DRAFT - Attachment 2 - Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 FINAL 20260422.pdf

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERERS – COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

This document contains the Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

The Defense Health Agency intends to award a single Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Reference Laboratory Services. The period of performance consists of a five-year base ordering period and a five-year option that may be earned by the contractor based on performance, in accordance with DFARS 217.204(e)(i).

The Government is utilizing the new Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul for this acquisition, which can be found at: https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide.

Due Date for Proposals: Refer to the SF-1449, block 8 – Offer Due Date/Local Time

A. Tailored FAR 52.212-1 Instructions: The following FAR 52.212-1 paragraphs are edited or added

1. Addenda to FAR 52.212-1 paragraph (b), Period for Acceptance of Offers. The paragraph is tailored as follows: “The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 180 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of proposals.”

2. Addenda to FAR 52.212-1 paragraph (e), Debriefings. Unsuccessful offerors to the solicitation who request information will receive a debriefing of the award decision in accordance with FAR 15.206 and FAR 15.301.

3. Addenda to FAR 52.212-1 paragraph (g) is added and includes the following:

a. Proposal Instructions. To ensure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or sub-factors. The response shall consist of five (5) separate volumes: Volume I – Business Proposal, Volume II – Technical Proposal, Volume III – Performance Risk, Volume IV – Small Business Subcontracting Proposal, and Volume V – Price.

b. Proposal Submission Instructions. Each volume shall be clearly identified/labeled with the offeror’s name, cage code, Unique Entity Identifier code, volume number, and volume title. Volumes shall not contain any classified data. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. Documents may be in .xlsx, .docx, and Adobe pdf file format and must be compatible with Microsoft Office applications. USB flash drives, Compact Disk (CD and/or DVD), and floppy/zip discs are not acceptable. Proposals will be submitted via e-mail (multiple e-mails if necessary) with a maximum e-mail size of 20MB. To ensure receipt, offerors shall label email subject lines as 'Proposal Submission - [Offeror Name] - Volume [X] of [Y] - Solicitation HT001526RE001'. Offerors are required to request a delivery and read receipt. The Government will provide a confirmation of receipt for each email received within four (4) business hours. It is the offeror's responsibility to ensure all emails are received by the Government.

c. Single Offer. Offerors shall submit one proposal presenting terms and conditions for commercial items and/or services satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. In the event an offeror submits more than one proposal, only the last complete proposal submitted prior to the due date and time for proposals will be evaluated.

d. General Formatting. A minimum of 11-point Times New Roman or Arial font size applies throughout all volumes. All volumes will be submitted on a page Width – 8.5 inches, Height – 11 inches with margins of at least one (1) inch on all sides. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size not less than 8-point and may be landscape.

e. Page Limitations. Page limitations as described below for the individual volumes shall be treated as maximum. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal.

Tables of Contents, glossaries, list of tables, and any other identifying information/pages will not be counted against the page limits. However, pages depicting tables, charts, graphs, and figures will count towards the page limit. A page is defined as one face of a sheet of paper containing information (when printed).

f. Proposal Content Principles. All information shall be confined to the appropriate volume/section. For example, only information included in the section labeled “Technical Approach” will be evaluated for the Technical Approach. If Technical Approach information is included elsewhere in the proposal, it will not be evaluated as part of that Technical Approach sub-factor. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details, in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked.

g. Cross Referencing. Each volume shall be written on a standalone basis, as its contents will be evaluated without reference to any other volume. Therefore, the offeror bears the sole responsibility for ensuring all information is complete and located in its designated volume and sub-factor. The Government will not search for misplaced data; any required information not found in its specified location will be treated as missing, which may result in a lower rating.

h. Questions and Answers. Offerors may submit questions regarding this solicitation (via Exhibit B) to the attention of both the contracting officer and the contract specialists: Contracting Officer: Mr. Michael T.

Bilicki e-mail: michael.t.bilicki.civ@health.mil, Contract Specialists: Ms. Tamara Fenwick, e-mail:

tamara.k.fenwick.civ@health.mil, and Ms. Melissa Hearst, email: melissa.l.hearst.ctr@health.mil .

i. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms. Each volume shall contain a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used and with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

B. Basis for Award and Negotiations Process:

1. Award Methodology: The Government intends to award a contract to the offeror who provides the best value.

The Government’s primary goal is to make this determination based on the initial proposals submitted. Offerors should therefore submit their most advantageous proposal from both a technical and price standpoint in their initial submission.

2. Initial Evaluation: All proposals will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 51.202(a)(1).

3. Government’s Right to Conduct Negotiations: The Government reserves the full right to conduct negotiations if it is determined to be in its best interest. While the Government may award based upon initial offers, offerors should not assume this will occur. The decision to enter negotiations will be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer.

4. Competitive Range and Negotiations: If negotiations are deemed necessary, the Government will establish a competitive range comprised of the most highly-rated proposals. The Government will then hold negotiations with the offerors within this range. Following the conclusion of these discussions, offerors will be given the opportunity to submit a Final Proposal Revision (FPR). The Government’s final best-value decision will be based on the evaluation of these FPRs.

5. Narrowing the Competitive Range for Efficiency: Pursuant to FAR 15.204-1(b), the contracting officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly evaluated proposals.

6. Proposal Organization and Evaluation. Each proposal Volume corresponding to an evaluation factor or sub-factor must be written as a complete and stand-alone response. The Government's evaluation of any given factor mailto:michael.t.bilicki.civ@health.mil mailto:tamara.k.fenwick.civ@health.mil mailto:melissa.l.hearst.ctr@health.mil will be confined strictly to the information presented in that factor's designated section. Information provided in one section will not be considered in the evaluation of another. It is the offeror's responsibility to ensure all required information is included in the correct section of its proposal

7. Clarifications: If determined to be in the best interest of the Government, the Contracting Officer may elect to utilize clarifications to resolve minor or clerical errors or clarify certain aspects of an offeror’s proposal in accordance with FAR 15.202(a)(2), rather than deem the proposal as “Unacceptable” and remove it from the competition. If the contracting officer conducts clarifications with a single offeror, they are not required to conduct clarifications with any other offeror.

C. BASIS OF AWARD

A single award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal, conforming to the solicitation, is judged to provide the best value to the United States Government based on an overall assessment of the specified evaluation criteria. This determination will be made using a best-value tradeoff process, considering the evaluation factors. The Government may determine that a higher-rated, higher-priced proposal offers the best value if the Contracting Officer determines that the merits of its non-price factor (Past and Present Performance) warrant the additional cost.

Conversely, the Government may award to a lower-rated, lower-priced offeror if the price advantage outweighs the benefits associated with a higher-rated proposal. To be considered for award, a proposal must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Proposal Compliance: The Government will conduct an initial review of all proposals to verify compliance with solicitation instructions. Your proposal must comply with all requirements set forth in this Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 and the General Instructions, Formatting and Page Limitations, and Required Structure and Content for Volumes 1 through 5. Proposals that fail to meet these initial requirements may be determined not to be compliant and rejected without further consideration.

2. Receive a rating of "Acceptable" for the Technical Factor (Factor 1), which requires an "Acceptable" rating in all technical sub-factors.

3. Receive a rating of "Satisfactory Confidence" or higher for the Performance Risk Factor (Factor 2). A rating of "Neutral Confidence" will be considered for award and will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably.

4. Receive a rating of “Acceptable” for Small Business Subcontracting Participation (Factor 3).

5. Be determined to have a fair, reasonable, and balanced price under the Price Factor (Factor 4).

6. Be determined to be a responsible contractor. The contractor shall demonstrate responsibility in accordance with FAR 9.104-1 and 3: To be considered for award, the Contracting Officer must find the offeror to be a responsible contractor. The Contracting Officer will base this determination primarily on the representations and certifications in SAM.gov, supplemented by other readily available government information. In accordance with FAR 9.104-5, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to request additional information to complete the responsibility determination. The prospective prime contractors are responsible for determining the responsibility of their prospective subcontractors as required by FAR 9.104-4 - Subcontractor responsibility. The Government's determination that a proposed subcontractor is non-responsible may result in a corresponding determination of non-responsibility for the offeror.

D. FACTORS AND RELATIVE IMPORTANCE

1. The Government will evaluate proposals based on the following four factors, which are listed in descending order of importance.

a. Factor 1: Technical

(1) Sub-factor 1A: Transition Approach and Laboratory Information System (LIS) Interface

(2) Sub-factor 1B: Technical Requirements

(3) Sub-factor 1C: Quality Control/Assurance Approach

(4) Sub-factor 1D: Supply Chain Management Plan

b. Factor 2: Performance Risk (Past and Present Performance)

c. Factor 3: Small Business Subcontracting Participation

d. Factor 4: Price

2. All non-price factors (Technical, Performance Risk, and Small Business Subcontracting Participation) when combined, are significantly more important than the Price factor. Within the Technical Factor, all sub-factors (1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) are of equal importance.

E. VOLUME I - BUSINESS PROPOSAL

1. Cover Letter:

Offerors shall submit a cover letter, not to exceed two (2) pages, that serves as a concise introduction to the proposal. To be considered compliant, the cover letter must address each of the following requirements:

a. Offeror Information:

(1) Company Name

(2) Full Address

(3) Telephone and Fax Numbers

(4) Email Address

b. Identification Codes:

(1) CAGE Code

(2) Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov

c. Solicitation Details:

Solicitation Number

d. Proposal Contents:

A brief overview of the volumes included in your proposal submission.

2. Table of Contents

The Business Proposal volume must begin with a Master Table of Contents. This table shall reference the complete contents of all volumes submitted in response to this solicitation. The Master Table of Contents itself will not be counted against the page limitations for any volume.

3. Administrative Contact Data

The offeror must identify the corporate office(s) authorized to negotiate on behalf of the company and legally bind the offeror to a contract with the U.S. Government. Provide the name, title, e-mail address, and direct telephone number for this individual.

4. Solicitation Forms and Amendments

To be eligible for award, the offeror must submit the following forms completed and signed:

a. SF 1449 (Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items):

(1) Complete and sign Page 1. The signature in Block 30a must be that of a corporate officer who is legally authorized to negotiate on behalf of the company.

(2) Your signature signifies agreement with the contract acceptance period specified in the Addenda to FAR 52.212-1(c).

b. SF 30 (Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract):

Acknowledge and include all issued amendments by signing each SF 30 in Block 15B.

5. Representations and Certifications

To be considered for award, offerors must provide the representations and certifications as required by FAR Part 12.

a. Preferred Method (SAM.gov): Offerors with active and complete annual representations and certifications in SAM.gov must state so in their cover letter to fulfill the Representations and Certifications requirement for this solicitation. The Government will verify the Offeror's active registration. An offeror must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time they submit an offer and at the time of award.

b. Alternate Method (Manual Submission): Offerors must have an active registration in the SAM at the time of offer and award. If your registration is not active at submission, you must complete and return the attached addendum containing provisions FAR 52.212-3 and DFARS 252.204-7007. Please be advised that an award will not be made to an offeror without an active SAM.gov registration.

6. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms: A glossary defining all abbreviations and acronyms used in your proposal shall be included, as needed.

F. VOLUME II – FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

The technical evaluation will assess the offeror's comprehensive capability to perform the work, covering the technical approach, transition and systems integration, and quality assurance.

1. Core Content Requirements. Your Technical Proposal must be a complete, self-contained volume that is specific and detailed enough to demonstrate your ability to meet all requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

a. Demonstrate, Don't Restate: The proposal must provide a detailed approach to the work required. As stated in both provided paragraphs, proposals that merely reiterate, rephrase, or restate the PWS requirements are not sufficient and may result in an "Unacceptable" rating.

b. Substantiate All Claims: It is your responsibility to substantiate all claims made in the proposal. The Government's evaluation will be based solely on the information presented within your submission. No assumptions will be made, and no prior knowledge of your organization will be used.

2. Structure and Formatting: To consolidate the requirements into a clear format, the following table outlines the required structure. Your proposal must adhere to these rules to be considered compliant.

Table 4: Structure and Formatting Rules

Requirement Specification

Table of Contents Must include a detailed Table of Contents that clearly outlines the volume’s sections and their corresponding page numbers.

Glossary If you use abbreviations or acronyms, you must include a glossary defining them.

Sub-factor Organization

The response for each technical sub-factor (1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) must begin on a new page.

Page Numbering All pages must be numbered consecutively. Numbering shall not restart for new sections.

3. Page Limitations: The Technical Proposal is strictly limited to 45 pages.

a. Pages exceeding this limit will be removed from your proposal and will not be considered in the evaluation.

b. The following pages do not count toward the 45-page limit:

(1) Cover Page

(2) Table of Contents

(3) Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

(4) Section Dividers

(5) Appendix A: Technical Requirements Supporting Documentation

4. Evaluation Process and Criteria: The Government will evaluate your proposal as follows:

a. Compliance Check: First, the proposal will be reviewed to ensure it strictly adheres to all content, structure, and page limitation requirements outlined in this addendum paragraph F1,2, and 3 above.

b. Technical Evaluation: The Government will then evaluate your approach and understanding of the PWS requirements. The proposal will be assigned a single adjectival rating ("Acceptable" or "Unacceptable") based on an integrated assessment of four equally important sub-factors. The offeror shall provide a narrative describing their technical approach to meeting all requirements identified in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The narrative shall detail the methods and procedures the offeror will use to carry out the tasks described in the PWS. The narrative should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and present a credible and feasible capability to perform the work.

c. Achieving "Acceptable": To be rated "Acceptable," your proposal must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) with a detailed approach to meeting all requirements.

d. Basis for "Unacceptable": A rating of "Unacceptable" in any single sub-factor will result in an overall rating of "Unacceptable" for the entire Technical Factor.

e. Staffing Formula. Within the 45-page limit, the offeror shall provide its proposed staffing formula as required by PWS 1.5.4. The narrative shall detail the formula's logic, scalability, and how it ensures performance standards in the PRS will be met.

5. Sub-factor 1A: Cybersecurity, Transition and Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Interface Approach.

CMMC Compliance Process: Offerors are advised that CMMC compliance involves a two-step process. First, for proposal evaluation, an offeror may be rated 'Acceptable' by submitting either evidence of current compliance or a narrative for future compliance as detailed below. Second, for contract award eligibility, an offeror must have an active CMMC Final Level 2 (Self) assessment in SPRS as a condition of award, regardless of the method used for the proposal submission. This final verification is not part of the proposal evaluation but is a separate, mandatory condition for award.

The Offeror shall provide a narrative that documents their cybersecurity compliance status and articulates an implementable approach to both contract transition and LIS deployment.

a. Cybersecurity Compliance: To be rated "Acceptable," the offeror must demonstrate its path to compliance by providing one of the following two options. Failure to provide the required information as detailed below will result in the proposal being determined “Unacceptable” for this sub-factor and render it ineligible for award.

(1) Evidence of Current Compliance: Verification of a current (i.e., not greater than three years) CMMC Final Level 2 (Self) in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) for an existing covered contractor system they intend to use in performance of this contract.

(a) Acceptable Evidence of Verification: If the offeror elects this option, verification must be provided in one of the following formats:

(i) A screenshot from the Procurement Integrated Environment (PIEE) or SPRS showing the assessment was submitted and is active, including the submission date.

(ii) A digitally signed copy of the self-assessment documentation that was submitted to

SPRS.

(b) Unacceptable Evidence: Marketing materials or general statements of compliance are not considered acceptable evidence and will not meet the requirement of this option.

(2) Narrative for Future Compliance: A narrative which explains the offeror's detailed and actionable plan to achieve a CMMC Final Level 2 (Self) in SPRS by the time of contract award. If the apparent successful offeror fails to have an active CMMC Final Level 2 (Self) recorded in SPRS at the time the Contracting Officer is prepared to make the award, the Contracting Officer will notify the offeror and provide a period of five (5) business days to achieve compliance. If the offeror fails to comply within this period, the Government may determine the offeror ineligible for award and proceed to the next most highly-rated offeror.

NOTE (Mandatory Condition for Award): As articulated in Performance Work Statement paragraphs 6.4.2 and 6.11, and regardless of the submission method chosen above, a final and active CMMC Level 2 (Self) must be recorded in the SPRS system as a condition of contract award. The Government’s verification of this final status does not constitute negotiations.

(3) Final Determination: If the offeror fails to provide the required verifiable evidence or the supporting narrative, the proposal will be determined “Unacceptable” for this sub-factor and will be ineligible for award. The verification process does not constitute negotiations and is solely for the Government to confirm compliance with a mandatory solicitation requirement. NOTE: As articulated in Performance Work Statement paragraphs 6.4.2 and 6.11, as a condition of award, a CMMC Final Level 2 (Self) must be in the SPRS system at time of award.

b. Transition Plan: The offeror shall describe its approach to meeting the requirements and tasks of PWS paragraph 1.6.1, including a timeline of required tasks to ensure a timely, effective, and complete contract transition.

c. LIS Deployment: The offeror shall describe its methodology to ensure the successful deployment of its Laboratory Information System and its interface with the Government network, in accordance with PWS paragraph 5.3.7.

6. Sub-factor 1B: Technical Requirements

The offeror must provide the following supporting documentation in a clearly labeled appendix to the Technical Proposal Volume. Pages in this appendix will not count toward the 45-page limit.

Appendix A: Technical Requirements Supporting Documentation:

a. Offerors shall complete all columns in Exhibit A, Schedule of Required Tests. The following columns are of specific interest to establish a baseline at the time of award:

Column B: Lab Test Name (if different from Column A) Column C: Test Methodology Column D: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approved Test or Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) Column F: Turn Around Time (TAT) Column G: Prime Vendor or Subcontractor Performed

b. Evidence that the vendor’s laboratory system utilizes a single, standardized ordering system for each analyte, including the same test number, testing methodology, and established normal range, in accordance with PWS paragraph 5.3.2.

c. Documentation certifying that all proposed prime laboratories are licensed to perform testing on human specimens in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988, the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and where applicable, New York State Department of Health license. All subcontractor laboratories utilized by the prime vendor must be CLIA certified and have an accreditation with a Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory accreditation agency, in accordance with PWS paragraphs 1.10.1.1. and 5.2.1.

d. Evidence of the vendor’s online test menu catalog in accordance with PWS paragraph 5.3.6.

Failure to provide any of the required supporting documentation in the appendix will result in the proposal being rated "Unacceptable."

7. Sub-factor 1C: Contract Quality Control/Assurance Approach

The offeror shall describe its quality control program and procedures for monitoring performance in relation to the requirements identified in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) of the PWS. The description must explain the methodology for:

a. Identifying, tracking, resolving, and preventing quality assurance problems.

b. Ensuring proper documentation, maintenance of records, and reporting of quality-related issues.

c. Monitoring overall contract performance to identify and correct deficiencies before the level of service becomes unsatisfactory.

8. Sub-factor 1D: Supply Chain Management Plan

In this section, the offeror shall provide its Supply Chain Management Plan. The plan shall not exceed 5 pages.

These pages are included within the 45-page total for Volume II. The plan shall detail the offeror’s specific, proactive methodology for ensuring that its subcontractors, particularly those identified as critical, comply with all mandatory security requirements of this contract throughout the period of performance. A simple restatement of solicitation requirements is not sufficient. The plan must provide a detailed and convincing approach that addresses, at a minimum, the following three elements:

For the purposes of this Supply Chain Management Plan, a “critical subcontractor” is defined as any subcontractor that provides a service or supply that is essential to meeting a core PWS requirement AND whose substitution would pose a significant schedule, cost, or performance risk to the Government.

a. Cybersecurity Compliance Verification:

(1) Describe the specific methodology and internal controls (e.g., tracking logs, review frequency) for actively verifying and maintaining critical subcontractor CMMC Level 2 status in the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS).

(2) Detail the plan for monitoring and supporting subcontractor progress and the tangible support (e.g., guidance, tools) the offeror will provide to ensure their compliance.

b. Foreign Ownership, Control and Influence (FOCI) Mitigation Process

(1) Provide a clear and detailed process for vetting all subcontractors against FOCI risks outlining the full lifecycle from initial screening to final determination.

(2) Specify the information-gathering techniques used to screen key risk areas, including subcontractor ownership structures, key personnel, and data security practices.

c. Ongoing Risk Management and Enforcement:

(1) Describe the specific oversight mechanisms (e.g., periodic audits, compliance reviews) for continually monitoring and enforcing subcontractor compliance.

(2) Detail the framework of escalating remedies the offeror will use to address subcontractor non-compliance, from initial cure notices to potential termination.

G. VOLUME III – FACTOR 2: PERFORMANCE RISK (PAST AND PRESENT PERFORMANCE)

1. General Instructions

The purpose of the past performance evaluation is to assess the Offeror’s ability to successfully perform the effort described in this solicitation, based on its demonstrated present and past performance. A major subcontractor is defined as a subcontractor proposed to perform more than 25% of the total contract value.

2. Content and Format Requirements A complete Volume III proposal shall consist of the following components. Offerors shall submit information for a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) contract references. If an offeror submits more than five, only the first five will be evaluated. For indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts, offerors shall submit specific task or delivery orders as individual references; do not submit the master IDIQ contract itself as a standalone reference.

Table 5: Performance Risk Volume Contents

Section Requirement Page Limit / Exhibit

2.1 Table of

Contents

A comprehensive list delineating all sections and attachments within this volume. N/A

2.2 Past

Performance Summary Sheets

For each of the contract references, the offeror shall complete and submit one Past Performance Summary Sheet. The references may include relevant contracts made by the prime offeror and/or any proposed major subcontractors.

2 pages per Summary Sheet (See Exhibit C)

2.3 Past

Performance Questionnaires (PPQs)

For each contract reference submitted in Section 2.2, the offeror is responsible for sending the PPQ form to the client's point of contact. The client must complete the PPQ and email it directly to the Government POCs listed below by the proposal due date.

Contracting Officer: Mr. Michael T. Bilicki e-mail: michael.t.bilicki.civ@health.mil Contract Specialist: Ms. Tamara Fenwick e-mail:.tamara.k.fenwick.civ@health.mil Contract Specialist: Ms. Melissa Hearst e-mail: melissa.l.hearst.ctr@health.mil

(No page limit for response)(See Exhibit D)

2.4 Lab Performance

Documentation

The offeror shall provide documentation corroborating that their proposed primary lab and all subcontractor labs can meet or have met the required volumes and turn-around times (TATs). This documentation will be used to assess performance quality.

N/A

2.5 Subcontractor

Consent Letters

For each major subcontractor reference submitted, the offeror must include a completed and signed "Subcontractor/Teaming Partner Consent Letter" (Exhibit E).

N/A

2.6 Glossary A glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used. N/A

3. Evaluation of Teaming Arrangements

If a teaming arrangement is proposed, the evaluation will consider the past performance of the team members as it relates to the scope and complexity of the work they are proposed to perform. The Government will assess how the team’s collective experience indicates the likelihood of successful performance.

NOTE: The statement regarding the five-year optional period has been removed from this section as it pertains to post-award contract administration, not proposal evaluation.

H. VOLUME IV – FACTOR 3: SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PARTICIPATION PROPOSAL

1. Applicability and General Instructions

This volume applies to all offerors. It is divided into two sections: the Subcontracting Plan (which applies only to other-than-small businesses) and the Small Business Participation Commitment Document (which applies to all offerors and will be formally evaluated).

a. Subcontracting Plan (Applicable to Other Than Small Business Concerns) In accordance with FAR

19.109 and DFARS 219.302 all offerors other than small business concerns shall submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The submitted plan will be assessed for acceptability as a matter of responsibility and eligibility for award. An acceptable plan is not evaluated but is a prerequisite for contract award. To be found acceptable, the plan must:

(1) Be deemed realistic by the Contracting Officer, demonstrating a good faith effort to provide the maximum practicable subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

(2) Address all fifteen elements required by FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

(3) Identify participation levels that meet or exceed the following Subcontracting Minimum Goals for each category of total planned subcontracting dollars.

Subcontracting Minimum Goals

Business Category Minimum Percentage Goals

Small Business (Total) 30.0%

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) 5.0%

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) 5.0%

HUBZone Small Business 3.0%

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) 3.0%

b. Small Business Participation Commitment Document (Applicable to All Offerors)

(1). Document Content and Format. This document will be formally evaluated as part of the source selection. It must detail the offeror's planned level of small business participation in the performance of this acquisition, measured against the Total Contract Value. The document will be evaluated on the extent to which the offeror meets or exceeds the Government's socioeconomic goals and the credibility of its commitments. The Small Business Participation Commitment Document shall consist of the five parts detailed below.

(a). Part 1 – Prime Offeror Identification

{ } Large Prime or { } Small Business Prime; also categorized as a { } Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) { } Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) { } Historically Underutilized Zone (HUB Zone) Small Business { } Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) { } Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

(b). Part 2 – Summary of Participation

1.Total Small Business Participation: The Offeror shall state the total combined dollar value and percentage of the Total Contract Value to be performed by large and small businesses (including the prime, all joint venture partners, teaming members, and subcontractors).

Example: For a Total Evaluated Price of $1,000,000, if small businesses will perform $250,000 of the work, the breakdown would be:

Business Type Percentage Dollar Value

Large Business(es) 75% $750,000

Small Business(es) 25% $250,000

Total 100% $1,000,000

2. Subcategory Participation: Indicate the total percentage and dollar value of participation to be performed by each specific small business subcategory, based on the Total Contract Value. In accordance with FAR Part 19, a business that qualifies in multiple socioeconomic categories may be counted in each category for which it qualifies. Offerors are expected to meet or exceed the Subcontracting Minimum Goals. If an offeror cannot meet one or more of these goals, they must provide a detailed explanation and verifiable documentation demonstrating a Good Faith Effort, which will be evaluated in accordance with the Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, Section G.1.

Small Business Subcategory Percentage of Total Contract Value

Dollar Value

Small Business (Total) ____% $______

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) ____% $______

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) ____% $______

HUBZone Small Business ____% $______

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business

(SDVOSB)

(c). Part 3 – Team Identification and Roles

The Offeror shall identify all members of its proposed team, including the prime and all intended subcontractors. For each company, provide all requested information in the table below.

Company Name

Role (Prime/Sub)

CAGE /

UEI

Anticipated NAICS Code(s)

Description of Supplies/Services

Small Business Category(ies)

[Company A] [e.g., Large, WOSB, etc.]

[Company B] [e.g., SDB, HUBZone]

[Company C] [e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB]

(d). Part 4 – Commitment Narrative

In this section, the offeror shall provide a narrative that describes the nature and extent of its commitment to the proposed small business subcontractors. The narrative must detail the specific roles, responsibilities, and work to be performed by each small business. This narrative must be supported by documentation, such as teaming agreements, letters of intent, or other evidence of commitment, which should be included as attachments to this volume

(e). Part 5 – Past Performance in Small Business Utilization

The Offeror shall provide information that demonstrates its past performance in utilizing small businesses. This information will be evaluated to assess the Offeror's commitment and track record in complying with the requirements of FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns, and for other-than-small businesses, FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The Government will use this information, in conjunction with data available in Government systems (e.g., CPARS, eSRS), to evaluate the realism of the Offeror's document.

1. All Offerors (including Small Business Primes): Provide the following for up to three (3) relevant, recent contracts (performed within the last three years) similar in size, scope, and complexity:

a. Contract Identification: Contract Number, Government Agency, Period of Performance, Total

Contract Value, and a brief description of the work.

b. Narrative of Small Business Utilization: A narrative describing your performance, including the extent of small business use, the complexity of work performed by small business partners, and how you managed those partners.

c. Performance Reports: Copies of any relevant Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) reports.

2. Other-Than-Small-Business Offerors: In addition to the requirements in (1) above, provide the following for the referenced contracts where a subcontracting plan was required:

a. Subcontracting Reports: Copies of the most recent Individual Subcontract Reports (ISRs) and/or the final Summary Subcontract Report (SSR) for each contract.

b. Requirement Achievement Narrative: A narrative comparing proposed subcontracting requirements to actual achievements, explaining any instances where requirements were not met.

I. VOLUME V – FACTOR 4: PRICE PROPOSAL No Page Limitations

1. General Instructions This volume shall contain all pricing information required by this solicitation. Offerors shall complete all required exhibits and narratives as detailed below. The pricing proposed in this volume will be evaluated for fairness, reasonableness, and balance in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Addendum to FAR 52.212-2.

2. Submission Requirements A complete Volume V submission must include the following components, submitted in their native Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word formats. Submissions must not be read-only or password protected. All formulas in Government-provided spreadsheets must remain intact and unaltered:

Table 6: Price Proposal Contents

Document Requirement

Exhibit A: Schedule of Required Tests

The Offeror shall complete this exhibit, providing a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) for every test listed for the entire ten-year period of performance (five-year base period and five-year optional period).

Price Narrative The Offeror shall submit a narrative that explains the basis of its pricing for its proposed prices for CLIN 0001 (Transition-In) and its overall pricing approach, demonstrating a clear understanding of the PWS requirements.

3. Basis of Proposal Preparation (CRITICAL INSTRUCTIONS)

a. Offerors must adhere to the following instructions when preparing their price proposal. Failure to do so may render a proposal ineligible for award.

b. Authoritative Source for Quantities: Offerors shall prepare their price proposals in strict accordance with the items, descriptions, and estimated quantities provided in Exhibit A, Price List. The estimated total yearly quantity of 1,799,616 units referenced in Exhibit A represents the aggregate of all individual test quantities and is the definitive basis for your price proposal.

4. Detailed CLIN Instructions

a. CLIN 0001 – Transition Approach: The Offeror shall propose a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) for all transition activities as defined in PWS Section 1.6.1. To facilitate monthly invoicing during the up to six-month transition period, this CLIN is established with a Quantity of six (6) and a Unit of Issue of "Each" (EA). The offeror shall divide its total proposed transition price by six to establish the unit price for one (1) "Each", which will be invoiced monthly. The Offeror must explain its overall pricing approach in the Price Narrative. All offerors, including the incumbent, shall propose a price for the optional Transition Approach (CLIN 0001). This CLIN will only be exercised in the event of an award to a non-incumbent offeror but must be priced by all for evaluation purposes.

b. CLIN 0002 – Clinical Reference Laboratory Testing Services: The Offeror shall provide an FFP unit price for every test listed in Exhibit A, Price List.

(1) The offeror is responsible for verifying the extended price for each line item in Exhibit A, which is the result of multiplying the proposed Unit Price by the Government's Estimated Quantity. Note: For administrative and invoicing purposes on the SF-1449, CLINs 0002 and 1002 will be established as Amount-Based line items with a Quantity of 1 and a Unit of Issue of 'Lot' (LO).

(2) The prices proposed in Exhibit A will be incorporated into the awarded contract and will apply to all task orders issued. Task Orders will mirror the IDIQ CLIN structure (1 LO). The contractor shall submit monthly partial invoices in WAWF against the Task Order Lot for the exact, fluctuating dollar value of the tests performed that month, calculated strictly using the Exhibit A fixed unit prices and substantiated by the Monthly Submitting Activity (SA) Reports.

c. CLIN 0003 – Transportation Charges for Unscheduled/STAT: Offerors shall not propose a price for this CLIN.

The Government will use a not-to-exceed "plug number" for this item for evaluation purposes only.

d. CLIN 0004 – Post Award Conference Participation: Offerors shall not propose a price for this CLIN. This is a pre-priced item included for administrative purposes.

5. Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Calculation

For evaluation purposes only, the Government will calculate the TEP using a two-step process:

a. Step 1: Base Proposed Price.

The Government will sum the Offeror’s total proposed firm-fixed prices for CLIN 0001, CLIN 0002, Option CLIN 1002, and the Government-provided plug numbers for CLIN 0003 and Option CLIN 1003 across the entire ten-year period of performance (base and option periods). CLIN 0004 is excluded.

b. Step 2: Addition of Maximum Escalation Ceiling. To evaluate the maximum potential cost to the Government over the life of the contract, the Government will automatically calculate and add five percent (5%) to the Base Proposed Price calculated in Step 1. This 5% represents the single, absolute maximum aggregate escalation allowable under the combined application of Technical and Pricing Refresh (TPR) clause (applicable at any time) and the Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause (applicable only at the five-year option period).

c. Final TEP: The sum of the Base Proposed Price plus the 5% maximum escalation ceiling will constitute the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) utilized by the Source Selection Authority for the best-value tradeoff decision.

6. Additional Pricing Rules regarding EPA and TPR Clauses

a. Do Not Add Escalation: Offerors shall not submit separate pricing, escalation factors, or inflation assumptions for the EPA or TPR clauses in their price proposal (Exhibit A). Offerors must propose flat, firm-fixed prices based on current economic conditions for all ten years.

b. Evaluation Only: As detailed in Section 5 above, the Government will independently account for the maximum potential cost of these clauses by applying a 5% factor to the TEP. Any proposal that pre-escalates its unit prices in an attempt to account for future inflation or technology refreshes will be evaluated as proposed and risks being found overpriced or unbalanced.

(End of Addendum)