Atch 7 Section L.docx

CUI//PROCURE

Linguist Support Services H92402-23-R-0002 Document Date: 28 March 2023

Section L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

L.1 GENERAL PROPOSAL

L.1.1 This is an electronic solicitation release. Documents related to this solicitation will be posted with the solicitation on SAM.gov. Offerors are responsible for downloading all documents from SAM.gov. Documents will not be disseminated to Offerors by any other means. It is the responsibility of each Offeror to review the webpage for notice of amendments, updates, or changes to current information. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) and implemented in DFARs 252.227-7016. All documents related to the proposal and corresponding program will be treated as Source Selection Sensitive Information.

L.1.2 All proposals must be complete, self-sufficient, and respond directly to the requirements of the solicitation. Any inconsistency, if unexplained, that raises a fundamental issue of the Offeror’s understanding and/or ability to perform under this contract may be a basis for rejection of the Offeror’s entire proposal. In no case shall statements like, “we will comply with the requirements of the contract,” or equivalent declarations, be considered acceptable to meet the requirements of this Request for Proposal (RFP). Failure to comply with these instructions may result in an Offeror’s proposal being excluded from further consideration for award. Offerors shall submit with their proposals a list of names and telephone numbers of persons authorized to conduct negotiations.

L.1.3 The Government will perform a virus scan on all electronic files/CDs provided by the Offerors. Any submittal failing the virus scan shall be immediately disqualified and returned to the Offeror. All disqualified proposals are ineligible for award.

L.1.4 Proposal Due Date: May 15, 2023, at 12:00PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Failure to meet the due date will be handled in accordance with FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisitions.

L.1.5 Submission of Proposal to the Government:

L.1.5.1 Hand-Carried

L.1.5.1.1 Offerors shall adhere to FAR 52.215-1 Instruction to Offerors – Competitive Acquisitions. Hand delivery is permitted and encouraged by an individual from the Offeror or teaming partner's staff. unclassified materials may be delivered in this manner A messenger service delivering the proposal package on behalf of the Offeror is not considered a hand delivery and will not be accepted. All hand-carried proposals (CD ROMS/DVDs) shall be delivered to the address below. Offerors are required to provide written notice 1 business day before arrival and a follow-up phone call 1-hour prior to arrival to the points of contact (POCs) below:

POCs: Alexia Yoo (primary), Address: MacDill AFB Visitors Center

Telephone: (813) 826-6959 E-Mail: alexia.d.yoo.civ@socom.mil

Alternate POC: Greg Martin Telephone: (813) 826-6959 E-Mail: gregory.martin.civ@socom.mil

Alternate POC: Megan Werner Telephone: (813) 826-5134 Email: megan.s.werner.civ@socom.mil

L.1.5.2 Mail

L.1.5.2.1 Offerors shall adhere to FAR 52.215-1 Instruction to Offerors – Competitive Acquisitions. If the Offeror prefers to mail the proposal volume(s), they shall mark the packages as shown below and mail to the address listed below for “outer package”. It is highly recommended that Offerors provide the POCs identified above with tracking numbers for all mailed items. No classified material should be submitted.

L.1.5.2.2 Proposal volumes shall be double wrapped and addressed as follows:

The outer package:

USSOCOM-SOF AT&L-KP

ATTN: Alexia Yoo

RE: H92401-23-R-0002

7701 Tampa Point Blvd.

MacDill AFB FL 33621-5323

The inside package marking shall be marked as follows:

USSOCOM-SOF AT&L-KP

L.1.5.3 Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Instructions L.1.5.3.1 Proposals in response to the solicitation for Linguist Support Services (LSS) II support the USSOCOM enterprise. To properly protect your proposal and meet USSOCOM requirements, the overall protection of all documents must be CUI and must include Privacy Act language. All proposal documents must include CUI in both the header and footer of each page. Your banner markings should be capitalized, size 14, bold and green for CUI.

L.1.5.3.2 Each packet of documents must also include the CUI Designation Indicator. This must appear in the lower right footer of the first page. The example below will assist in applying this requirement:

Controlled By: USSOCOM Controlled By: Company Name CUI Category(ies): Procurement and Acquisition Distribution/Dissemination Controls: FEDCON POC: Company POC LAST, FIRST M. (XXX) XXX-XXXX

L.1.6 Proposal Format: Format of the proposal) shall be as follows:

a. Submissions shall be on CD ROM/DVD only, no paper copies shall be accepted.

b. Text size shall be no smaller than what is equivalent to Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 10-point, uncompressed font.

c. A page is defined as one 8 ½ x 11-inch paper with printing on one side of the page. Line spacing settings shall be at least one and one-half (1½) line spacing. Margins on all four (4) edges of each page will be at least 1-inch. Pages shall be dated and numbered sequentially by Volume. A cover sheet should be included in each volume, clearly marked as to Volume number, title, solicitation identification, and the Offeror’s name. The cover page, table of contents, and blank pages are excluded from page count. Company Logos/Emblems are to be on the cover page only, not on each individual page. Offerors are encouraged to divide and cross reference individual topic areas of the Volumes. The use of the USSOCOM logo on proposals is expressly prohibited IAW Clause 5652.204-9003 of the solicitation.

d. Each Volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used with an explanation for each.

e. Elaborate format and color representations are not desirable. Any pages that are changed (as the result of Discussions/Final Proposal Revisions) should be noted and have changed information clearly marked. The Offeror shall clearly indicate on each page the data/information that has been revised via track changes or other acceptable method.

f. Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be used when necessary to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible, and shall not exceed 11 x 17 inches in size. A maximum of ten (10) 11 x 17 pages for the Transition Plan/Management Plan Volumes will be permitted. 11 x 17 pages shall count as one page towards the page limit count described in Section L.1.7. 11 x 17 pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and schematics, not for additional pages of text. For 11 x 17 pages, the text shall be no smaller than equivalent to Microsoft Word 8 point, Times New Roman with single spacing permitted. Proposal volumes shall not be supplemented by a package or reference documents.

g. Electronic copies must be provided on CD-ROMs/DVDs, read-only memory. Microsoft Office 2007, presentation, and spreadsheet products are preferred. Changes, because of negotiations, will be conformed on CD-ROMs/DVDs and have changed information clearly marked by a vertical line in the right margin.

L.1.7 Proposal Submission Requirements:

FACTOR 1 – QUALIFYING CRITERIA

Volume 1 – Qualifying Criteria One (1) digital Copy (CD) in Word/Excel Format. No page limit. Required information found in L.2.

Factor 1 required documentation for submission includes:

· TOP SECRET facilities clearance with storage up to SECRET

· NIST Cyber Assessment Tool Certification

· Initial Capability Workbook (Attachment 6)

· DBA quote

· Novation History (if applicable)

· Screening Facility Verification

· Subcontracting Plan (if applicable)

FACTOR 2 – TRANSITION PLAN

Volume 2 – Transition Plan One (1) digital copy (CD) in Word/Excel Format. Twenty-five (25) page limit for the Transition Plan. Page limit does not apply for: Attachments J-6 (Initial Capabilities Workbook) and J-11 (Completed Letters of Commitment).

FACTOR 3 – MANAGEMENT PLAN

Volume 3 – Management Plan One (1) digital copy (CD) in Word/Excel Format, thirty-five (35) page limit. The Management Plan shall address each subfactor in a clearly marked stand-alone section. Key Personnel (IAW Clause 5652.237-9001) resumes are limited to 2 pages each and are not included the thirty-five (35) page limit. The Small Business Participation Plan is limited to 5 pages each and are included in the thirty-five (35) page limit.

FACTOR 4 – PAST PERFORMANCE

Volume 4 – Past Performance One (1) digital copy (CD) in Word/Excel Format, eight (8) page limit broken out as follows: three (3) page Past Performance Matrix and five (5) pages of Specific Content (L.5.3.2); up to five (5) Past Performance Questionnaires, no page limit

FACTOR 5 – PRICE

Volume 5 – Price One (1) digital copy (CD) of Attachment J-3a and b Rate Card. One (1) digital copy (CD) of Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook. One (1) digital copy (CD) of Written Price Narrative, no page limit*

*Offerors are encouraged to limit the Price Proposal pages unless the Offeror determines that this limitation would preclude compliance with the price proposal instructions of the RFP.

L.1.8 Incorporation of Proposal Information: Any feature of an Offeror’s proposal may be unilaterally incorporated in the contract in full text or by reference as a contract requirement.

L.1.9 Contract Forms and Certifications: Include the following data in Qualifying Criteria (Volume 1) Factor 1, in the format indicated. .

1. Section 1 – Proposal cover letter or proposal cover page (include names, office phone and facsimile numbers, if applicable, cell phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for proposal POCs).

1. Section 2 – A conformed contract copy from this RFP with digital signature of an official authorized to contractually bind the Offeror in Block 17 of the SF 33. The Offeror must complete the following sections within the RFP for these criteria:

· Solicitation, Offer and Award (Standard Form 33), Blocks 12-18

· All Section K, Representations, Certifications, and Disclosures

· All amendments posted to SAM.gov

L.2 VOLUME 1 – FACTOR 1 – QUALIFYING CRITERIA. If the Offeror fails any of the qualifying criteria, they will “fail” to qualify and in accordance with M.1.6 be removed from the competition. Offerors shall provide the administrative documentation, as required below:

L.2.1 Facility Clearance. The Offeror must have a final TOP SECRET Facility Clearance with approved safeguarding at the minimum SECRET level as accredited by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) at the time of proposal submittal and shall meet all requirements identified in the attached Department of Defense Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254). (NOTE: the generation of classified information via SIPR will be detailed in Block 13 of the DD Form 254. Block 11c and 11d will be marked as a requirement on the final DD Form 254).

L.2.2 Cybersecurity Compliance. The Offeror shall submit a NIST Cyber Assessment Tool Certification that demonstrates a passing cybersecurity rating of 105 of the 110 controls in accordance with NIST SP 800-171 Revision 2 guidelines.

L.2.3 Initial Capability. The Offeror’s submissions for the Initial Capability Workbook (Attachment J-6) will be reviewed for completeness as part of the Offeror’s qualifying criteria. Offerors are required to complete at least 70% of the J-6 Initial Capability Workbook for Linguists and 100% for Key Personnel, Assistant Program Manager, On-Site Manager and On-Site Coordinator to be considered a qualifying Offeror. Offerors that complete less than 70% for Linguists and 100% for Key Personnel, Assistant Program Manager, On-Site Manager and On-Site Coordinator of the J-6 Initial Capability Workbook will fail the Factor 1 evaluation and will be eliminated from further consideration. Reference L.3.1.5.1for completion instructions, including generating and submitting attachments.

L.2.4 Defense Base Act Coverage. The Offeror will provide a quote from a DBA Insurance Provider based on 109 OCONUS FTEs and site locations listed in Attachment 4, Site Map.

L.2.5 Novation Disclosure. Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies, and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. If applicable, offerors are required to submit a complete Novation Disclosure which details any such changes. Novation changes which have been completed in the past three years as well as those in progress or anticipated at the time of proposal submission shall be disclosed. If not applicable, offers are required to confirm in writing that no Novation Disclosure is applicable.

L.2.6 Screening Facility Verification. The Offeror is required to provide proof of a Screening Facility for Force Protection and Counterintelligence screenings as prescribed in the Statement of Work. Such proof may be submitted in the form of a lease, contingent lease, or other binding document validating access to required facilities will be available at the time of award.

L.2.7 Subcontracting Plan. If the Offeror is Other than Small Business under NAICS code 541930, the offeror shall provide a Subcontracting Plan that meets the minimum requirements in FAR Part 19.704 addressing every subpart (a) (1) through (a) (15). If the Offeror is a Small Business under NAICS code 541930, a Subcontracting Plan is not required. This plan, if required, will become part of any resultant contact award as an attachment.

L.3 VOLUME 2 – FACTOR 2 – TRANSITION PLAN.

L.3.1 The Offeror’s Transition Plan details their plan to staff to Initial Capability as defined in Section M.2.3 at Contract Award as well as their plan to meet the full contractual responsibility and full FTE requirement no later than 120 days after contract award. This plan shall include the logistics of moving the Offeror’s linguists into hostile fire zones, and assuming control of the Government’s requirement for real time linguistic support to Forward Deployed SOCOM elements. The contract Statement of Work (Attachment J-1), and the Awardable Task Order 01 Statement of Work (Attachment J-12) detail the requirement to be fulfilled.

L.3.1.1 The Offeror shall address its capability to execute a smooth and seamless phase-in/transition leading to assumption of full contractual responsibility. This description shall include management expertise, ability to meet all security requirements (facility and personnel), procedures and policies, risk mitigation techniques, flexibility, and experience that when viewed collectively demonstrates the Offeror’s ability to successfully execute a contract phase-in.

L.3.1.2 The Offeror shall explain how each activity will be timely completed, identify its phase-in management team, and describe its approach for interfacing with the incumbent contractor. Special attention should be given to the unique nature of OCONUS locations that require visas, travel coordination (to include US military coordination and transportation), unique skill sets that are required per the SOW, and the ability to plan for site specific requirements prior to Offeror personnel deployment.

L.3.1.3 The Offeror shall describe to what degree they plan to hire/utilize personnel currently performing this effort with the incumbent contractor and/or its subcontractor(s).

L.3.1.4 The Offeror shall describe their contingency plan for insertion of non-incumbent employees in the event incumbent employees decline employment with their company and/or its subcontractors or are otherwise unavailable for work under this requirement.

L.3.1.5 The Initial Capability Workbook will be reviewed to determine the overall likelihood that the Offeror can meet the contractual requirement without degradation of service. The plan should include the following:

L.3.1.5.1 Attachment J-6 – Initial Capability Workbook. The Government requires each prime Offeror to fill out the attachment numbered J-6 to the solicitation entitled Initial Capability Workbook. This document will provide the matrix of the Offeror’s (including teammates/subcontractors) ability to provide the requisite number of individual FTEs to meet the requirements spelled out in the Statement of Work, Attachment J-1. The Offeror will complete Attachment J-6 to include all columns and provide copies of each proposed linguist’s tests from a certified test agency. All information is subject to verification.

L.3.1.5.2 Letters of Commitment. Letters of Commitment affirming that, should the Offeror receive the award, the individual will transition to the Linguist Support Services II effort shall be provided for each individual identified in the Initial Capability Workbook. An example Letter of Commitment has been included as Attachment J-11 to the solicitation. Format of the Letter of Commitment is not important if the major elements remain.

L.4 VOLUME 3 – FACTOR 3 – MANAGEMENT PLAN.

The Offeror’s proposal shall be written clearly and contain the pertinent information necessary for the Government to determine if the proposal meets/does not meet requirements of this solicitation.

L.4.1 Factor 3 Element 1 - Management Plan: The Offeror will propose its overall approach to manage and organize support to execute the SOW for this contract. This includes the Offeror’s approach to maintaining personnel, material, and travel requirements. Offerors shall provide:

L.4.1.2 A detailed description of how the company will train new employees in compliance with the SOW requirements.

L.4.1.3 A company Management Plan to prepare its personnel for deployment and support to employees while OCONUS, e.g., experience, infrastructure, and established procedures to insert, withdraw and support/manage OCONUS deployed employees in a hostile fire area.

L.4.1.4 The Offeror shall describe and specify its human resources protocols and plans to include staff hiring, recruitment and retention plans, and marketing efforts that are currently in place or planned to identify qualified Linguists, Transition Manager, Program Manager, Deputy Program Manager, Assistant Program Manager, On-Site Managers, and On-Site Coordinators for this effort.

L.4.1.5 Details on how the Offeror will maintain continuity of operations while managing events such as scheduled leave, family/medical emergencies, etc.

L.4.2 Factor 3 Element 2 - Key Personnel. The Offeror shall provide information regarding their proposed Transition Manager, Program Manager, and Deputy Program Manager (as identified in SOFARS 5652.237-9001) including identification of the key management positions and the corporate commitment of providing proposed candidates to the specified positions. Letters of Commitment shall be executed at contract proposal for all Key Personnel.

L.4.2.1 For each proposed candidate, the Offeror shall include:

L.4.2.1.1 A resume (not to exceed 2 pages for each Key Personnel). Resumes do not count towards page limitations for this volume. Resumes shall include but are not limited to the qualifications listed in Section J, Attachment 1, Statement of Work.

L.4.2.1.2 The Transition Manager is considered Key Personnel and shall meet the qualifications listed in Section J, Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Para 4.2.2 and 4.2.2.1.

L.4.2.1.3 The PM is considered Key Personnel and shall meet the qualifications listed in Section J, Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Para 4.2.3 and 4.2.3.1

L.4.2.1.4 The DPM is considered Key Personnel and shall meet the qualifications listed in Section J, Attachment 1, Statement of Work, Para 4.2.3 and 4.2.3.1

L.4.3 Factor Element 3– Small Business Participation.

L.4.3.1 The NAICS code of 541930 pertains to the prime offeror. Offerors will then be able to determine their subcontractors and the NAICS code for the work that the subcontractor will be performing on this contract. If the NAICS code that is listed for the subcontractor is not listed in the subcontractor’s profile, i.e., System for Award Management (SAM) (sam.gov), the offeror must provide the subcontractor’s written certification of size.

L.4.3.2 All offerors, regardless of size, shall explain how Small Businesses will participate in this procurement by providing the following information:

L.4.3.2.1 A listing of subcontractors (large and small). For small businesses, list the socio-economic category(ies) for each entity.

L.4.3.2.2 Small Business and Socio-Economic Program Participation. The Small Business Objective for this acquisition is to maximize opportunities for small businesses. In order to achieve this objective, the government has established minimum proposed goals (based on Maximum Value) for this acquisition.

L.4.3.2.2.1 The minimum proposed goal for each category:

· SB: 30%

· SDB: 5%

· WOSB: 3%

· SDVOSB: 3%

· HUBZone: 1%

L.4.3.2.2.2 The offeror shall explain how it is maximizing opportunities for small businesses and why the specific goals it has proposed are both challenging and realistic given the totality of circumstances in this acquisition. The offeror shall provide the percentage of total estimated contract dollars which it intends to subcontract to each socio-economic category (Small, SDB, WOSB, HUBzone, VOSB, SDVOSB). For proposal purposes, dollars and goals should be based on the Maximum Contract value of $248M. The dollar value is being used for proposal preparation purposes only, and dollars proposed will not be binding on the awardee. However, the percentages proposed will be monitored via the Subcontracting Plan (or a separate CDRL to be identified if the awardee is a Small Business). The Small Business Participation Plan shall not exceed five (5) pages.

L.4.3.3 FAR 52.219-8, FAR 52.219-9 and DFARS 252.219-7003 clauses are included in this solicitation and will be incorporated into any resultant contract. All Other than Small Business Offerors will be required to submit a Subcontracting Plan separate from this section as part of its General and Administrative Qualifying Criteria.

L.5 VOLUME 4 – FACTOR 4 - PAST PERFORMANCE.

L.5.1 Past Performance General Information: Submit only information on contracts most recent and relevant in demonstrating your ability to perform the proposed effort. Each Offeror shall submit present and Past Performance information for itself and for all major proposed subcontractors, team members, and/or joint venture partners in terms of size, scope, and technical complexity with its proposal.

1. No classified past performance supplements will be accepted. The Offeror may submit performance on classified programs if that information can be verified. If the Offeror intends to submit in this manner, the information that is classified (customer, contract number, etc.) should be marked “reserved” and the description/write up of the work performed shall remain unclassified. If the Offeror cannot describe what work was accomplished in an unclassified manner, for the Government will not consider that work for evaluation.

1. While the primary source of information for each Offeror is the Past Performance Volume and Questionnaires, this information, as well as other information the Government may obtain elsewhere, such as Government databases (CPARs, PPIRs etc.) and other Government agencies (DCMA, DCAA etc.), may be used to evaluate the Offeror’s Past Performance. The Government reserves the right to solicit feedback beyond what is identified in the questionnaire in determining the Offeror’s Past Performance Confidence Assessment.

L.5.2 Recent and Relevant Contracts: Offerors are notified that the Government will use the data provided in this Volume that is determined to be recent and relevant to the effort at hand and data obtained from other sources in the development of performance confidence assessments.

L.5.2.1 Recent. For the purposes of this solicitation, recent contracts are defined as those on which performance occurred during the last three years.

L.5.2.2 Relevant. The Definitions of Relevancy are as follows:

· Very Relevant-Present/past performance effort involved essentially the same scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Relevant-Present/past performance effort involved similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Somewhat Relevant-Present/past performance effort involved some of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Not Relevant -Present/past performance effort involved little or none of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires

Table 1, Past Performance Relevancy Criteria Considerations below, outlines the Government’s areas of consideration with respect to determining relevancy. The Table 1 considerations are not all inclusive; the Government may consider factors that relate to relevancy but may not be specifically identified in the Table below. The more an effort is similar in these areas, the more relevant that effort becomes. No single relevancy criterion is more important than another when determining relevancy of a prime offeror effort, but rather all criterions are considered holistically in order to subjectively assess one overall relevancy rating. An Offeror’s past performance does not have to be “Very Relevant” in all criterion in order to be determined “Very Relevant” overall. Additionally, an offeror’s past performance could hypothetically be “Not Relevant” in one or more criterion and still be determined “Somewhat Relevant” or higher overall.

SECTION L - Table 1. Past Performance Relevancy Criteria Considerations

Awarded Total Contract Value with Similar Scope

Nature of Work / General Scope

Problem Solving

of situation in which corrective action was required. Corrective action was described, outcomes were listed. Situation was not difficult, somewhat common.

Performance records failed to provide a situation in which corrective action, large or small, was required.

L.5.3 Past Performance Volume Formatting:

L.5.3.1 Offeror shall provide the following as their proposal: A three (3) page matrix identifying the following information for each of the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ) sent out: (1) Organization/Customer, (2) Name of Contract, (3) Brief Description of the work performed, (4) Contract Number, (5) Telephone/E-mail of Organization/Customer POC. The Offeror’s Matrix may contain up to five (5) References to contracts (to include any sub-contractors) it considers recent and relevant to this requirement.

L.5.3.2 Specific Content. Offerors should include a discussion of any significant achievements and explain any Past Performance problems/issues that it considers relevant to the proposed efforts. Offerors should also discuss past and present efforts to identify and manage program risk. For each Past Performance reference submitted, the offeror shall explain its efforts to comply with the FAR 52.219-8 and 52.219-9 and shall explain each instance where a goal wasn’t met, and its efforts to meet those goals. Offerors shall indicate if any reference did not include either or both of these clauses.

L.5.3.3 No Applicable Past Performance Information: Offerors without recent/relevant performance records will be assessed according to the Past Performance Confidence Assessment scale provided in Section M – Table 3, M.1.3.2 Factor 4 Evaluation Scale.

L.5.3.4 The Past Performance Volume includes the Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) which must be completed and returned to the Government. The pages of each questionnaire do not count in the overall page limit for this Volume. The Offeror should send out the Past Performance Questionnaire (See Section J, Attachment 9 for the questionnaire format) to personnel with cognizance and firsthand knowledge of contract performance for each of the relevant contracts identified.

Suggested personnel are the Program Manager and Contracting Officer. The responsibility to send out the Past Performance Questionnaires rests solely with the Offeror. It shall not be delegated to any subcontractors, team contractors, and/or joint venture partners. POCS are listed in Section L.1.5.1.1.

L.6 VOLUME 5 – FACTOR 5 – PRICE.

Price shall be prepared in accordance with these instructions and will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. The Offeror’s price proposal shall identify all resources required to accomplish the work required in the SOW, which shall coincide with information presented in the technical proposal. The Government intends to award a primarily Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract in response to this solicitation, therefore Offerors shall propose Firm-Fixed Prices except for Other Direct Costs which will be a separate Cost CLIN. Price/cost information shall only be addressed within this volume and shall not be addressed in any other portion of an offeror’s proposal.

The Offeror’s Price Volume shall include:

1. Written Price Narrative (Basis of Estimate & Compensation Plan)

1. Completed copy of Attachment J-3a Prime– Rate Card

1. Completed copy of Attachment J-3b Subcontractor Rate Card (if applicable)

1. Completed copy of Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook

L.6.1 Written Price Narrative. The Offeror shall submit a written narrative which details the basis of estimate for the offeror’s approach spanning five years of contract performance. The narrative shall provide a detailed explanation of the proposed price and shall include, at a minimum, the following components:

L.6.1.1 Compensation Plan. The Offeror shall submit a detailed Compensation Plan and supporting documentation. The Compensation Plan shall address all labor categories and will demonstrate an understanding of the requirements and ability to attract and retain individuals with the requisite skill sets necessary to successfully execute the requirements.

L.6.1.1.1 The Compensation Plan shall describe the Offeror’s ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work, the impact upon recruiting and retention of employees, along with the realism of the compensation plan. The compensation plan shall detail how the Offeror determined the rate proposed is appropriate in relation to the work and qualifications required and include supporting documentation such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, or current employee data used in establishing the total compensation structure. The compensation plan shall include the proposed unburdened rates that will be paid to the employee as compensation as well as any other benefits (fringe) included in the employee’s total compensation package. If applicable, any subcontractor compensation plan(s) shall be included.

L.6.1.1.2 Unburdened rates provided in the compensation plan shall match exactly the unburdened rates provided in Attachment 3a and 3b – Rate Card. Proposed compensation levels will be incorporated into the contract.

L.6.1.2 Fully Burdened Labor Rate Methodology. The Offeror shall provide an explanation of the methodology used to develop the fully burdened labor rates proposed in Attachment 3a and 3b – Rate Card. This explanation shall begin with the unburdened rates proposed by the offeror describe the build-up process (clearly identifying any burden and/or uplift) utilized to determine fully burdened labor rates.

L.6.1.3 Escalation Rates. The offeror shall submit an explanation of the methodology used to develop any applicable escalation or de-escalation rates.

L.6.1.4 DBA Approach. The Offeror shall identify whether its pricing approach includes DBA as a direct charge to the contract as an Other Direct Cost (ODC) or if DBA is included in its indirect rate structure. While the Government prefers a direct charge to the contract as an ODC for simplicity, either approach is acceptable as long as it is clearly identified. No strengths or significant strengths will be identified for either approach.

L.6.1.5 Other Information as Required. The offeror shall submit any additional information relevant to its price proposal including any strategies, business decisions, general assumptions, subcontractors, additional ODCs, indirect rates, escalation rates, and any other information deemed necessary by the offeror to adequately explain its overall price proposal.

L.6.2 Rate Card. The Offeror shall complete Attachment J-3a and 3b Rate Card. Fully Burdened Labor Rates proposed will be incorporated into the IDIQ via the Rate Card attachment and shall be utilized in all Task Orders. Offerors may edit the “Rate Card” spreadsheet as necessary to accurately capture all applicable burden/indirect rates.

L.6.2.1 Fully Burdened Labor Rate. The offeror shall propose FFP fully burdened CONUS monthly / hourly rates and OCONUS daily rates for five years (five Tabs). Offeror’s fully burdened labor rates shall include all direct labor, indirect rates, uplifts (post differential, hazardous duty pay, incentives, escalation, etc.) and profit.

L.6.2.2 Indirect Rates. The offeror shall propose and apply Indirect Rates for five years (five Tabs) for Labor, Travel, & Other Direct Costs where indicated in Attachment J-3a and 3b Rate Card.

In support of the proposed Indirect Expense Rates, the Offeror and its subcontractor(s) shall provide complete documentation of the most recent Indirect Expense Rates, to include at least one of the following (A, B, or C):

A. Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRA), from DCAA or DCMA B. Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRR) from DCAA or DCMA C. DCMA Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP) and/or current rates including three (3) years historical actual detailing pools and bases (by expense accounts).

NOTE: The Offeror shall describe all indirect rates applied to all CLINs, as applicable. All documents provided in support of the proposed rates shall be referenced and explained within the price narrative. This explanation shall include a mapping for all proposed rates to the applicable supporting documentation and how the proposed rate was developed.

L.6.3 Total Evaluated Price (TEP). The offeror shall propose its Total Evaluated Price by completing Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook. The Government will evaluate the “TEP” Tab included therein in order to establish the offeror’s Total Evaluated Price. The following information shall be utilized in completing Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook in order to ensure a complete and accurate TEP. Note that DBA is removed from the calculation in the TEP.

L.6.3.1 Fully Burdened Labor Rates. Offerors shall match exactly the fully burdened monthly / daily / hourly labor rates proposed in Attachment 3a and 3b – Rate Card when completing Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook. This includes ensuring the appropriate rate year is utilized for the Period of Performance as detailed in the table below.

L.6.3.2 Months / Days / Hours. Offerors shall propose months / days / hours as indicated in Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook. This includes (1) proposing months / days / hours for the Transition In period of performance for all labor categories; and (2) proposing months for the Transition Manager labor category during the Base Year period of performance. The proposed hours and days shall align exactly with the offerors Transition Plan. For all other periods of performance and labor categories (Base Year, Option Year 1, etc.) the offeror shall utilize the government-provided months / days / hours.

L.6.3.3 Travel & Other Direct Costs. The Government has high confidence in providing “plug” values for certain aspects of this requirement (PPE and Travel) due to the maturity of the program and robust historical data. Additionally, doing so provides for maximum competition among Offerors. Therefore, Offerors shall utilize the Government-provided plug numbers for PPE and Travel. Offerors may elect to propose additional ODCs, which may only be expensed after receiving COR approval. . Authorized indirect rates/burdens are detailed below.

L.6.3.3.1 Travel. The Offeror shall utilize the government-provided “plug” number (provided in Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook) as the basis of cost for Travel. For the purposes of evaluation, additional Indirect rates including Overhead, G&A, and Profit shall NOT be applied to Travel.

L.6.3.3.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Offerors shall utilize the government-provided “plug” number (provided in Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook) as the basis of cost for PPE. For the purposes of evaluation, additional Indirect rates including Overhead, G&A, and Profit shall NOT be applied to PPE.

L.6.3.3.2 Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance. The Offeror shall provide, identify and price DBA insurance quotes in accordance with FAR 52.228-3. DBA is only applicable to the OCONUS labor and shall be expressed as a percentage (rate) to be applied to the total direct OCONUS labor compensation. Offerors shall provide a rate based on the labor categories, quantities and locations provided in Section J, Attachment 13, Awardable Task Order 01 Pricing Workbook. Indirect rates including Overhead, G&A and Profit shall not be applied to DBA. The Offeror shall provide a Certificate of Insurability from their insurance provider. The insurance provider shall state the rate and acknowledge the rate is based on current actuarial risks for the linguist labor categories, quantities and locations required per SOW. Offerors shall address in the cost narrative how DBA costs will be proactively managed and minimized during contract performance (e.g., Safety Program). If the Offeror is not proposing DBA Insurance, the entity shall submit documentation that they are authorized and enrolled in the DBA self-insurance program, approved by the Department of Labor.

L.6.3.4 “Schedule B” Tab. The Offeror shall provide actual Awardable Task Order 01 pricing, including the offeror’s actual DBA cost in “Transition-In, Base, OY 1, OY 2, OY 3, and OY4” tabs of Attachment J-13 – Awardable Task Order 01 Price Workbook. The DBA cost in the “Section B” tab incorporates the DBA cost provided in the offeror’s DBA Quote included in its proposal. The pricing proposed herein will be incorporated into the final award price of Awardable Task Order 01. This information is NOT considered the Total Evaluated Price and will be utilized for Government budget purposes only.

L.6.4 SOFARS 5652.215-9010. Cost and Pricing Data Not Required (1998) Section L. It is anticipated that adequate price competition will be available to determine price reasonableness. In the event that the price reasonableness cannot be determined based on adequate competition, the Contracting Officer may require the submittal of other than cost or pricing data in accordance with FAR 15.403-3.

L.6.5 Completeness, Realism, & Reasonableness. The proposal is the Offeror’s price to perform the work described in this solicitation and will be used in the analysis of the completeness, realism (compensation plan only), and reasonableness of the proposal (per FAR 15.404-1). Therefore, any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between promised performance and price should be explained in the price volume. All labor and burden rates proposed must be fully substantiated. Inconsistences between technical and price, if unexplained, raises a fundamental issue of the Offeror’s understanding of the nature and scope of the work required and/or its ability to perform the required services. Offerors are encouraged to provide sufficient detail for the Government to determine fair and reasonableness of the total evaluated price (TEP). Unrealistically low estimates may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition either on the grounds that the Offeror does not understand the requirement or that it has made an unrealistic proposal. The burden of proof of credibility rests with the Offeror, and the numbers must be verifiable. If the Government determines an Offeror’s price to be inexplicably low, that Offeror may be eliminated from the competition without further discussion.