Draft RFP Section L - 3 February.docx

L-1 Information to Offerors and Instructions for Proposal Preparation Program Title and Objectives NGC2 is a clean-sheet, fundamentally different approach for an Army-wide, data-centric transformation that enables our commanders to make more, faster, and better decisions than the enemy. NGC2 modernization is driven by continuous iteration of flexible requirements, vendor teaming and competition throughout the life cycle, and governance by an AFC product owner and ASA(ALT) program manager working together to plan and rapidly execute capability drops. This approach enables continuous integration and continuous deliver (CI/CD) of a secure, high performing, and adaptive technology stack for data and network architecture for varying operations in environments spanning from enterprise connected and cloud-enabled through austere and communication degraded. Delivering NGC2 will require process innovation across requirements, resourcing, acquisition and contracting.

This contract shall enable the NCG2 ecosystem at every echelon, the NGC2 ecosystem enables tactical edge survivability by allocating resources to optimize data orchestration and offer tailorability of commanders’ information needs.

General Instructions This section of the information and instructions to Offerors 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 request for proposal (RFP) and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this information and instructions to Offerors may result in removal of the proposal from further evaluation.

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 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.

Elaborate brochures or documentation, detailed artwork, internet hyperlinks, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

Proposals in response to this solicitation shall be valid for 180 calendar days unless a longer period is proposed.

In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Unless the Offeror requests otherwise, the Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful proposals.

General Information Point of Contact (POC) The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Contracting Officer (KO) is the sole POC for this acquisition. Address any written questions or concerns you may have to the Contracting Specialist (KS)/KO listed in Section A. Written requests for clarification must be sent to the KS/KO at the address located in Section A of the solicitation.

Questions and 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 KS/KO in writing. Initial notifications to the KO/KS shall occur no later than ten (10) business days after solicitation release, any subsequent amendment release is subject to only a two (2) business day notification window.

A business day, under this solicitation, is defined as Monday through Friday except the legal public holidays specified in 5 U.S.C. 6103. A business day under this solicitation ends at 4:30 p.m. ET.

This procurement is subject to DFARS 215.306 and therefore, the intent of the Government is to favor discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to exercise its discretion not to enter into discussions in accordance with DFARS 215.306 if it is determined that discussions are inappropriate. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms.

Electronic Reference Documents All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Sam.gov website apart from those attachments which are Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or Export Controlled. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the Sam.Gov website for this solicitation.

In order to be eligible to receive the CUI and/or Export controlled Attachments, interested Offerors must supply:

TBD

Access for controlled documents will not be granted after the solicitation closing date.

Parties that followed the above steps and gained access under the Draft RFP and/or Special Notice do not need to resubmit if all data remains valid and current. Email the above address recertifying documents are still valid along with providing the POC that requested access via Sam.Gov.

Once cleared, access will be granted access to protected attachments via Sam.Gov.

Communications Exchanges of source selection information between Government and Offerors will be controlled by the KO. Email may be used to transmit such information to Offerors only if the email can be sent and received encrypted and includes “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line or sent via DOD SAFE via: https://safe.apps.mil. Requests for a Drop-off link must be submitted to the KO/KS in writing two (2) business days prior to submittal of source selection information if required.

Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table 2.2 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 2.2. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the information and instructions to Offerors paragraph as noted in the table below.

Table 2.2 – Proposal Organization

X

Part A

Part B

Part C

X

Part A

Part B

Part C

X

Part B

X

Part A

Part B

Part C

Part D

Part E

Part F

Part G

Page Limitations Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may 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. Page limitations shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information; such inclusions are not acceptable and will not be considered part of the proposal. The Government reserves the right not to consider for award any proposal that does not adhere to the administrative requirements of this solicitation. Each page shall be counted except the following: Cover pages, tables of contents, glossaries, tabs, generic resumes, organization change history, and organizational and consultant conflicts of interest mitigation plans.

Page Size and Format 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. Pages shall be single spaced typed with 1.5 blank line spacing between paragraphs. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 10-point Ariel/Ariel Narrow, Times New Roman, or Courier New font for all text. The technical volume of the proposal is to be submitted as a Microsoft 365 Product or PDF document. 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 ¾-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall also apply to responses to ENs. All volumes of the proposal must be submitted as a Microsoft 365 Office Product or PDF document.

Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point Ariel/Ariel Narrow, Times New Roman, or Courier New font for all text included in a table. 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 Numbering The Offeror shall use a standard page numbering system to facilitate proposal references. Consecutive page numbering within volume parts is preferred, e.g., page I-2-5, indicates Volume I, Part 2, page 5. Charts, graphs and other insert materials shall be page-numbered as part of the page numbering system.

Proposal Cover The Cover of the proposal must show: 1) the solicitation number; and 2) the Offeror(s) name, address, telephone number, and email address.

Proposal Title Page The Title page of the proposal, inclusive within Volume I, must show:

1) A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation; and

2) Offer expiration date; and

3) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror's behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation; and

4) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent's authority, unless that evidence has been previously furnished to the issuing office; and

5) Offerors shall submit proposals in response to this solicitation in English and in U.S. dollars; and

6) Restriction on disclosure and use of data.

Note: It is recommended to provide multiple point of contacts to #3 and #4 above in the event the Government is unable to reach personnel identified. The Government will not extend any established due dates because of late receipt or failed to deliver notices with Offerors.

Cross-Referencing To the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents does not reference other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal.

Cross-referencing, excluding cost or pricing information, within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

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.

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

Electronic Offers In response to this solicitation, proposals shall be received electronically to the KO and KS. The maximum allowed submission per email is 20MB; submissions may be provided in multiple emails. DOD SAFE is also an approved method of proposal submittals. Offerors may submit a request for a DOD SAFE drop via email to the KO and KS two (2) business days in advance if they do not have access via Common Access Card (CAC).

Due Date/Time The initial proposal due date/time is 1:00PM, Eastern Time (ET), on XX March 2025. Any proposal, modification, or revision that is received by ACC-APG after this exact time is “late” and will be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208(b) and subparagraphs thereto.

Volume I – Executive Summary In the executive summary volume, the Offeror shall provide the following information:

Part A – Narrative Summary The narrative summary of the entire proposal should be concise, highlighting any key or unique features, excluding cost/price. The salient features should tie in with Section M evaluation factors/subfactors. Define direct lines of control, responsibility, functional relationships, and authority among the organizational elements, including proposed teaming partners, joint ventures and/or significant subcontractors’ arrangements. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

Part B – Table of Contents Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal. Table of Contents does not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

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

Volume II –Technical The technical proposal shall NOT include cost/price information or classified information.

General The Technical Volume should be specific and complete. The Offeror’s responses will be evaluated in accordance with the technical factors defined in Section M-2, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology the Offeror will use for accomplishing/satisfying these factors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

Format and Specific Content The Technical volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

Part A – Factor 2: Prototype White Paper Each Offeror shall propose a technical white paper in response to Attachment 000X- Prototype Statement of Objectives (SOO) requirements.

Prototype Response Requirements:

The Offeror shall propose a feasible and innovative approach demonstrating how the Offeror’s prototype solution will be selected, designed, integrated, and tested without loss of capability and in alignment with Attachment 000X – Prototype SOO requirements. All proposed approaches shall also consider all applicable cost, schedule, and performance risks.

Part B– Factor 3: Prototype Technical Capabilities Each Offeror shall provide a self-score card in alignment with the Offeror’s Factor 2 white paper, Attachment 000X – Prototype SOO requirements and Attachment 000X – Prototype Technical self-score card requirements. Offeror responses shall use the template provided as Attachment 000X – Prototype SOO requirements.

Part C – Factor 4: Prototype Teaming Letters of Intent Each Offeror shall propose teaming letters of intent in alignment with the Offeror’s Factor 2 white paper, Attachment 000X – Prototype SOO requirements and Attachment 000X – Teaming Letters of Intent template. Offeror responses shall use the template provided as Attachment 000X – Teaming Letters of Intent template.

Volume III – Factor 1 - Past Performance / Experience General Each Offeror must submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information in accordance with this section. This information is required for the Offeror and significant subcontractor(s). Significant subcontractor(s) are defined as a subcontractor who is proposed to perform aspects of the effort the Offeror considers critical to overall successful performance. Offerors are cautioned that the Government will use data provided by each Offeror in this volume and data obtained from other sources in the evaluation of past performance including Government knowledge of the Offeror and its team partners past performance with the agency.

Volume Organization The Past Performance volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

Part A – Relevant Past Performance Contracts describing the role of the Offeror and each significant subcontractor(s) that the Offeror is required to provide Past Performance Information Sheets (Attachment 000X).

Part B – Subcontractor(s)Consent Letters executed by each significant subcontractor(s) authorizing the release of past performance information so the Offeror can respond to and use such information.

Relevant Contracts Submit information in accordance with the format contained in Attachment 000X - Past Performance Information. Submit data on no more than three (3) recent contracts, including a significant subcontractor(s), that is considered most relevant in demonstrating the Offeror’s ability to perform the proposed effort. See Section M-2.2.4 and M-2.2.5 for a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining recency and relevance.

The Offeror shall submit past performance information on no more than a total of three (3) contracts/task orders (including past performance information submitted for significant subcontractor(s)). If an Offeror submits past performance information for an indefinite delivery contract for any significant subcontractor(s), then the Offeror must identify a specific task order under the indefinite delivery contract.

Recent contracts are considered efforts that the prime Offeror and its teaming partners, or significant subcontractors have performed within the past five (5) years prior to issuance of this solicitation. Any ongoing effort must be in performance at least nine (9) months before the proposal due date to be considered.

Specific Content Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This 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 an unacceptable assessment, 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 is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified.

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 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 procurement. To facilitate this relevancy determination, include in this proposal volume (Part A) a "roadmap" describing all such changes in the organization of the company, applicable for significant subcontractor(s) as well. 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 identified 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 Offerors, the "roadmap" should be both specifically applicable to the efforts identified and general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources.

Volume IV – Contract Documentation 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 must include a signed copy of the solicitation and completion of Sections A through K. This includes small business subcontracting plan information.

Part A - Section A – Solicitation/Contract Form Completion of blocks 15A/B,16, 17, and 18 of the SF33. Signature by the Offeror on the SF33 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept.

Section B – Services or Supplies and Costs/Prices No pricing information will be filled in by the Government at contract award. A separate Section B is not required in Volume V.

Section I – Contract Clauses The Offeror shall comply with the clauses provided in Section I. Please note that many clauses require the prime contractor to include the same or similar clause in contracts with subcontractors.

Part B - Section K – Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors Offerors must comply with the clause in Section I – 52.204-7 entitled “System for Award Management,” and submit a copy of their entity dashboard view from Sam.gov with their proposal. The KO/KS will check the System for Award Management (SAM) for all proposals received. Offerors who are not registered in SAM will be advised of the need to register. An Offeror may be determined ineligible for contract award if not registered within SAM at time of award. Offerors are also required to complete additional representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements reflected in Section K of this solicitation.

Other Information Required Authorized Offeror Personnel Provide information as outlined in Section 2.2.5 items 3 and 4.

Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations Provide company/division's street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code; TIN; size of business (small or other than small); and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract will be performed at any other locations. List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor(s), and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.

Part C - Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan The Offeror shall submit an OCI Mitigation Plan to the KO which concisely describes all relevant facts concerning any past, present or current planned interest, (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) relating to work to be performed under the NGC2 IDIQ contract that will or may result in an actual or potential OCI. The OCI Mitigation Plan shall explain how the OCI will be minimized to a level acceptable to the Government. The OCI Mitigation Plan shall include identified subcontractor OCIs, if applicable.

An OCI Mitigation Plan is required to be submitted by Offerors even if no OCIs are present or identified. All OCI Mitigation Plans shall address the criteria as identified in Section M 2.6.2.

Non-Government Advisors Offerors are advised that employees of the firm identified below may serve as non-government advisors in the source selection process. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. Such firm are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition.

Company Names and Non-Government Advisors are:

TBD

In accomplishing their duties related to the source selection process, the aforementioned firm may require access to proprietary information contained in the Offerors' proposals. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505-4, these firm must execute an agreement with each Offeror that states that they will (1) protect the Offerors’ information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it remains proprietary and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each Offeror must contact the above firm to effect execution of such an agreement prior to the submission of proposals. Each Offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their proposal. Note: This requirement shall flow down to all Subcontractors.

Attachments to the Contract The Offeror shall provide the following, which will be incorporated in the resultant award if selected.

Part D – Factor 5 - Small Business Participation (TBD)

Small Business Subcontracting Plan Other Than Small Businesses (OTSB) shall provide a Small Business Subcontracting Plan that contains all of the elements required by FAR 52.219-9. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan, at a minimum, shall address the elements set forth in FAR Clause 52.219-9(d)(1) through (15). OTSB Firms shall submit acceptable subcontracting plans to be eligible for award. Subcontracting plans will only be reviewed for acceptability for Offeror(s) deemed to be apparent awardee. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be incorporated into the resultant contract and is excluded from the small business page count limit.

Part E – Government Furnished Property Compliance The Offeror shall provide a Property Management Plan to describe its approach to managing GFP throughout performance of this contract per FAR 45.201(c)(4). This plan shall address each of the outcomes described below (6.7.2.1) and how it is addressed within the Offeror’s written Property Management System Procedures. The Government will review the Offeror’s Property Management Plan on the basis for compliance with FAR 45.201(c)(4) and solicitation requirements. Failure to submit a compliant Property Management Plan with the proposal may result in the Offeror being ineligible for award.

Outcome Description The Property Management Plan shall address the following:

1) Acquisition –Offerors shall describe how property acquisitions, Government-furnished property (GFP) and/or contractor-acquired property (CAP), are documented, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(i).

2) Receipt – Offerors shall describe how property receipt of all GP is documented, recorded, and identified, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(ii) and DFARS 252.211-7007(f).

3) Records – Offerors shall describe how property records are created and maintained, per FAR 52.245- 1(f)(1)(iii).

4) Physical Inventory – Offerors shall describe a method to perform, record, and disclose physical inventory results, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(iv). Offerors shall also disclose frequency of inventories.

5) Subcontractor Control – Offerors shall describe whether contractual terms and conditions are flowed down to subcontractors, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(v)(A). Offerors shall outline how subcontracts are properly administered and when reviews of subcontractor Property Management Systems are performed, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(v)(B).

6) Reports – Offerors shall describe a process to create and provide property-related reports, per FAR 52.245- 1(f)(1)(vi).

7) Relief of Stewardship Responsibility and Liability – Offerors shall describe a process to recognize, investigate, and report losses of Government property, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(vii) and DFARS 252.245-7002.

8) Utilization – Offerors shall describe how Government property is to be used, consumed, moved, and stored, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(viii).

9) Maintenance – Offerors shall describe how Government property is to be maintained, and when property requiring replacement and/or capital rehabilitation is to be reported to the Property Administrator, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(ix).

10) Property Closeout – Offerors shall outline how property closeout is performed and when it is reported to the Property Administrator, per FAR 52.245-1(f)(1)(x) and 252.245-7004 (Deviation).

Additionally, the Offeror shall describe the use of the CAP Pre-Screening of the GFP Module in PIEE for any Contractor inventory (as defined in FAR 52.245-1) during the performance of the contract and for contract closeout.

Offeror’s submission shall also include a description of the Property Management System and any customary commercial practices, voluntary consensus standards, or industry-leading practices and standards to be used in managing Government property.

Part F- Other Information Offeror’s submission shall include all other information required to meet solicitation requirement, such as contractor responses to clauses, and other company specific information as required to support the KO responsibility and compliance review.

Part G - Cross Reference Matrix To the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with a minimum of cross referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

The Offeror shall prepare a Cross Reference Matrix cross referencing all RFP requirements of sections L and M to the location of the Offeror’s responses in their proposal. The Cross Reference Matrix provides reference information but is not evaluated. The Offeror’s format is acceptable.

L-2