Attachment 1 - Conformed RFQ AMD 2.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

REQUEST FOR QUOTE

ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

FOR HEALTH (ARPA-H)

COMMERCIAL FLEXIBLE CO-WORKING SPACE

AS A SERVICE

75N99223Q0004 Amendment 0002 Attachment 1 – Conformed RFQ

Issued: 09/11/2023

SOLICITATION NUMBER 75N992-23-Q-00004

Amendment 0002 Attachment 1

SECTION 1 – REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

1.1 RFQ Objectives

1.2 RFQ Organization

1.3 Use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures

1.3.1 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

1.3.2 Full and Open Competition

1.4 Conflict Of Interest

1.5 Government Rights

1.5.1 Award

1.5.2 No Award

1.6 Quote Preparation Cost

1.7 RFQ Points Of Contact

1.8 Privacy Act Requirements

1.9 Data Use, Disclosure Of Information And Handling Of Sensitive Information

1.9.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement

1.10 Rights In Data

1.11 Quote Submission

1.12 Schedule

SECTION 2 – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

SECTION 3 – CONTRACTOR QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.0 General

3.0.1 Amendments to the RFQ

3.0.2 Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Quotes

3.0.3 Pre-Proposal Conference

3.0.4 Site Visit Scheduling

3.1 Quote Format

Table 4: Quote Formatting & Page Limit Information

3.1.1 Page Layout and Type Formatting

3.2 Volume I/Factor 1- Technical Capability/Risk

3.3 Volume II/Factor 2 - Price Quote

3.4 Volume III - Contract documentation

3.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

SECTION 4 –EVALUATION FACTORS AND AWARD PROCESS

4.1 Evaluation Criteria

4.2 Evaluation Factors

4.2.1 Best Value- Trade-Off Evaluation

4.2.2 Evaluation of Factor 1: Technical Capability/Risk

Table 4.2.2 Technical Capability/Risk rating scale

4.2.3 Evaluation of Factor 2: Price

4.3 Basis for Award

4.4 Responsibility Determination

SECTION 5 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION 6- ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Table 6.1 Attachments and Exhibits

SECTION 1 – REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products and commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

1.1 RFQ Objectives

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is issuing this Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Commercial Flexible Co-Working Space as a Service. This acquisition will be a hybrid Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) and Time and Materials (T&M) contract using NAICS code 531120, Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Mini-warehouses). The period of performance is one 12-month base period from date of award, with three 12-month option periods with the possibility of up to a 6-month contract extension under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.217-8. This is an all or none requirement; Partial quotations will be deemed unresponsive and will not be evaluated. The Contractor agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotations unless another time is specified in an amendment to the RFQ.

1.2 RFQ Organization

The RFQ is organized in accordance with FAR 12.6 Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. The RFQ is prearranged into Sections according to the following:

• Section 1: Contains contracting formation regarding use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

• Section 2: Includes the objectives for the acquisition and states the performance and technical requirements.

• Section 3: Instructions for submittal of quotes and defines what is required by the Contractor for submission.

• Section 4: Evaluation factors and award process that will be used as the basis for selecting a Contractor for award.

• Section 5: Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

• Section 6: RFQ Attachments and Exhibits

1.3 Use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures

The Government will use Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) to obtain the required Commercial Flexible Co-Working Space as a Service. This RFQ is issued in accordance with the regulatory authority of the FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

1.3.1 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)

The NAICS code 531120 Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Mini-warehouses) and size standard of $34.0M applies to this RFQ.

1.3.2 Full and Open Competition

This acquisition is unrestricted and is being conducted using full and open competition procedures.

1.4 Conflict Of Interest

If the Contractor currently provides support or anticipates providing support to other Contractors which may create or represent an actual or potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), the Contractor shall immediately disclose the actual or potential OCI to ARPA-H in accordance with FAR Subpart 9.5. Disclosure may be made via memo on Contractor company letterhead and included under a separate tab in Volume I of the Contractor’s quote for each area impacted (See Section 3.2). The Contractor agrees to disclose information concerning the actual or potential conflict with any quote relating to any work in the contract for the duration of the contract term. All actual or potential OCI situations shall be handled by the Contracting Officer (CO) in accordance with FAR Subpart 9.5.

To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, the Contractor agrees that it may not restrict the conception, design, or configuration of its analyses, recommendations or findings in connection with this RFQ and any subsequent contract in a manner that will favor any endeavors that are its separate marketing efforts or those of its affiliates, subordinates, or other commercial ventures.

1.5 Government Rights

The Government reserves the following rights with respect to any awarded contract:

1.5.1 Award

The Government intends to award on the basis of Best Value Trade-Off (BVTO). Successful quotes must meet or exceed the acceptability standards. See RFQ section 4 for information on evaluation and basis for award.

1.5.2 No Award

The Government reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this RFQ if such award is determined contrary to the best interest of the Government.

1.6 Quote Preparation Cost

The Government shall not be responsible or liable for any costs incurred by any party in connection with the preparation, submission, and/or award of any quote in response to or relation with this RFQ.

1.7 RFQ Points Of Contact

The following individuals are the points of contact (POCs) for this RFQ. Correspondence regarding the RFQ shall be addressed to each of these POCs.

Contract Specialist Advisors Contracting Officer (CO) Bryan O. Simmons (CTR) E-Mail: Bryan.Simmons@ARPA-H.GOV

Stas Blaushild E-Mail: Stas.Blaushild@ARPA-H.GOV

Owen Hassig (CTR) E-Mail: Owen.Hassig@ARPA-H.GOV Linda Luong (CTR) E-Mail: Linda.Luong@ARPA-H.GOV

1.8 Privacy Act Requirements

Performance under the contract may require the Contractor to access Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and data of such a nature that its dissemination or use, other than in performance of the PWS, would be adverse to the interest of the Government or individuals. The Contractor shall not use, disclose, or reproduce PII developed or obtained in preparation of its response to the RFQ and/or performance of the PWS, except as authorized to Government personnel and/or upon written approval of the CO.

1.9 Data Use, Disclosure Of Information And Handling Of Sensitive Information

Performance of any subsequently awarded contract may require the Contractor to access and use data and information proprietary to a Government agency or Government contractor which is of such a nature that its dissemination or use, other than in performance of this effort, would be adverse to the interests of the Government and/or others. The Contractor will maintain, transmit, retain in strictest confidence, and prevent the unauthorized duplication, use, and disclosure of sensitive information relating to this RFQ and/or performance of any subsequently awarded contract. The Contractor will provide information only to authorized employees and/or subcontractors who need to know such information in the performance of their duties under any resulting contract.

Information made available to the Contractor by the Government for the performance or administration of this effort shall be used only for those purposes and shall not be used in any mailto:Bryan.Simmons@ARPA-H.GOV mailto:Stas.Blaushild@ARPA-H.GOV mailto:Owen.Hassig@ARPA-H.GOV mailto:Linda.Luong@ARPA-H.GOV other way without the written agreement of the CO. All Contractor personnel will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

If proprietary or sensitive information is provided to the Contractor for use in performance or administration of this effort, the Contractor, except with the written permission of the CO, may not use or disclose such information for any other purpose. If the Contractor is uncertain about the proposed use of information provided for the performance or administration of any contract, the Contractor must consult with the CO and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) regarding use of that information for other purposes.

The Contractor agrees to assume responsibility for protecting the confidentiality of all Government records which are not public information. Each employee of the Contractor to whom information may be made available or disclosed shall be notified in writing by the Contractor that such information may be disclosed only to the extent authorized herein.

1.9.1 Non-Disclosure Agreement

In accordance with FAR 9.505-4(b), all Contractor personnel providing support and that have access to ARPA-H personnel usage data will be required to sign a Certificate of Non-Disclosure prior to any effort. All Non-Disclosure certificates will be retained in the contract file.

1.10 Rights In Data

Under the provisions of the Rights in Data General Clause, 52.227-14 contained herein, the Government reserves all rights, including copyrights, distribution rights, and other rights for all documents, data or software developed in the performance of any awarded contract. All data received, processed, evaluated, loaded, and/or created as a result of any contract shall remain the sole property of the Government.

1.11 Quote Submission

Contractors must submit their quotes electronically via email to Acquisitions@ARPA- H.GOV. Electronic copies must be received by the designated closing time and date indicated below.

E-mail receiving data and compatibility characteristics are as follows:

ARPA-H’s electronic server generally accepts attachments in the following formats—

(i) Adobe Acrobat;

(ii) Microsoft Excel;

(iii) Microsoft Word; and

(iv) Microsoft PowerPoint.

mailto:Acquisitions@ARPA-H.GOV.

mailto:Acquisitions@ARPA-H.GOV.

Attachments that are not submitted in Adobe Acrobat/.pdf file format must be sent password protected for “read only” to ensure the integrity of the data submitted. All quotes (and any authorized modifications and/or revisions thereto) must contain the Contractor’s representative’s signature included in one or more of the included attachments to the e-mail communication.

A single e-mail must be no more than 10 MB. ARPA-H’s mail server will reject messages larger than 10 MB.

The ARPA-H’s e-mail filter will also scan the incoming e-mail and attachments for viruses and key words. Abbreviations for terms such as “Analysts” or using “3Xs” as placeholders in a document are found in the filter’s adult content library and may result in the e-mail delivery being delayed and/or prevented. Contractors are solely responsible for verifying ARPA-H’s successful, timely, and/or complete receipt of any submitted quote by contacting the CO prior to the quote closing time.

If any portion of an otherwise timely (see Section 3.0.2 & solicitation provision 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors) e-mail quote received by ARPA-H is unreadable and/or inaccessible, the CO may permit the Contractor to resubmit the quote. The method and time for resubmission will be prescribed by the CO after consultation with the Contractor and the resubmission shall be considered as if it were received at the date and time of the original unreadable and/or inaccessible submission for the purpose of determining timeliness, provided the Contractor complied with all submission instructions set forth herein, and with the time and format requirements for resubmission prescribed by the CO.

The Government reserves the right to award solely based on the e-mailed quote. However, if requested to do so by the CO, the Contractor shall promptly submit a hard copy of the signed quote.

All quotes must be identified with the RFQ Number, and Closing Date and Time on all electronic correspondence.

RFQ Number: 75N992-23-Q-00004 CLOSING DATE & TIME: Wednesday, September 13, 2023, 4:00pm EDT

NOTE: Only electronic quotes submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions herein will be accepted. Facsimile quotes will NOT be accepted.

Submission of quotes is required by the date specified above. See SECTION 3- CONTRACTOR QUOTE INSTRUCTION for additional details and instructions for quotation preparation and submission.

Schedule

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT OF

ISSUE

UNIT PRICE EXTENDED

TOTAL

Base: November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024

1001 Flexible Co-Working Space1 12 Month $ -- $ --

Other Direct Costs

(ODC)

Lost Key Cards & Additional Credits – Not to Exceed (NTE)2

20,000 (per year) Each $1.00 NTE $20,000 per year--

Base Year Total: $ -- Option Year 1: November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2025

2001 Flexible Co- Working Space 12 Month $ -- $ --

ODC – Lost Key Cards & Additional Credits - NTE

20,000 (per year) Each $1.00 NTE $20,000 per year--

Option Year 1 Total: $ -- Option Year 2: November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026

3001 Flexible Co-Working Space 12 Month $ -- $ --

ODC – Lost Key Cards & Additional Credits - NTE

20,000 (per year) Each $1.00 NTE $20,000 per year--

Option Year 2 Total:

Option Year 3: November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027

4001 Flexible Co-Working Space 12 Month $ -- $ --

ODC – Lost Key Cards & Additional Credits - NTE

20,000 (per year) Each $1.00 NTE $20,000 per year--

Option Year 3 Total:

Total Estimated Contract Value: $ --

1 Flexible Co-Working Space price includes all daily use working space, offices, conference rooms, and individual private space. In addition, this price also covers the number of key cards assigned to the Flexible Working Space.

2 The ODC CLIN is a time and materials item for unanticipated costs such as lost key cards or purchase of additional co-work “credits” (See footnote in PWS Section 2.3.2.1 for definition of credits). The ODC CLIN shall not be used to cover requirements defined in the Performance Work Statement (including surge demands).

SECTION 2 – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

The PWS is incorporated into the solicitation as Attachment 1 (See Section 6).

SECTION 3 – CONTRACTOR QUOTATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.0 General

The provision at FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Products and Commercial Services is incorporated into the solicitation by reference. The following addenda apply:

This section specifies the format and content that Contractors shall use for responding to this RFQ. It is required that the Contractor’s response be in accordance with these instructions. The goal is to ensure a certain degree of uniformity in the format of the responses for evaluation purposes.

The Contractor is responsible for providing adequate documentation to enable a thorough evaluation of their quote. The Contractor shall submit a quote that clearly and concisely describes and defines the Contractor’s response to the requirements contained in the RFQ.

Unnecessary elaboration or other presentations beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective quote are not desired. Responses which merely repeat the Performance Work Statement will not be considered as being responsive to the requirements of this RFQ.

3.0.1 Amendments to the RFQ

If this RFQ is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged.

Contractors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this RFQ by submission of the signed SF30 with its quote (See Section 3.4)

3.0.2 Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Quotes

Contractors must submit their quotes electronically via email to Acquisition@ARPA- H.GOV. Quotes shall clearly be identifiable with the following in the subject line of the email “CONTRACTOR NAME Quote for RFQ 75N992-23-Q-00004 Commercial Flexible Co- Working Space as a Service.” Quotes must be received by the closing date and time as stipulated in the RFQ section 1.11 Quote Submission.

The first page of the quote must show the RFQ number, the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number(s) of the Contractor. A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the RFQ and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the prices set opposite each item.

Names, titles, signatures, telephone, and electronic address of persons authorized to negotiate mailto:Acquisition@ARPA-H.GOV mailto:Acquisition@ARPA-H.GOV on the Contractor’s behalf with the Government in connection with this RFQ must be provided. Quotes signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

The Contractor is responsible for submitting quotes, and any modifications or revisions, so as to reach the Government office designated in the RFQ by the time specified in the RFQ.

Quotes in response to this RFQ will be valid for 120 days (unless a different period is proposed by the Vendor).

3.0.3 Pre-Proposal Conference

The Government will conduct a virtual pre-proposal conference via Zoom on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 12:30 PM; the conference is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. During the conference, the Government will provide an overview of the RFQ requirements to capable prospective providers for these services, including an overview of the PWS, proposal submission guidelines, and RFQ terms and conditions. Interested parties should submit the following details to the RFQ points of contact identified in RFQ section 1.7 no later than 4:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, September 05, 2023:

- Company Name

- Attendees (maximum three per Company)

- Email and Telephone points of contact for all attendees

- Brief (1-2 sentences) description of the company’s ability to provide commercial co-working flexspace services in the National Capital Region.

3.0.4 Site Visit Scheduling

No later than 4:00 PM EDT on Friday, September 8, 2023, quoters who intend to submit a quote with this RFQ shall e-mail the POCs identified in Section 1.7 to arrange site visits for the proposed locations. Site visits will take place following the RFQ closing date. In their email, quoters shall submit a minimum of three acceptable 2-hour time windows between September 18 and September 20, 2023 during which the Government evaluation team can tour the proposed site.

3.1 Quote Format

Contractors are required to submit quotes in three (3) separate volumes as indicated below. There shall be no reference to pricing, or any pricing data included as part of the Non-Price Volume or in the transmittal letter. Quoters are permitted to submit up to two (2) approaches to the Government’s requirements with their quote. If offering two approaches, Quoters must submit a separate Volume I Technical (Sections 1 & 2) & II Price quote (see below) for each approach.

The Volumes for each approach shall be clearly labeled as “Approach A” and “Approach B.”

Quoters shall only submit one version of Sections 3 through 5 of the Technical Quote as outlined in section 3.2.

Contractors shall submit quotations in three (3) separate volumes plus a transmittal letter. The three (3) volumes shall be clearly labeled as follows:

Table 4: Quote Formatting & Page Limit Information

Volume Title

I Technical Capability/Risk (Non-Price) – 23 Pages* (Details in Section 3.2.)

II Price Quote – No Page Limit

III Contract Documentation – No Page Limit

*Note: If quoters propose two approaches, the total page limit is increased to 35, however each section shall comply with the limits established in section 3.2

Contractors shall prepare the quote in accordance with the titles and page limits of each volume. Any Contractor Attachments/exhibits/addendums, etc. count towards the page limitations. Information that is contained in pages exceeding a page limit will not be considered.

3.1.1 Page Layout and Type Formatting

Page size shall be 8½ by 11 inches (Word for Windows portrait format) or 11 by 8½ inches (Word for Windows landscape format). Landscape pages may be used only for large tables, charts, graphs, and diagrams, not for pages of text. Page size 11 by 17 inches may only be used for tables, figures/diagrams, illustration/drawings, and maps. Pages sized 11 by 17 inches will be counted as two pages. Text shall be single-spaced, in 11-point easy to read font. Font size of 10 point may be used for tables, captions, matrices, maps, and header and footer information. For charts, graphs, and figures/diagrams, the font shall be no smaller than 5 point. Use at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and 1-inch side margins on every page. Pages will be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall also apply to responses to any clarifications or any additional requests for information. Page limitations shall be treated as maximums and, if exceeded, excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the quote. Each page shall be counted except for those indicated herein and the following: cover pages, table of contents, cross-reference matrix, tabs, and glossaries. The front and back of pages printed on each side are counted as separate pages.

3.2 Volume I/Factor 1- Technical Capability/Risk

The Contractor shall clearly and precisely describe its approach and demonstrate an understanding of the requirement and its ability to successfully perform all the requirements of the PWS. This Volume shall not contain any pricing information, except for details pertaining to the use of “credits” in accomplishing the technical approach.

The Volume I quote shall contain the following sections:

Introduction (1 page maximum) Introductory details of the quote. If the quote contains more than one approach to the requirement, the introduction shall identify pertinent volumes for each in this section.

Section 1 - Location (2 pages maximum)

This section shall demonstrate the quoter's ability to meet the requirements of PWS Section

2.3.1 and subsections. The quote shall specifically demonstrate the proposed flexible co-workspace’s ability to meet the location, public transit and parking access, and additional workspace requirements. This section shall include details regarding how ARPA-H employees access the additional workspaces, including use of “credits” for these spaces, and identify locations where additional workspaces are available.

Section 2 - Workplace Capacity & Workspaces (10 pages maximum)

This section of the quote shall be comprised of the quoter’s submitted Space Plan (See PWS Section 2.3.2.1.1 & 2.4 for details and content requirements). The quote shall address the quoter’s approach to meeting the routine and surge office demand requirements for base and option years, including phase in (Day 1 and first 30 days) requirements specified in PWS Section 2.3.2.1.

Section 3 - Additional Amenities (3 pages maximum)

This section of the quote shall address the quoter’s ability to meet the amenities required in PWS Section 2.3.2.2 and subsections, including furnishings, technological resources, and additional amenities and services. Additionally, the quote shall also address the quoter’s approach to maintenance and upkeep of amenities and approach to replacement of consumable items. This approach shall address the use of these amenities, and the cost in “credits” for their use (if applicable).

Section 4 - Additional Requirements (4 pages maximum, inclusive of required plan)

This section of the quote shall address the quoter’s approach to meeting the environmental, safety and health, and security requirements of the PWS (See PWS Section 2.3.3). Quoters must submit their Sustainability and Safety & Health Plan (See PWS Section 2.4 – Deliverables, and solicitation provision 352.223-71) as part of this section.

Section 5 - Contract Management Requirements (3 Pages maximum)

This section of the quote shall detail the offeror’s approach to meet the contract operations and staffing requirements listed in PWS Sections 2.6 and 2.13. This section will also consider the quoter’s approach to contract contingencies (See PWS Section 2.13.6 for details – full plan is NOT required with the quote). The quote shall also detail the quoter’s quality assurance procedures (See PWS Section 2.5).

3.3 Volume II/Factor 2 - Price Quote

The Government has provided Attachment 2: Price Quotation Worksheet Sheet for the quoter to provide a firm fixed-price for all services described within Section 2. The quoter shall factor all costs associated with performance into their quoted price. If submitting more than one approach to the Government’s requirement, a separate attachment 2 shall be submitted for each approach.

3.4 Volume III - Contract documentation

Contract/Representations and Certifications. The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file.

This information will be considered for purposes of the Government’s responsibility determination (See RFQ Section 4.4 and FAR Subpart 9.1). The Contractor’s quote shall include—

- A signed letter identifying the following:

o Any exceptions to the Government’s requirements or terms of the solicitation, or a statement indicating that the offeror accepts all terms and conditions of the RFQ. This portion of the letter shall also detail any assumptions supplemental to the RFQ terms and conditions that were employed in determining the quoted approach and price.

o Names, titles, signatures, telephone, and electronic address of persons authorized to negotiate on the Contractor’s behalf with the Government in connection with this

RFQ

o A statement confirming that pricing provided in response to the RFQ is comprehensive and all-inclusive of the services, furnishings, IT infrastructure, amenities, deliverables, and other requirements as detailed in the PWS and all accompanying documentation. The statement shall further confirm that the fixed pricing is inclusive of all routine and surge requirements of the PWS.

- Copy of the Contractor’s active Reps and Certs for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications- Commercial Products and Commercial Services)

- Signed SF 1449- Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items (completed blocks 30a, 30b, and 30c).

- Signed SF 30- Amendment(s) to RFQs (if applicable) (completed blocks 15a, 15b, and 15c).

- Confirmation that the quoter currently has a valid and active System for Awards Management Registration (SAM) Statement advising of quoter’s current registration expiration date and quoter’s intent to renew and maintain registration throughout the performance period of any resulting contract.

- Partnering/Teaming commitment letter(s) if teaming approaches are being used to meet any of the RFQ/contract requirements. The letter(s) should detail the nature of the partnering agreement, the services being provided, and reflect a commitment to providing the required services for the duration of the contract period.

- Disclosure of all amenities and complementary items typically provided by the offeror’s commercial co-working space. These will not be used for evaluation purposes, however the Government will review to ensure that none of the offered amenities conflict with regulations regarding what may be procured under Government contracts.

- A copy of the quoting entity’s Dun & Bradstreet supplier qualification report obtained within the 30 days prior to the close of the RFQ.

- Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if applicable) – See Section 3.5 for details.

- Documentation establishing the responsibility of the offeror (see section 4.4 of the RFQ). The provided documentation must demonstrate that the offeror:

1) Has adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them;

2) Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and government business commitments;

3) Has a satisfactory performance record;

4) Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;

5) Has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them;

6) Has the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them;

7) And be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations;

Such documentation may include, but is not limited to:

- Corporate financial statements;

- Corporate credit reports;

- Bank references and access to credit;

- Dun and Bradstreet reports; business references; performance

- Performance history, including information about defaults, terminations for cause, and any litigation or arbitration regarding performance;

- Lease agreements underpinning commercial flex-space spaces;

- Subordination, Non-Disturbance, and Attornment agreements;

- Or, any other documentation necessary to demonstrate that the offeror meets the responsibility standards identified in RFQ section 4.4 and FAR Subpart 9.1.

3.5 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

A small business subcontracting plan is required for quotes submitted by large businesses under this solicitation (See RFQ clause 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan for details).

Quoters representing as other than a small business shall submit a subcontracting plan for review with their initial quotes using Attachment 5 – HHS Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template (See Section 6). Failure to submit a timely and acceptable subcontracting plan may result in a quote being deemed ineligible for award.

SECTION 4 –EVALUATION FACTORS AND AWARD PROCESS

4.1 Evaluation Criteria

This procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 13.5. FAR Part 15, and specifically source selection procedures at FAR Subpart 15.3, do not apply to evaluation of quotations and will not be used.

The Government will award the contract to the quoter that represents the overall best value to meet the Government’s needs. Best Value is defined as the expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement, in accordance with FAR 2.101. The Government intends to determine the best value outcome by utilizing a Tradeoff Process to consider making award to other than the lowest price or other than the highest technically rated quoter.

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ISSUE AWARD WITHOUT ENGAGING IN

DISCUSSIONS WITH VENDORS, BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DO SO, AS

NECESSARY.

Consequently, quoters are encouraged to provide their best quote with initial submissions.

However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions, orally or in writing, with quoters submitting a quote if it is determined advantageous to the Government to do so. The Government reserves the right to seek clarifications of minor technical or administrative errors;

however, these clarifications will not result in an opportunity to resubmit a quote.

Note: The Government will conduct an initial review of quotes for completeness following the close of the RFQ prior to conducting the full evaluation described in this section. Quotes that fail to adhere to the submission guidelines in section 3 of the RFQ (e.g. missing volumes/sections, required plans, documentation, pricing, etc.) may be eliminated from further consideration, and will not be considered for site visits (See sections 3.0.4 and 4.2.2) or further evaluated. If a quotation is eliminated during this review, the offeror will be notified in writing.

4.2 Evaluation Factors

The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes:

Factor 1: Technical Capability/Risk (non-price)

Factor 2: Price

Factor 1, Technical Capability/Risk is more important than Factor 2, Price.

4.2.1 Best Value- Trade-Off Evaluation

The Government will consider features of a quoter’s total solution, including the quoter’s assumptions that could significantly impact the Government’s costs in implementing and maintaining the quoter’s approach. As part of a quote, in response to the PWS, quoters are required to identify any assumptions that may impact price. The quote must be complete, clear, and compliant with the terms of the RFQ.

Award will be made to the quoter whose quote is determined to provide the “best value” to the Government. This process permits tradeoffs among cost or price and non-cost factors and allows the Government to award to other than the lowest priced quote based on evaluated benefits of the offeror’s technical approach. The best value will be determined by comparing evaluation results of non-price factors with differences in evaluated prices (i.e., tradeoffs).

In the event quoters submit more than one approach to the agency’s requirement, each will be evaluated independently and assigned its own technical rating and evaluated price. The source selection will be made based on the approach that offers the best value to the Government in accordance with the criteria stated in section 4.

4.2.2 Evaluation of Factor 1: Technical Capability/Risk

The Government will evaluate quoter’s ability to deliver the specified requirements of the PWS, as evidenced by its proposed plan for overall implementation and execution of the following:

Location

Quotes will be evaluated on their ability to meet the requirements of PWS Section

2.3.1 and subsections. The quote shall demonstrate the proposed flexible co-workspace’s approach to meet the location, public transit and parking access, and additional workspaces requirements (including the approach to access to these workspaces).

Workplace Capacity & Workspaces Quotes will be evaluated on their ability to meet the Workplace Capacity requirements of the solicitation as described in the submitted Space Plan (see PWS Section 2.4 – Deliverables and 2.3.2.1.1 for required content). The quote shall demonstrate the quoter’s approach to meeting the routine and surge office demand requirements for base and option years, including the availability of “Day one” and Year 1 office space as required by the PWS, and the use of “credits” (if used – See PWS 2.3.2.1) in meeting space requirements. Quotes will also be evaluated on the offered workspaces (e.g., offices, conference rooms, individual spaces, studio, etc.) described within PWS Section 2.3.2 and subsections. Quoters shall detail the specifications and quantities of these spaces.

Additional Amenities Quotes will be evaluated on their ability to meet the amenities required in PWS Section 2.3.2.2 and subsections, including furnishings, technological resources, and additional amenities and services. This factor will also evaluate the quoter’s approach to maintenance and upkeep of amenities and approach to replacement of consumable items.

Additional Requirements Quotes will be evaluated for the offered Co-Workspace’s compliance with the environmental, safety and health, and security requirements listed in PWS Section

2.3.3. Quotes shall demonstrate the quoter’s approach to meeting these requirements; evaluation of this approach will include the quoter’s Sustainability and Safety & Health Plan (See PWS Section 2.4 – Deliverables, and solicitation provision 352.223-71).

Contract Management Requirements The quote will be evaluated to assess its ability to meet the contract operations and staffing requirements listed in PWS Sections 2.6 and 2.13 and subsections.

This evaluation will also consider the quoter’s approach to contract contingencies (see PWS Section 2.13.6) and quality assurance procedures (See PWS Section 2.5).

Site Visit: ARPA-H Representatives will conduct a site visit at each proposed flexible co-work space to contextualize the proposed spaces and assess the form and function of the proposed space. For purpose of this evaluation, the following definitions will apply:

Form: Physical characteristics and appearance of the flexible workspace. It includes consideration such as the layout, design, aesthetics, and overall ambiance of the space (including lighting and acoustics).

Function: How effectively the flexible workspace will support the operational functions and activities of the organization. The layout should be efficient and conducive to productivity, collaboration, and comfort. Function also encompasses factors such as the availability of technology infrastructure, security measures, and amenities such as common/break areas, and kitchen facilities.

The site visit will allow quoters to showcase the space described in their technical quote. Vendors shall provide a presentation, not to exceed 30 minutes, of the details in their provided space plan. The presentation shall demonstrate the specific spaces proposed for ARPA-H in the quote (if two approaches have been proposed, both shall be presented and clearly identified), and any planned expansions to support option years, as well as highlight any specific spaces (e.g. production studio) that will be modified for ARPA-H’s purposes. Following the presentation, the evaluation team will conduct its evaluation of the space, not to exceed one hour. The site visit is not a venue for discussions; quoters may not modify or revise their quote during the site visit.

The Government may use details of the site visit to clarify elements of the quoter’s written quote for purposes of its technical evaluation.

Technical Capability/Risk Evaluation Methodology: Combined Technical/Risk Rating. The combined technical/risk rating includes consideration of risk in conjunction with the strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies identified in the quotes in determining technical ratings.

Table 4.2.2 Technical Capability/Risk rating scale.

Adjectival Rating Description

Outstanding

Quote demonstrates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low

Good

Quote indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one strength, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low to moderate

Acceptable

Quote meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate

Marginal

Quote has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and/or risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Unacceptable

Quote does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one or more deficiencies and is unawardable, and/or risk of performance is unacceptably high.

Note: Quotes receiving a rating of Marginal or Unacceptable will be ineligible for award.

Key Definitions:

Weakness: a flaw in the quote that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Significant Weakness: a flaw in the quote that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

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

Strength: an aspect of an offeror's quote with merit or will exceed specified performance or capability requirements to the advantage of the Government during contract performance.

Note: Strengths may include, but are not limited to, quote elements which meet the “highly desirable” performance characteristics identified in the PWS.

4.2.3 Evaluation of Factor 2: Price

The Government will evaluate quotes for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement in accordance with FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options. The Government may determine that a quote is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

The not to exceed Other Direct Cost estimate will be added to all price quotes when calculating the Vendors estimated total price quote.

The Contractor’s price quote will be evaluated to determine that pricing is fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-3 Award and Documentation.

4.3 Basis for Award

The Government will award the contract to the Contractor that represents the overall best value to meet the Government’s needs based on the criteria and evaluation mechanisms identified in Section 4.2.

4.4 Responsibility Determination

Prior to issuing an award the Government shall be required to determine the potential awardee Responsible in accordance with FAR 9.104. The general standards for a potential awardee to be determined responsible shall be documented in a Responsibility Determination. To be determined responsible, a contractor shall:

• Have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them

• Be able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and government business commitments

• Have a satisfactory performance record

• Have a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics

• Have the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills, or the ability to obtain them

• Have the necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them

• Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations

The Contracting Officer will consider all available information and will leverage use of all Government systems to seek information to provide answers to the questions above. The Government reserves the right to request additional financial information, conduct further financial assessments, and consult with relevant financial institutions to evaluate the offeror's financial capability and responsibility. Failure to provide the required financial information may result in the offeror's proposal being deemed non-responsive. In case of adverse findings, mitigation strategies proposed by the quoter will be considered. All potential awardees must have an Active SAM registration to be eligible for award. If, at the time of award, the apparent awardee is determined not responsible and/or does not have an active SAM registration, the Government will consider the next highest rated offer for award.

SECTION 5 – SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT

CLAUSES

The solicitation shall incorporate all the provisions and clauses herein and any resulting tailored clauses specific to the awarded Contractor with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. In addition, this RFQ and any resulting contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04 effective June 02, 2023. Upon request, the CO will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at https://www.acquisition.gov/. ARPA-H includes the following incorporated by reference the clauses below:

PROVISIONS

FAR:

52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020) 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Items (MAR 2023) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial

Services (Dec 2022) 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990)

HHSAR:

352.239-73 Electronic Information and Technology Accessibility Notice (DEC 2015) https://www.acquisition.gov/

FULL TEXT

52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sept 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 Stas Blaushild (stas.blaushild@arpa-h.gov), Contracting Officer, ARPA-H Acquisition & Contracting Office.

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

52.252-1 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 quotation or offer. 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

HHSAR:

352.223-71 Instructions to Offerors - Sustainable Acquisition (DEC 2015)

Offerors must include a Sustainable Acquisition Plan in their technical proposals. The Plan must describe their approach and the quality assurance mechanisms in place for applying FAR 23.1, Sustainable Acquisition Policy (and other Federal laws, regulations and Executive Orders governing sustainable acquisition purchasing) to this acquisition. The Plan shall clearly identify those products and services included in Federal sustainable acquisition preference programs by categorizing them along with their respective price/cost in the following eight groups: Recycled Content, Energy Efficient, Biobased, Environmentally Preferable, Electronic Product Environment Assessment Tool, Water-Efficient, Non-Ozone Depleting Substances, and Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Alternative Fuels.

CLAUSES

52.203-3 Gratuities (APR 1984) 52.203-12 Limitation on Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (JUN 2020) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (Nov

2021) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Items (DEC 2022) 52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction

Contracts (Sep 2013) 52.223-17 Affirmative Procurement of EPA-Designated Items in Service and Construction

Contracts (Aug 2018) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer – System for Award Management (Oct 2018) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Nov 2021) 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses (NOV 2020)

FAR Clause 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jun 2023), applies to this acquisition and includes the following clauses by reference:

52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (NOV 2021) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements

(Jan 2017) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) 52.204-14 Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) 52.204-23 Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or

Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance

Services or Equipment (Nov 2021) 52.204-27 Prohibition on ByteDance Covered Application (JUN 2023) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors

Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Nov 2021) 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters

(Oct 2018) 52.209-10 Prohibitions on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015) 52.219–8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2022) 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation (MAR 2023) 52.222-3 Convict Labor (Jun 2003) 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015) 52.222–26 Equal Opportunity (Sep 2016) 52.222–35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUN 2020)

52.222–36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (JUN 2020) 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act

(Dec 2010) 52.222–41 Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) 52.222-43 Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards—Price Adjustment

(Multiple Year and Option Contracts) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (NOV 2021), Alternate I (MAR 2015) 52.222–54 Employment Eligibility Verification (MAY 2022) 52.222-55 Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (JAN 2022) 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave under Executive Order 13706 52.223-9 Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA Designated Items

(May 2008) 52.223-13 Acquisition of EPEAT®–Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) 52.223-14 Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) 52.223-15 Energy Efficiency In Energy-Consuming Products.