NPSBN_Section_L_Instructions_Conditions_and_Notices_to_Offerors_or_Respondents_AMEND_006.pdf

Solicitation No. D15PS00295 – Section L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

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Table of Contents L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents ........................................................ L-1

L.1 FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) ............................. L-1

L.1.1 FAR 52.216-1, Type of Contract (APR 1984) .................................................................... L-1 L.1.2 FAR 52.252-5, Authorized Deviations in Provisions (APR 1984) ...................................... L-1 L.1.3 FAR 52.233-2, Service of Protest (SEP 2006) ................................................................... L-2 L.1.4 Independent Review of Protests to the Agency .............................................................. L-2 L.1.5 Inquiries ........................................................................................................................... L-2 L.1.6 Incurring Costs ................................................................................................................. L-2 L.1.7 Involvement of Current and Former Government Employees ........................................ L-3 L.1.8 Freedom of Information Act and Congressional Request ............................................... L-3 L.1.9 AQD Evaluation of Options Provision (OCT 2015) ........................................................... L-3 L.1.10 1452.215-71, Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information (APR 1984) .......................... L-4

L.2 General Instructions...................................................................................................................... L-5

L.2.1 Partnering/Teaming List .................................................................................................. L-5 L.2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference ................................................................................................. L-6 L.2.3 Formal Communication – Requests for RFP Clarification ................................................ L-7 L.2.4 Submission of Capability Statements .............................................................................. L-7 L.2.5 Submission of Proposals .................................................................................................. L-9 L.2.6 Assumptions, Conditions, and/or Exceptions ................................................................ L-10

L.3 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions ........................................................................... L-10

L.3.1 Volume I – Business Management................................................................................. L-11 L.3.2 Volume II – Technical ..................................................................................................... L-18 L.3.3 Volume III – Pricing ........................................................................................................ L-57

List of Tables Table 1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference ....................................................................... L-1 Table 2 Coverage Maps Required for Coverage and Capacity ................................................................. L-20 Table 3 Network Statistics Required for Coverage and Capacity ............................................................ L-20 Table 4 Coverage Maps Required for Coverage and Capacity ................................................................. L-28 Table 5 Network Statistics Required for Coverage and Capacity ............................................................ L-28

List of Figures Figure 1 Notional Contracting Process – Initial Years of IDIQ Contract ................................................ L-59.3 Figure 2 Notional Contracting Process – Final Years of IDIQ Contract ................................................. L-59.3

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L Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

L.1 FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer (CO) will make their full text available. The Offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the Offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the Offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this address: https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar.

Table 1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference

Clause Number Title Date

52.204-6 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number JUL 2013

52.204-7 System for Award Management JUL 2013

52.214-34 Submission of Offers in the English Language APR 1991

52.214-35 Submission of Offers in U.S. Currency APR 1991

52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition JAN 2004

52.216-29 Time-and-Materials/Labor-Hour Proposal Requirements – Non-Commercial Item Acquisition With Adequate Price Competition

FEB 2007

52.222-24 Preaward On-Site Equal Opportunity Compliance Evaluation

FEB 1999

52.222-46 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees

FEB 1993

52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime MAR 2015

L.1.1 FAR 52.216-1, Type of Contract (APR 1984)

The anticipated contract resulting from the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be a single award Indefinite- Delivery-Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) with fixed price payments to the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) by the Contractor for each of the 56 states and territories resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Clause)

L.1.2 FAR 52.252-5, Authorized Deviations in Provisions (APR 1984)

The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Chapter 1) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the provision.

The use in this solicitation of any Department of the Interior (DOI) Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 14) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation.

(End of Clause) https://www.acquisition.gov/?q=browsefar

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L.1.3 FAR 52.233-2, Service of Protest (SEP 2006)

Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the CO at the address below. A written, dated acknowledgement of receipt must be obtained. Address if mailed and/or hand carried:

Ms. Terrie L. Callahan U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary, Interior Business Center Acquisition Services Directorate 381 Elden Street, 4th Floor Herndon, VA 20170

A copy of the protest served on the CO shall be simultaneously furnished by the protester to the Assistant Solicitor for Procurement and Patents, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior, Room 6511, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240.

(End of Clause)

L.1.4 Independent Review of Protests to the Agency

Interested parties may request an independent review at a level above the CO of protests filed directly to the agency in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 33. This review is available as an alternative to consideration of the protest by the CO. Requests for independent review shall be submitted to the Chief of the acquisition office issuing the RFP, who will designate the official(s) to conduct the independent review.

L.1.5 Inquiries

Offerors are instructed to contact only the CO shown in Block 8 of Section A, Solicitation, Offer, and Award, for information about any aspect of this RFP. Prospective Offerors are cautioned against contacting government technical personnel in regard to this RFP prior to award of this procurement. If such a contact occurs and is found to be prejudicial to competing Offerors, the Offeror making such a contact may be excluded from further consideration for award.

Accordingly, all communications prior to award shall be directed to the CO named in Block 8 of Section A, Solicitation, Offer, and Award. Where possible, inquires shall be submitted in writing, email, or as otherwise instructed herein. Questions should be worded so as to avoid disclosing any potential proposed strategies or proprietary solutions. Questions and answers will be provided to all Offerors being solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities site (www.fbo.gov).

L.1.6 Incurring Costs

The CO is the only person who can legally obligate the Government for the expenditure of public funds.

Costs shall not be incurred by recipients of this RFP in anticipation of receiving direct reimbursement from the Government. It is understood that your proposal will become part of the official file on this matter without obligation of the Government.

http://www.fbo.gov/

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L.1.7 Involvement of Current and Former Government Employees

Awards to current Government employees or firms owned or controlled by them are restricted by FAR

3.601 to exceptional cases approved by the head of the contracting activity. Restrictions regarding current employees apply to regular employees and special Government employees (such as the FirstNet Board) as those terms are defined in 43 CFR Section 20.735-1, Definitions. To avoid an appearance of impropriety, preferential treatment, or unfair competitive advantage, the Government has established additional disclosure and review requirements for awards to or involving former Government employees.

The prospective Contractor shall provide a disclosure statement in its proposal identifying any current Government employees or former Government employees who will be involved in the proposal and/or resultant contract and the nature of their involvement or financial interests if:

The Offeror is a current or a former Government employee.

The Offeror is a business concern substantially owned or controlled by one or more current or former Government employees.

The Offeror has employed in the preparation of this proposal or plans to employ on any contract resulting from this RFP a current or a former Government employee.

Disclosure requirements regarding former employees are limited to former regular and special Government employees whose employment terminated within two years prior to submission of this RFP. Involvement of such employees, either in preparing the proposal or under any resultant contract, is not necessarily precluded, but each case shall be reviewed against standards of conduct and procurement integrity restrictions on former employees.

L.1.8 Freedom of Information Act and Congressional Request

Offerors are apprised that information furnished under this RFP may not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), under Section 821 of P.L. No. 104-201 (1997) in accordance with the Act.

Offerors should nevertheless be aware that proposals may be accessed through congressional request and are advised to clearly mark all items that are confidential to the business or contain trade secrets, proprietary information, or personal information. Marking of items will not necessarily preclude mandatory disclosure.

L.1.9 AQD Evaluation of Options Provision (OCT 2015)

The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic award. This solicitation notified Offerors that the award will include the Government's unilateral option to extend performance for an additional period up to six months under FAR 52.217-8, during which the pricing and terms of the period in which the option was exercised would apply. The Government cannot predict if or when the option may be exercised. Because any exercise of the Government's option extends the pricing and terms of the period in which the option was exercised, the Government expressly and affirmatively evaluates pricing for the option to extend under 52.217-8 co-extensive with the Government's price evaluation for each of the base and option periods of this award. Because pricing for each period subject to possible extension under the 52.217-8 has been evaluated, pricing for any possible future use of that option to extend has, likewise, been evaluated and would apply in strict accordance with this evaluation in the event of the Government’s exercise of the option to extend services.

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(End of Provision)

L.1.10 1452.215-71, Use and Disclosure of Proposal Information (APR 1984)

(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this provision and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

(1) “Trade Secret” means an unpatented, secret, commercially valuable plan, appliance, formula, or process, which is used for making, preparing, compounding, treating or processing articles or materials which are trade commodities.

(2) “Confidential commercial or financial information” means any business information (other than trade secrets) which is exempt from the mandatory disclosure requirement of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Exemptions from mandatory disclosure which may be applicable to business information contained in proposals include exemption (4), which covers “commercial and financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential,” and exemption (9), which covers “geological and geophysical information, including maps, concerning wells.”

(b) If the Offeror, or its subcontractor(s), believes that the proposal contains trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, (5 U.S.C. 552), the cover page of each copy of the proposal shall be marked with the following legend:

“The information specifically identified on pages [to be completed by the Contractor] of this proposal constitutes trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information which the Offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The Offeror requests that this information not be disclosed to the public, except as may be required by law. The Offeror also requests that this information not be used in whole or part by the government for any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal, except that if a contract is awarded to the Offeror as a result of or in connection with the submission of the proposal, the Government shall have the right to use the information to the extent provided in the contract.”

(c) The Offeror shall also specifically identify trade secret information and confidential commercial and financial information on the pages of the proposal on which it appears and shall mark each such page with the following legend:

“This page contains trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information which the Offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act and which is subject to the legend contained on the cover page of this proposal.”

(d) Information in a proposal identified by an Offeror as trade secret information or confidential commercial and financial information shall be used by the Government only for the purpose of evaluating the proposal, except that (i) if a contract is awarded to the Offeror as a result of or in connection with submission of the proposal, the Government shall have the right to use the information as provided in the contract, and (ii) if the same information is obtained from another source without restriction it may be used without restriction.

(e) If a request under the Freedom of Information Act seeks access to information in a proposal identified as trade secret information or confidential commercial and financial information, full consideration will be given to the Offeror's view that the information constitutes trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information. The Offeror will also be promptly notified of the

Page L-5 request and given an opportunity to provide additional evidence and argument in support of its position, unless administratively unfeasible to do so. If it is determined that information claimed by the Offeror to be trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, the Offeror will be notified of this determination prior to disclosure of the information.

(f) The Government assumes no liability for the disclosure or use of information contained in a proposal if not marked in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this provision. If a request under the Freedom of Information Act is made for information in a proposal not marked in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this provision, the Offeror concerned shall be promptly notified of the request and given an opportunity to provide its position to the Government. However, failure of an Offeror to mark information contained in a proposal as trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information will be treated by the Government as evidence that the information is not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, absent a showing that the failure to mark was due to unusual or extenuating circumstances, such as a showing that the Offeror had intended to mark, but that markings were omitted from the Offeror's proposal due to clerical error.

(End of provision)

L.2 General Instructions

Your proposal shall become the property of the Government and will not be returned. If your proposal contains information that you do not wish disclosed to the public or used by FirstNet for any purpose other than evaluation of your proposal, such restrictions shall be clearly indicated on each sheet containing such information (see FAR 52.215-1 listed in Table 1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference).

Prior to submission of a proposal, the Offeror is expected to reach an understanding of the objectives of this RFP. If such a review establishes the need for correction or clarification, such information should immediately be brought to the attention of the CO, in accordance with the instructions contained herein, so that the matter can be resolved and, if necessary, official dissemination of such information can be made to all Offerors.

The Government reserves the right to request additional information as may be necessary to determine the Offeror’s qualifications for award or to clarify any aspects of the Offeror’s proposal. Such information shall be furnished promptly upon the Government’s request.

Offerors shall not be reimbursed for the costs of developing a proposal for this RFP.

One copy of each unsuccessful proposal will be retained in the contract file and all other copies will be destroyed. Additional copies of the successful proposal may be retained only as needed for contract administration and monitoring.

L.2.1 Partnering/Teaming List

As a courtesy, the Government has been compiling a list of those Offerors interested in subcontracting and teaming opportunities with other potential Offerors. If you are interested in being included on the list, please submit your business name and size and point of contact information (e.g., name, email address, phone number) no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 17, 2016, to the

Page L-6 point of contact identified herein. All email inquiries shall have “Teaming List – RFP # D15PS00295” included in the subject line.

The partnering/teaming list is available via the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website (www.fbo.gov) and the FirstNet website (www.FirstNet.gov). Offerors are not required to be listed on the partnering/teaming list to submit a proposal. This is optional and solely intended to be a list of potential subcontracting and teaming opportunities. This list of potential subcontractors/teaming partners is not evaluated by the Government and, therefore, the Government accepts no liability for any resultant outcomes. Being placed on the list does not obligate the Government or any other party to make an award, subcontract award, or any other business opportunity.

L.2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference

The Government anticipates holding a pre-proposal conference and highly encourages Offerors to attend (in person or via webcast). However, attendance is not a prerequisite for submitting a proposal.

The purpose of the pre-proposal conference is to provide potential Offerors the opportunity to further understand FirstNet’s approach to the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) and to ask questions, time permitting. At the Government’s discretion, the Government will respond to RFP questions either verbally at the conference or in writing following the conference.

L.2.2.1 Pre-Proposal Conference Date, Time, and Location

Date March 10, 2016

Time From 1:30–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Registration Time 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location U.S. Geological Survey National Center Auditorium 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192

L.2.2.2 Pre-Proposal Conference Attendance

Offerors may participate in the pre-proposal conference in person or remotely via webcast. Both the on-site event and the webcast will be free and open.

Pre-registration is required for on-site attendance as space may be limited. To pre-register, attendees shall send an email to FirstNetIndustryDay@firstnet.gov. On-site attendance is limited to three individuals from each company or organization. Registration is not required for the webcast.

On-site attendance will be on a first-come, first-served basis during pre-registration. Once the maximum number of attendees is reached, registration will close and subsequent requests for on-site participation will be denied. On March 10, 2016, pre-registered attendees will be required to check in on-site. Check-in will commence at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Those who have not pre-registered will not be admitted.

In the event of any time and/or date changes to the pre-proposal conference, the Government will notify Offerors via an amendment to the RFP posted to FBO (www.fbo.gov).

L.2.2.3 Pre-Proposal Conference Questions and Answers

Offerors may ask questions at the pre-proposal conference or provide those questions in writing (via email) to the Government prior to the pre-proposal conference. These questions shall be submitted in http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.firstnet.gov/ mailto:FirstNetIndustryDay@firstnet.gov http://fedbizopps.gov/

Page L-7 Amendment 006 accordance with the instructions stated in Section L.2.3, Formal Communication – Requests for RFP Clarification.

The Government will only accept questions submitted by email utilizing the Questions Template in Section J, Attachment J-5; questions submitted by any other means, such as voicemail or fax will not be accepted. The Government will not attribute questions to the authors. This RFP may be amended as a result of the Government’s response, and any amendments will govern over the posted questions/responses.

L.2.3 Formal Communication – Requests for RFP Clarification

The opportunity to submit all requests for RFP clarification begins upon the release of the RFP and ends no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, February 12, 2016. All requests for clarification shall be submitted in writing by email, as identified in Section J, Attachment J-5, Questions Template. The Offeror shall send requests for clarification to FirstNetRFPQuestions@firstnet.gov. All submissions shall reference this RFP number and title.

Requests transmitted via fax or phone will not be accepted.

Should any request for clarification be received after the date and time stated above, the Government reserves the right not to provide an answer. If, however, the Government determines the request for clarification addresses an issue of significant importance, the Government may provide a written response to all Offerors. Please note, questions and/or comments will not be protected by the Government as proprietary (see Section L.1.5, Inquiries).

Additionally, Offerors may determine or believe that the RFP package contains errors or omissions, or is otherwise unsound. In such cases, the Offeror shall immediately notify the CO in writing of such errors, omissions, or other issues in accordance with the instructions regarding submission of questions. The Offeror shall provide details and supporting rationale.

L.2.4 Submission of Capability Statements

As stated in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award, Phase I of the multi-phased approach is submission of capability statements (see FAR Part 15.202). Interested parties should demonstrate they are qualified to perform the work by providing their capabilities as stated herein. The capability statement shall not exceed 50 pages in length (25 sheets of paper, double-sided print, 8.5” x 11” size paper) and shall be provided in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word soft copy file format with Times New Roman font of 12 points or higher. Tables, charts, figures, and headers and footers may use a font size other than point 12 as long as it is legible. Any pages that exceed the 50-page limit will not be evaluated. The capability statement should provide information detailing:

Public safety use and adoption of the NPSBN – Information demonstrating the Offeror’s ability to successfully drive adoption and use of the NPSBN by public safety users.

Nationwide coverage and capacity – Information demonstrating the Offeror’s ability to provide Band 14 and non-Band 14 coverage and capacity in each of the 56 states and territories, including rural and non-rural areas.

Rural partnerships – Information demonstrating the Offeror’s existing and planned partnerships with rural telecommunications providers, including commercial mobile providers, utilizing existing infrastructure to the maximum extent economically desirable to speed deployment in rural areas.

mailto:FirstNetRFPQuestions@firstnet.gov

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Ability to monetize network capacity – Information demonstrating the Offeror’s strategy and demonstrating its ability to monetize network capacity, which may include a secondary user customer base and sales/distribution channels to reach primary and secondary users.

Financial sustainability – Information demonstrating the Offeror’s approach and financial sustainability. Additionally, information demonstrating its ability to develop, implement, sustain, and enhance the NPSBN based on the Initial Operational Capability (IOC)/Final Operational Capability (FOC) milestones set out in Section J, Attachment J-8, IOC/FOC Target Timeline.

The capability statement shall be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, March 31, 2016. The capability statement shall be submitted in hard copy (one original and eight hard copies) and on three flash drives in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word soft copy file format (to be submitted with the hard copies) to the addresses stated herein. In the event the hard copy and soft copy content conflict, the hard copy submission will take precedence over the soft copy version.

Please note it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure/verify that the Government receives its submission on or before the date and time specified. If the capability statement is not received by the Government on or before the date and time specified, the Offeror’s submission may be considered late.

The addresses designated for receipt of capability statements is:

ORIGINAL AND SEVEN (7) HARD COPIES AND TWO FLASH DRIVES TO:

Ms. Terrie L. Callahan U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary, Interior Business Center Acquisition Services Directorate 381 Elden Street, 4th Floor Herndon, VA 20170 Phone: 703-964-3596

ONE (1) HARD COPY AND ONE FLASH DRIVE TO:

Primary Points of Contact: Ms. Peggy O’Connor and Mr. Mouncef Belcaid Alternate Point of Contact: Mr. Jordan Andrews and Mr. Michael Carroll First Responder Network Authority 3122 Sterling Cir, Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80301

Phone: (303) 334-9660 Alternate Phone: (303) 334-9661

Please note that DOI locations are secured buildings. If offers are hand delivered, instruct the courier to check in at the guard desk and ask to call the point of contact identified above. A staff member will meet the courier to receive the submittal. All packages containing a capability statement shall be labeled and sealed as if for mailing, and the following information shall be marked on the outside:

Capability statement for RFP number

Date and time specified for receipt

Name and address of the Offeror

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Name of the DOI/Interior Business Center (IBC) point of contact (Ms. Terrie L. Callahan in Herndon, VA) or the FirstNet points of contact (Ms. Peggy O’Connor and Mr. Mouncef Belcaid in Boulder, CO)

When submissions are hand carried or delivered by courier service or express delivery service (e.g., Federal Express, DHL), the Offeror assumes full responsibility for ensuring allocation of enough time to gain access to the IBC, Acquisition Services Directorate (AQD) staff in accordance with these instructions and to submit its capability statement by the time and date specified herein.

As stated above, please be advised that it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure the Government receives its submission on or before the specified due date and time.

L.2.5 Submission of Proposals

Proposals shall be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, May 13, 2016. Proposals shall be submitted in hard copy (one original and eighteen hard copies) and on two flash drives in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word soft copy file format (to be submitted with the hard copies). In the event the hard copy and soft copy content conflict, the hard copy version will take precedence over the soft copy version.

Please note it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure/verify that the Government receives its submission on or before the date and time specified. If the proposal is not received by the Government on or before the date and time specified, the Offeror’s submission may be considered late.

The addresses designated for receipt of proposals is:

ORIGINAL AND THIRTEEN (13) HARD COPIES AND ONE FLASH DRIVE TO:

Ms. Terrie L. Callahan U.S. Department of the Interior Office of the Secretary, Interior Business Center Acquisition Services Directorate 381 Elden Street, 4th Floor Herndon, VA 20170

Phone: 703-964-3596

FIVE (5) HARD COPIES AND ONE FLASH DRIVE TO:

Ms. Peggy O’Connor and Mr. Mouncef Belcaid First Responder Network Authority 3122 Sterling Cir, Suite 100 Boulder, CO 80301

Phone: (303) 334-9660 Alternate Phone: (303) 334-9661

Page L-10 Amendment 006

Please note that DOI locations are secured buildings. If offers are hand delivered, instruct the courier to check in at the guard desk and ask to call the point of contact identified above. A staff member will meet the courier to receive the submittal. All packages containing proposal submissions shall be labeled and sealed as if for mailing, and the following information shall be marked on the outside:

RFP number

Date and time specified for receipt

Name and address of the Offeror

Name of the DOI/IBC point of contact (Ms. Terrie L. Callahan in Herndon, VA) or the FirstNet points of contact (Ms. Peggy O’Connor and Mr. Mouncef Belcaid in Boulder, CO)

When submissions are hand carried or delivered by courier service or express delivery service (e.g., Federal Express, DHL), the Offeror assumes full responsibility for ensuring allocation of enough time to gain access to the IBC, AQD staff in accordance with these instructions and to submit its proposal by the time and date specified herein.

As stated above, please be advised that it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure the Government receives its submission on or before the specified due date and time.

L.2.6 Assumptions, Conditions, and/or Exceptions

The Offerors shall submit, under a separate tab, in each volume identified herein, all (if any) assumptions, conditions, or exceptions with any of the terms and conditions of this RFP. If not noted in its proposal, it will be assumed that the Offeror proposes no assumptions, conditions, or exceptions for award and agrees to comply with all of the terms and conditions as set forth herein. It is not the responsibility of the Government to seek out and identify assumptions, conditions, or exceptions buried within the Offeror’s proposal.

For proposal preparation purposes, if there are any assumptions, conditions, or exceptions made pertaining to demarcation between the Government’s responsibility and/or the Contractor, the Offeror shall describe the specific demarcation points and/or assumptions, conditions, or exceptions within the proposal submission.

L.3 Proposal Format and Submission Instructions

Proposals, signed by an official authorized to bind the Offeror, shall set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFP. The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. § 1001. Failure to furnish full and complete information requested may cause an offer to be determined unacceptable, and it may be removed from consideration for award.

In responding to this RFP, the Offerors shall prepare and submit the indicated numbers of copies (see Section L.2.5, Submission of Proposals) and required information that constitutes the Offeror’s complete proposal submission. Additionally, the Offeror’s information and submission shall be organized by volume as indicated below. Each volume may include an Executive Summary that shall not exceed 4 pages in length (2 sheets of paper, double-sided print). Specifically, the business management volume shall be separate from the technical and pricing volumes.

Any page limitation for each proposal volume is identified within that section. However, the following information applies to each volume. The volumes shall be provided in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word

Page L-10.1 Amendment 006 soft copy file format. A page is defined as Times New Roman Font Size 12, single-spaced, 8.5” x 11” (with the exception of the submission of maps and required Section J spreadsheets pertaining

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

Page L-11 to network statistics, which may use 11” x 17” size paper) with one (1) inch margins top, bottom, left, and right. Tables, charts, figures, and headers and footers may use a font size other than point 12 as long as it is legible. The page limitation excludes the cover page; Executive Summary; Section A, Solicitation, Offer, and Award; signed acknowledgements; table of contents and listing of tables, drawings, and/or exhibits; small business subcontracting plan; past performance references; and financial resources as identified herein. The Government shall treat page limitations as maximums. If exceeded, the CO will remove the excess pages prior to evaluation. The Government will not read or evaluate removed pages.

The Government reserves the right to request Offerors to conduct oral presentations and/or technical demonstrations as a result of this RFP (see Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award, Section M.2, Evaluation Process).

Proposal submittals to the Government shall be in three (3) volumes: Business Management, Technical, and Pricing.

L.3.1 Volume I – Business Management

The business management volume contains all information needed to communicate to the Government that the Offeror has well-developed processes in place to ensure effective program management and disciplined fiscal processes as identified within this section. Additionally, the Offeror shall include a small business subcontracting plan, Contractor responsibility information, and information on past performance in this volume.

The business management proposal shall not exceed 200 pages in length (100 sheets of paper, double-sided print). This page count excludes those items identified in Section L.3.1.1, Section One – General;

the Solicitation Conformance Traceability Matrix; the Small Business Subcontracting Plan; Past Performance reference forms; the resumes, Integrated Master Schedule, and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) referenced in L.3.1.2, Section Two – Leadership and Program Management; the Public Safety Device Connections Template and Section J, Attachment J-23, End User Pricing Tables, referenced in L.3.1.3, Section Three – Public Safety Customer Acquisition; Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) reference in Section L.3.1.4, Section Four – Customer Care and Life-Cycle Sustainment; and all items identified in Section L.3.1.5, Section Five – Offeror Financial Sustainability. The business management proposal shall contain the following information and be broken down in the following sections.

L.3.1.1 Section One – General

The Offeror shall complete blocks 13, 15, 16, and 18 of Section A, Solicitation, Offer, and Award, and sign block 17 to show that the Offeror has read and agrees to comply with all the terms, conditions and instructions provided in the RFP unless otherwise noted in the assumptions, conditions, or exceptions section pertaining to the proposed solution. If there are any amendments to the RFP, the Offeror shall complete block 14 of Section A, Solicitation, Offer, and Award, and include a signed acknowledgement for all RFP amendments.

The Offeror shall describe its corporate management structure as well as the structure of the proposed team and the relationship between these organizations and all subcontractors proposed to perform all aspects of the objectives (as defined by the Offeror). Indicate the date the contracting entity was organized and indicate whether the organization is a separate entity, a division, or subsidiary

Page L-12 corporation. If it is a division or subsidiary corporation, provide the name and address of the parent company. Include your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and DUNS number.

This volume shall also contain a section that includes a statement of intention to comply with the objectives stated herein and a statement of intention to comply with all terms and conditions of the contract unless otherwise noted in the assumptions, conditions, or exceptions section pertaining to the proposed solution.

As part of Volume I, Business Management, the Offeror shall propose a Performance Work Statement (PWS) identifying the tasks required for the deployment and operation of the NPSBN. The PWS shall address the objectives specified in Section C, Statement of Objectives (SOO) and the associated attachments in Section J. The PWS, evaluated to be the best overall solution, will replace the SOO in the subsequent contract.

Volume I, Business Management, shall also include separate tabs noting the solution for each Day 1 task order identified in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, Section B.2.1, Day 1 Task Orders.

Each separate tab noting the solution for each Day 1 task order shall not exceed 50 pages in length (25 sheets of paper, double-sided print).

L.3.1.1.1 Solicitation Conformance Traceability Matrix

The Offeror shall fill out the Solicitation Conformance Traceability Matrix (SCTM)—available in Section J, Attachment J-22, SCTM—indicating the proposal reference information as it relates to the documents included in the RFP. If this matrix conflicts with any other requirement, direction, or provision of this RFP, the other reference and RFP information will take precedence over the Contractor-completed

SCTM.

L.3.1.1.2 Small Business Subcontracting Plan Requirements

Offerors that qualify as large businesses shall submit a small business subcontracting plan following the guidelines identified in FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2015).

The plan submitted under this RFP should comply with the format contained in Section J, Attachment J- 26, Sample Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

The CO will make an affirmative determination regarding the acceptability of the small business subcontracting plan as one of the elements in determining eligibility for award.

Offerors that intend to use a subcontractor in performance of this contract shall provide evidence of the proposed subcontractor’s commitment. If proposing a joint venture, the Offeror shall provide a copy of the joint venture plan/agreement. The Offeror shall describe how small business participation will contribute to its overall comprehensive subcontracting goals. The Offeror shall describe specific efforts to ensure the resulting contract meets or exceeds proposed small business subcontracting goals.

The requirements of clause FAR 52.219-9 and this provision do not apply when 1) the Offeror is a small business; 2) the work is to be performed entirely outside of any state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or 3) the contract, including all future modifications, will not exceed $700,000. The requirement may also be waived if the CO determines that the resultant contract does not offer subcontracting opportunities.

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L.3.1.1.3 Contractor Responsibility Information

The Offeror shall provide information demonstrating that it is responsible within the meaning of FAR 9.104-1. In addition to the general responsibility standards in FAR 9.104-1, there is a special

Page L-13 responsibility standard that applies to this solicitation. This standard applies to all Offerors. In order to be determined responsible on this solicitation, an Offeror shall demonstrate expertise needed for adequate contract performance. The Offeror shall present evidence that it (1) has experience in efficiently managing complex engineering, development, and operational activities; (2) has experience in rapidly designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing state-of-the-art communications networks; and

(3) has ready access to and experience in attracting and retaining appropriate talent.

L.3.1.1.4 Past Performance

The Offeror shall provide three (3) references of same and/or similar efforts performed by the Offeror and/or any/all subcontractors and/or teaming partners within the last three years. Each reference shall include the following information:

Project title

Description of the project

Contract number (if applicable)

Government agency/non-Government organization

Contracting Officer’s Representative/contract point of contact’s name, address, email address, and phone number

CO/contract point of contact’s name, address, email address, and phone number

Current status, i.e., completed (start and end dates) or in progress (start and estimated completion dates)

Dollar value and type of contract

Key personnel (highlight those individuals who worked on the relevant project and are being proposed for this effort)

The Offeror shall detail existing 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) standards-based mobile broadband service capabilities, mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, and operations controlled or managed by the Offeror or its subcontractors and/or teaming partners. This would include additional details of existing public safety networks and infrastructure operated, controlled, or managed by the Offeror or its partners.

Refer to Section J, Attachment J-25, Past Performance Reference Information Form, for a sample format.

If you believe the Government may find derogatory information as a result of checking your past performance record, please provide an explanation and any remedial action taken by your organization to address the problem(s).

In the case where an Offeror does not have any relevant past performance and/or experience related to the objectives identified in Section C, SOO, it shall provide an explanation in the Past Performance section of the Business Management volume. The Government may also consider information obtained through other sources. For Offerors with no relevant past performance, the Government may take into account information regarding the past performance of personnel with relevant past performance or subcontractors that will perform key aspects of this contract.

The Past Performance section of the Business Management volume may address any other topics considered pertinent to a demonstration of the Offeror’s knowledge, competence, and capability to perform this contract.

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L.3.1.1.5 Offeror’s Experience

Describe the Offeror’s experience as it relates to the overall proposed solution for the NPSBN. This should include the structure and experience of the proposed subcontractors/teaming partners, and the relationship between these organizations proposed to perform major or critical aspects of the NPSBN (as defined by the Offeror) shall be listed. If there are any items stated in Section L.3.1.1.4, Past Performance, that are also applicable to the Offeror’s current experience, these should be addressed in this section. Specifically, the Offeror shall detail current 3GPP standards-based mobile broadband service capabilities, mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, and operations controlled or managed by the Offeror or its subcontractors and/or teaming partners. This would include additional details of existing public safety networks and infrastructure operated, controlled, or managed by the Offeror or its partners.

L.3.1.2 Section Two – Leadership and Program Management

To demonstrate its expertise in leadership and program management, the Offeror shall:

Provide a management plan that describes the proposed approach to meet the objectives as defined in Section C, SOO, and associated attachments in Section J. This shall include but is not limited to a corporate-level organizational structure with charts to identify the size, scope, and structure of the Offeror’s entity; a comprehensive program management approach reflecting the Offeror’s ability to provide seamless and efficient management of the NPSBN for the life of the contract; a change management approach, including relevant processes and procedures; the proposed approach for managing the contract at the corporate, contract, and task order levels;

the proposed approach for supporting and facilitating FirstNet’s compliance with the Act and other applicable laws; and proposed escalation and resolution procedures, including planned integration and coordination with FirstNet personnel.

Provide a staffing plan that includes but is not limited to the Offeror’s proposed organizational structure for leadership of the NPSBN; identify staffing, including roles and responsibilities as well as resumes, for key personnel and executive leaders who will support FirstNet.

Provide an Integrated Master Schedule and WBS that addresses all build-out and transition-to-operations activities. The Offeror shall note, in the WBS, those tasks that include deliverables.

The Offeror shall identify, in the WBS, the tasks required for the deployment and the operation of the NPSBN such that the objectives (specified in Section C, SOO, and the associated attachments in Section J) are met at the task and subtask level. The Offeror shall propose a milestone timeline detailing its solution in accordance with the IOC/FOC milestones contained in Section J, Attachment J-8, IOC/FOC Target Timeline.

Provide details of existing 3GPP standards-based mobile broadband service capabilities, mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure, and operations controlled or managed by the Offeror or its proposed teaming partners and/or subcontractors.

Describe how the solution leverages existing commercial and/or other infrastructure.

L.3.1.3 Section Three – Public Safety Customer Acquisition

To demonstrate its ability to acquire and retain public safety customers, the Offeror shall, at a minimum:

Complete the Public Safety Device Connections Template (Section J, Attachment J-24, PS Device Connections tab), detailing the Offeror’s anticipated number of public safety device connections for the primary user group, which consists of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical

Page L-14.1 services users, as well as the extended primary user group, which consists of all other public safety users, as defined in the Act. The number of connections shall be broken out by each of the 56 states and territories over the life of the IDIQ contract. For proposal planning and evaluation purposes, the Offeror shall assume that connection targets should start from the

Page L-15 estimated task order date (as defined in Section B, Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs, Section B.2, Pricing Schedules and Task Orders). For example, year 1 of the Public Safety Device Connections Template (Section J, Attachment J-24, PS Device Connections tab) corresponds with the first year of the task order award. Actual state and territory task order awards will trigger the IOC/FOC milestones (Section J, Attachment J-8, IOC/FOC Target Timeline) and the disincentive mechanism as detailed in the QASP (Section J, Attachment J-6, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan). Connections proposed by the Offeror, beyond the IDIQ period of performance, will not be subject to the disincentive mechanism detailed in the QASP (Section J, Attachment J-6, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan).

FirstNet has aggregated stakeholder data to produce a nationwide view that estimates the current subscriber and device demand at a state level for the primary user group, which consists of law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services users, as well as the extended primary user group, which consists of all other public safety users, as defined in the Act. This information can be found in the Public Safety Device Connections Template (Section J, Attachment J-24) in the Users_Devices_By State worksheet and can be used as a reference by the Offeror when detailing the Offeror’s anticipated number of public safety device connections.

The estimates were developed based on input from states, territories, tribal nations, and federal agencies, as well as FirstNet estimates.

Describe…