Draft MSN-7 Section L Follow-On Final Version 07May24.pdf

ATTACHMENT 4 – INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

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SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1.0 Program Structure and Objective

The Government plans to award a single contract for the AN/MSN-7, Communication Central System Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) program. The CLS will primarily support a fleet of 18 MSN-7 systems (16 operational systems, one (1) trainer system and one (1) hot mock-up). CLS requirements will include program management, Government Furnished Property (GFP) management, monitor Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) of parts, procurement of spare parts, system modifications, Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM), Mobile Depot Maintenance (MDM), equipment/parts repair, and helpdesk support.

1.1. Award will be made on the basis of best value utilizing Tradeoff Source Selection Procedures. Award will be made to the contractor that provides the best value to the Government over the entire period of performance. The contract will consist of a one (1) year basic period, eight (8) additional one (1) year options and a six (6) month Option to Extend Services. The total period of performance, to include the Option to Extend Services, will not exceed 114 months. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if necessary.

1.2. Budget/Funding Information

Funding will be obligated via delivery order for the Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) for the base period, to include the phase-in period and subsequent option periods, if exercised.

1.3 Contractor Technical Proposal

All or parts of the Contractor’s Technical Proposal may be added to the contract. Should there be any discrepancies between the Technical Proposal and the Performance Work Statement (PWS), the PWS will take precedence unless otherwise approved by the Procuring Activity.

2.0 General Instructions

2.1.1. This section of the Instructions to Offerors (ITO) provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The Offeror’s proposal must include all data and information requested by the ITO and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Any Offeror who submits an incomplete package may be considered ineligible for award. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and appendices. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in the ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation.

2.1.2. The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements, but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet these

2 (of 33) requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror’s proposal.

2.1.3. Elaborate brochures, documentation, binding, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

2.1.4. The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/ solicitation. The Offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A of the proposal documentation volume that the proposal is valid until this date.

2.1.5. In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

2.2. General Information

2.2.1. Point of Contact

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the CO. Written requests for clarification may be sent to the CO at the address located in Section A of the model contract/solicitation.

2.2.2. Debriefings

The CO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing. However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The CO will notify unsuccessful offerors in accordance with FAR 15.503. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

2.2.3. Discrepancies

If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the CO in writing with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the Offeror is asking the CO to consider as related to the omission or error. The Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussions. This reservation includes matters of additional or substitute pages of the initial proposal.

2.2.4. Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the System for Award Management (SAM) website at https://sam.gov. With the exception of drawing and technical orders. In order to receive copies of those documents, please contact the CO, https://sam.gov/

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Kimberly Simms, at kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil. Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

2.2.5. Amendments to Solicitation

If this RFP is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged and in full force and effect. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment and provide confirmation upon submission of the Offeror’s proposal. Any unacknowledged amendments in the Offeror’s proposal are subject to solicitation provision FAR 52.215-1(b).

2.2.6. Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Proposals Proposal packages shall be transmitted to the Solicitation CO via DoD SAFE (safe.apps.mil). Physical delivery of proposal packages will not be accepted. See ITO sections 2.6 & 2.7.

2.2.7 Communications

Exchanges of source selection information between Government and Offerors will be controlled by the CO. E-mail (encrypted when possible or with password protected attachments) may be used to transmit such information to Offerors and shall include “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the subject line.

2.3. Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

2.3.1. The Title Page of each volume shall contain the solicitation number, name, address, and telephone of the Offeror and electronic e-mail address if available.

2.3.2. A Team List of the Offeror’s primary Point of Contacts shall be submitted in each volume using the format shown in Attachment 2 of the ITO.

2.3.3. The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table 2.3 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table 2.3. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below.

Table 2.3. Proposal Organization

Volume

ITO

Paragraph

Number Volume Title

Electronic Copies Page

Limit I 3.0 Technical 1 50

3.1 General Information (Not included in 50 pages

limit)

3.2.2 Volume Organization (Not included in 50 pages

limit)

Unlimited

3.2.3

3.2.4 3.2.5

Subfactor 1 Program Management Subfactor 2 Programmed Depot Maintenance

(PDM)

Subfactor 3 Equipment Repair

*Included in the 50 page limitation mailto:kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil

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3.2.6 Subfactor 4 Program Transition

II 4.0 Past Performance 1 Unlimited

4.1.1 Past Performance Information Forms (PPIF)

(See Attach 1.1) Unlimited

4.1.2 Consent Letter (See Attach 1.4) Unlimited

4.1.3 Client Authorization Letters (See Attach 1.5) Unlimited

4.1.4 Commitment to Perform as Proposed Letter

(See Attach 1.6) Unlimited

4.2 Present/Past Performance Questionnaires (See

Attach 1.2)

Tab Only

4.3.2 Relevant Contract Narrative Request

Max 5 pages per contract

4.3.3 Roadmap 2

III 5 Price Volume 1 Unlimited

5.1 General Information Unlimited

5.2 Volume Organization Unlimited

IV 6 Contract Documentation 1 Unlimited

6.1 Model Contract (Sections A-J) N/A

6.1.4 Representations and Certifications (Section K) N/A

6.3.1-6.3.3 Contact Information Unlimited

6.3.5 Attachments to the Model Contract Unlimited

2.3.4 Names

Offerors shall submit volumes with the following file names: Volume I – Technical.doc or .docx, Volume II – Past Performance.doc or .docx, Volume III – Price.doc or .docx with PricingMatrix.xlsx, and Volume IV – Contract.doc or docx. Files provided in .pdf format are also acceptable if conversion is made from a Word document or equivalent Word processing software while maintaining searchable text.

2.3.5. Page Limitations

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may also be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors. Each page shall be counted except the following: blank pages, title pages, tables of contents, tabs, indexes, glossaries, and those noted in the Proposed Organization Chart as unlimited.

2.3.6. Pricing Information

All pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price Proposal and Contract Documentation volumes. Cost trade-off information, work hour estimates, and material kinds and quantities may be used in other volumes only as appropriate for presenting rationale for alternatives or design and trade-off decisions.

2.3.7. Cross Referencing

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The Technical volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for the technical proposal evaluation, which is not found the Technical volume, will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal, and will not be considered in the technical evaluation. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted when its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. The Past Performance and Price evaluation will utilize information from each’s respective volume for the evaluation, but may also utilize information from other volumes as well.

2.3.8. Indexing

Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections.

2.3.9 Tables and Figures

Include an indexed list of Tables and Figures

2.3.10. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

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

2.3.11. Requirements Correlation Matrix

The Offeror shall complete the Requirements Correlation Matrix provided in Table 2 that will indicate the corresponding proposal paragraph in each volume which addresses the referenced item.

Table 2 – Requirements Correlation Matrix

Reference PWS Section L Section M Contract Line Item Number

(CLIN)

Associated Contract Data Requirements List

(CDRL)

VOLUME I - TECHNICAL

Factor 1 - Technical

Subfactor 1 Program Management

2.1, 2.9, 6.1 3.2.3 2.2.1 X001 A001, A005, A022

Subfactor 2 Programmed Depot Maintenance

(PDM)

5.4 3.2.4 2.2.2 X004 A020, A021

Subfactor 3 Equipment Repair

5.6 3.2.5 2.2.3 X002 A026

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2.4. Page Size and Format

2.4.1. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, not including foldouts. Page line spacing shall be 1.5 lines. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than Arial 12 points. Offerors are prohibited from using other Arial fonts such as Arial Black, Arial Narrow or Arial Rounded MT Bold. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and 3/4 inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall apply to responses to Evaluation Notice (ENs).

2.4.1. Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated and shall not exceed 11 x 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume, and count as a single page. Foldout pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams and schematics; not for pages of text. The following limitation only applies to the Technical Volume. Text intended for evaluation within all figures, charts, tables, and graphs, to include imbedded images, shall be no less than Arial 8-pt. Any text within figures, charts, tables, and graphs which do not meet this requirement will not be considered in the evaluation.

2.5. Labeling

A cover sheet shall be included in each proposal volume, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification, and the Offeror’s name. For each proposal volume, the Offeror shall apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed IAW FAR 52.215-1(e), Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, and FAR 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.

2.6. Electronic Offers

All proposals shall be submitted using DoD SAFE, https://safe.apps.mil/. All interested Offerors must e-mail Kimberly Simms (kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil) in order to receive a request code to drop-off (upload) files in DoD SAFE. One of the Government Points of Contact (GPOCs) will send an e-mail to the Offeror acknowledging the request for a proposal drop-off code in DoD Safe. The GPOC e-mail acknowledging the request will

Subfactor 4 Program Transition

3.1, 3.2, 3.3 3.2.6 2.2.4 X008 A006, A007, A008

VOLUME II - PAST

PERFORMANCE (Factor 2)

N/A 4.0 2.3 N/A N/A

VOLUME III - PRICE (Factor 3) N/A 5.0 2.4 All CLINs N/A

7 (of 33) not be sent to the Offeror after close of business hours, weekends, or on nationally observed holidays. If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail from either of the GPOCs after 72 hours, you must send another e-mail. E-mails will not be returned after close of business hours, weekends, or on nationally observed holidays. After the e-mail request for a drop-off code has been sent from the Offeror and the Offeror has received the acknowledgment e-mail from either GPOC, the Offeror will then receive an e-mail from DoD SAFE to drop-off proposals and other requested documents. If the Offeror does not receive the e-mail from DoD SAFE the Offeror will need to check SPAM and JUNK folders before requesting another drop-off code from the GPOC. The request for drop-off is only valid for 14 days. If the 14 days has expired and the RFP is still open, the Offeror may send another e-mail request for drop-off code to the GPOCs e-mail addresses listed above.

Be advised that classified information is not allowed on DoD SAFE. Any files containing CUI/PII/PHI must be encrypted prior to uploading or by checking the “Encrypt every file” box. The Offeror is allowed to drop-off one or more files (up to 8GB total). The Offeror may select the box ‘Send me an e-mail when each recipient picks up the files” for documentation purposes. The GPOC will receive an automated e-mail containing the information the Offeror has entered and instructions for downloading the file(s). The GPOC will have 7 days to retrieve the files submitted in the drop-off. DoD SAFE does not guarantee delivery of documents within a specified time period under 4 hours.

All electronic documents and files submitted shall contain the volume number and title.

Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, required plans, exhibits, appendices, and attachments, if any. The Offeror shall submit volumes I through IV in electronic format. Each volume shall be submitted as a separate file. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Office 365 Word, MS Office 365 Excel, MS Office 365 Power Point, and Adobe PDF Note: files must be searchable and able to copy and paste. For amendment purposes to the proposal, the "original" proposal shall be clearly identified.

2.7. Distribution

2.7.1 Once the Offeror has uploaded the Offeror’s proposal in its entirety DoD SAFE, the Offeror shall take a screen shot (Print Screen function) of the Offeror’s DoD SAFE upload confirmation screen showing all the uploaded files included in the proposal submission. The Offeror shall notify the CO (Kimberly Simms) by email that the files have been uploaded and provide a copy of the DoD SAFE completed upload confirmation screen shot. If the proposal files are uploaded in their entirety prior to the proposal closing date and time, and the Offeror has notified the CO the files have been uploaded (notification is to include the DoD SAFE upload confirmation screen shot has also been provided), the proposal will be considered timely, even if the files are not accessible to the PCO in DoD SAFE until after the proposal closing date and time. If the Offeror fails to notify the CO by email, the files will be considered timely if they are accessible in DoD SAFE prior to the closing date and time. However, they will be considered late proposals, if they are not accessible until after the proposal date and time.

Email addresses are as follows:

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Kimberly Simms: kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil

3.0 Factor 1 – Technical

3.1. General

The Technical Volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these subfactors. Offerors shall assume that the government has no prior knowledge of their experience or facilities, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the proposal. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is neither necessary nor desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

3.2. Format and Specific Content

3.2.1. Technical

In the Technical Volume, address your proposed approach to meeting the minimum performance or capability requirements of each technical subfactor.

3.2.2. Volume Organization

The Technical Volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

(1) Team List Attach 2.0

(2) Table of Contents

(3) List of Table and Drawings

(4) Glossary

(5) Subfactor One – Program Management

(6) Subfactor Two – Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM)

(7) Subfactor Three – Equipment Repair

(8) Subfactor Four – Program Transition

3.2.3. Subfactor One: Program Management

The Offeror shall provide an approach for Program Management. As a minimum, the approach shall provide the following essential elements:

a. An approach describing the Offeror’s organization. As a minimum, the proposal must describe the Offeror’s organization chart, to include total overall personnel numbers, total personnel numbers for each specific area, and personnel’s level of experience/skillset. The approach shall describe how the offeror will successfully perform all contract requirements based on the number of proposed personnel. The proposal shall also include an approach for sustaining proposed personnel levels during the contract performance period IAW PWS 2.1.

b. Small Business Participation. As a minimum, the offeror must provide an approach for Small Business Participation. As a minimum, the approach must mailto:kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil

9 (of 33) demonstrate the offeror’s commitment to small business utilization during the performance of the contract. In addition, the Offeror shall submit a completed Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD) (ITO Attachment 3.0). Additionally, as a minimum, the offeror shall include the small business minimum quantitative requirement (MQR) of 15%. The Offeror shall describe their small business participation based on Total Evaluated Price (TEP) for this contract effort.

NOTE: The SBPCD differs from the subcontracting plan* requirements IAW FAR

19.7. Also, work to be performed directly by a small business prime offeror shall be evaluated as Small Business Participation. Small business prime offerors shall include their information in the provided SBPCD template, as required).

*The subcontracting plan will only be required within the Contract Volume per Section L paragraph 6.3.5

c. An approach describing the Offeror’s DMSMS program. As a minimum, the program must proactively manage, minimize, and mitigate DMSMS to include parts obsolescence or supplier mortality in order to provide cost effective life cycle support solutions IAW PWS 6.1.

3.2.4. Subfactor Two: Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM)

The Offeror shall provide an approach for PDM. As a minimum, the approach shall provide the following essential components:

a) An approach describing how the Offeror will perform PDM of AN/MSN-7. The approach must describe all steps from arrival to departure of assets, to include resolution of any system deficiencies IAW PWS 5.4.

b) An approach describing how the Offeror will transport the system. The approach must describe how the Offeror plans to document system condition at pickup/delivery of the asset, arrival at the Offeror’s facility, and shipment to/from the Offeror’s facility. The approach must also describe how the Offeror will address any potential shipping damage IAW PWS 5.4.1.

3.2.5. Subfactor Three: Equipment Repair

The Offeror shall provide an approach to repair all individual AN/MSN-7 equipment and parts IAW PWS 5.6

3.2.6. Subfactor Four: Program Transition

The Offeror shall provide program transition approach. As a minimum, the approach must include hiring, training of personnel, conducting joint inventories, facility preparation to assume CLS responsibilities, and a comprehensive schedule detailing transition milestone. The approach must also describe how the offeror will minimize disruption and impacts to the user community IAW PWS 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3.

4.0. Factor 2 – Past Performance

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4.1. General

4.1.1. Each offeror shall submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information in accordance with the format contained in Attachment 1.1 of the ITO. The Past Performance volume shall include a team list, which includes the prime contractor, all significant subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

The Offeror shall describe the portion of effort each team member is proposed to perform in relation to the Factor 1 Technical subfactors, Factor 3 Price, and Scope, Magnitude and Complexity. The Government Past Performance Evaluation Team (PPET) evaluates each member of the Offeror’s team for relevancy and performance quality, based on their proposed portion of effort. Therefore, it is important for the Offeror to provide a detailed portion of effort description, in order for the PPET to conduct an accurate assessment. Offerors shall also provide approximate percentages for portion of effort for each team member. For the Past Performance evaluation, the Government will use data provided by the Offeror in the Past Performance volume, as well as data obtained from other sources.

4.1.2. Attachment 1.4 Consent Letter. This letter shall be executed and signed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner. The letter authorizes the release of adverse past performance information to the Offeror so the Offeror can respond to such information.

4.1.3. Attachment 1.5 Client Authorization Letter. For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the Offeror shall submit a client authorization letter (Attachment 1.5) authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the Offeror’s performance.

4.1.4. Attachment 1.6 Commitment to Perform as Proposed Letter. This letter shall be executed and signed by the Prime contractor and each Subcontractor. The letter states that, in the event a contract is awarded to the Prime Contractor, the Prime Contractor and Subcontractor (to include teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners) commit to joint contract performance as described in the proposal. A separate letter shall be completed for each subcontractor separately. If the signed commitment is not fully executed by both parties and provided with the Past Performance Proposal, the subcontractor references will not be evaluated or considered. In the event the signed letter is not submitted with the initial proposal, but is later submitted during the evaluation, the subcontractor references will be considered at that point.

4.2. Early Proposal Information

4.2.1 Each offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance volume fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the solicitation closing date. The Past Performance volume early proposal information is a request, and not a requirement. Failure to submit early proposal information will not result in offeror disqualification, nor will offerors be penalized.

4.2.2. As soon as practicable, offerors shall complete Section 1 of the attached Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 1.2) and email it with the Performance

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Questionnaire Letter (Attachment 1.3) to all points of contact (POCs) the Offeror has listed in the PPIF (Attachment 1.1). The POCs will complete the questionnaires and forward them directly to the CO, Kimberly Simms. Email address for questionnaires is kimberly.simms.1@us.af.mil. RESPONDENTS TO THE QUESTIONNAIRES SHALL NOT SEND THE COMPLETED INFORMATION SHEETS BACK TO THE OFFEROR. Offerors shall not follow-up with respondents to ensure they have completed the questionnaires.

The PPET will conduct such follow-up with any POC as necessary.

4.3. Relevant Contracts

4.3.1. The Offeror shall provide Past Performance Information (PPI) on current or previous contracts (or efforts). The PPI shall be completed in accordance with Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Attachment 1.1, Past Performance Information Form (identified in this document as “PPIF”). The Offeror shall submit PPIFs for contracts which include all or some performance within the past three years, as defined in Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, para 2.3.2.1 Recency Assessment. Request each offeror submit up to three (3) PPIFs for the prime contractor, and up to three (3) PPIFs for each significant subcontractor/teaming partner. Significant subcontractor is defined as a contractor who is proposed to perform over 10% of the total effort, or a contractor who is proposed to perform less than 10% of the total effort, but is determined to be performing a critical function. NOTE: The requested number of PPIFs for the prime and subcontractors are preferences and not requirements. Offerors may submit more than the preferred number if the Offeror believes the extra contracts are needed to fully describe their relevancy. Offerors who submit less than the preferred number of PPIFs are not automatically assigned a “Neutral Confidence” rating. Fewer numbers may be acceptable, if the Government determines there is sufficient information to determine a confidence rating. Request each PPIF not exceed a target of 5 pages, although more or less may be submitted, if necessary and relevant to the AN/MSN-7 effort.

4.3.2. PPI Relevant Contract Narrative

For each PPIF, the Offeror shall provide a narrative explaining what aspects of the contract is deemed relevant to the proposed effort, and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. Specifically, the narrative should focus on similarities to the Factor 1 Technical subfactors, Factor 3 Price, and Scope, Magnitude, and Complexity, as defined in Section M, paragraph 2.3.2.2, and should be tailored to the proposed portion of effort.

Categorize the relevant information into the specific technical subfactors and price assessment used to evaluate the proposal. The narrative may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the Offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a Limited or No Confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The Offeror shall clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions, in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified.

This may allow the Offeror to be considered a higher confidence candidate. For example, submittal of quality performance indicators or other management indicators that clearly support that an offeror has overcome past problems is required. The Offeror is requested to limit the narrative to a maximum of 5 pages. However, the Offeror may exceed the requested page limit, if determined necessary to fully describe relevancy.

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4.3.3. If subcontractor experience is submitted for consideration as part of the proposal, the offeror should include a commitment signed by offeror and subcontractor certifying that if a contract is awarded resulting from the proposal, the parties commit to joint performance as proposed. If the signed commitment is not fully executed by both parties and provided with the Past Performance Proposal, subcontractor references will not be evaluated or considered.

Affiliate companies, sister companies, teaming arrangements, joint venture agreement, etc., will be considered, provided that sufficient documentation is included in the proposal.

The Prime contractor must demonstrate that the affiliate will perform significant and critical aspects of the contract if awarded. Proposal documentation should include a copy of the signed arrangement such as documented affiliation, a copy of the teaming agreement, a copy of the joint venture agreement, etc. If the required information is not included in the proposal, the proposed affiliate companies, sister companies, joint venture companies, etc. not be evaluated or considered.

4.3.4. Organizational Structure Change History

Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between the conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what past performance is relevant to this acquisition. To facilitate this relevancy determination, offeror’s shall include a "roadmap" describing all such changes in the organization of the offeror’s company. A pamphlet or other commercial document describing such reorganizations may suffice. As part of this explanation, show how these changes impact the relevance of any efforts you identify for past performance evaluation/performance confidence assessment. Since the Government intends to consider past performance information provided by other sources as well as that provided by the Offeror(s), the "roadmap" should be both specifically applicable to the efforts identified, yet general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources.

5.0. Factor 3 – Price

5.1. In the price volume, the Offeror shall provide the following information in addition to the Pricing Matrix . These instructions are to assist you in submitting information required to evaluate the reasonableness of your proposed price. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of your proposal.

5.2. General Instructions

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless you consider it essential to document or support your price position. All information relating to the proposed price including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.

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Offeror’s pricing proposal will be evaluated for reasonableness, balance, and realism.

Unreasonable and/or unrealistic proposed prices, initially or subsequently, may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition. Additionally, unbalanced pricing may pose an unacceptable risk to the Government and may render an Offeror’s proposal ineligible for award. Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their price reasonableness and balance. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the Offeror

5.2.1. Price Reasonableness

The Government will evaluate proposals for reasonableness. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition, but may also be determined through other price analysis techniques. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed costs/prices rests with the Offeror. Offerors shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices were developed (such as assumptions, historical data, projections, expertise, management decisions, etc.). It shall be noted that completeness is one aspect of price reasonableness. For completeness, the Offeror shall provide unit prices and/or rates for all listed items in the Pricing Matrix (Attachment X). If an Offeror’s proposed unit price or rate is zero, then the Offeror shall provide rationale to support the zero dollar/rate entry.

5.2.2 Balanced Pricing

The Government will evaluate proposals for balance. The Offeror is cautioned against submitting an offer which exhibits unbalanced pricing. Unbalanced pricing may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonable or unrealistic prices. For this acquisition, balanced pricing is determined with respect to year-to-year price variances for separately priced CLINs. Offerors shall provide rationale for any proposed CLIN price increase greater than 5% from one year to another, or any proposed CLIN price decrease from one year to another. Unexplained price variances from year-to-year could suggest unbalanced pricing. It is in the Offeror’s best interest to provide explanations or supporting rationale for any significant annual CLIN price variances.

To assist in the determination of balanced pricing, Offerors shall complete the attached Pricing Matrix (Attachment X). Completion of the Pricing Matrix allows efficient comparison of proposed pricing with the PWS requirements.

5.2.3 Price Realism

The Government will evaluate proposals for price realism to determine whether proposed prices are based on an adequate understanding of contract requirements and to ensure the proposed price does not pose an unacceptable risk to performance. The Government may also use other evaluation techniques, as needed. To evaluate price realism, the Government may use one or more of the price analysis techniques described in FAR 15.404. Offerors shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices were developed (such as assumptions, historical data, projections, expertise, management decisions, etc). All proposed prices shall be sufficient and adequately proposed to ensure performance is not at an unacceptable risk with prices proposed too low.

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5.2.4. Total Evaluated Price (TEP)

Offerors shall complete the Pricing Matrix (Attachment X). Offerors must ensure all required proposed pricing is provided in the Pricing Matrix, ensuring all periods of performance are priced. The TEP is calculated as the sum of the basic period (12-months), eight one-year options, and a 6-month extended service option. The Pricing Matrix will be used for all pricing.

The Best Estimated Quantities (BEQ) provided in the Pricing Matrix (Attachment X) are based on historical data and future projected requirements. All such quantities will be used for evaluation purposes only and do not obligate the Government to exercise options or guarantee such quantities during the contract period of performance.

5.3 Pricing Information Requirements/Data Other than Certified Pricing Data Price analysis techniques shall be used to ensure fair and reasonable pricing IAW FAR 15.404-1(b). Providing information to assist with pricing evaluation to further support proposed pricing will expedite the source selection process.

In accordance with FAR 15.403-3-1(b), prices based on adequate price competition do not require submission of cost or pricing data. In accordance with FAR 15.403-3(a), however, information other than cost or pricing data may be required to support price reasonableness. FAR 15.403-3(a)(1) provides for obtaining information other than cost or pricing data if needed to determine price reasonableness. Therefore, the FAR does not preclude the requirement for obtaining other than cost or pricing data under certain circumstances and the Government reserves the right to obtain data as appropriate.

Should the CO determine proposed prices to appear unreasonable or the possibility that an Offeror does not fully understand the requirement, the Offeror may be required to support price reasonableness via other than cost or pricing data. If, after receipt of proposals, the CO determines that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the Offeror shall be required to submit cost or pricing data.

5.3.1. Rounding

All dollar amounts shall be rounded to the nearest penny. The Material Handling rate shall be rounded to four decimal places to the right of the decimal point. If any pricing proposal deviates from this format, the Government will apply the specified format to determine the extended pricing and Total Evaluated Price (TEP).

5.4 Pricing Support Information

5.4.1. Explanation of Specific Estimating Techniques and Methods Explain the methodology used to estimate costs/prices in the development of the Offeror’s proposed pricing. A variety of estimating techniques and methods are acceptable as a basis of estimate in proposed pricing. When responding to the Price Volume requirements in the solicitation, the Offeror and associated Subcontractors may use any generally acceptable estimating techniques consistent with the Offerors Disclosure Statement as appropriate, and if required based on current contracts per Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) policy and guidance. Acceptable contemporary

15 (of 33) estimating methods can include Cost-to-Cost and Cost-to-Non-Cost Estimating Relationships, commercially available parametric price models, in-house developed parametric price models, commercial catalogs, etc. In addition, the Offeror is required to provide a summary of the estimating system, purchasing system, and accounting system and provide an explanation of any deviations used in the development of the Pricing Volume. If there are no deviations then state accordingly in Section 2 of the Price Volume.

5.4.2. Past Experience Basis of Estimate

Where price estimates are based on past experience, identify the past experience;

explain how the past experience relates to the current effort including similarities and differences and how price data available from the past experiences was adapted to the current effort pricing.

5.4.3. Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision If proposed prices to perform the proposed effort have been decreased due to a management decision, provide a summary of the reduction by major pricing element (e.g., material, labor, overhead, etc.). Also, provide complete rationale for the reduction.

Provide the estimated dollar and percentage of the reduction, explaining how such reductions are ensured not to increase performance risk to the Government. If the Offeror has not proposed any price reductions then state accordingly in Section 2 of the Price Volume.

5.4.4. Subcontractor Pricing

Submit a list of the proposed probable Subcontractors showing (a) the supplier, (b) description of effort, and (c) type of contract. As Prime Contractor, documentation is required to demonstrate Subcontractor commercial quotes are considered fair and reasonable. Include a detailed description of your process/methodology for evaluating Subcontractor pricing and a determination of subcontractor proposed prices as fair and reasonable. Offerors are required to provide an explanation of how indirect costs (Including Material Handling costs), General and Administrative (G&A) and profit are applied to Subcontractor proposed prices and whether all Subcontractor costs, including indirect rates (particularly Material Handling rates), G&A, and profit are included as a total subcontract amount (i.e., Prime treats all Subcontractor/vendor costs as their direct cost to which the Prime applies their own indirect costs, G&A, cost of money (COM) and profit).

5.4.5. Price Assumptions Used in Development of Proposed Pricing All significant assumptions, scope limitations and/or qualifications affecting the pricing proposal shall be addressed and explained. If there are no proposed price assumptions then state accordingly in Section 2 of the Price Volume.

5.4.6. Over & Above (O&A)/Ceiling Rates

CLINs X007 includes rates for labor and material handling. These rates will be utilized on O&A requirements associated with task orders. Proposed rates shall be provided for each year of the performance periods. All rates shall be proposed as FFP rates. FFP rates are those rates proposed for all performance periods and are considered fixed at the proposed amount. Offerors are required to provide a statement in Section 3 of the

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Price Volume indicating their understanding that proposed ceiling rates will apply to all out-years (period of performance beyond year one of the basic period) despite what current actuals are running at the time.

5.4.6.1. Labor Wrap Rates

Proposed labor rates shall be proposed as FFP, fully burdened rates valid for all contract performance years for CLIN X007. These labor wrap rates shall be proposed at sufficient dollar amounts to adequately cover any and all fluctuations and actual costs in contract performance out-years. All rates should be proposed with sufficiently high ceiling rates to ensure adequate coverage of all labor costs, all indirect costs, including G&A, COM, and so forth as well as prime and subcontractor profit in every contract out-year.

5.4.6.2 Material Handling

Material Handling shall be proposed as FFP, fully burdened rates valid for all contract performance years under CLIN X007. This material handling rate shall represent all applicable indirect costs, including profit, as well as costs associated with planning, obtaining, and managing direct material and subcontractor costs. The proposed material handling rate is considered a ceiling rate that is fixed at the rate proposed regardless of what the actuals are running in contract out-years.

5.4.7. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)

It is the responsibility of the Offeror and the subsequent contract awardee to comply with the SCLS. In Section 3 of the Price Volume, a table shall be provided conforming (linking) the Offeror’s proposed job categories/skill levels considered subject to the SCLS with the job categories/skill levels of the regional Area Wage Determination (AWD). This cross-reference provides a tie between the labor categories/skill levels proposed and the labor categories/skill levels listed in the SCLS AWD.

5.4.8 Accounting System

Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) determines the adequacy of a contractor’s accounting system following an audit performed by Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). Any potential contract awardee must have his accounting system determined adequate before contract award can be made.

The Offeror shall state whether the accounting system has been reviewed and determined adequate by the Government and provide evidence of the review and approval by DCAA/DCMA. The Offeror shall provide any known/cited accounting system deficiencies and identify any deviations from the Offeror’s standard procedures in preparing this proposal. For known/cited accounting system or methods non-compliances, provide a schedule and description of corrective actions the Offeror is taking to eliminate the non-compliance issues. If there are no deviations, then state accordingly in Section 1 of the Price Volume.

If the Offeror does not currently have an adequate accounting system, the Offeror shall complete and submit the attached “Contractor Self Assertion - Pre-Award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist.” Contract Award will not be delayed awaiting an Offeror to receive determination of adequacy of their accounting

17 (of 33) system.

5.4.9. Government Field Support Agencies

Identify the cognizant DCAA and Defense Contract Management Agency office responsible for administration of the Offeror’s Government contracts.

5.4.10. Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Material (GFP/GFE/GFM) Provide assumptions regarding usage of all GFP, including GFE and GFM as reflected in your pricing proposal.

5.4.11. Contractor Furnished Property/Equipment/Tooling/Material

(CFP/CFE/CFT/CFM)

Provide assumptions regarding usage of all CFP, including CFE and CFM as reflected in your pricing proposal. It is the contractor’s responsibility to obtain property, equipment, tooling, and/or material required for performance of this contract.

5.4.12. Other Documentation

Other documentation considered by Offerors to be essential for support of proposed prices shall be presented in this section. As this effort is a FFP contract, all risk associated with fluctuations in estimated quantities, subcontractor pricing at all tiers, market changes, etc., is to be considered and priced into the proposed prices.

5.4.13. Submission of Pricing Matrix

Submit the completed Pricing Matrix (Attachment X) in support of the proposed TEP.

The proposed pricing in the Pricing Matrix submitted must be consistent with your approved estimating system and must duplicate the logic and mathematical formulas reflected in the Price Volume. The Pricing Matrix submitted must comply with the following format requirements:

a. Data file shall be submitted to the Solicitation PCO via DoD SAFE (safe.apps.mil)

b. Data file shall be .XLS file format (MS Office 365-Excel) without passwords or hidden information

5.5. Volume Organization

The Price volume shall consist of the following sections to include Title Page, Table of Contents, List of Tables and Figures, and Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms:

SECTION 1 – Include your rationale in response to the following paragraphs in Section 1, along with a Table of Contents

5.2.1. – Price Reasonableness

5.2.2. – Balanced Pricing

5.2.3. – Price Realism

5.3. – Pricing Information Requirements

5.3.1. – Rounding

SECTION 2 - Include your response to the following paragraphs in Section 2.

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5.4. – Pricing Support Information

5.4.1. – Explanation of Specific Estimating Techniques and Methods

5.4.2. – Past Experience Basis of Estimate

5.4.3. – Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision

5.4.4. – Subcontractor Pricing

5.4.5. – Price Assumptions Used in Development of Proposed Pricing

SECTION 3 - Include your response to the following paragraphs in Section 3.

5.4.6. – Rates (Labor/Material)

5.4.7. – Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)

5.4.8 – Accounting System

5.4.9. – Government Field Support Agencies

5.4.10. – Government Furnished Property/Equipment/Material (GFP/GFE/GFM)

5.4.11. - Contractor Furnished Property/Equipment/Tooling/Material

(CFP/CFE/CFT/CFM)

5.4.12 - Other Documentation

SECTION 4 – Include your response to the following paragraphs in Section 4.

5.4.13. – Submission of Pricing Matrix

6.0. Contract Documentation

6.1. Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. The offeror's proposal shall include a signed copy of the Model Contract.

6.1.1. Solicitation/Contract Form

Completion of blocks 12, 17 and signature and date for blocks 30a, 30b and 30c of the SF1449. Signature by the offeror on the SF1449 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept. The "original" copy should be clearly marked under separate cover.

6.1.2. Contract Clauses

The offeror shall provide required information to complete clauses as required.

6.1.3. Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors The offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM) website at https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM database information, the offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representation and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.204- 8, Annual Representations and Certifications are correct.

6.2. Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

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Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions,…