Updated 13 May_ NOVASTAR Sections L M.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

L-1 SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS

L-1.1 The exclusive responsibility for Source Selection will reside with the Government. Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation shall be clearly marked as such and will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C.423) (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”) as implemented in the FAR. Any unmarked proprietary information will be considered releasable under the restrictions of the Freedom of

Information Act.

L-2 FORMAL COMMUNICATIONS

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

AFLCMC/PZIE

Bldg 16, Room 121

Attn: Andrew Gill, Contracting Officer

Reference: FA8604- 21-R-B007 andrew.gill.7@us.af.mil

L-3 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The Offeror shall submit all UNCLASSIFIED portions of volumes I through IV in electronic format via

DoD SAFE transmission. The Offeror shall submit CLASSIFIED addendum to their proposal in accordance with paragraph L-5.9. The Offeror shall use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, exhibits, annexes, and attachments, if any. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted using the following instructions:

1. Electronic files shall be submitted via encrypted email or DoD SAFE. Please add the following as the subject line of your submission or as a note in DoD SAFE: “Proposal No. FA8604-21-R-

B007”.

2. Submit documents using Microsoft Office 2016 or greater:

3. Word documents – Set "Save as type" to "Word Document (*.docx)"

4. Excel spreadsheets – Set "Save as type" to "Excel Workbook (*.xlsx)."

5. PowerPoint presentations – Set "Save as type" to "PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx)."

6. Submit PDF documents using only Adobe Acrobat XI (11) or later. Do NOT submit any documents in PDF format that are copied as "images." When creating PDF files always create to enable textual search and copy functions.

7. Do NOT submit documents using file compression software (such as .zip format).

Offerors are cautioned to strictly comply with all instructions within this solicitation to ensure submission of a complete proposal. Failure to furnish a complete proposal at the time of proposal submission may result in an unresponsive proposal that the Government eliminates from consideration for award. The

Government will not accept any changes to Offerors’ proposals after the closing date of this solicitation unless requested by the Government (see FAR 15.208 for further information regarding late proposals).

For all Classified information, follow instructions in paragraph L-5.9. Classified Information.

mailto:andrew.gill.7@us.af.mil

L-4 DISPOSITION OF UNSUCCESSFUL PROPOSALS

L-4.1In compliance with FAR Subpart 4.8, the Government will retain all unsuccessful proposals for the

Official Contract File.

L-5 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

L-5.1 The instructions below prescribe the format of proposals. Proposals shall include all of the information requested in the specific instructions. Failure to include all information requested may deem the Offeror unresponsive or adversely affect the evaluation.

L-5.2 A proposal that is orderly and sufficiently documented will enable the Government to easily understand and perform a thorough and fair evaluation. The Government may incorporate into this contract, by reference or full text, portions of the successful offeror’s proposal submitted in response to this solicitation as revised and supplemented through the final proposal revision.

L-5.3 Proposal Format. A complete proposal consists of separate (4) separate volumes: Executive

Summary, Technical, Cost, and Contract Documentation.

L-5.3.1 Page Format. The proposal shall be provided in Microsoft Word Format. Type size for text shall not be smaller than Microsoft Word Times New Roman 12 point font, single column, normal proportional spacing and one inch (1”) margins (top, bottom, left and right). The text for charts, tables, graphs, and figures shall be no smaller than Microsoft Word, Times New Roman 8 point font, and used only when absolutely necessary. Text lines and table lines of text shall be single-spaced.

L-5.3.2 Organization/Copies/Page Limit. Information submitted shall not exceed the page limits stated below for each volume. Evaluators will only read up to the maximum number of pages specified. If the page limit is exceeded, the pages in excess of the limit will be removed from the applicable volume and will not be considered as part of the evaluation. Page limitations are as follows:

Table 2.1

Volume ITO Paragraph

Number

Volume Title Security Classification Page Limit

I L-7 Executive Summary Unclassified 10 pages

II L-8 Technical/Scenario Top Secret SCI 165 pages

III L-9 Cost Unclassified No Limit

IV L-10 Contract

Documentation

Unclassified No Limit

L-5.3.3 Page Limit for Technical Volume. The offeror shall prepare the technical proposal as set forth in the Table 2.2- Technical Volume 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 as specified in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 - Technical Volume

Evaluation Factor RFP Section

L

Section

M

Entry Gate L-8.5 L-8.5 M-2.2

Program Management PWS paragraphs 2.0, 3.0, and

4.0 (including subparagraphs) L-8.6 M-2.3.1

Limitation on Subcontracting L-8.6.1 L-8.6.1 M-2.3.1.1

Subcontractor Management L-8.6.2 L-8.6.2 M-2.3.1.2

Organizational Conflict of

Interest L-8.6.3 L-8.6.3 M-2.3.1.3

IDIQ Management L-8.6.4 L-8.6.4 M-2.3.1.4

Human Resources PWS para 3.12 (including subparagraphs) L-8.6.5 M-2.3.1.5

Security PWS para 4.5 L-8.6.6 M-2.3.1.6

Technical Understanding and

Capability L-8.7 L-8.7 M-2.4

GEOINT PWS para 1.2.1 L-8.7 M-2.4

MASINT PWS para 1.2.2 L-8.7 M-2.4

SIGINT PWS para 1.2.3 L-8.7 M-2.4

HUMINT PWS para 1.2.4 L-8.7 M-2.4

OSINT PWS para 1.2.5 L-8.7 M-2.4

TECHINT PWS para 1.2.6 L-8.7 M-2.4

Air PWS para 1.1.1 L-8.7 M-2.4

Space PWS para 1.1.2 L-8.7 M-2.4

Counterspace PWS para 1.1.2 L-8.7 M-2.4

Cyberspace PWS para 1.1.3 L-8.7 M-2.4

Forces PWS para 1.1.4 L-8.7 M-2.4

Missiles PWS para 1.1.5 L-8.7 M-2.4

On-Premise, Cloud, & Hybrid Administration PWS para 3.6 L-8.7 M-2.4

Intelligence Scenario PWS para’s 1.1, 1.2, and 2.0

(including subparagraphs) L-8.8 M-2.5

L-5.3.4 What Counts as a Page. A page shall be an 8 ½” x 11” format in Microsoft Word or Adobe

PDF. All material shall be contained within the page limit identified for each volume, and all appendices, charts, graphs, diagrams, tables, photographs, drawings, etc., are included in the page count, with exception of items stated in L-5.3.5.

L-5.3.5 Pages Not Included in Page Count. The glossary, cross reference matrix, and overview section

(for exceptions) will not be included in the page count. Covers for volumes, tables of contents, indices, title pages, and section dividers/tables will not be included in the page count if they are inserted solely to provide ease to the reader in locating parts/sections of the proposal. They will be counted if they contain any other information, e.g., diagrams, extraneous data, etc. Pages marked “This page intentionally left blank” will not be counted.

L-5.4. Response to Evaluation Factors. The Government has developed specific evaluation criteria for the NOVASTAR acquisition. These requirements are necessary for the execution of the NOVASTAR contract, but the Government has determined they are not discriminators for contract award. Although by submission of its proposal the offeror agrees to meet all performance requirements of the RFP, the offeror should concentrate resources responding to the identified evaluation factors.

L-5.5 Proposal Validity Date. The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation. The Offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A of the Contract Document

Volume IV that the proposal is valid until this date.

L-5.6 Late Offers. Offers or, as requested, amendments to offers received at the address specified for the receipt of offers after the exact time specified for receipt of offers may not be considered. The

Government may make a final determination regarding acceptability solely on the basis of the proposal as submitted without requesting any further information. However, if deemed necessary, and at its sole discretion, the Government may request additional information from offerors clarifying or supplementing any proposal as submitted.

L-5.7 Discrepancies. If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the CO in writing with supporting rationale. The offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

L-5.8 Pricing Information. All cost or pricing information shall be addressed only in the Cost Proposal

(Volume III) and Contract Documentation (Volume IV) Volumes. All dollar amounts provided in response to these instructions shall be stated in U.S. currency in current fiscal year dollars. When completing the model contract, dollars shall be rounded to the nearest penny.

L-5.9 Classified Information. Volume II may be classified up through the TOP SECRET Sensitive

Compartmented Information (SCI) level. The Offeror must ensure classified volumes are properly labeled and marked, conforming to the DD Form 254 provided in this solicitation. The classified volume may be delivered to NASIC via one of the following three methods: (1) submitted via JWICS email to robert.bennett@nasic.ic.gov. A NASIC Point of Contact will be provided for coordination of receipt of classified volumes; (2) Mail classified volumes to NASIC as outlined in DoD M5105.21, Vol 1 (dated 19

Oct 2012); or (3) Hand carry to NASIC, using proper courier procedures as outlined in DoD M5105.21, Vol 1 (dated 19 Oct 2012), and deliver to NASIC by 4 pm eastern on the proposal due date. All proposals sent must be received by the due date. The proper 2-line Defense Courier Service mailing address for

TOP SECRET SCI is:

452117-LV25

NASIC SSO

Offerors using the Defense Courier Service must allow adequate time for delivery. The Government is not responsible for late delivery of the proposal.

If the classified material contains only SECRET collateral information, it can be mailed as outlined in

DoD M5200.01, Vol 3 (dated 24 Feb 2012) to:

NASIC/XOQ

4180 Watson Way

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5648

Printed and hand-carried volumes of the proposal shall be separately bound in a three-ring loose leaf binder which shall permit the volume to lie flat when open. Staples shall not be used. All printed pages shall be in an 8 ½” x 11” format. No fold-outs should be included in the printed volume. All material shall be contained within the page limit identified for each volume, and all appendices, charts, graphs, diagrams, tables, photographs, drawings, etc., are included in the page count, with exception of items stated in L-5.3.5. Printed files must utilize the same formatting specified in paragraph L-5.3.1.

Additonally, electronic files on a compact disc (CD) can be hand delivered to NASIC. Delivery of hand carried volumes or CDs can be scheduled by emailing robert.bennett.42@us.af.mil. Delivery must be scheduled one week (7 calendar days) prior to proposal submission due date. The Government cannot guarantee a focal point will be available for last minute requests that are not scheduled ahead of time.

mailto:robert.bennett.42@us.af.mil

L-5.10 Cross Referencing. Each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without reference to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be considered omitted from the proposal.

Cross referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity.

L-5.11 Indexing. Each volume shall contain a detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Each volume shall contain easily identifiable headers for subparagraphs within the volume. The table of contents does not count toward the page limitations for each volume.

L-5.12 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms. Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count toward the page limitations for their respective volumes.

L-5.13 Labeling. A cover sheet shall be bound in each book, clearly marked as to volume number, title, solicitation identification and the offeror's name. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e), Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, and

3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source

Selection Information.

L-5.14 Receipt of Proposal Volumes. Technical and cost information shall be submitted in separate

Technical and Cost Volumes. The executive summary and contract documentation information shall be submitted in separate Executive Summary and Contract Documentation Volumes. All volumes are due sixty (60) calendar days after RFP release.

L-6 EXCEPTIONS

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions; therefore, offerors are advised that taking exception to any requirements specified in this solicitation may result in the Government finding the proposal unacceptable. Clarification of Government requirements shall be handled by submitting questions/recommendations within 15 calendar days after final solicitation release date. If offerors still take exception to any of the requirements specified in this solicitation (Sections A through M, to include the PWS and attachments), clearly identify each exception in the overview section of the appropriate volume along with a complete explanation of why the exception was taken and the resulting benefit to the

Government. Exception to solicitation requirements may require the Government to amend the solicitation to reflect a changed requirement. The Government will consider the absence of a stated exception to mean the offeror takes no exception to the applicable volume and the proposal will be evaluated as submitted.

L-7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUME I, Executive Summary

L-7.1 Executive Summary Volume. In the executive summary volume, the offeror shall provide the following information:

L-7.1.1 Narrative Summary. The Executive Summary shall be a concise narrative summary of the entire proposal, including significant risks, and a highlight of any key or unique features, excluding cost. The salient features should tie in with Section M evaluation factors/subfactors. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

L-7.1.2 Table of Contents. The Executive Summary shall contain a Master Table of Contents of the entire proposal. This Table does not count toward the total page limit for Volume I.

L-7.1.3 Compliance Matrix. The offeror shall include a Compliance Matrix in the Executive Summary.

A sample Matrix is at Attachment L-2. The Matrix does not count toward the 10-page total limit for

Volume I. The Compliance Matrix shall indicate which paragraphs of the proposal address specific evaluation factors.

L-7.1.4 Organizational Chart. The Offeror shall include an Organizational Chart in the Executive

Summary. The chart shall include corporate information on the Prime Offeror and the Program Office responsible for execution of the contract following award. The Organizational Chart does not count toward the total page limit for Volume I.

L-8 INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUME II, TECHNICAL

L-8.1 Instructions. To facilitate evaluation, the Technical Volume shall be specific, detailed, and complete to clearly and fully establish that offerors have a thorough understanding of NOVASTAR requirements. Statements that offerors understand, can, or will comply with the PWS (including referenced AF publications, etc.); statements paraphrasing the PWS or parts thereof (including applicable

AF publications, etc.); and phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well known techniques will be used,” etc., will be considered unacceptable. Offerors should note that data submitted prior to the proposal submission will not be considered in the Government’s evaluation; therefore, such data should not be relied upon or incorporated in the Technical proposal by reference.

L-8.2 Technical. The purpose of this section is to set forth, in the most comprehensive manner, Offerors’ understanding of the program requirements and to demonstrate their ability to meet the evaluation requirements of Section M, Factor 1. This section shall present a clear, concise description of how offerors plan to meet award requirements. This section shall not contain any cost or pricing data.

L-8.3 Format and Specific Content. All specific Technical subfactors set forth in Section M and instructions set forth in Section L must be addressed. Describe your proposed approach to meeting the requirements of each Technical subfactor.

L-8.4 Volume Organization. The Technical volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

-Table of Contents

-List of Tables and Drawings

-Glossary

-Entry Gate

-Factor 1 – Technical

-Subfactor 1 – Program Management

Limitation in Subcontracting

Subcontractor Management

Organizational Conflict of Interest

IDIQ Management

Human Resources

Security

-Subfactor 2 – Technical Capability and Understanding

-Subfactor 3 – Intelligence Scenario

L-8.5 Entry Gate: Top Secret Facility Clearance. The Offeror must provide a copy of their DCSA

Verification inquiry from the National Industrial Security database (NISS) showing that they possess a

Top Secret facility clearance at the time of proposal submission.

L-8.6 Subfactor 1: Program Management. Discuss or cite the Prime Offeror’s practices to successfully meet the NOVASTAR management requirements of the NOVASTAR Performance Work Statement

(PWS) in accordance with the five Measures of Merit identified in Section M.

L-8.6.1 Limitations on Subcontracting. Discuss the Offeror’s approach to comply with the Limitations on Subcontracting IAW FAR 52.219-14.

L-8.6.2 Subcontractor Management. Discuss the Offeror’s approach to subcontractor management. The

Offeror’s approach must reference when subcontracting arrangements will be utilized for coverage of the mission areas and disciplines identified in PWS paragraphs 1.1 – NASIC Missions (including subparagraphs) and 1.2 – NASIC Disciplines (including subparagraphs). The Offeror must identify if the subcontractor qualifies as a small business under NAICS code 541715. Identify the Offeror’s apporach to manage subcontractors utilized on the contract.

L-8.6.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest. Discuss Prime Offeror’s approach for detecting, disclosing, avoiding, and mitigating OCI issues and risks IAW FAR Part 9.5 , including those resulting from teaming arrangements. Identify process to provide employee conflict of interest training and compliance with non-disclosure policy. Identify specific Prime experience or staff qualifications to substantiate offeror’s capability to successfully address Organizational Conflict of Interest issues.

L-8.6.4 IDIQ Management. The Prime Offeror must provide a sound approach to manage the

NOVASTAR IDIQ contract. The Offeror must identify a management presence physically located within

25 miles of Wright- Patterson Air Force Base. Cite specific Prime experience as appropriate to substantiate Prime Offeror’s capability to maintain continuity of mission support during transition following award and successfully manage the NOVASTAR IDIQ contract. Experience is defined in this solitication as the Offeror’s involvement or participation in work that is similar in breadth, depth, and/or relevance to the appropriate evaluation factor. For all listed experience the Offeror shall include a description of the work performed by the Offeror, the dollar value of the work, and the period in which the work was performed. All cited work must have occurred within the last five years for at least six months of performance. Cite specific prime experience managing fifteen or more concurrent task orders on an IDIQ and/or individual services contracts.

L-8.6.5 Human Resources. The Offeror must provide a sound approachto attract, recruit, hire, train and retain qualified management and technical personnel within 25 miles of Wright Patterson Air Force Base for at least 75% of the work to ensure Prime Offeror’s team possesses or can readily obtain personnel with the appropriate security clearance, levels of education, experience and expertise to accomplish

NOVASTAR tasks. Identify Prime approach to ensure continuation of services during personnel absences due to sickness, leave, voluntary or involuntary termination from employment such that impact to the Government is minimal. Furthermore, the approach must discuss the Prime Offeror’s ability to effectively manage and ensure continuity of services during 24/7 shift work; travel; personnel issues;

absences due to sickness, leave, and voluntary or involuntary termination from employment such that disruption to mission accomplishment is minimal. Provide approach for maintaining currency of any required certifications or specialized training.

L-8.6.6 Security. Describe Prime Offeror’s procedures for obtaining appropriate company and personnel security clearances and safeguarding classified materials. Identify process for ensuring personnel understand and comply with applicable security requirements for a TS//SCI contract. Cite specific process, policies and actions taken to address security related issues to include violations and infractions.

Cite specific Prime experience as appropriate to substantiate Prime Offeror’s capability to manage a

TS//SCI contract.

L-8.7 Subfactor 2: Technical Capability and Understanding. Discuss the Prime Offeror and identified subcontractors’ technical capability and understanding; as well as, the Prime Offeror’s processes, protocols, and methodologies for the scope of work identified in PWS paragraph 2.0 - Scope for each

NASIC mission and discipline as described in PWS paragraphs 1.1 – NASIC Missions, 1.2 –NASIC

Disciplines. Cite specific experience or staff qualifications as appropriate for executing the scope within each mission and discipline, and indicate whether the prime or a subcontractor provided the cited experience or staff qualifications. Identify the business size for subcontractors that qualify as a small business under NAICS code 541715. The Offeror must describe a sound process to complete the scope of work within each NASIC mission and discipline as, described in PWS paragraphs 1.1 – NASIC

Missions, 1.2 – NASIC Disciplines, and 2.0 - Scope (including subparagraphs). Include a completed

Capabilities Matrix (Attachment L-1), an example of a completed table is included in section Attachment

L-1. To complete the Capabilities Matrix (Attachment L-1) do the following:

1. Create a list of all companies associated with your proposal and their business size under NAICS code

541715 and assign a number to each company (ex: 1-Prime Offeror, Small Business, 2-Subcontractor 1, Large Business, 3-Subcontractor, Small Business, etc.).

2. Enter the associated number for each company that will execute the scope of work for each cell of the table.

3. If any cells contain more than one number (i.e. cells where a prime and subcontractor may execute portions of the requirement) identify the percentage to be executed by the prime versus the subcontractor.

L-8.8 Subfactor 3: Intelligence Scenario. Respond to the scenario in the classified appendix to the RFP, instructions for the scenario are included in the classified addendum. To receive a copy of the classified scenario send an email to robert.bennett.42@us.af.mil and andrew.gill.7@us.af.mil with the Offeror’s company name, address, and CAGE code using the subject line “NOVASTAR Scenario”. This information will be used to verify the facility clearance and storage capability prior to distribution of the scenario. Once the Offeror’s facility clearance and storage capability are verified the Government will either 1) schedule an in-person appointment to receive a physical copy of the scenario or 2) can be transmitted electronically via JWICS email. Printed copies of the scenario may be hand carried from

NASIC, using proper courier procedures as outlined in DoD M5105.21, Vol 1 (dated 19 Oct 2012), and stored at a contractor facility with the appropriate storage capability/clearance. See NOVASTAR

Solicitation DD254 for additional safeguarding and storage information.

L-9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUME III, PRICE VOLUME

L-9.1 General Instructions. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of the proposal. Data or information submitted in the Price Volume shall be information essential to document or support the price position. Data beyond what is required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless the Offeror considers it essential to document or support its price position.

mailto:robert.bennett.42@us.af.mil mailto:andrew.gill.7@us.af.mil

No pricing data or information shall be included in any other volume, including cover letters, unless specifically requested by the Government in the respective volume. If price information is included elsewhere in the documentation, the proposal may be deemed unacceptable and the proposal may not be evaluated. The Offeror shall comply with the intent of the pricing instructions in supplying information that is current, timely, and in full support of the proposal. Exceptions or deviations will not be accepted.

The instructions for preparation of the content of the Price Volume shall not take precedence over requirements of other clauses of the contract, Public Law, or the FAR, as supplemented.

L-9.2 Pricing Data Requirements. The CO has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial offers, the CO will review this determination and if, in the CO’s opinion, adequate price competition exists no additional cost information will be requested and certification under FAR 15.406-2 will not be required. IAW FAR

15.403-1(b) and 15.403-3(a), information other than cost or pricing data may be required to support price reasonableness. Information shall be provided IAW FAR 15.403-5. If, after receipt of proposals, the CO determines that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the Offeror shall be required to submit cost or pricing data.

L-9.3 Attachment L-3, Pricing Matrix. Offerors shall provide the following per RFP Section B, Pricing

Table paragraph and format specified in Attachment L-3, Pricing Matrix (the table is provided as the template/format for submission; the burden of providing accurate and complete pricing proposals (total overall evaluated price) using the format provided in Attachment L-3, Pricing Matrix is the responsibility of each Offeror.) All prices shall be in “Then Year” dollars, that is, inflated, not constant (Base Year) dollars. The hours listed in this Pricing Matrix are weighted to reflect the percentage of hours historically used by labor category to accomplish NASIC’s mission.

L-9.3.1 Hourly Labor Rates. The Prime Offeror shall provide loaded hourly labor rates and associated cost elements for each labor category, round these prices to the nearest penny. Prime Offeror shall provide the basis of their labor and overhead rates to include submission of Forward Pricing Rate

Proposal/Agreements (FPRP/A), if applicable. The Offeror shall provide a concise and well organized narrative of the basic pricing approach and methodology used to generate matrix prices. The Offeror’s narrative should provide sufficient detail and correlate to and/or supplement information elsewhere in the

Price volume to add clarity but avoid repetition or conflict to demonstrate price credibility and to enable the evaluation for reasonableness, unbalanced pricing, and completeness. The proposal must be sufficiently detailed to address reasonableness, completeness, and unbalanced pricing with the understanding that the burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the Offeror. Proposed loaded hourly labor rates will be the maximum allowable rates proposed throughout the duration of this contract for CPFF task orders; however, they may be discounted by the Offeror at the task order level.

Hourly rates for FFP, CPIF,FPIF, T&M, or any combination thereof, will be negotiated at the task order level. There is no guarantee that requirements will exist for all labor categories listed or that this scope of work is representative of the work that will occur under NOVASTAR.

L-9.3.2 Professional Compensation. Recompetition of service contracts may in some cases result in lowering the compensation (salaries and fringe benefits) paid or furnished professional employees. This lowering can be detrimental in obtaining the quality of professional services needed for adequate contract performance. It is therefore in the Government’s best interest that professional employees, as defined in

29 CFR 541, be properly and fairly compensated. As part of their proposals, the Prime Offeror and their applicable subcontractors shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract. "Applicable subcontractors" are those that are considered small business concerns of similar size and like nature, and the Prime's top three other subcontractors in terms of the scope of work they are anticipated to perform. The Government will evaluate each plan to assure that it reflects a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements. This evaluation will include an assessment of the offeror’s ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work. The professional compensation proposed will be considered in terms of its impact upon recruiting and retention, its realism, and its consistency with a total plan for compensation. Supporting information will include data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure. Subcontractors can submit separate professional compensation packages directly to thfe Government following the same procedures as the Prime Offeror. Subcontractors should indicate in their submission which Prime Offeror they are partnering with.

The Professional Employee Compensation Plan required by FAR 52.222-46 shall be submitted as a part of the Price Volume and shall be no more than 15 pages in total. The plan shall set forth proposed salaries and fringe benefits for professional employees along with supporting data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure. The employee compensation plan should clearly show how the Offeror will be able to provide uninterrupted high-quality work and the ability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives. The supporting information should enable the Government to review the proposed salaries and fringe benefits in accordance with FAR 52.222-46.

The compensation plan pertains to all professional employees who will do work under the contract. If a populated joint venture is formed (a joint venture in which the employees are employed by the joint venture itself and not by any individual joint venture partner), the joint venture must submit the

Professional Employee Compensation Plan for the joint venture. If an unpopulated joint venture is formed, each individual joint venture partner must submit its own Professional Employee Compensation

Plan.

L-10 INSTRUCTIONS FOR Volume IV: Contract Documentation

L-10.1 Section A. Complete in its entirety the “Offeror” portion of the Standard Form (SF 33). An official having the authority to contractually bind your company shall sign the SF 33 IAW FAR 4.102.

The SF 33 must bear an original signature of an authorized representative for the Offeror.

L-10.2 Section K. Complete all required representations and certifications or indicate if information is contained in Beta.SAM.gov.

L-11 DEBRIEFING OF OFFERORS

L-11.1 Successful or unsuccessful offerors may request debriefings by providing a written request to the

Procuring Contracting Officer. Debriefings shall be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.505 for pre-award debriefings and FAR 15.506 for post-award debriefings.

L-11.2 All offerors may request debriefings by providing a written request to the Procuring Contracting

Officer (PCO). The PCO will notify offerors within 3 calendar days after contract(s) award. Offerors desiring debriefing must request in writing within 3 calendar days after the PCO notification. To the maximum extent practicable, debriefings will be conducted within 5 days after the offeror's request.

Section M. Evaluation Criteria

M-1 BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD

M-1.1 Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA). This acquisition will utilize the LPTA source selection procedures in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15, Contracting by

Negotiation, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), the

Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFFARS), DoD Source Selection Procedures 31

Dec 2019, and Air Force Mandatory Procedures 5315.3. . These regulations are available electronically at the FAR website, www.acquisition.gov. The Government will select the proposal(s) with the lowest evaluated price(s) from among those meeting the Acceptable ratings for all factors. Contract(s) may be awarded to the offeror who is deemed responsible in accordance with the FAR Subpart 9.1, 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 of this solicitation) and is judged, based on the evaluation factors and subfactors, to represent the lowest price technically acceptable proposal. While the Government will strive for maximum objectivity, the source selection process, by its nature, is subjective; therefore, professional judgment is implicit throughout the entire process.

M-1.2 Number of Contracts to be Awarded. The Government intends to award up to five (5) contract(s) for the NOVASTAR ID/IQ . The Government reserves the right to award to fewer than five acceptable awardees if deemed more efficient for execution.

M-1.3 Correction Potential of Proposals. The Government will consider, throughout the evaluation, the

"correction potential" of any deficiency. The judgment of such "correction potential" is within the sole discretion of the Government. If an aspect of an offeror's proposal does not meet the Government's requirements and is not considered correctable through discussions, the offeror may be excluded/eliminated from the competitive range.

M-1.4 Discussions. The Government intends to award a contract without discussions. Therefore, each initial offer should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the

Government reserves the right to conduct discussions with Offerors, IAW FAR 15.306, if deemed in its best interest.

If, during the evaluation period, it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government to hold discussions, offeror responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs) and the Final Proposal Revision (FPR) will be considered in making the source selection decision. If the offeror’s proposal has been evaluated as acceptable at the time discussions are closed, any changes or exceptions in the Final Proposal Revision are subject to evaluation and may introduce risk that the offeror’s proposal be determined unacceptable and ineligible for award.

M-1.5 Solicitation Requirements, Terms and Conditions. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as factors or subfactors. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the offeror being ineligible for award. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and must provide complete supporting rationale. The

Government reserves the right to determine any such exceptions unacceptable and the proposal, therefore, ineligible for award.

M 1.6 Grossly Deficient. The Government may reject any proposal from this competition prior to evaluating the proposal against the Evaluation Factors if an initial assessment of the proposal shows the proposal to be grossly deficient. Grossly deficient proposals are proposals that fail to address essential requirements of the RFP or fail to furnish information demonstrating compliance with mandatory requirements set forth in the RFP and does not represent a reasonable initial effort by the Offeror to address the requirements of the RFP.

M-2 EVALUATION FACTORS

M-2.1 Evaluation Factors and Subfactors. The following evaluation factors and subfactors will be used to evaluate each proposal. The Government will evaluate Technical for acceptability.

Entry Gate: Compliance

Factor 1: Technical

Subfactor 1: Program Management

Subfactor 2: Technical Capability and Understanding

Subfactor 3: Classified Intelligence Scenazrio

Factor 2: Price

M-2.1.1 Relative Importance of Factors and Subfactors. In order to be considered for award, a proposal must successfully pass the Entry Gate. Once the proposal passes the Entry Gate, the gate will no longer be part of the award decision.

M-2.2 Entry Gate: Compliance. Top Secret Facility Clearance: This subfactor evaluates the Offeror has obtained a Top Secret facility clearance indicated by the DCSA National Industrial Security database

(NISS).

Measure of Merit: Entry Gate: Compliance. Top Secret Facility Clearance: This requirement is met when the Offeror’s proposal provides written documentation the company has obtained a

Top Secret facility clearance. If an Offeror fails to provide evidence that they possess a Top

Secret Facility Clearance at the time of proposal submission, the Offeror will be considered ineligible for contract award and eliminated without further evaluation of its proposal.

M-2.3 Factor 1: Technical. The Government’s technical evaluation team will evaluate the technical proposals on a pass/fail basis, assigning one of the ratings described below for each subfactor. Proposals must meet all of the Measures of Merit within a given subfactor in order for the subfactor to be rated

“Acceptable.” Any subfactor evaluated as “Unacceptable” will render the entire proposal unacceptable and, therefore, unawardable. Only those proposals determined to be technically acceptable, either initially or as a result of discussions, will be considered for award. However, the offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

TABLE 2.2 - TECHNICAL RATINGS

The proposals shall be evaluated against the following technical subfactors:

M- 2.3.1 Subfactor 1: Program Management. This subfactor evaluates the Prime Offeror’s management approach to fulfill the requirements of the PWS in accordance with the Measures of Merit below.

M-2.3.1.1 Limitations on Subcontracting. This Measure of Merit evaluates the Prime Offeror’s approach to meet the Limitations on Subcontracting IAW FAR 52.219-14.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Prime Offeror describes a sound approach complying with the Limitations on Subcontracting IAW FAR 52.219-14.

M-2.3.1.2 Subcontractor Management. This Measure of Merit evaluates the Prime Offeror’s approach to managing subcontactors.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Prime Offeror describes a sound approach to manage subcontractors utilized on the contract.

M-2.3.1.3 Organizational Conflict of Interest. This Measure of Merit evaluates the Prime Offeror’s approach to detect, disclose, avoid, and mitigaterganizational Conflict of Interest issues and risk IAW

FAR Part 9.5 during the NOVASTAR IDIQ contract execution.

Measure of Merit: This subfactor is met when the Prime Offeror’s approach ensures detection, disclosure, avoidance and mitigation of OCI issues and risks, to include those resulting from teaming arrangements, at the NOVASTAR IDIQ contract and task order levels. The approach must include adequate employee conflict of interest training and compliance with non-disclosure policies and directives and include specific Prime experience or staff qualifications to substantiate the Prime Offeror’s capability.

M-2.3.1.4 IDIQ Management.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Prime Offeror provides a sound approach to manage the NOVASTAR contract, maintain continuity of mission support during transition following award, and cites specific Prime experience as appropriate to substantiate

Prime Offeror’s capability to successfully manage fifteen or more annual task orders on an IDIQ and/or individual services contracts.

M-2.3.1.5 Human Resources. This Measure of Merit evaluates the Prime Offeror’s process to provide the necessary personnel to meet the NOVASTAR task requirements.

Rating Description

Acceptable Proposal meets the requirements of the solicitation.

Unacceptable Proposal does not meet the requirements of the solicitation.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Prime Offeror’s provides a sound approach to perform approximately 75% of the work within 25 miles of Wright-Patterson Air

Force Base; reflects a sound management strategy and the ability to attract, recruit, hire, train, and retain qualified management and technical personnel to meet contract and task order requirements.

M-2.3.1.6 Security. This Measure of Merit evaluates the Prime Offeror’s security procedures and processes during the execution of the NOVASTAR contract.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the proposal describes a sound approach for security procedures and processes. The Prime Offeror must provide specific Prime experience as appropriate to substantiate offeror’s capability to manage a TS//SCI contract. The Offeror must provide evidence that they possess a Top Secret facility clearance (FCL) at the time of proposal submission.

M-2.4 Subfactor 2: Technical Capability and Understanding.

This subfactor evaluates the Prime Offeror and their identified subcontractors’ (as noted) technical capabilities to successfully fulfill the requirements of the PWS paragraphs 1.1 – NASIC Missions, 1.2 –

NASIC Disciplines, and 2.0 - Scope (including subparagraphs), in accordance with the Measure of Merit below.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Offeror demonstrates a sound technical capability and understanding of the scope identified in PWS paragraph 2.0 – Scope for each NASIC Mission and Discipline as listed in PWS paragraphs 1.1 – NASIC Missions, 1.2 -

NASIC Disciplines (including subparagraphs), including completion of the matrix in Attachment

L-1 identifying tasks to be completed by the prime and/or subcontractor(s) in each cell of the matrix.

M-2.4 Subfactor 3: Intelligence Scenario. See classified addendum for intelligence scenario.

Measure of Merit: This Measure of Merit is met when the Offeror demonstrates sound technical knowledge and understanding in response to the intelligence scenario.

M-2.5 Factor 2: Price/Cost Volume

M-2.5.1 General. The Price proposal will be evaluated for (1) completeness, (2) reasonableness, (3) unbalanced pricing, and (4) Total Evaluated PriceThe Government will evaluate proposed prices to determine whether prices reflect a clear understanding of the IDIQ requirements and established labor categories, are consistent with the various aspects of the Offerors’ technical proposals, and are appropriate for the specified performance locations. Offerors whose price is determined to be incomplete or unreasonable will not be considered for award. Additionally, an offer may be rejected if the CO determines unbalanced pricing poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise such options.

M-2.5.2 Completeness. The Government will review the pricing submissions for completeness and compliance with Section L of the solicitation.

M-2.5.3 Reasonableness. The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated, using one or more of the techniques defined in FAR 15.404, in order to determine if it is reasonable. For a price to be reasonable, it must represent a price to the Government that a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business. Normally, price reasonableness is established through price analysis techniques as described in

FAR 15.404. For additional information see FAR 31.201-3.

M-2.5.4 Unbalanced Pricing. The Government will conduct an analysis for unbalanced pricing and may determine a proposal to be inelegible for award should the proposed priced items be materially unbalanced IAW FAR 15.404-1(g). Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable TEP, a proposed line item is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques. Unbalanced pricing may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. Offerors are cautioned that a proposal may be rejected if unbalanced pricing exists and the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the

Government.

M-2.5.5 Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees. The Government will evaluate the

Professional Employee Compensation Plan in accordance with FAR 52.222-46; however, the

Government will not otherwise or generally perform price realism analysis in the course of this source selection.

The compensation levels proposed should reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed and should indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives. The salary rates or ranges must take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty. Offerors are cautioned that lowered compensation for essentially the same professional work may indicate lack of sound management judgment and lack of understanding of the requirement.

The Government is concerned with the quality and stability of the work force to be employed on this contract. Professional compensation that is unrealistically low or not in reasonable relationship to the various job categories, since it may impair the Prime Offeror and their identified subcontractors’ ability to attract and retain competent professional service employees, may be viewed as evidence of failure to comprehend the complexity of the contract requirements. Failure to comply with these provisions may constitute sufficient cause to justify rejection of a proposal. The Government does not intend to make realism adjustments to proposed prices when they are determined to be unrealistic. However, a proposal containing unrealistic proposed prices will be considered unawardable.

Attachment L-1

Section L

Attachment L - 1 – Capabilities Matrix

Discipline/Mission Program Elements Research Development Sustainment Production

GEOINT

Electro-Optical

Synthetic Aperture Radar

Multi Spectral Imaging/Hyper Spectral Imaging

Thermal Infrared

Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR)

Light Detection and Ranging

Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI)

Full Motion Video (FMV)

MASINT

Electro-Optical

Over-the-Horizon Radar

Line of Sight Radar

Space Object Identification

Non-Cooperative Target Identification (NCTI)

LASER

Radio Frequency

Bistatics

SIGINT -

HUMINT -

OSINT -

TECHINT

Overall Weapon System Analysis and Characterization

Software Exploitation

Field Programmable Gate Array/Complex

Programmable Logic Device Exploitation

Printed Circuit Board Exploitation

Binary Extraction of Embedded Devices

Computer Forensics

Cyber Vulnerability analysis

Anti-Tamper Identification and Analysis

Tool Development in Support of Weapon System

Exploitation

Digital Signal Measurement and Analysis

Radio Frequency System Characterization

Radio Frequency Signal Measurement and Analysis

Radio Frequency Signature Prediction Support

Electro Optical/Infrared Signature Prediction Support

Computer-aided Design Modeling

Material Properties Measurement and Analysis

Air

All-source System Analysis

All-source Force Analysis

Modeling & Simulation

Space

All-source System Analysis

All-source Force Analysis

Modeling & Simulation

Counterspace

All-source System Analysis

All-source Force Analysis

Modeling & Simulation

Cyberspace

All-source System Analysis

All-source Force Analysis

Modeling & Simulation

Forces Disruptive Technology Analysis

Intel Support to US Acquisition

Missiles All-source System Analysis

All-source Force Analysis

Modeling & Simulation

On-Premise, Cloud & Hybrid

Administration

Database (ex. Oracle MariaDB, MongoDB, etc.)

Application Servers (ex. WebLogic, Apache, NJIX, Oracle HTTP Server, etc.)

Commercial Off-the Shelf Tools (ex. Tableau, Elastic

Search, ServiceNow, etc.)

Container Development

Company Number Company Name

Company Size

(Small or

Large)

Cell Number Labor Mix

Attachment L-2

Attachment L - 2 – Compliance Matrix

Evaluation Factor RFP Section L Section

M Technical Proposal Paragraph Number

Entry Gate L-8.5 L-8.5 M-2.2

Program Management…