b.AG-04KK-S-15-0004bidders.docx

AG-04KK-S-15-0004 Four Forest Stand Exam/Stocking Survey IDIQ ; Bidder’s Packet Page 4 of 15

SECTION B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Schedule of Items

AG-04KK-S-15-0004; Four Forest Stand/Stocking Exam IDIQ

**OPTION ITEM**

B-1 AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of the Contract (FEB 1988) The effective period of this contract is from date of award through May 3, 2020.

B-2 AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988) During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $1,000.00, but not in excess of $3,000,000.00.

SECTION K - Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors

K-1 FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications (DEC 2014) (a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is [115310].

(2) The small business size standard is [$7.5 Million].

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7 is not included in this solicitation, and the offeror is currently registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), and has completed the Representations and Certifications section of SAM electronically, the offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

[] (i) Paragraph (d) applies.

[] (ii) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c)(1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless-

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(iv) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that-

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(v) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations-Representation.

(vi) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(vii) 52.214-14, Place of Performance-Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(viii) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(ix) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic & Alternate I). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(x) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xi) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xii) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xiii) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xiv) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xv) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated items.

(xvi) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xvii) 52.225-4, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $79,507, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $79,507 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xviii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xix) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xx) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxi) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[] (i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

[] (ii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

[] (iii) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Certification.

[] (iv) 52.222-52, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Certification.

[] (v) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

[] (vi) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

[] (A) Basic.

[] (B) Alternate I.

[] (vii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically via the SAM Web site accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within 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 the changes identified below (offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date). 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.

FAR Clause No.[] Title[] Date[] Change[] 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 on SAM.

K-2 AGAR 452.219-70 Size Standard and NAICS Code Information (SEP 2001) The North American Industrial Classification System Code(s) and business size standard(s) describing the products and/or services to be acquired under this solicitation are listed below:

Contract line item(s): [ALL ITEMS]

- NAICS Code [115310]

- Size Standard [$7.5 Million]

K-3 Government Employees, Former USDA Employees, and USDA Retirees The offeror/quoter represents and certifies that--

The firm |_| is, |_| is not substantially owned or controlled by a former USDA employee or retiree.

SECTION L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

L-1 FAR 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (JUL 2013) FAR 52.216-27 Single or Multiple Awards (OCT 1995)

L-2 FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition (JAN 2004)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision-

"Discussions" are negotiations that occur after establishment of the competitive range that may, at the Contracting Officer's discretion, result in the offeror being allowed to revise its proposal.

"In writing, writing, or written" means any worded or numbered expression that can be read, reproduced, and later communicated, and includes electronically transmitted and stored information.

"Proposal modification" is a change made to a proposal before the solicitation's closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award.

"Proposal revision" is a change to a proposal made after the solicitation closing date, at the request of or as allowed by a Contracting Officer as the result of negotiations.

"Time," if stated as a number of days, is calculated using calendar days, unless otherwise specified, and will include Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. However, if the last day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then the period shall include the next working day.

(b) Amendments to solicitations. If this solicitation is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

(c) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals. (1) Unless other methods (e.g., electronic commerce or facsimile) are permitted in the solicitation, proposals and modifications to proposals shall be submitted in paper media in sealed envelopes or packages (i) addressed to the office specified in the solicitation, and (ii) showing the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the offeror. Offerors using commercial carriers should ensure that the proposal is marked on the outermost wrapper with the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this provision.

(2) The first page of the proposal must show-

(i) The solicitation number;

(ii) The name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the offeror (and electronic address if available);

(iii) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item;

(iv) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror's behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

(v) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent's authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office.

(3) Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals. (i) Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals, and any modifications or revisions, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that proposal or revision is due.

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

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

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

(3) It is the only proposal received.

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

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

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

(v) Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award. Oral proposals in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile proposals, proposals may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before award, subject to the conditions specified in the provision at 52.215-5, Facsimile Proposals. Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or an authorized representative, if the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

(4) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, the offeror may propose to provide any item or combination of items.

(5) Offerors shall submit proposals in response to this solicitation in English, unless otherwise permitted by the solicitation, and in U.S. dollars, unless the provision at FAR 52.225-17, Evaluation of Foreign Currency Offers, is included in the solicitation.

(6) Offerors may submit modifications to their proposals at any time before the solicitation closing date and time, and may submit modifications in response to an amendment, or to correct a mistake at any time before award.

(7) Offerors may submit revised proposals only if requested or allowed by the Contracting Officer.

(8) Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Offer expiration date. Proposals in response to this solicitation will be valid for the number of days specified on the solicitation cover sheet (unless a different period is proposed by the offeror).

(e) Restriction on disclosure and use of data. Offerors that include in their proposals data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall -

(1) Mark the title page with the following legend:

This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this offeror as a result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets (insert numbers or other identification of sheets); and

(2) Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this proposal.

(f) Contract award. (1) The Government intends to award a contract or contracts resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s) represents the best value after evaluation in accordance with the factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

(2) The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government's interest.

(3) The Government may waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

(4) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with offerors (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a)). Therefore, the offeror's initial proposal should contain the offeror's best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary. If the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals.

(5) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the proposal.

(6) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government's best interest to do so.

(7) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

(8) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

(9) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance or schedule risk.

(10) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time specified in the proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

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

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

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

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

(iv) A summary of the rationale for award.

(v) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

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

L-3 FAR 52.215-5 Facsimile Proposals (OCT 1997)

(a) Definition. "Facsimile proposal," as used in this provision, means a proposal, revision or modification of a proposal, or withdrawal of a proposal that is transmitted to and received by the Government via facsimile machine.

(b) Offerors may submit facsimile proposals as responses to this solicitation. Facsimile proposals are subject to the same rules as paper proposals.

(c) The telephone number of receiving facsimile equipment is: 541-575-3158.

(d) If any portion of a facsimile proposal received by the Contracting Officer is unreadable to the degree that conformance to the essential requirements of the solicitation cannot be ascertained from the document-

(1) The Contracting Officer immediately shall notify the offeror and permit the offeror to resubmit the proposal;

(2) The method and time for resubmission shall be prescribed by the Contracting Officer after consultation with the offeror; and

(3) The resubmission shall be considered as if it were received at the date and time of the original unreadable submission for the purpose of determining timeliness, provided the offeror complies with the time and format requirements for resubmission prescribed by the Contracting Officer.

(e) The Government reserves the right to make award solely on the facsimile proposal. However, if requested to do so by the Contracting Officer, the apparently successful offeror promptly shall submit the complete original signed proposal.

L-4 FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984) The Government contemplates award of a firm-fixed price Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity contract resulting from this solicitation.

L-5 FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (SEP 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from Sarah Ackerman; 431 Patterson Bridge Road; PO Box 909; John Day, OR 97845.

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

L-6 AGAR 452.204-70 Inquiries (FEB 1988) Inquiries and all correspondence concerning this solicitation should be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer. Offerors should contact only the Contracting Officer issuing the solicitation about any aspect of this requirement prior to contract award.

L-7 AGAR 452.215-71 Instructions for the Preparation of Technical and Business Proposals (SEP 1999)

(a) General Instructions. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall be furnished in the following format with the numbers of copies as specified below.

(1) The proposal must include a technical proposal and business proposal. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. The technical proposal must not contain reference to cost, however, resource information (such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, subcontracts, etc.) must be contained in the technical proposal so that the contractor's understanding of the statement of work may be evaluated.

(2) Offerors may, at their discretion, submit alternate proposal or proposals which deviate from the requirement; provided, that an offeror also submit a proposal for performance of the work as specified in the statement of work. Any "alternate" proposal may be considered if overall performance would be improved or not compromised, and if it is in the best interest of the Government. Alternate proposals, or deviations from any requirement of this RFP, must be clearly identified.

(3) The Government will evaluate proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in Section M of this RFP.

Offerors shall submit their offer(s) in the following format and the quantities specified:

(i) 1 copy of the completed, signed offer (The solicitation package A-K; includes pricing)

(ii) 4 copies of the Technical Proposal

(b) Technical Proposal Instructions: The technical proposal will be used to make an evaluation and arrive at a determination as to whether the proposal will meet the requirements of the Government. Therefore, the technical proposal must present sufficient information to reflect a thorough understanding of the requirements and a detailed description of the techniques, procedures, and program for achieving the objectives of the specifications/statement of work. Proposals which merely paraphrase the requirements of the Government's specifications/statement of work, or use such phrases as "will comply" or "standard techniques will be employed" will be considered unsatisfactory and may be rated as deficient. As a minimum, the proposal must clearly provide the following:

(1) Relevant Past Performance – Offerors shall submit past performance information for their firm and any proposed major subcontractors performing more than 20% of the work.

The offeror shall submit a list of all relevant projects completed during the past three years and all contracts and subcontracts in progress. The list should include, but is not limited to, contracts and subcontracts similar in scope and complexity to that required by this solicitation. Include contracts with the Federal Government, agencies of state, local governments, and commercial customers. Performance information may be obtained by the Government from references provided.

Offerors should include the following information for each contract/subcontract:

i) Project name

ii) Type of work

iii) Contract number

iv) Location

v) Year of completion, or anticipated completion date if in progress

vi) Contract administrator's name and phone number

vii) Your crew supervisors and any inspectors who worked on the project

viii) Project size

The offeror may provide information on any problems encountered on the contracts and subcontracts listed and the corrective actions taken to resolve those problems. The Government may obtain information from existing contract files. Because discussions may not be held, the offeror may refute any problems in the original offer.

Note: If the Contractor does not provide relevant past performance information, indicates a lack of relevant past performance, or does not indicate the key personnel’s qualifications with its offer, the Contracting Officer need not pursue further information if it is clear that the offeror’s price is not competitive.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has authorized Federal agencies to collect past performance information under OMB clearance number 9000-0142.

(2) Key Personnel – The offeror shall identify key personnel that would be involved in this project if awarded the resultant contract. At a minimum, key personnel shall possess an associate degree or better in the field of Forestry or related discipline such as natural resources in order to successfully carry out field requirements. Due to the technical nature of the requirements of this solicitation and the resultant contract(s), it is imperative that the Contractor’s key personnel has the necessary knowledge, qualifications, and experience to successfully and independently perform common stand exams, use field PDRs, use GPS, and have the ability to properly identify plant association indicator plants and their use in the determination of plant associations or habitat types. Therefore, information shall be provided in the offer outlining each key personnel’s education background, experience, and whether or not they are fluent with the use of PDRs, GPS units, and plant association indicator plants.

(3) Technical Approach- The offeror shall separately describe their technical approach for each initial task order and its supporting documentation and shall address all aspects of the Performance Work Statement. The technical approach should include as much detail as the offeror considers necessary to fully explain the proposed technical approach or method. Technical approaches should address the following at a minimum:

(i) Description of proposed procedures for meeting contract standards;

(ii) Description of plan for meeting timeframes;

(iii) Average daily rate of production under normal working conditions; and

(iv) How the Contractor ensures that performance will meet contract standards.

Proposals merely offering to conduct a program in accordance with the requirements of the Government’s statement of work will not be eligible for award. The Contractor must submit an explanation of its proposed technical approach in conjunction with the tasks to be performed in achieving the project objectives.

Relevant past performance, key personnel, and technical approach when combined, are approximately equal in importance when compared to price.

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 offeror'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.

SECTION M - Evaluation Factors for Award

M-1 FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990) Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

M-2 Evaluation Criteria

1. General. Proposals will be evaluated on the basis that the following technical factors are in descending order of importance. When combined, all technical evaluation factors are approximately equal in importance to cost or price.

2. Technical Proposal. A firm’s Technical Proposal will be evaluated based upon their relevant past performance, key personnel qualifications, and technical approach to the initial task orders in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. The sub-factors are listed in descending order of importance.

1. Relevant Past Performance. Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror, as an organization, has: (1) satisfied its customers, and (2) complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Government will inquire about the following elements, which are all of equal importance in relation to each other, (1) quality of the offeror’s work; (2) customer satisfaction; (3) timeliness of the Firm during performance and the final completion of the project; and (4) overall business relations. Each offeror will be evaluated on their performance under existing and prior contracts of a similar nature. The Government will focus on information that demonstrates quality of performance relative to the size and complexity of the procurement under consideration. The Government may contact references beyond those identified by the offeror to obtain additional information for use in both the responsibility determination and in further evaluation of the offeror's past performance.

1. Quality of Services: Demonstrates ability to perform services similar to those required in this solicitation. Contractor demonstrates conformance to good standards of workmanship.

1. Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction of end users with the Contractor's completed products and services.

1. Timeliness of performance: Compliance with delivery schedules; reliability; responsiveness to technical direction, no assessment of liquidated damages.

1. Business relations: Effective management; ability to manage projects involving subcontracts; working relationship with the Contracting Officer and technical representatives; reasonable/cooperative behavior; flexibility; effective contractor recommended solutions; businesslike concern for Government's interests.

The Government may research offeror performance on any federal, state, local, and/or commercial contract performance of the offeror that is known to the Government, but not included on the submitted Performance Information. Additionally, personal experience and evaluator knowledge of offeror performance may be utilized. The Government is not obligated to request additional information and in the absence of requested information, offerors may be rated deficient.

The Government will consider the relevance of past performance information obtained in relation to the scope of this procurement with respect to both a similar efforts, and the length and scope, number, complexity, and diversity of contracts completed by the firm. Past performance, either positive or negative, which is considered by the Government to be more closely related to the scope of this effort, will be given additional weight in the evaluation process.

Offerors with past performance data will be evaluated in the same manner as all other evaluation factors, however, those offerors with no past performance data will treated as an unknown performance risk and neither be evaluated favorably nor unfavorably. Therefore, offerors will receive credit for good past performance, lose credit for poor past performance, and will neither receive nor lose credit for no relevant past performance. Contractors that fail to submit past performance information will not be considered any further.

*A Contractor would be highly rated under Relevant Past Performance if, in the last three years, the Contractor has completed at least three common stand exam/stocking survey contracts that are similar in nature and complexity with the requirements of this solicitation, all in a timely manner, with a pay range of 90% or higher, and with high customer satisfaction/business relations.

1. Key Personnel. The evaluators will conduct an appraisal of the offeror’s key personnel’s education, knowledge, experience, and qualifications to successfully and independently perform common stand exams, use field PDRs, use GPSs, and illustrate the ability to properly identify plant association indicator plants and their use in the determination of plant associations or habitat types. Offerors that do not provide information on their key personnel will not be considered any further.

*A Contractor would be highly rated under Key Personnel if the key personnel listed have at a minimum, an associate degree or better in the field of Forestry or related discipline such as natural resources been involved with at least three common stand exam contracts in the past three years, have used field PDRs and GPSs for this type of work at least three times, and have knowledge and experience in the identification of plant associations indicator plants and their use in the determination of plant associations or habitat types.

Technical Approach. The evaluators will conduct an appraisal of the offeror’s technical approach to determine the feasibility of the proposed procedures in addition to whether the Contractor understands the Performance Work Statement.

*A Contractor would be highly rated under Technical Approach if the approach addressed the elements listed in Section L, the approach seems feasibly, and if it was clear that the Contractor had a clear understanding of the Performance Work Statement.

3. Price Evaluation Criterion. The degree of importance of the price will increase with the degree of equality of the proposals in relation to the other factors on which selection is to be based, or when the price is so significantly high as to diminish the value of the technical superiority to the Government. Award(s) will not be made if the Contracting Officer determines that the price is not reasonable.

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