Evaluation_Criteria_-_Large_Format_Plotters.docx

Large Format Plotters and Services to Support Partnership Programs and the 2020 Census

Evaluation Criteria

May 18, 2017

The U.S. Census Bureau invites you to submit a quotation for the products and services described in the separately provided Statement of Work (SOW) on a fixed price basis and through the open market. If you elect to participate in the selection process for a possible contract award, please provide the following information:

Technical Proposal shall include:

· Technical Capability - Provide information on your plan for delivering, assembling, and installing the devices, software and any accessories in the various locations. Describe how you intend to provide the required technical support, maintenance, service and repair. Describe the procedures the Government and Offeror will follow for technical support, maintenance and repair services.

· Description of Plotters and Software - Provide the specifications and proposed quantities for all plotters, any accessories, and software that will be delivered through this contract. The information provided shall demonstrate how these items will meet all of the requirements contained in the SOW.

· Output Samples - The contractor shall provide plots of the maps listed in the “Government Furnished Items” section of the SOW. The contractor shall provide a plot of all maps from each proposed device for evaluation by the Government. Plots are needed from all devices proposed in the contract’s base period, and all option periods. The contractor shall use bond paper for all plots. All provided test files shall be plotted at their original size with no scaling.

· Similar Experience/Past Performance - Provide evidence of your company’s experience on a minimum of three (3) contracts performed in the past three (3) years of similar size, scope and complexity to the work required by this RFQ. Similar Experience/Past Performance information may be included for federal, state, local governments, or commercial contracts. You may include contracts on which you have performed or are performing work, as prime contractors or subcontractors. Describe the products and services provided, the value of the contract, and the point of contact of the customer (name, address, telephone number, email address).

· Other information - Provide any other information that you find necessary and pertinent, including any exceptions or assumptions made with regard to the SOW or any other part of this procurement.

Cost Proposal shall include:

· Costs - For the base period and all option periods, provide the following cost information:

· Fully loaded hourly rates and proposed hours for each labor category

· Cost of each plotter, any accessories, and required software

· Other costs such as travel, shipping, materials, etc…

Business Related Information shall include:

· List in your cover letter your address, and the name, telephone number, email address, and fax number of the person who will be authorized to negotiate the contract.

· Ensure that your business information is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) as required.

Evaluation Factors

The quotations will be evaluated against the Government’s following three (3) factors:

Factors 1 through 2 are referred to as the Technical Factors. Factor 3, Cost, is a factor that will be evaluated separately and applied in the determination of best value.

The rated technical evaluation criteria and prices are considered equal. As technical scores and relative advantages and disadvantages become less distinct, difference in price between proposals are of increased importance in determining the most advantageous proposal. Conversely, as differences in price become less distinct, differences in scoring and relative advantages and disadvantages between proposals are of increased importance to the determination.

Factor 1 - The Government will evaluate the Offerors’ quotations to ensure that sound approaches are proposed, and to ensure the Offerors’ ability to successfully perform the work contained in the SOW. Quotations will be evaluated to ensure that all hardware, software and service requirements contained in the SOW are met.

The Government will evaluate the output samples based on the following criteria:

· Line widths should reflect the widths specified in the source files. All linework should not appear jagged or fuzzy and will be measured for accuracy.

· Text should be the appropriate sized based on the source files. All text should appear crisp and smooth even at small sizes and will be measured for accuracy.

· Color will be compared to industry standard color model swatches such as CMYK and RGB to ensure that the output color reasonably emulates the specified color definitions.

· Colors should be uniform across the entire image.

· All colors should be registered accurately and there should be no banding present on the image.

· All pattern, fill and symbol definitions in the PDF files should be interpreted and printed correctly.

· Plotted maps should be of adequate quality to support census operations and will meet or exceed Census Bureau standards for hardcopy output.

Factor 2 - The Government will evaluate the Offerors’ quotations to determine whether the Offerors consistently deliver quality products and services in a timely manner, and to the extent the Offeror attained applicable goals.

Factor 3 - The price evaluation will include price completeness and accuracy, price realism, price reasonableness, price risk, and total cost to the Government.

The Census Bureau’s source evaluation will be based on best-value principles. Accordingly, an award will be made to the responsible and technically acceptable Offeror whose proposal provides the greatest overall value to the Government, price and other factors considered. This best-value determination will be accomplished by comparing the value of the differences in the technical factors for competing offers, based on their strengths, weaknesses, and risks, with differences in their price to the Government.

This request shall not be construed as an award, or a promise to award an order for the subject effort. Additionally, you are advised that any order awarded as a result of this RFQ is subject to the availability of funding in accordance to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.232-18, Availability of Funds. Once a determination has been made that it is in the best interest of the Government to proceed with this procurement and funds are available, an order will be awarded.

Questions or concerns regarding any aspects of this RFQ shall be submitted to the POC stated in the solicitation who will contact the project manager assigned to this requirement.