Basis-of-Award-and-Criteria_Trainer-Services_C.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

Section J Attachment 1.0

Basis of Award, Evaluation Criteria, and Proposal Preparation Instructions

In determining the award of a contract, the Government intends to make a best value source selection decision using a tradeoff process and procedures in FAR Part 16.505. The Government will evaluate offers received under this Statement of Work (SOW) to determine the Offeror’s proposal that represents the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government will make an award determination based on Technical/Management, Security, and Price. Although clarity and succinctness are not a specific evaluation criterion, the degree to which a proposal effectively presents ideas, concepts, and information is embedded within each criterion. The Government will make the source selection decision based upon a review of the proposal plus analysis of audit information by Government representatives for Cost-type contracts. The Government reserves the right to award any resultant contract as either a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) or Cost-type contract.

A. APPLICABLE PROVISIONS:

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (July 1990)

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

152.215-728 Evaluation by Consultants (OCT 2003)

Offerors are advised that non-government consultants may assist the Government during the Government's evaluation of proposals. These persons shall be authorized access to only those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to provide specific technical advice on specialized matters or on particular problems. They shall be expressly prohibited from scoring, ranking, or recommending the selection of a source.

B. BASIS OF AWARD

The relative importance of the evaluation criteria by which the Government will determine the offer which represents the best value is as follows:

• Non-cost factors (Technical, Management, Insider Threat) are each more important than Cost, and collectively, significantly more important than Cost.

Non-Cost factors (Technical, Management, and Insider Threat) are of equal importance, and each sub-factor and element beneath them are of equal importance.

C. TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT EVALUATION CRITERIA

Your Technical/Management proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria

Factor 1: Technical

The Technical Factor evaluates the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal demonstrates a thorough understanding of the SOW’s technical tasks and requirements. Additionally, they must have the ability to provide appropriately cleared personnel with the breadth of qualifications and experience necessary to provide a high level of support and deliverables to the ODNI and presents a sound approach for accomplishing them. The Offeror must discuss any risks inherent in its approach, as well as methods for reducing those risks. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s Technical portion of the written proposal in accordance with the following Sub factors, which are equal in importance:

Sub Factor 1.1

Technical Understanding

This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal demonstrates a thorough understanding of the SOW’s technical tasks and requirements, and as they relate to the Scope as described in section 1. The Offeror shall demonstrate a sound approach for successful execution of SOW requirements. The Offeror shall discuss any risks inherent in its approach, as well as methods for reducing those risks. [SOW Sections 2, 3, 4]

Sub Factor 1.2

Personnel Qualifications

This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the Offeror’s proposed and appropriately cleared personnel (key) meet the qualifications and poses the necessary experience(s) as described in the SOW. [SOW Sections 3]

Factor 2: Management

The Management Factor evaluates the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Management requirements cited in the SOW and presents a sound approach for accomplishing them. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s Management portion of the written proposal in accordance with the following Subfactors, which are equal in importance:

Sub Factor 2.1

Program Management Approach

Element 1: This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the proposal provides an acceptable strategy to maintain an appropriately skilled, qualified/experienced, and cleared workforce for SOW requirements, which leverages the talents/capabilities of the Offeror and its team members to identify, hire, and retain a bench of appropriately cleared and qualified personnel. [SOW Sections 2, 3]

Element 2: This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the proposal provides an effective Program Management Plan that addresses and demonstrates an effective and efficient plan to organize, manage, direct, control, and perform necessary technical requirements according to the proposed approach. [SOW Sections 2, 3, 4]

Element 3: This proposal will be evaluated the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal demonstrates an effective process for mission risk identification and reporting, and effective mitigation methods for reducing or eliminating those risks. [SOW Sections 2, 3, 4]

Evaluation Criteria

Sub Factor 2.2

Transition Plan

Element 1: This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which it demonstrates a realistic and efficient transition plan that minimizes potential performance and schedule risk associated with transition. [SOW Section 2]

Element 2: This proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which the proposal demonstrates the ability to fully staff the contract with qualified/experienced personnel within 45 days of contract start. [SOW Section 2]

Factor 3: Insider Threat

The Government will evaluate the extent to which the Offeror has established, implemented, and maintained an insider threat program as directed by the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), Change 2, dated May 18, 2016. The Offeror shall demonstrate its program’s ability to gather, integrate, and report relevant information indicative of a potential or actual insider threat. The Offeror shall also demonstrate its mitigations of identified risks, as well as, its compliance with requirements of ODNI. [SOW Sections 2, 3]

D. COST EVALUATION CRITERIA

Cost will be evaluated as follows:

Cost Realism - The Sponsor will perform cost realism analysis for cost reimbursement contracts to determine the probable cost of performance for each Offeror in accordance with FAR 15.404-1(d). The Sponsor will independently review and evaluate specific elements of each Offeror's proposed cost estimate to determine whether the estimated costs are realistic for the work to be performed, reflect a clear understanding of the Sponsor’s requirements, and are consistent with the unique methods of performance and materials described in the Offeror's technical proposal. The probable cost may or may not differ from the proposed cost and shall reflect the Sponsor’s best estimate of the cost of any contract that is most likely to result from the Offeror’s proposal. The probable cost shall be used for purposes of evaluation to determine the best value.

Cost Reasonableness - - The Sponsor will evaluate the extent to which the cost is reasonable. A cost is reasonable in its nature and amount, if it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of competitive business. Reasonableness will be assessed through analysis techniques defined in FAR 15.404-1.

E. PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

Task Order Proposals shall consist of the following:

Section A: Cover Letter & Table of Contents (TOC)

• The Cover Letter and TOC shall provide a summary of the proposal to include price/cost, and points of contact (see templates).

• Information included in the cover letter and table of contents will not be evaluated.

Section B: Technical/Management Proposal

The Technical/Management proposal shall consist of the following:

• Technical/Management Proposal shall include a complete and detailed account of the Offeror’s technical approach to meet the requirements set forth in the Task Order Statement of Work.

• Resumes shall be submitted for all proposed “key personnel” for all labor categories (See Attachment J-7.0 for Resume Template).

• A copy of the Basis of Estimate (BOE) without cost data shall be included within the Management/Technical volumes.

• Acceptance letters shall be submitted for all proposed contingency offers.

Section C: Insider Threat

The Insider Threat section shall consist of a complete and detailed description of the Offeror’s Insider Threat program, to include program’s ability to gather, integrate, mitigate, and report relevant information indicative of a potential or actual insider threat.

Section D: Cost Proposal

The Offeror's price proposal shall contain factual information to establish the reasonableness of the proposed price. A copy of the BOE with price data shall be included in the Cost Volume. Offerors shall submit the numerical cost and cost data using Microsoft Excel. The Excel COST TEMPLATE shall include intact formulas and provide additional information as deemed necessary.

In the cost narrative the Offeror shall provide factual and detailed information regarding the fully burdened labor rates and other information supporting the Basis of Estimate. Additionally, the cost narrative shall include a summary table listing all labor categories used in the proposal.

The Cost Volume for the Prime Contractor and ALL Subcontractors proposed shall include Proposal Summary, FFP/Cost-type (any Cost CLIN request shall be accompanied by a detailed explanation of why this type of contract/CLIN is appropriate for the contractor) and Completion CLINs, and ODC Cost Reimbursable CLINs. The Cost Volume shall consist of both the completed cost template and a written narrative to support the proposed costs.

At a minimum, the Cost Volume shall include:

• Breakdown of labor categories, to include a mapping of the SOW labor category and the Contractor’s labor category, and the required number of hours.

• Supporting cost data, including direct labor rates, all applicable indirect rates, and subcontractor costs. Please include the most recent copy of your organization’s FPRA, FPRR, or other audited and approved rates.

• Breakout of anticipated Other Direct Costs (ODCs). This breakout shall include, as appropriate to the task, a brief description of all ODCs. Describe any local/foreign travel requirements, and any other proposed ODCs. Any proposed travel shall be reimbursable only to the extent it is in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations. No fee shall be proposed on travel.

• Proposed fee percentage and justification.

• Subcontractor’s sealed/un-sanitized cost proposal shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer by the stated proposal due date and time in this TOPR.

Key Ground Rules & Assumptions: Include a listing of all key ground rules and assumptions that have significant impacts on the proposed costs. This includes resources required of the Government and key technical and management requirements driving price, whether imposed by the Government or self-imposed by the Offeror (e.g., Security). Include the nature and amount of any contingencies included in the proposed price. Offerors shall explain any price saving measures or strategies. If a cost savings strategy is employed in the cost volume, the Offeror shall ensure this strategy is traced to the Technical/Management volume, including any necessary risk mitigation. The Offeror shall describe, in general terms; how each ground rule or assumption impacts the proposed costs and identify those ground rules or assumptions that resulted in increased costs. The ground rules and assumptions included in this section shall track to other sections of the Cost volume as appropriate. If no assumptions were made, include a statement to that effect.

Please note: Assumptions stated in the BOEs DO NOT constitute compliance as requested above.

Proposed costs and fees should be broken out by contract year over the contract period of performance, to include the base year by Tasking and all options by Tasking’s as outlined in Section II of the SOW. If the Offeror’s accounting year is different than the Contract Year (specifically, contract period of performance stated below), the Offeror must state its accounting cycle. Additional cost elements should be included in the summaries if necessary to reflect the Offeror’s cost accounting structure.

Labor Escalation Factor: State the proposed labor escalation rate and state the basis for that rate (e.g., based upon Global Insight indices, Cost Index, or historical data). If the escalation rate is based upon historical data, provide data to demonstrate the labor escalation trend. Provide a sample calculation demonstrating application of the factor to direct labor.

Section E: Security Proposal

The Security Plan shall include a completed Key Management Personnel List (KMPL), SF-328, Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Certification, and Form 4311 (one per person).

The Security proposal shall provide the following:

• A statement from the Prime and Subcontractor(s) that all contractors will comply with the security requirements set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• A personnel security matrix for the Sponsor to validate that proposed personnel meet the requirements of the Statement of Work. The security matrix shall contain the full name(s), SSN(s), date(s) of birth and clearance(s) for proposed personnel.

• All (100%) of proposed personnel listed in the security matrix must be crossover eligible:

o Current TS Clearance with no conditions, deviations, or waivers o Background Investigation (BI) within scope (7 years) – If over 5 years old, must send updated SF86 o All personnel must have a Form 4311 submitted (template included) o Documented successful completion of a CI polygraph as part of most recent BI o No more than 24 months since last BI without an active Agency clearance

• Contract Security Plan and AIS in accordance with the SOW requirements.

NOTE: Lack of personnel clearances is not considered to be excusable delay in performance.

The Security proposal will be evaluated to determine if it meets the RFP’s security requirements and will be rated as Pass or Fail. A “Fail” evaluation shall result in the contractor’s elimination from consideration for an award. Proposals that do not include a Form 4311, one per person, shall be deemed non-compliant and not considered for award.

The association between the Sponsor and the Offeror is classified UNCLASSIFIED. Specific security classifications are delineated in the attached Contract Data Classification Guide (CDCG) which shall be incorporated into any resulting task order.

Section F: Proposal Preparation Instructions

Delivery: Proposals are due in accordance to the cover letter of the TOPR.

Format: The Cover Letter, Technical/Management Approach, and Security Volumes of the proposal shall be submitted in MS Word 2013 (or newest version) or Adobe XI. The Cost Volume shall follow the Government provided Excel template.

Page Size/Margins: Page size shall be 8.5 by 11 inches. Margins shall be set at one inch on top and bottom and both sides.

Font Size: Minimum type size shall be 12-point Arial standard font with single spacing. Pages shall be numbered sequentially.

Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures may be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, etc. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than:

Art: 8-point Arial Tables: 8-point Arial Titles: 10-point Arial, bold, initial cap.

Page Count: Contractors shall organize proposals as indicated in the table below. Page limits and copies limits will be strictly enforced. Contractors that do not comply with the instructions risk their proposal being found unacceptable and returned unevaluated.

Note: The cover letter, table of contents (TOC), price, and resumes do not count towards the page count; however, as stated above, resumes are limited to two (2) pages each.

Proposals shall adhere to the following page limitations:

Section Description No. of Copies Maximum Pages

A Cover Letter & TOC One (1) electronic submission.

The cover letter shall not exceed two (2) pages.

The TOC is unlimited.

B Technical/Management Approach

One (1) electronic submission.

The Technical/ Management Approach shall not exceed fifteen

(15) pages, excluding resumes.

Resumes shall not exceed two (2) pages per individual.

BOE is not included in the page count.

C Insider Threat One (1) electronic submission.

The Insider Threat section shall not exceed two (2) pages.

D Cost One (1) electronic submission, to include Spreadsheet (excel file).

Unlimited.

BOE is not included in the page count.

E Security One (1) electronic submission.

The Security Plan shall be limited to five (5) pages. Form 4311s shall not count against the page count.

Note: The cover letter, certification of electronic copy, table of contents, cost volume, skills matrix, BOE and resumes do not count towards the page count; however, as stated above, resumes are limited to two

(2) pages each.