Atch_B-_Sections_L&M,_Evaluation_Criteria.docx

Attachment 4: FA4890-17-R-0009

SECTION L. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

L-1 SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS

L-1.1 Exclusive responsibility for Source Selection will reside with the Government. No contractor support will be used during the proposal evaluation process.

L-1.2 Each individual involved in this acquisition has executed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with ACC AMIC. Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C.423) (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) as implemented in the FAR.

L-1.3 Notice To Offeror(s). Funds have been programmed but are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date for receipt of proposals. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any proposal preparation costs.

L-1.4 Offerors shall acknowledge awareness of all amendments to the solicitation by signing and dating Page 1 of each Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, and include it in the Price Proposal volume.

L-1.5 Proposals in response to this solicitation will be valid for 240 calendar days. Block 12 of Standard Form (SF) 33 is completed to read 240 calendar days.

L-1.6 Section L of the RFP provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the required proposal volumes. Proposals must include all data and information requested in the RFP.

L-2 FORMAL COMMUNICATIONS

L-2.1 Any formal communication such as requests for clarification, discussions, and information concerning this solicitation shall be submitted in writing (by e-mail) to the Contracting Officer at the address below:

TITLE: 480th ISRW Sensor Analysis Training & Spt

L-2.2 Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation shall be clearly marked as such and will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C.423) as implemented in the FAR. Any unmarked proprietary information will be considered releasable under the restrictions of the Freedom of Information Act.

L-3 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

L-3.1. The Government will utilize the Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method for this requirement. LPTA source selection method is a simplified best value source selection strategy that permits award to the lowest priced offeror that meets the minimum requirements identified in the PWS. Tradeoffs are not permitted and no evaluation credit is given to aspects of an offeror’s proposal that exceed acceptability standards. The Government may award up to three contracts based on the LPTA, with separate LPTA evaluations for each PWS Appendix. Appendices A, B and C contain the work requirements for each of the sensor systems support covered in this contract. Depending on the proposals received, the Government may award one contract for support for all three sensor systems, a separate contract for each sensor system or some other combination of awards (e.g., one contract for support of two systems, and another contract for the remaining system support). Accordingly, offerors may submit proposal(s) on one, two or all three of the sensor systems. Offerors must submit their technical proposal(s) based on the Appendix and each should be distinct and independent from any proposals based on another Appendix. For example, if an offeror submits technical proposals on Appendix A and Appendix B, each will be evaluated independently of the other. If proposals are not submitted with technical proposals by Appendix, the offeror’s proposal with not be evaluated. The Government will evaluate price at the Appendix level to include any combination thereof, submitted by the offeror(s). The price evaluation will allow for integrated evaluation based on the technical proposal(s) received. Accordingly, the Government reserves the right to award any combination of Appendices that are determined technically acceptable and offer the lowest total evaluated price in the best interest of the Government.

L-3.2 Factors. This LPTA source selection will result in evaluation of two factors: Technical and Price.

L-3.3 The Government intends to award either a single contract for all the work or make split awards (up to three) as a result of this solicitation.

L-3.4 As set forth in FAR 52.215-1(f) (4), the Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with offerors (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a), Clarifications and award without discussions). Therefore, the offeror’s initial proposal should contain the offeror’s best terms from both a Price and Technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer determines them necessary.

L-4 INSTRUCTIONS FOR TECHNICAL (FACTOR 1)

L-4.1. The Government will evaluate proposals for each Appendix and make award to the offeror or combination of offerors that represent the lowest price, technically acceptable solution, per Appendix. Failure to provide supporting documentation (e.g, teaming arrangements, business agreements, etc) which demonstrate the ability to perform the work according to the PWS as required by the evaluation criteria (reference M.3-1) will be considered unacceptable and render the offeror ineligible for award. The Government will conduct the source selection evaluation as follows:

L-4.2 The Government will evaluate an offeror’s written technical proposal to determine offeror’s proposal meets or does not meet the minimum performance or capability requirements of the PWS. Technical acceptability will be rated at the subfactor level, assigning each subfactor a rating of “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable.” An offeror’s proposal must be rated “Acceptable” in all Technical subfactors to be eligible for award. Proposals that exceed the evaluation criteria will not receive higher ratings. In assessing the acceptability of each subfactor, the Government will identify any deficiencies in accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.4.3 and as defined in Chapter 5 (see below). Proposals that receive deficiencies in a subfactor will receive an “Unacceptable” subfactor rating.

Table A-1. Technical Evaluation Descriptors

L-4.3 The Government will then evaluate the Price of offeror’s rated “Acceptable” in all technical subfactors according to the Appendix that the offeror is proposing to.

L-4.4 Technical. The Technical Proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail that substantiates stated claims. The proposal shall not simply rephrase or restate the Government’s requirements, but rather provide convincing rationale to address how the Offeror intends to meet the PWS requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of the Offerors capabilities. The Government will base its evaluation solely on information presented in the Offeror’s written Technical Proposal.

L-4.5 The Technical Proposal will be limited to maximum of ten (10) pages, per Appendix. Qualification summaries are not included in the page limitation. Font size must be no smaller than Times New Roman size 10. Margins shall not be any smaller than 1 inch. All aspects of the Technical Proposal will be included in the page count. Each page containing proprietary information should be so marked.

L-4.6 The Government will evaluate an offeror’s written technical proposal to determine to if the offeror’s proposal meets or does not meet the minimum performance or capability requirements of the PWS. Technical acceptability will be rated at the subfactor level, assigning each subfactor a rating of “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable.” An offeror’s proposal must be rated “Acceptable” in all Technical subfactors according to the Appendix in which they are providing a proposal in order to receive an overall “Acceptable” technical rating and be eligible for award. For technical subfactor criteria composed of aspects, an offeror’s proposal must meet all aspects of the criteria under that technical subfactor to receive an “Acceptable” rating for the subfactor.

Table A-2. Technical Acceptable/Unacceptable Ratings

L-5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRICE (FACTOR 2)

L-5.1 Price. The Price Proposal shall use the price proposal template provided by the Government (RFP Attachment 3) and contain complete pricing for all work within the Appendix in which the offeror is proposing in accordance with the PWS. For offerors who are submitting proposals for more than one Appendix, the price will be evaluated for each Appendix independent of any proposals for other Appendices. Please submit price proposals on a Firm Fixed Price basis. Travel is cost reimbursable. The Government estimates travel on this task order not to exceed $125,000.00 total ($25,000 each for Base Year, Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, and Option 4). NOTE: Offeror’s shall not alter the NTE amount on the Travel CLIN in the price proposal template (Attachment 3). If an offeror alters the NTE amount, the price evaluator will replace it with the NTE amount listed on the RFP. The offeror is responsible for proposing pricing for all work (within the Appendix in which the offeror is proposing) of the core and optional positions listed in the PWS and all pricing will be evaluated as part of the total overall evaluated price.

L-5.2 Offerors submitting proposals must provide price breakdown by sensor support, i.e. Appendix A and/or Appendix B and/or Appendix C and/or all three. Government will evaluate lowest price based on analysis of price per Appendix sensor support and all associated costs and may make award for all, some or none. NOTE: Offeror’s shall not alter the NTE amount on the Travel CLIN in the price proposal template (Attachment 3). If an offeror alters the NTE amount, the price evaluator will replace it with the NTE amount listed on the RFP.

L-5.3 DBA Insurance has been added to PWS para 10.1. The Government estimates DBA Insurance on this contract not to exceed $270,000 total ($54,000 each for Base Yr., Option 1, Option 2, Option Year 3, and Option Year 4). This acquisition will result in a firm fixed price contract, with cost reimbursable line items for Travel and DBA as specified in the PWS. Overtime/Surge has been added to PWS para 10.5. The Government will pay Overtime/Surge at an hourly rate times the number of hours used, as approved by the COR.

L-5.4 The offeror shall provide all Schedule B information (Schedule of Supplies and Services Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) information in the attached Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (see RFP Attachment Schedule 3. This spreadsheet will be used to populate the contract Schedule B CLINs upon award. The offeror shall insert the price elements (unit price and extended amount) for all Firm Fixed Price (FFP) CLINS and cost reimbursable (CR) Overtime CLINs for Transition, Base, and all Option years. The Government has pre-filled a not-to-exceed (NTE) amount for Cost Reimbursable Travel CLIN and DBA Insurance. These pre-established amounts are to be included in the offerors proposal exclusive of indirect rates and fee. Offerors shall not change the pre-established NTE amounts for the CLIN.

L-5.5 Supporting Price Backup Data. Certified cost or pricing data is not required; however, supporting data other than certified cost and pricing data is requested. Supporting data should explain the methodology used in developing labor rates. This information shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel 2003 through 2010 formats and the Microsoft Excel information can be supplemented with a Microsoft Word document as needed. The documentation provided shall provide support for all indirect labor rates proposed based on the offeror’s accounting system and any applicable Forward Pricing Rate Agreements.

L-5.6 Service Contract Labor Standards. Offerors shall comply with clause 52.222-43 for their price proposal with regard to employees covered by the Service Contract Labor Standards. Proposed option year prices shall not include allowances for any contingency to cover increased wage or benefits costs for which contract price adjustment is provided by clause 52.222-43.

L-5.7 Reasonableness and Unrealistic Pricing. Any inconsistency, whether real or apparent between promised performance/technical approach and price, shall be explained in the proposal. The burden of proof as to price credibility rests with the offeror. Any acceptable offeror’s with proposed pricing which appears exceptionally low, will be expected to provide additional information to support their pricing. Further explained in section M-3.3.2.

L-5.8 Unbalanced Offers. Offerors are cautioned against submitting an offer with unbalanced pricing; see FAR 15.404-1(g). Examples of unbalance pricing include: proposed labor rates that are significantly less than or significantly overstated in relation to the proposed rates for other labor categories (either of the offeror’s proposal or the same labor categories as proposed by other offerors); significant differences between proposed labor rates in the same labor category between option periods; or proposed prices from year to year are above what would be considered a reasonable adjustment for inflation.

L-5.9 Proposal Documentation. In addition to the pricing information requested above, this volume shall also contain the following documents:

L-5.10 Section A. Complete in its entirety the “Offeror” portion of the SF 33; an official having the authority to bind your company contractually must sign the SF 33 IAW FAR 4.102. In doing so, the offeror accedes to the contract terms and conditions as written in the RFP Sections A through J. These sections constitute the model contract. One copy of the SF 33 must bear an original signature.

L-5.11 Sections C Through K. Complete the necessary fill-ins and certifications, and provide any information requested in Sections C through K. For Sections C through I, the offeror shall submit only those pages that require a fill-in. For Section K, complete Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors, or provide a copy of completed System for Award Management (SAM) located at https://www.sam.gov.

L-5.12 Amendments. Offerors shall acknowledge awareness of all amendments to the solicitation by signing and dating Page 1 of each Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, and include it in Volume III, Price, of the proposal.

L-5.13 The offeror shall provide information regarding the general financial condition of the firm and specific plans for financing the proposed contract. The offeror shall provide their previous three (3) fiscal year-end (income and balance sheet) financial statements. Include documentation to demonstrate capability to access credit markets if necessary.

L-5.14 Department of Labor Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Clearance. In accordance with FAR Part 22.805, the Contracting Officer shall request pre-award clearance for each proposed contract and for each proposed first-tier subcontract of $10 million or more from the appropriate Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regional office. Offerors shall provide a copy of the OFCCP’s National Pre-award Registry (http://www.dol-esa.gov/preaward/pa_reg.html) database registration for Government verification as part of the proposal submission for contracts and subcontracts of $10 million or more. If no record exists in the database, the Contracting Officer will request pre-award clearance.

L-5.15 List any exceptions and deviations to the RFP.

L-5.16 Changes Resulting From Discussions. In the event any adjustment of price becomes necessary to reflect changes resulting from discussions, if discussions are held, a complete traceable trail shall be provided to show how the changes took place.

L-5.17 Debriefing of Offerors. Debriefings are conducted to identify to offerors their evaluated weaknesses and/or deficiencies for consideration in preparation of future proposals. Successful or unsuccessful offerors may request debriefings by providing a written request to the Contracting Officer. Debriefings shall be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.505 for pre-award debriefings and FAR 15.506 for post-award debriefings.

L-6 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

L-6.1 The instructions below prescribe the format of proposals. The proposal shall include all of the information requested in the specific instructions. Failure to include all information requested may adversely affect the evaluation.

L-6.2 A proposal that is orderly and sufficiently documented will enable the Government to easily understand and perform a thorough and fair evaluation. The Government may incorporate into this contract, by reference or full text, portions of the successful offeror’s proposal submitted in response to this solicitation as revised and supplemented through the final proposal revision.

L-6.3 The Government anticipates offeror’s approach and any assumptions can be summarized in a technical proposal limited to 10 pages, per Appendix.

L-6.4 The price proposal submitted shall reflect a detailed breakdown of costs per sensor, as outlined in the Pricing Template, attachment 3. The proposal shall be prepared in a format and in sufficient detail to enable the Government to make a thorough evaluation of the proposal and include pricing for the Base period and Option Years 1 – 4 and a 6 month Extension, per FAR 52.217-8. Please ensure an editable copy of the price spreadsheet, to include pricing formulas and supporting documentation, is included as part of your proposal.

L-6.5 This requirement is subject to the incremental funding in accordance with DFARS Clause 252.232-7007, Limitation of Governments Obligation.

L-7 EXCEPTIONS

L-7.1 The Government reserves the right to award without discussions; therefore, offerors are advised that taking exception to any requirements specified in this solicitation may result in the Government finding the proposal unacceptable. Clarification of Government requirements shall be handled by submitting questions/recommendations within 15 calendar days after final solicitation release date. If offerors still find it necessary to take exception to any of the requirements specified in this solicitation (Sections A through M, to include the PWS and attachments), clearly identify each exception in the overview section of the appropriate volume along with a complete explanation of why the exception was taken and the resulting benefit to the Government. Exception to solicitation requirements may require the Government to amend the solicitation to reflect a changed requirement. The Government will consider the absence of a stated exception to mean the offeror takes no exception to the applicable volume and the proposal will be evaluated as submitted.

L-7.2 In the event the offeror takes no exception to the stated requirements, a statement to this effect shall be included at the front of the subject volume. The Government will consider the absence of a stated exception at the front of the subject volume to mean the offeror takes no exception to the solicitation and the proposal will be evaluated as submitted.

L-8 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

L-8.1 Request a technical and price proposal for this effort by 1500 hours Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 28 Mar 17 via email to accamic.caas@us.af.mil. Please send a follow up email to Ms. Karin Walls at karin.walls@us.af.mil and Ms. Latisha Ross at latisha.ross@us.af.mil to ensure proposal(s) were received. Proposal shall include your technical approach and price volume to include all assumptions and timelines for transition to begin on or about 1 Aug 2017, with performance on 1 Oct 2017 and continue through all option years. All attachments must be submitted with the offerors proposal in the format required by the RFP, i.e., Excel spreadsheet for Schedule B, Price Proposal Template. The Government specifically requests an email with required attachments not a link to download the offerors proposal. Offerors shall also identify the Appendices they are proposing for in their cover letter (see example below):

Example Matrix for Cover Letter – Place a check beside each Appendix that you plan to provide a technical and price proposal for.

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

L-8.2 Offeror shall provide the following contact information for their proposal volumes:

L-8.3 Names, titles, addresses, telephone and facsimile numbers, and email addresses of persons authorized to negotiate on the offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation.

L-9 DISPOSITION OF UNSUCCESSFUL PROPOSALS

L-9.1 In compliance with FAR Subpart 4.8, the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Extra copies of unsuccessful proposals will be destroyed. No destruction certificate will be provided.

L-9.2 Any questions or concerns regarding this RFP are due to our office NLT 14 Mar 17 at 1400 (EST). The CO is Ms. Karin Walls and she can be reached at (757) 225-7723 or karin.walls@us.af.mil. The CM is Ms. LaTisha Ross and she can be reached at (757)764-9435 or latisha.ross@us.af.mil.

SECTION M. EVALUATION FACTORS

M-1 BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD

M-1.1 This competitive best value source selection will be conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 and AFFARS Mandatory Procedure MP5315.3, Source Selection, revised 6 Apr 2015 and DOD Source Selection Procedures effective 1 July 2011, using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. Award will be made to the offeror(s) who is/are deemed responsible in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 9.104, whose proposal conforms to the RFP’s requirements and is evaluated to represent the “best value” to the Government for each Appendix (A, B, and C) consistent with LPTA procedures. If an offeror fails to meet all solicitation requirements, the Government may not make a final award to that offeror.

M-1.2 The Government contemplates award up to three contracts resulting from this solicitation. However, the Government reserves the right not to award any contracts, depending on the acceptability of proposal(s) submitted and the availability of funds.

M-1.3 The Government reserves the right to award without discussions, but may conduct discussions if the Government determines it is necessary. The Government may make a final determination as to whether the offeror’s proposal is "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable" solely on the basis of the initial proposal submitted. Therefore, offerors are advised to submit proposals that are fully and clearly acceptable without additional information. If the Government elects to open discussions, the competitive range may include proposals rated as “Unacceptable” at the sole discretion of the Government (i.e., minor revisions to technical subfactor aspect(s)). If required, the competitive range may be further reduced for purposes of efficiency pursuant to FAR 15.306(c)(2).

M-2. FINAL PROPOSAL REVISION (FPR)

M-2.1 Once discussions have been concluded (if conducted) with an offeror determined to be in the competitive range, the CO will request that the offeror provide a FPR. The offeror is advised that any changes to the proposal in the FPR must be fully addressed/explained and reflected in the proposed cost/price. Failure to comply with this requirement can adversely influence the evaluation of the proposal. The CO will establish a common due date and time for submission of the FPR.

M-3 EVALUATION CRITERIA

M-3.1 Evaluation criteria consist of factors and subfactors. The proposals will be evaluated under two evaluation factors: Technical and Price.

M-3.2 FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL

In evaluation of Technical proposals, the Government will use the following subfactors and criteria:

M-3.2.1 SUB-FACTOR 1 – Technical Capability:

Describe how support provided will account for changes and upgrades made to the sensor by the original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) for the duration of the contract.

Also describe how you will support the day-to-day PWS requirements/tasks, to include reach-back to the OEM facilities for technical support and training. Proposals must account for the technical support and training elements of the respective program that may be proprietary or contain intellectual property for the following:

· Appendix A: ASIP High Band and Low Band Support High/Low-Band

· On board sensor tuning/calibration

· Signal anomalies and ambiguities

· ASIP processing errors

· Data transfers between DCGS sites

· Problems with system updates and installations

· Ability to revert back to previous baselines

· Complex signal analysis and data archiving

· Appendix B: Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analyst Support

· Signal anomalies and ambiguities

· CETS processing errors

· Data transfers between DCGS sites

· Problems with system updates and installations

· Ability to revert back to previous baselines

· Complex signal analysis and data archiving

· Appendix C: Senior Year Electro-optic Reconnaissance System (SYERS) Training and Support

· Resolve data artifact issues

· Resolve sensor resolution issues

· Sensor band analysis capabilities

· Specific collection by sensor bands to satisfy specific Essential Elements of Information (EEIs)

· Training of specific SYERS bands and employment against complex targets Criteria – Capabilities provide adequate qualifications through applicable experience/education and meet minimum contract requirements.

M-3.2.2 SUB-FACTOR 2 – Staffing Plan: The offeror shall provide a staffing plan for meeting the entire range of task requirements (within the Appendix in which they are proposing) in the PWS at the start of the TO and throughout the TO as vacancies occur.

Criteria - The offeror's proposal provides an integrated plan that describes a sound approach to attract, hire and retain qualified personnel and obtain the appropriate security clearance(s) for all personnel by TO start. The plan demonstrates the ability to meet the entire range of task requirements (within the Appendix in which they are proposing) in the PWS at the start of the Period of Performance (PoP) and ensures continuity of knowledge and processes throughout the PoP as vacancies occur.

Offeror’s proposed staffing plan adequately details the process for in-processing of replacement personnel, CONUS and OCONUS, to comply with all of the requirements of the PWS (within the Appendix in which they are proposing). The staffing plan must also describe in detail how the offeror will retain candidates once brought onto the Task Order in order to minimize turnover. The contractor must demonstrate the successful execution of program requirements throughout the life of the contract and meet the requirements of the services summary items identified in PWS Table Attachment A.

Offeror’s proposed staffing plan adequately describes their process for personnel inprocessing at CONUS and OCONUS locations for the transition period and start of contract performance. Staffing plan should detail the process for application of passports, visas, and other OCONUS travel requirements.

M-3.3 FACTOR: PRICE

M-3.3.1 This source selection is conducted with the expectation of adequate price competition and will rely on market forces and price analysis to ensure awarded prices are reasonable. An offeror may be determined unawardable if its price is evaluated as unfair or unreasonable.

M-3.3.2 Comparison of proposed prices received in response to this solicitation is the preferred and intended price analysis technique. The techniques and procedures described under FAR Subpart 15.404-1 will be the primary means of assessing price submission reasonableness. There is an expectation of competition for this requirement; thus offerors are cautioned to present their best price proposal up-front. The offeror’s price proposal shall represent the offeror’s best effort to respond to the solicitation. The Government reserves the right to ask for additional information from technically acceptable offeror’s with proposed prices that appear exceptionally low. The Government plans on addressing any apparent exceptionally low prices by evaluating the offeror’s experience and/or capability in providing similar services at similar prices. An exceptionally or unrealistically low offer may pose an unacceptable risk to the Government and may be the reason to reject an offeror’s proposal, thus making the offeror unawardable.

M-3.3.3 Total evaluated price will consist of the sum of all Core Labor, Optional Labor, Travel, Material, Overtime/Surge, Transition, and DBA CLINs for the Base Period and all Option Periods. Award will be made on the basis of the lowest evaluated price proposal for each Appendix meeting the minimum technical acceptable criteria in accordance with the PWS.

M-3.3.4 The Government will evaluate price at the Appendix level to include any combination thereof, submitted by the offeror(s). The price evaluation will allow for intergrated evaluation based on the techical proposal(s) received. Accordingly, the Government reserves the right to award any combination of Appendices that are determined technically acceptable and offer the lowest total evaluated price in the best of interest of the Government.