B-2 Combined Synopsis Solicitation.docx

This is a Combined Synopsis / Solicitation for Commercial Items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 – Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation of Commercial Items – as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. The solicitation is issued using simplified acquisition procedures under the authority of FAR Part 13.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ONLY SOLICITATION. QUOTATIONS ARE BEING REQUESTED AND A WRITTEN SOLICITATION DOCUMENT (i.e. STANDARD FORM) WILL NOT BE ISSUED.

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2020-06 dated 06-05-2020.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541690 – Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. The small business size standard is $16.5 Million. This request for quotation is issued for full and open competition.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

Background The Advanced Network Technology Division (ANTD) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been developing a deterministic network for wide area measurement in power grid monitoring systems, most recently intra-vehicle communications under the auspices of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). A deterministic communication, Time-triggered Ethernet (TT-E), has been developed that is capable of achieving constant latency and minimum jitter. This is mainly due to the fact that TT-E compensates transmission jitter that is introduced during traffic propagation and operation in TT-E switches. A remaining challenge, however, is how to provide wireless communications where wired access is not available. To meet this challenge, NIST is working to develop a low-delay, high reliability hybrid wired/wireless architecture supported by a combination of TT-E and 5G networks. 5G supports different types of services, including enhanced Mobile BroadBand (eMBB), massive Machine Type communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC). To meet the strict low latency requirements of synchrophasor communications, the URLLC is the 5G option of choice for the NIST testbed.

Objectives The purpose of this acquisition is to procure contractor services in support of implementing a hybrid wired/wireless access technology using a combination of high-speed TT-E and ultra-high reliability and 5G ultra-low latency (URLLC) networks. The main objective is to expand the existing ANTD deterministic communication network in order to provide a scalable integration of wired and wireless protocols while ensuring safety and reliability.

Scope of Work & Specific Tasks Please see the attached Statement of Work.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be April 28, 2021 through April 27, 2022.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The place of performance shall be the NIST, Gaithersburg, Maryland campus.

CONTRACT TYPE & PAYMENT TERMS

A firm fixed price purchase order is anticipated. Payment shall be made on a NET30 basis after inspection and acceptance of deliverables.

APPLICABLE PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

Please see the attached document for applicable provisions and clauses.

QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD

CAR 1352.215-73 INQUIRIES (APR 2010):

Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing electronically to Ms. Lauren Roller, Contract Specialist, at lauren.roller@nist.gov. Questions must be received by or before June 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM ET. Any responses to questions will be made in writing, without identification of the questioner, and will be included in an amendment to the solicitation. Even if provided in other form, only the question responses included in the amendment to the solicitation will govern performance of the contract. (End of Provision).

DUE DATE FOR QUOTATIONS

All quotations must be submitted via email to Ms. Lauren Roller, Contract Specialist, at Lauren.Roller@nist.gov. Submission must be received not later than June 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM ET.

Note: Offerors must have an active registration at www.SAM.gov at time of offer submission to be considered for award.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

The Offeror’s quotation shall be submitted electronically via email and shall consist of two volumes as detailed below. Each quotation volume shall include the Offeror’s name, DUNS number, and point of contact information in a cover page, header/footer, or other easily identified location. The Contracting Officer intends to award a purchase order without discussions but reserves the right to enter into discussions if in the best interest of the Government.

Volume 1: Technical Response This volume shall contain the Offeror’s technical response. The technical response (not including table of contents) shall not exceed fifteen (15) single sided pages. Text shall be no less than 12-point Arial or otherwise reasonably legible font in read-only Microsoft Word or searchable Adobe PDF format.

The technical response shall include the name, title, phone number, and email address of the Offeror’s primary point of contact and the individual authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Offeror (if negotiations are determined to be necessary).

The technical response shall include a narrative description of the Offeror’s technical approach as well as a copy of the resume of the proposed key personnel. The technical response shall also include past performance information for at least three (3) purchase orders or contracts in which the Offeror performed work similar to the scope of this requirement. Past performance information provided shall be for work completed or substantially completed within the past five (5) years. Past performance shall include the following information:

1. Name of the Organization Supported

2. Organization Point of Contact with Current Phone Number and Email Address

3. Contract Number

4. Period of Performance

5. Dollar Value of the Contract

6. Narrative describing the services performed. The narrative should make clear similarities to the scope of work outlined in this solicitation.

Volume 2: Price Quotation This volume shall contain the Offeror’s price quotation in read-only Microsoft Excel format, or in searchable PDF format. All figures must be rounded to the nearest hundredth.

Price quotations shall be submitted on a firm fixed price basis in accordance with the contract line item numbering structure identified in this solicitation. Quotations shall be valid for 90 days after solicitation close.

To assist the Government in evaluating firm fixed price quotations, the offeror shall provide a breakdown of the proposed labor categories to be used and estimated hours per labor category.

Offerors shall also include a proposed fixed price payment schedule based on requirement milestones/deliverables.

CONTRACT LINE ITEM STRUCTURE:

Responsible Offerors shall provide pricing for the following line item:

LINE ITEM 001: Support for Hybrid Wired/Wireless Communications for Time-Sensitive Critical Applications in accordance with the attached Statement of Work.

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD

Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose quotation represents best value to the Agency. Best value shall be determined using the trade-off evaluation method. Quotations shall be evaluated against three (3) technical evaluation factors and price. Technical evaluation factors include the following in descending order of importance: 1) Technical Approach, 2) Key Personnel and 3) Past Performance. Technical factors when combined shall be considered more important than Price.

0. Technical Approach Quotations shall be evaluated for:

· Understanding of wireless networks and the specific work requirements identified in the Statement of Work

· Realism and efficiency of the Offeror’s proposed methods for completing the work requirements

· Understanding of schedule requirements and the reasonableness of proposed methods for timely completion of deliverables

0. Key Personnel Quotations shall be evaluated for the degree to which the proposed key personnel meets or exceeds the minimum key personnel requirements.

3. Past Performance The Offeror’s past performance will be evaluated to determine the extent to which the offeror has demonstrated the ability to successfully complete work of the scope described in the Statement of Work.

Specific attributes to be considered are the contractor’s record of performance in successfully supplying power grid and communications support services on schedule for requirements of similar size and scope to the Statement of Work. The government will consider performance on efforts completed or substantially completed within the past five (5) years. Evidence of prior performance may include official evaluation information from prior engagements, such as CPARS records. However, the Government reserves the right to obtain past performance information from additional sources.

4. Price Quoted prices will be evaluated but not scored. Price evaluation will determine whether the proposed prices are complete and reasonable in relation to the RFQ requirements Price evaluation will also determine whether the proposed level of effort is reasonable in relation to the RFQ requirements.