Attachment_4_Addendum_to_FAR_52.212-1_Instructions_to_Offerors.pdf

ATTACHMENT 4 - INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS (ITO)

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1.0 PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND OBJECTIVE

1.0.1 The Government plans to award a single contract for the T-1A Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS) program. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) defines services required for COMBS of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) fleet of 178 T-1A trainer aircraft. Support requirements include Program Management, Field Service Representative (FSR) services, and COMBS support to include supply of aircraft, engine and support equipment (SE) components, material, and consumables as well as off-aircraft repair, overhaul and replenishment. Support also includes Contractor furnished avionics spares. The effort also requires the Contractor to provide Contractor Field Team, Depot-level maintenance and repair, and Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) Modification procurement and installation services on an as required basis. The Government requests each offeror (single Commercial and Government Entity/Data Universal Numbering System (CAGE/DUNS)) to submit their overall single best approach that will meet all stated requirements in the solicitation. The Government requests no more than one proposal for each respective CAGE/DUNS.

1.0.2 The Government plans to award a basic contract with options as a result of this solicitation. Award will be made on the basis of “best value” utilizing tradeoff source selection procedures. Tradeoff considerations will be between Past Performance, and price among those Offerors who have been determined technically acceptable. Award will be made to the Contractor that provides the “best value” to the Government over the entire period of performance. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if necessary.

1.0.3 To assure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, Offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being ineligible for award.

2.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

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

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

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

2.0.3 Text of proposals shall be submitted in English. Proposals received in languages other than English shall be rejected.

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

2.0.5 The proposal acceptance period is specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP), which will become the model contract/solicitation. The Offeror shall make a clear statement in Volume IV of the proposal documentation that the proposal is valid until the date specified in the solicitation.

2.1 General Information

2.1.1 Point of Contact

The Contracting Officer (CO) is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the CO. Written requests for clarification may be sent to the CO, at lori.ivester@us.af.mil.

2.1.2 Debriefings

The CO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing IAW FAR

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

2.1.3 Discrepancies

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

mailto:lori.ivester@us.af.mil

2.1.4 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site at http://www.fbo.gov. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

2.1.5 Oral Presentations

Oral presentations will not be utilized.

2.1.6 Amendments to Solicitation

If this RFP is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged and in full force and effect. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment and provide confirmation upon submission of the offeror’s proposal. Any unacknowledged amendments in the offeror’s proposal are subject to solicitation provision FAR 52.212-1(f).

2.1.7 Communications

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

Additionally, source selection information may be transmitted via facsimile (encrypted when possible), U.S. Postal (or like service) delivery, and/or oral with telephonic or face-to-face meetings.

2.1.8 Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Proposals Proposals and modifications to proposals shall be submitted in sealed envelopes or packages in paper media and electronic media addressed to the CO at the address shown in block 9 of the SF 1449 solicitation, and showing the time and date specified for receipt, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the offeror.

2.1.9 Retainability/Disposal

IAW 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.

2.1.10 Budget/Funding Information

Initial funding will be obligated for the basic 12 month period of performance.

2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The response shall consist of four (4) separate volumes; Volume I –Technical Proposal;

Volume II – Past Performance Information; Volume III –Price Proposal; and Volume IV – Contract Documentation.

http://www.fbo.gov/

2.2.1 Title Page

The Title Page of each volume must show solicitation number, name, address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of the Offeror and electronic e-mail address if available.

2.2.2 Team List

A Team List of the Offerors primary POCs shall be submitted in each volume using the format shown in Attachment 2 of the ITO.

2.2.3 Proposal Organization

The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table 2.1 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 2.1. The attachments identified in the table shall be separately bound in three-ring, loose-leaf binders, as necessary. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below.

TABLE 2.1

PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Volume

ITO

Paragraph

Number

Volume Title

Hard Copie s/ Disk

Copie s

Page Limit

I 3.0 Technical (Factor 1) 5/1

2.2.1 Title Page (Not included in 65 page

limit)

2.2.2 Team List (see Attach 2.0) (Not

included in 65 page limit)

2.2.7 Cross Reference Matrix (Not included

in 65 page limit)

Unlimited

2.2.8 Indexing (Table of Contents) Unlimited

2.2.9 Indexing (List of Tables and Figures) Unlimited

2.2.10 Glossary of Abbreviations and

Acronyms

Unlimited

3.2.3 3.2.4

Subfactor 1 Phase-In/Transition Subfactor 2 Program Management/COMBS Support

3.2.3b

Associated Contractor Agreements (ACA) or Letter of Intent (Not included in 65 page limit)

2 per Agreement

II 4.0 Past Performance (Factor 2) 4/1 Unlimited

2.2.1 Title Page 1

2.2.2 Team List (See Attach 2.0) 5

2.2.8 Indexing (Table of Contents) Unlimited

2.29 Indexing (List of Tables and Figures) Unlimited

2.2.10 Glossary of Abbreviations and

Acronyms

Unlimited

4.1.2 Consent Letter (See Attach 1.4) Unlimited

4.1.2 Client Authorization Letters (See

Attach 1.5)

Unlimited

4.2.2 Present/Past Performance

Questionnaires (See Attach 1.2)

Tab Only

4.3.1 Present/Past Performance Information

Sheets (PPIS) (See Attach 1.1)

3 PPI per company (preferred)

13 per PPI

4.3.2 PPI Relevant Contract Narrative (If

applicable)

4.3.3 Organizational Structure Change

History

III 5.0 Price (Factor 3) 2/2 Unlimited

2.2.1 Title Page 1

2.2.2 Team List (See Attach 2.0) 5

2.2.8 Indexing (Table of Contents) Unlimited

2.2.9 Indexing (List of Tables and Figures) Unlimited

2.2.10 Glossary of Abbreviations and

Acronyms

Unlimited

5.7 Section 1 Unlimited

5.7 Section 2 Unlimited

5.7 Section 3 Unlimited

5.7 Section 4 Unlimited

IV 6.0 Contract Documentation 2/1 Unlimited

2.2.1 Title Page 1

2.2.2 Team List (see Attach 2.0) 5

2.2.7 Cross Reference Matrix Unlimited

2.2.8 Indexing (Table of Contents) Unlimited

2.2.9 Indexing (List of Tables and Figures) Unlimited

2.2.10 Glossary of Abbreviations and

Acronyms

Unlimited

6.1 Model Contract Unlimited

6.1.4 Representations, Certifications, and

other Statements of Offerors

Unlimited

6.1.2 Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Unlimited

6.3.2 - 6.3.4 Contact Information Unlimited

2.2.4 Page Limitations

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

2.2.5 Pricing Information

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

2.2.6 Cross Referencing

Each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for 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 when its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

2.2.7 Cross Reference Matrix

The Offeror shall complete the cross-reference matrix provided in Table 2.2 that will indicate the corresponding proposal paragraph in each volume which addresses the referenced item.

The cross-reference matrix shall be provided with the Volume I Technical and Volume IV Contract Documentation. The Offerors cross reference matrix shall include the proposal reference information as it relates to the instructions, PWS contents, RFP, Report references (if applicable), and the corresponding technical proposal page and paragraph.

TABLE 2.2

CROSS REFERENCE MATRIX

Cross Reference

PWS

Para

ADDENDUM

TO FAR

52.212-1

Paragraph

ADDENDUM

TO FAR

52.212-2

Paragraph

Technical

Proposal

(Page &

Para)

Phase-In/Transition Subfactor 1 Subfactor 1

Element 1a – Provide an approach to manage and accomplish contract transition and phase in which ensures the

Contractor will be fully operational by the end of transition with no disruption to mission support. The approach must include the hiring and training of personnel, completing all workforce requirements, conducting joint inventories, implementing a

Supply Management System, and transitioning and tracking in-progress maintenance and in-work deficiency report (DR) investigations. The approach shall include a comprehensive schedule detailing transition milestones.

3.1

3.1.1

3.1.2

2.2.1

Element 1b– Provide letters of intent, which sufficiently establish and maintain written agreements with appropriate airframe, engine and parts

Original Equipment

Manufacturers (OEMs) for engineering support and technical data. The OEM letters of intent must be addressed to the Prime

Contractor.

2.1.13

Program Management/

COMBS Support

Subfactor 2 Subfactor 2

Element 2a – Provide the qualifications and experience of the proposed Contract Program

Manager applicable to Program

Management, Supply Chain

Management and Aircraft

Maintenance practices.

2.2.2

Element 2b – Provide the the proposed Program Support

Analyst (PSA). The approach must describe the proposed

PSA’s training, education, certifications, and years of experience.

2.2.2.1

Element 2c – Provide the the proposed FSRs for each

(Main Operating Base) MOB.

The approach must describe the proposed FSR’s training, education, certifications, and years of experience.

2.2.2.3

Element 2d – Provide an approach to manage COMBS and Government Furnished

Property/Equipment

(GFP/GFE) as well as augment the GFP with all spares

(including avionics), repair parts, time-change items, bench stock consumables, hazardous items, tools, and support equipment.

3.1.2

3.2.2

7.1

Element 2e - Provide an approach to manage parts obsolescence and Diminishing

Manufacturing Sources and

Material Shortage (DMSMS) for the T-1A aircraft and support equipment.

4.1.22

Element 2f - Provide an approach for the Small Business Participation Plan requirements for the T-1A

2.1.14

COMBS program. As a minimum, describe an approach for subcontracting to Small Businesses in order to meet and maintain the 15% annual Small Business requirement (by % of total contract value) required by the contract. (PWS paragraph 2.1.14) NOTE: This is in addition to the required Small Business Subcontracting Plan

(FAR 52.219-9).

2.2.8 Indexing

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

2.2.9 Tables and Figures

Each volume shall contain an indexed list of Tables and Figures.

2.2.10 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.

2.3 Page Size and Format

2.3.1 Page

A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, not including foldouts. Page line spacing shall be 1.15 lines.

Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than Times New Roman 12-pt. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and 3/4 inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall apply to responses to ENs. These limitations shall apply to both electronic and hard copy proposals.

2.3.2 Tables, Charts, Figures

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

2.4 Binding and Labeling

Each volume of the proposal should be separately bound in a three-ring, loose-leaf binder permitting the volume to lie flat when open. Staples shall not be used. A cover sheet should be bound in each book, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification and the offeror’s name. The same identifying data should be placed on the spine of each binder. All unclassified document binders shall have a color other than red or other applicable security designation colors. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed IAW FAR 52.215-1(e), Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, and FAR 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.

2.5 Electronic Offers

The content and page size of electronic copies must be identical to the hard copies.

When discrepancies exist between the written hard copies and those provided in electronic format, the written hard copies will take precedence in all cases. For electronic copies, indicate on each Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) the volume number and title. Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, required plans, exhibits, appendices, and attachments, if any. The Offeror shall submit volumes I through IV in electronic format. Each volume shall be submitted on a separate CD-ROM. If files are compressed, the necessary decompression program must be included. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, , and MS-Power Point.

2.6 Distribution

The "original" proposal shall be clearly identified. Proposals shall be addressed to the CO and mailed to:

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AFLCMC/WLK

ATTN: Ms. Lori Ivester

3001 Staff Dr. STE. 1AD2 103C

Tinker AFB OK 73145-3020

Telephone: 405-736-7124 lori.ivester@us.af.mil

3.0 FACTOR 1 - TECHNICAL

3.1 General

The Technical Volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical subfactors defined in 52.212-2, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these subfactors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is neither necessary nor desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

3.2 Format and Specific Content

3.2.1 Technical

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

3.2.2 Volume Organization

The Technical Volume shall be organized according to the outline provided in Table 2.1.

3.2.3 Subfactor 1: Phase-In/Transition

The offeror shall provide an approach for Phase-In/Transition. As a minimum, the approach shall address the following criteria:

a. Provide an approach to manage and accomplish contract transition and phase in which ensures the Contractor will be fully operational by the end of transition with no disruption to mission support. The approach must include the hiring and training of personnel, completing all workforce requirements, conducting joint inventories, implementing a Supply Management System, and transitioning and tracking in-progress maintenance and in-work DR investigations. The approach shall include a comprehensive schedule detailing transition milestones. (PWS paragraph 3.1, 3.1.1 and 3.1.2).

b. Provide letters of intent, which sufficiently establish and maintain written agreements with appropriate airframe, engine and parts OEMs for engineering support and technical data. The OEM letters of intent must be addressed to the Prime Contractor (PWS paragraph 2.1.13).

Note: Offeror is not required to provide entire ACA or Letter of Intent documentation. The offeror must provide adequate information to demonstrate a bilateral understanding between the parties (for example ACA title page/executive summary and signature page).

3.2.4 Subfactor 2: Program Management/COMBS Support

The offeror shall provide an approach for Program Management and COMBS Support.

As a minimum, the approach shall provide the following essential elements:

a. Provide the qualifications and experience of the proposed Contract Program Manager applicable to Program Management, Supply Chain Management and Aircraft Maintenance practices. (PWS paragraph 2.2.1)

b. Provide the qualifications and experience of the proposed PSA. The approach must describe the proposed PSA’s training, education, certifications, and years of experience. (PWS paragraph 2.2.2.1)

c. Provide the qualifications and experience of the proposed FSRs for each MOB.

The approach must describe the proposed FSR’s training, education, certifications, and years of experience. (PWS paragraph 2.2.2.3)

d. Provide an approach to manage COMBS and Government Furnished Property/Equipment (GFP/GFE) as well as supplement with Contractor Furnished Property/Equipment (CFP/CFE), if necessary, by augmenting the GFP with all spares (including avionics), repair parts, time-change items, bench stock consumables, hazardous items, tools, and support equipment. (PWS paragraphs 3.1.2, 3.2.2 and 7.1)

e. Provide an approach to manage parts obsolescence and DMSMS for the T-1A aircraft and support equipment. (PWS paragraph 4.1.22).

f. Provide an approach for the Small Business Participation Plan requirements for the T-1A COMBS program. As a minimum, describe an approach for subcontracting to Small Businesses in order to meet and maintain the 15% annual Small Business requirement (by % of total contract value) required by the contract. (PWS paragraph 2.1.14) NOTE: This is in addition to the required Small Business Subcontracting Plan (FAR 52.219-9).

4.0 FACTOR 2 – PAST PERFORMANCE

4.1 General

4.1.1 Each offeror shall submit a Past Performance volume with its proposal, containing Past Performance Information (PPI) IAW the format contained in Attachment 1.1 of the ITO. The Past Performance volume shall include a team list, which includes the Prime Contractor, all significant Subcontractors and/or teaming partners (a significant Subcontractor and/or teaming partner is defined as a Contractor who is proposed to perform over 10% of the total effort, or a Contractor who is proposed to perform less than 10% of the total effort, but is determined to be performing a key or critical function), and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform the work outlined in the solicitation.

The offeror shall describe the portion of effort each team member is proposed to perform in relation to: Factor 1 – Technical: Subfactor 1, Phase-In/Transition and Subfactor 2, Program Management/COMBS Support. The Government Past Performance Evaluation Team (PPET) evaluates each member of the offeror’s team for relevancy and performance, based on their proposed portion of effort. Therefore, it is important for the offeror to provide a detailed portion of effort description, in order for the PPET to conduct an accurate assessment. For the Past Performance evaluation, the Government will use data provided by the offeror in the Past Performance volume, as well as data obtained from other sources.

Offerors shall also complete a table similar to the one below, identifying what each team member is proposed to perform and the percentage of that work, if applicable. This information is especially critical, as the PPET will give consideration to the portion of effort accomplished on previous/current contracts compared to the portion to be performed on the proposed effort (Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, para 2.3.2.2).

Therefore, ensure this information is readily available in this table to assist the PPET in performing their evaluation.

Portion of Effort Table (present percentage (%) of work)

Prime/

Subcontractor

Name

Subfactor 1-

Phase-

In/Transition

Subfactor 2-

Program

Mngt/COMBS

Support

4.1.2 Along with the information required in this paragraph, the Offeror shall submit a consent letter (Attachment 1.4) executed by each significant Subcontractor and/or teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner authorizing release of adverse PPI to the Offeror so the Offeror can respond to such information. For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the Offeror shall also submit a client authorization letter (Attachment 1.5) authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the Offerors performance.

4.2 Early Proposal Information

4.2.1 Each offeror is requested to submit Volume II Past Performance for each relevant contract fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the solicitation closing date. Failure to submit early proposal information will not result in offeror disqualification.

4.2.2 As soon as practicable, offerors shall:

a. Complete Section 1 of the attached Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 1.2)

b. E-mail it and the Performance Questionnaire Letter (Attachment 1.3) to all points of contacts (POCs) the offeror has listed in the Past Performance Information (PPI) tool (Attachment 1.1)

c. The POCs will complete the questionnaires and forward them by e-mail, directly to the PPET. E-mail lori.ivester@us.af.mil

RESPONDENTS TO THE QUESTIONNAIRES SHALL NOT SEND THE COMPLETED

INFORMATION SHEETS BACK TO THE OFFEROR.

Offerors shall not follow-up with respondents to ensure they have completed the questionnaires. The PPET will conduct such follow-up with any POC as necessary.

4.3 Recent and Relevant Contracts

4.3.1 General

The offeror shall provide PPI on current or previous contracts. The PPI forms shall be completed IAW Addendum 52.212-1, Attachment 3, Past Performance Information Instructions. The offeror shall submit contracts which include all or some performance within the past three years, as defined in Addendum 52.212-2.

Offerors are requested to submit up to three (3) PPI submissions (Attachment 1.1) on contracts for the Prime Contractor and up to three (3) for each significant Subcontractor and/or teaming partner considered most relevant in demonstrating ability to perform the proposed effort.

NOTE: The requested number of PPI contracts for the Prime and Subcontractors are preferences, and not requirements. Offerors may submit more than the preferred number of PPI forms if the offeror believes the extra contracts are needed to fully describe their relevancy. There is no limit on the number of PPI contracts allowed per team; however, Offerors are requested to limit responses to those efforts necessary for evaluation and relevant to the T-1A COMBS effort. Offerors who submit less than the preferred number of PPI contracts are not automatically assigned a “Neutral Confidence” rating.

4.3.2 PPI Contract Narrative

Offerors shall provide a narrative explaining what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate.

Specifically, the narrative should focus on similarities to the Factor 1 Technical subfactors, Factor 3 Price, and Scope, Magnitude, and Complexity, as defined in Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, paragraph 2.3.2.2, and should be tailored to the proposed portion of effort. Categorize the relevant information into the specific technical subfactors and price assessment used to evaluate the proposal. The narrative may include a discussion of performance quality efforts accomplished by the offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a Limited or No confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The offeror shall clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions, in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified. This may allow the offeror to be considered a higher confidence candidate. For example, submittal of quality performance indicators or other management indicators that clearly support that an offeror has overcome past problems is required. The offeror is requested to limit the narrative to a maximum of 5 pages. However, the offeror may exceed the requested page limit, if determined necessary to fully describe relevancy.

4.3.3 Organizational Structure Change History

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

5.0 FACTOR 3 – PRICE

5.1 Price Volume

In the price volume, the Offeror shall provide the following information in addition to the unit prices in the Price Matrix (Attachment 3) of the solicitation. These instructions are to assist you in submitting information required to evaluate the reasonableness, price realism, and balance of your proposed price. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of your proposal.

5.2 General Instructions

All information relating to the proposed price including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal (except Attachment 3 of the contract, Price Matrix, which will be included in the Contract Documentation volume). Pricing information in the Price Matrix (Attachment 3) is the only Price information that shall be included in Contract Documentation (Volume IV).

5.2.1 Price reasonableness

Price reasonableness is based on Total Evaluated Price (TEP) and must represent a price to the Government a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition, but may also be determined through proposal analysis techniques. To assist in the price reasonableness assessment, Offerors are required to provide supporting explanation/rationale as outlined in the Price Volume. Your offer shall be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate price reasonableness. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the offeror. Unreasonable proposed prices, initially or subsequently, may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition.

It shall be noted that completeness is one aspect of price reasonableness. For completeness, offerors must provide unit prices for all listed items in the Price Matrix, Attachment 3.

5.2.2 Balanced Pricing

The Offeror is cautioned against submitting an offer that exhibits unbalanced pricing.

Unbalanced pricing may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonable prices. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable TEP, the price of one or more Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) is significantly over or understated as indicated by application of price analysis techniques such that there is reasonable doubt the offer would result in the lowest overall price to the Government, even though it is the lowest TEP. Also, an offer could be so grossly unbalanced that an acceptance of the offer would be tantamount to allowing an advanced payment.

Balanced pricing is determined with respect to separately priced CLINs or SubCLINs, or quantity ranges within a CLIN, or significant unexplained variance in pricing from year to year. If what happens to be unbalanced pricing is due to sound rationale associated with, for example, the proposal’s technical approach, Offerors shall provide an explanation to account for any pricing that appears unbalanced.

5.2.3 Price Realism

The Government will evaluate proposals for price realism to determine whether proposed prices are based on an adequate understanding of contract requirements.

Offerors shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices were developed (such as assumptions, historical data, projections, expertise, management decisions, etc).

5.2.4 TEP

Offerors shall complete the Price Matrix (Attachment 3). Offerors must ensure all required proposed pricing is provided in the Price Matrix, ensuring all periods of performance are priced. These include eight (8) years and six (6) months (8.5) period, consisting of a one-year Basic Period (including three (3) month Phase-In period), four

(4) one-year Options, three (3) one-year Incentive Options, and a six (6) month extension. Offerors shall propose pricing for the six (6) month extension based on proposed pricing of the third year Incentive Option. Based on the Offerors proposed pricing for the third Incentive Option pricing, the spreadsheet automatically applies the third year Incentive Option pricing as input in the spreadsheet for the six (6) month extension. Offerors are not required to complete the CLIN pricing in the RFP, Schedule B. The Price Matrix will be used for all pricing.

5.3 Pricing Information Requirements

FAR 12.209 gives the requirement to establish price reasonableness IAW 13.106-3 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), 14.408-2 (Sealed Bidding), or 15.4 (Contract Pricing by Negotiation), as applicable. FAR part 15 applies. IAW FAR 15.403-3(b), prices based on adequate price competition do not require submission of certified cost or pricing data. IAW FAR 15.403-3(a), however, data other than certified cost or pricing data may be required to support price reasonableness. FAR 15.403-3(a)(1) provides for obtaining data other than certified cost or pricing data if needed to determine price reasonableness. Therefore, the FAR does not preclude the requirement for obtaining data other than certified cost or pricing data under certain circumstances and the Government reserves the right to obtain data as appropriate. Should the CO determine proposed prices to appear unreasonable or the possibility that an Offeror does not fully understand the requirement; the Offerors may be required to support price reasonableness via data other than certified cost or pricing data. If, after receipt of proposals, the CO determines that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the offeror shall be required to submit additional cost or pricing data. Although this is commercial FAR Part 12 RFP, FAR 15.4 applies as appropriate. Specifically, FAR 15.404-1 applies regarding proposal analysis. Price analysis techniques shall be utilized to ensure fair and reasonable pricing IAWFAR 15.404-1(b). Providing information to assist with pricing evaluation to further support proposed pricing will expedite the source selection process.

5.3.1 Explanation of Specific Estimating Techniques and Methods Explain the methodology used to estimate costs/prices in the development of the Offeror’s proposed pricing. A variety of estimating techniques and methods are acceptable as a basis of estimate in proposed pricing. When responding to the Price Volume requirements in the solicitation, the Offeror and associated Subcontractors may use any generally acceptable estimating techniques consistent with the Offerors Disclosure Statement as appropriate, and if required based on current contracts per Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) policy and guidance. Acceptable contemporary estimating methods can include Cost-to-Cost and Cost-to-Non-Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs), commercially available parametric price models, in-house developed parametric price models, commercial catalogs, etc. The Government reserves the right to obtain information from the Contract Business Analysis Repository (CBAR) as considered necessary. In addition, the Offeror is required to provide a summary of the estimating system, purchasing system, and accounting system and provide an explanation of any deviations used in the development of the Pricing Volume.

5.3.2 Past Experience Basis of Estimate

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

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

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

Provide the estimated dollar and percentage of the reduction, explaining how such reductions are ensured not to increase performance risk to the Government.

5.3.4 Subcontractors and Vendor Pricing

Submit a list of the proposed probable Subcontractors and inter-divisional transfers showing (a) the supplier, (b) description of effort, and (c) type of contract. Include a detailed explanation of your determination of proposed Subcontractor or vendor pricing considered fair and reasonable. As Prime Contractor, documentation is required to demonstrate Subcontractor/vendor commercial quotes are considered fair and reasonable. Include a detailed description of your process for evaluating Subcontractor/vendor pricing in your determination of fair and reasonable pricing.

Offerors are required to provide an explanation of how indirect costs (Including Material Handling costs), General and Administrative (G&A) and profit are applied to Subcontractor proposal cost/pricing and whether all Subcontractor costs, including indirect rates (particularly Material Handling rates), G&A, and profit are included as a total subcontract amount (i.e., Prime treats all Subcontractor/vendor costs as their direct cost to which the Prime applies their own indirect costs, G&A, cost of money (COM) and profit). Also, include an explanation of your determination to utilize “make” or “buy” Subcontractor or vendor parts.

5.3.5 Rounding

All proposed dollar amounts shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. However, hourly labor rates (fully loaded or burdened) shall be rounded to the nearest cent. Also proposed Material Handling Rates shall be rounded to four decimal places to the right of the decimal point. The Price Matrix format provides for decimal places that must be IAW this required decimal format. If any pricing proposal deviates from this format, the Government will apply the specified format to determine the extended pricing and TEP.

5.3.6 Annual Price Changes

Proposed price increases greater than 5% per period shall be verified and addressed for reasonableness as well as balanced pricing in this section.

5.3.7 Price Assumptions Used in Development of Proposed Pricing Information to support reasonableness of proposed pricing is required including supporting data and estimating methodology. All significant assumptions (including indirect rates for the Offerors appropriate accounting period, volume or location discounts), scope limitations and/or qualifications of the pricing proposal shall be addressed and explained.

5.3.8 Proposed Fixed Rates: Hourly Labor Rates for Over & Above (O&A) Labor The Price Matrix (Attachment 3) includes O&A (CLIN X007), which contains rates. It should be noted that proposed rates shall be provided for each year of the performance period.

All rates shall be proposed as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) rates. FFP rates are those rates proposed for all performance periods and are considered fixed at the proposed amount.

Offerors are to indicate their understanding of proposed ceiling rates, acknowledging that such rates will apply to out-years (period of performance beyond year one of the basic period) in the future despite what current actuals are running at the time.

CLINs X007AA, X007AB and X007AC shall each consist of one fully burdened, loaded wrap rate per year consisting of all labor designated in the CLIN description from the schedule of the model contract in the RFP. The wrap rates shall be consistent with the

PWS.

Offerors shall be aware all proposed pricing including fully loaded labor wrap rates shall be all inclusive, taking into account uncertainties such as pricing fluctuations, changes in Subcontractors/vendors, and any actual out-year increases in accounting pools.

Unknowns at the time of proposal submission must be taken into account and adequately accounted for in proposed pricing of contract performance out-years as part of Contractor risk of proposing on all FFP CLINs. Additionally, all rates shall be proposed sufficiently to ensure adequate coverage of all labor costs, all indirect costs, and profit in every contract out-year. FFP labor rates proposed inappropriately low will be considered at risk for jeopardizing a determination of price realism. Offerors are cautioned against bidding any low proposed pricing with the intention of raising pricing after contract award.

The basis of estimate used to develop FFP rates should be provided in sufficient detail to show how these rates were developed for CLINs X007. For the labor CLINs, offerors shall provide a breakout of the fully burdened labor rates showing all labor types/categories included. Development of the FFP rate CLINs should be provided separately for each CLIN and sub-CLIN, with one example sufficient to illustrate all labor categories were considered and included. If a cost breakdown best shows how these rates were developed, cost element details such as indirect rates, fringe benefits, and profit are acceptable, but not required, if wrap rate development can be explained without labor rate cost breakdown.

5.3.9 O&A Material/Subcontractor Rate and O&A Travel and Transportation Rates

5.3.9.1 O&A Material/Subcontractor Rate

A Material/Subcontract Rate (markup factor) shall be proposed as a FFP, fully burdened rate valid for all contract performance years for CLIN X007AD. This rate will apply to all material or subcontract effort not covered in flying hours and not normal wear and tear.

This material/subcontractor rate shall represent all applicable indirect costs, including profit, as well as costs associated with planning, obtaining, and managing direct material/subcontractor costs. The proposed material/subcontract rate is considered a ceiling rate that is fixed at the rate proposed regardless of what the actuals are running in contract out-years.

5.3.9.2 O&A Travel and Transportation Rates

Travel and Transportation G&A rates shall be proposed as firm, fully burdened rates valid for all contract performance years for CLINs X007AE and X007AF. No profit or fee is allowed. This G&A markup factor shall represent all indirect costs associated with travel and transportation. Proposed rates are considered ceiling rates; these are fixed at the rates proposed regardless of what actuals are running in contract out-years. For the purpose of the TEP, the Offeror shall only provide the rate; the amount for evaluation purpose is identified in the Price Matrix.

5.3.10 Property/Equipment/Tooling/Material

The Government will provide GFE; property, tooling, and/or material as identified in Appendix B of the RFP. This list is not all inclusive of items that may be required during performance of this effort. The Contractor will be responsible for augmenting any additional property, equipment, tooling, and/or material required to ensure successful performance.

5.3.11 Service Contract Labor Standards

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

5.3.12 Government Field Support Agencies

Identify the cognizant DCAA and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) office responsible for administration of the Offerors Government contracts.

5.3.13 Other Documentation

Other documentation considered by Offerors to be essential for support of proposed prices shall be presented in Section 2 Price Volume. As this effort is a FFP contract, all risk associated with fluctuations in Estimated Quantities, Subcontractor pricing at all tiers, market changes, etc., is to be considered and priced into the proposed prices.

Offerors shall be held to their proposed pricing. It is the Offerors responsibility to support proposed pricing to ensure demonstration of adequate understanding of the requirement as well as appreciation of program complexity and associated performance risk.

5.3.14 Submission of Price Matrix

Submit the electronically encoded Price Matrix in support of the proposed TEP. The Price Matrix proposed pricing submitted must be consistent with your approved estimating system and must duplicate the logic and mathematical formulas reflected in the paper copy of your proposal. The Price Matrix submitted must comply with the following format requirements:

(a) Data file should be submitted on a CD-ROM.

(b) Data file should be .XLS file format (MS-Excel 2010 or earlier) compatible format.

5.4 Volume Organization

The Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

SECTION 1 – Include your rationale in response to the following paragraphs in Section

1, along with a Table of Contents

5.2.1.1 - Price Reasonableness

5.2.1.2 - Balanced Pricing

5.2.1.3 - Price Realism

5.3 – Pricing Support Information

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

5.3.1 - Explanation of Specific Estimating Techniques and Methods

5.3.2 - Past Experience Basis of Estimates

5.3.3 - Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision

5.3.4 - Subcontractor and Vendor Pricing

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

5.3.5 – Rounding

5.3.6 - Annual Price Changes

5.3.7 - Price Assumptions/Limitations/Qualifications in Development of Proposed

Pricing

5.3.8 – O&A Labor Rates

5.3.9 – Material/Subcontractor Rate

5.3.10 - Government Furnished Property (GFP) / Contractor Furnished Property (CFP)

5.3.11 - Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)

5.3.12 - Government Field Support Agencies

5.3.13 - Other Documentation

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

5.3.14 - Submission of Price Matrix

6.0 Contract Documentation

6.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

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

6.1.1 Solicitation/Contract Form

The Offeror shall provide completed blocks 12, 17 and signature and date for blocks 30a, 30b and 30c of the SF1449. Signature by the offeror on the SF1449 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept. The "original" copy should be clearly marked under separate cover and should be provided without any punched holes.

6.1.2 Supplies or Services…