Combined Synopsis - Solicitation.pdf

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Requirements (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number is 75D301-23-Q-77082 and is issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ) using FAR Part 12 in conjunction with FAR Subpart 13.5. The RFQ and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04 (6/02/2023). The NAICS code is 621511 with a size standard of $41.5M in annual revenue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract for the following requirement. Please either fill in the dollar amounts for each contract line item number (CLIN) below, or replicate in your Business Proposal (MS Word or separate Excel spreadsheet):

ITEM Supplies/Services Qty/Unit Unit Price Extended Price

Services in accordance with the Statement of Work.

Firm-fixed-price (FFP), non-severable services.

Period of Performance: 9/22/2023 – 09/21/2024

1/Job

Milestone Payment Schedule

Payments will be made in accordance with the following schedule. Quoters shall complete the “Total Payment Amount” column based on the prescribed percentages of the total quoted price.

Milestone Deliverable Percentage of Total Contract Price

Total Payment Amount

Task 4.1 Report for 10% completion of specimen testing

1 Report 15%

Task 4.1 Report for 25% completion of specimen testing

1 Report 15%

Task 4.1 Report for 50% completion of specimen testing

1 Report 15%

Task 4.1 Report for 75% completion of specimen testing

1 Report 15%

Task 6 Final Report and Final Meeting

1 Report and 1 Meeting 40%

Total Contract Price

Anticipated start date – 9/22/2023

Quote Preparation Instructions

Quote Format: The quote shall be in an 8 ½ x 11 layout, 12-point Times New Roman font, maximum of 20 double-sided pages excluding cover page, table of contents, resumes, appendices, references, and the data management plan. All electronic files shall be in MS Word or Excel (unprotected). Any formulas used in the business proposal shall be visible when the cursor is positioned in a cell (i.e., do not convert formulas to values).

In order to ensure all pages of your quote are included in the evaluation please include a footer in your quote that includes your company name; the RFQ number, and page number/page count.

Quote Content: The quote shall be separated into two sections corresponding to the evaluation factors detailed below and shall comply with the specified page limit. To be considered for award, the vendor [if other than small] shall submit a subcontracting plan prior to the quote deadline via the HHS Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX), further instructions follow below.

1. Technical – Page limit: 20 pages

2. Business – Page limit: no page limit.

Each part shall be separate and complete in itself so evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the other.

Technical Quote instructions:

The vendor’s technical quote shall demonstrate how its technical solution will accomplish the statement of work (SOW) requirements including how the project will be organized, staffed, and managed; as well as addressing the approach for handling performance difficulties/risks.

Evaluation

Evaluation and award will be made in accordance with FAR 13.106-2 on the basis of price, Technical Approach, and Similar Experience.

1. Technical Approach

The vendor shall provide a narrative to demonstrate its technical solution for performing the requirements detailed in Section 4, “Tasks to be Performed” of the SOW (Attachment 1). Identify the technical skills and methods expected to complete the contract requirements and include a description of how prior work experience as identified in factor #2 will be applicable to the work under the contract effort. The narrative shall address the achievement of timely and acceptable performance and solutions for overcoming any difficulties encountered.

2. Similar Experience

The vendor shall describe and provide at least two examples of prior or ongoing similar contract efforts. Specific attention shall be given to experience and qualifications relative to the technical requirements of the contract as detailed in the SOW.

Price Analysis

A price analysis of the business proposal will be conducted to determine the reasonableness of the vendor’s pricing. The vendor is expected to extend as competitive pricing as possible. The quote will be evaluated to establish that the proposed costs/prices are reasonable for the work to be performed and reflect a clear understanding of the requirements.

Past Performance

Past performance information under existing and prior contracts for similar services will be evaluated as part of a responsibility determination. The government will focus on information obtained from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) that demonstrates quality of performance relative to the size and complexity of the procurement under consideration.

Business Proposal Instructions

The business proposal shall be comprised of the following elements:

(a) Completed CLIN Table and completed Milestone Payment Schedule, or a facsimile of such in Word or Excel. Include FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications or indicate if it is available online at SAM.gov.

(b) Audited Financial Statements are not required with the initial quote. If the CDC later determines that this information is needed, submit a copy of audited financial statements for the last three (3) complete fiscal years. If audited financial statements are not available, provide the most recent reviewed, compiled, or internally prepared financial statements.

Such statements should include, at a minimum, balance sheets (statements of financial position) and statements of profit and loss (statement of net income). In addition, provide an internally prepared financial statement for the most recent fiscal quarter and a listing of any accounts payable that were 90 days or more past due as of the end of that most recent quarter along with an explanation of why these accounts were overdue.

(c) Proposed Labor Mix Provide a breakdown of the proposed labor categories, hours, and fully loaded rates; and furnish the basis for the labor hours and rates.

(d) Subcontracting Plan An acceptable subcontracting plan (see FAR 52.219-9) must be submitted prior to the quote due date via the SBCX platform. Specific instructions follow below. (Note: this requirement does not apply to small business concerns or to offers which do not exceed $750,000.00 ($1.5 million for construction) or to offers from non-domestic concerns).

(e) Other Administrative Data

(1) Your quote must stipulate that it is conforms to all the terms and conditions of this RFP.

In addition, it must contain a statement that is effective for a period of at least 60 days from the date of receipt by the government.

(2) Your quote must list any current government commitments relating to the work or services and indicate whether these commitments will or will not interfere with the completion of work and services as contemplated under this quote.

(3) Your quote must identify any former HHS employee(s) to be utilized on this project by providing the individual’s name when employed by HHS, where employed, and the capacity in which employed.

(4) Demonstrate that your firm has the necessary financial capacity, working capital, and other resources to perform the contract without assistance from any outside source. (If assistance from outside sources is required, indicate the amount required and the anticipated source(s).)

(5) It is HHS policy that contractors provide all equipment and facilities necessary for performance of contracts; however, in some instances, an exception may be granted to provide Government furnished property or to authorize purchase with contract funds. If additional equipment must be acquired, you must include in your quote a description and the estimated cost of each item, and state whether you propose to furnish the item with your own funds. You must identify all Government-owned property in your possession that you propose to use in performing the prospective contract.

(6) If human subjects will be involved in any research activities, see applicable HHSAR clause, 352.270-4a, Notice to Offerors, Protection of Human Subjects

Quote Due Date – No telephonic quotes will be accepted. Quotes must be received no later than 2:00 pm, Eastern Time on 9/7/2023. Quotes and any questions must be sent via email to Andrew Mansfield, qeg6@cdc.gov. Questions shall be received by 2:00 pm Eastern Time on 8/31/2023.

Vendor Subcontracting Plan Submission – Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX)

System

In accordance with FAR 19.704 and FAR Clause 52.219-9, the submission of a subcontracting plan by other than small business vendor(s) is a requirement as a part of the proposal submission process and is to be submitted separately from the technical and cost proposals. A vendor’s subcontracting plan must be determined to be acceptable, by the Contracting Officer, prior to the contract award. The vendor is to submit its respective subcontracting plan electronically using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Small Business Customer Experience (SBCX) system at https://osdbu.hhs.gov. The vendor shall follow the instructions outlined in the SBCX Industry Guide – https://oamp.od.nih.gov/sites/default/files/DGS/SBCX%20Industry%20Subcontracting%20Guide .pdf to successfully submit their subcontracting plan by the proposal submission deadline.

The official point of receipt for determining timely submission of a vendor’s subcontracting plan is the SBCX system and/or email notification. Once the subcontracting plan is successfully submitted in the SBCX system the vendor should receive an email notification and confirmation message of completion upon submission.

If a vendor’s subcontracting plan is not confirmed as received within the SBCX system by the proposal submission date specified in the solicitation, it will be considered late in accordance with 52.212-1 (f). Disposition of late submittals of a subcontracting plan by a vendor via the SBCX system is at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Any technical questions regarding the use of the SBCX system may be submitted via email message to the SBCX help desk at client.support@apexlogic.com. The client support hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Note: help desk tickets can be submitted 24 hours a day / 7 days a week and a representative will respond within the presented client support hours of operation for assistance.

It is the vendor’s responsibility to be familiar with the applicable provisions and clauses (Attachment 2). Clauses and provisions may be accessed via the Internet at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

To be eligible to receive an award resulting from this solicitation, contractor must be registered in the System for Award Management. To register apply via the Internet at http://www.sam.gov. For questions on registration contact Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220.

List of Attachments Attachment 1 – Statement of Work Attachment 2 – Provisions and Clauses