Attachment 11 - Section L Instructions to Offerors.pdf

FA002122R0002, SETA VI

Attachment 11

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

INFORMATION TO OFFERORS (ITO) and INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL

PREPARATION

1.0 Program Structure and Objectives

The Government will use a Tradeoff source selection set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses targeting the award of contracts for the Systems Engineering & Technical Assistance (SETA VI) services program. This acquisition will result in up to five (5) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity contracts for advisory and assistance service (A&AS) and non A&AS support to Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and mission partners. Follow on Task Orders will be awarded via FAR 16.505(b). The requirements will fluctuate across all work locations based on changes in mission and available resources. The authorized primary using activities include, but are not limited to, Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC), AFSOC bases, AFSOC geographically separated units, and tenant activities located on any AFSOC base.

Market research confirmed that subcontracting and teaming arrangements are likely due to the broad scope of the contract requirements; therefore such arrangements are encouraged to ensure mission success. However, during the SETA VI contract competition, if a company is identified as a prime contractor or teaming partner/subcontractor on any proposal for this acquisition, then that company cannot participate as a prime Contractor or teaming partner/subcontractor on any other offeror’s proposal. This limitation includes components of joint venture partners. It is the offeror’s responsibility to ensure teaming partners and subcontractors listed in Attachment 1 “Contactor Team Organization” are not teamed with other offerors during the SETA VI contract competition.

2.0 General Instructions

(a) The offeror's proposal must include all data and information requested by this ITO and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation.

(b) The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.

(c) Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

(d) The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A. The offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A of the proposal documentation volume that their proposal is valid for a minimum of 4 months past the proposal acceptance period. If validating the proposal for a longer period, please so state.

(e) In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Unless the offeror requests otherwise, the Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful proposals.

2.1 General Information

2.1.1. Point of Contact

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the CO, with copy to the alternate points of contact listed below. Email is the preferred method of communication. The POCs for this acquisition are as follows:

Primary Contact Alternate Contact (1) Alternate Contact (2) Ms. Christine Basham Contracting Officer

Ms. Marla Alejo Contracting Specialist

Mr. Gerald Ray Project Lead

AFICC/765th ESF AFICC/765th ESF AFICC/765th ESF

427 Cody Ave, Bldg 90333 427 Cody Ave, Bldg 90333 427 Cody Ave, Bldg 90333

Hurlburt Field, FL 32554 Hurlburt Field, FL 32554 Hurlburt Field, FL 32554

EMAIL:

christine.basham.1@us.af.mi

EMAIL:

marla.alejo@us.af.mil

EMAIL:

gerald.ray.2@us.af.mil

2.1.2. Debriefings

The CO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range; whereupon, they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505.

Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing.

However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The CO will notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

2.1.3. Discrepancies

If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the CO in writing with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the offeror is asking the CO to consider as related to the omission or error.

The offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion. This reservation includes matters of additional or substitute pages of the initial proposal.

2.1.4. Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the SAM.gov website. Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

2.1.5. Oral Presentations

Oral presentations will not be considered for this competitive acquisition.

2.1.6. Communications

Communication between industry and Government personnel during the source selection will be controlled through the use of encrypted email. Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the CO. Email may be used to transmit such information to offerors only if the email can be sent and received encrypted and includes “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line. Otherwise, source selection information will be transmitted via the Contracting Communication Module (CCM) within the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE).

2.1.7. Submission of Questions

Questions regarding this solicitation are due at noon, 8 calendar days after solicitation issuance (E.g. solicitation is issued on 1 Jan, questions are due at noon on 9 Jan). Questions shall be submitted via email to the contracting points of contact identified in paragraph 2.1.1. using the Question Format (Attachment 10). Questions submitted after the response date/time, or not on the attachment specified, will not be answered. All questions and all answers will be published to SAM.gov. Duplicate questions may be removed, and no indication will be made as to which offeror asked what question.

2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table L- 1 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table L-

1. Redacted copies shall be submitted in the same manner as original copies. Information to be redacted shall include all references to the offeror’s company, i.e. company names/key personnel names and company logos/symbols. Each past performance reference consists of past performance information using the Attachment 4, Past Performance Information Reference; Attachment 5, Past Performance Questionnaire; and Attachment 6, Subcontractor/Teaming Partner Consent Letter. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below:

Table L-1 - Proposal Organization

VOLUME VOLUME TITLE COPIES

(electronic)

PAGE LIMIT

I Executive Summary 1 original/1 redacted 3

II Technical/Technical Risk 1 original/1 redacted 25 III Past Performance 1 original 2 + completed attachments IV Cost/Price 1 original Use format provided V Contract Documentation 1 original Use format provided

2.2.1 Page Limitations

Page limits for each proposal volume are listed in Table L-1. Evaluators will read only up to the maximum number of pages specified. Pages in excess of the maximum number will not be evaluated. Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the EN letters forwarded to the offerors. Each page shall be counted except for:

Cover pages Table of Contents List of Tables and Figures Glossaries Tabs Dividers Blank pages Attachment 1, Contractor Team Organization Attachment 2, DD254 Attachment 3, Compensation Plan and Price Proposal Attachment 4, Past Performance Information Reference Attachment 5, Past Performance Questionnaire Attachment 6, Subcontractor/Teaming Partner Consent Letters Attachment 7, Performance Work Statement (no need to submit) Attachment 8, Financial Responsibility Attachment 9, SETA Ordering Procedures (no need to submit) Attachment 10, Questions and Answers (Submit Early)

2.2.1.1. Page Size and Format

(a) A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12point. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume.

These page size and format restrictions shall apply to EN responses as well.

(b) Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume. Foldout pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams and schematics not for pages of text. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 9 point.

2.2.2 Cost or Pricing Related Data

All cost or pricing data shall be addressed FULLY in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal and Contract Documentation Volumes.

2.2.3 Cross-Referencing

To the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with a minimum of cross referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

2.2.5 Indexing

Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections.

2.2.6 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

2.2.7 Labeling

A cover sheet should be included in each volume, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification, and the offeror's name. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e), Restriction on disclosure and use of data, and FAR 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.

2.3 Electronic Offers

The offeror shall submit volumes I through V in electronic format, using only the Contracting Communications Module in PIEE. Each volume shall be a different file to assist with evaluations. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Office Word 2016, MS Office Excel 2016, MS Office Project 2016, and MS Office Power Point 2016, as applicable.

2.4 Distribution

Proposals shall be marked as "Controlled Unclassified Information" and "Source Selection Information--See FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104". Appropriate arrangements are required to access the Contracting Communications Module in PIEE. It is the offeror‘s responsibility to make those arrangements to assure meeting proposal deadlines.

2.5 Pre-proposal Site Visit

A Pre-proposal site visit will not be held.

3.0 Volume I - Executive Summary

In the executive summary volume, the offeror shall provide the following information:

3.1 Table of Contents (Tab 1)

Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal.

3.2 Narrative Summary (Tab 2)

The narrative summary of the entire proposal should be concise, to include addressing the significant risks, and highlighting any key or unique features, excluding cost/price. The salient features should tie in with Section M evaluation factors/sub-factors. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

3.3 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms (Tab 3)

Include a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the volume.

4.0 Volume II - Technical Volume

The Technical Volume should be specific and complete and should address your technical solution for meeting or exceeding the Government’s threshold performance or capability requirements of each technical sub-factor. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important.

Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical sub-factors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these sub-factors.

All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation.

It is not necessary or desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.1. Volume Organization

The Technical volume shall be submitted in accordance with page limits identified in Table L-1 Proposal Organization and organized according to the following:

4.1.1. Table of Contents (Tab 1)

Include a table of contents of the topics and subparagraphs in this volume.

4.1.2. Sub-factor One: Program Management Plan (Tab 2)

The Program Management Plan will be evaluated on an Acceptable or Unacceptable basis IAW Table M-1. At a minimum, the proposed approach in the Management Plan shall thoroughly substantiate all of the following:

4.1.2.1 Teaming/Organizational Structure (Tab 2A)

The offeror’s proposal shall include a completed Attachment 1, Contractor Team Organization which identifies the proposed organizational structure for conducting business operations under this contract. The company name, address, contact phone number, PWS functional capabilities, and location of work for prime contractor and all teaming partners and subcontractors shall be included. Formal written business and/or teaming agreements shall be included for any identified teaming partners and subcontractors identified in Attachment 1, Contractor Team

Organization. Additionally, the offeror’s submission shall include a narrative describing how the proposed Teaming/Organizational Structure will ensure the following outcomes:

1) Sufficient depth and breadth to accomplish multiple geographically dispersed task orders

2) Coverage for all PWS functional capabilities for PWS Sections 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, and 1.3.4.

3) A demonstration that the business/teaming agreements between the prime Contractor, teaming partners (if used), and subcontractors (if used) ensures that the prime Contractor is firmly in control and responsible for all aspects of contract performance

4.1.2.2 Business Approach (Tab 2B)

The offeror’s proposal shall provide a proposed business approach that addresses the following:

1) Processes and procedures to ensure Fair Opportunity Proposal Requests (FOPR) participation rate of 80% or greater over a twelve month period; and

2) Methodology to ensure effective contract management, at both the IDIQ and task order level, that ensures effective management of the entire contractor team; quality of services and deliverables without degradation over time; and compliance with all contract terms and conditions including Limitations of Subcontracting IAW FAR 52.219-14 and Security Requirements IAW 52.204-2

4.1.3. Sub-factor Two: Workforce Management Plan (Tab 3)

The Workforce Management Plan will be evaluated IAW Table M-2, Combined Technical/Risk Ratings excerpted in Section M from the DoD Source Selection Procedures. At a minimum, the proposed approach in the Workforce Management Plan shall thoroughly substantiate all of the following:

4.1.3.1. Qualification Assessment (Tab 3A)

The offeror’s proposal shall provide a methodology that demonstrates the offeror’s process to verify and validate qualifications against subsequent Government requirements including, but not limited to, complete background checks, personnel clearances, and other requirements specified at the task order level. Additionally, the proposal shall include a demonstration of the offeror’s understanding of qualification requirements by providing a listing of key personnel (including security manager) with a description of their qualifications and clearance levels.

4.1.3.2. Resume Screening (Tab 3B)

The offeror’s proposal shall include the offeror’s process that demonstrates the ability to submit complete and accurate resume and qualification packages at the task order level when required IAW PWS Sec 1.5.3.1..

4.1.3.3. Communication and Complaint Resolution (Tab 3C)

The offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate the offeror’s process for ensuring effective communication between the prime, team members, and the Government. The process will include the offeror’s procedures for reviewing, tracking, monitoring, and responding to government complaints regarding contractor employee performance and shall describe appropriate action to resolve all issues in a manner that satisfy government concerns.

4.1.3.4. Retention Plan (Tab 3D)

The offeror’s proposal shall include a retention plan that describes the offeror’s approach to:

employ and retain an appropriate number of qualified and experienced contractor personnel;

maintain a minimum fill rate of 80%; and minimize contractor personnel turnover for all task orders throughout the life of the contract. The plan shall include the market analysis used to support its employee retention strategy and includes, at a minimum, onboarding procedures, employee recognition, training and development, employee communication, and change management.

4.1.4 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms (Tab 4)

Include a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the volume.

4.1.6 Technical Risk Matrix (Tab 6)

Address Technical Risk associated with those aspects of your proposed technical approach you consider to have the potential for disruption of schedule, increased costs, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, and/or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance. Classify each risk in accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures Table 2B, Technical Risk Rating Method, excerpted in Section M paragraph 3.1. Provide the rationale for each risk and its rating, including quantitative estimates of the impact on cost, schedule, and performance. Describe the impact of each identified risk in terms of its potential to interfere with or prevent the successful accomplishment of other contract requirements (for example: PWS or specification requirements), whether or not those requirements are identified as sub-factors. Propose a realistic "workaround" or risk mitigations for identified risks that will eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level. Identify and classify any new risks introduced by such risk mitigation.

5.0 Volume III - Past Performance

5.1 General

Each offeror shall submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information (PPI) in accordance with the format contained in this section (Attachment 5). This information is required on the offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners who are proposed to perform as documented in Attachment 1, Contractor Team Organization, identified in the offeror’s Management Plan. The Government will use data provided by each offeror in this volume and data obtained from other sources in the evaluation of past performance.

Along with the information required in this paragraph, the offeror shall submit a consent letter Attachment 6 executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner, authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the offeror so the offeror can respond to such information.

5.2 Early Proposal Information

If Past Performance information is not available in CPARS and the offeror is submitting a PPQ offerors are requested to submit their past performance volume before the required submission date for the rest of the proposal. This will permit the Past Performance evaluation team to conduct its assessment more efficiently, Offerors should include in their past performance volume copies of all Past Performance Questionnaires that were sent to the points of contact for the past efforts. The instructions on the Past Performance Questionnaire direct respondents to provide response directly to the Government contracting officer, NOT THE OFFEROR. Therefore, the copies of Attachment 5 included in the past performance volume should be complete only through section A. Each offeror is requested to submit the information shown in Attachment 5 for each relevant contract citation 7 days prior to the date set for receipt of proposals. Failure to submit early proposal information will not result in offeror disqualification.

5.3. Recent Contracts

For this effort “recent” is defined as ongoing contracts or those completed within three years from the date of this solicitation.

5.4. Relevant Contracts

For a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining relevance, see Section M, Table M-4, Past Performance Relevancy Rating Method.

5.5. Specific Content

Each PPI submission will be labeled as a Tab in Volume IV. Submit PPI on no more than five (5) recent contract citations that you consider most relevant in demonstrating your ability to perform the proposed effort. For this effort “recent” is defined as ongoing contracts or those completed within three years. Offerors may also include information on up to two (2) recent contracts performed by your teaming partners and significant subcontractors that you consider most relevant in demonstrating their ability to perform the proposed effort. For the offeror proposing to be the Prime Contractor, past performance as a prime Contractor will be weighted more heavily than past performance as a subcontractor. Include rationale supporting your assertion of relevance. The total number of PPI submissions can not exceed five for prime, teaming partners, and subcontractors combined.

5.6. Volume Organization

The Past Performance Volume shall consist of the following sections:

5.6.1. Table of Contents (Tab 1)

Include a table of contents of the topics and subparagraphs in this volume.

5.6.2. References (Tabs 2-9)

Each past performance reference shall consist of the following:

5.6.2.1 Past Performance Information (PPI) Reference Form (Attachment 4)

The Offeror shall submit no more than 5 instances of past performance. Include only final and completed CPARS assessments for all references completed within the DoD. For any past performance outside of the DoD, or do not have CPARS assessments offerors shall use the PPI reference form to submit relevant and recent past performance contract information. The Offeror shall use a separate copy of the form for each reference tab in the Past Performance Volume.

Categorize the relevant information into the specific service categories used to evaluate the proposal IAW Table M-4 Past Performance Relevancy Rating Method. Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a limited or no confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The offeror is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified. This may allow the offeror to be considered a higher confidence candidate.

For example, submittal of quality performance indicators or other management indicators that clearly support that an offeror has overcome past problems is required.

5.6.2.2. Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 5)

The Offeror is responsible for sending the Attachment 5 Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) to the primary customer point of contact identified in the Past Performance Information Reference form generated by the offeror, with instructions to email the completed questionnaire to the points of contact listed on the PPQ. Questionnaires are due to the Contracting Officer by the volume/proposal due date of the RFP; however, the Government requests the past performance volume be sent seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposal submission date to ensure all PPQs are received for a complete evaluation. Instructions are also printed on the first page of the past performance questionnaire.

5.6.2.3. Subcontractor/teaming partner consent letter (if required) (Attachment 6) Past performance information pertaining to a subcontractor cannot be disclosed to the prime offeror without the subcontractor‘s consent. Provide with the proposal, a letter from all subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement, a letter consenting to the release of their past performance information to the offeror.

5.6.2.4. Organizational Structure Change History (Tab 10)

Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies, and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what past performance is relevant to this acquisition. To facilitate this relevancy determination, include in this proposal volume a "roadmap" describing all such changes in the organization of your company. A pamphlet or other commercial document describing such reorganizations may suffice. As part of this explanation, show how these changes impact the relevance of any efforts you identify for past performance evaluation/performance confidence assessment. Since the Government intends to consider past performance information provided by other sources as well as that provided by the offeror(s), your "roadmap" should be both specifically applicable to the efforts you identify and general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources.

5.6.2.5. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms (Tab 11)

Include a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used throughout the volume.

6.0 Volume IV - Cost/Price

6.1 Price Volume Organization

The price volume shall consist of the following sections:

a. Table of Contents

b. Pricing Narrative

c. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

d. Price Assumptions, Exceptions, and Rationale

e. Compensation Plan and Price Proposal, Attachment 3

6.2 General Instructions

This section is to assist the Offeror in submitting information required to evaluate the Completeness, Reasonableness, Balance and Professional Compensation Plan realism of the offeror’s proposed prices.

a. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of Offeror’s proposal.

b. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the offeror at the time of proposal or during subsequent discussions (if any are held). The price proposal shall not include information beyond that required by this instruction unless the offeror considers it essential to document or support offeror’s position.

c. All information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation or assumptions of the proposal must be included in the Price Volume.

Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included in any other volume.

d. For evaluation purposes and establishment of NTE Compensation Plan and Price Proposal Fully Burdened FFP Labor Rates, Offerors are required to submit only FFP pricing. A cost CLIN will be established in the basic contract and if used, will be evaluated at the Task Order level in further competitions.

e. Adequate price competition is anticipated; and therefore, at this time, Offerors are not required to submit Certified Cost or Pricing Data in accordance with FAR 15.403-1(c). If, after receipt of proposals, the contracting officer determines there is insufficient data to determine price reasonableness or adequate price competition is not established and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, Offerors may be required to submit additional data in accordance with FAR 15.403-3 or FAR 15.403-4, respectively.

f. Identify any assumptions and exceptions taken to the pricing requirements stated in this solicitation. Provide complete rationale for each assumption and exception. Do not cross reference to/from any other proposal volume.

g. Annotate “none,” if no assumptions or exceptions apply. Information provided for exceptions and assumptions will assist the price evaluation team in determining completeness, reasonableness, balance, and professional compensation plan realism.

h. All dollar amounts in the proposal shall be rounded to the nearest dollar except labor rates, which shall be rounded to the nearest cent.

i. All Attachments, except the Professional Compensation Plan Narrative, shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel format.

j. To complete the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal, use the instructions on the first tab of attachment 3.

k. New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (NMGRT) shall not be incorporated into the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal. NMGRT is a cost-reimbursable line item and a separate cost CLIN will be incorporated into any awarded Task Orders.

l. Price Proposal documents shall not be password protected.

m. All Microsoft Excel spreadsheets shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel format (no PDF).

6.3. Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Compensation Plan and Price Proposal, Attachment 3

a. The Compensation Plan and Price Proposal is anticipated to be inclusive of all labor categories expected to be used throughout the life of the contract.

b. Offerors shall provide Not to Exceed (NTE) Fully Burdened FFP labor rates for the labor categories identified in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal.

c. NTE Fully Burdened FFP labor rates shall include hourly base rates, indirect rates and profit, plus out-year escalation, as applicable, for each year in the five year contract for each labor category and education & experience level.

d. NTE Fully Burdened FFP labor rates shall be submitted for each labor category and education & experience level indicated in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal, Attachment 3. Failure to propose all rates in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal will render the proposal incomplete and the entire proposal will be subject to rejection.

e. Enter the Contractors labor category nomenclature in the column provided.

f. Labor category qualifications and levels are given on the Qualifications & Definitions and Education & Experience tabs of the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal.

g. The Compensation Plan and Price Proposal will be incorporated into the basic contract should Offeror be awarded a contract.

h. For evaluation purposes only the “All 5 Years Average Rate”, and “Totals” columns in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal will be used to develop the Total Evaluated Price (TEP). These columns will be removed (deleted) from the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal prior to incorporation into the basic contract.

i. The NTE Fully Burdened FFP labor rates as proposed in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal shall be contractually binding ceiling rates should Offeror be awarded a contract. The ceiling rates shall be utilized for future competitive task orders, single-source task orders, and task order modifications; however, discounted or lower rates may be proposed for individual task orders.

j. All Microsoft Excel spreadsheets shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel (no PDF) in the exact format provided by the government.

Note: Unreasonably high proposed NTE Fully Burdened FFP labor rates in the Compensation Plan and Price Proposal may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition either on the basis that the Offeror does not understand the requirement or has submitted an unreasonable proposal.

6.4. Professional Compensation Plan

a. In accordance with FAR Subpart 22.11 and FAR 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, will be done at the task order level. Currently, only the engineer labor categories would be classified as professional. Historically, the engineer labor categories have not represented a large portion of our requirements making TO evaluation more appropriate as needed.

6.5. Compensation Plan Narrative

Provide a narrative of planned compensation for all employee labor categories proposed to perform the effort. The fringe benefit data shall include a description of the benefits offered, and to which employee categories the fringe benefits apply.

Note: Unrealistically low employee salaries may impair offeror’s ability to attract and retain competent professional employees and may be viewed as evidence of failure to comprehend the complexity of the contract requirements.

7.0 Volume V - Contract Documentation

7.1 Volume Organization

The offeror shall provide the following information in this volume:

7.1.1 Table of Contents (Tab 1)

Include a table of contents of the topics and subparagraphs in this volume.

7.1.2. Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors (Tab 2) Completed representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements.

7.1.3. Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements (Tab 4)

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or sub-factors. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. Each exception shall be specifically related to each paragraph and/or specific part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken. Provide rationale in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on the performance, schedule, cost, and specific requirements of the solicitation. This information shall be provided in the format and content of Table L-3.

Table L-3 - Solicitation Exceptions

Solicitation Document

Page/ Paragraph

Requirement/ Portion

Rationale

SOO, SOW, SPEC,

Model Contract, ITO, etc.

Applicable Page and Paragraph Numbers

Identify the requirement or portion to which exception is taken

Describe why the requirement can/will not be met

7.1.4. Financial Responsibility Questionnaire (Attachment 7) (Tab 5) The Offeror shall include the completed Attachment 7 Financial Responsibility Questionnaire as acceptable evidence to the Contracting Officer that the offeror has sufficient financial resources to cover startup expenses for this acquisition IAW FAR 9.104-3(a).

7.1.5. DD254 (Attachment 2) (Tab 6)

The Offeror shall include the completed Attachment 2 DD254 as acceptable evidence to the Contracting Officer that the offeror has sufficient facility clearance.

7.1.6. Other Information Required (Tab 7)

7.1.6.1. Authorized Offeror Personnel

Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

7.1.6.2. Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations Provide company/division's street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code;

TIN; size of business (large or small); and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract will be performed at any other location(s). List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor, and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.