Attachment 3 Section L Instructions to Offerors.docx

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

12 December 2024

1.0 Program Structure and Objective

The Government plans to award a single contract for the T-38C Avionics Sustainment & Support Program (ASSP) Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) Program. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) identifies CLS responsibilities for Contractor Operated and Maintained Base Supply (COMBS), systems engineering, hardware and software upgrades, courseware revision and maintenance, and program management services in support of the T-38C Avionics System. CLS services are required for an estimated 442 T-38C aircraft located at five (5) main operation bases and three (3) satellite sites. CLS services contractor shall provide a full spectrum of transparent Supply Chain Management (SCM) services to support safe, flyable aircraft to meet users’ daily flight schedule consistent with Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial sector best practices in procuring, producing, and delivering products and services to customers. These SCM activities include managing supply and demand, sourcing parts, assembly, disposal, warehousing and inventory tracking, order entry and order management, distribution across all channels, and delivery to the customer. Contractor shall use standard DoD Condition Codes. Primary sustaining engineering is accomplished as Block Upgrades to the system software, firmware and hardware as needed.

1.1. Award

The Government intends to award one 5-Year Basic with one 5-Year option Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract. 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 Offeror that provides the best value to the Government In Accordance With (IAW) Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award, over the entire Period of Performance (PoP). The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions at its discretion.

1.2. Budget/Funding Information

At a minimum, the Government intends to obligate funds at time of award utilizing the Contract Line Item Number (CLINS) for the base period to include:

a. X001 Program management

b. X002 COMBS Labor Cost

c. X003 FSR Labor Cost

d. X005 CLS, Material Cost Per Flight hour

e. X006 Gov’t Damaged Parts

f. X007 Engineering Services

g. X020 Transition Phase-In

h. 0025 Transition Phase-In Incentive Fee

1.3. Contractor Technical Proposal/Volume

Should there be any discrepancies between the Offeror’s Technical Proposal/Volume and the PWS, the PWS will take precedence unless otherwise approved by the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO).

2.0 General Instructions

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. Offerors’ proposals shall include all data and information requested by the ITO and shall be submitted IAW these instructions. Any Offeror who submits an incomplete package shall be considered ineligible for award. The proposal shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the PWS and appendices. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in the ITO shall result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation, and/or ineligibility for award.

2.1. The proposal 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 Offerors’ proposals.

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

2.1.2. The proposal acceptance period is specified in the model contract/solicitation. The Offerors shall make a statement in the proposal documentation volume that the proposal is valid until this date.

2.1.3. IAW FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

2.2. General Information

2.2.1. Point of Contact

The PCO and Contract Specialist are the sole points of contact for this acquisition. Offerors shall address any questions or concerns directly to the PCO. Written requests for clarification shall be sent to the PCO and Contract Specialist as shown below:

AFLCMC/WNDT

ATTN: Mark K. Parker Procuring Contracting Officer 6072 Fir Avenue, Bldg 1233 Hill AFB, UT 84056-5820 mark.parker.12@us.af.mil 307-277-3272

AFLCMC/WNDT

ATTN: Danielle D. Stiff Contract Specialist 6072 Fir Avenue, Bldg 1233 Hill AFB, UT 84056-5820 danielle.stiff.1@us.af.mil 801-777-8416

All questions and answers regarding this solicitation shall be sent through the prime offeror. This includes all questions and answers to and from sub-contractor or teaming partners.

2.2.2. Debriefings

The PCO 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 PCO will notify unsuccessful offerors IAW FAR 15.503. Upon such notification, unsuccessful Offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing shall make their request IAW the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

2.2.3. Discrepancies

If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the PCO in writing with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the Offeror is asking the PCO to consider as related to the omission or error. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions at its discretion.

2.2.4. Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the System for Award Management (SAM) website at https://sam.gov. Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation. Additionally, once the PCO receives the signed form 2345 from Offerors, the PCO will notify the Program Office to send the Bidder’s Library technical documents to the Offerors via DoD Safe. Only Bidder’s library technical data will be sent via DoD Safe. All other contracting documents will be available in Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE).

2.2.5. Amendments to Solicitation

If this Request for Proposal (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 Offerors’ proposals.

2.2.6. Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Proposals Proposal packages shall be transmitted to the to the PCO via the Solicitation Module within the PIEE found at https://piee.eb.mil/. Physical delivery of proposal packages will not be accepted. See ITO sections 2.6 & 2.7.

2.2.7 Communications

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

2.3. Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

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

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

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

Table 2.3. Proposal Organization

Section Number

Copies Page Limit

2.3.4 Names

Offerors shall submit all documents using the following filename conventions: Volume I: Factor One - Technical, Volume II: Factor Two - Past Performance, Volume III: Factor Three - Price, and Volume IV: Factor Four – Contract Documentation. Submittal documents created in Microsoft Office shall utilize the most current filetype format such as .docx, or .xlsx. Documents may be submitted in Adobe as .pdf files; however, the document must contain fully searchable text.

2.3.5. Page Limitations

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may also be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors. Each page shall be counted except the following: blank pages, title pages, tables of contents, tabs, indexes, glossaries, and those noted in Table 2.3. as None.

2.3.6. Pricing Information

All pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price Proposal, SBPCD Template, Small Business Subcontracting Plan and Contract Documentation Volume IV.

2.3.7. Cross Referencing

The Technical Volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without cross referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for the technical proposal evaluation, which is not found in the Technical Volume, will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal, and will not be considered in the technical evaluation. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted when its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. Cross referencing between volumes is not permitted. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions at its discretion.

2.3.8. Indexing

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

2.3.9. Tables and Figures

Include an indexed list of Tables and Figures

2.3.10. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

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

2.4. Page Size and Format

2.4.1. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches. Page line spacing shall be 1.5 lines. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than Arial 12 points. The Offeror is prohibited from using other Arial fonts such as Arial Black, Arial Narrow, or Arial Rounded MT Bold. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and 3/4-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall apply to responses to EN.

2.4.2. 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, and may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams and schematics, not for pages of text. The following limitation only applies to the Technical Volume. Text intended for evaluation within all figures, charts, tables, and graphs, to include imbedded images, shall be no less than Arial 8-pt. Any text within figures, charts, tables, and graphs which do not meet this requirement will not be considered in the evaluation.

2.5 Labeling

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

2.6 Electronic Offers

Source selection information shall be transmitted to the PCO via the Solicitation Module within PIEE found at https://piee.eb.mil/. The Offeror shall obtain the "Proposal Manager" role in PIEE for the Solicitation Module. The following website may be used to help obtain this role:

https://piee.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/web/homepage/vendorCustomerSupport.xhtml

Click the "Go To Web Based Training" link. Then click the "Solicitation Module". Review the various training resources. The Offeror may also obtain assistance via the PIEE help desk, phone 866-618-5988. If the offeror is unable to submit its proposal via email or via the PIEE Solicitation Module, the offeror is responsible for coordinating with the PCO at least 24 hours in advance of when proposals are due in order to determine an alternate electronic means of submitting the completed proposal. Late proposals will only be considered IAW FAR 15.208. Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before award.

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

The Offeror shall submit the proposal electronically per 2.4.1. Use separate files for each proposal volume to permit rapid location. When naming files, use titles to describe the file's content rather than using numbers alone to navigate and identify specific data more easily. Files shall not be submitted in a compressed format.

The proposal shall be submitted in a format readable and searchable by Adobe Acrobat Professional and/or MS Office Suite (Version 2007 or later). Ensure all graphics generated in MS Office (including tables, charts, and graphs) in the proposal are pasted into the proposal as MS Office objects to preserve searchability (do not paste as picture only). Ensure all formulas used are included in Excel spreadsheets. Pricing spreadsheets shall be submitted in MS Office Excel.

2.7 Distribution

2.7.1 Once the Offeror has uploaded the Offeror’s proposal in its entirety to PIEE, the Offeror shall take a screen shot (Print Screen function) of the Offeror’s PIEE upload confirmation screen showing all the uploaded files included in the proposal submission.

The Offeror shall notify PCO by email that the files have been uploaded and provide a copy of the PIEE completed upload confirmation screen shot. If the proposal files are uploaded in their entirety prior to the proposal closing date and time, and the Offeror has notified PCO the files have been uploaded (notification is to include the PIEE upload confirmation screen shot has also been provided), the proposal will be considered timely, even if the files are not accessible to the Contracting Officer in PIEE until after the proposal closing date and time. If the Offeror fails to notify PCO by email, the files will be considered timely if they are accessible in PIEE prior to the closing date and time. However, they will be considered late proposals, if they are not accessible until after the proposal date and time.

Email address is as follows:

Mark Parker: mark.parker.12@us.af.mil

3.0 Factor One – Technical

3.1. General

Offeror’s responses will be evaluated against the Technical subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these subfactors. Offerors shall assume that the government has no prior knowledge of their experience or facilities and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the proposal. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm shall 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 (Table 2.3). In the Technical Volume, address your proposed approach to meeting the minimum performance capability requirements of each technical subfactor.

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

(1) Team List Attach 2.0

(2) Table of Contents

(3) List of Table and Drawings

(4) Glossary

(5) Subfactor One – Program Management

(6) Subfactor Two – Contractor Logistics Support

(7) Subfactor Three – DMSMS Management

(8) Subfactor Four – Block Upgrade Process & Software Applications Support

3.2.3. Subfactor One: Program Management

The Offeror shall provide an approach for Program Management. The approach shall provide the following essential elements outlined in below PWS references:

a. Staffing Approach: The approach shall demonstrate an understanding of requirements and sets forth logical and adequate personnel and support for COMBS personnel, Field Service Representatives (FSR) and Courseware Subject Matter Experts IAW PWS 3.14, 3.15, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1.1.E, 9.1.2.C and 9.1.4.

b. Transition Approach: The approach shall detail how the offeror will manage and accomplish contract transition and phase in IAW PWS 9.1. Transition-In period will start at contract award and CLS period will start approximately 90 calendar days after contract award. The Offeror shall demonstrate their understanding of transition requirements and provide their approach to manage and accomplish contract transition and phase in IAW PWS 9.1. The approach shall include:

1. Transition Schedule: The Offeror shall present their critical path schedule for the 90-day transition period to include a timeline for inventory transition IAW PWS 9.1. The events on the schedule timeline shall depict the proposed tasks in the 0 to 30, 31 to 60 and 61 to 90 calendar day transition periods. The Offeror shall describe high risks associated with the transition and their approach to managing and mitigating associated risks.

2. Phase-In: The Offeror shall provide signed Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) and/or Letters Of Intent (LOI) signed by both parties; IAW PWS 9.1.11.A to fully enable parts/component availability for contract performance and supporting the parts identified in Appendix A and B of the PWS.

3. Repair Stations: The Offeror shall identify the OEM, FAA and or contractor–certified repair stations that will be used for contract performance. The Offeror shall provide the associated 14 CFR Part 145 repair station certificate number(s). The Offeror shall describe their certification process of the facilities to ensure quality standards are met IAW PWS paragraph 5.7.1 and parts are repaired or replaced IAW PWS paragraphs 3.10.3, 3.15.4 and Appx B parts list.

c. Small Business Participation: The Offeror shall clearly describe their approach for small business participation that demonstrates their commitment to small business utilization during contract performance. As a minimum, the Offeror shall include the small business participation minimum quantitative requirement (MQR) of 15% IAW PWS 3.9. Small business participation shall be based on total contract dollars/value (TCV) for this contract effort. The offeror shall also provide:

1. Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD): The Offeror shall provide a SBPCD, See ITO Attachment 3.0 for SBPCD template.

2. If the Offeror is a large business, they shall provide a subcontracting plan IAW FAR 19.7, tailored to this contract effort.

NOTE: The SBPCD differs from the subcontracting plan requirements IAW FAR 19.7. Also, work to be performed directly by a small business prime offeror shall be evaluated as Small Business Participation. Small business prime offerors shall include their information in the provided SBPCD template as required.

d. Property Management Plan: The offeror shall include with their proposal a Government Property Management Plan that includes all information required by FAR 45.201(c). The offeror shall use the Management Plan format provided in Data Item Description DI-MGMT-80004.

3.2.4. Subfactor Two: Contractor Logistics Support (CLS)

The Offeror shall describe their approach for CLS. The approach shall provide the following essential elements outlined IAW the following PWS references:

a. Supply Chain Management: The Offeror shall describe their supply chain management system and processes to be used for forecasting, demand planning, and inventory control to maintain parts availability metrics as defined in the PWS sections 3.10, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16, 9.0, 10.0, 12.0, 13.4, Appendices A, B and G.

b. Facilities: The Offeror shall describe and provide verification of availability of suitable facilities to be used for the Systems Integration Lab (SIL) (Bidders Library>Systems Integration Lab Drawing & ATP >T-38_SIL-2_Hardware_Maintenance_Manual_Rev_A) and the Operational Flight Trainer (OFT) (Bidders Library>Aircrew Training Devices (ATD)>ATD Facility Requirements) requirements IAW PWS sections 5.13 and 5.14 and information specified in the Bidders Library. The Offeror shall provide evidence that floorplans along with electrical and environmental systems meet all requirements for contract performance.

c. Analysis, Reliability and Maintainability: The Offeror shall clearly describe their approach to meeting Performance, Trend Analysis, and Reliability and Maintainability requirements. The Offeror shall provide examples of data collection and analysis processes for avionics systems and/or contracts with a fleet size greater than 100 aircraft. The Offeror shall describe how Services Summaries and Observational Metrics shall be met IAW PWS sections 4.3.4., 5.2.1, 10 and 12.

3.2.5 Subfactor Three: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) Management

The Offeror shall provide a comprehensive approach for DMSMS Management. The approach shall provide the following essential elements outlined in the PWS:

a. DMSMS Program: The Offeror shall describe their comprehensive DMSMS Program that demonstrates full functionality at the start of contract performance, and meets all criteria outlined in PWS section 5.10. The Offeror shall provide examples of the system(s), process(es) and predictive tool(s) utilized and how the systems, processes and predictive tools meet performance requirements for previous/current avionics sustainment efforts.

3.2.6 Subfactor Four: Block Upgrade Process & Software Applications Support The Offeror shall provide an approach that demonstrates technical capabilities and understanding of the process required to develop, support, sustain, manage and distribute the avionics software. Reference PWS sections 4, 5.7 and 7. The Offeror shall provide evidence of three or more years of experience in software applications. The approach shall provide the following essential elements outlined below:

a. Software Development: The Offeror shall provide a comprehensive explanation of their established software development approach, processes (e.g. Agile, DevSecOps, etc.), and company defined software development standards (e.g. Rational, DOORS, Jira®, etc.) to be used to develop, support, sustain, and maintain avionics software.

b. Data Tracking: The Offeror shall provide their approach, including systems and processes, for managing and tracking software deficiency reports and vulnerability risks.

c. Certifications: The Offeror shall provide their current industry certifications in software engineering and development (e.g. CMMI, ISO 9001, and/or equivalency standards).

4.0. Factor Two – 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, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform the work outlined in the solicitation. The Offeror shall describe the portion of effort each team member is proposed to perform in relation to the Factor One Technical subfactors, Factor Two Past Performance, and Factor Three Price. The Government Past Performance Evaluation Team (PPET) evaluates each member of the Offeror’s team for recency, relevancy, and performance quality, based on their proposed portion of effort. Therefore, it is important for the Offeror to provide a detailed portion of effort description, in order for the PPET to conduct an accurate assessment. The Offeror shall also provide approximate percentages for portion of effort for each team member. For the Past Performance evaluation, the Government will use data provided by the Offeror in the Past Performance volume, as well as data obtained from other sources such as Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Questionnaires, Supplier Performance Risk Systems (SPRS), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), and commercial sources.

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

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

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

4.2. Early Proposal Information

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

4.2.2. As soon as practicable, the Offeror shall complete Section 1 of the attached Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 1.2) and e-mail it and the Performance Questionnaire Letter (Attachment 1.3) to all points of contacts (POCs) the Offeror has listed in the PPI Form (Attachment 1.1). The POCs shall complete the questionnaires and forward them directly to the PPET. (Attn: Mark Parker mark.parker.12@us.af.mil). Email address for questionnaires is mark.parker.12@us.af.mil. RESPONDENTS TO THE QUESTIONNAIRES SHALL NOT SEND THE COMPLETED INFORMATION SHEETS BACK TO THE OFFEROR. The Offeror 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. Organizational Past Performance Information

4.3.1. Past Performance Information

The Offerors shall provide PPI on current or previous contracts (or efforts). The PPI shall be completed IAW Attachment 1.1, PPI Form (identified in this document as “PPIF”). The Offeror shall submit PPIFs for contracts which include all or some performance within the past three years, as defined in Section M, paragraph 2.3.2.1 Recency Assessment. Request each offeror submit up to three (3) PPIFs for the prime contractor, and up to three (3) PPIFs for each significant subcontractor/teaming partner. Significant subcontractor is defined as a contractor who is proposed to perform over 5% of the total effort, or a contractor who is proposed to perform less than 5% of the total effort but is determined to be performing a critical function. NOTE: The requested number of PPIFs for the prime and subcontractors are preferences and not requirements. Offerors may submit more than the preferred number if the Offeror believe the extra contracts are needed to fully describe their relevancy. An Offeror who submits less than the preferred number of PPIFs are not automatically assigned a “Neutral Confidence” rating. Fewer numbers may be acceptable, if the Government determines there is sufficient information to determine a confidence rating. Request each PPIF not exceed a target of 8 pages, although more or less may be submitted, if necessary and relevant to the T-38 ASSP CLS Program.

4.3.2. PPI Relevant Contract Narrative

For each PPIF, the Offeror shall provide a narrative explaining what aspects of the contract are deemed relevant to the proposed effort, and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. Specifically, the narrative shall focus on similarities to the Factor One Technical subfactors, Factor Two Past Performance, and Factor Three Price, as defined in Section M, paragraph 2.3.2.2, and shall be tailored to the proposed portion of effort. Categorize the relevant information into the specific technical subfactors and price assessment used to evaluate the proposal. The narrative may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the Offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a Limited or No Confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The Offeror shall 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 support that an offeror has overcome past problems is required. The Offeror is requested to limit the narrative to a maximum of 5 pages.

4.3.3. Teaming Arrangement

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

4.3.4. Organizational Structure Change History

Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between the conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what past performance is relevant to this acquisition. To facilitate this relevancy determination, the Offeror 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, the "roadmap" shall 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 Three – Price

In the Price Volume, the Offeror shall provide the following information in addition to the pricing in Total Evaluated Price Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation). These instructions are to assist you in submitting information required to evaluate the reasonableness, balance and realism of the proposed pricing. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply shall result in rejection of your proposal. Price proposals shall be submitted for (1) price reasonableness (including completeness), (2) balanced pricing, (3) Total Evaluated Price (TEP), (4) Price Realism, (5) Cost Realism, and (6) Professional Employee Compensation Plan (PECP).

5.1. General Instructions

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless you consider it essential to document or support your price position. All information relating to the proposed price including all required supporting documentation shall 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 for the information required in ITO Attachment 3.0 for SBPCD Template, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, and Contract Documentation Volume IV.

5.1.1. Title Page, Table of Contents, List of Tables and Figures, and Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms Include a Title Page containing the solicitation number, name, address, and telephone of the Offeror and electronic e-mail address if available. Include a Table of Contents, an indexed list of tables and figures, and a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used.

5.1.2. Team List

Include a Team List of the Offeror’s primary Points of Contact using the format shown in Attachment 2 of the ITO.

5.1.3. Price Reasonableness

The Offeror shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices were developed (such as assumptions, historical data, projections, expertise, management decisions, etc.). For completeness, the Offeror shall provide unit prices and/or rates for all listed items in the TEP Price Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation).

5.1.4. Balanced Pricing

The Offeror shall provide rationale for any proposed CLIN price/rate increase greater than 5% from one year to another, or any proposed CLIN price/rate decrease from one year to another. Unexplained price/rate variances from year-to-year could suggest unbalanced pricing. It is in the Offeror’s best interest to provide explanations or supporting rationale for any significant annual CLIN price/rate variances. To assist in the determination of balanced pricing, the Offeror shall complete the attached TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation).

5.1.5 Total Evaluated Price

The TEP is calculated in the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation). The Offeror shall fill out the yellow highlighted cells in the TEP, Direct Labor Rates, Indirect Rates, and Labor Categories (LCATs) and Descriptions worksheets. To calculate the TEP, the proposed prices/rates will be multiplied by the Best Estimated Quantities (BEQs)/Notional Hours in the TEP Workbook. The product of each calculation (by CLIN) will be summed to arrive at a TEP. Refer to the TEP workbook for information pertaining to the TEP calculation methodology by CLIN.

Note: The BEQs provided in the TEP Workbook are the Government’s best estimates and are provided for evaluation purposes only.

5.1.6 Price Realism

The Offeror shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices/rates were developed (such as assumptions, historical data, projections, expertise, management decisions, etc.). All proposed prices/rates shall be sufficient and adequately proposed to ensure performance is not at an unacceptable risk with prices/rates proposed too low.

The following CLINs will be evaluated for price realism: X001, X002, X003, X005, X007, X008, and X009.

5.1.7 Cost Realism

The Offeror shall provide direct rates in the yellow highlighted cells in the Direct Labor Rates worksheet plus proposed fees, profit and indirect rates in the yellow highlighted cells in the Indirect Rate worksheet in Section J, TEP workbook. The labor mix will not be disclosed to the Offeror at any time.

The following CLINs will be evaluated for cost realism: X011, X017, and X019.

5.1.8 Professional Employee Compensation Plan (PECP)

a. The Offeror shall submit a PECP meeting the requirements of FAR 52.222-46

b. The Offeror shall populate the TEP Workbook, Direct Labor Rates and Indirect Rates worksheets.

c. The Offeror shall populate the TEP Workbook, LCATs and Descriptions Worksheet with the Offeror’s proposed LCATs mapped to the Government LCATs. In the Offeror’s description, the Offeror shall include the same level of detail as the Government (i.e., years of experience, education, certifications, security clearance, etc.) along with a job code.

d. Supporting information/evidence: If the basis of the proposed compensation is salary surveys, provide the actual data output from salary survey tool. Provide the name of the salary survey service utilized, the labor category pulled, the labor description, criteria applied (i.e., location selected, years of experience, education, certifications, security clearance, etc.).

e. If the basis of the proposed compensation is actual salaries, provide paystubs/earnings statements of actual salaries currently being paid to existing employees of these LCATs, along with retention rates for the position.

f. If the basis of the proposed salary data is a Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP)/Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA), provide a copy of the applicable document and audit agency contact information (i.e., name, telephone number(s), email). Ensure that the subject proposal will fall under the CAGE code of the FPRP/FPRA.

g. The labor categories included in the TEP Workbook (LCATs and Descriptions Worksheet) will be utilized under the following CLINs, and therefore, will be evaluated for PECP: X004, X006, X010, X011, X012, X013, X014, X015, X016, X017, X018, X019, X020, X021, X022, X023, and X024. Only two LCATs Field Service Representative and Material Coordinator are excluded from this evaluation.

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

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

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

5.1.9.1 Basis of Estimate

The Offeror shall provide the basis of the proposed labor rates (prime/sub), e.g., actuals/current individual salaries, FPRA, FPRP/Submission (FPRP/S), labor survey, etc.

The Offeror shall show base labor rate for each labor category (prime/sub), a breakout of all indirect rates applied, and fee. Explain how the rates factor into the build-up of the loaded labor rate. This shall be in accordance with the Offeror disclosure statement and accounting system. The Offeror shall provide a basis for the indirect rates proposed (e.g., actuals, FPRA, FPRP/S, etc.). If an FPRA/FPRP/S was used, provide a copy of the applicable agreement/submission. If actuals were used, provide the previous three years of data. The Offeror shall also provide audit agency contact information, to include name, telephone number(s), email. For the ordering periods that extend beyond the applicable agreed/proposed rates, utilize the final yearly rates of the agreed/proposed rates for the remaining periods of the contract.

5.1.10 Rounding

In the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation), all proposed dollar amounts shall be rounded to the nearest cent (two decimal places to the right of the decimal). All proposed labor rates shall also be rounded to the nearest cent. Proposed percentages for Material Burden rates shall be rounded to four places to the right of the decimal.

5.2 Pricing Support Information

5.2.1. Estimating Techniques and Past Experience

Provide a brief explanation of the methodology used to estimate prices/rates in the development of the Offeror’s proposed pricing. 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 were adapted to the current effort pricing.

5.2.2. Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision If proposed prices/rates 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, G&A, etc.). Also, provide complete rationale for the reduction. Provide the estimated dollar and percentage of the reduction, explaining how such reductions are ensured not to increase performance risk to the Government. If the Offeror has not proposed any price reductions, then state accordingly in Section 2 of the Price Volume.

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

5.2.4. Over and Above (O&A) Labor Rates and Burden Rates

The proposed O&A labor rates and burden rates shall be proposed as fully burdened FFP rates and shall be IAW Service Contract Labor Standards/Collective Bargaining Agreement (SCLS/CBA), if applicable. These wrap rates shall be proposed at sufficient dollar amounts to adequately cover any and all fluctuations and actual costs in contract performance out-years. The proposed rates for the Basic Period (5 years), Option I (5 years), shall take into consideration that the periods of performance cover multiple years. Proposed burden rates shall be proposed as fully burdened FFP rates and shall be valid for all contract performance years as well. All proposed rates shall be included in the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation). Proposed rates are considered ceiling rates. The Offeror is required to indicate their understanding that proposed ceiling rates will apply to all out-years despite what current actuals are running at the time. These rates shall not be exceeded except for upward adjustments IAW SCLS/CBA wage determinations, as applicable.

5.2.5. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) It is the responsibility of the Offeror and the subsequent contract awardee to comply with the 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 applicable 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. Provide general information regarding any CBAs applicable to this acquisition.

5.2.6. Probable Subcontractors

Submit a list of the proposed probable subcontractors and inter-divisional transfers showing (a) subcontractor name, (b) description of effort, and (c) type of contract. Provide the methodology used to determine subcontractor pricing as fair and reasonable. If no subcontractors will be utilized, then state accordingly in Section 2 of the Price Volume.

5.2.7. Government Field Support Agencies

Identify the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and DCMA office responsible for administration of the Offeror’s Government contracts.

5.2.8. Other Documentation

Other documentation considered by Offeror to be essential for support of proposed prices/rates shall be presented in this section. The Offeror may provide any additional data, other than certified cost or pricing data, etc. as believed necessary to support, justify, or clarify their proposed pricing.

5.2.9. Submission of Total Evaluated Price Workbook

Submit the completed TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation) in support of the proposed TEP. The proposed pricing in the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation) submitted shall be consistent with the Offeror’s approved estimating system and shall duplicate the logic and mathematical formulas reflected in the Offeror’s electronic proposal. The TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation) submitted shall comply with the following format requirements:

a. Electronic data file shall be .XLS (MS-Excel 365 or earlier) compatible format

5.2.10. Volume Organization

The Price Volume shall consist of the following sections:

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

5.1.1. – Title Page, Table of Contents, List of Tables and Figures, and Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

5.1.2. – Team List

5.1.3. – Price Reasonableness

5.1.4. – Balanced Pricing

5.1.5. – Total Evaluated Price

5.1.6. – Price Realism

5.1.7. – Cost Realism

5.1.8. – Professional Employee Compensation Plan

5.1.9. – Pricing Information Requirements/Data Other than Certified Pricing Data

5.1.9.1 – Basis of Estimate

5.1.10. – Rounding SECTION 2 – Include your response to the following sections in Section 2:

5.2.1. – Estimating Techniques and Past Experience

5.2.2. – Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision

5.2.3. – Price Assumptions Used in Development of Proposed Pricing

5.2.4. – Over and Above (O&A) Labor Rates and Material Burden Rates

5.2.5. – Service Contract Labor Standards/Collective Bargaining Agreement

5.2.6. – Probable Subcontractors

5.2.7. – Government Field Support Agencies

5.2.8. – Other Documentation SECTION 3 – Include your response to the following sections in Section 3:

5.2.9. – Submission of Total Evaluated Price Workbook

5.2.10. – Volume Organization

6.0. Factor Four – Contract Documentation

6.1. Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

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

6.1.1. Solicitation/Contract Form (Section A)

Complete blocks 14,15, and 16, as well as sign and date blocks 17 and 18 of the SF33. Signature by the Offeror on the SF33 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept.

6.1.2. Supplies or Services and Costs/Prices (Section B)

Complete pricing information in attached TEP Workbook of the model contract, not in Section B.

6.