Combined Solicitation Synopsis 83310125R0003 .pdf

Combined Synopsis- Solicitation for Commercial Items

(IAW FAR 12.603)

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONSTITUTES THE

ONLY SOLICITATION; A SEPARATE WRITTEN SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE

ISSUED.

This Request for Proposal (RFP), solicitation number 83310125R0003 in accordance with FAR Parts 12 and 13 and is in accordance with provisions and clauses effective in Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-03 dated 01/17/2025.

General Information

Document Type: Combined Solicitation/Synopsis

Solicitation Number: 83310125R0003

Product or Service Code: DA10

Set Aside: N/A

NAICS Code: 561450

Contracting Office Address:

Export Import Bank of the US Office of Contracting Services 811 Vermont Ave, N.W. 10th Floor Washington, DC 20571

Description/Purpose:

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has a need for a system that will provide a comprehensive and consistent view of its counter-party risk by combining financial spreading, credit analysis, and robust date storage.

Intended contract term will be 5 years (base period: 1 year with four option periods:

1 year each). Specific requirements are described herein.

Due Date and Time:

Offers are required to be received by Monday, 21 April, 2025 @ 4:00 PM 11:AM EST.

Notice to Offeror(s): “Funds are not presently available for this effort. The Government’s obligation under this contract is contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. No legal liability on the part of the Government for any payment may arise until funds are made available to the Contracting Officer for this contract and until the Contractor receives notice of such availability, to be confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer.”

The following provisions apply as provided in FAR Part 12.603:

viii)A provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding any addenda to the provision.

(ix)An applicability of the provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products for Commercial Services, is used, and the specific evaluation criteria are shown herein.

(x) Offerors are advised to include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, with its offer.

(xi) Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition and a statement regarding any addenda to the clause.

(xii) Clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition

(xiii) Any additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions (such as contract financing arrangements or warranty requirements) determined by the contracting officer to be necessary for this acquisition and consistent with customary commercial practices are included herein.

The following Attachments are applicable to this solicitation:

Attachment 1 – SF1449 with Provisions and Clauses

Attachment 2 – Risk Management Tool Requirements Description Attachment 3 – Cyber Security Contract Requirements Attachment 4 – Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ)

All firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database @www.sam.gov to be considered for award. All Offers must submitted in electronic format and emailed to Mark Jefferson at mark.jefferson@exim.gov and Claudine Challinor at claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov no later than the solicitation due date and time. Please send questions regarding the solicitation via e-mail to Mark Jefferson at mark.jefferson@exim.gov and Claudine Challinor claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov .If using email, it is the contractor’s responsibility to follow up with the listed POC to ensure their quote was received on time. Award may be based on initial responses. As such, offerors are highly encouraged to quote their most advantageous pricing in their initial response.

NO CORRECTIONS AND/OR CHANGES ARE ALLOWED AFTER DUE DATE

AND TIME OF SUBMISSION OF OFFERS.

Performance Work Statement

1. Project Title: Financial Risk Management Tool

2. Period of Performance: Base plus Five (5) year options.

Place of Performance:

3. Purpose of Contract: To procure a risk management tool with the capability to support a portfolio of up to $40 billion and at least 500 borrower financial profiles.

4. Background: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) has a need for a system (financial risk management tool) that will provide a comprehensive and consistent view of its counterparty risk by combining financial spreading, credit analysis, and robust data storage.

Additional functionality components, which may be used in the future (based on evolving operational requirements and/or funding availability) are also included per attachments One (1) and

Two (2) and may be included as optional line items on a resultant contract.

Should a different successor system be selected, a data transfer component will also be necessary.

Pricing for this is included herein as a separate contract Line Item.

http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:mark.jefferson@exim.gov mailto:claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov mailto:mark.jefferson@exim.gov mailto:claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov

5. Special Requirements:

1.1 Transition Period:

EXIM currently uses Moody’s Credit Lens for these purposes and is seeking equivalent functionality through this acquisition. EXIM also stores significant amounts of data with the current system.

Should a different successor system be selected, a data transfer component will also be necessary.

Pricing for this is included herein as a separate contract Line Item.

1.2 Contract Closeout:

The contractor shall submit a final invoice within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of The

Performance Period. After the final invoice has been paid the contractor shall furnish a completed and signed Release of Claims to the Contracting Officer. This release of claims is due within fifteen

(15) calendar days of final payment.

1.3 Security:

The Vendor shall be responsible for properly protecting all information used, gathered, or developed as a result of this contract. The Vendor shall implement procedures that ensure appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established for the security and confidentiality of government information, data, and/or equipment. The Vendor’s procedures shall be consistent with Government, OMB Circular A-130, Management of Federal Information Resources, the

Computer Security Act of 1987, the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002

(FISMA), and the Privacy Act. In addition, during all activities and operations on government premises, the Vendor shall comply with the policies, rules, procedures and regulations governing the conduct of personnel or protection of government facilities and data as expressed by Ex-Im Bank, written or oral.

(a) Sensitive Information Storage and Disclosure

Sensitive-but-Unclassified (SBU) information, data, and/or equipment will be disclosed only to authorized personnel on a Need-To-Know basis. The holder shall ensure that appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, and/or equipment is properly protected. When no longer required, this information, data, and/or equipment will be returned to Government control; destroyed;

or held until otherwise directed. Destruction of items shall be accomplished by tearing into small parts; burning; shredding or any other method that precludes the reconstruction of the material, consistent with GSA guidelines.

(b) Protection of Information

All information about the Ex-Im Bank networks and/or the security posture of any Ex-Im Bank information asset gathered or created under this contract will be considered SBU information. It is anticipated that this information will be gathered, created and stored within the primary Government work location. If the Vendor personnel must remove any information from the primary work area they should protect it to the same extent they would their proprietary data and/or company trade secrets. If the Vendor must remove any materials from the primary work location prior approval must be obtained from the COR.

(c) Security and Privacy

The use of any information that is subject to the Privacy Act will be utilized in full accordance with all rules of conduct as applicable to Privacy Act Information.

(d) Security Classification

The preparation of the deliverables under this contract will be completed at a Sensitive-But-

Unclassified (SBU) level unless otherwise stated, in writing, by the COR.

1.4 Confidentiality and non-Disclosure

The Vendor may have to access proprietary information and shall be required to sign non-disclosure and conflict of interest statements. The preliminary and final deliverables and all associated working papers, and other material deemed relevant by the agency that have been generated by the Vendor are the property of the U.S. Government and cannot be reproduced or retained by the Vendor. When no longer required, this information, data, and/or equipment will be returned to Government control. All documents and information pertaining to network vulnerabilities, security policy, operational procedures or related functions shall be maintained under absolute accountability and relinquished to the COR upon completion of the contract.

6. Section 508 Requirements- Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology:

(a) This requirement is subject to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29

U.S.C. 794d) as amended by the workforce Investment Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-220).

Specifically, subsection 508(a)(1) requires that when the Federal Government procures Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), the EIT must allow Federal employees and individuals of the public with disabilities comparable access to and use of information and data that is provided to Federal employees and individuals of the public without disabilities.

(b) The EIT accessibility standards at 36 CFR Part 1194 were developed by the

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board ("Access Board") and apply to contracts and task/delivery orders, awarded under indefinite quantity contracts on or after June 25, 2001.

(c) Each Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) product or service furnished under this contract shall comply with the Electronic and Information Technology

Accessibility Standards (36 CFR 1194), as specified in the contract, as a minimum. If the Contracting Officer determines any furnished product or service is not in compliance with the contract, the Contracting Officer will promptly inform the

Contractor in writing. The Contractor shall, without charge to the Government, repair or replace the non-compliant products or services within the period of time to be specified by the Government in writing. If such repair or replacement is not completed within the time specified, the Government shall have the following recourses:

1. Cancellation of the contract, delivery or task order, purchase or line item without termination liabilities; or

2. In the case of custom Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) being developed by a contractor for the Government, the Government shall have the right to have any necessary changes made or repairs performed by itself or by another firm for the noncompliant EIT, with the contractor liable for reimbursement to the Government for any expenses incurred thereby.

(d) The contractor must ensure that all EIT products that are less than fully compliant with the accessibility standards are provided pursuant to extensive market research and are the most current compliant products or services available to satisfy the contract requirements.

(e) For every EIT product or service accepted under this contact by the Government that does not comply with 36 CFR 1194, the contractor shall, at the discretion of the

Government, make every effort to replace or upgrade it with a compliant equivalent product or service, if commercially available and cost neutral, on either a contract specified refresh cycle for the product or service, or on a contract effective option/renewal date; whichever shall occur first. To access more information regarding

Section 508: http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm.

Data Rights:

The Government has unlimited rights to all programs/documents/materials produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be Government owned and are the property of the Government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the Government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the Contracting

Officer. All materials supplied to the Government shall be the sole property of the

Government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other Government rights.

Organizational Conflict of Interest:

Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent Organizational Conflict of Interests (OCI) as defined in FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that such access or participation may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting

Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may effect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the Contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

ADP Compatibility:

The Offeror agrees to comply with Ex-Im Bank ADP system security requirements to the extent necessary to meet the requirements of the work herein. All databases created and maintained by the Offeror shall have proper validation and control techniques, and all ADP resources, including data tapes, which become the property https://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm./ of the Government shall be fully documented, both in source code (if any) and written materials. Software documentation shall include, as appropriate (in the determination of the COR), flowcharts; textual explanation of subroutines, processes, and algorithms; screens; and other materials as necessary to ensure that a programmer conversant with the language may maintain the software. Database documentation shall include variable names and labels; variable locations the source of each data item; the formulas used to compute or transform variables, if any, database structure and relationship; a printout of the data or first 50 pages. Further, all data tapes must be compatible with Ex-Im Bank ADP. Ex-Im Bank performs its computing applications using the MS Windows XP Professional operating system. Work performed under this contract may require transfer of limited data and text files, as well as extensive data tapes. Optimum effort shall be general ease of use by Ex-Im

Bank personnel of these transferred data tapes and CD-ROM/DVD. In particular, all physical storage media must be on CD-ROM/DVD formatted to be used with MS

Windows XP compatible software/applications and must be accompanied by accessing and format information. In addition, there may be occasion where some task deliverables will be significantly enhanced by inclusion of data on CD-

ROM/DVD, thus allowing further processing and manipulation by Ex-Im Bank staff.

Collaboration between the Offeror and the responsible Ex-Im Bank official concerning appropriate computer deliverables may occur during performance of this contract, as appropriate.

Hold Harmless and Indemnification Agreement:

The Contractor shall save and hold harmless and indemnify the Government against any and all liability, claims, and costs of whatever kind and nature for injury to or death of any person or persons and for loss or damage to any property occurring in connection with, or in any way under the terms of this task order, resulting in whole or in part from the negligent act or omissions of the Contractor.

Paperwork Reduction Act:

In the event that it becomes a contractual requirement to collect identical information from ten or more public respondents, the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C., 3501 et seq., shall apply to this contract. In such an event, the Offeror shall not expend any funds to take any other action whatsoever to solicit information from any of the public respondents until the Contracting Officer has notified the Offeror in writing that the required Office of Management and Budget clearance has been obtained. The Offeror shall provide to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or to the Contracting

Officer such information as will facilitate obtaining such clearance.

I. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Post Award Conference:

Within fifteen five days after contract award, the contractor shall provide a draft agenda to EXIM Bank and hold a telephone discussion with EXIM Bank to schedule the orientation meeting, discuss the agenda and decide who will attend the meeting.

Within five days of the award of this contract, the contractor shall meet with EXIM

Bank staff virtually or at EXIM Bank’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure a common understanding of the PWS requirements, the expectations of both parties, and ultimate end products required of the PWS. The contract kick-off meeting topics shall include, but not be limited to:

• mutual understanding of project objectives and priorities;

• contract schedule, including milestones,;

• protocols for all communications between the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR), and EXIM Bank staff;

(a) The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements of the task order. This authority remains solely with the

Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor effects any change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the changes will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

(b) Only the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist have the authority to contact the contractor to discuss costs and/or technical requirements of the contract. The COR has authority to provide technical direction and guidance to the contractor.

(c) Contact between the contractor and government employees other than the CO, Contract Specialist and or the COR could result in unauthorized commitments.

Government representatives who are working on, or asked to work on, a particular contractual issue should inform and coordinate the activity with the

Contracting Officer. The CO must be a part of all contacts and meetings with the contractor that pertain to scope or cost. Depending on the nature of the meeting, the COR must also give advance notification to the Contracting

Officer. All substantive contacts between the COR and the contractor must be documented and retained in the COR’s contract correspondence file. As deemed appropriate, one copy must be forwarded to the Contracting Officer. Examples of contacts between the COR and contractor that require documentation include providing technical direction, work plan instructions, deliverable rejection, potential changes to the Performance Based Work Statement or delivery schedule, costs and subcontractor or consultant recommendations.

(d) The contractor shall designate one individual to be contacted during the period of the contract for contract administration. This individual must be available to respond to the Government in a prompt and timely manner:

*Name:

*Title:

* Phone:

* Email:

*to be completed by Contractor

(e) Contracting Officer (CO):

Mark Jefferson

Contracting Officer

Export-Import Bank of the US

Office of Contracting Services

811 Vermont Ave., NW, 10th floor

Washington, D.C. 20571

(f) Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): TBD at time of award

Export-Import Bank of the US

Office of Contracting Services

811 Vermont Ave.

Washington, D.C. 20571

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

Definitions:

“Contracting Officer’s Representative” – The Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) is designated by the Contracting Officer, in writing, and is contract order specific. The COR is the technical representative for all technical requirements of the specific contract.

“Contracting Officer” – The Contracting Officer (CO) is the exclusive agent of the

Government with the authority to enter into and administer contracts. Thus, the CO has the responsibility to see that all requirements of the law and regulation are followed. However, as the CO’s representative, the COR is delegated the authority to monitor the technical effort being performed under the contract. The CO is the only individual with authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts. The CO ensures performance of all necessary actions for effecting contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships.

The COR is not authorized nor has authority to:

• Award, agree to, or sign any contract, delivery order or task order.

All contractual agreements, commitments, or modifications shall be made only by the CO.

• Make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government, or to make any changes to the contract.

• Grant deviations from or waive any of the terms and conditions of the contract.

• Impose or place a demand upon the contractor to perform any task or permit any substitution not specifically provided for in the contract.

• Increase the dollar limit of the contract or authorize work beyond the dollar limit of the contract or authorize the expenditure of funds.

• Give direction to the contractor or to the employees of the contractor except as provided for in the contract.

• Change the period of performance.

• Authorize the purchase of equipment, except as required under the contract.

• Authorize the furnishing of Government property, except as required under the contract.

• Authorize subcontracting or the use of consultants.

• Approve shifts of funding between line items of the budget.

• Approve travel and relocation expense over and above that provided for in the contract.

• Authorize the use of overtime.

When, in the opinion of the contractor, the COR requests effort outside the existing scope of work (or task order), the contractor shall promptly notify the contracting officer in writing. No action shall be taken by the contractor under such direction until the contracting officer has issued a modification to the contract or to the task order; or until the issue has been otherwise resolved.

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT RATING SYSTEM (CPARS)

(a) Pursuant to FAR 42.1502, this contract is subject to CPARS (if over

$150,000). CPARS is an automated centralized information system accessible via the internet that maintains reports of contractor performance for each contract. CPARS is located at http://nslcptsmh.navsea.navy.mil/. Further information on CPARS is available at the website.

(b) Under CPARS, the Government will conduct annual evaluations of the contractor’s performance. The contractor has thirty (30) days after the

Government’s evaluation is completed to comment on evaluation. The opportunity to review and comment is limited to this time period and will not be extended. Failure to review the report at this time will not prevent the

Government from using the report.

(c) The contractor may request a meeting to discuss the CPAR. The meeting is to be requested via-e-mail to the CPARS Program Manager no later than seven days following receipt of the CPAR. A meeting will then be held during the contractor’s 30-day review period.

(d) The CPARS system requires the Government to assign the contractor a

UserID and password in order to view and comment on the evaluation.

Provide the name(s) of at least one individual (not more than three) that will be assigned as your Contractor Representative for CPARS.

Name Phone E-mail Address

*To be completed by the contractor

Payment Terms:

(a) Payment of invoices will be made based upon acceptance by the Government of the entire task or the tangible product deliverable(s) invoiced. Payments shall be based on the Government certifying that satisfactory services were provided, and the

Contractor has certified that labor charges are accurate. For Labor-Hour task orders, the Government will pay only for hours authorized, worked, and accepted.

(b) If the services are rejected for failure to conform to the technical requirements of the task order, or any other contractually legitimate reason, the Contractor shall not be paid, or shall be paid an amount negotiated by the CO.

(c) Payment to the Contractor will not be made for temporary work stoppage due to circumstances beyond the control of Ex-Im Bank such as acts of God, inclement weather, power outages, and results thereof, or temporary closings of facilities at which

Contractor personnel are performing. This may, however, be justification for excusable delays.

(d) The Contractor agrees that the submission of an invoice to the Government for payment is a certification that the services for which the Government is being billed, have been delivered in accordance with the hours shown on the invoices, and the services are of the quality required for timely and successful completion of the effort.

http://nslcptsmh.navsea.navy.mil/

In addition, Offerors must comply with the following:

EXIMAR 52.233-1 Disputes.

Contractor claims for actions, other than those directed in writing by a warranted government Contracting Officer, will not be considered valid if the actions clearly exceed the scope, funding or period of performance of the contract. This includes unauthorized actions directed by other government employees, including the

Contracting Officer’s Representatives or senior agency officials, when the contractor should know based on the contract that the actions would exceed the scope, funding or period of performance of the contract. If such unauthorized direction is received, the contractor should notify the person providing the unauthorized direction that they are unable to comply without written direction from the Contracting Officer and contact the Contracting Officer immediately. Failure to comply with this direction will not commit or obligate the government in any way and will result in non-payment for any such actions.

EXIMAR 52.237-75 Restrictions Against Disclosure

(a) The Contractor agrees, in the performance of this contract, to keep all information contained in source documents or other media furnished by the

Government in the strictest confidence. The Contractor also agrees not to publish or otherwise divulge such information in whole or in part in any manner or form, or to authorize or permit others to do so, taking such reasonable measures as are necessary to restrict access to such information while in the Contractor's possession, to those employees needing such information to perform the work provided herein, i.e., on a "need to know" basis. The Contractor agrees to immediately notify in writing, the

Contracting Officer, named herein, in the event that the Contractor determines or has reason to suspect a breach of this requirement.

(b) The Contractor agrees not to disclose any information concerning the work under this contract to any persons or individual unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contracting Officer. The Contractor agrees to insert the substance of this clause in any consultant agreement or subcontract hereunder.

(End of Clause)

Supplemental Information to Clause 52.212-2: Paragraph (a) evaluation factors are:

Provisions Incorporated by Reference:

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (July 1990) Basis of award:

Award shall be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal, conforming to this RFP, provides the overall best value to the Government, technical evaluation factors, and price considered. The Government’s objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project’s objectives, with a reasonable firm fixed price.

The resulting award will be based upon the Government’s determination of the Best Value to the Government of the Offers received. The Government reserves to the right to award to other than the lowest priced Offeror when the Government determines that a higher priced Offeror has proposed a better Technical and or Management Approach that represents Best Value to the Government notwithstanding the higher price.

All evaluation criteria other than price, when combined, are more important than price.

(a) However, for an offeror to be considered for award, it must:

1. Meet all minimum standards (rated as “Acceptable”) on all evaluation factors.

2. Price must be consistent with and based upon the Offeror’s Technical proposal.

The successful offeror shall present a clear and concisely written quotation that gives the Government the greatest confidence in the offeror’s ability to meet the Government’s requirement.

The solicitation will be evaluated using the following Criteria:

Criteria 1 – Technical Approach / Acceptability Criteria 2 – Past Performance Criteria 3- Price

Criteria 1 - Technical Approach / Technical acceptability:

The Government will evaluate whether the offeror demonstrates a clear understanding of, and clear plan to achieve all requirements outlined in the Task Order Performance Work Statements (PWSs), (requirement description) including responsiveness to all instructions and requirements as specified and described in the Solicitation.

Criteria 2 – Past Performance:

The Government will evaluate each past performance reference to determine whether it is relevant in terms of size, scope and complexity to the requirement stated in the PWS.

The government will evaluate and rate relevant past performance references by reviewing the corresponding past performance questionnaire submitted according to the Instructions to Offerors and any corresponding CPARs past performance assessments. The government will also consider subjective information such as relevant facts, circumstances and knowledge of the vendor.

The government is seeking to determine whether the vendor has consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction and timely delivery of high-quality products and services.

Past performance will be evaluated as a measure of the Government’s confidence in the Vendor’s ability to meet technical requirements.

Criteria 3 – Price:

(a) The Government will evaluate price to determine the price to be consistent with and based upon the data provided in the Offeror’s proposal. In addition, price shall be fair and reasonable as compared to the scope of this requirement. The Government may use various price analysis techniques and procedures to determine fair and reasonableness as follows:

- Comparison of proposed prices received in response to the solicitation.

- Comparison of previously proposed prices and contract prices with current proposed prices for the same or similar end items or services, if both the validity of the comparison and the reasonableness of the previous prices can be established.

- Comparison of proposed prices with the independent Government cost estimate.

- Comparison of proposed prices with prices obtained through market research for the same or similar items or services.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate Offerors for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an Offeror is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1. CONTENT AND FORMAT OF SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL

Submit one (1) original complete response to this solicitation consisting of two (2) volumes electronically to Mark Jefferson at mark.jefferson@exim.gov /Claudine Challinor at claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov .

1. Volume I: 1. Technical proposal; 2. Past Performance, which includes references and descriptions of work performed.

Exceptional (E)

Confidence

Exceptionally Confident. Based on the offeror’s performance record, essentially no doubt exists that the successful offeror will successfully perform the required effort. Little or no Government oversight is expected to be required in achieving the proposed level of performance.

Very Good (G)

Confidence

Confidence. Based on the offeror’s performance record, there is no doubt exists that the successful offeror will successfully perform the required effort. Little or no Government oversight is expected to be required in achieving the proposed level of performance.

Satisfactory (S)

Confidence

Confidence. Based on the offeror’s performance record, little doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort. Little Government oversight is expected to be required in achieving the proposed level of performance.

Marginal (M)

Confidence

Confidence. Based on the offeror’s performance record, doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort. Significant Government oversight will be expected in achieving the proposed level of performance.

Unacceptable (U)

Confidence

No Confidence. Based on the offeror’s performance record, significant doubt exists that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort. No amount of Government oversight will achieve the proposed level of performance.

Neutral (N) Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

mailto:claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov

2. Volume II: Pricing

Note:

1. Technical proposal shall not include any reference to pricing.

2. Resource information if applicable, shall also be included.

3. Prospective offerors are permitted to use standard data sheets, line cards, and brochures where suitable.

A cover sheet shall be inserted clearly marked with the solicitation #, title, date of submittal, acknowledgement of any amendments, Offeror’s name, address, taxpayer ID number, DUNs number, CAGE code, and the Offeror’s POC name, phone number and email address must also be included.

All files shall be compatible with Microsoft office product(s) and/or Adobe software.

Clarity and completeness is paramount. Responses should not merely restate the requirements without describing the plan, approach, examples, etc.

2. COSTS INCURRED IN SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of the proposal or in making necessary studies of designs for the preparation thereof, nor to contract for services or supplies.

3. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS (VOLUME 1)

The technical proposal will be evaluated to determine whether the proposal meets the Government’s requirements outlined in the PWS. The technical proposal must reflect a thorough understanding of the requirements.

At a minimum, the proposal must clearly provide the following:

➢ Narrative description of how the offerors proposed solution meets all technical requirements.

➢ Mark each section with the correct section letter and contain the information cited below for that section.

Past Performance

The vendor shall provide a description of past performance, which contains three (3) relevant past performance experiences.

Past performance references must include the following information:

• Contract number, Dollar Value and Description

• Technical/contracting points of contact (POC’s), including the designated POC’s name, telephone number, agency and e-mail address

The vendor shall submit a completed version of the attached Past Performance

Questionnaire. (see Attachment IV) to one contact person from the three (3) references described above for them to complete. After the POC completes the Past

Performance Questionnaire, they shall submit it directly to the Contracting Officer and email address The Government is not responsible if one or more references fail to provide a completed Performance Questionnaire.

Vendors are advised that the Government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any sources, including Government sources within and outside of Ex-Im Bank and sources outside of the Government.

The evaluation of past performance on completed projects will be a subjective assessment considering all relevant facts and circumstances, including ratings and references from past and/or current customers. Past performance will be evaluated as a measure of the Government’s confidence in the Vendor’s ability to meet the technical requirements, deliver quality products, and meet the cost and schedule requirements of this project.

PRICE PROPOSAL INSTRUTIONS (VOLUME II)

Pricing will be evaluated based on the total price reasonableness of the offer.

The contractor shall submit a price proposal with the following minimum information:

• A completed version of the SF1449 with all line items completed.

• An accompanying chart (or spreadsheet), with option year totals and overall contract grand total, shall also be included.

• % Discount from the offerors standard commercial market rates shall be indicated.

Basis for Award:

Award shall be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal, conforming to this solicitation, provides the overall best value to the Government, technical evaluation factors, and price considered. The Government’s objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project’s objectives, with a reasonable firm fixed price.

The resulting award will be based upon the Government’s determination of the Best Value to the Government of the Offers received. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest priced Offeror when the Government determines that a higher priced

Offeror has proposed a better solution that represents Best Value to the Government notwithstanding the higher price.

All evaluation criteria other than price, when combined, are more important than price.

(a) However, for an offeror to be considered for award, it must:

1. Meet all minimum standards (rated as “Acceptable”) on all evaluation factors.

2. Price must be consistent with and based upon the data provided in the

Offeror’s Technical submittal.

The successful offeror shall present a clear and concisely written offer that gives the

Government the greatest confidence in the offeror’s ability to meet the Government’s requirement.

Points of Contact:

Mark Jefferson, Contracting Officer, at (202) 565-3333 or email mark.jefferson@exim.gov.

Claudine Challinor, Contracting Specialist, at (202) 565-3398 or email claudine.challinor.ctr@exim.gov.