AB-133F-16-RQ-0493_-_Thresher_RFQ.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

b. TELEPHONE

AREA CODE

NUMBER

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

8. TO:

b. COMPANYa. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

7. DELIVERY

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE

ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a BY 10:00

AM PACIFIC TIME ON:

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or service. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotation must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/ SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

PAGE OF PAGES

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

NFFR7000-16-01842AB-133F-16-RQ-0493

WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION

CONTRACTS BRANCH

7600 SAND POINT WAY NE, SOU6

SEATTLE WA 98115-6349

NAME

CASEY ST.CLAIR , CONTRACTOR

CASEY.ST.CLAIR@NOAA.GOV

Please See Continuation Page for Line Item Details

206 526-4549

See Schedule

JUN 28, 2016

See Schedule

DUNS:

Attachment Page

PAGE 2 OF 53 AB-133F-16-RQ-0493

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

SOUTHWEST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER

THRESHER SHARK NURSERY AREA CHARTER

i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with FAR Part 13.5, with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intends to award one firm fixed-price contract for a vessel charter for the support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, as described in the Statement of Work. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which shall be considered by NOAA. The Government intends to select one contractor; however, the Government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the quotations / quotes and prices submitted and the availability of funds.

ii) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Written quotes for RFQ number AB-133F-16-RQ-0490 shall be submitted on this Standard Form 18.

iii) The solicitation and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular No. 2005- 88, dated May 16, 2016.

iv) This procurement is 100% set-aside for small business concerns. The associated NAICS code is 483114. The small business size standard is 500 employees.

v) This combined solicitation / synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial supply items:

CLIN 0001: Base Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017; Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an 18-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 0002: Option Item Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017; Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 1001: Option Period I Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018; Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an 18-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 1002: Option Period I Option Item Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018;

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 2001: Option Period II Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019; Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an 18-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 2002: Option Period II Option Item Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2018 through July 31, 2019;

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 3001: Option Period III Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020; Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for an 18-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 3002: Option Period III Option Item Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2019 through July 31, 2020;

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 4001: Option Period IV Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021; Provide all

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labor, equipment and materials necessary for an 18-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

CLIN 4002: Option Period IV Option Item Period of Performance shall be August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021;

Provide all labor, equipment and materials necessary for a 12-day vessel charter in support of the Thresher Shark Nursery Area Survey off the coast of California, in accordance with the Statement of Work.

vi) Description of requirements is as follows:

STATEMENT OF WORK

Period of Performance: August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2021 (Includes all Options)

Base Period CLIN 0001 08/01/2016 – 07/31/2017 18 Survey Days CLIN 0002 08/01/2016 – 07/31/2017 12 Option Survey Days Option Period I CLIN 1001 08/01/2017 – 07/31/2018 18 Option Survey Days CLIN 1002 08/01/2017 – 07/31/2018 12 Option Survey Days Option Period II CLIN 2001 08/01/2018 – 07/31/2019 18 Option Survey Days CLIN 2002 08/01/2018 – 07/31/2019 12 Option Survey Days Option Period III CLIN 3001 08/01/2019 – 07/31/2020 18 Option Survey Days CLIN 3002 08/01/2019 – 07/31/2020 12 Option Survey Days Option Period IV CLIN 4001 08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021 18 Option Survey Days CLIN 4002 08/01/2020 – 07/31/2021 12 Option Survey Days

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: This project is being carried out in order to define the core nursery areas of young-of-the-year thresher shark pups, and obtain a fishery-independent estimate of recruitment abundance that can be tracked along with fishery-dependent models of stock abundance. Sampling will also help document the recovery of the thresher shark stock from its depleted condition in the late 1980s, since various area and seasonal closures have been imposed. This is a time series project that has been conducted annually onboard charter commercial fishing vessels since 2003. Surveys are conducted between August 1st and October 31st of each year.

All fishing days will be observed by a NMFS field biologist or contract fishery liaison. All federal and state regulations will be covered under a Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Fisheries Research and a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientific collecting permit. Both authorizations are obtained and funded by the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the boundaries of thresher shark core nursery areas in southern and central California, 2) collect fishery-independent estimates of annual pup production and recruitment in these core nursery areas, 3) determine physical and biological characteristics of the core critical habitat, and 4) tag and release healthy individuals with conventional and electronic tags to document stock structure, movements, and habitat.

Inshore (within 10 miles) longline sampling shall be conducted from a contracted commercial vessel. Longline sets are to be made repeatedly during late summer to early fall months in order to determine the presence or absence of thresher shark neonates for each sampling strata in the core nursery area.

The contractor must be available for thirty consecutive days within the survey period of August 1st to October 31st each year. Actual survey dates will be determined each year in consultation between the SWFSC and contractor prior to July 22 for a start date within the performance period.

GENERAL SAMPLING DESCRIPTION: During the 18 base charter days, sets are to be made in each of twelve sampling blocks (see Figure 1 and details below), with an average of 2-3 stations covered per fishing day. Additional sets during option

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days will be conducted between Point Conception and San Francisco Bay, up to 10 miles offshore, time and weather dependent. All sets will be made during daylight hours. During the 18 base charter days, the fishing will occur in water with bottom depths between 0 and 25 fathoms (fm), but there are no restrictions on depths during option days.

GEAR SPECIFICATIONS: Monofilament mainline: (e.g., ~ 400 lb test or similar) and leaders (e.g. 300 lb test or similar) shall be used. Longline should be anchored at each end and buoyed to suspend hooks off bottom. If larger animals are targeted in deeper waters during option days, longline may be floated from the surface. Length of mainline or mainlines should accommodate enough hooks to be able to set approximately 100 hooks at each station. This can be a single mainline or two shorter mainlines set in the same general area. Hook spacing shall be approximately 50 feet. Hook size and type shall be 13/0 offset circle hooks and bait shall be sardine. Larger hooks may be used during option period when targeting larger individuals.

Fresh or previously frozen mackerel or sardine (~15 – 20 cm) shall be used.

CAPTAIN AND VESSEL SPECIFICATIONS: Captain shall have a minimum 5 years of experience conducting longline fishing targeting sharks or other large pelagic species (e.g. swordfish, tunas). Experience fishing for thresher sharks in the study area is desirable. Vessel shall be of sufficient size and draft, and equipped to efficiently conduct the described work.

Vessel shall be fitted with a hauling davit (pot hauler or similar design) with a minimum lifting capacity of 350 pounds. Deck space for two scientists to stand and move freely at side of boat where davit is located is necessary (see shark handling procedures below). Vessel shall also be capable of accommodating at least two fishery scientists in a smoke-free berthing area.

Scientists are expected to stay onboard the entire duration of the trip, even when in port. The charter is required to provide three (3) meals, water and non-alcoholic drinks, and a light snack each day for all personnel. The vessel shall have a private, clean and working toilet facility. Required electronics include an echosounder/fishfinder capable of detecting bottom depth and presence of bait schools, GPS plotter with updated maps, and VHF radio. At least two 110v outlets shall be provided in working areas inside the deckhouse where scientists can plug-in and work on personal laptop computers. Access to low pressure saltwater on deck is required. The vessel shall have a freezer and/or sufficient ice box for storage of bait necessary to conduct work and up to five whole shark specimens for biological studies. In addition, area for storage of tagging tools and equipment is required (minimum 20 cubic feet).

SAFETY: Vessel shall meet minimum equipment carriage requirements in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and/or have a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) or USCG Letter of Designation stating the vessel is approved for oceanographic research operations. Vessel shall be equipped with skiff or inflatable raft large enough to fit captain, crew, and scientific staff for use in case of emergency only. Immersion suits shall be provided for all crew and all scientific staff.

SAMPLING DESIGN:

Base Period (18 days): Vessel shall spend up to six days in each of three designated areas (See Figure 1). Each area has four blocks where a minimum of three stations, or 300 hooks, shall be set in each block. An attempt shall be made to deploy at least 300 hooks per day: 100 hooks per station, and 3 stations per day. Sets shall be made between sunrise and sunset (no overnight sets). Hooks can be in one single mainline or two shorter mainlines per station. Sets can be made in any order at any preferred location within a sampling area and within the prescribed time frame. Fishing depth of the line in the water column can vary (at the discretion of the chief scientist and vessel captain), but the line shall be suspended in midwater or near the surface, and not on the bottom. If a large catch of threshers is made at a station, then that station should not be sampled again until at least one day has passed, or if re-setting nearby, the next station shall be beyond 1 mile. Sampling areas will include:

1) Point Conception to Point Mugu (4 to 6 days; 4 blocks; minimum 3 stations (300 hooks) in each block). Sampling conducted at inshore depth strata 0-25 fm.

2) Point Mugu to Dana Point (4 to 6 days; 4 blocks; minimum 3 stations (300 hooks) in each block). Sampling conducted at inshore depth strata 0-25 fm.

3) Dana Point to Mexico border (4 to 6 days; 4 blocks; minimum 3 stations (300 hooks) in each block). Sampling conducted at inshore depth strata 0-25 fm.

Additional sets after the minimum of 4 per region may be conducted at areas identified as potential thresher hotspots as determined by the chief scientist and fishing captain.

Option Days (Up to 12 additional days): During each year of the contract, options of up to 12 additional days (in addition to the 18 base days) are included. The option days will be completed immediately prior to or following the 18 base charter days.

The option days will require conducting longline sets in locations not within the survey blocks (See Figure 1) in order to investigate the northward extent of the nursery area, no further than San Francisco Bay. Longline sets during option days may be deployed in depths greater than 25 fathoms (fm) and up to 10 miles offshore to target larger sharks for tag and release of electronic tags, but the majority of sets will be conducted in shallow waters (< 25 fathoms) targeting young-of-the-year thresher sharks.

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HANDLING, SAMPLES, AND DATA COLLECTION: Sharks will be handled by SWFSC scientists above the waterline and over the side of the vessel. Sharks will be leadered to the side of the boat by scientist or crew, then placed on a stretcher provided by SWFSC. The stretcher is made of aluminum speed rail with a vinyl cover; approximately 6’ (L) x 2.5’ (W) and estimated 20 pounds. One end of the stretcher will be fixed to the rail of the boat. The opposite end of the stretcher shall be attached to the vessel’s davit pulley system and have movement to reach the water line where sharks will be lifted out of the water. The Captain or crew may be required to assist by pulling the ropes of the pulley system to assist with lifting the animal out of the water. The design and location of the stretcher will be agreed upon by captain and survey chief scientist at least one week prior to fishing. Sharks are to be measured, sexed, tagged, and genetic samples collected, when possible. Age-0 fish are usually < 102 cm fork length (FL), while 1 yr old fish can may be up to 120 cm FL. Information on water temperature, salinity, water turbidity, color (green, blue, brown), bottom type (sand, mud, rock), and bait school transects are to be recorded by field biologists. Thresher sharks in good condition can be tagged with conventional tags and/or satellite tags which will be provided by the Government, and returned to sea.

Stomach, liver and muscle samples will be collected from any dead specimens. If adult-sized (> 166 cm FL) and dead, sharks will be checked for maturity stage and dissected for presence of eggs/fetuses and egg capsules as described on Shark Life History Data Form, which will be provided by the Government.

VESSEL LOG: Vessel Captain shall have means to record and provide a verbal account of the following operational information: Captain and crew member names, vessel name, date set, bait type, length of mainline, number of mainlines set (if more than one), number hooks set, number hooks/float, depth hook placement (minimum and maximum), sea surface temp, begin set time and position, end set time and position, date haul, begin haul time and position, end haul time and position.

Presence and size of bait schools observed by acoustic backscatter shall be recorded by scientists. Before or after each set, a box-shaped transect is to be made around the periphery of the area where the set line or lines will or have been deployed.

While running this transect at slow speed (~5 knots), scientists will record the start and stop time, number of bait schools seen on the echosounder, an identification of the bait species (or best guess), and a rough approximation of the poundage or tonnage of each school. A note will also be taken by scientists if any threshers and/ or other marine life are visible near or at the surface or jumping.

DISPOSAL OF OTHER CATCH: Fishery biologists will record non-targeted animals on the catch log, measurements will be collected if relevant, and live animals will be immediately returned to the sea. Fishers shall not retain dead catch for sale.

Disposal of fish must be in accordance with NOAA Administrative order 202-735B, which can be found at http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ames/administrative_orders/chapter_202/202-735B.html.

FISH CATCH LOG: To be provided and completed by SWFSC scientists. Data include: species taken, fork length, sex, number of fish kept, number of fish released, number of bait schools on box transect (species and estimated combined mass/weight).

INSURANCE: Maintenance of Marine Insurance Coverage is required, and the cost to be borne by the contractor. During the full period of this contract the Contractor shall maintain the customary full form marine insurance coverage on the vessels including Hull and Machinery and Liability- P&I, taking into account scientific personnel on board. The expense of this insurance shall be for the Contractor’s account, and shall be deemed to be included in the hire payable under this contract.

FISHING WARDEN NOTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION: Field biologists will notify CDFW enforcement branch to inform them of sampling intentions. Information will include date, time, vessel name and number, and location of research fishing. If boarded, the vessel Captain or Chief Scientist will provide a copy of the cruise announcement, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation (Environmental Assessment) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientific collecting permit.

PORT SERVICES: Any Port Services which may include port and moorage fees, shall be included in the contract price daily rate, and broken out per item in the quotation.

COMMUNICATION: Communication equipment appropriate for ship-to-shore communications, including emergency communications (i.e. VHF radio) shall be provided by the Contractor and included in the contract price as part of the daily rate.

FUEL: Fuel shall be provided by the contractor and included in the contract price as part of the daily rate.

CONTRACTOR PROVIDED PROPERTY: The contractor shall provide the vessel and all equipment appropriate to conduct the work described above, to include bait (mackerel or sardine ~15-20 cm), as well as vessel crew to include, at minimum, a Vessel Captain and one crew. Contractor shall provide safety equipment to include life raft and survival suits for up to two

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crew and two scientists. Contractor shall provide electronic equipment as described above.

GOVERNMENT PROVIDED EQUIPMENT: The government will provide necessary data collection and tagging instrumentation (tags, tag inserters, hardware, etc.). All data generated will be the property of the U.S. government.

Figure 1. Longline sampling blocks within 3 sampling areas during 18 day base period. A minimum 3 stations, or 100 hooks, will be fished within each block and a total of 6 days will be spent fishing within each of the 3 areas (area number in parentheses).

vii) Acceptance will take place aboard the contracted vessel.

viii) The provision at FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial items (OCT 2015), and addenda apply to this acquisition.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

Offerors shall submit all attachments with complete information which clearly and concisely relates to the evaluation criteria in SOLICITATION PROVISIONS, FAR 52.212-1 EVALUATION CRITERIA (APR 2010), specifically addressing the following:

Quotations are due no later than 10:00 AM PDT on June 28, 2016.

Only quotations that address and meet all requirements set forth in this solicitation will be considered responsive. To be considered for award Offerors must propose for all items listed in the price schedule. In addition, the following instructions establish the acceptable minimum requirements for the format and content of quotations.

The quotation must be prepared in two parts: A technical quotation and a price quotation. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. The technical quotation must not contain reference to price; however, adequate information must be contained in the technical quotation so that the offeror’s technical approach is sufficiently detailed to provide a clear and concise presentation that addresses all

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contract requirements and demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements. See other sections of the RFQ and PWS for additional requirements of the Price and Technical quotations.

The quotation should be typed, double-spaced, with one inch margins, using size 12-font or equivalent, and printed (if mailed), unreduced in size, on 8½" by 11" paper.

The offeror shall submit:

a. Technical Quotation: One (1) original and three (3) copies.

b. Price Quotation: One (1) original and one (1) copy.

Each part shall be clearly marked by title.

If mailed, quotations shall be marked on the outside of the mailing package, shall clearly identify the solicitation number, time and date for receipt of offers, and the name of the assigned Contract Specialist.

Offerors are responsible for submitting quotations, and any revisions, so as to reach the office identified in Block 9 of the SF- 18 by the time specified in the solicitation. Any package not marked or incorrectly marked for identification as a quotation and is subsequently delivered late will not be considered for award.

Regardless of the delivery method used, it is up to the contractor to ensure quotations are received in the contracting office by the specified due date.

The Government will evaluate quotations in accordance with the provisions set forth in this section and with the evaluation criteria set forth herein.

The Offerors shall identify and explain any exceptions or deviations taken to any part of the solicitation or conditional assumptions made with respect to the technical requirements of the solicitation. Offerors should note that taking exceptions to the Government’s requirements may indicate an unwillingness or inability to perform the contract, and the quotation may be evaluated as such.

Factor 1 – TECHNICAL CAPABILITY:

Preparation and submission of the attachments noted below, as well as any additional information needed to determine: the vessel's ability to conduct the survey efficiently and safely, the experience of the proposed crew, and information documenting the company’s experience based on direct corporate experience of the company, vessel and crew with charter operations similar in scope, objectives and operating procedures to those described in this acquisition is required.

Offerors are to complete and submit:

(1) Vessel Characteristics – Attachment 1

a. Stability Letter from the Vessel's Stability Report

(2) Experience of Captain and Crew – Attachment 2

(3) Vessel’s Commercial Fishing History – Attachment 3

(4) Customer Past Performance Questionnaire – Attachment 4 (this attachment shall be sent to contractor’s clients, who will then submit directly to the Government)

Additionally, offerors shall provide sufficient detailed information which demonstrates that the vessel is capable of meeting the required characteristics and configuration, and how they plan to meet the specified requirements. This shall include the attachments included in this request for quotations. This information should be supplemented and can include, but is not limited to: drawings, blueprints, photographs, written narrative, etc.

In the technical offer, offerors shall provide information and documentation in sufficient detail to clearly identify qualifications. The information should be provided as shown on the attached forms, including manufacturer’s names and model numbers where applicable. A complete explanation shall be provided where information is unavailable or not applicable. If an offeror proposes to supply equipment for the contract that they do not currently have, they must provide the specifics of the equipment such as the make, model and expected delivery time of the item, in order for the equipment to be considered in the evaluation of their offer. In the event an offeror proposes equipment modifications to a vessel, NOAA, at its

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discretion may eliminate the vessel from consideration if NOAA views potential schedule risk, etc. In addition, the Government reserves the right to inspect vessels prior to making a selection.

Factor 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE:

The offer must include specific contract references and clearly address recently completed and related, relevant contracts (both Government and non-Government), subcontracts, and grants. The offeror should include the name of the customer, including contracting agency, address, and phone number; contract number, type of contract, and dollar value; date of contract, period of performance, place of performance, and a brief description of contract work scope and responsibilities. Attachment 4, Customer Past Performance Questionnaire, is included for your use. Provide questionnaires to all customers under similar or related contracts performed or currently being performed for at least the last 3 years or a short statement explaining the lack thereof. Include any letters or reports of work performance completed provided by a contracting agency on quality of work performed prior to submitting Attachment 4 to customer references. Offerors should note that the Government expects to make use of past performance data from any available list of customers.

Attachment 4 – Customer Past Performance Questionnaire

The Offeror's past performance on related contracts will be evaluated to determine, as appropriate, successful performance of contract requirements, quality and timeliness of delivery of goods and services, effective management of subcontractors, cost management, level of communication between the contracting parties, proactive management and customer satisfaction.

The Government reserves the right to assess the past performance of proposed subcontractors.

The Government will use its discretion to determine the sources of past performance information used in the evaluation, and the information may be obtained from reference provided by the Offeror, the agency's knowledge of contractor performance, other Government agencies or commercial entities, or past performance databases.

If an Offeror does not have a history of relevant contract experience, or if past performance information is not available, the Offeror will receive a neutral past performance rating.

Offerors shall provide a listing of customers to which Customer Past Performance Questionnaire forms were distributed. The list shall contain the firm's names, the representative to whom the form was provided, a telephone number of the contact and an email address. Your customers are requested to complete the Past Performance form and submit the form by fax or email directly to the Contract Specialist noted below.

NOTE: Upon completion of the form, the customer shall return it directly to the DOC, NOAA, Western Acquisition Division by email to: casey.st.clair@noaa.gov or fax: 206-527-3916.

Offerors shall make every effort to ensure that forms are received no later than, June 28, 2016 by 10:00 AM PDT, in order to be considered for evaluation of this factor. Surveys submitted directly by the offeror rather than by the customer may not be considered.

Factor 3 – PRICE:

Price quotations must generally adhere to the pricing structure established in the Schedule of Items. Each price quotation must be based on the offeror's own technical quotation, the Government's Statement of Work and other contractual requirements.

Award will be made to the offeror who presents the best value to the government, when considering trade-off principles where a combination of technical and past performance factors are more important than price.

ix) The provision at FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (OCT 2014) applies to this acquisition. Evaluation factors include technical capability, past performance, and price.

FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

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1. Technical Capability

2. Past Performance

3. Price

Technical and past performance, when combined, are more important than price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

x) Offerors are required to include a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (APR 2016), with their offer(s).

FAR 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2016)

The offeror shall complete only paragraphs (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) Web site accessed through http://www.acquisition.gov . If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (r) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision--

“Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern” means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

“Forced or indentured child labor” means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

“Highest-level owner” means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

“Immediate owner” means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: Ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

“Inverted domestic corporation,” means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

“Manufactured end product” means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000-9999, except—

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(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

“Place of manufacture” means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

“Predecessor” means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

“Restricted business operations” means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

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(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

“Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern”—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

“Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR Part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

“Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with 13 CFR 124.1002,” means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that--

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by--

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States; and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR 124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

“Subsidiary” means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation.

“Successor” means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term “successor” does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

“Veteran-owned small business concern” means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans(as defined at 38 U.S.C. 101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

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(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

“Women-owned business concern” means a concern which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the its stock is owned by one or more women; and whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business concern” means a small business concern --

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

“Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127),” means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States.

(b)

(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications posted on the SAMwebsite.

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM website accessed throughhttps://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representation and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ____________. [Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at

(c) through (r) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer. Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted electronically on SAM.]

(c) Offerors must complete the following representations when the resulting contract is to be performed in the United States or its outlying areas. Check all that apply.

(1) Small business concern. The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [_] is, [_] is not a small business concern.

(2) Veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [_] is, [_] is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(3) Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(2) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it [_] is, [_] is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(4) Small disadvantaged business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [_] is, [_] is not, a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

(5) Women-owned small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [_] is, [_] is not a women-owned small business concern.

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Note: Complete paragraphs (c)(8) and (c)(9) only if this solicitation is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(6) WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a women-owned small business concern in paragraph (c)(5) of this provision.] The offeror represents that—

(i) It [_] is, [_] is not a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility; and

(ii) It [_] is, [_] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: _________.] Each WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the WOSB representation.

(7) Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a WOSB concern eligible under the WOSB Program in (c)(6) of this provision.] The offeror represents that—

(i) It [_] is, [_] is not an EDWOSB concern, has provided all the required documents to the WOSB Repository, and no change in circumstances or adverse decisions have been issued that affects its eligibility;

and

(ii) It [_] is, [_] is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 127, and the representation in paragraph (c)(7)(i) of this provision is accurate for each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the EDWOSB concern and other small businesses that are participating in the joint venture: _____________.] Each EDWOSB concern participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the EDWOSB representation.

(8) Women-owned business concern (other than small business concern). [Complete only if the offeror is a women-owned business concern and did not represent itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents that it [_] is, a women-owned business concern.

(9) Tie bid priority for labor surplus area concerns. If this is an invitation for bid, small business offerors may identify the labor surplus areas in which costs to be incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by offeror or first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract price:

(10) HUBZone small business concern. [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (c)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that--

(i) It [_] is, [_] is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, on the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration, and no material changes in ownership and control, principal office, or HUBZone employee percentage have occurred since it was certified in accordance with 13 CFR part 126; and

(ii) It [_] is, [_] is not a HUBZone joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR part 126, and the representation in paragraph (c)(10)(i) of this provision is accurate for each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the names of each of the HUBZone small business concerns participating in the HUBZone joint venture: __________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the HUBZone joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the HUBZone representation.

PAGE 14 OF 53 AB-133F-16-RQ-0493

(d) Representations required to implement provisions of Executive Order 11246 --

(1) Previous contracts and compliance. The offeror represents that --

(i) It [_] has, [_] has not, participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation; and

(ii) It [_] has, [_] has not, filed all required compliance reports.

(2) Affirmative Action Compliance. The offeror represents that --

(i) It [_] has developed and has on file, [_] has not developed and does not have on file, at each establishment, affirmative action programs required by rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (41 CFR parts 60-1 and 60-2), or

(ii) It [_] has not previously had contracts subject to the written affirmative action programs requirement of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor.

(e) Certification Regarding Payments to Influence Federal Transactions (31 U.S.C. 1352). (Applies only if the contract is expected to exceed $150,000.) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief that no Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress or an employee of a Member of Congress on his or her behalf in connection with the award of any resultant contract. If any registrants under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 have made a lobbying contact on behalf of the offeror with respect to this contract, the offeror shall complete and submit, with its offer, OMB Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, to provide the name of the registrants. The offeror need not report regularly employed officers or employees of the offeror to whom payments of reasonable compensation were made.

(f) Buy American Certificate. (Applies only if the clause at Federal…