Attachment 3 - Instructions to Offerors (15Mar24).pdf

INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS

Attachment 3

Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4)

ON-RAMP #2

Instruction to Offerors

Basic: 15 March 2024

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

Instruction to Offerors

1.1 Overview: This section of the Instruction To Offerors (ITO) provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The

Offeror's proposal must include all data and information requested by the ITO and must be submitted In Accordance With (IAW) these instructions. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Contract Data Requirements

List (CDRL), and Model Contract. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this

ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation.

1.2 Data and Information: The proposal shall be clear, concise, and sufficiently detailed 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 systems, processes, facilities, and experience and will base its evaluation solely on the information presented in the Offeror's proposal.

1.3 Unnecessary Documents: Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

1.4 Valid Proposal Dates: The Offeror shall make a clear statement that the proposal is valid for nine months from the date of submission.

1.5 Proposal Retention: In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 4.8

(Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one electronic copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

General Information

2.1 Point of Contact: The Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the PCO. Written requests for clarification may be sent to the PCO, the PCO contact information can be found in para. 2.8.

2.2 Debriefings: The PCO 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. The PCO 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.

2.3 Discrepancies: If an Offeror believes that the requirements in this RFP contain an error or omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the PCO in writing with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the Offeror is asking the PCO to consider as related to the omission or error.

https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR15.DOC#b15505 https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR15.DOC#b15505 https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR15.DOC#b15506

2.4 Electronic Reference Documents (Bidder’s Library): All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on sam.gov web site. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

In addition, Bidder’s Library documents for this solicitation are available electronically from the

PCO upon request; Offerors may request the Bidder’s Library per sam.gov instructions.

2.5 Communications: Exchanges of source selection information between Government and Offerors will be controlled by the PCO. 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.

2.6 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits: The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization (Table 2.6-1 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.

Table 2.6-1: Proposal Organization

Volume Title Electronic

Copies Page Limit

I Executive

Summary 2 2

II

Technical

(Factor 1)

5 [1 page for the

Capability

Questionnaire and a 1 page evidence narrative per question (4 questions)]

III

Contract

Documentation 2 Unlimited

2.6.1 Page Limitations: Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the

Offerors. Each page shall be counted except the following: cover pages, tables of contents, list of figures, list of tables, tabs, and appendices.

2.6.2 Page Size and Format: A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches. Pages shall be single spaced. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12 point, Times New Roman. 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 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/02.htm http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/03.htm be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall also apply to EN responses.

Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems, layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated and legible. For tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point.

2.6.3 Cost or Pricing Information: Pricing information will not be required as a part of the basic IDIQ award. Pricing information will be evaluated at the Task Order level.

2.6.4 Classified Information: Do not include classified information in the technical volume proposal.

2.6.5 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 minimal cross referencing to other proposal volumes. Information required for proposal evaluation 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 cross-referencing conserves space without impairing clarity.

2.6.6 Indexing: Include a master Table of Contents (TOC) of the entire proposal in

Volume I – Executive Summary. The TOC does not count against page limitations.

Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections.

2.6.7 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms: Include a master glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used and an explanation for each.

2.6.8 Labeling: All Offerors shall ensure the application of 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.

2.7 Electronic Offers: One electronic copy of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by

Microsoft (MS) Office Word 2010/2016, MS Office Excel 2010/2016, MS Office Project

2010/2016, and MS Office Power Point 2010/2016, as applicable. Hypertext links shall be used to facilitate navigation within the document. Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including factors, exhibits, annexes, and attachments, if any. All Excel files shall keep working formulas instead of pasted values, when applicable, for calculation logic. Additionally, the Offeror shall submit a second electronic copy of the proposal in Adobe PDF format to assist in the verification of compliance with page count, margins, and other requirements. In the case of a conflict between the PDF and Word copy, the PDF will be considered the correct version. Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, appendices, annexes, and attachments, if any.

2.8 Distribution: The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted by DOD Safe

(safe.apps.mil) to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist(s) as identified below:

Contracting Officer: Lucia Corral (lucia.corral@spaceforce.mil)

Contracting Specialist: Luis Cruz-Martinez (luis.cruz-martinez@spaceforce.mil)

Contracting Specialist: Emily Parks-Garcia (emily.parks-garcia@spaceforce.mil) https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR52.215.doc#b522151 https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR03.DOC#b31044

In order to upload their proposal electronically to the DoD SAFE site, the Offeror must request a drop-off upload link. Requests for an upload link shall be received between 08

April 2024 0800 MT and 12 April 2024 1600 MT. Proposals shall be uploaded by the proposal due date of 15 April 2024 1600 MT.

2.10 Proposal Due Date: Proposals are due April 15th, 2024 4:00 pm Mountain. Proposals received after the date and time specified shall be treated in accordance with FAR 52.212-1(f).

Volume I – Executive Summary

3.1 Executive Summary: The executive summary of the entire proposal should be concise, address significant risks, and highlight key or unique features. As stated in paragraph 2.6.3 above, cost and price information shall not be included in this volume or any volume of the Offeror’s proposal. The salient features should tie in with the Evaluation Criteria, Attachment 4. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal. In the executive summary, the Offeror shall provide the following information:

3.1.1 Overall approach to meeting the Orbital Services Program-4 (OSP-4) requirements.

3.1.2 The proposed Launch Solution (LS) to include a listing of the proposed Spacelift

System(s) (SS) configurations.

3.1.3 Identify any contractor teaming arrangements that will be utilized throughout this effort.

3.1.4 Non-Governmental Advisors: Per DoD Source Selection Procedures paragraph

1.4.6.2.1, the PCO must ensure that before a non-Government advisor is given access to proprietary information, that the Government has received the consent of the submitting contractor(s) to provide access to the contractor who is to assist in the source selection. Therefore, the Offeror shall expressly provide its consent in the

Executive Summary (Volume I) to the release of its proposal information to The

Aerospace Corporation, a Federally Funded Research & Development Center

(FFRDC) who will be acting as non-Government advisors during the evaluation.

Please contact the PCO prior to receipt of proposals with any questions regarding The

Aerospace Corporation's participation or if there is an issue with providing consent.

Please understand failing to provide consent may affect Offeror's ability to propose for this effort.

Volume II – Technical (Factor 1)

4.1 General Instructions: The Technical Volume shall be specific, detailed, credible, and provide all the information. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. The Offeror’s responses will be evaluated against the applicable technical factor defined in the Evaluation Criteria, Attachment 4. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By submitting a proposal, the Offeror is representing that they will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.1.1 Offeror’s launch solution must consist of its own launch vehicle capability (i.e., not a broker).

4.1.2 Acceptable solutions include dedicated and primary launch services. For both launch services, the launch schedule will be dictated by the Government.

4.1.3 If the Offeror has multiple solutions (i.e., SSs), submit only the solution that provides the best opportunity to meet the evaluation criteria outlined in the Evaluation Criteria, Attachment 4. The Offeror is not bound to any one solution for future Task Order solicitations.

4.2 Capability Questionnaire: An Offeror may be eligible to participate in the OSP-4 vendor pool by completing Appendix A, Capability Questionnaire, of this document. The Offeror is required to validate their questionnaire responses with substantiating data (e.g., analysis, test results) in an

“evidence narrative”.

4.2.1.1 Capability Questionnaire. The Offeror shall complete Appendix A to describe the Offeror’s company and current SS maturity.

4.2.1.2 Evidence Narrative. For each question, the Offeror shall provide up to a one-page evidence narrative to substantiate the response.

Volume III - Contract Documentation

5.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications: The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract documents and supporting file. The

Offeror’s proposal shall include a signed copy of the Standard Form (SF) 1449, delivered with the

SF1449 Continuation pages, the Addendum, the Contract Documents, and Exhibits and

Attachments. The SF1449 shall not have any proprietary markings. Fill in the blanks in the

Solicitation. Specifically, the following:

5.1.1 SF1449 Solicitation/Contract Form

5.1.1.1 The Offeror shall complete blocks 12, 17, and 30 on SF 1449-

Soliciation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items. The signature by the

Offeror on the SF 1449 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept.

5.1.2 Solicitation Provisions:

5.1.2.1 All representation and certifications must be completed IAW FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, of the model contract.

5.1.3 Signature

5.1.3.1 The Offeror’s signature on the SF 1449 constitutes an offer, which the

Government may or may not accept. Proposals without signature may warrant a rejection of the proposal submittal. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representation and certifications, and technical requirements. Therefore, any tailoring to the solicitation is not allowed and may warrant a rejection of the proposal.

5.1.4 Organizational Conflict of Interest Plan:

5.1.4.1.1 IAW FAR 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, the

Contracting Officer has analyzed the planned acquisition and determined that no known actual or potential Organizational Conflict of

Interest (OCI) situations exist with respect to this solicitation.

5.1.4.1.2 The Offeror shall perform its own OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis as part of its proposal. Specifically, the Offeror shall analyze the planned acquisition for actual or potential OCI situations associated with its or any of its teammate’s or subcontractor’s performance under any contract it or any of its teammates or subcontractors has been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Offeror shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. If the Offeror identifies any actual or potential OCI with respect to the performance of itself or its subcontractors or teammates, the Offeror shall provide an OCI

Mitigation Plan to be incorporated as an attachment to any resulting contract. At a minimum, the plan shall address all of the items identified in the most current version of SSC’s OCI Mitigation Plan

Checklist provided as an attachment to this solicitation. Any proposed avoidance or mitigation techniques shall be consistent with FAR 9.5 and the most recent decisions of the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

5.1.4.1.3 If an award is made to the Offeror, the resulting contract may include an organizational conflict of interest limitation applicable to subsequent

Government work, at either a prime contract level, at any subcontract tier, or both. During evaluation of proposals, the Government may, after discussions with the Offeror and consideration of ways to mitigate or avoid identified actual or potential conflicts of interest, insert a clause or term and condition in the resulting contract that disqualifies the Offeror from further consideration for award of future contracts.

5.1.4.1.4 Resolution of OCI issues are treated in a manner similar to the

Contracting Officer’s contractor responsibility determination. Any communications necessary to resolve OCI issues shall not be considered discussions. As such, the Contracting Officer may issue

Evaluation Notices to the Offeror prior to any decision to enter into discussions in order to resolve questions or concerns with the Offeror’s

OCI analysis or mitigation plan.

5.1.5 Contractor Responsibility

5.1.5.1 Financial Resources. IAW with FAR 9.104-1(a) a contractor must have adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them. The Offeror shall fill out highlighted portions of SF-1407 Preaward

Survey of Prospective Contractor (Financial Capability), Appendix B, to help determine adequate financial resources.

5.1.5.2 U.S Commercial Provider. IAW FAR 9.104-1(g), for purposes of this award the Offeror must comply with the U.S Commercial Provider definition IAW

Commercial Space Act of 1998, Title II Public Law 105-303.

5.1.5.2.1 The Offeror must provide supporting documentation and statement attesting to how Offeror meets the requirements of a U.S Commercial

Provider.

Failure to meet the above requirements may result in the Offeror being determined ineligible for award.

Appendix

A – Capability Questionnaire

B – SF 1407 - Preaward Survey of Prospective Contractor (Financial Capability)

C – SF 328 - Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interest

Appendix A – Capability Questionnaire

Based on the current status of your company and SS, complete the following questionnaire. For each question, the Offeror shall select the most applicable (a) or (b) status that describes how the OSP-4 On-

Ramp requirements are currently met by the proposed SS and provide up to a one-page evidence narrative to validate the response. IAW ITO sections 4.1 and 4.2, the evidence narrative shall contain sufficient substantiating data (e.g., analysis, test results), for the Government to validate the accuracy of the Offeror’s response. If the Offeror has multiple solutions (i.e., SSs), submit only the solution that provides the best opportunity to meet the evaluation criteria outlined in the Evaluation Criteria, Attachment 4.

1. What is your offered LS mass-to-orbit capability IAW PWS para. 1.1? (Specify in table below)

Launch Vehicle LEO mass (lbm)/altitude

(nmi)/inclination (deg)

SSO* mass

(lbm)

GTO† mass

(lbm) Max Capability‡

Ex. Candlestick – Block 4.1 500/150/28.5 225 150 4500/19,323/22.8

*Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) – Defined as an altitude of 324 nmi

†Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) – Defined as an altitude of 19,323 nmi

‡Max Capability – Provide the upper limits of the launch solution (mass/altitude/inclination)

2. What is your status of Integration and Test (includes aircraft, if air launch) and do you plan to complete your first launch within one year? Select the most applicable (a) or (b) status that is fully supported by the evidence narrative.

a. Integration and Test of the solution is ongoing but will be able to launch within a year of contract award

b. Integration and Test of the solution is complete and have successfully completed one or more prior launches

3. What is the qualification status of the proposed propulsion system? Select the most applicable (a) or

(b) status that is fully supported by the evidence narrative.

a. Developmental engine/motor test fire at full duration and full thrust attained

b. Flight representative engine/motor (turbo pump/motor included as applicable) qualified and/or acceptance tested

4. What is the status of your launch site arrangement? Select the most applicable (a) or (b) status that is fully supported by the evidence narrative.

a. Range/Spaceport agreements in coordination or signed, but required construction not yet started

b. Range/Spaceport agreements signed, construction in progress (or none required) and completed pre-application consultation (FAA)

Appendix B – SF 1407 - Preaward Survey of Prospective Contractor (Financial Capability)

Appendix C – SF 328 - Certificate Pertaining to Foreign Interest