DRAFT TATPE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP).docx

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

Solicitation Number: W911QY22R0017

Date of Issue: 24 May 2022

Description/Title of Services: Tactical Advanced Threat Protective Ensemble (TATPE) Location of Services: TBD Questions Deadline: TBD Closing Date and Time: TBD

NAICS CODE: 315210 (Cut & Sew Apparel Contractors)

**Note: This is a draft RFP. Please provide any questions or comments NLT 4 June 2022. The final RFP is anticipated to be released the 2nd week of June and will close after 30 days.

1.0 RFP SUMMARY

This is a RFP for the manufacture of the Tactical Advanced Threat Protective Ensemble (TATPE) effort for up to two (2) years, provided under a firm fixed price contract. The Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground, Natick Division (ACC-APG NCD) has a requirement derived from the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to provide a contract for the TATPE to address the need to perform tactical operations in a high-level protective posture. The objective was to identify capabilities and technologies to increase Special Operations Forces (SOF) operators’ tactical performance and duration in a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threat environment.

The Tactical Advanced Threat Protective Ensemble (TATPE) system consists of a protective garment with socks and gloves that integrates with the M53A1 Protective Mask and hydration system, two Self Contained Breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), and a cooling system for the ensemble. The SCBA respirator is encapsulated and, upon donning, connects to the Protective Mask and a hydration system. Beneath the impermeable garment, a commercial off-the-shelf microclimate cooling (MCC) vest is worn. The MCC system includes an individual cooling unit and battery affixed to the SCBA carriage that connects to a liquid pass-through to the cooling vest.

This contract will focus specifically on the production and delivery of the TATPE suite and load carriage.

1.1.1 Objective:

The TATPE effort was executed by the Department of Defense, and the resulting technical drawings and garment patterns will be made available as Government Furnished Information (GFI) to the awardee of the resulting contract. The selected contractor shall be responsible for supplying all materials and manufacturing the TATPE required protective overgarments in 12 sizes. Please note that each suit will be fitted with a Type II (Y sock) design and the load carriage will be Type I. The materials (stretch and non-stretch) selected for use in the TATPE production are produced by W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. It is a requirement that the contractor selected for this effort must be a W. L. Gore & Associates certified manufacturer. Initial order will consist of first article tests of 12 garments and 3 load carriages. A second order will consist of 238 TATPE garments and 65 load carriages. The government may exercise an additional option for 538 garments and 130 load carriages. If all options are exercised, the total number of TATPE ensembles to be procured is 1,000.

1.2 A sample CLIN structure is as follows:

Base Period:

CLIN

0001 – First Article Test (FAT) TATPE Garment Type II (Y sock) design to occur 180 days after award of delivery order. The contractor will deliver one (1) each of every size tariff identified in the Purchase Description for a total of twelve (12) garments.

CLIN

0002 – First Article Test (FAT) TATPE Load Carriage Type I to occur 180 days after award of delivery order. The contractor will deliver three (3) load carriages.

CLIN

0003 – Produce and deliver 238 TATPE Garments Type II (Y sock) design within 30 days after government notification of successful completion of FAT in the sizes and quantities identified in the table below.

CLIN

0004 – Produce and deliver 65 TATPE Load Carriages Type I within 30 days after government notification of successful completion of FAT in the sizes and quantities identified in the table below.

YEAR 1 OPTION ITEMS

All options to be delivered within 6 months after exercise of option.

OPTION CLIN

1001- Produce and deliver 538 TATPE Garments with Type II (Y sock) design

OPTION CLIN

1002 - Produce and deliver 130 TATPE Load Carriages with Type I Respirator Kit.

NOTE: The Government’s total requirement is up to 1,000 TATPE ensembles throughout the life of this contract and will consist of an assortment of the sizes identified herein.

1.3 The Offeror’s proposal shall be in full compliance with the instructions in this RFP. The proposal (to include Cost/Price information) shall be valid for a minimum of 120 calendar days after due date for RFPs.

1.4 This RFP includes the following attachments:

Attachment 1: TATPE Purchase Description (PD) Attachment 2: TATPE Hydration Cooling Load Carriage Kit Purchase Description (PD) Attachment 3: Government Provided Patterns- Over Garment PD22_05 TYPE II Attachment 4: DD Form 1423, Contract Data Requirements List Attachment 5: Price Proposal Template

1.5 Type of Contract: It is anticipated that all CLINs under this contract will be firm fixed priced.

1.6 The award of this contract is anticipated to be made during third Quarter FY22.

1.7 Deliveries/Period of Performance:

The anticipated Period of Performance for the effort is inclusive of options is 24 months beginning with the award of the contract.

2.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS:

2.1 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

2.1.1 Offerors may submit ONLY one written technical and cost proposal (without citations for or linkages to websites) in response to the Purchase Descriptions (PDs), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) and all other requirements specified in the solicitation. The proposal is to be prepared in accordance with Section 3.0 (including subparagraphs) of this solicitation.

2.1.2 In order for proposals to receive full consideration for award, the Offeror shall ensure that the information furnished in support of the proposal is factual, accurate, complete and defensible. Failure to provide the information requested by the solicitation may render the Offeror’s proposal incomplete and ineligible for further consideration for award.

2.1.3 Questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing and directed via e-mail to dan.l.adams2.civ@army.mil, Contracting Officer, thomas.s.wallace3.civ@army.mil, Contract Specialist. All correspondence must reference Solicitation Number W911QY22R0017. The cut-off for questions is TBD PM Eastern Time. Any answers that the Government provides will be distributed electronically via an amendment to the solicitation. However, the identity of the person or company asking the question(s) will not be disclosed. If Offerors have any questions related to this solicitation, they should ask those questions (even if those same questions have been previously asked and answered as part of any Draft solicitation that may have been released).

2.1.4 Proposal Submission: All proposal submissions are due TBD. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to assure its proposal is received by the date and time specified above. In accordance with FAR 15.208, if your proposal is not received at the initial point of entry to the Government by the exact date and time specified above, it may be determined late, may not be evaluated, and may not be considered for Award. Proposal, as the term is used here, means ALL volumes and parts of the solicitation, inclusive of subcontractor proposal submissions.

2.1.4.1 Offerors having subcontractors not submitting proposals through the Prime shall submit proposals directly to the Government via email to Thomas.s.wallace3.civ@army.mil. All subcontractor proposals shall clearly indicate the Prime Contractor for which they are proposing within the proposal and file name. File names shall be formatted as: PRIME-subcontractor “volume name” date. Example: ACME-xyz corp COST 090116.pdf.

2.1.4.2 Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov and have a SAM Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code.

2.1.5 Incorporation of Proposals. The Government reserves the right to incorporate portions of the successful offeror’s proposal into the resultant contract.

2.1.6 Participation of Commercial Firms in the Evaluation Process: None

2.1.7 Costs incurred for proposal preparation will not be reimbursed by the Government.

2.1.8 Proposal Preparation Instructions

2.1.8.1 Format: The Offeror(s) shall submit Technical, Management, Small Business Utilization, Past Performance, and Cost/Price Information in separate files as specified below, replacing “xxxx” (refer to Table 3.0 PROPOSAL CONTENT) with the Offeror’s name and the date of the proposal. Example, Acme COST 090116.xls or similar. The Offeror shall ensure that all required documents are included in the proposal.

2.1.8.2 All information the Offeror wishes to have considered must be submitted with the proposal and shall be confined to the appropriate volume and within the specified page limitation. Offerors are cautioned that the Government will not consider or evaluate any information that is not included in the appropriate volume as required, or any information that exceeds the margin, font, or number of pages allowed. Pages exceeding the limitation will be removed from the proposal prior to evaluation and will not be considered.

2.1.8.3 Indices to include table of acronyms, table of contents, cross-reference matrices between the proposal and the solicitation shall be used to ensure that all pertinent sections of the proposal are fully understood. The table of acronyms, table of contents, and cross-reference matrices do not count towards page limits. The cross-reference matrix shall identify the location of all major topics provided in each volume.

2.1.8.4 The title page for each volume shall include: volume number, volume subject, full company name and all information required by 2.1.4. The title pages do not count towards page limits.

2.1.8.5 Each volume shall be as brief as possible, yet consistent with a complete submission. Pages shall not exceed 8.5 inches in width and 11 inches in length, with one-inch margins on each side and top and bottom; however, charts, matrices, or schedules may be used and will count as a single page. The Offeror shall number all pages within each volume.

2.1.8.6 The Offeror’s proposal shall use a 12-point font, Times New Roman (graphics, figures, tables, or electronic spreadsheets - 10-point font). Offerors may utilize six (6) point font for “Use or Disclosure” and export disclaimers in the footer of the document.

2.1.8.7 The Offeror shall provide sufficient detail in a clear and concise manner to completely and logically address the evaluation factors and criteria. The Government does not desire excess verbiage, unnecessary and elaborate brochures, or lengthy, repetitious, disorganized presentations beyond that sufficient to present a complete and clear offer. Such presentations may be construed as an indication of the Offeror’s lack of understanding of the requirement. All Offerors are reminded that unsupported promises to comply with the contractual requirements will not be sufficient. Proposals shall not merely parrot back the contractual requirements, but rather their proposal shall support any statements relating to the proposed performance.

2.1.8.8 The Offeror shall include cost information ONLY in Volume III Cost/Price. Inclusion of cost data in other volumes will result in the removal of each page or tab containing the cost data and the pages and tabs will not be evaluated or considered.

2.1.8.9 Each volume (file) shall be a stand-alone document or workbook (for cost data) and clearly and completely provide the requested information. The Government will evaluate each file in accordance with the evaluation criteria described in Section 4 of this solicitation.

3.0 PROPOSAL CONTENT:

Table 1. Proposal Content and Structure

PROPOSAL CONTENT

Proposal Volume

Limitation

Cost Proposal Cost Narrative xxxx COST xxxx.xlsx [xxxx COSTNARR xxxx.doc(x)/pdf

Unlimited

3.3 Specific Instructions by Volume. The Offeror shall provide their proposal, segregated by volume, as explained below.

3.3.1 Volume I - Technical. The Offeror is responsible for including sufficient details (without reference to contract price) to allow for a complete and accurate evaluation.

3.3.1.1 The proposal shall provide a narrative discussion that addresses the technical approach for meeting the requirements of the TATPE Purchase Descriptions. The technical approach shall address the proposed solution for each technical requirement and identify any unique resources (e.g., facilities, personnel) required to complete the work, including whether the use of a Government facility or laboratory is required for any portion of performance.

3.3.1.2 Program Risk. The Offeror shall describe the approach to address the technical and schedule risks associated with the requirements of this solicitation. The Offeror’s discussion shall identify potential program risks and plans to develop and to manage risk mitigation strategies.

3.3.1.3. The Offeror shall provide a narrative which describes in sufficient details its production and manufacturing capability. It shall describe its production capability, to include production processes, procedures and capacity in producing the TATPE as a delivery order is received over the three-year period, and to include personnel and equipment plans. The Offeror shall describe the equipment available to support the production efforts and identify any long-lead items/materials it will require. The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate their planned approach to the first article considerations for the first order as well as the government’s production lot testing in future orders. The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate that they are able to maximize production capacity for each pattern and size and describe how they could meet a surge capability should the need arise.

3.3.1.4 The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate how their Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QA/QC) and Quality Management System processes, procedures, and controls will ensure that all of the TATPE systems are produced and delivered to quality standards as defined in the contract PD. The Offeror’s proposal must include its certification that it or its partner can manufacture W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. materials. The Offeror’s narrative shall also demonstrate the existence of process control for repeatability during the manufacturing and assembly process, inventory management, inspection of parts and assemblies for the acceptance of product.

3.3.1.5 The Offeror shall discuss its experience in assembling items of this type, as well as the Offeror’s storage and warehousing capabilities of system components of this type prior to final shipment. The Offeror shall describe its approach to meeting the packaging, handling, storage and transportation requirements of this effort in full detail.

3.3.1.6 The Offeror shall describe its approach to effectively manage subcontractors, materials ordering, production schedules, shipping and delivery, and accurate invoicing.

3.3.1.7 The Offeror shall identify its intended risk reduction methods that reduce chances that any portion of its TATPE production facility will stop production for more than five (5) consecutive days or more than fifteen (15) days within a thirty (30) day period for any active delivery order.

3.3.1.8 The Offeror shall provide a detailed project schedule for production and testing of the First Article quantity to demonstrate the ability to pass FAT within 90 days.

3.3.2 Volume II - Management. The Offeror is responsible for including sufficient details (without reference to contract price) to allow for a complete and accurate evaluation. The Offeror shall discuss its organizational structure (to include any subcontractors), including roles and responsibilities in meeting the requirements of the Purchase Description and ensure successful management of this program. The Offeror shall provide a Program Management Plan (PMP) which relates technical, manufacturing, cost and schedule data to contract work breakdown structure. The PMP shall describe the Offeror’s organization, practices and techniques to be used in managing the program and its subcontractors. The PMP shall provide an organizational chart of the Offeror’s team and its approach to effectively managing the prime and subcontractor workforce to ensure that the approach meets cost, schedule and performance requirements.

3.3.3 Volume III - Cost/Price.

3.3.3.1 A Pricing Sheet for Evaluation Purposes (Attachment 5) has been provided for the Offeror to submit their proposed pricing upon. These prices will be utilized for the base delivery order and for future orders over the 3-year period.

3.3.4 Volume IV - Past Performance.

3.3.4.1 The Offeror shall provide the information requested below to evaluate whether the Offeror’s past performance is recent and relevant to the solicitation requirements and to determine how well the Offeror performed on the contracts. The burden of providing thorough and complete past performance information rests with the Offeror. This volume shall be organized into the following sections:

3.3.4.2 Section 1 – Contract Descriptions. This section shall include the following information:

3.3.4.2.1 The Offeror shall submit with its proposal contract descriptions representing its recent and relevant performance under Government and/or commercial contracts. The past performance information may be from Subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the effort. Relevant efforts are defined as those that are the same as or similar to the effort required by this solicitation. For purposes of this acquisition, “relevant” means performance that demonstrates the Offeror has experience transitioning a third-party technical data package (including technical drawings and CAD files) into the Offeror’s project and technical management systems and relevant manufacturing technologies, experience manufacturing using modern fabrication technologies and techniques, experience assembling components into systems with demonstrated adherence to safety and fitting tolerances, experience packaging and labeling, and experience with monitoring and enforcing quality assurance of all manufactured and assembled components and final systems. In regard to relevancy, the Government will review those aspects of an Offeror’s contract history that will provide the greatest ability to measure whether the Offeror will satisfy the solicitation requirements. Aspects of relevancy that will be reviewed are similarity of service/support to the solicitation requirements; complexity, dollar value, contract type, and degree of subcontracting/teaming.

3.3.4.2.2 For large multi-function firms, all past performance information provided shall be specific to the offering segment of the firm (e.g., division, group, unit, etc.) with the same EUI number and CAGE code as the business unit which is proposed to be performing the effort.

3.3.4.2.3 The prime contractor shall submit no more than three (3) contract references and no more than one (1) contract reference from up to two (2) major subcontractors on active or completed Government or private-sector contracts or task/delivery orders, fully completed or which at least full 12 months of performance have been completed, by the Offeror as a prime contractor or major subcontractor within the past five (5) years from the issuance of this solicitation. A major subcontractor on active or completed Government or private-sector contracts or task/delivery orders completed or at least 75 percent physically completed by the Offeror as a prime contractor or major subcontractor within the past five (5) years. A major subcontractor is defined as one who will be providing critical services or who is responsible for efforts totaling at least 25% of the labor support cost. The following information shall be included for each contract reference:

3.3.4.3 Section 2 – Performance. The Offeror shall provide a specific narrative explanation of each contract listed in Section 1, Contract Description, describing the following:

3.3.4.3.1 A detailed narrative for each contract cited and the similarities and relevance of that work to the work required by this solicitation, objectives achieved, and cost growths or schedule delays encountered. Offerors shall provide copies of Quality Deficiency Reports and Corrective Actions submitted by the DCMA office within the past five (5) years. For Government contracts that did not nor do not meet original requirements with regard to either cost, schedule or technical performance the Offeror shall provide a brief explanation of the reason(s) for such factor(s) and any corrective actions taken to avoid recurrence. The Offeror shall not exceed three (3) pages for each contract cited (this page limitation is inclusive of all information requested in 3.3.4.2 [Section 1] and 3.3.4.3 [Section 2]).

3.3.4.3.2 The Offeror shall also provide the aforementioned information for all contracts terminated in whole or in part, for any reason during the past five (5) years, to include those currently in the process of such termination as well as those that are not for work similar to the proposed effort. The Offeror shall also provide the aforementioned information for any proposed major subcontractor.

3.3.4.3.3 The Offeror shall submit recent information on its performance over the past five (5) which demonstrates compliance with FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns, and FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, as applicable information relating to compliance with FAR 52.219-8 shall include a description and available documentation of the methods employed to promote small business utilization and the internal methods used to monitor such utilization. For compliance with FAR 52.219-9, the Offeror shall include documentation for achieving goals established under Subcontracting Plans of prior contracts for the past five (5) years. If the Offeror does not establish compliance with these goals, the Offeror shall include an explanation with its narrative for each contract cited. If an Offeror has not been subject to the requirements of FAR Part 19, including never holding a contract incorporating FAR 52.219-8 or 52.219-9, the Offeror’s proposal shall include a statement to that effect and a rationale as to why.

3.3.4.3.4 The Offeror shall specifically describe the major work that its subcontractors will perform.

3.3.4.3.5 An Offeror with no past performance experience shall provide an explanation that they have no recent or relevant experience.

3.3.4.3.6 Offerors shall include in their proposal the written consent of their proposed major subcontractors to allow the Government to discuss the subcontractor's past performance evaluation with the Offeror during negotiations.

3.3.4.4 The Government may utilize past performance information from other sources than those identified by the Offeror, (i.e. CPARS).

3.3.5 Volume V - Small Business Utilization.

3.3.5.1 The Small Business (SB) Utilization Volume is comprised of two distinct elements: the Small Business Participation Plan (Factor) and the Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Not a Factor). The Offeror shall describe the approach to maximizing opportunities for small businesses for this effort, both in terms of the percentage of overall delivery order value (SB Participation Plan) and in terms of the percentage of the subcontracted portion’s value (SB Subcontracting Plan).

The cover page for Small Business Utilization shall summarize the Offeror’s SB Participation goals for the total, base, and option requirements in separate columns, and summarize the Offeror’s SB Subcontracting percentage values for the total, base, and option requirements in separate columns, as follows:

Small Business Participation Plan Goals

Total Delivery Order Value: $_________________ Total Subcontracts: $_________________

Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals

Total Subcontracted Dollars: $______”X”_____________

3.3.5.2 The Offeror shall identify the appropriate CAGE and North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for each proposed subcontractor for each planned work element. The Offeror shall provide an up-to-date capture of the SAM profile for each subcontractor, which demonstrates the size status in that subcontractor’s NAICS code. If the subcontractor is not noted in SAM for the identified NAICS code, then the Offeror shall require the subcontractor to revise their SAM profile prior to the solicitation closing date.

3.3.5.3 Small Business Participation Plan (Factor). The Small Business Participation Plan Factor evaluates the Offeror’s approach to maximizing opportunities for small businesses in terms of the percentage of overall contract dollar value. This plan is required from all Offerors, regardless of the Offeror’s size status. The Offeror’s SB Participation Plan percentages are to be presented in terms of total dollars of work for each SB category, divided by the total contract value.

3.3.5.3.1 The Offeror shall identify the extent and nature of participation of Small Businesses (SB), Woman-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Small Businesses (HUBZone SBs), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) in the performance of the proposed contract. The Offeror’s own participation as a SB, WOSB, HUBZone SB, VOSB, or SDVOSB shall be identified and included in the percentages.

3.3.5.3.2 The Small Business Participation Plan shall include, at a minimum:

3.3.5.3.3 The Offeror shall provide evidence of any enforceable commitments in place between itself and the participating small businesses. Each Small Business Participation Plan percentage shall be accompanied by detailed supporting documentation regarding the individual commitments.

3.3.5.3.4 SB Participation Plan Goals. The Government’s Participation Plan goals for this acquisition, in terms of total contract value, are as follows:

Small Business: 23% Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB): 5% Women-Owned Small Business: 5% HUBZone Small Business: 3% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business: 3%

3.3.5.3.4.1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU)/Minority Institution (MI) Participation. The Government has not established a goal for HBCU/MI participation. HBCU/MI participation is encouraged, but not required. If an Offeror chooses to include HBCU/MI participation, it shall identify this participation in accordance with the methods described in 3.3.5.3.

3.3.5.3.4.2 For each category in which the Offeror’s SB Participation Plan contains goals below those described at 3.3.6.3.4, the Offeror shall provide a detailed explanation as to why.

3.3.5.4 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Large Business Only) (Not a Factor). The SB Subcontracting Plan is a requirement for award to a large business and will be incorporated into any resultant contract. This plan is only required from an Offeror which is itself other than a SB, SDB, WOSB, HUBZone SB, VOSB, SDVOSB, or HBCU/MI. The SB Subcontracting Plan describes the Offeror’s approach to maximizing opportunities for small businesses in this effort, relative to the subcontracted portion’s value. The Offeror’s SB Subcontracting Plan percentages are to be presented in terms of total dollars of work for each SB category, divided by the total value of subcontracts (including options).

3.3.5.4.1 The required elements of the SB Subcontracting Plan are set forth by FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DEVIATIONS 2018-00018, and 2019-00005), Small Business Subcontracting Plan, FAR 19.704, DFARS 252.219-7003 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (DoD Contracts) and AFARS Appendix DD-301. All small businesses and historically black colleges or universities and minority institutions included in the SB Subcontracting Plan shall be specifically identified to facilitate compliance with DFARS 252.219-7003.

3.3.5.4.2 The Offeror shall describe the approach to maximizing opportunities for small business in the effort, both in terms of the percentage of overall contract dollar value (SB Participation Plan) and in terms of the percentage of the total subcontracted dollar value (SB Subcontracting Plan).

3.3.5.4.3 SB Subcontracting Plan Goals. The information in the SB Subcontracting Plan shall properly correlate with that of the Offeror’s SB Participation Plan.

3.3.5.4.3.1 In accordance with DFARS 219.705-4(d), the proposed SB Subcontracting Plan shall address the commitment to meet a Small Disadvantaged Business objective of 5%. If the Offeror’s SB Subcontracting Plan fails to meet the Small Disadvantaged Business objective of 5%, the Offeror shall provide a detailed explanation as to why the Offeror’s plan deviates from the stated objective.

3.3.6 Volume VI – Administrative Information

3.3.6.1 General Instructions. The Offeror shall include the following information in Volume VI.

3.3.6.1.1 The solicitation number: W911QYR0017

3.3.6.1.2 The date of submission;

3.3.6.1.3 The name and address of the Offeror;

3.3.6.1.4 The name, email address, and telephone number of POC and alternate, and the names, company titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two (2) individuals that the Offeror has designated as responsible for receiving and responding to Government Evaluation Notices (ENs).

3.3.6.1.5 A list containing either the EUI number or the CAGE code for the prime contractor and each subcontractor.

3.3.6.1.6 Name and address of contract administration office and POC to include name, email address and telephone number (if known).

3.3.6.1.7 Name and address of cognizant DCAA Office and POC to include name, email address and telephone number (if known).

3.3.6.1.8 A proposal that is consistent with established estimating and accounting principles and procedures and FAR Part 31, Cost Principles and if not an explanation. (Yes/No – explanation)

3.3.6.1.9 Type of contract action (that is, new contract).

3.3.6.1.10 Proposal and price validity period (minimum is 180 days.)

3.3.6.1.11 A statement that the Offeror grants the Procuring Contracting Officer and authorized representative(s) the right to examine, at any time before award, any records, and other data, regardless of the type and form, or whether such supporting information is specifically referenced or included in the proposal as the basis for pricing, that will permit an adequate evaluation of the proposed price.

3.3.6.1.12 Name, title, and signature of authorized representative(s).

3.3.6.1.13 One (1) signed and completed copy of Standard Form 33 and continuation sheets (if applicable) to include acknowledgement of all amendments to the RFP and a completed Section B.

3.3.6.1.14 One (1) completed copy of Section K, Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors.

3.3.6.1.15 EUI number and validity of Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA) Certification.

4.0 AWARD AND EVALUATION INFORMATION

4.1 Evaluation Factors for Award.

4.1.1 Evaluation Process. All proposals received pursuant to the solicitation will be fully evaluated in a careful and impartial manner. All factors against which proposals will be evaluated are described in this section.

4.1.2 Basis for Award. This is a competitive contract and subject to the provisions of FAR 15.3. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award contract(s) without discussions or requesting final proposal revisions of the Offerors. Each Offeror's initial proposal should contain the Offeror's best terms from a Technical, Management, Cost/Price, Past Performance, and Small Business Participation standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to open discussions with Offerors if the Contracting Officer determines discussions to be in the Government’s interest. Should the Government determine that discussions are necessary, they will be asked of those Offerors determined to be the most highly rated.

4.1.2.1 The basis for contract award will be the results of the proposal evaluations of all of the factors set forth herein giving due consideration to the relative order of importance indicated in paragraph 4.1.3.4. No award will be made to an Offeror who is required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan IAW FAR 52.219-9 and the plan is determined to be unacceptable. If the Government elects to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with Offerors (or requesting final proposal revisions), an overall unacceptable evaluation will exclude an Offeror from consideration for award. If the Government elects to evaluate proposals after discussions with Offerors (and requesting final proposal revisions), the Government will perform a cost/price evaluation on all proposals.

4.1.2.2 Unclear proposals may not result in the opening of discussions with Offerors. Proposals with an omission or unclear proposals may be evaluated to mean the Offeror does not fully understand the requirements or understand what it takes to meet or exceed the requirements, regardless of the proposed cost and will be rated unacceptable and found to be ineligible for award.

4.1.3 Evaluation Factors.

4.1.3.1 Offerors will be evaluated based on the Evaluation Factors specified in Table 4.1.3.1-1 below.

Table 4.1.3.1-1: Evaluation Factors and Supporting Information

ceptable or Unacceptable Ratings

4.1.3.2 All factors against which proposals will be evaluated are described below. Other content of the proposal that will not receive an adjectival or risk rating, but will be used to assist in the evaluation of a factor, are also discussed. All proposals will be evaluated by a team of individuals on the extent to which the Offeror’s proposal meets the solicitation requirements.

4.1.3.2.1 Technical (Factor) (Proposal Volume I): The Technical Factor will receive a combined adjectival/risk rating along with a narrative evaluation.

4.1.3.2.2 Management (Factor) (Proposal Volume II): The Management Factor will receive a combined adjectival/risk rating along with a narrative evaluation.

4.1.3.2.3 Cost/Price (Factor) (Proposal Volume III): Price Analysis will be used in the evaluation of the Offeror’s cost proposal to determine if the proposed price is both fair and reasonable. The Evaluation Price, used for tradeoff purposes, will be the proposed price, inclusive of range pricing weighted averages, plus any probable cost adjustments resulting from the cost realism analysis on cost reimbursable line items.

4.1.3.2.4 Past Performance (Factor) (Proposal Volume IV): There are two (2) aspects to the past performance evaluation. The Government will first evaluate whether the Offeror’s present/past performance is recent and relevant (or not relevant) to this effort. The Government will assess “Past Performance Relevance” as described in 4.2.1.3 below. For the second aspect of the past performance evaluation, the Government will assess how well the Offeror performed on referenced contracts through CPARS.

4.1.3.2.5 Small Business Participation (Factor) (Proposal Volume V): The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s utilization of small business through the evaluation of the Small Business Participation Plan. The SB Participation Plan Factor will receive an acceptable or unacceptable rating.

4.1.3.2.6 Administrative (Proposal Volume VI). This volume contains administrative information and will not receive an adjectival or risk rating

4.1.3.3 Evaluation Approach.

4.1.3.3.1 The Government will conduct proposal evaluations using a Best Value: Trade off approach and will follow FAR 15.101-1, and Section 4.1 of this solicitation, Evaluation Factors for Award. The Government will make award to the Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government by applying the tradeoff process described in FAR15.101-1.

4.1.3.3.2 All of the non-cost Factors in Table 4.1.3.4.1-1, when combined, are more important than Cost/Price. The Government is willing to pay more if an increase in the technical merit of the proposal justifies and is in the best interest of the Government. However, the Cost/Price Factor may become more significant in contributing to the final selection decision if competing proposals are technically comparable. No award will be made to a large business Offeror that fails to submit an acceptable Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

4.1.3.4 Relative Order of Importance of Factors:

4.1.3.4.1 Table 4.1.3.4.1-1 lists all Non-Cost Evaluation Factors in descending order of importance.

Table 4.1.3.4.1-1: Non-Cost Evaluation Factors Order of Importance

4.2 Rating System and Evaluation Criteria

4.2.1 An explanation of the overall integrated rating system is as follows:

4.2.1.1 Factor Ratings for Non-Cost Factors. The Technical and Management Factors will each receive a combined Technical/Risk adjectival rating IAW the Tables 4.2.1.1-1 and 4.2.1.1-2 below. The combined Technical/Risk adjectival rating evaluates the Offeror’s approach for meeting the Government’s requirements through an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, significant weaknesses and deficiencies.

Table 4.2.1.1-1: Adjectival Combined Technical/Risk Rating Definitions

Table 4.2.1.1-2 Technical Approach Technical Risk Ratings

4.2.1.2 Rating Term Definitions. Table 4.2.1.2-1 provides the definitions for strength, weakness, significant weakness and deficiency. These definitions will be applied when evaluating the factors that use Technical and Adjectival and Risk Ratings (Technical and Management).

Table 4.2.1.2-1. Rating Term Definitions

Significant Weakness A flaw in the proposal that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance

4.2.1.3 Past Performance Relevancy. In conducting a past performance relevancy assessment, each Offeror shall be assigned one of the ratings in Table 4.2.1.3-1.

Table 4.2.1.3-1. Past Performance Relevancy

4.2.1.4 Performance Confidence Assessment. In conducting a performance confidence assessment, each Offeror shall be assigned one of the ratings in Table 4.2.1.4-1.

Table 4.2.1.4-1. Performance Confidence Assessment Ratings

4.2.1.5 Small Business Participation Plan Ratings. Table 4.2.1.5-1 provides the ratings that will be utilized in the evaluation of the Small Business Participation Plan Factor.

Table M.2.1.5-1. Small Business Participation Plan Ratings

4.2.2 Evaluation Criteria

The previously stated evaluation factors (Technical, Management, Cost/Price, Past Performance and Small Business Participation) are further discussed in terms of evaluation criteria establishing those aspects of a proposal that will be evaluated qualitatively to arrive at an integrated assessment of the proposal meeting the Government’s needs as stated in the solicitation. The ratings for each factor will be in accordance with the definitions set forth in 4.2.

4.2.2.1 Volume I – Technical. The Government will evaluate each Offeror’s proposal to assess the adequacy of the technical approach and capability of the Offeror to meet the requirements of the TATPE Over Garment Purchase Description, and TATPE Hydration/Personal Cooling System Load Carriage Purchase Description. The technical approach shall address the proposed solution for each technical requirement and identify any unique resources (e.g. facilities, personnel) required to complete the work, including whether the use of a Government facility or laboratory is required for any portion of performance.

4.2.2.1.1 Program Risk. The offeror shall describe the approach to address the technical and schedule risks associated with the requirements of this solicitation. The Offeror’s discussion shall identify potential program risks and plans to develop and to manage risk mitigation strategies.

4.2.2.1.2 The Offeror shall provide a narrative which describes in sufficient details its production and manufacturing capability. It shall describe its production capability, to include production processes, procedures and capacity in manufacturing the TATPE over garment and TATPE load carriage as a delivery order is received over the three-year period, and to include personnel and equipment plans. The Offeror shall describe the equipment available to support the production efforts and identify any long-lead items/materials it will require. The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate their planned approach to the first article considerations for the first order as well as the government’s production lot testing in future orders. The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate that they are able to maximize production capacity for each pattern and size and describe how they could meet a surge capability should the need arise.

4.2.2.1.3 The Offeror’s narrative shall demonstrate how their Quality Assurance, Quality Control (QA/QC) and Quality Management System processes, procedures, and controls will ensure that all of the TATPE systems are produced and delivered to quality standards as defined in the contract PD. The Offeror’s proposal must include its certification that it or its partner can manufacture W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. materials. The Offeror’s narrative shall also demonstrate the existence of process control for repeatability during the manufacturing and assembly process, inventory management, inspection of parts and assemblies for the acceptance of product.

4.2.2.1.4 The Offeror shall discuss its experience in assembling items of this type, as well as the Offeror’s storage and warehousing capabilities of system components of this type prior to final shipment.