related to other elements of the organization; the percentage of time each staff member shall contribute to the program; and the extent to which outside consultants or specialists will be used.

6. Past Performance

Each offeror that receives at least a Satisfactory overall technical rating will have their past performance evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis using the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). The Government will assess past performance based on the offeror’s record under current and prior contracts in the following CPARS elements:

• Quality

• Schedule

• Cost Control

• Management

• Small Business Subcontracting

• Regulatory Compliance

For evaluation purposes, past performance will be evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. In order to determine the acceptability of each offeror’s past performance, an average will be calculated for each performance element within the CPARS Assessment Report (Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, Small Business Subcontracting, and Regulatory Compliance). The following numerical ratings will be applied to each CPARS performance element to calculate the average of each performance element:

Exceptional = 5

Very Good = 4

Satisfactory = 3

Marginal = 2

Unsatisfactory = 1

Acceptable Rating (Pass): An offeror will receive an overall rating of Acceptable if the average score for each CPARS performance element (Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, Small Business, Small Business Subcontracting, and

Regulatory Compliance) is 3.0 (Satisfactory) or higher. If an offeror lacks a record of past performance for a specific CPARS element, then that element will be excluded from the calculation and will not count against the offeror. If the offeror has no

CPARS assessment records available, they will receive a default rating of “Acceptable” in accordance with FAR 13.106-

2(b)(3)(ii), ensuring that a lack of past performance is not rated negatively.

Unacceptable Rating (Fail): An offeror will receive an overall rating of Unacceptable if the average score for any of the CPARS performance elements (Quality, Schedule, Cost Control, Management, Small Business, Small Business Subcontracting, and

Regulatory Compliance) is below 3.0 (Satisfactory).

For offerors that are joint ventures, the evaluation will consider past performance of the JV. If the JV does not demonstrate past performance for award, the evaluation will consider the past performance of both parties to the JV.

A lack of past performance will not cause an offeror to be eliminated from consideration.

7. Subcontracting Plan

For other than small business offerors, each offeror’s submitted subcontracting plan will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis, specifically being reviewed for adequacy and compliance with the requirements at FAR 19.705-4(c) and FAR 52.219-9 with its Alternate II as incorporated by reference in FAR 52.212-5.

8. Price Evaluation

Only proposals that are rated technically acceptable will have their business proposals reviewed. A price analysis will be conducted to determine the reasonableness of the offeror’s business/price proposal. Reasonableness determinations will be made by determining if competition exists and/or by comparing proposed price with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE). The IGCE is not releasable to the public.

Total price to accomplish this requirement and all of its options will be utilized as a basis for evaluating price.

A price realism analysis of the proposal MAY be conducted for such purposes as determining an offeror's understanding of the solicitation's requirements or assessing risk associated with an offeror's proposal. The Government does not intend to evaluate price realism. However, if a proposal is received that is significantly lower in price than the majority of proposals received, the Government reserves the right to conduct price realism to determine if the offeror’s price is realistic. Price realism may also be conducted at the discretion of the Government for any other reason determined necessary by the contracting officer at the time of evaluation.

A HUBZone evaluation preference will be utilized for this price evaluation. IAW FAR clause 52.219-4, the contracting officer will assign HUBZone small businesses an evaluation preference by adding 10 percent to all offers except:

1) Proposals from HUBZone small business concerns that have not waived the evaluation preference

2) Otherwise successful proposals from small business concerns If no proposals are received from HUBZone Small Businesses, then this evaluation preference will not be used

9. Notice of Intent to Award Contract without Discussions

It is the intention of the Government to evaluate Proposals and award a contract without conducting discussions with Contractors. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined to be necessary.

Exclusion of any item(s) required may render your proposal unacceptable. If determined unacceptable, your proposal will be eliminated from further consideration. Proposals that are technically unacceptable will not be evaluated for past performance and price.