91990024Q0052.pdf

RFQ IFB RFP

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

9. ISSUED BY

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

CODE

15. DELIVER TO 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODEFACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF.

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print) 30c. DATE SIGNED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

OFFER

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

17a CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR.

CODE

8 (A)

SIZE STANDARD:

NAICS:

% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SMALL BUSINESS

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

91990024Q0052

Pamela W. Bone Pamela.Bone@ed.gov (202) 987-0054

10:00 AM ET

611710

24M see continuation page for line item details.

See Schedule

MAY 22, 2024

Please

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NO. 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

91990024Q0052

Attachment Page

PAGE 3 OF 112 91990024Q0052

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION 91990024Q0052

General Information

Action Code: Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Document Type: RFQ

RFQ Number: 91990024Q0052

Posted Date: May 3, 2024

Response Date: May 22, 2024

Classification Code: U006

Set Aside: None

NAICS Code: 611710

Contracting Office Address

US Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW, LBJ-2C2274

Washington, DC 20202

Description

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 in conjunction with Part 13, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation for this action. Quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ). Submit written quotes on 91990024Q0052. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal

Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2024-04 effective May 1, 2024. This request for quote is issued May 3, 2024, and will end on May 22, 2024, at 10:00 am Eastern Time.

Contracts Acquisitions Management intends to award a fixed price contract, providing for a qualified vendor to scale and strengthen Standards-in-Action (SIA) training and technical assistance (TTA) resources and professional development for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

(OCTAE), Division, of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL), to continue to meet the needs of adult educators through technical assistance and training in 1) implementing and sustaining standards in the classroom and improving learner outcomes; and 2) helping to ensure all adult learners can obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary education and training and economic self-sufficiency.

Attachment Page

PAGE 4 OF 112 91990024Q0052

This procurement is being conducted under Subpart 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial items. The intent is to award a firm fixed price contract.

All offerors must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov to be considered for an award of a federal contract. Registration in the record must be complete and not missing elements such as representations and certifications.

Contractors interested in providing these services should submit their quotes via email to pamela.bone@ed.gov and Michael.rivera@ed.gov. Questions concerning this synopsis solicitation shall be addressed to Pamela Bone, Contracting Officer, and emailed to Pamela.Bone@ed.gov and

Michael.rivera@ed.gov. All questions or inquiries must be submitted no later than 10:00am Eastern

Time on May 10, 2024. Email all questions to the Contracting Officer’s and Contract Specialist’s above email addresses.

The Government will award a contract resulting from this RFQ to the responsible offeror whose quote represents best value after a trade-off between Technical, Past Performance and Price. Quotes are due by 10:00 am Eastern Time on May 22, 2024. Quotes shall be submitted via email to pamela.bone@ed.gov and Michael.rivera@ed.gov.

Please note that the Department posted a Sources Sought on February 9, 2024, for this solicitation. At that time the Department posted the Sources Sought under solicitation number 91990024Q0025. Please note that this new synopsis/solicitation number 91990024Q0052 supersedes all other numbers.

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

The purpose of this procurement is to strengthen and scale the usage of Standards-in-Action resources and professional development to improve academic and career development.

0001 Base Period of Performance

1.00 SE NSP NSP

0001AA Base Period Task 1- Manage the contract

1.00 SE

0001AB Base Period Task 2 - Update the SIA Observing in

Mathematics Classrooms Virtual Training Materials

0001AC Base Period Task 3 - Develop Annotated PowerPoint

Presentations to complete the package of materials for the SIA Observing in English Language Acquisition Classrooms Virtual Training

0001AD Base Period Task 4- Update the SIA Foundational-Leval

PD Units for ELA/Literacy and Mathematics

0001AE Base Period Task 5 - Create an SIA PD Implementation

Guide -Not Separately Priced

0001AF Base Period Task 6 - Conduct the SIA Observing in ELA/

Literacy and Mathematics Classrooms Trainings - Not Separately Priced

0001AG Base Period Task 7 - Conduct the SIA Observing in

English Language Acquisition Classrooms Virtual Training - Not Separately Priced

1001 Option Period of Performance

1001AA Option Period Task 1 - Manage the contract

1001AB Option Period Task 2 - Update the SIA Observing in

Mathematics Classrooms Virtual Training

1001AC Option Period Task 3 - Develop Annotated PowerPoint

Presentations

1001AD Option Period Task 4 - Update the SIA Foundational-

Level PD Units

1001AE Option Period Task 5 - Create an SIA PD Implementation

Guide

1001AF Option Period Task 6 - Conduct the SIA Observing in

ELA/Literacy and Mathematics Classrooms Trainings

1001AG 1.00 SE

PAGE 5 OF 112 91990024Q0052

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Option Period Task 7 - Conduct the SIA Observing in English Language Acquisition Classrooms Virtual Training

PAGE 6 OF 112 91990024Q0052

Table of Contents

52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

52.203-7ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

52.203-12LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020)

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

52.204-13SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

52.204-16COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG 2020)

52.204-18COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

52.204-21BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021)

52.204-24REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR EQUIPMENT

(NOV 2021)

52.204-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

52.208-9 CONTRACTOR USE OF MANDATORY SOURCES OF SUPPLY OR SERVICES (MAY 2014)

52.204-26COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES--REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

52.212-1INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

Instructions to Vendors

52.212-2EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2021)

Evaluation Criteria

52.212-3OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB

2024)

52.212-4CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

52.212-5CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB 2024)

52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

52.225-25PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS RELATING

TO IRAN--REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS (JUN 2020)

52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (MAY 2014)

52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

52.232-39 UNENFORCEABILITY OF UNAUTHORIZED OBLIGATIONS (JUNE 2013)

52.232-40PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (MAR 2023)

52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

52.244-6SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (FEB 2024)

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

3452.201-70CONTRACTING OFFICER`S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) (MAR 2011)

3452.202-1DEFINITIONS--DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (MAR 2011)

3452.204-70RECORDS MANAGEMENT (OCT 2023)

3452.204-71CONTRACTOR SECURITY VETTING REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2023)

3452.208-72PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (MAR 2011)

3452.209-70CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION (MAR 2011)

3452.209-71CONFLICT OF INTEREST (MAR 2011)

3452.224-70RELEASE OF INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (MAR 2011)

3452.227-70PUBLICATION AND PUBLICITY (MAR 2011)

3452.227-71ADVERTISING OF AWARDS (MAR 2011)

PAGE 7 OF 112 91990024Q0052

Table of Contents

3452.227-72USE AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (MAR 2011)

3452.227-73LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OR DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED INFORMATION MARKED WITH

RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS (MAR 2011)

3452.232-72LIMITATION OF GOVERNMENT`S OBLIGATION (OCT 2023)

3452.233-70AGENCY LEVEL PROTESTS (OCT 2023)

3452.237-71OBSERVANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CLOSURES (MAR 2011)

3452.239-70INTERNET PROTOCOL VERSION 6 (OCT 2023)

3452.239-71DEPARTMENT INFORMATION SECURITY AND PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS (OCT 2023)

3452.242-70LITIGATION AND CLAIMS (MAR 2011)

3452.242-71NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS (MAR 2011)

3452.242-73ACCESSIBILITY OF MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, AND SEMINARS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (MAR 2011) 70

3452.243-70KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2023)

306-1cINVOICE AND CONTRACT FINANCING REQUESTS SUBMISSION - IPP (MAY 2018)

306-8CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR (FEB 1985)

307-19REDACTED PROPOSALS (DECEMBER 1998)

309-1aLIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A Performance Work Statement

Attachment B Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

PAGE 8 OF 112 91990024Q0052

CLAUSES

52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

(Reference 52.203-3)

52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (MAY 2014)

(Reference 52.203-5)

52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (JUN 2020)

(Reference 52.203-7)

52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JUN 2020) (Reference 52.203-12)

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011) (Reference 52.204-4)

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (OCT 2018)

(Reference 52.204-7)

52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

(Reference 52.204-9)

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

(Reference 52.204-13)

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE REPORTING (AUG 2020)

(Reference 52.204-16)

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (AUG 2020)

(Reference 52.204-18)

52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (NOV 2021) (Reference 52.204-21)

52.204-24 REPRESENTATION REGARDING CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

(Reference 52.204-24)

52.204-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING FOR CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (NOV 2021)

(Reference 52.204-25)

52.208-9 CONTRACTOR USE OF MANDATORY SOURCES OF SUPPLY OR SERVICES (MAY 2014)

(Reference 52.208-9)

52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES--REPRESENTATION (OCT 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, "covered telecommunications equipment or services" and "reasonable inquiry`` have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(c) Representations. (1) The Offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry for purposes of this representation, the offeror represents that it [ ] does, [ ] does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services.

(End Of Provision)

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

PAGE 9 OF 112 91990024Q0052

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard.

The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern that submits an offer, other than on a construction or service acquisition, but proposes to furnish an end item that it did not itself manufacture, process, or produce is 500 employees, or 150 employees for information technology value-added resellers under NAICS code 541519, if the acquisition--

(1) Is set aside for small business and has a value above the simplified acquisition threshold;

(2) Uses the HUBZone price evaluation preference regardless of dollar value, unless the offeror waives the price evaluation preference; or

(3) Is an 8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, economically disadvantaged women-owned, or women-owned small business set-aside or sole-source award regardless of dollar value.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) Remit to address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender`s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with FAR subpart 4.10), or alternative commercial products or commercial services for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers.

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)

(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is late and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government`s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

PAGE 10 OF 112 91990024Q0052

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at anytime before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror`s initial offer should contain the offeror`s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1)

(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of Federal specifications, standards, and product descriptions can be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from the address in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the ASSIST website at https://assist.dla.mil.

(3) Defense documents not available from the ASSIST website may be requested from the Defense Standardization Program Office by--

(i) Using the ASSIST feedback module (https://assist.dla.mil/feedback); or

(ii) Contacting the Defense Standardization Program Office by telephone at 571-767-6688 or email at assisthelp@dla.mil.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror`s name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) Reserved.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency`s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror`s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

PAGE 11 OF 112 91990024Q0052

(5) For acquisitions of commercial products, the make and model of the product to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

PAGE 12 OF 112 91990024Q0052

Instructions to Vendors

PAGE 13 OF 112 91990024Q0052

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE)

Using Standards-in-Action (SIA) Resources and Professional Development (PD)

Request for Quote

#91990024Q0052

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

OFFICE OF ACQUISITION, GRANTS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT

PAGE 14 OF 112 91990024Q0052

REQUEST FOR QUOTE INSTRUCTIONS FOR

UTILIZING

FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Products and Services

This is an addendum to 52.212-1. The services being sought under this requirement are for a qualified vendor to scale and strengthen Standards-in-Action (SIA) training and technical assistance (TTA) resources and professional development for the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education

(OCTAE), Division, of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL), to continue to meet the needs of adult educators through technical assistance and training in 1) implementing and sustaining standards in the classroom and improving learner outcomes; and 2) helping to ensure all adult learners can obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for post-secondary education and training and economic self-sufficiency.

The contractor is expected to demonstrate command of requisite knowledge, skills, abilities, and expertise in the areas outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and show a thorough understanding of the proposed tasks as specified in the PWS. If the contractor is unable to demonstrate expertise in all areas outlined in the PWS, said contractor is expected to specify which partner organizations they plan to work with and how they plan to partner to meet the demonstrated expertise requirements and achieve the goals and objectives outlined in the PWS. The technical quote should meaningfully address the specifications in the PWS, not simply repeat the language. Innovative and thoughtful solutions to meet the projects’ goals and objectives are expected.

The requirement will be solicited utilizing the procedures at FAR Part 13.5, on an unrestricted basis.

Period of Performance and Contract Type

The base period of performance is fourteen months. There is a ten month option period. It is anticipated that this Contract shall be awarded as a performance-based, firm-fixed-price contract.

SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

General Information

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The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is issuing this Request for Quote (RFQ) under Sam.gov as an unrestricted solicitation. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 611710, Educational Support Services, the size standard is $24M. The Department intends to award a single fixed priced contract as a result of this RFQ. The period of performance will consist of one fourteen-month base period and a ten-month option period.

Funds are not presently available for this Contract. The Department’s obligation under this Contract is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for Contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Department for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer (CO) for this Contract and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the CO.

This is a solicitation using the Simplified Acquisition Methods of FAR 13.5. The procedures in FAR

Subpart 15.3 do not apply to this acquisition. The use of this simplified acquisition method does not obligate the Department to determine a competitive range, conduct discussions with any contractors, solicit proposals or revisions thereto, or use any other source selection techniques associated with subpart

15.3.

Quote Affordability: The Department seeks quotes with a total evaluated price of less than

$1,200,000.00, this amount is inclusive the 52.217-8 Option Period. Offerors should not interpret this figure as a ceiling (or as a floor) on quotes; rather, this information is provided as a courtesy to prospective offerors. The Department may select a quote for award with a price below, at, or exceeding this figure if it finds that quote provides the best value and funds are available.

The offeror’s quote must be submitted electronically. The quote must be received by the Department before the quote submission deadline. Quotes must remain valid for a period of 60 days after quote submission. It is the responsibility of the offeror to allow adequate time to submit the quote’s files before the quote submission deadline. Offeror must have an active registration with the Department’s System for

Award Management, SAM.gov, at time of quote submission.

The Department's preference is to evaluate quotes and award a Contract without exchanges with the offerors. However, the Department reserves the right to engage in clarification-like exchanges with all offerors. The Department may reject any or all quotes if such action is in the public interest and waive informalities and minor irregularities in quotes received.

The quote must be received at or before May 22, 2024, by 10:00 AM EDT. Quotes must be submitted electronically to the Points of Contact listed below:

• Michael Rivera, Contract Specialist (Email: michael.rivera@ed.gov)

• Pamela Bone, Contracting Officer (Email: pamela.bone@ed.gov)

The Department’s email system cannot handle emails larger than 20 Megabytes (MB). Quote submissions must be broken up into separate emails if necessary to accommodate size limitations, with each email identified (e.g., Company Quote Submission 1 of 3, Company Quote Submission 2 of 3, etc.). Electronic file names must not contain special characters (e.g., #, *, ?, (, ), {, }, %, >, <, /, \, $, |). Quotations will not

REQUEST FOR QUOTE INSTRUCTIONS

PAGE 16 OF 112 91990024Q0052

be after the quote submission deadline date and time. Quotes will be rejected for surpassing the email size limitation, so please allow enough time for quote submissions. A confirmation receipt will be sent from the Contract Specialist (CS) when the quote is received.

All questions in response to this RFQ must be received at or before May 10, 2024, by 10:00 AM ET.

Questions submitted after this date and time will not be considered unless the CO/SSA determines otherwise. Questions must be submitted electronically to the Points of Contact listed below:

• Michael Rivera, Contract Specialist (Email: michael.rivera@ed.gov)

• Pamela Bone, Contracting Officer (Email: pamela.bone@ed.gov)

Offerors must submit questions in an MS Excel file following a format like the table below:

Questions Format

Question

No.

Reference

Question

Category Question

RFQ, PWS, or attachments, and

Section

Contract or

Technical Question

Answers to submitted questions will be provided to all offerors who were sent the RFQ via an RFQ amendment.

Any exceptions to the RFQ’s terms and conditions must be fully explained and justified and provided in the response to this quote.

The quotes shall consist of five (5) Volumes. The volumes are: (1) Executive Summary, (2) Technical

Quote, (3) Past Performance, (4) Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and (5) Price/Business Quote.

Offerors shall submit all information that the offeror wishes to have considered with the initial quote. The quote shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiation of the validity of stated claims. The offeror shall present the information in sufficient detail for effective evaluation of the offeror’s quote against the evaluation criteria. The offeror shall not simply rephrase or restate the Government’s requirements. The offeror shall assume the Government has no prior knowledge of its capabilities and experience. Offeror’s quotes with vague statements such as “will comply,” “noted,” and “understood,” etc. represent weakness upon their use. The quotes shall address the requirements and not simply repeat the language.

The offeror shall submit documentation demonstrating their approach for satisfying the requirements of this request for quote. The Government will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror’s quote unless stated otherwise. The offeror shall describe its quote, through the use of graphs, charts, diagrams and narrative, in sufficient detail for the Government to understand and evaluate the nature of the approach. The offeror is encouraged to exercise independent judgment with respect to the best methods of attaining the objectives of this task order.

It is understood that the quote will become part of the official contract file; therefore, it will not be returned.

The Government is not obligated to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a quote. The

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Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this acquisition. The Government is not obligated to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of the quote.

QUOTE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. The offeror’s quote must include all information requested and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The quote must be compliant with the requirements as stated in the

Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quotes found to be deficient will not be evaluated any further and removed from consideration as they meet the definition of Unsatisfactory. Each offeror’s quote will be evaluated to determine compliance with the RFQ requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements (quote instructions, quote submission requirements, quote content requirements). Unsatisfactory quotes will be ineligible for award.

2. The offeror’s quote is presumed to represent its best efforts to respond to the RFQ. All inconsistencies, whether real or apparent, between the conveyed performance and price must be explained in the quote. The evaluation will be based on an assessment of the information submitted in the Offeror’s quote and other evaluation information available to the Department. It is imperative that the quote innovatively addresses the requirements in the PWS and does not simply repeat the language of the PWS. All assumptions will be evaluated as part of the individual factor or sub-factor to which they apply. The Department reserves the right to reject any quote that includes any assumption(s) or conditions that impact or affect satisfying the Department’s requirements.

3. Comparative Evaluation: Following receipt of responses, the Department may perform a comparative evaluation (comparing contractor responses to one another) to select the contractor that is best suited and provides the best value, considering the evaluation factors and subfactors and their relative importance within this request for quote.

4. Award on Initial Responses: The Department anticipates selecting the best-suited contractor from initial responses, without engaging in exchanges with contractors. Contractors are strongly encouraged to submit their best technical solutions and price in response to this RFQ.

5. Exchanges with Best-Suited Contractor: Once the Department determines the contractor that is the best-suited (i.e., the apparent successful contractor), the Department reserves the right to communicate with only that contractor to address any remaining issues, if necessary, and finalize a call order with that contractor. These issues may include technical, past performance and price. If the parties cannot successfully address any remaining issues, as determined pertinent at the sole discretion of the Department, the Department reserves the right to communicate with the next best-suited contractor based on the original analysis and address any remaining issues. Once the

Department has begun communications with the next best-suited contractor, no further communications with the previous contractor will be entertained until after the call order has been awarded. This process must continue until an agreement is successfully reached and a call order is awarded.

6. Content Requirements. All information must be confined to the appropriate Volume. Proprietary information must be clearly marked as such. Each Volume of the quote must consist of a Title Page

(Title of the Volume), Table of Contents, and the narrative or information being requested within the instructions to offerors. Appendices must have a Title Page (Name of Appendix, i.e., Appendix 1, Appendix 2). The cover of the quote and the header of each volume page should contain the title

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“Using Standards-in-Action Resources and Professional Development 2.0”.

7. No pricing information shall be in any volumes other than, Volume 4, Factor IV – Price/Business

Quote. The technical quote will NOT contain any reference to specific prices, but resource information (e.g., staff hours) shall be included so that the offeror’s understanding of the scope of the work may be evaluated by the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP).

8. Each volume shall be submitted separately in accordance with the table below. Each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with no cross-referencing to other factors or volumes of the quote. The use of hyperlinks in the quote is prohibited except within the table of contents. Quotes must adhere to the page count limitations below.

9. Each file name submitted shall be with the Volume number first, then the Volume Title/Description, then SIA, and lastly the company name which may be abbreviated. For example, “Vol 1 Technical

SIA Company Name”.

10. Contents of files must print on Letter 8 ½” by 11”. The technical quote shall be submitted searchable PDF format. The quote should be written no less than single spaced in no smaller than

12-point font for text, Times New Roman font, 10-point font or larger for tables, and 10-point font or larger for graphics. Margins should be no smaller than 1 inch on all sides.

11. The technical quote must be limited to a total of 20 pages. The page limit excludes only the cover page; the table of contents; resumes (Appendix 1); letters of commitment from consultants and key personnel (Appendix 2).

Appendix 1:

In Appendix 1, the offeror shall include resumes for all key personnel. Each resume is limited to two (2) pages and shall share a common format an organization. Resumes will not count toward the overall technical quote page limit. Resumes shall follow the formatting restrictions described above.

Appendix 2:

In Appendix 2, the offeror shall include letters of commitment from all proposed consultants and key personnel not currently employed by the offeror shall be included, if applicable. Each letter shall be signed by the staff member and shall indicate that the staff member is committed to begin work should the offeror be awarded this order. The letter shall state that all negotiations regarding salary and benefits have been finalized and agreed upon. Letters of commitment shall not count toward the overall page limit of the technical quote.

Appendix 3:

In Appendix 3, the offeror shall include the Quality Control Plan. The plan should demonstrate how well the offeror will manage performance risks and ensure that all deliverables are timely, complete, and free of errors.

Appendix 4:

In Appendix 4, the offeror shall include the staff loading chart. The chart should clearly indicate the relationship between staff qualifications and proposed task assignments.

12. File Packaging: Files shall be in read-only format, using PDF files except that all price breakdown information shall be submitted in Microsoft Office Excel unprotected format and viewable in

Microsoft Excel versions 2010 and later. Please note – Self extracting .exe files are not acceptable.

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Volume Title/Description Page

Maximum

1 Executive Summary N/A

Factor I: Technical

Section I – Subfactor I - Technical Approach

Section II – Subfactor II - Staffing Plan and

Key Personnel

Section III – Subfactor III – Management

Approach

• Appendix 1 (not included in page count)

• Appendix 2 (not included in page count)

• Appendix 3 (not included in page count)

• Appendix 4 (not included in page count)

20 pages

3 Factor II: Past Performance 15 pages

4 Factor III: Small Business Subcontracting Plan NA

5 Factor II: Price/Business Quote N/A

QUOTE CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Volume 1 - Executive Summary: This Volume must include the following information: (1) RFQ number; (2) Company’s Name, address, SAM unique entity ID, Tax ID No.; (3) requirement title; (4) point of contact and alternate contract, including last name, first name, telephone, and email; (5) administrative point of contact, including last name, first name, street address, city, state, zip code, telephone, and email (this is the individual that will be administering the contract in accordance with clause 306-8 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR FEB 1985); (6) date quote submitted; (7) quote expiration date (valid minimum 60 calendar days); (8) SAM record print out of the company/offeror ’s

“Core Data.”; (9) Completed Representations and Certifications or provide a statement that states that the Representations and Certifications located within SAM.gov for “Your Company’s Name Here”, is current accurate and complete. (10) Completed RFQ Provisions as required to include 3452.209-70

CONFLICT OF INTEREST CERTIFICATION (MAY 2011) (Both Prime and Subcontractors). (11)

Written acknowledgement of all amendments either by providing a statement, “Contractor acknowledges all amendments” or provide signed SF30(s) within the Executive Summary. (12) Place of Performance, full address to include zip code.

Volume 2 - FACTOR 1 - Technical

Subfactor I – Technical Approach

The contractor must provide a detailed narrative which fully describes the technical approach being proposed to meet the Department’s requirements identified in the PWS on a task and

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subtask basis. The narrative must be clearly written, coherent, well organized by task/subtask, and demonstrates a commitment to thoroughness and detail. This narrative must include the following:

a. The narrative must describe the proposed technical approach for accomplishing all tasks and subtasks.

b. Offeror must provide a timeline that addresses all tasks and subtasks.

c. A detailed preliminary outline describing the vendor’s technical approach to meeting the requirements of the PWS.

d. The narrative must describe the offeror’s plan to identify and mitigate risks to include what actions will be taken to alleviate risk.

Subfactor II – Staffing Plan and Key Personnel

The contractor must provide a detailed narrative describing its staffing approach for providing a team with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to support the Department’s goals and objectives for this requirement. The narrative must describe the staffing approach to ensure a stable and qualified workforce over the life of the contract. The staffing approach section must not include any pricing information.

The staffing approach must:

1. Include a narrative that describes the qualifications of proposed key personnel, this includes proposed subcontractor, partner, consultants, and subject matter experts who are designated as key personnel, detailing their knowledge, competencies, technical skills, educational background, professional certifications, and relevant adult education work experience in performing work that is similar to the size, scope, and complexity to that outlined in the

PWS. Specifically, the staffing approach must:

a. Provide a concise summary of each key personnel’s separate duties and responsibilities as proposed for this project.

b. Discuss the relationship between the key personnel’s expertise and past experience to the proposed assigned role for this requirement.

c. Provide up to three project examples demonstrating the experience of individuals designated as key personnel assigned in the proposed roles. Project examples must be relevant examples of similar size, scope, form and complexity to the subject requirements.

d. The narrative provides specific details on how the expertise of the key personal aligns with the commitment of time to fulfill the proposed role under the contract. A staff loading chart is to be provided which will identify the names of key personnel for each task as well as level of effort in hours to be allocated for each person for each task. Identify the hours allotted to other projects and their duration and percentage of time Key Personnel are dedicated to the task.

Factor I – Subfactor III – Management Approach

The contractor is to provide a proposed approach for managing the multiple tasks identified in the PWS. The proposed approach must identify the methodologies, techniques, and tools that the contractor will use to manage the requirements identified

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in the PWS. The management approach must describe the following:

a. The approach provides a clear explanation of how problems under the contract will be identified and how the contractor will work to remedy/resolve them.

b. The approach demonstrates effective control of the completion of tasks and resource allocations that will ensure the timely completion of tasks/deliverables within the proposed budget.

c. The approach provides evidence of strong corporate commitment to managerial oversight as evidenced by clear and effective approach to problem identification and resolution, and/or clear corporate structure for contract oversight.

d. The approach describes a well written, clear quality control plan that meets the standards set forth in the RFQ. The plan should demonstrate how well the contractor will manage performance risks and ensure that all deliverables are timely, complete, and free of errors. (Place Quality Control Plan within Appendix 3).

e. The approach demonstrates sufficient corporate capacity, including the number of highly skilled staff with subject matter expertise to support the work required under the PWS.

Volume III – Factor II: Past Performance

Contractors must provide narrative descriptions for up to three (3) completed or presently ongoing contracts/projects for the prime Offeror and no more than two (2) for completed or presently ongoing contracts/projects for the major subcontractors. Performance is to be completed within the past five (5) years from the date of issuance of the final request for quote or the performance referenced is presently active for greater than one year. These narratives are to be relevant to the services required by this request for quote.

A maximum of five narratives may be provided. Information concerning the prime Contractor must be provided first, followed by each of the proposed major subcontractors, in alphabetical order. The Contractor must also submit the written consent of its major subcontractors to allow the disclosure of its subcontractor’s past performance information to the Contractor. In addition, letters of commitment must be included for all major subcontractors, or their past performance will not be considered. The letters of commitment are to be attached to each narrative.

A “major subcontractor” is defined as a member of the Contractor’s overall team who is expected to perform 10% of the total proposed price or greater. A “recent” contract is defined as completed within the past five (5) years from the date of issuance of the final solicitation or the performance is presently active for greater than one year. These narratives are to be relevant to the efforts required by this request for quote.