Section_L_07-30-19.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY, SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION – SEE FAR 2.101 AND 3.104.

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

LIST OF SECTION L ATTACHMENTS

Attachment L1 – Solicitation Question & Answer Template

Attachment L2 – Corporate Experience Template

Attachment L3-Sample Questionnaire Cover Letter

Attachment L4– Subcontractor/Teaming Partner Consent Letter

Attachment L5-DISA Subcontracting Plan Review Checklist

Attachment L6-Cost/Pricing Templates

Attachment L7 –Non-government Advisor Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

L1 – INFORMATION TO OFFERORS

L1.0 Program Title and Objectives

The Communications Technical Support Services (CTSS) IV contract will provide communications systems acquisition, integration, installation, operations & maintenance

(O&M) in support of United States Air Force Central Command deployed mission requirements.

L2.0 General Instructions

L2.0.1. This section of the Information to Offerors provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The offeror's proposal must include all data and information requested by the RFP and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offer shall address all requirements as stated in the Statement of Work (SOW), and Deliverable List. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this Information to Offerors may result in removal of the proposal from further evaluation.

L2.0.2. The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the

Government has no prior knowledge of their capabilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.

L2.0.3. Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, internet hyperlinks, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

L2.0.4. The offeror shall make a clear statement in Volume I cover page that the proposal is valid for a minimum of 365 days from the proposal due date.

L2.0.5. In accordance with (IAW) FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the

Government will retain one digital copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

L2.0.6. Portions of the successful offeror’s proposal may be incorporated into the contract as an attachment in Section J.

L2.0.7. Use of Non-Government Advisors. Non-Government personnel will be used on the source selection evaluation team. The non-government advisor may have access to all aspects of the offeror’s proposal except for past performance information. The non-government advisors are from the following companies:

MaCaulay Brown LLC

1953 Gallows Road

Suite 590

Vienna, VA 22182

Inter-Op

One Columbus Center, Suite 622

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) from the company providing each non-government advisor is included with this solicitation. If offerors object to any of the companies listed as participating on the source selection team, the offeror must send their objection to the contracting office point of contact immediately. Otherwise the offeror should sign and submit the completed NDA along with the proposal. Failure to submit the completed NDA(s) along with the proposal may result in the offeror being ineligible for award.

L2.1 General Information

L2.1.1. Point of Contact.

The contracting officer (KO) and the contract specialists (CS) are the sole points of contact for this procurement. Address any questions or concerns to the KO and CS. Written requests for clarification must be sent to the KO at the email address located in Section G.

Contracting Officer (KO)

Name: Deane Turner

Organization/Office Symbol: Procurement Services Directorate (PSD)/PL8312

Phone: 618-418-6748

Email: deane.e.turner.civ@mail.mil

Contract Specialists

Name: Jessica Boeckman

Organization/Office Symbol: PSD/PL8312

Phone: 618-418-6623 mailto:deane.e.turner.civ@mail.mil

Email: jessica.s.boeckman.civ@mail.mil

Name: Katie Couch-Oliver

Organization/Office Symbol: PSD/PL8312

Phone: 618-418-6734

Email: emily.k.couch-oliver.civ@mail.mil

L2.1.2. Debriefings.

The KO will notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range;

whereupon, they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505.

Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing.

However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The KO will notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

L2.1.3. Discrepancies.

If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the KO in writing.

L2.1.4. Electronic Reference Documents.

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Federal Business

Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation. The CTSS IV FedBizOpps web page is http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. Additional documents, known as the Bidder’s Library, pertaining to the technical requirements of this solicitation will be posted at http://www.fedbizopps.gov as attachments to the RFP. The Offeror will need to be logged into their FBO account to request access to the Bidder’s Library.

L2.1.5. Communications.

Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the KO or CS. Evaluation notices and responses will be transmitted as emails and will be treated as source selection information. The subject line of the email shall be titled: “RFP

HC1028-19-R-0009, Contractor Name, Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and

3.104.” Questions/comments are due no later than XX:XX (ET/CT/PT) on MMM DD, YYYY.

Questions submitted after the deadline may not be answered. The email address for the KO and

CS are contained in para L2.1.1, Point of Contact, above.

No information concerning this solicitation or requests for clarification will be provided in response to offeror initiated telephone calls. All such requests must be made in writing and submitted as directed above. All questions/comments provided in a timely manner will be answered in writing and provided to all offerors. However, written inquiries may not be mailto:jessica.s.boeckman.civ@mail.mil mailto:emily.k.couch-oliver.civ@mail.mil http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ answered when requests are received by the Government points of contact after the original due date for receipt of questions as specified in this solicitation. The timeframe for submitting inquiries will not be extended as a result of an extension to the due date for the receipt of offers unless authorized by the KO.

L2.1.6. Award without Discussions.

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial proposal should contain the offeror’s best approach/terms for technical, management, past performance, and price; however, despite this intent, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Source Selection Authority (SSA) determines they are necessary. If the SSA determines that discussions are necessary, a competitive range will be established. In the event issues pertaining to a proposed contract cannot be resolved to the SSA's satisfaction, the Government reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the solicitation. In such event, offerors will be notified in writing.

L2.1.7. Organizational and Consultant Conflict of Interest (OCCI).

Each offeror shall specifically identify in its proposal whether or not any potential or actual

OCCI, as described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Subpart 9.5, exists for this procurement. If the offeror believes that no OCCI exists, the OCCI response shall set forth sufficient details to support such a position. If an offeror believes that an actual or perceived OCCI does exist on this procurement, the offeror shall submit an OCCI plan with the proposal, explaining in detail how the OCCI will be mitigated and/or avoided.

L2.1.8. DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification. Offerors must complete

Block 6 of the attached DD254 with the appropriate information for their companies.

Completed DD254’s must be submitted with proposals provided in RFP Section J, Attachment

1. Security classification requirements must be met at time of proposal submission.

L2.2. Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits.

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table 1 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table 1.

The contents of each proposal volume are described in the information to offerors paragraph as noted in the table below.

Table L1 - Proposal Organization

VOLUME VOLUME TITLE PAGE LIMIT

I Executive Summary

Part A Proposal Title Page 1 page

Part B Master Table of Contents N/A

Part C Narrative Summary 5 pages

Part D Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms N/A

II Factor 1-Phase One-Technical/Management

Part A Table of Contents No limit

Part B Response to Subfactor 1-(M3.1.1)Task Order

(TO) 0001 Highlighted Key Personnel

Qualifications (Pass/Fail)

For each proposed individual:

1 Resume

1 Letter of Intent

III Factor 1 –Phase Two-Technical Management

Part A Volume Cover Page 1 page

Part B Table of Contents N/A

Part C Response to Subfactor 1-(M3.2.1)

Management Approach

25 Pages

Part D Response to Subfactor 2: TO 0001 Project

Staffing, Recruiting, and Retention

10 pages

Part E Response to Subfactor 3-Corporate

Experience

5 Pages

Required Spreadsheet

Part H Cross Reference Matrix N/A

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms N/A

V Factor 2-Small Business Participation

Part A Volume Cover Page 1 Page

Part B Table of Contents N/A

Part C Small Business Participation Plan 10 pages (does not include documentation regarding enforceable commitments. Page count for these documents is N/A)

Part D Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms 1 Page

VI Factor 3-Cost/Price

Part A Volume Cover Page 1 Page

Part B Table of Contents N/A

Part C Cost/Price Information 20 pages (does not include

FPRP, FPRR, and FPRAs.

Page count for these documents is N/A)

Part D Summary Descriptions of estimating, purchasing, and accounting systems; changes to estimating, accounting practices, or Cost

5 pages.

Evidence of approved accounting, estimating and

Accounting Standards (CAS) Disclosure

Statement purchasing systems are not included in the page limit.

Part E Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets (Attachments

L6)

N/A (MS Excel 2016 or higher)

Part F Other Information N/A

Part G Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms N/A

VII Contract Documentation

Part A Volume Cover Page 1 Page

Part B Table of Contents N/A

Part C Contract Documentation N/A

Part D Other Company Information N/A

Part E Organizational and Consultant Conflict of

Interest Mitigation Plan

15 pages

Part F Subcontracting Plan 50 pages

Part G SCRM Plan 15 pages

Part H Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms N/A

L2.2.1. Page Limitations.

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may be placed on responses to

Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors. Page limitations shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information; such inclusions are not acceptable and will not be considered part of the proposal. The Government reserves the right not to consider for award any proposal that does not adhere to the administrative requirements of this solicitation. Each page shall be counted except resumes, blank pages, or those identified in Table L1, Proposal Organization, as having no limit.

L2.2.2. Page Size and Format.

L2.2.2.1. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, not including foldouts. Pages shall be single-spaced. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12-point Times New

Roman font for all text. The technical volume of the proposal shall be submitted as both an

MSWord 2007 or newer file and as an Adobe PDF document. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall apply to responses to ENs. These limitations shall apply to both electronic and hard copy proposals. It is the sole responsibility of the Offeror to ensure that the electronic files submitted are virus free and can be opened and read by the Government. Proposal submissions shall not be locked, encrypted, or otherwise contain barriers to opening. The Government is under no obligation to seek clarification regarding electronic proposal submissions if submissions cannot be opened or accessed.

L2.2.2.2. Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall count as a single page. Foldout pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams and schematics not for pages of text. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point Times New Roman font for all text included in a table. These limitations shall apply to both electronic and hard copy proposals.

L2.2.3. Cost or Pricing Information

All cost or pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Cost/Price Proposal Volumes.

Cost trade-off information, work-hour estimates, and material kinds and quantities may be used in other volumes only as appropriate for presenting rationale for alternatives or design and trade-off decisions.

L2.2.4. Cross-Referencing

To the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with a minimum of cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation, which is not found in its designated volume, will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

L2.2.5. Indexing.

Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections.

L2.2.6. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms.

Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and with an explanation for each.

L2.2.7. Volume Cover Page

Volume I, Part A, Proposal Title Page contents shall contain a cover page as Part A of the respective volume. Each cover page shall contain:

a. Contractor name

b. Solicitation name and number

c. Volume Number

d. Names, titles, electronic addresses and telephone and facsimile numbers of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation

e. Name, address, electronic address and telephone numbers of the offeror

f. The company/division's facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code; TIN;

L2.2.6. Table of Contents

Volume I, Part B, Table of Contents, shall include a Master Table of Contents for all volumes. The Table of Contents for Volumes II-VII, shall contain a Table of

Contents as Part B specific to the respective volume to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections.

L2.3. Electronic Offers.

Submitting proposals via the worldwide web:

a. To respond to this solicitation, the offeror shall deliver an electronic proposal to https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/ in accordance with the following instructions:

Prior to submitting proposals, the offerors shall be registered in System for Award Management

(http://www.sam.gov). The offeror must also have an External Certification Authority (ECA), located at: http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/. This webpage provides links to approved External

Certificate Authorities (ECA). To apply for a certificate, select one of the approved ECA vendors and complete the registration. When applying, personnel will be required to verify their identity. If a new ECA is required, please contact the ECA vendor as soon as possible. The length of acquiring an ECA depends on the vendor approval. **NOTE: A Medium Assurance certificate is the type of certificate required.**

The offeror must also be registered on the DITCO Solicitation and Uploads (formerly DCOP) web site, https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/. If the offeror has an existing account (i.e., registered with DITCO for a prior solicitation) it is not necessary to re-register. The offeror may use that existing account to upload this proposal. If the offeror is required to register on the DITCO web site, choose the option for "The solicitation requires vendor registrations for eligibility" during the registration process. The offeror will then be prompted to enter the solicitation number. The solicitation number entered at this point is only used to help DITCO prioritize the order in which to review and approve the registration requests. Upon completion of the on-line registration process, a DITCO representative will review and approve the registration request before the offeror will be given access to the protected areas of the web site.

As soon as the registration has been approved, an email will be sent to the email address of the person who registered. The email will contain a user id and password that will be needed when uploading proposals. The approval of the registration request usually takes one business day.

This registration process allows DITCO to precisely track when proposals are uploaded (or attempted to be uploaded). Offerors are strongly encouraged to register a minimum of two weeks prior to uploading a proposal. Offerors should also attempt to upload their proposal https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/ as early as possible to ensure no problems arise at the last minute. If you have any problems contact the DITCO Customer Service Center via email at: disa.scott.ditco.mbx.technical-support@mail.mil.

b. All proposal volumes shall be submitted in both MSWord 2007 or newer file, and as

Adobe Acrobat, Portable Document Format (Adobe PDF), Version XI; except the Pricing

Proposal, which shall be submitted in MS Excel 2007 or 2010. Note: There shall be no page markings with restrictive legend prohibiting the copying and pasting of text for

Government use specific to this acquisition.

c. Submit each volume as a separate electronic .zip file with the name of the volume from

Table L1. Each individual file within the zip file must be autonomous and complete.

d. Virus Check. Offerors shall perform a virus check prior to proposal submittal and certify they have done so in the proposal’s Cover Pages.

e. Use of the software and procedures described in this part will reduce the amount of time and effort needed by the Government to receive and install proposals into an electronic evaluation system and will help to ensure that proposals are suitable for reading electronically. Information regarding electronic products listed herein should not be construed as Government endorsement for such products.

f. Due Date/Time. The time specified on the SF-33, Block 9, is in Eastern Time

(ET)/Central Time (CT). Any proposal, modification, or revision that is received at the

DITCO Solicitation and Uploads web site specified in Section L2.3(a) after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals in Block 9 is “late” and will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208(b) and subparagraphs thereto.

g. The offeror’s proposal submission will be considered complete when all volumes have been received.

h. The offeror shall prepare a “readme” file, included in Volume I, which describes the organization and layout of the files in its electronic submission. The file shall describe the names of the .zip files and the names of each file included therein.

i. Efforts by the Government to clarify or expedite installation of electronic proposal submissions, in accordance with FAR 15.207(c), will not be considered discussions.

L2.4. Distribution.

Proposals shall be uploaded as requested in paragraph L2.3(a) above. Or, if not having them uploaded state: Proposals shall be addressed to the KO with a copy to the CS at the following email addresses: deane.e.turner.civ@mail.mil, emily.k.couch-oliver.civ@mail.mil, and jessica.s.boeckman.civ@mail.mil.

L3.0. Volume I - Executive Summary.

In the executive summary volume, the offeror shall provide the following information:

mailto:disa.scott.ditco.mbx.technical-support@mail.mil mailto:disa.scott.ditco.mbx.technical-support@mail.mil mailto:deane.e.turner.civ@mail.mil mailto:emily.k.couch-oliver.civ@mail.mil mailto:jessica.s.boeckman.civ@mail.mil

L3.1. Narrative Summary.

The narrative summary of the entire proposal should be concise, to include addressing the significant risks, and highlighting any key or unique features, excluding cost/price. The salient features should tie in with Section M evaluation factors/subfactors. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

L3.2. Table of Contents.

Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal.

L4.0. Technical/Management Volumes

The Technical/Management Volumes should be specific and complete. Responses will be evaluated against the technical/management subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation

Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology to be used for accomplishing/satisfying these subfactors. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

In the Technical/Management volume, address the proposed approach to meeting or exceeding the minimum performance or capability requirements of each technical/management subfactor, as well as the risks in the proposed approach in terms of technical/performance, cost, and/or schedule.

L4.1. Volume II – Phase I-Technical/Management Volume (Factor 1).

The Technical/Management Volume II shall be organized according to the following general outline:

Part A- Table of Contents

Part B- Subfactor 1 (M3.1.1)Task Order (TO) 0001 Highlighted Key Personnel

L4.2. Volume III–Phase II-Technical/Management Volume (Factor 2)

The Technical/Management volume III shall be organized according to the following general outline.

Part A-Volume Cover Page

Part B-Table of Contents

Part C- Response to (M3.2.1) Management Approach

Part D- Response to Subfactor 2-TO 0001- Project Staffing, Recruiting, and Retention

Approach

Part E- Response to Subfactor 3-Corporate Experience

Part F- Cross Reference Matrix

Part G- Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

L5.0. Volume IV - Small Business Participation Factor (Factor 3).

L5.1. Volume Organization

Part A – Volume Cover Page

Part B-Table of Contents

Part C- Small Business Participation Plan

Part D-Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

L5.2– Small Business Participation Plan

All offerors that submit proposals as a prime contractor are required to propose on the extent of their inclusion of small businesses in the performance of the contract, including: small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, HUBZone small business, and service-disabled veteran-owned small business. This is only applicable for work that will be performed in the CONUS locations. The Government’s assessment of small business participation and commitment will be measured to determine if small business participation is maximized where applicable. Small business participation is a separate and distinctly different requirement from the FAR 19.704 requirement for the Contracting Officer to review and accept an offeror‘s subcontracting plan. The small business participation plan is an actual commitment document that addresses the extent of small business utilization in the performance of a contract as outlined in DFARS 215.304(c)(i). The small business participation plan outlines the

"specifics" or the "how" or the "details" of the offeror’s firm intentions to maximize the utilization of small businesses within this acquisition. The offeror shall articulate small business contributions to contract performance at the prime contract through first tier subcontract levels. Second and third tier small business subcontractors will not be considered towards the total small business participation percentage.

All offerors, including small businesses and those who are DoD Comprehensive Test Program participants, shall submit a small business participation plan as a part of their proposal. The final small business participation plan will be monitored as a measure of contract compliance in accordance with Section G. The final small business participation plan will be incorporated at contract award within Section J.

The small business participation plan is for the overall contract and will apply cumulatively to all resultant task orders issued to the contractor unless individually negotiated at the task order level. In accordance with DFARS 215.304(c)(i) small business participation is an evaluation factor under Section M.2.5 of this solicitation for both other than small and small business offerors.

Offerors shall address the below elements in their small business participation plan and must demonstrate their proposed approach as to how they will meet all stated small business participation requirements for this contract. The Small Business Participation Plan shall not reference the Subcontracting Plan (if required) or any other volume for information; all information required within the Small Business Participation Plan must be contained within this document. The offeror’s proposed small business participation plan shall address the following elements:

1. The extent of participation of small business firms (including those in socioeconomic categories as defined in FAR Part 19) in terms of the percentage of the total acquisition value. The Government will evaluate the extent to which the offeror meets the small business participation minimum objectives.

2. The Total Acquisition Value (TAV) shall only be used for calculating small business participation goals for this element and shall not be considered a minimum guarantee, ceiling amount, or estimate for pricing purposes. The percentage of work performed by small businesses that qualify in multiple socioeconomic categories may be counted in each category. Also, this information shall be provided for each period of performance of the contract (separately for the base and each option period). Detailed explanations shall be provided when the offeror’s percentages do not meet the small business participation minimum objectives listed within the solicitation. If the offeror submits zero percentages, the offeror shall provide a detailed explanation to address how the offeror will achieve small business participation where zero percentages are presented.

3. Small business participation planned for this acquisition: Identification by name, type of business, products/services, dollar value, percent of estimated TAV, timeframe, and nature of commitment of the small business utilization planned for this acquisition as outlined in Table L2. Table L2 should be incorporated into the small business participation plan.

Table L2 - Small Business Participation Table

Name of

Company

Type of

Business

Type of products or services

Subcontract

Type

TAV

Dollars

Percent

(%) of

Estimated

TAV

Timeframe

Nature of commitment

Note: The percentages and dollar values shall be achievable for the procurement. For Other-Than-

Small Businesses only: The dollar value commitments for small business participation presented in the

Small Business Participation Plan shall be consistent with the dollar values presented for small business participation in your individual subcontracting plan.

4. Description of the complexity and variety of work small business are to perform under this contract, as well as a description of the type of agreements and/or commitments (this includes purchase orders, teaming agreements, or letters of commitment, etc.) to use small business firms under the contract. Enforceable commitments will be considered more favorably than non-enforceable ones. Provide documentation regarding enforceable commitments (e.g., mentor-protégés, joint ventures, subcontracting or partnership letters of commitment(s), etc.) to utilize any small business category, as defined in FAR Part 19, as subcontractors. Each enforceable commitment must be specific to the subject requirement and include acknowledgement via signatures by both parties.

5. Description of specific initiatives and strategies that will be used under the contract to enhance small business utilization and capabilities.

6. Description of the process used to ensure proper flow down of requirements, process management, and performance assessments of small business utilization at the first tier. The identification of a specific company representative responsible for the monitoring of small business subcontractor process management and strategies to ensure prompt payment to small business subcontractors will be considered more favorably.

7. Description of the methodology used to arrive at the proposed participation percentages, if different from the minimum objectives.

L6.0. Volume VI - Cost/Price (Factor 4).

L6.1. General Instructions.

L6.1.1. Cost Reasonableness and Completeness.

This section is to assist you in submitting information other than cost or pricing data that is required to evaluate the reasonableness of your proposed cost/price. Compliance with these requirements are mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of your proposal and removal of the proposal from further consideration. The Government will verify that all solicitation requirements have been priced, figures are correctly calculated, and prices are presented in a clear and useful format. Additionally, unbalanced pricing poses an unacceptable risk to the Government and may be a reason to reject an offeror’s proposal. Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate its reasonableness.

L6.1.2. Cost/Price Information.

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless considered essential to document or support the cost/price position. All information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Cost/Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.

Cost/price proposals are required to be submitted using the Microsoft Excel-based CTSS IV

CLIN Pricing Worksheet provided in Section L, Attachment 6.

The CTSS IV CLIN Pricing Worksheet shall include a cost build-up identifying all proposed cost elements (e.g., Direct Labor, Subcontractor Labor, Fringe Benefits, Overhead Cost, G&A, Other Direct Costs, Fee, etc...). The proposal shall include sufficient detail and supporting cost information to sustain a Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit of each cost element.

1. For direct labor rates, the offeror shall provide a narrative identifying the basis of their direct labor estimate. To support the narrative, the offeror shall provide screen shots of information such as payroll records, salary survey data, etc. to allow the Government to verify for which the estimate was derived. Salary surveys, payroll data, or other estimating techniques for proposed direct labor must clearly identify the proposed direct labor rates. The offer shall provide traceability between payroll stubs/supporting data and CTSS IV CLIN Pricing Worksheet (e.g. John Doe is listed as Network Engineer –

Intermediate).

2. For indirect rates, the preferred method for providing support detail is through the submission of a Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) or Forward Pricing Rate

Recommendation (FPRR). However, in the absence of a FPRA/FPRR, the offeror shall provide all rates and factors by year utilized in the development of the Forward Pricing

Rate Proposal (FPRP) and the basis for these rates and factors (e.g., breakdowns, trends, and budgetary data). If the contractor is not required to maintain forward pricing rates then the offeror may provide other methods of validation. These methods include approved provisional billing rates, other submitted/approved rates, or the submission of proposed rate calculations (including pools by expense account & bases for the rates proposed) and the basis of all calculations (e.g., accounts, breakdowns, trends, and budgetary data ).

a.) The support detail shall include, at a minimum, three years of historical trend data for each aspect of applicable indirect rates to the Government. If three years of historical data is not available, a justifications shall be provided as part of the price proposal;

b.) As part of the price narrative, the offeror shall provide a detailed explanation of all the provided fringe benefits (e.g. paid time off, etc.).

3. The offeror must provide a DCAA-approved letter of an approved accounting system (if relationship is a cost-reimbursable basis) or, alternatively, a description of the current accounting system in place, including a description the system’s adequacy in determining costs applicable to the contract.

4. The offeror shall provide their Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and

Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) cognizant points of contact as well as CAGE code;

5. If the offeror identifies subcontractors in their cost (or technical) proposals regardless of assigned workshare, in accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b), the prime contractor shall conduct appropriate cost or price analyses to establish the reasonableness of proposed subcontract prices and include the results of these Subcontractor analyses in the price proposal. The offeror shall identify the subcontractor relationship between the prime and subcontractor, and ensure subcontractor(s) provide the following information:

a. Unsanitized Subcontractor cost proposal, to include a cost build-up identifying direct labor rates, all applicable indirect rates, and profit/fee. Subcontractor costs shall also be substantiated in accordance with the requirements detailed for prime contractor costs—as described in the paragraphs above. If needed, the subcontractor may submit its cost breakout directly to the Contract Specialist identified in the request for proposal (RFP).

b. The Subcontractor shall also provide a DCAA-approved letter of an approved accounting system (if relationship is predicated on a cost-reimbursable basis).

c. The Subcontractor shall provide their Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) cognizant points of contact .

L6.1.3. Cost or Pricing Information Requirements.

In accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b) and 15.403-3(a), data other than certified cost or pricing data may be required to support price or cost, as applicable reasonableness and, if applicable, cost realism. Information shall be provided in accordance with FAR 15.403-5. If, after receipt of proposals, the KO determines the required conditions of adequate competition do not exist that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the offeror may be required to certify its submitted cost or pricing data (see: FAR 15.406-2 -- Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data).

Following contract award, cost/price information related to proposals for task orders, modifications, etc. submitted by both the prime contractor and subcontract concerns will be subject to regulation set forth in FAR 15.403. For the purpose of submitting certificates of current cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.406-2, ceiling rates and terms stated within the contract shall be considered an advance agreement.

L6.2. Volume Organization.

The Cost/Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

SECTION 1 – Price Narrative

SECTION 2 – Pricing Spreadsheet; CTSS IV CLIN Pricing Worksheet file:///D:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Linda.Goff/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/far/FAR15.DOC%23b154031 file:///D:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Linda.Goff/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/far/FAR15.DOC%23b154033 file:///D:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Linda.Goff/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/far/FAR15.DOC%23b154035 file:///D:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Linda.Goff/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/far/FAR15.DOC%23b154031

L6.2.1 Price Narrative. Include the following:

a. Table of Contents

b. Estimating/Purchasing/Accounting Systems: summary descriptions of estimating, purchasing, and accounting systems; changes to estimating, accounting practices, or Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)

Disclosure Statement.

c. Explain the methodology used to estimate each cost element and all supporting cost information for all rates as detailed in section L6.1.2 above.

L6.2.2 Cost/Price Proposal

a. To enable the Government to evaluate pricing information as Factor 3 of the solicitation, the

Government has provided a Pricing Spreadsheet Template entitled CTSS IV CLIN Pricing

Worksheet, included as Section L, Attachment L6 to this solicitation that the offerors shall utilize in pricing their proposal.

b. CLIN x002 has been included as a COST PLUS FIXED FEE CLIN for emergency situations.

The purpose of this CLIN is to allow for immediate response by the Offeror as approved and directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Offerors are provided the estimate for the Emerging Requirements CLIN—which is calculated as a factor of proposed annual pricing for TO01 in the Pricing Templates. This EXACT amount includes all markups and burdens allowed by your contract and shall not be adjusted based upon independent decisions regarding actual anticipated costs. The purpose of this CLIN is to bridge the gap between the identification of an emergency until a negotiated acquisition can be executed.

c. For cost-reimbursable ODC estimates in CLIN x003, Offerors are provided a Government estimate in the Pricing Templates for travel and materials/equipment. These EXACT amounts include all markups and burdens allowed by your contract and shall not be adjusted based upon independent decisions regarding actual anticipated costs. ODCs shall be authorized by the

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), in writing, prior to performance and travel will be paid IAW FAR 31.205-46. Should there be additional ODCs related to labor necessary to execute to the contract requirements, these costs must be SEPARATELY identified and shall be included in the Offeror's total evaluated price proposal as “additional ODCs”. The proposed additional ODCs must be broken out in sufficient detail to identify the methodology and supporting documents employed to derive the proposed costs. Additional ODCs that are not proposed, or otherwise not adequately substantiated, will be considered unallowable costs and under no circumstance be reimbursed to the Offeror.

d. For CLIN x004, the offeror shall provide their supplementary bonus plan, between 2-5% of the total estimated labor cost per year of performance as detailed in Recruiting and Retention Plan.

e. For CLIN x005, Offerors are provided a Government estimate in the CTSS IV CLIN Pricing

Worksheet for OCONUS allowances (as defined by the Department of State guidelines). These

EXACT amounts include all markups and burdens allowed by your contract and shall not be adjusted based upon independent decisions regarding actual anticipated costs.

f. For CLIN x006, this CLIN is to support the OPTIONAL STAFFING PLAN. This labor is optional and not guaranteed.

g. Within the pricing proposal, the Government provided Price Proposal Instructions to assist in the completion of the spreadsheet.

L6.3. Estimating Methodology.

L6.3.1. Estimating System.

Provide a summary description of the standard estimating system or methods. The summary description shall cover separately each major cost element (e.g., Direct Material, Engineering

Labor, Manufacturing Labor, Indirect Costs, Other Direct Costs, Overhead, G&A). Also, identify any deviations from the standard estimating procedures in preparing this proposal volume. Indicate whether the Government has approved your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

L6.3.2. Purchasing System.

Provide a summary description of the purchasing system or methods (e.g., how material requirements are determined, how sources are selected, when firm quotes are obtained, what provision is made to ensure quantity and other discounts). Also, identify any deviations from the standard procedures in preparing this proposal. Indicate whether the Government has approved your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

L6.3.3. Accounting System.

Indicate whether the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) has determined your accounting system to be adequate and if so, provide evidence of such determination within Volume IV documentation. The Government will sponsor a DCAA review of an offeror’s Accounting

System if a review has not been performed. If an offeror’s Accounting System has not been reviewed, complete the “Preaward Survey of Prospective Accounting System Checklist”

(http://www.dcaa.mil/Preaward_Survey_of_Prospective_Contractor_Accounting_System_Chec klist.pdf) and include the completed checklist with proposal submission. The checklist provides documentation to the DCAA auditor on how the offeror’s accounting system meets the criteria in the SF 1408, Preaward Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System. The KO will provide the completed checklist to DCAA when requesting an audit of the offeror’s accounting system.

L7.0. Volume VI –Contract Documentation.

L7.1. The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. The Offeror's proposal must include a signed copy of the solicitation and completion of Sections A through K.

L7.1.1. Section A-Solicitation/Contract Form.

Completion of blocks 15A/ B and16 and signature and date for blocks 17 and 18 of the Standard

Form (SF) 33. Signature by the Offeror on the SF33 constitutes an offer, which the

Government may accept. The "original" copy should be clearly marked under separate cover and should be provided without any punched holes.

L7.1.2. Section B-Supplies or Services and Costs/Prices.

Completed pricing information in Section B of the RFP.

L7.1.3. Section D, E, F, G, and H – Contract Administrative Data

By signing block 17 of the solicitation, the Offeror acknowledges compliance with the clauses and information provided in Sections D, E, F, G, and H.

L7.1.4. Part H – Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)

A determination has been made by the program office that the items or services to be procured under this RFP are subject to Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) controls as outlined in the PWS. As a result, offerors are required to submit a detailed organization-wide SCRM plan as part of their proposal. Supply chain risks range from natural threats to counterfeit products and applies to quality, security, resiliency, and product integrity. Mitigation plans to manage risks may involve logistics, cybersecurity, and financial management. The goal is to preclude undue risk to the Government and ensure supply chain continuity in the event normal business operations are interrupted. The Government will assess the adequacy of an organization-wide

SCRM plan to identify threats to the supply chain, and provide mitigation strategies that will protect the Government’s interest.

The offeror shall demonstrate that they have visibility into their supply chain for critical components, understands the risks to that supply chain, and has implemented or plans to implement risk mitigations to counter those risks. The offeror shall plan for and implement countermeasures, which mitigate threats and system vulnerabilities, including:

a. The application of supply chain risk management best practices, applied as appropriate to the development of the system. Supply chain risk management key practices may be found in the

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Interagency Report 7622, Piloting

Supply Chain Risk Management for Federal Information Systems, and the National Defense

Industrial Association Guidebook, Engineering for System Assurance, both publicly available.

b. The enumeration of potential suppliers of critical components, as they are identified, including cost, schedule and performance information relevant for choice among alternates and planned selection for the purpose of engaging with the government to develop mutually agreeable risk management plans for the suppliers to be solicited.

c. The processes to control access by foreign nationals to program information, including, but not limited to, system design information, DoD-unique technology, and software or hardware used to integrate commercial technology.

d. The processes and practices employed to ensure that genuine hardware, software and logic elements will be employed in the solution and that processes and requirements for genuine components are levied upon subcontractors.

e. The process used to protect unclassified DoD information in the development environment.

If a SCRM concern arises after contract award, the Government will determine whether a continuation of the contract poses an undue risk to both the common defense and security to this nation. If the Government determines that such a risk exists, the Government reserves the right to accept or reject a proposed mitigation plan by the Contractor (if one or more is presented within a reasonable time) as negotiated by the Contracting Officer or terminate the contract for convenience.

L7.1.6. Section I - Contract Clauses.

The Offeror shall comply with the clauses provided in Section I. Please note that many clauses require the prime Contractor to include the same or similar clause in contracts with Subcontractors.

Additionally, some of the clauses require a response from the offeror and shall be submitted along with your proposal.

L7.1.7. Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors.

Offerors must comply with the clause in Section I – 52.204-7 entitled “System for Award

Management.” The Contracting Officer will check the System for Award Management (SAM) for those offerors who have been determined to be within the competitive range. Offerors who are not registered in SAM will be advised of the need to register. An offeror may be determined ineligible for contract award if not registered within SAM at time of award. Offerors also are also required to complete additional representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements reflected in

Section K of this solicitation.

L7.2. Other Information Required.

L7.2.1. Authorized Offeror Personnel.

Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

L7.2.2. Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations.

Provide company/division's street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code;

TIN; size of business (large or small); and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract will be performed at any other locations. List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor, and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.

L7.2.3. Small Business Subcontracting.

A subcontracting plan is required (FAR 52.219-9) for Other than U.S. Small Businesses only

(i.e. Large Businesses). ONLY OTHER THAN U.S. SMALL BUSINESS OFFERORS

ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A SUBCONTRACTING PLAN. Offerors are required to submit either an individual subcontracting plan, an approved commercial plan, or a negotiated

DoD Comprehensive Test Program subcontracting plan. In addition, offerors are required to complete the DISA Subcontracting Review Checklist (Attachment L6) by inserting dollar values and percentages from your subcontracting plan as applicable for items 1 and 2, and also items 3 through 19 by completing the paragraph and page number columns.

The subcontracting plan is the organization’s business plan for the inclusion of small businesses within their capture/contracting processes.