Attachment 1 - Section B-M.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1

RFP: 9531BM26R0015 Radiological Services

SECTION B -- SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

B-1 Services The Contractor shall furnish all management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, and any other items or services necessary to perform radiological services for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in accordance with Section C, Statement of Work. Services shall be performed at the contractor’s facility. The period of performance shall be for up to five (5) years. The total estimated value is $1,000,000.00.

The ordering period shall not exceed 5 (five) years and shall consist of 1 (one) base year and 4 (four) options years as follows:

• Base Year: September 14, 2026 – September 13, 2027

• Option Year 1: September 14, 2027 – September 13, 2028

• Option Year 2: September 14, 2028 – September 13, 2029

• Option Year 3: September 14, 2029 – September 13, 2030

• Option Year 4: September 14, 2030 – September 13, 2031

Note: The dates listed are anticipated start and end dates for planning purposes. The actual period of performance will begin on the date of award issuance and run through the corresponding end dates.

B-2 Prices of Services under Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract The NTSB anticipates awarding one (1) IDIQ contract in accordance with FAR 16.504. Task orders under this contract, as described in Section B, will be individually funded and issued on a firm-fixed-price basis.

Radiological services ordered under this contract may include one or more of the following processes:

1. Scanning: 225 Kilovolt (kV) Microfocus Setup, Computed Tomography (CT), and Direct Radiography (DR)

Imaging

2. Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

3. Scanning: 1 Megavolt (MV), 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

4. Scanning: 6 MV, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

5. Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

6. Post Processing & Review

The Contractor shall submit Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) rates for each process as outlined in the Price Chart below. The rates awarded under this contract shall apply to all task orders issued during the ordering period. The Contractor shall invoice in accordance with the price established in the awarded Price Chart for all services performed under this IDIQ contract.

Price Chart 1:

September 14, 2026 – September 13, 2031

Process Year QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour Process Year QTY Unit of

Issue Price Per Unit

Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour Process Year QTY Unit of

Issue Price Per Unit

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour Process Year QTY Unit of

Issue

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour Process Year QTY Unit of

Issue

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour Process Year QTY Unit of

Issue Price Per Unit

Post Processing & Review Base Year 1 Hour

Option Year 1 1 Hour Option Year 2 1 Hour Option Year 3 1 Hour Option Year 4 1 Hour

For evaluation purposes only, Contractors shall submit the firm fixed-price for each process as outlined in each Price Chart below. Contractors shall add the prices of each process and provide the total price of all processes in each table below. The quantities in each table below are estimates only. The actual quantity of hours ordered for radiological services processes shall be determined upon the issuance of firm fixed price task orders in a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) amount.

Price Chart 2: Base Year

September 14, 2026 – September 13, 2027

Process QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 450 kV Minifocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Post Processing & Review 1 Hour

Total Base Year Estimated Price

Price Chart 3: Option Year 1

September 14, 2027 – September 13, 2028

Process QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Post Processing & Review 1 Hour

Total Option Year 1 Estimated Price

Price Chart 4: Option Year 2

September 14, 2028 – September 13, 2029

Process QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Post Processing & Review 1 Hour

Total Option Year 2 Estimated Price

Price Chart 5: Option Year 3

September 14, 2029 – September 13, 2030

Process QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Post Processing & Review 1 Hour

Total Option Year 3 Estimated Price

Price Chart 6: Option Year 4

September 14, 2030 – September 13, 2031

Process QTY Unit of Issue

Price Per Unit

Scanning: 225 kV Microfocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 1 MV, 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

1 Hour

Scanning: 6, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging 1 Hour

Post Processing & Review 1 Hour

Total Option Year 4 Estimated Price

Price Chart 7: Total Evaluated Price for Radiological Services

September 14, 2026 – September 13, 2031

Ordering Period Total Estimated Price

Total Base Year Estimated Price

Total Option Year 1 Estimated Price

Total Option Year 2 Estimated Price

Total Option Year 3 Estimated Price

Total Option Year 4 Estimated Price

Total Estimated Contract Value (Base Year plus 4 Option Years)

B-3 Ordering

• Task Orders: All services under this IDIQ contract shall be ordered by the issuance of individually funded, firm-fixed-price task orders.

• Pricing: Each task order shall use the firm-fixed-price rates established in Section B-2, Price Charts.

• Authority: Only a duly warranted Contracting Officer may issue task orders under this IDIQ contract.

• Obligation: No services shall be provided under this contract unless authorized by the issuance of a task order.

B-4 Minimum and Maximum Quantities

a. Minimum Guarantee: The minimum amount of supplies and services to be ordered during the five (5) year ordering period is $1,500.00.

b. Maximum Ordering Ceiling: The maximum amount of supplies and services that may be ordered during the five (5) year ordering period is $1,000,000.00.

c. Obligation: Except for the minimum guarantee, the Government is not obligated to order any supplies or services under this contract. Funds shall be obligated only through the issuance of individually funded, firm-fixed-price task orders.

d. Binding Nature of Task Orders: Upon issuance by the Government, each task order shall constitute a binding contractual obligation.

[END OF SECTION]

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C-1 Background The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant events in the other modes of transportation—railroad, transit, highway, marine, pipeline, and commercial space. We determine the probable causes of the accidents and events we investigate, and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences.

In addition, we conduct transportation safety research studies and offer information and other assistance to family members and survivors for each accident or event we investigate. We also serve as the appellate authority for enforcement actions involving aviation and mariner certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and US Coast Guard, and we adjudicate appeals of civil penalty actions taken by the FAA.

As part of the NTSB’s accident and incident investigations, the NTSB requires various radiological services in order to fully characterize the condition of accident components. The radiological services shall include one or more of the following services: set up, single slice, volume computed tomography (CT), and 2d imaging scans, kilovolt computed tomography (kVCT) single slice and 2d imaging scans & megavolt computed tomography (MVCT) single slice and 2d imaging scans, kilovolt (kV) manipulator 225kV & 450 kV imaging scans, megavolt (MV) manipulator 1, 3, 6, & 9MV imaging scans, digital radiographs (2d imaging), and post processing of images and review. These services are uniquely able to document the interior configuration of a component without requiring disassembly.

The purpose of this contract is to enable the NTSB to procure timely test results regarding the condition of investigation related components through the use of radiological services.

C-2 Scope of Work The NTSB requires radiological services to document the interior configuration of accident components without disassembling the components. Once a task has been identified, the NTSB requires the contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible, generally within one to three weeks.

The NTSB will use its best efforts to provide the contractor with information on the size of the components, the materials makeup of the components, and any hazards associated with the components prior to the scanning activity.

For reference only, the sizes of components that the NTSB has needed to be scanned in the past have ranged from approximately 10 millimeters (mm) to 200 mm in diameter and 25 mm to 300 mm in length. The components have consisted of both single material and mixed material such as composite, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, as well as electrical circuit-type components. The specific component size and type of material are difficult to predict and may exceed those previously encountered, as they are ultimately determined by the types of accidents that occur during the contract period.

The NTSB requires a range of radiographic equipment be available to conduct this work. Past experience has demonstrated that the availability of multiple x-ray sources and/or detector elements significantly increases the likelihood of producing useful images. The NTSB sometimes requires that scans of a given component be completed using two or more types of radiographic equipment to obtain all required information. These equipment types range from micro-focus computed tomography (CT) equipment with relatively low x-ray source strength (up to approximately 225 kV) to high energy CT equipment with a relatively high x-ray source strength (approximately 1 MV or more). The NTSB requires that the contractor has CT equipment available that provides images using a range of x-ray source strengths from at least 225 kV to 9 MV. The NTSB strongly prefers that the various types of radiographic equipment be located at a single physical site, preferably within one building, to minimize the risk of damage to components during transportation between machines.

Since the components to be scanned within the contract period are unknown and the scanning protocols will likely need to be developed for each component, the NTSB requires that the contractor be able to produce test CT images of various areas within a component prior to scanning the full component. These test images will ensure that the developed protocols are adequate for obtaining complete and accurate scans.

NTSB will activate radiological services by issuing individual firm fixed-price task orders relating to one or more of the Task Areas listed below:

1. Task Area 1 – Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of Component: The contractor shall discuss the proposed scanning protocol with the NTSB prior to the scan, and the NTSB’s concurrence with the proposed scanning protocol is required before scanning the complete component. In general, test CT scanning images using the proposed protocol shall be generated at several locations within a component prior to scanning the complete component. The contractor shall produce a CT scan, or volume CT scan, or MVCT scan of the component that shows the entire region of interest, as designated by the NTSB. For some components, after the initial CT scanning work has been accomplished, the NTSB may request additional scans of a specific region of interest within a component (generally, the new region of interest will be a specific sub-region within a component). In these cases, the contractor shall develop a scanning protocol that will allow for scanning the sub-region (using increased geometric magnification) while the remainder of the component rotates into and out of the scanning field of view while providing the best quality images of the new region of interest. CT scan images shall be produced with the smallest slice thickness and highest level of resolution possible (consistent with producing the best possible images), unless otherwise directed by the NTSB. The images shall be free of artifacts. The contractor shall supply all parts and labor required to mount the component as required to be scanned in their equipment. Any unique mounting fixtures created for use on NTSB tasks shall be sent to the NTSB for storage and possible future use at the end of each task. The contractor shall provide a data set of images showing the results of the scans in a format acceptable to the NTSB (generally, the images will be in a TIFF format suitable for loading into VGStudio Max software).

The images shall only contain the scan data – no contractor logos, scanning equipment manufacturer logos or other markings shall be allowed. After all of the scanning work for a component or group of components has been completed, the contractor shall facilitate the shipping of the components to an address provided by the NTSB. The shipping costs will be charged to an NTSB shipping services provider account number provided by the NTSB.

2. Task Area 2 – Digital Radiograph (DR) of Component: The contractor shall produce a DR of the component that shows the entire part or region of interest, as designated by the NTSB. The DR image shall be produced with the highest level of resolution possible, unless otherwise directed by the NTSB. The contractor shall supply all parts and labor required to mount the component as required to be scanned in their equipment. Any unique mounting fixtures created for use on NTSB tasks shall be sent to the NTSB for storage and possible future use at the end of each task. The contractor shall provide the DR images in a format acceptable to the NTSB (generally, the images will be in a TIFF format). The images shall only contain the DR data – no contractor logos, scanning equipment manufacturer logos or other markings will be allowed.

3. Task Area 3 – Post Processing of Images: Post processing of images may or may not be required for each item to be scanned as determined by the NTSB. The contractor, upon direction from the NTSB, shall provide re-processed images showing zoomed areas, multi-planar reconstructed images, or other images as may be applicable.

The contractor shall provide radiological services for the 3 task areas above through the following 6 (six) processes:

1. Scanning: 225 Kilovolt (kV) Microfocus Setup, Computed Tomography (CT), and Direct Radiography (DR)

Imaging

2. Scanning: 450 kV MiniFocus Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

3. Scanning: 1 Megavolt (MV), 3 MV Linear Detector Array Slices, Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

4. Scanning: 6 MV, 9 MV Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

5. Scanning: 6 MV Microbeam Setup, CT, and DR Imaging

6. Post Processing & Review

Setup includes mounting the part on the turntable (no special fixturing requiring machine shop time), basic calibrations (offset, gain, centered central ray and/or asymmetric central ray, and/or possible material scan), and initial test images at various locations to determine image quality.

Scanning Single Slice, Volume CT and 2D Imaging, Scanning MVCT Single Slice and 2D Imaging, and Scanning MV Manipulator 6MV & 9MV Imaging includes the actual time on the machine in the x-ray beam acquiring data and reconstructing images.

Post Processing includes reprocessing of volume CT images and MVCT images to change slice thickness, scale and offset, or to adjust other configurable parameters. It also includes any detailed analysis such as wall thickness analysis, defect (porosity) analysis, coordinate measurements, nominal to actual comparisons or other intensive flaw detection and analysis processes performed in VG StudioMax or other software including detailed image analysis reports outside the normal task order final reports.

C-3 Standards The contractor shall conduct all tasks on equipment that is maintained and calibrated on a schedule that is in accordance with best industry practices for radiological equipment. The safety procedures in place for all operations using this equipment shall comply with existing state and federal laws and guidelines governing radiological equipment. The images produced in response to these tasks shall be of sufficient quality to be usable to the NTSB for the purpose stated in this SOW, and they must be of sufficient quality to be usable as both single slice images and as part of a 3-D reconstructed image (for example, the CT slices and volumes must all align properly during reconstruction). The quality of these images must be present regardless of the type of CT process used to generate the images (i.e. single slice methods or volume CT). The contractor shall provide the NTSB with annual standardized test results that demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment used in the performance of this contract. When requested by the NTSB, the contractor shall report and explain variations in these annual test results that by industry standards would be significant. The test procedures used shall be drawn from a recognized source (such as the American Society for Testing and Materials [ASTM]). The contractor shall provide the NTSB with the test procedures used to compile the values/curves. In general, the contractor is expected to have an image quality monitoring program in place. If so, the results of the latest image quality testing conducted for that program may be used to satisfy this requirement, with NTSB concurrence. In the absence of such a program, the annual standardized tests are as follows:

1. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve: A curve showing the MTF values as a function of spatial frequency. Spatial frequency shall be given in line pairs (lp) per mm.

2. Limiting resolution for the equipment: This is defined as the resolution available at an MTF value of 10%, given in lp/mm.

3. Noise Level: The noise value is expressed as either a percentage or as a standard deviation value (or both).

The noise value is computed using scan parameters likely to be used in this project. These parameters include a slice thickness of 0.1 mm (or less) and power settings appropriate for both high-density materials and low-density materials. The region of interest used for the noise level determinations must include any image artifacts present.

4. Contrast Detail Diagram: A curve showing the minimum diameter of an object that can be resolved as a function of the difference in (delta) CT value.

5. Image Linearity Curve: A curve showing the variation of CT number as a function of linear attenuation.

C-4 Deliverables

1. Task Area 1 – CT Scan of Component.

Deliverables include:

a. The contractor shall provide a data set of images showing the results of the scans in a format acceptable to the NTSB (generally, the images will be in a TIFF format suitable for loading into VGStudio Max software). The images shall only contain the scan data – no contractor logos, scanning equipment manufacturer logos or other markings will be allowed. The images and field of view information sufficient to determine pixel sizes in the images shall be provided immediately after the end of the scanning activities, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Development of the mounting (if needed) shall be determined in each task order.

2. Task Area 2 – DR of Component.

a. DR images, in a TIFF format (unless otherwise directed by the NTSB). The images shall only contain the scan data – no contractor logos, scanning equipment manufacturer logos or other markings will be allowed. The images shall be provided immediately after the end of the scanning activities, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

b. Development of the mounting (if needed) shall be determined in each task order.

3. Task Area 3 – Post-Processing of Images.

a. Post-processing images provided (in a TIFF format unless otherwise directed by the NTSB) within fourteen (14) calendar days of the date the contractor was notified by the NTSB of the need for post-processing. The post-processed images shall be accompanied by documentation, which is sufficient to explain what post-processing operations were applied to the original scanned images.

4. Image Delivery.

All images from Task Areas 1-3 must be provided to the COR in any of the following methods:

a. From the contractor’s File Transfer Protocol (FTP) website, or,

b. Through other means as agreed to by NTSB.

In general, the image delivery methods shall allow the NTSB to download the images within one day of the scanning activities, if not faster.

5. Progress Reports.

During performance of the work as described in this SOW, the contractor shall furnish one (1) copy of a progress report to the COR and one (1) copy to the Contract Specialist on or before 30 calendar days after the end of the scanning activity. This progress report shall contain the following:

a. Information that sufficiently meets the requirements of the contract and documents the configuration of the equipment and the protocols used to produce the scans. The information shall include items such as the x-ray source power used, x-ray focal spot size, detector used, integration time, number of views, image pixel size, field of view size, slice thickness, total length scanned, and number of slices.

b. Description of tasks initiated for the scanning period (including the dates when the scanning for each task was accomplished), status of current tasks, and tasks completed.

c. A status of delivery and acceptance of all contract deliverables of the scanning period.

d. A summary of costs for the scanning period and cumulative cost summary for all task orders issued during the contract year.

6. Ad-Hoc Reports.

The contractor shall complete tasks in a thorough and acceptable manner in timeframes provided by the NTSB. Some of these tasks may require summary reports or other types of deliverables. Content, formats, and due dates for these types of deliverables will be determined by the NTSB in each task order. The contractor shall deliver one (1) copy of the Ad-Hoc Reports to the COR in the timeframes specified by the

COR.

7. Annual Standardized Test Results.

The contractor shall provide results of the tests on or before July 1 of each year of the contract.

C-5 NTSB Presence During Scanning Activities Unless otherwise determined by the COR, an NTSB representative will be present either in person or through a virtual connection as services described in this SOW are being performed. Therefore, scheduling of the radiological service date and time shall be coordinated with the COR. The COR will determine the necessity of NTSB’s presence (either in person or virtually) during the performance of each task order. Sometimes, the presence by the NTSB may not be required during every scanning activity. In the instances where the COR determines that NTSB presence is not required, the COR will provide instruction to the contractor regarding the specific requirements of the scanning activity consistent with this SOW.

C-6 Virtual Connection A virtual connection between the COR and the contractor is required. If the NTSB is not physically present during the scanning activity, the COR may utilize a virtual connection during the required work. The connection shall be capable of displaying the scan images to the COR as the initial scans are being conducted as well as the scan images that are being gathered during the completion of the task.

C-7 Government Furnished Property and Information The NTSB will provide the components to be scanned, and the NTSB will use its best efforts to provide information on the size of the components, the materials makeup of the components, and any hazards associated with the components prior to the scanning activity. The contractor shall promptly return all components to the NTSB after the required services are complete unless the NTSB requires the components to be stored at the contractor’s facility.

C-8 Contractor Furnished Property The contractor shall furnish all supplies and equipment to perform the services required.

C-9 Place of Performance The services to be provided under this contract shall be performed at the contractor’s facility.

C-10 Other General Requirements

1. Priority of NTSB Requirements: The NTSB may identify a task order as urgent and require the contractor to begin work within 72 hours of notification of the requirement. See Section “G-1 Task Order Procedures” for additional information.

2. Travel: The NTSB will deliver the components for the radiological services and any other Government-furnished property to the contractor. The NTSB will be responsible for the arrangements and cost of shipping the components to and from the contractor’s facility. Travel shall not be authorized by the contractor because the services to be provided shall be accomplished at the contractor’s facility.

3. Security Requirements: All parts supplied to the contractor for scanning shall be secured in its facility by a means acceptable to the NTSB. This may include storing parts in a locked room, office, or other means determined by the NTSB to be acceptable.

4. Access to Sensitive Information: Because work under this contract may involve access to sensitive information, the contractor shall provide training to any contractor employee authorized access to sensitive information and, upon request of the Government, provide information as to an individual’s suitability to have such authorization. Contractor employees found by the Government to be unsuitable or whose employment is deemed contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interest of national security may be removed from performing work under this requirement when requested by the Contracting Officer.

The contractor and any of its subcontractors in performance of this contract, may also have need for access to and use of various types of data and information in the possession of the Government which the Government obtained under conditions which restrict the Government’s right to use and disclose the data and information, or which may be of such a nature that its dissemination or use other than in the performance of this contract, would be adverse to the interests of the Government or other parties. Therefore, the contractor and its subcontractors agree to abide by any restrictive use conditions on such data and not to:

a. Knowingly disclose such data and information to others without written authorization from the Contracting Officer, unless the Government has made the data and information available to the public; and

b. Use for any purpose other than the performance of this contract that data which bears a restrictive marking or legend.

In the event the work required to be performed under this contract requires access to proprietary data from other companies, the contractor shall obtain agreements from such other companies for such use unless such data is provided or made available to the contractor by the Government. Two copies of such company-to-company agreements shall be furnished promptly to the Contracting Officer for information only. These agreements shall prescribe the scope of authorized use or disclosure, and other terms and conditions to be agreed upon between the parties. It is agreed by the contractor that any such data, whether obtained by the contractor pursuant to the aforesaid agreement or from the Government, shall be protected from unauthorized use or disclosure to any individual, corporation, or organization so long as it remains proprietary.

The contractor shall be capable of conducting work required by this contract when the parts are subject to International Traffic in Arms Restrictions (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), or other export controls. The restrictions required under these provisions could include (but are not limited to), protection against unauthorized access to or viewing of a component as well as protection against unauthorized disclosure of the resultant scanned images. The NTSB will alert the contractor when a specific part requires ITAR/EAR protection and will include the specific nature of the protections that must be observed.

The contractor agrees to hold the Government harmless and indemnify the Government as to any cost/loss resulting from the unauthorized use or disclosure of third-party data or software by the contractor, its employees, subcontractors, or agents.

The contractor agrees to include the substance of all requirements in this clause concerning required training and protection of sensitive information in all subcontracts awarded under this contract. The Contracting Officer will consider case-by-case exceptions from this requirement for individual subcontracts if:

a. the contractor considers the application of the prohibitions of this clause to be inappropriate and unnecessary in the case of a particular subcontractor;

b. the subcontractor provides a written statement affirming absolute unwillingness to perform absent some relief from the substance of this prohibition;

c. use of an alternate subcontract source would reasonably detract from the quality of effort; and,

d. the contractor provides the Contracting Officer timely written notices of these and any other extenuating circumstances.

Except as specifically authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer, upon completion of all work under this contract, the contractor shall return all data and information obtained from the Government, including all copies, modifications, adaptations, or combinations thereof. Data obtained from a third party shall be disposed of in accordance with the contractor’s agreement with that party. If the agreement makes no provision governing disposition, the contractor shall return the data to the third party. The contractor shall further certify in writing to the Contracting Officer that all copies, modifications, adaptations or combinations of such data or information that cannot reasonably be returned to the Contracting Officer (or to the originating company), have been deleted from the contractor’s and any subcontractor’s records and destroyed.

These restrictions apply only to data or information furnished by the Government under this contract. They do not limit the Contractor’s or any subcontractor’s right to use or disclose data obtained from a source other than the Government, provided such data is not subject to separate restrictions.

As used herein, the term “data” has the meaning as set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulations, clause 52.227-14 entitled “Rights In Data – General” and includes, but is not limited to, computer software, as also defined in clause FAR 52.227-14.

5. Non-Disclosure Agreement: All contractor and subcontractor personnel directly involved in performing the services required under this contract shall execute a NTSB Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (Attachment

4) within fourteen (14) calendar days of contract award. The confidentiality provisions of the NDA shall remain in effect for two (2) years following termination or expiration of the contract. Personnel who have not signed the NDA shall not perform any work under this contract.

SECTION D -- PACKAGING AND MARKING

D-1 Marking All information submitted to the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall clearly reference the applicable task order number.

D-2 Packaging and Shipping Instructions The contractor shall deliver all images:

a. From the contractor’s File Transfer Protocol (FTP) website, or

b. Through other means as agreed to by NTSB.

In general, the image delivery methods shall enable the NTSB to download images within one (1) day of scanning activities. If compact disks, DVD, or other formats as specified by the NTSB are used, the disks shall be shipped by means other than the U.S. Postal Service to avoid irradiation problems. The NTSB will provide the contractor with shipping account number if shipping is required.

SECTION E -- INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E-1 Inspection and Acceptance Inspection and acceptance of all work and deliverables required under this contract shall be performed by the COR as identified in Section G of this contract. The COR will inspect the images produced for each task order and acceptance will be based on the following factors:

1. Resolution (spatial and contrast) of the image;

2. Ability to successfully construct and analyze a 3-D image based on the delivered slice images;

3. Level of image artifacts;

4. Range of images covering the region of interest of the component at the agreed upon slice thickness;

5. Formation of files that are imported into the NTSB’s analysis software programs;

6. Field of view information provided that allows determination of image pixel size;

7. Other criteria as specified in the task order.

E-2 Acceptance Period The Government will inspect and accept or reject deliverables within five (5) business days of receipt. If no response is received within this timeframe, deliverables are deemed accepted.

E-3 Invoicing Invoices require prior written acceptance of deliverables by the COR.

E-4 Rejection and Cure If images are not acceptable, the COR will provide a written description of the deficiencies. The contractor shall have three (3) business days to correct and re-submit the deliverables at no additional cost.

E-5 Breach Failure to deliver acceptable images within three (3) attempts [initial delivery and two (2) re-submissions] may constitute a failure to perform, allowing the Government to take action, including termination for default.

SECTION G -- CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G-1 Task Order Procedures Funds expended under this contract shall be incurred and accounted for under individual firm fixed-price task orders. The contractor shall incur costs under this contract in the performance of task orders and task order modifications issued in accordance with this ordering procedure. No other costs are authorized without the expressed written consent of the Contracting Officer (CO).

The contractor shall begin work of a deliverable only after it has received a task order signed by the CO. Once a task order has been issued, the NTSB requires the contractor to complete the work as quickly as possible – generally within one to three weeks. Task order procedures are as follows:

1. Work shall be conducted by the contractor on an as-needed basis, within the scope of the contract and at the rates set forth in this contract.

2. The COR will contact the contractor to request a proposal for radiological services.

3. The contractor shall provide a proposal to the COR and CO based on the part size, its composition, region of interest, the number of hours required to perform set up, scanning using single slice, Volume CT and/or 2D imaging techniques, and/or MVCT single slice and 2D imaging, and/or MV Manipulator 6MV and 9MV Imaging, and post processing.

4. The proposal shall include an estimate of the number of hours required to perform the radiological services required. The number of hours estimated to perform the work in the task order shall be based on technical consultations between the contractor and the COR.

5. At the discretion of the NTSB, the task order may be awarded for a greater number of hours than estimated in the Contractor’s proposal. Such additional hours are intended to provide the COR the flexibility to order additional set up, scanning time, or post processing time during performance without modifying or issuing a new task order.

6. The NTSB shall be billed only for the actual hours incurred in performance of each task order.

7. The exact nature and extent of the contractor’s work under this contract will be based on a written task order issued by the CO. Each task order will include the following at a minimum:

a. Contract number and task order number

b. Description of the work required

c. Radiological Services category(s) for cost determination

d. Delivery/ performance schedule

e. Task order firm fixed-price hourly rate

f. Estimate of number of hours required for the task order

g. Total Not-To-Exceed (NTE) Amount of task order

h. Name and contact information of the COR

i. CO signature

8. Should the contractor determine that the task order cost will exceed the task order firm-fixed price set forth in the task order, the contractor shall notify the COR and the Contract Specialist immediately.

The contractor’s cost incurred shall not exceed the total firm fixed-price specified in each task order.

9. If the NTSB designates a task order as urgent (i.e., requiring the Contractor to begin work within seventy-two (72) hours of notification), the Contractor may be authorized to commence work immediately and incur costs not to exceed $3,500, pending final task order approval. Only the Contracting Officer (CO) is authorized to provide such authorization.

10. Once issued, a task order may be modified in accordance with G-1 Task Order Procedures. The contractor shall incur costs under this contract in the performance of task orders and task order modifications issued in accordance with this ordering procedure.

11. No other costs are authorized without the express written consent of the CO.

G-2 Authorized Ordering Officials The authorized personnel for activating services for this requirement are NTSB Contacting Officers to include but not limited to:

NTSB Contracting Officer

G-3 Authority:

a. Contracting Officer Authority:

The Contracting Officer (CO), without delegation, is the only individual authorized to act on behalf of the Government to modify the terms, conditions, requirements, specifications, or delivery schedules of this contract.

No oral or written communication from any other Government official shall be considered a change to this contract, and the Contractor proceeds at its own risk if it relies upon direction from any individual other than the Contracting Officer.

b. Contract Specialist:

The Contract Specialist supports the Contracting Officer in the administration of this contract. The Contract Specialist does not have authority to make changes to the contract, authorize deviations, obligate funds, or otherwise bind the Government.

The Contract Specialist for this contract is:

Ciara Bond Contract Specialist National Transportation Safety Board Acquisition Division (CFO-30) 490 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20594 Office: (202) 314-6525 E-mail: Ciara.Bond@ntsb.gov mailto:Ciara.Bond@ntsb.gov

SECTION H -- SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H-1 Proprietary Rights The Parties agree that no source code or object code shall be developed for the NTSB under this contract. As the NTSB is not acquiring a system for its own use, the Contractor shall retain all proprietary rights in the source code and object code associated with its scanning system software.

With respect to data generated through performance of the services, the Contractor shall relinquish all copyrights in the output data produced for the NTSB under this contract

SECTION L – PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

L-1 General Information The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hereby solicits proposals for radiological services. This Request for Proposal (RFP) will result in the award of one (1) Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Task orders issued under the resulting contract will be Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP).

The ordering period for the IDIQ contract shall not exceed five (5) years and will consist of one (1) twelve-month base period and four (4) twelve-month option periods. The Government may exercise the option periods in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

Offerors shall submit fixed unit prices for each service for each period of performance, as specified in Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices.

L-2 Notice and Instruction to Offerors Offerors are required to meet all the requirements of the RFP, including but not limited to instructions, conditions/notices, and requirements in the Statement of Work (SOW). Offerors must above all, show that, if selected for award, they will be able to provide high quality radiological services in accordance with the SOW.

Proposals shall address each factor(s)/sub factor(s) as described below. Responses that merely repeat the requirements in the SOW or give only assurances without detailing how the contractor can perform the requirements may not be considered as being responsive to the requirements of this RFP. Proposals that fail to address the essential requirements of this RFP or are unreasonable in terms of technical content, schedule commitment, or cost/price will be deemed to have an inherent lack of technical competence or indicative of a failure to comprehend the requirements, or the complexity and risks associated with the requirements. The Government may reject any proposal that is so lacking in competence or in understanding the requirements that without a major reformation of the proposal it is not adequate for evaluation purposes. Alternate/conditional proposals may result in a proposal being rejected as non-responsive. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. Offerors are cautioned that they must submit a best offer with the initial proposal. To receive an award, a contractor must be determined to be responsible.

In responding to this RFP, contractors shall submit a proposal in three (3) separate parts: Technical, Past Performance, and Price.

1. Section I – Technical Proposal: Include all information requested under “L-3 Section I Technical Proposal”. Exclude any references to price.

2. Section II – Business Proposal: Include all information requested under “L-4 Section II Past

Performance”. Include all information requested under “completed solicitation Section B-2 Price Charts”. The pricing input into Section B-2 Price Chart will be incorporated into the resulting contract.

Requirements for Proposal Content The Offeror shall include the following information in all proposal sections:

1. Cover Sheet: A cover sheet that includes the Offeror’s legal name, the NTSB Solicitation Number and the applicable Section number (Section I or Section II).

2. Table of Contents: A detailed Table of Contents that clearly identifies and cross-references all major sections, factors, and sub-factors of the proposal to facilitate efficient evaluation.

L-3 Section I - Technical Proposal The Technical Proposal shall include the following executive summary, factors and sub-factors:

1. Executive Summary An executive summary of the contractor’s proposal is required. This summary will not be evaluated separately but will be used by evaluators to understand the overall proposal contents. Therefore, the information contained in the summary is important. It shall identify and highlight significant features of the proposal and include the salient points contained in the various parts. Each contractor shall include a General Information section in the executive summary that addresses the following: company name, company address, company Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

2. Factor 1 – Technical Approach

This section describes the contractor’s overall understanding of the requirements. A contractor’s technical approach describes the degree to which the contractor’s technical capability satisfies all the requirements in the SOW and demonstrates that the contractor has a clear understanding and knowledge of the SOW requirements and how to achieve them in a logical, feasible, and technically effective manner. This portion of the proposal includes the following sub-factors:

a. Sub-factor 1 – Scan Methodology. The contractor shall describe their methodology in producing scans of mixed material parts that minimize rings, streaks, and other artifacts by describing specialized reconstruction algorithms and describing examples of past success using these methods. Discuss any work that the contractor is conducting that is anticipated to produce improved image quality. If a contractor proposes using a variety of CT machines (for example, micro-focus vs. standard focus), detectors, or CT image generation processes (for example single slice vs. volume CT), describe the contractor’s experience with the use of these items and describe under what criteria each item would be recommended for use.

b. Sub-factor 2 – Equipment Capabilities and Quality Measures. The NTSB requires that all tasks are conducted on equipment (e.g. X-ray tube and detector) that is maintained and calibrated on a schedule that is in accordance with best industry practices for radiological equipment, using standard quality measures. In general, the contractor is expected to have an image quality monitoring program in place. If so, the results of the latest image quality testing conducted for that program may be used to satisfy the following requirements, with NTSB concurrence. In the absence of such a program, the contractor must demonstrate the following:

i) Scan Conditions/Tests: The contractor shall provide the exact scan conditions for each value/curve presented in the proposal and the details of test phantoms used in these tests.

The test procedures used shall be drawn from a recognized source (such as the ASTM).

The contractor shall also provide the test procedures used to compile the values/curves. If more than one piece of equipment is proposed, there shall be test results corresponding to each piece presented in the proposal.

ii) Quality Measures: For each piece of proposed equipment, the contractor shall show the following:

a) Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve. A curve showing the MTF values as a function of spatial frequency. Spatial frequency shall be given in line pairs

(lp) per mm.

b) Limiting resolution for the equipment. This is defined as the resolution available at an MTF value of 10%, given in lp/mm.

c) Noise Level. Noise value is expressed as either a percentage or as a standard deviation value (or both). The noise value is computed using scan parameters likely to be used in this project. These parameters include a slice thickness of

0.1 mm (or less) and power settings appropriate for both high-density materials and low-density materials. The region of interest used for the noise level determinations must include any image artifacts present.

d) Contrast Detail Diagram. A curve showing the minimum diameter of an object that can be resolved as a function of the difference in (delta) Computed Tomography (CT) value.

e) Image Linearity Curve. A curve showing the variation of CT number as a function of linear attenuation.

iii) Available Equipment: Contractor shall have an array of machines available for use ranging from microfocus (approximately 225 kv) up to high energy machines (approximately 9 MV). The contractor shall provide a detailed description of the equipment to be used through the duration of the requirement.

c. Sub-factor 3 – CT Scan Resolution and Generation Techniques. The contractor must provide a minimum of ten (10) to a maximum of forty (40) sample images that illustrate the following:

i. High resolution CT scans of parts made from dissimilar metals (one slice from each example scan will be adequate);

ii. High resolution CT scans of parts made from a composite or plastic material (one slice from each example scan will be adequate);

iii. Example stack(s) of images that can be loaded into VGStudio Max software: If the

Contractor is proposing to use both single-slice CT and volume CT image generation techniques, then image stacks using both techniques shall be submitted. For image stacks generated using volume CT, the image stack shall be generated using at least two volume “wedges,” and the stack shall be composed of a continuous sequence of images from both wedges. In addition, the Contractor shall ensure that example image stacks demonstrate the use of both 6MV and 9MV imaging where applicable, to illustrate the system’s capability across the different energy levels.

For submitted samples, the contractor shall include information on the scan parameters used (focal spot size, detector type, detector materials, detector pixel pitch, kV, mA, etc.) to produce the images. The NTSB may request additional samples for evaluation purposes as determined by the NTSB.

These samples shall be provided

a. From the contractor’s File Transfer Protocol (FTP) website, or,

b. Through other means as agreed to by NTSB.

Samples…