MarVACS_solicitation.docx

National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA Glenn Research Center 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135

Mars Vacuum Annulus Cryogenic System (MarVACS)

Solicitation 80GRC019R0006

Issued: April 10, 2019

Proposals Due: May 17, 2019, 4:30 PM Eastern Time

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Background

NASA is currently investigating concepts to liquefy and store oxygen propellant on the surface of Mars, which is generated through an electrolysis process to separate oxygen from carbon dioxide, the primary component of the atmosphere on Mars. NASA is studying designs of a flight weight system to liquefy and store oxygen and methane on Mars. NASA studies have suggested that a lightweight vacuum shell designed for atmospheric pressure on Mars and not Earth will save several hundred kilograms on the lander ascent stage. Our goal in this procurement is to develop the vacuum and cryogenic tank technology to reduce risk and create a low mass, high performing design applicable to the Mars Ascent Vehicle.

[END OF SECTION]

2. General Information

· Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

· Announcement Title: Mars Vacuum Annulus Cryogenic System (MarVACS) , Solicitation 80GRC019R0006

· NAICS Code: 332420 Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in cutting, forming, and joining heavy gauge metal to manufacture tanks, vessels, and other containers.

· Responsible Implementing Center:

NASA Glenn Research Center 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44235 Points of Contact:

Contracting Officer (CO): Melissa Merrill, CO Email: melissa.a.merrill@nasa.gov

· Inquiries: Questions shall not contain proprietary information nor require proprietary information in the response. NASA shall not provide evaluations, opinions, or recommendations regarding any suggested approaches or concepts. All questions shall be in writing. All questions shall be directed to the Contracting Officer, melissa.a.merrill@nasa.gov, no later than May 3, 2019, 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Inquiries shall identify the company name and solicitation number in the subject field of e-mails.

· Proposals Due: The Offeror’s proposals must be submitted electronically to the following email: melissa.a.merrill@nasa.gov in accordance with instructions no later than May 17, 2019, 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

All proposals shall have the solicitation information in the subject line of the submission. The Subject line shall read Company Name, 80GRC019R0006

The Offeror is solely responsible for ensuring their proposals are received by NASA before the deadline.

Additional information or programmatic changes that may affect this solicitation shall be added as a formal amendment to this solicitation and posted on the solicitation’s webpage at http://www.fbo.gov. It is each prospective applicant’s responsibility to check the webpage for updates concerning this solicitation.

[END OF SECTION]

3. Eligibility of Applicants

All non-Government U.S. institutions (companies, nonprofit organizations) may submit an offer, which shall be considered by the agency. NASA civil servants, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) employees, national laboratories, and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) shall not be eligible to propose on any effort associated with this announcement.

Per NPD 1360.2, Initiation and Development of International Cooperation in Space and Aeronautics Programs, there shall be no exchange of funds with foreign entities.

[END OF SECTION]

4. Award Information

Contract Award: NASA reserves the right to select for award multiple, one, or none of the proposals received in response to this solicitation. The overall number of awards shall be dependent upon funding availability and evaluation results. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award contracts based on initial proposals, without discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed in the best interest of the Government. Accordingly, each Offeror shall submit its initial proposal to the Government using the most favorable terms from a price and technical standpoint.

Period of Performance: NASA desires a period of performance of seven (7) months for this effort. NASA may elect to simultaneously continue one or more awardees for additional period(s) of performance if it is deemed in the best interest of the Government.

Award Date: Award(s) is/are anticipated in the May/June 2019 timeframe. NASA may not make any awards to those selected until NASA receives the fiscal year 2019 appropriations or may choose to only award a portion of those selected and reserve the remaining awards pending the final appropriations for the fiscal year. Any reduced appropriations or continuing resolution may effect NASA’s ability to award to selected Offerors.

Funding Allocation: The Government plans to award one (1) or more contract(s) not to exceed a total of $350,000.00 for all contract(s) awarded. The Government’s obligation to make awards is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payments can be made and the receipt of proposals that NASA determines are acceptable.

[END OF SECTION]

5. Model Contract Instructions

A model contract is provided as Enclosure 3 – Model Contract. The model contract contains all specific clauses applicable to this solicitation. Contract Attachments A, B, and C * are also required as specified in Section J of the model contract. The Offeror shall submit one signed electronic copy of the model contract with their proposal. The Offeror is advised that all sections designated with the text “OFI” represent “Offeror Fill-Ins”. The Offeror shall fill in OFI’s and submit as part of the signed model contract with the proposal submittal. Additionally, sections designated with the text as “TBD” stand for “To Be Determined”. The Offeror shall not fill in the TBD’s. The Government shall update the TBD’s at contract award.

*The following attachments are required and shall become part of the contract:

ATTACHMENT A – Statement of Work - Mars Vacuum Annulus Cryogenic System (MarVACS) ATTACHMENT B - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors or Respondents ATTACHMENT C - Deliverables Table

The Offeror may take exception to, or have unique interpretations of any model contract clauses. These exceptions and/or unique interpretations shall be clearly identified and described including rationale in a Summary of Exceptions and submitted with the signed model contract. The Contracting Officer and the Selection Official shall determine the reasonableness and acceptability of the requested exception(s), and the Offeror shall provide sufficient explanation of the specifics of the exception to support this. Broad generalized exceptions shall be avoided.

Note: Taking exception to, or having unique interpretations of any required clauses MAY result in a negative impact on potential selection.

The Government does not intend to conduct negotiations. However, the Government reserves the right to negotiate with selected Offerors, price terms and any other terms, if it is deemed in the best interest of the Government.

The Model Contract shall be signed and submitted with the Offeror’s proposal by May 17, 2019, 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

[END OF SECTION]

6. Solicitation Section K: Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors or Respondents

K.1 FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (JAN 2018)

(a) (1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 332420.

(2) The small business size standard is 750.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) (1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this Solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror is currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and has completed the Representations and Certifications section of SAM electronically, the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[_] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[_] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the Offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c) (1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements—Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that shall be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations— Representation.

(vii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(viii) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(ix) 52.214-14, Place of Performance—Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(x) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract shall be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(xii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract shall be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xiii) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xiv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222- 26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award shall exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xvi) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xvii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated items.

(xviii) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals— Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.)

(xix) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xx) 52.225-4, Buy American—Free Trade Agreements—Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $80,317, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $80,317 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxi) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan— Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiii) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(1) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

(i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

(ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

_X_ (iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

(iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment— Certification.

(v) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services—Certification.

(vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

(vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

(viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM Web site accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the Offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [Offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s), as shown in Table K-1, are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Table K-1. Offeror’s Amended Representation(s) and/or Certification(s)

Any changes provided by the Offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of Provision)

K.2 FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Administrative proceeding means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceeding at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000 means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite- delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

Principal means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The Offeror (OFI) [ ] has [ ] does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the Offeror checked “has” in paragraph (b) of this provision, the Offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the Offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with award to or performance by the Offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been subject of proceeding, at Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in—

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the Offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in (c)(1) of this provision, whether the Offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The Offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management database via https://www.acquisition.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of Provision)

K.3 FAR 52.209-13 Violation of Arms Control Treaties or Agreements - Certification (JUN 2018)

(a) This provision does not apply to acquisitions below the simplified acquisition threshold or to acquisitions of commercial items as defined at FAR 2.101.

(b) Certification. (the Offeror shall check either (1) or (2). OFI)

(1) The Offeror certifies that—

(i) It does not engage and has not engaged in any activity that contributed to or was a significant factor in the President’s or Secretary of State’s determination that a foreign country is in violation of its obligations undertaken in any arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament agreement to which the United States is a party, or is not adhering to its arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament commitments in which the United States is a participating state. The determinations are described in the most recent unclassified annual report provided to Congress pursuant to section 403 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act (22 U.S.C. 2593a). The report is available via the internet at https://www.state.gov/t/avc/rls/rpt/; and

(ii) No entity owned or controlled by the Offeror has engaged in any activity that contributed to or was a significant factor in the President’s or Secretary of State’s determination that a foreign country is in violation of its obligations undertaken in any arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament agreement to which the United States is a party, or is not adhering to its arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament commitments in which the United States is a participating state. The determinations are described in the most recent unclassified annual report provided to Congress pursuant to section 403 of the Arms Control and Disarmament Act (22 U.S.C. 2593a). The report is available via the internet at https://www.state.gov/t/avc/rls/rpt/; or

(2) The Offeror is providing separate information with its offer in accordance with paragraph (d)(2) of this provision.

(c) Procedures for reviewing the annual unclassified report (see paragraph (b)(1) of this provision). For clarity, references to the report in this section refer to the entirety of the annual unclassified report, including any separate reports that are incorporated by reference into the annual unclassified report.

(1) Check the table of contents of the annual unclassified report and the country section headings of the reports incorporated by reference to identify the foreign countries listed there. Determine whether the Offeror or any person owned or controlled by the Offeror may have engaged in any activity related to one or more of such foreign countries.

(2) If there may have been such activity, review all findings in the report associated with those foreign countries to determine whether or not each such foreign country was determined to be in violation of its obligations undertaken in an arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament agreement to which the United States is a party, or to be not adhering to its arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament commitments in which the United States is a participating state. For clarity, in the annual report an explicit certification of non-compliance is equivalent to a determination of violation. However, the following statements in the annual report are not equivalent to a determination of violation:

(i) An inability to certify compliance.

(ii) An inability to conclude compliance.

(iii) A statement about compliance concerns.

(3) If so, determine whether the Offeror or any person owned or controlled by the Offeror has engaged in any activity that contributed to or is a significant factor in the determination in the report that one or more of these foreign countries is in violation of its obligations undertaken in an arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament agreement to which the United States is a party, or is not adhering to its arms control, nonproliferation, or disarmament commitments in which the United States is a participating state. Review the narrative for any such findings reflecting a determination of violation or non- adherence related to those foreign countries in the report, including the finding itself, and to the extent necessary, the conduct giving rise to the compliance or adherence concerns, the analysis of compliance or adherence concerns, and efforts to resolve compliance or adherence concerns.

(4) The Offeror may submit any questions with regard to this report by email to NDAA1290Cert@state.gov. To the extent feasible, the Department of State shall respond to such email inquiries within three (3) business days.

(d) Do not submit an offer unless—

(1) A certification is provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision and submitted with the offer; or

(2) In accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this provision, the Offeror provides with its offer information that the President of the United States has—

(i) Waived application under U.S.C. 2593e(d) or (e); or

(ii) Determined under 22 U.S.C. 2593e(g)(2) that the entity has ceased all activities for which measures were imposed under 22 U.S.C.2593e(b).

(e) Remedies. The certification in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly submitted a false certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Government, such as suspension or debarment, the Contracting Officer may terminate any contract resulting from the false certification.

(End of Provision)

K.4 NFS 1852.225-72 Restriction on Funding Activity with China – Representation (FEB 2012)(Deviation)

(a) Definition - “China” or “Chinese-owned” means the People’s Republic of China, any company owned by the People’s Republic of China or any company incorporated under the laws of the People’s Republic of China.

(b) Public Laws 112-10, Section 1340(a) and 112-55, Section 536, restrict NASA from contracting to participate, collaborate, or coordinate bilaterally in any way with China or a Chinese-owned company with funds appropriated on or after April 25, 2011. Contracts for commercial and non-developmental items are excepted from the prohibition, as they constitute purchase of goods or services that would not involve participation, collaboration, or coordination between the parties.

(c) Representation. By submission of its offer, the Offeror represents that the Offeror is not China or a Chinese-owned company.

(End of Provision) [END OF SECTION]

7. Solicitation Section L: Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

L.1 FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2016)

L.2 FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (JUL 2016)

L.3 FAR 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal (JAN 2017)

L.4 FAR 52.207-1 Notice of Standard Competition (MAY 2006)

L.5 FAR 52.211-14 Notice of Priority Rating for National Defense, Emergency Preparedness, and Energy Program Use (APR 2008)

Any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation shall be DO rated order certified for national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy program use under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) (15 CFR 700), and the Contractor shall be required to follow all of the requirements of this regulation.

(End of Provision)

L.6 FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors — Competitive Acquisition (JAN 2017)

L.7 FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

L.8 FAR 52.223-22 Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals —Representation (DEC 2016) L.9 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

(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)

L.10 FAR 52.250-2 Safety Act Coverage Not Applicable (FEB 2009)

L.11 FAR 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 shall 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):

For Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions, see https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar For NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) provisions, see http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/procurement/regs/NFS.pdf (End of Provision)

L.12 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 of any NASA FAR Supplement (48 CFR Chapter 18) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of (DEVIATION) after the name of the regulation.

(End of Provision)

L.13 NFS 1852.215-81 Proposal Page Limitations (APR 2015)

(a) The following page limitations are established for each portion of the proposal submitted in response to this solicitation, as shown in Table L-1 below.

Milestone Reviews and Payment Plan Approach (Section IV)

Price Proposal with Price Summary Workbook Templates (Section VI) No limit

Signed Model Contract (Section IX) with Contract Attachments A, B, and C No limit

Table L-1. Proposal Sections and Page Limitations

(b) A page is defined as one side of sheet, 81⁄2″ × 11″, with at least one-inch margins on all sides, using single spacing and not smaller than 12 point type. Foldout pages, illustrations, and/or photographs are allowed, for the display of unique and critically important proposal data. Foldout pages shall count as multiple pages, dependent on number of fold out sections, against the required page limit. For example, a three-section foldout would be equal to three pages on the page limitation.

Only non-proposal material, e.g., page numbers, section titles, disclaimers, etc., is permitted in headers and footers. Proposals may not include references to materials outside the proposal (e.g. published articles and sites on the internet) for information or material needed to either complete or understand the proposal.

While text within figures and tables may use a smaller font, it must not be smaller than 10- point. Figure and table captions must follow the same font requirements and restrictions as the main proposal text. It is recommended that expository text necessary for the proposal not be located solely in figures or tables, or in their captions.

(c) The Price section of your proposal is not page limited. However, this section is to be strictly limited to price information. Information that can be construed as belonging in one of the other sections of the proposal shall be so construed and counted against that section’s page limitation.

(d) If final proposal revisions are requested, separate page limitations shall be specified in the Government’s request for that submission.

(e) Pages submitted in excess of the limitations specified in this provision shall not be evaluated by the Government and shall be returned to the Offeror.

(End of Provision)

L.14 NFS 1852.227-71 Requests for Waiver of Rights to Inventions (APR 2015)

L.15 NFS 1852.227-84 Patent Rights Clauses (APR 2015)

L.16 NFS 1852.233-70 Protests to NASA (DEC 2015)

L.17 GRC 52.235-91 Submission of Executive Technical Summary for R&D Requirements (APRIL 2007)

The Offeror shall submit, as part of the proposal, an Executive Technical Summary of the work to be performed under the resultant contract. The Summary shall consider the Government’s MarVACS Statement of Work, Enclosure 2, included in this solicitation, and the Offeror’s proposed technical approach to satisfy capabilities requirements.

The Summary shall be approximately 300 words in length and shall contain text only - no tables, scientific symbols, or graphics. The Summary shall be detailed enough to enable ready comprehension of the R&D effort to be conducted.

The Summary shall not contain proprietary, classified, or other confidential information. Pursuant to the R&D information integration requirements of Section 207 of the E-Government Act of 2002, NASA shall post the Summary submitted by the successful Offeror to the Federal Procurement Data System at the time of contract award.

The Summary is excluded from the page limitations specified in NFS 1852.215-81, included elsewhere in this Section L.

(End of Provision) L.18 Proposal Submission Information

A. Instructions for Proposals

1. Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal format and content requirements as outlined in this section below are specific to this solicitation. The required sections of the proposal must be submitted as one searchable, unlocked PDF file with edit permission enabled. Applicants must comply with the format and page limit requirements as stated in this solicitation.

There is a 10mB limit for the electronic media file size for proposals. Only attachments that are specifically requested in this solicitation shall be submitted. The e-mail submission shall identify the email as “Company Name – 80GRC019R0006 Proposal Submission” in the subject field of the e-mail. Applicants shall use the email: melissa.a.merrill@nasa.gov for proposal submissions.

Proposals received after May 17, 2019, 4:30 PM Eastern Time by the Government shall not be accepted. Hard copies shall not be accepted.

2. Title Page:

· Include any Notice of Restriction on Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information

· An optional graphic image may be included

· The Proposer’s name of the proposal or proposed project

· Date of the proposal

· The title and solicitation number

· Organization name and address

· Proposer POC name, title, e-mail address, and phone number

· Proposer’s CAGE code

Section I. Executive Summary: The Offeror shall submit, as part of the proposal, an Executive Technical Summary of the work to be performed under the resultant contract. See Provision L.18 GRC 52.235-91 Submission of Executive Technical Summary for R&D Requirements (April 2007).

Section II. Proof of Eligibility: The Offeror shall provide information showing that the Offeror and all team members are eligible participants as stipulated in the solicitation. All team members shall have the skill set and the availability required to complete the study as described in the Government’s MarVACS Statement of Work, Enclosure 2. Also, see 5. Eligibility of Applicants.

Section III. Technical Approach to Conducting Study: The Offeror’s technical approach shall specify how their SOW, which is also part of the contract attachments, proposes to comply with the NASA unique requirements, including the techniques and processes the Offeror proposes to implement.

Section IV. Milestone Reviews and Payment Plan Approach: The Offeror shall submit a description of proposed milestone reviews and a milestone payment plan describing the scope of each milestone and the percentage of cost associated with each proposed milestone.

Section V. Intellectual Property: The Government intends to retain data rights, as per Clause FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General (May 2014) [(Modified by NFS 1852.227-14 (Apr 2015)]. The Offeror shall submit a description of the approach for data rights and how they meet the objectives in the Government’s MarVACS Statement of Work, Enclosure 2, of this solicitation.

Section VI. Price Proposal: The Offeror shall provide their price as well as attach the two (2) Price Summary Workbook Templates specified in Enclosure 4 of the solicitation. See L.22 Preparation of Price Proposal.

Section VII. Qualifications of the Offeror: The Offeror shall provide resumes on the organization’s capabilities and the qualifications of key personnel. Resumes shall include education, experience, background, accomplishments, and other pertinent information.

Section VIII. Preparation of Past Performance: The Offeror shall provide a minimum of three (3) past performance references for relevant Federal contracts of similar work.

See L.21 Preparation of Past Performance.

Section IX. Signed Model Contract: The Offeror shall provide one filled in and signed electronic copy of the model contract with their proposal. The Offeror shall also provide all contract attachments (A, B, and C) as designated in the contract Section J. Also, see

7. Model Contract Instructions.

(End of Provision)

L.19 Preparation of Technical Approach

The Offeror shall provide a written narrative explaining how they will complete the work proposed. This narrative shall include the Executive Technical Summary as stated in L.18 GRC 52.235-91 Submission of Executive Technical Summary for R&D Requirements (April 2007).

The Offeror shall submit a work plan (model contract Attachment A) that includes a work breakdown structure and a description of the major tasks, milestones, and deliverables.

The proposal shall include the Offeror’s understanding of the relevant NASA, Federal, State and local regulations.

(End of Provision) L.20 Preparation of Past Performance

The Offeror shall provide a minimum of three (3) past performance references for relevant Federal contracts of similar work. These references shall also include the Federal agency’s name, address, DUNS number, CAGE code, POC name and email address, a summary of the work, size, customer, contract type, and how that project directly relates to the proposed effort.

(End of Provision)

L.21 Preparation of Price Proposal

A. Overview/General Instructions

The Government contemplates award of a one or more NASA Firm Fixed Price contracts. The awarded contract shall have a seven-month base period of performance, as shown in Table L-2, with a possible Phase B award, period of performance to be determined at the time of Phase B award.

Table L-2. Contract Period of Performance

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires Contracting Officers to purchase supplies and services from responsible sources at fair and reasonable prices. The Government assumes that adequate price competition shall exist and that the amount and types of data required shall be adequate to ensure the price proposals have been prepared on a sound basis that shall allow the Government to evaluate the Offeror’s competitive approach, and to determine cost realism and price reasonableness. Therefore the submission of certified cost or pricing data is negated (FAR 15.403-1) and shall not be requested unless proposed prices appear unreasonable or unrealistically low given the Offeror’s proposed technical approach and there are concerns that the Contractor may default; and/or if only one proposal is received in response to the solicitation (FAR 15.403-1(c)). The Offeror shall be advised if additional ‘other than certified cost or pricing data’ is required (FAR 15.403-3).

The price proposal shall encompass all costs associated with the requirements of this solicitation and shall comply with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), NASA FAR Supplement (NFS), and governing statutory requirements.

B. Additional Instructions

· Formulas: All formulas used in the electronic pricing template spreadsheets must be clearly visible. The workbooks shall not contain macros or hidden cells. The use of external links is prohibited.

· Pre-populated Formulas: Selected templates have formulas pre-populated by the Government as a courtesy. The Offeror is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of these formulas and editing/correcting them as necessary.

· Locks: The electronic submittal shall not be locked/protected or secured by passwords in part or in whole.

· Scanned Documents: The Government has provided Price templates for completion by the Offeror in a Microsoft Excel fo1mat. The Offeror shall submit the templates in a Microsoft Excel format and shall not submit scanned versions in the electronic submittal. Should there be discrepancies between an Offeror 's electronic and hardcopy version of its price proposal data, the hard copy version takes precedence over all electronic versions of the proposal.

· Rounding: Monetary amounts, other than Direct Labor Rates, may be expressed to the closest whole dollar amount, with cents omitted. Indirect Rate Percentages and Direct Labor Rates shall be expressed to no less than the second decimal place.

· The Price proposal for the Offeror and major subcontractors shall consist of two Part s, with each Part consisting of various Sections. Each Part and Section shall be clearly tabbed and labeled. Table L-3 outlines the structure of the two Parts and their respective Sections.

Price Proposal-Part 1: General Price Information

Section 1 - Price Proposal Introductory Page

Section 2 - Table of Contents

Section 3 - Responsibility Determination Disclosures (Financial Capability)

Price Proposal-Part 2: Price Templates

Section 4 - Workbooks

1. "MarVACS" Price SummaryWorkbook Templates, Enclosure 4 from the solicitation

Table L-3. Price Structure

1) Price Proposal – Part 1: General Price Information Section 1: Price Proposal Introductory Page The following information is required on the introductory page of the price proposal:

· Title: “Price Proposal”

· Solicitation Number, 80GRC019R0006

· The Offeror’s (or Business) name and address

· CAGE Code

· Type of contract, place(s) and period(s) of performance

· The total proposed price

· Name, address, telephone and fax number of the Government cognizant contract audit office

· Name, address, telephone and fax number of the Government cognizant contract administration office

· Name, title, telephone number, and e-mail address of a Point of Contact familiar with and authorized to provide additional information concerning the Price Proposal to both NASA and Contracting Officer’s designated Federal Government or contract auditors.

Section 2: Table of Contents

The price proposal shall include a table of contents for ready reference to key parts, figures, and illustrations. For convenience, the price proposal may be divided into separate binders, provided they are properly identified as such, e.g., “Price Proposal, Part I”, and must adhere to all other proposal format and page limitations instructions given herein. For Part 2, each of the Excel workbooks shall be clearly tabbed.

Section 3: Responsibility Determination Disclosures (Financial Capability)

To determine if an Offeror is in accordance with FAR 9.104-1(a), the Offeror shall submit information that demonstrates their financial capability to perform the contract. Acceptable information includes letters from certified United States banks indicating the available amount of credit for the business and the company’s annual report. If a teaming arrangement, joint venture, or other business combination is contemplated, disclose each participant’s responsibility for financial management of the venture, funding requirements, limitation of liabilities, and any other information that describes the financial arrangement.

2) Price Proposal – Part 2: Price Templates Section 1: Workbooks The Offeror is instructed to complete all templates provided in the attached Microsoft Excel Workbook, MarVACS Price Summary Workbook Templates, Enclosure 4, from the solicitation. The Offeror may resize/edit the templates to better fit the proposal package and/or its estimating and accounting practices but must adhere to the format designs provided. The Offeror’s own format shall be used for supporting information.

Workbook names included shall begin with the company name’s first three letters followed by a hyphen and the workbooks file name. Below is an example of how company “ABC” would name their Price Proposal workbook: Example: “ABC- Price Summary Template.xlsx”

Workbook 1: MarVACS Price Summary Template, Enclosure 4, from the solicitation.

This workbook is designed to depict the total proposed price of the contract.

Template 1: Total Price

This worksheet template is designed to summarize the total proposed price (profit included) by FY year. The total proposed price shall reconcile with the amount on the proposal cover page and supporting pricing templates. Include all contractor- required travel costs associated with Government’s MarVACS Capabilities Summary, Enclosure 2.

Template 2: Labor

This template is designed to depict the proposed direct labor costs for the contract. Instructions:

In column B, the Offeror shall insert their proposed labor category.

In column C, the Offeror shall indicate whether the labor category is Exempt (E) or Non-exempt (N) from the Service Contract Act and/or a Union (U) position.

In column D, the Offeror shall insert the number of hours for each labor category in the ‘Hours’ column and shall ensure that it is consistent with the Hours proposed in the Technical Volume. The Offeror shall include a brief position description of every labor category proposed to allow for evaluation.

In column E, the Offeror shall insert the Fully Burdened Labor Rate and calculate the proposed price by labor category.

Any proposed uncompensated overtime for employees exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) shall be identified, supported, and justified with a written explanation. Uncompensated overtime hours, if any, shall be included in computing the effective Standard Labor Rate.

(End of Provision) [END OF SECTION]

10. Solicitation Section M: Evaluation Factors for Award

M.1 Source Selection and Evaluation Factors

A. GENERAL

1. This competitive negotiated acquisition shall be conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.3, “Source Selection,” and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) 1815.3, same subject.

2. The attention of Offerors is particularly directed to NFS 1815.305 “Proposal evaluation,” and NFS 1815.305-70 “Identification of unacceptable proposals.”

3. The Government may award to one (1) or more companies based on the initial offers received, without discussion of such offers. Accordingly, each Offeror shall submit its initial proposal to the Government using the most favorable terms from a price and technical standpoint. Discussions shall be held only if award on the basis of initial offers is determined not to be in the Government’s best interest. If written or oral discussions are conducted, the Government shall seek Final Proposal Revisions from the Offeror’s within the competitive range.

4. Award(s) shall be made to one (1) or more responsible Offeror(s) whose proposal(s) meet(s) the requirements of the solicitation and provide(s) the best value to the Government.

5. A lack of clarity or specificity in an Offeror’s proposal may be interpreted as a lack of understanding.

B. EVALUATION FACTORS

1) Technical Approach

The Government shall evaluate the Offeror’s understanding of the relevant NASA, Federal, State and local regulations.

The Technical Approach Factors are Adjectivally Scored in accordance with Table M-1, Sub-factors Rating Definitions:

ADJECTIVAL RATINGS

DEFINITIONS

EXCELLENT

A comprehensive and thorough proposal of exceptional merit with one or more significant strengths. No deficiency or significant weakness exists.

VERY GOOD

A proposal having no deficiency and which demonstrates over-all competence. One or more significant strengths have been found, and strengths outbalance any weaknesses that exist.

GOOD

A proposal having no deficiency and which shows a reasonably sound response. There may be strengths or weaknesses, or both. As a whole, weaknesses not offset by strengths do not significantly detract from the Offeror’s response.

FAIR

A proposal having no deficiency and which has one or more weaknesses.