Attachment 4 Section M Evaluation Factors.docx

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T-38 Avionics Sustainment and Support Program Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
FA822025RB001
Issued by
Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center Hill Air Force Base

About this file

This is a Section M Evaluation Factors document for a T-38C Avionics Sustainment and Support Program (ASSP) Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contract. The document outlines how proposals will be evaluated using a best value trade-off approach between Past Performance and Price among technically acceptable offers.

The evaluation includes three main factors: Technical (pass/fail with four subfactors covering Program Management, CLS, DMSMS Management, and Block Upgrade Process), Past Performance (rated from No Confidence to Substantial Confidence based on recent and relevant experience within 3 years), and Price (evaluated for reasonableness, balanced pricing, realism, and total evaluated price). The contract will be a single-award IDIQ supporting approximately 442 T-38C aircraft across five main bases and three satellite sites. The anticipated award date is January 2026 for a 5-year base period with one 5-year option period through January 2036. The scope includes COMBS support, systems engineering, hardware/software upgrades, courseware maintenance, and program management services. A minimum small business participation requirement of 15% is specified. The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Hill AFB is the contracting agency.

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File Type Posted
Solicitation Amendment FA822025RB0010002 SF 30.pdf PDF
Solicitation Amendment - FA822025RB0010002.pdf PDF
Attachment 1 ASSP CLS PWS 12 Dec 2024.docx DOCX document
Attachment 5e Sheppard SCA WD2015-5263.pdf PDF
Attachment 2 Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Workbook.xlsx.xlsx XLSX spreadsheet
Attachment 6d CBA 2024-318 Randolph.pdf PDF
Solicitation Amendment - FA822025RB0010001.pdf PDF
Solicitation Amendment FA822025RB0010001 SF 30.pdf PDF
Solicitation - FA822025RB001.pdf PDF
Attachment 5b Laughlin SCA WD2015-5303.pdf PDF
Attachment 5f Vance SCA WD2015-5857.pdf PDF
Attachment 6e CBA 2024-319 Sheppard.pdf PDF
Attachment 5c Patuxent SCA WD2015-4279.pdf PDF
Attachment 7 ASSP GFP List.pdf PDF
Attachment 6f CBA 2024-321 Vance.pdf PDF
Attachment 6c CBA 2024-323 Patuxent.pdf PDF
Attachment 6a CBA 2024-322 Columbus.pdf PDF
Attachment 8 PPI Tool Download Instructions.docx DOCX document
Exhibit A ASSP CDRL A001-A054.pdf PDF
Attachment 5g Edwards SCA WD2015-5603.pdf PDF
Attachment 3 Section L Instructions to Offerors.docx DOCX document
Attachment 6b CBA 2024-320 Laughlin.pdf PDF
Attachment 5d Randolph SCA WD2015-5253.pdf PDF
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SECTION M

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

12 December 2024

1.0. Source Selection (SS)

1.1. Basis for Contract Award

This acquisition will utilize Tradeoff Source Selection procedures, with technical proposals, to make an integrated assessment for a best value award decision. Tradeoffs will be made only between Past Performance and Price among those Offerors who have been determined technically acceptable. Award will be made to the Offeror who is deemed responsible in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 9, as supplemented, whose proposal conforms to the solicitation’s requirements (to include all stated terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and all other information required by Section L – Instructions to Offerors of this solicitation) and is judged, based on the evaluation factors, to represent the best value to the Government. This may result in an award to a higher rated, higher priced Offeror, where the decision is consistent with the evaluation factors, and the Source Selection Authority (SSA) reasonably determines the technically acceptable proposal, and superior past performance of the higher priced Offeror outweighs the price difference with lower priced Offerors.

1.1.1. The SSA will base the source selection decision on an integrated assessment of proposals against all source selection criteria in the solicitation (described below). While the Government Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) and the SSA will strive for maximum objectivity, the Source Selection process, by its nature, is subjective and, therefore, professional judgment is implicit throughout the entire process.

1.1.2. This source selection is conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15.3, Contracting by Negotiation, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), the Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DAFFARS) Mandatory Procedures (MP) 5315.3, Section 1.4, and DoD Source Selection Procedures, dated 20 August 2022. These regulations are available electronically at acquisition.gov.

1.2. Number of Contracts to be Awarded:

The Government intends to select one contractor for this acquisition. However, the Government reserves the right not to award a contract at all, depending on the quality of the proposals and prices submitted and the availability of funds.

1.3. Correction Potential of Proposals:

The Government will consider throughout the evaluation, the correction potential of any technical proposal aspect evaluated as a deficiency. The correction potential shall be based on the amount and/or complexity of the corrections needed to meet Government requirements.

1.4. Competitive Range Determination

If discussions are conducted, the Government shall establish a competitive range comprised of the most highly rated proposals, IAW FAR 15.306(c). During the evaluation process multiple competitive range determinations may be made that eliminate Offerors from the competition IAW FAR 15.505. The competitive range determination can be based on Factor One Technical, Factor Two Past Performance, Factor Three Price, or a combination of the three factors. A competitive range determination may eliminate Offerors based on:

a. initial proposal evaluation results

b. after discussions

c. for efficiency

If Offerors are excluded from the competitive range, they may request a debriefing IAW FAR 15.505.

1.5. Discussions

The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions at its discretion. It is imperative that Offerors submit their best terms initially. If during the evaluation period it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government to hold discussions, the Government will determine if responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs) received during discussions will be considered formal proposal revisions, or if Offerors will be required to include EN responses in the Final Proposal Revision (FPR). The Request for a FPR letter will include specific instructions on how Offerors will submit FPRs. Offerors’ responses to ENs for Volume II (Past Performance) shall not be included in the FPR. Offerors’ responses to Past Performance ENs during discussions will automatically be considered in the final evaluation.

1.6. Reviews and Visits

Site visits are not planned. The SSEB may conduct site visits during the evaluation phase. If conducted, the results will be assessed under the applicable factors/subfactors and will be used to validate and confirm the Offeror’s written proposal.

1.7 Solicitation Requirements (Terms and Conditions)

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and Performance Work Statement (PWS) requirements. Requirements included in the factors and subfactors will be evaluated in accordance with the process described for each factor and subfactor. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Offeror being ineligible for award.

Offerors shall identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and shall provide complete supporting rationale. The Government reserves the right to determine any such exceptions as unacceptable, and the proposal, therefore, ineligible for award.

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

2.0. Evaluation Factors

2.1. Evaluation Factors and Subfactors

2.1.1. Evaluation factors used to evaluate each proposal:

Award will be made to the Offeror proposing the combination of factors deemed most advantageous to the Government based upon an integrated assessment of the evaluation factors described below.

Factor One: Technical Subfactor One: Program Management Subfactor Two: Contractor Logistics Support Subfactor Three: DMSMS Management Subfactor Four: Block Upgrade Process & Software Applications Support Factor Two: Past Performance Factor Three: Price

2.1.2. Relative Importance of Factors and Subfactors:

For this solicitation, technical acceptability is a prerequisite to the best value analysis and potential trade-off between Past Performance and Price. The Order of Importance is used to explain how the other factors will be traded off on technically acceptable proposals.

For all technically acceptable proposals, Factor Two (Past Performance) is considered significantly more important than Factor Three (Price).

2.1.3. Evaluation Methodology:

The Government technical evaluation team will evaluate the technical proposals on a pass/fail basis, assigning ratings of Acceptable or Unacceptable. The proposals shall be evaluated against the subfactors listed in section 2.2. Past Performance will be evaluated as described in section 2.3. Price will be evaluated as described in section 2.4. For the award decision, the SSA will consider the Past Performance ratings as significantly more important than price for all technically acceptable offers to make an integrated assessment of which Offeror provides the overall best value to the Government.

2.2. Factor One – Technical

The Technical evaluation will be based on each Offeror’s approach for meeting the technical requirements listed below. The evaluation focuses on the technical approach as described in each Offeror’s technical volume. The technical evaluation does not consider price. Each subfactor within the technical factor will receive one of the ratings as described in the table below. Individual subfactor ratings will be used to determine the overall technical acceptability of each Offeror. To be determined technically acceptable at the factor level, the Offeror must be rated acceptable in each subfactor. A single deficiency within a subfactor will result in an unacceptable rating for that subfactor. A final unacceptable subfactor assessment will determine an overall technical unacceptable rating, and therefore, render the Offeror unawardable. Only those proposals determined to be technically acceptable, either initially, or as a result of discussions, will be considered for award.

Rating
Description
Acceptable
Proposal meets the requirements of the solicitation
Unacceptable
Proposal does not meet the requirements of the solicitation

2.2.1. Subfactor One: Program Management

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed Program Management approach. Offerors are required to present all the information as stated in the Instruction to Offerors (ITO), Section L. The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate how their approach will meet the requirements for all the following essential elements.

a. Staffing Approach: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s approach shall demonstrate an understanding of staffing requirements for successful program performance, including a sufficient quantity of qualified personnel to meet the requirements for COMBS personnel, Field Service Representatives (FSR) and Courseware Subject Matter Experts IAW PWS sections/paragraphs 3.14, 3.15, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1.1,E, 9.1.2.C and 9.1.4.

b. Transition Approach: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s approach shall demonstrate an adequate and acceptable transition schedule, including appropriate transition period tasks and risk mitigations for high-risk areas, to successfully accomplish transition requirements IAW PWS section 9.1. The Transition-In period will start at contract award and the CLS period will start approximately 90 calendar days after contract award.

1. Transition Schedule: To be acceptable, the Offeror shall provide a critical path schedule for the 90-day transition-in 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: To be acceptable, the Offeror shall provide verifiable Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) and/or Letters Of Intent (LOI) IAW PWS paragraph 9.1.11.A to successfully complete performance requirements for parts/component availability, including procurement processes and inventory status for all Appendix A and B parts.

3. Repair Stations: To be acceptable, the Offeror shall provide verifiable evidence of appropriately certified repair stations sufficient for contract performance. If the Offeror plans to utilize “contractor-certified” repair facilities, the Offeror shall clearly explain the certification process followed. The Offeror shall demonstrate an approach to maintaining quality standards at their utilized repair facilities.

c. Small Business Participation: To be acceptable, the Offeror shall provide a Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD) that meets requirements of ITO Attachment 3.0. The Offeror’s proposed small business minimum quantitative requirement (MQR) shall be 15% IAW PWS section 3.9. Large businesses shall submit a subcontracting plan IAW FAR 19.7, tailored to this contract effort, however, it will not be evaluated at this time.

d. Property Management Plan: To be acceptable, the Offeror shall provide a Property Management Plan that meets the requirements in PWS paragraph 3.8.1, IAW FAR 45.202.

2.2.2. Subfactor Two: Contractor Logistics Support (CLS)

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed CLS approach. Offerors are required to present all the information as stated in the ITO, Section L. The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate how their approach will meet the requirements for all the following essential elements.

a. Supply Chain Management: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s supply chain management system and processes shall be sufficient for successful contract performance including forecasting, demand planning, and inventory control to maintain parts availability metrics IAW 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: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s facilities shall be suitable and sufficient to house and maintain 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) IAW PWS sections 5.13, 5.14 and information specified in the Bidders Library. The Offeror’s floorplans, electrical systems and environmental system shall be sufficient to meet all equipment requirements.

c. Analysis, Reliability and Maintainability: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s approach shall fully demonstrate their ability to successfully track and manage Trend Analysis, Reliability and Maintainability of aircraft to ensure Services Summaries and Operational Metrics performance requirements are met. Examples shall demonstrate the Offeror’s competency in data collection and analysis processes to meet fleet requirements greater then 100 aircraft IAW PWS sections 4.3.4., 5.2.1, 10 and 12.

2.2.3. Subfactor Three: Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) Management The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed DMSMS sustainment approach. The Offeror shall present all the information as stated in the ITO, Section L. The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate how their approach will meet the requirements for all the following essential element.

a. DMSMS Program: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s proposed DMSMS Program shall be sufficient to meet all performance requirements outlined in PWS section 5.10. The Offeror’s avionics examples shall fully demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to successfully monitor, predict and assist in the mitigation of parts obsolescence to meet all contract performance requirements.

2.2.4. Subfactor Four: Block Upgrade Process & Software Applications Support The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed Block Upgrade Process & Software Applications Support approach. The Offeror shall present all the information as stated in the ITO, Section L. The Offeror shall provide evidence of three or more years of experience in software applications. The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate how their approach will meet the requirements for all the following essential elements.

1. Software Development: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s software development approach shall be defined and be sufficient to meet performance requirements outlined in PWS sections 4, 5.7 and 7. The Offeror shall provide evidence that their software development processes and systems are established, in-use, and the company has verifiable evidence of experience using the processes and tools they have defined.

1. Data Tracking: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s approach, including systems and processes, shall be sufficient for managing and tracking software deficiency reports and vulnerability risks to meet performance requirements. The Offeror shall fully demonstrate verifiable evidence of experience using the systems and processes they have defined.

1. Certifications: To be acceptable, the Offeror’s current and verifiable certifications shall meet CMMI, ISO 9001, and/or equivalency standards.

2.3. Factor Two – Past Performance:

The Past Performance evaluation assesses the degree of confidence the Government has in an Offeror’s ability to supply products and services that meet users’ needs, including cost and schedule, based on a demonstrated record of performance.

2.3.1. Ratings:

The Past Performance factor will receive one of the following performance confidence assessment ratings IAW the DoD Source Selection Procedures, dated 20 August 2022, paragraph 3.1.3.3, Table 5, when assessing performance confidence.

TABLE 5- PERFORMANCE CONFIDENCE ASSESSMENTS RATING METHOD

Rating
Description
SUBSTANTIAL CONFIDENCE
Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the Offerors will successfully perform the required effort.
SATISFACTORY CONFIDENCE
Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the Offerors will successfully perform the required effort.

NEUTRAL CONFIDENCE

No recent/relevant performance record is available, or the Offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned.

The Offerors may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on the factor of past performance.

LIMITED CONFIDENCE

Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a low expectation that the Offerors will successfully perform the required effort.

NO CONFIDENCE

Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has no expectation that the Offerors will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

2.3.2 Evaluation Process:

The Past Performance evaluation considers the Offeror’s demonstrated record of performance in providing products and services that meet users’ needs. Performance confidence is assessed at the overall Past Performance factor level after evaluating aspects of the Offeror’s recent past performance, focusing on performance that is relevant to the Technical subfactors and Price assessment. More relevant performance may have a greater impact on the Performance Confidence Assessment than less relevant effort. More recent performance may have a greater impact on the Performance Confidence Assessment than less recent performance. In conducting the Past Performance evaluation, the Government reserves the right to use both the information provided in the Offeror’s Past Performance proposal volume and information obtained from other sources, such as, the 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. The Government reserves the right to use all information available to fully assess the Offeror’s past performance.

2.3.2.1. Recency Assessment:

An assessment of the past performance information will be made to determine if it is recent. To be recent, the effort must have been performed during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation. If any part of the performance falls within the above timeframe, the contract in its entirety will be evaluated for past performance.

2.3.2.2. Relevancy Assessment:

The Government will conduct an in-depth evaluation of all recent performance information obtained to determine how closely the products provided/services performed under those contracts relate to the Technical subfactors and Price assessment. Consideration will be given to things such as similar service, similar complexity of the effort, breadth and depth of skills, similar contract scope and type, contract magnitude and schedule. A relevancy determination of the Offeror’s (including joint venture partner(s) and major and critical subcontractor(s), as defined in paragraph 4.3.1 of Section L) past performance will be made based upon the aforementioned considerations. In determining relevancy for individual contracts, consideration will be given to the effort, or portion of the effort, being proposed by the Offeror, teaming partner, or subcontractor whose contract is being reviewed and evaluated. The Government will consider the portion of the effort accomplished on previous/current contracts compared to the portion to be performed on the proposed effort. For example: Past Performance for a subcontractor for Program Management will only be considered if that same subcontractor is to perform Program Management on the proposed effort.

The past performance information submitted by the Offeror along with information obtained from other sources will be used to establish the degree of relevancy of past performance. The Government will use the following degrees of relevancy described in the DoD Source Selection Procedures, paragraph 3.1.3.1, Table 4, when assessing recent, relevant contracts:

TABLE 4 - PAST PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY RATING METHOD

Adjectival Rating
Description
VERY RELEVANT
Present/past performance effort involved essentially the same scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.
RELEVANT
Present/past performance effort involved similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.
SOMEWHAT RELEVANT
Present/past performance effort involved some of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.
NOT RELEVANT
Present/past performance effort involved little or none of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Scope, magnitude and complexity will be assessed based on the prime or subcontractor/teaming partners proposed role or effort as it relates to the past performance effort. The Government may or may not utilize all or some of the following to determine the elements examined within scope, magnitude, complexity, and price:

Scope: Relevancy in regard to scope may be assessed based on, but not limited to, the similarities between a given Past Performance effort and the contract requirement. Consideration may be given to the following elements when determining relevancy with regard to scope:

a. COMBS/FSR support management at multiple sites.

b. Avionics block and software upgrades for comparable T-38 or similar aircraft fleet size

c. DMSMS issues for comparable T-38 or similar aircraft fleet size.

d. Subcontract Management.

e. Management of Joint Programs (i.e. USAF and Navy).

f. Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO)/Technical Directive (TD) Management.

Magnitude: Relevancy in regard to magnitude may be assessed based on, but not limited to, the similarities between a given Past Performance effort and the proposed requirement. Consideration may be given to the following elements when determining relevancy with regard to magnitude:

a. Dollar value of aircraft avionics parts managed

b. Size of aircraft avionics piece parts and LRU inventory managed

c. Size of aircraft fleet(s)

d. Contract value as it relates to the portion of effort proposed to perform

Complexity: Relevancy in regard to complexity may be assessed based on, but not limited to, the similarities between a given Past Performance effort and the technical subfactors in Factor One.

Price Assessment Past Performance Relevancy: Relevancy in regard to cost/price will be assessed primarily based on similarity between contract type (i.e. Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and/or Cost) of previous effort as compared to the contract requirements.

2.3.2.3. Performance Quality Assessment:

The Government will consider the performance quality of recent, relevant efforts. The Government reserves the right to use both the information provided in the Offeror’s Past Performance proposal volume and information obtained from other sources, such as, the PPIRS, CPARS, Questionnaires, SPRS, DCMA, and commercial sources. The Government will also review ratings and supporting narratives, interviews with Government customers and if applicable, commercial clients. It may include interviews with rating officials or other sources known to the Government. The quality assessment may result in positive or adverse findings. Adverse is defined as past performance information which the Government determines to be less than satisfactory performance quality. For adverse information identified, the evaluation will consider the number and severity of the problem(s), mitigating circumstances, and the effectiveness of corrective actions that have resulted in sustained improvements when determining the quality assessment. Taking mitigating corrective actions may or may not result in a higher quality rating. The Government will use the following quality levels when assessing recent, relevant efforts:

Quality Assessment
Description

EXCEPTIONAL

(BLUE)

During the contract period, contractor performance is meeting (or met) all contract requirements and consistently exceeding (or exceeded) some or many. Very few, if any, minor problems encountered. Contractor took immediate and effective corrective action.

SATISFACTORY

(GREEN)

During the contract period, contractor performance is meeting (or met) all contract requirements. For any problems encountered, contractor took effective corrective action.

MARGINAL

(YELLOW)

During the contract period, contractor performance is not meeting (or did not meet) some contract requirements. For problems encountered, corrective action appeared only marginally effective, not effective, or not fully implemented. Customer involvement was required.

UNSATISFACTORY

(RED)

During the contract period, contractor performance is failing (or failed) to meet most contract requirements.

Serious problems encountered. Corrective actions were either ineffective or non-existent. Extensive Customer oversight and involvement was required.

UNKNOWN
Unknown Performance rating due to lack of sufficient information to assign a rating.

2.3.3. Assigning Ratings:

As a result of the relevancy and quality assessments of the recent contracts evaluated, the Offeror will receive an integrated performance confidence assessment rating based on the definitions provided in paragraph 2.3.1 above. Although the past performance evaluation focuses on performance that is relevant to the Technical subfactors and Price assessment, the resulting performance confidence assessment rating is made at the factor level and represents an overall evaluation of contractor performance. An Offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and, as a result, will receive a "Neutral Confidence" rating for the Past Performance factor. More relevant performance will have a greater impact on the Performance Confidence Assessment than less relevant effort. A more relevant past performance record may receive a higher confidence rating and be considered more favorably than a less relevant record of favorable performance.

2.4. Factor Three – Price

Price proposals will be evaluated for (1) price reasonableness, (2) balanced pricing, (3) Total Evaluated Price (TEP), (4) price realism, (5) cost realism, and (6) Professional Employee Compensation Plan (PECP). Offerors whose price is determined to be unreasonable or not meeting PECP requirements will not be considered for award. Additionally, an Offeror’s price may be rejected if it contains unrealistic costs/unbalanced pricing to the extent it poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. The Offeror’s price proposal will be based on the prices/rates proposed in the Total Evaluated Price Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation).

2.4.1. Price Reasonableness

The proposed prices will be evaluated for reasonableness. Analysis of price proposals will be performed using one or more of the techniques defined in FAR 15.404-1(b)(2) in order to determine price reasonableness. Reasonableness 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 price analysis techniques as described in FAR 15.404-1(b)(2). The Government may also use other techniques as needed.

2.4.2. Balanced Pricing

The proposed prices will be evaluated for balanced pricing. The Government will evaluate all supporting information provided by the Offeror explaining variances that appear balanced, to include rationale for any CLIN price increase/decrease greater than 5% from one year to another, or any CLIN price decrease from one year to another. Offers that are determined to be unbalanced may be deemed ineligible for award if it poses an unacceptable risk as determined by the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO). Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total price, the price of one or more line items is significantly overstated or understated as demonstrated by application of price analysis techniques, such that:

a. There is reasonable doubt the offer would result in the lowest overall cost to the Government, even though it is the lowest priced Offeror; or

b. The offer is so unbalanced that its acceptance would be tantamount to allowing an advanced payment

2.4.3. Total Evaluated Price

The price proposal will be evaluated for compliance with Section L pricing instructions. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s TEP, to include the prices/rates for each year within the Basic Period and Option Period I. As illustrated in the Calculation Methodology worksheet of the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation), the TEP will be calculated as follows:

a. The Offeror’s proposed unit prices/rates for each CLIN will be multiplied by the best estimated quantities provided for each year in the TEP Workbook (Basic Period and Option Period I).

b. The Offeror’s proposed labor rates for each labor category (by CLIN) will be multiplied by the notional labor hours provided in the TEP Workbook (Basic Period and Option Period I). The notional hours will not be disclosed to Offerors.

c. The rates utilized at the award of any order will be applied throughout the Period of Performance.

d. The TEP will be calculated as the sum of the resulting total amounts as described above.

Note: The estimated labor hours and material dollar amounts provided in the Total Evaluated Price Workbook are estimates for evaluation purposes only and are not contractually binding. All notional values utilized in the TEP calculation are for evaluation purposes only and are not contractually binding.

Evaluation of Option I does not obligate the Government to exercise the option.

The TEP price rollup is based on the specific CLIN calculation methodology provided in the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation). These calculations will include all evaluation periods: the Basic Period, and the Option IAW FAR Clause 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract. The Offeror’s price proposal will be based on the prices proposed in the TEP Workbook, (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation).

2.4.4. Price Realism

The Government will evaluate price proposals for price realism to determine whether proposed prices/rates are based on an adequate understanding of contract requirements and to ensure the TEP does not pose an unacceptable risk to performance. The Offeror shall provide sufficient rationale describing how prices/rates were developed (i.e. 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.

2.4.5 Cost Realism

All cost type CLINs that are not otherwise normalized will be evaluated for Cost Realism IAW FAR 15.404-1. It is anticipated that the same burdened base rates (less profit or fee) for all cost type rates will be identical to the fixed price type rates in the Labor Rate Matrix proposed in the TEP Workbook, (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation). This is anticipated to satisfy the realism evaluation for these labor rates. If this is not the case or the Government feels it needs further information to support cost realism the Government reserves the right to request further information.

The Offeror’s are reminded that unrealistically low rates may result in an Offeror’s proposal being removed from consideration of an award. If the Government evaluates the Offeror’s probable cost as different from its proposed cost, the probable cost shall be used for purposes of evaluation to determine the best value IAW FAR 15.404-1(d)(2).

The following CLINs will be evaluated for Cost Realism: X011, X017, and X019.

2.4.6 Professional Employee Compensation Plan (PECP)

The Government will evaluate the PECP for adequacy and compliance IAW FAR 52.222-46 based on the following:

a.The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s description on salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees to assure that it reflects a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements.
b.The Government will perform an integrated assessment (Technical Evaluation Team and Contracting Team) of the Offeror’s Labor Category (LCAT) mapping (TEP Workbook, LCATs and Descriptions Worksheet) to evaluate whether the proposed LCATs will meet the Government’s requirement.
c.The Government will compare the Offeror's proposed total compensation (TEP Workbook, Labor Rate Matrix Worksheet, Column B + Column D) for each LCAT to the total compensation of the same job category of the predecessor contract.
d.The predecessor contract total compensation (direct labor + fringe) was proposed through contract year 2025; therefore, for purposes of this analysis, the contract year 2025 direct labor rates will be escalated 3 percent, to make it current and comparable to the Offeror's proposed contract year 2026-2030 rates.
e.If the Offeror's proposed total compensation (direct labor + fringe) for any LCAT is below the predecessor contract total compensation (direct labor + fringe), it may represent an unrealistically low compensation which may indicate a lack of sound management judgement and a lack of understanding of the requirement.
f.Any LCAT that is lower than the predecessor total compensation (direct labor + fringe) without sufficient supporting information/evidence (IAW Section L 5.1.7) to demonstrate the Contractor’s ability to attract and retain competent professional service employees will be viewed as evidence of failure to comprehend the complexity of the contract requirements. This may constitute sufficient cause to reject the Offeror’s proposal.

The labor categories included in the TEP Workbook (LCATs and Descriptions Worksheet) will be utilized under the following CLINs: X004, X006, X010, X011, X012, X013, X014, X015, X016, X017, X018, X019, X020, X021, X022, X023, and X024.

2.4.7. Pricing Information Requirements/Data Other than Certified Pricing Data If requested by the PCO, data other than certified pricing data shall be evaluated to support a determination of reasonable, balanced, and realistic pricing. This information will only be requested if all other sources have been insufficient to support a determination of reasonable and/or balanced and/or realistic pricing.

2.4.8. Rounding

If any pricing proposal deviates from the format described in Section L, ITO, Section 5.1.8, the Government will apply the specified format to determine the extended pricing and TEP. Compliance with instructions regarding rounding will be verified during evaluation. All dollar amounts shall be rounded to two decimal places. This methodology also applies to labor rates rounded to the nearest cent (i.e. $55.493 per hour is rounded to $55.49) and percentages rounded to two decimal places. Proposed percentages for Material Burden rates shall be rounded to four places to the right of the decimal.

2.4.9. Estimating Techniques and Past Experience

The Government will review the basis of estimate on which proposed pricing was established. The relevance and application of the Offeror’s price estimates based on past experience will be reviewed by the Government. The Government reserves the right to obtain information from the Contract Business Analysis Repository as considered necessary.

2.4.10. Proposed Price Reduction per Corporate/Management Decision The Government will review the Offeror’s explanation of any reduction in proposed pricing as a corporate or management decision. The Offeror’s explanation of how any reduction will not affect contractor responsibility or put the Government at an unacceptable performance risk will also be reviewed.

2.4.11. Price Assumptions Used in Development of Proposed Pricing The Government will review information provided in the Price Volume regarding all price assumptions, limitations, and/or qualifications utilized in the development of proposed pricing. Such information will be used to understand the Offeror’s proposed pricing basis of estimate. Additionally, these assumptions help provide support for the Government’s determination of price reasonableness, balanced pricing, price realism, and cost realism.

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

The Government will review the Price Volume to ensure the Offeror has indicated their understanding that the proposed FFP ceiling rates are fully burdened and will apply to all out-years despite what current actuals are running at the time.

2.4.13. Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)/Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Although it is the Offeror’s responsibility to comply with SCLS, understanding and acknowledgement of compliance with SCLS and applicable CBAs will be reviewed. The Offeror must understand proposed rates and unit pricing shall be sufficient to be compliant with SCLS and CBAs. Any labor designated as CBA covered will be noted. The Government will review the required table 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).

2.4.14. Probable Subcontractors

The Government will review the subcontractor information provided to include the subcontractor’s name, description of effort, contract type, and the methodology used to determine if subcontractor pricing is fair and reasonable.

2.4.15. Government Field Support Agencies

The Government will review and confirm submission of the cognizant Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) offices responsible for administration of the Offeror’s Government contracts.

2.4.16. Other Documentation

In reviewing proposed prices, all additional information from the Price Volume will also be considered. The Offeror may provide any additional data, other than certified cost or pricing data, as believed necessary to support, justify, or clarify their proposed pricing. All pricing information provided in response to the solicitation may be reviewed and considered, if the Government determines the information will contribute to the evaluation of price reasonableness, balanced pricing, price realism, and cost realism.

2.4.17. Submission of Total Evaluated Price Workbook

The Government will confirm the TEP Workbook (Attachment 2 of Section J of the Solicitation) was completed in its entirety and will utilize it to evaluate the Offeror’s TEP.

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