ADDENDUM for EMC_SectionsLM_LC for posting.docx

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ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 – INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS (COMMERCIAL) (SECTION L)

1.0. General Quotation Instructions

1.1. Regulatory Authority: This acquisition is conducted under the commercial procedures of FAR Part 12, utilizing evaluation procedures derived from FAR Part 15.

1.2. Quote Formatting: Quoters must submit their quotes in three (3) separate volumes: Volume I (Administrative & NETA Eligibility), Volume II (Technical Capability), and Volume III (Price).

1.3. Communications Control: The Contracting Officer (CO) is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. All questions, concerns, or exchanges of information between the Government and quoters must be directed to the CO. Unauthorized contact with other Government personnel regarding this solicitation may result in disqualification.

1.4. Notice Regarding Availability of Funds: Notice to Quoters: Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse a quoter for any quote preparation costs.

1.5. Quote Validity Period: Quoters must hold their quoted prices and technical commitments firm for a minimum of one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from the date specified for receipt of quotes.

1.6. Explanations to Unsuccessful Quoters: Quoters may request a brief explanation of the award decision or a debriefing by submitting a written request to the Contracting Officer in accordance with the timelines and procedures established by the Contracting Officer and applicable FAR regulations.

1.7. FAR 52.233-2 – Service of Protest (Sept 2006): Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with the agency or the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from: [Insert Contracting Officer Name and Office Address]. A copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one calendar day of filing a protest with the GAO.

1.8. Provisions Incorporated by Reference: The following FAR provisions are incorporated by reference with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text:

· FAR 52.204-7 – System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

· FAR 52.214-34 – Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991) (Note: Official FAR clause titles retain the word "Offers")

2.0. Volume I: Administrative & Factor 1 – NETA Eligibility

To demonstrate minimum eligibility to perform the requirements of PWS Section 1.3, the quoter shall submit the following:

· Prime Contractor Accreditation: Proof of fully qualified NETA accreditation reflecting good standing. The Prime Contractor must hold the NETA accreditation. Submit copies of the accreditation documents in this volume.

· Personnel Certifications: Provide NETA certificates demonstrating that all proposed NETA electricians and NETA foremen are certified at the correct level required by PWS Section 3.6.

3.0. Volume II: Factor 2 – Technical Capability

The quoter shall submit a Technical Volume containing narratives for the following three subfactors:

· Subfactor 1: Quality of Personnel Hired

· Staffing & Management Plan: Provide a skill set and staffing plan showing the proposed organizational structure to manage the effort (PWS 2.4.5). Detail the number of days from contract award to be fully staffed, provide signed letters of intent for proposed hires, and describe any established local market presence and WPAFB experience.

· Equipment Narrative: Provide a narrative detailing the ability to provide test equipment required in PWS 2.2.2.2, the types of equipment to be provided, and the specific equipment used to accomplish NETA Maintenance Testing (MTS) and Acceptance Testing (ATS).

· Key Personnel Resumes: Provide resumes (inclusive of certifications/degrees) for all Key Personnel identified in PWS 3.7.1 (Program Manager, Electrical Engineer/APM, Electrical Engineer, General Foreman, Electrical Foreman, and two Journeyman Electricians). Identify the intended position and skill level (e.g., NETA Level 3) on each resume. All personally identifiable information (PII) must be redacted.

· Subfactor 2: Ability to Retain Quality Personnel

· Compensation Plan: Complete and submit Attachment #4 (Professional Employee Compensation Plan Tool).

· Retention Narrative: Provide a narrative detailing historical retention rates on same or similar contracts, comprehensive compensation packages, and any other capabilities that emphasize the ability to maintain the stable workforce required by PWS 2.4.6 and 4.11.1.

· Subfactor 3: Quality Control Plan (QCP)

· QCP Submission: Provide a comprehensive QCP in accordance with PWS 2.1; 2.4.9 and 5.4. The QCP must detail the allocation of responsibilities, how the quoter will manage non-conformances (minor and major) through root cause analysis, and the specific processes used to remedy negative feedback, safety/security issues, and personnel compliance.

4.0. Volume III: Factor 3 – Price

· Price Workbook: Fill out and submit Attachment #5 (Total Evaluated Price Spreadsheet). Quoters must map their proposed positions to the nearest like position listed in Attachment #3 (FTEs).

· Indirect Rates: Provide the material handling rate (or any other pertinent indirect rate) charged by your company as a percentage applied to the Total Evaluated Price (TEP).

5.0. Volume IV: Factor 4 – Past Performance

The quoter shall submit a Past Performance Volume. Quoters shall submit up to three (3) recent and relevant contract references performed within the last three (3) years that demonstrate performance of same or similar NETA testing requirements. For each reference, provide the Contract Number, Point of Contact (Name, Email, Phone), Total Contract Value, and a brief narrative (no more than 1 page per reference) describing the scope of work and its relevance to this PWS.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-2 – EVALUATION (COMMERCIAL) SECTION M

1.0. Basis for Contract Award

1.1. Source Selection Methodology: This is a Best Value Tradeoff source selection conducted under FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15 procedures. The Government will select the quoter whose quote represents the best value, where non-cost/price factors, when combined, are significantly more important than price. The Government will perform a comparative trade-off analysis comparing the relative benefits and strengths of the quotes against the evaluated price.

1.2. Award Without Negotiations: Consistent with FAR 52.212-1(The Government intends to award without negotiations but reserves the right to establish a competitive range to continue negotiations with a group of evaluated proposals that the contracting officer determines are best suited for further negotiations. Offerors are advised to give an offer suitable for an award decision in the initial proposal. If, during the evaluation period, it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government to hold negotiations, offeror responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs) and the Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs) shall be considered in making the source selection decision. If FPRs are required, the Government will determine if written negotiations are required.

If the offeror’s proposal has been evaluated as acceptable at the time negotiations are closed, any changes or exceptions in the FPR are subject to evaluation and may introduce risk that the offeror’s proposal be determined unacceptable and ineligible for award.

2.0. Factor 1: International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) Eligibility

2.1. Impact of Rating

A quoter must receive an "Acceptable" rating in Factor 1 to be eligible for further evaluation and contract award. A rating of "Unacceptable" under Factor 1 will render the entire quote technically unacceptable, the quote will be removed from the competition, and no further evaluation of Factor 2 (Technical Capability) or Factor 3 (Price) will occur.

2.2. Order of Importance and Relative Weight of Factors

In accordance with FAR 15.104(a), the relative importance of the evaluation factors and subfactors is established as follows:

1. Factor 1 (NETA Eligibility) is evaluated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis and is not weighted as part of the tradeoff analysis. Only quotes rated "Acceptable" proceed to the tradeoff.

2. Factor 2 (Technical Capability) is significantly more important than Factor 3 (Price).

3. Within Factor 2 (Technical Capability), is significantly more important to price

· Subfactor 1 (Quality of Personnel Hired)

· Subfactor 2 (Ability to Retain Quality Personnel)

· Subfactor 3 (Quality Control Plan) combined.

2.3. Basis of Evaluation (Acceptable/Unacceptable Gate)

Factor 1 is a non-price, technical eligibility factor evaluated on an Acceptable or Unacceptable basis. Quotes will be evaluated to determine if the Prime Contractor meets the strict NETA requirements of PWS Section 1.3 and Section 3.6. To receive a rating of "Acceptable" under Factor 1, the quoter’s quote must successfully meet both of the following criteria:

· Company Accreditation: Provide verifiable proof that the Prime Contractor holds a fully qualified NETA accreditation in good standing. This accreditation must have been held by the Prime Contractor for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years prior to the date of quote submission. Entry-level, partially qualified, or subcontractor-held accreditations are insufficient.

· Personnel Certifications: Provide valid, current certificates demonstrating that all proposed NETA electricians and NETA foremen are NETA certified at the correct level mandated by PWS Section 3.6.

3.0. Factor 2: Technical Capability

The Government will evaluate the Technical Capability subfactors to assess the quoter's understanding of the PWS requirements and ability to perform successfully. The Government will evaluate Factor 2 using the DoD Source Selection Procedures. Each subfactor will receive a combined Technical/Risk Rating based on the assessment of strengths, weaknesses, deficiencies, and performance risks.

· Subfactor 1: Quality of Personnel Hired: The Government will evaluate the staffing plan to ensure it reflects a sound management approach, feasible organizational structure, and realistic timelines to reach full staffing (including the number of days from contract award to be fully staffed and signed letters of intent). The equipment narrative will be evaluated for adequacy in supporting PWS MTS and ATS requirements. Key Personnel resumes will be evaluated to ensure proposed personnel meet the requisite education, security clearance eligibility, and NETA skill levels defined in PWS 3.5 and 3.6.

Additionally, the Government will evaluate the offeror’s described established local market presence and WPAFB experience to assess their capability to successfully meet the strict unscheduled maintenance response times required by PWS Section 2.7.9 and Section 4.11.8.2 (on-site within two hours of notification).

· Established Local Market Presence Evaluation: The Government will evaluate the offeror's physical presence (defined as an office, dispatch center, or staging yard located within a 50-mile radius or 1-hour driving distance of WPAFB) to verify their physical capability to dispatch NETA technicians to the worksite within the mandated 2-hour response window. If an offeror lacks an established local physical presence at the time of proposal submission, the Government will evaluate the feasibility, risk, and realism of the offeror's detailed transition plan to secure, lease, and staff a local presence within the 60-day transition period.

· WPAFB Experience Evaluation: The Government will evaluate the offeror’s described experience performing high-voltage electrical services of similar scope and complexity within the WPAFB, OH area or comparable industrial and military environments to assess their familiarity with local base civil engineering procedures, safety standards, and real property structures.

· Comparative Evaluation Weighting & Tradeoff Value: WPAFB experience is the primary technical evaluation component under this narrative. However, an offeror demonstrating BOTH a highly relevant historical WPAFB experience AND an established local physical presence at the time of proposal submission is more valuable to the Government, will be assessed more favorably, and may receive a Technical Strength.

· Subfactor 2: Ability to Retain Quality Personnel: The Government will evaluate the ‘Salary Data’ Tab in Attachment #4 against the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) to assess the risk of retaining quality personnel. The Government will evaluate the retention narrative and quotes assessed with lower retention risk will be viewed more favorably. (PWS 4.11.1).

· Subfactor 3: Quality Control Plan: The Government will evaluate the QCP to ensure it provides a comprehensive, proactive approach to maintaining compliance with PWS 2.4.9 and 5.4. The plan will be evaluated on the adequacy of the proposed processes for monitoring the Services Summary (PWS 2.1), managing subcontractors, and remedying non-conformances and security issues.

4.0. Factor 3: Price

The Government Evaluation Team will calculate a Total Evaluated Price (TEP) for evaluation purposes. The TEP is the sum of the quoted prices for the base period and all option periods. Evaluation of options does not obligate the Government to exercise them.

· Price Analysis: The Government will evaluate the TEP based on the following:

1. Completeness: Evaluated to ensure all price elements have been addressed, continuity exists between the technical and price volumes, and prices trace accurately through any revisions.

2. Reasonableness: For a price to be reasonable, it must represent a price to the Government that a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business. The PCO has determined any total evaluated price15% higher than the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) will be considered unreasonable. Additionally, the Government will determine prices fair and reasonable through the use of one or more price analysis techniques at RFO 15.404-1.

3. Price Realism: The Government may conduct a price realism analysis on the quoted prices. The purpose of this analysis is to determine whether the quoted prices are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the PWS requirements, and are consistent with the technical volume. To ensure a reasonable evaluation, the Government's realism assessment will not be limited to a mechanical comparison of prices; instead, the Government will evaluate each quoter's pricing in direct correlation to its proposed staffing plan, key personnel qualifications, and resource allocation. Quotes with unrealistically low prices that fail to align with or support the proposed technical approach may be assessed as a technical risk rating of "High" or "Unacceptable" and may be rejected.

4. Unbalanced Pricing: The Government will conduct an analysis for unbalanced pricing IAW RFO 15.404-6. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable TEP, a proposed line item is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques. Unbalanced pricing may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. An offer may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. Offerors are cautioned that a proposal may be rejected if unbalanced pricing exists and the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. The burden of proof for demonstrating balance pricing rests with the Offor.

· IGCE Mapping Discrepancies: If a quoter proposes positions not included in the Government's IGCE, the Government reserves the right to unilaterally map those positions to the nearest like position in Attachment #3 for the purpose of calculating the evaluated price.