TDB_Section_L_-_Final_DRAFT_17_Jan_19.pdf

FOUO

TRY-DECIDE-BUY (TDB)

SECTION L

FA8606-19-D-0014

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS (ITO)

Try Decide Buy

Section L:ITO

24 Jan 2019

Table of Contents

1 INFORMATION TO OFFERORS (ITO)

1.1 Program Structure and Objectives

2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

2.1 Point of Contact

2.2 Debriefings

2.3 Discrepancies

2.4 Electronic Reference Documents

2.5 System for Award Management (SAM)

2.6 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

3 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

Table 1 Proposal Organization Table

3.1.3 Page Limits

3.1.4 Page Size and Format

3.7 Pricing Related Data

3.8 Indexing

3.9 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

3.10 Binding and Labeling

3.11 Electronic Offers

3.11.1 Electronic storage media shall be submitted in one of the following formats: prerecorded

(pressed) DVD/CD-ROM or DVD/CD-R

3.11.2 Submit PDF documents using only Adobe Acrobat 9.0 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

3.12 Proposal Classification

3.13 Proposal Submission

4 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

4.1 Volume I: Executive Summary

4.1.1 Narrative Summary

4.1.2 Gates

4.1.3 Table of Contents

4.2 Volume II: Technical Volume

4.2.1 General

4.2.2 Technical Approach

4.2.3 Technical Risk

4.2.4 Volume Organization

4.2.5 Entry Gates

4.2.6 Subfactor 1: Capability Assessment

4.2.7 Subfactor 2: NAICS Code

5 Volume III - Contract Documentation

5.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

5.1.1 Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

5.1.2 Section F - Deliveries or Performance

5.1.3 Section G - Contract Administrative Data

5.1.4 Section I - Contract Clauses

5.1.5 Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors

5.2 Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

5.3 Other Information Required

5.3.1 Authorized Offeror Personnel

5.3.2 Government Offices

5.3.3 Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations

5.3.4 Attachments to the Model Contract

1 INFORMATION TO OFFERORS (ITO)

1.1 Program Structure and Objectives

The Try-Decide-Buy Program, hereafter referred to as TDB, is a Commercial Item contract vehicle designed to rapidly equip aircrew with non-stock listed, commercial items. The Air Force requires a wide variety of items, including: Uniforms, Cold

Weather Clothing Systems, Visual Augmentation Equipment, Personal Protective

Equipment, Helmets, Body Armor, Tactical Carriers, Individual Equipment, Lighting, Survival Equipment, Air Crew Support Equipment, Communication Equipment, Tactical Equipment, Load Bearing Equipment, Lethality Support Items, Boots, Gloves, Eye Protection, Egress Equipment, Aerial Insertion Equipment, Search & Rescue

Equipment, Personnel Recovery Equipment, Medical Equipment, Power Management, Hydration, Electronics Test Equipment, Ancillary Services and Testing.

2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(a) Per AFFARS MP5332.7 Contract Funding, Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award(s) on the initial order will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the

Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

(b) The offeror's proposal must include all data and information requested by this ITO and shall be submitted in accordance with these instructions. All required elements of the

Request for Proposal (RFP) shall be submitted by the offeror in their proposal. The proposal shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Statement of Work

(SOW) and Model Contract. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this

ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation. Any proposal, modification, or revision that is received at the designated government office after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals will not be considered in accordance with Federal

Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.208(b)(1).

(c) The proposal shall be clear and concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal shall not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.

(d) Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

(e) The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation. The offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A, block 12, of the proposal documentation volume, that the proposal is valid for 365 days from the closing date for receipt of proposals.

(f) In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one paper copy of all unsuccessful proposals. The Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful proposals.

2.1 Point of Contact

The Contracting Officer (CO), Lance Sorensen, is the primary point of contact for this acquisition. The Contract Specialist, Angela “Nichole” Knell, is the secondary point of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the CO.

Written requests for clarification shall be sent by email to lance.sorensen@us.af.mil and angela.knell.1@us.af.mil . Offerors shall submit any questions relating to the RFP within 10 calendar days of the RFP release date. Answers to such clarifications will be posted as questions and answers (Q&A) on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website

(https://www.fbo.gov). In the event of conflict between any provided clarification and the

RFP, the RFP shall take precedence.

2.2 Debriefings

The CO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing, or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing (see FAR 15.505 or 15.506 as applicable). However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing. The CO will notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing.

2.3 Discrepancies

If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error or 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.

2.4 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the FedBizOpps website at https://www.fedbizopps.gov. Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time, e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

mailto:lance.sorensen@us.af.mil mailto:angela.knell.1@us.af.mil https://www.fbo.gov/ https://www.fedbizopps.gov/

2.5 System for Award Management (SAM)

Offerors will not be eligible to receive a contract award from a DoD activity unless they are registered in SAM. Firms must register on a one-time basis and annually confirm accuracy and completeness of registration information. On-line registration and instructions can be accessed at https://www.sam.gov.

2.6 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number

A DUNS Number applies to offers exceeding $25,000. The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “DUNS” followed by the DUNS number that identifies the offeror’s name and address. If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, Dun and Bradstreet should be contacted to obtain one at no charge. An offeror within the United States may call 1-800-333-0505. The offeror may obtain more information regarding the DUNS number, including locations of local Dun and Bradstreet Information Services offices for offerors located outside the

United States, from the internet homepage at http://www.dnb.com/. If an offeror is unable to locate a local service center, an email may be sent to Dun and Bradstreet at custserv@dnb.com.

3 PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table below.

The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with number of copies as specified. The contents identified in the table shall be separately bound in three-ring, loose-leaf binders. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below:

Table 1 Proposal Organization Table

Volume ITO Para.

Number

Title Electronic

Copies

Paper

Copies

Page Limit

I 4.1 Executive Summary 1 2 5

II 4.2 Technical Volume

20 pages not including NAICS code contract documentation

4.2.5 Capability Assessment

4.2.6 Entry Gates

III 5.0 Contract Documentation 1 2 Unlimited https://www.sam.gov/ http://www.dnb.com/ mailto:custserv@dnb.com

3.1.3 Page Limits

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal and electronic and paper copies will be destroyed. Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors.

3.1.4 Page Size and Format

(a) A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 by 11 inches, not including foldouts, which shall be legible and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Pages shall be single spaced. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text font shall be Times New

Roman and font size shall be no less than 12 point, not including tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and schematics. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software.

Use at least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins.

Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page size and format restrictions shall apply to responses to ENs.

(b) Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc.

These displays shall be uncomplicated, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume, and shall not exceed an

8.5 by 11 inches letter size when folded. These Foldout pages may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams and schematics, not for pages of text. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point font.

(c) Each page shall be counted except the following: Cover pages, tables of contents, tabs, cross reference matrices, company credentials, glossaries, and appendices.

3.7 Pricing Related Data

Price will be evaluated at the Delivery Order competition level. No pricing data is required for this multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

3.8 Indexing

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

3.9 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

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

3.10 Binding and Labeling

The “original” proposal shall be printed on both sides of the sheet with flip pages on the long edge, the proposal shall have 3 holes punched in the side of each sheet (using a 3 hole punch), and be bound in three-ring loose leaf binder. The original shall be labeled “original” in addition to all required document labeling. The additional hard copy of each volume of the proposal shall be separately bound in a three-ring, loose leaf binder permitting the volume to lie flat when open. Staples shall not be used.

A cover sheet shall be bound in each book, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification, and the offeror's name. The same identifying data shall be placed on the spine of each binder. All unclassified document binders shall have a color other than red or other applicable security designation colors (e.g., blue). 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 FAR 3.104-4, “Disclosure, Protection, and

Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.” All pages of each volume should be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date, and solicitation number in the header and/or footer.

3.11 Electronic Offers

The content and page size of electronic copies must be identical to the hard copies of the proposal submitted. For electronic copies, indicate on each CD the volume number and title.

Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including subfactors, exhibits, annexes, and attachments, if any. The offeror shall submit volumes one through three in electronic format, using recordable CDs. Each volume shall be in a different directory on a

CD. If files are compressed, the necessary decompression program must be included. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS)

2010 or later. In the event that hard copies and electronic copies of a proposal are submitted and if there are any discrepancies between the hard copies and the electronic copies of the proposal, the hard copies will be used for evaluation.

In addition to other instructions for submitting electronic versions of your proposal, offerors shall follow these instructions:

3.11.1 Electronic storage media shall be submitted in one of the following formats: prerecorded

(pressed) DVD/CD-ROM or DVD/CD-R.

3.11.2 Submit PDF documents using only Adobe Acrobat 9.0 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.

3.12 Proposal Classification

Proposals submitted via hardcopy or electronically shall not contain classified information. Offerors should construct proposals at the unclassified level.

3.13 Proposal Submission

Proposals must be received by 5:00pm (Eastern Daylight Time) on XX XXX 2019 at the address below. Any proposal received after this time will be considered late and will be returned unopened to the offeror. Proposals shall be addressed to the CO and mailed or hand carried to:

Acquisition Center of Excellence

1755 Eleventh St, Bldg. 570, Room 118

ATTN: Lance Sorensen and/or Nichole Knell

Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

4 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

4.1 Volume I: Executive Summary

In the executive summary volume, the offeror shall provide the following information.

4.1.1 Narrative Summary

The narrative summary of the entire proposal should be concise, to include addressing the significant risks, and highlighting any key or unique features. 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, and will not be evaluated.

4.1.2 Gates

Include at the beginning of the Technical Volume documentation demonstrating that the

Offeror meets the requirements found in Section M, Paragraph 2.1.

4.1.3 Table of Contents

Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal.

4.2 Volume II: Technical Volume

4.2.1 General

The Technical Volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical subfactors defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible, the actual solution/process you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these subfactors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will be able to meet the requirements for TDB as stated in the SOW. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.2.2 Technical Approach

The offeror shall provide documentation for the offeror’s technical solution for meeting the

Government requirements. The offeror shall provide documentation, descriptions, and plans as requested for the two technical subfactors: Capability Assessment and NAICS Code in the subsequent paragraphs.

4.2.3 Technical Risk

The Government will classify each risk in accordance with the Technical Risk Rating table 2 found in Section M, Paragraph 3.3. Risk classification shall consider potential for disruption of schedule, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance.

4.2.4 Volume Organization

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

(1) Table of Contents

(2) List of Table and Drawings

(3) Glossary

(4) Entry Gates

(5) Subfactor 1 – Capability Assessment

(6) Subfactor 2 – NAICS Code

• Attachments (NAICS code contract documentation)

4.2.5 Entry Gates

4.2.5.1 Shipping Continental United States (CONUS)/ Outside Continental United States

(OCONUS) Gate: The government will review the offeror’s initial proposal for documentation which demonstrate that the offeror has the capability to ship products

CONUS/OCONUS.

4.2.5.2 ITAR Compliance Gate: The vendor must be registered with the state Departments

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Offeror’s must provide their valid

DDTC registration.

4.2.6 Subfactor 1: Capability Assessment

4.2.6.1 A compliant proposal shall include:

Offeror’s process for establishing the contractor’s teaming arrangements. This documentation should explain the teaming arrangements in place and the plan to establish new arrangement in order to meet the government’s requirements as stated in the SOW. This documentation should also explain and describe how these teaming arrangements will enable the offeror to meet the requirements as stated in the SOW.

The offeror shall also describe how these teaming arrangements will enable them to provide and distribute the types of materials and other related supplies covered under the TDB Program.

4.2.7 Subfactor 2: NAICS Code

4.2.7.1 Description: The offeror shall provide evidence of contract performance which establishes the capability to perform under the NAICS codes found in SOW paragraph

XOXO.

4.2.7.2 A responsive proposal shall include:

Documentation of contract performance for one (1) contract out of the core NAICS

Code found in SOW paragraph XOXO.

Documentation of contract performance for two (2) contracts out of the entire scope of NAICS Code found in SOW paragraph XOXO

Evidence of contract performance shall be one (1) government contract out of the three (3).

5 Volume III - Contract Documentation

5.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

The offeror's proposal shall include a signed copy of the Model Contract, and Sections

A through K. This includes:

5.1.1 Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Completion of blocks 12, 14, 15A, 15B, 15c and 16, as well as the signature and date for blocks 17 and 18 of the Standard Form (SF) 33. Signature by the offeror on the SF 33 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept. The "original" copy should be clearly marked under separate cover and should be provided without any punched holes.

5.1.2 Section F - Deliveries or Performance

Compliance with all clauses found in Section F.

5.1.3 Section G - Contract Administrative Data

Compliance of WAWF DFARS 252.232-7006.

5.1.4 Section I - Contract Clauses

The contract clauses pertinent to this section and that are required to be filled-in are contained in Section I of the solicitation. The offeror shall comply with all clauses contained in this solicitation.

5.1.5 Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors

Offerors shall provide completed representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements with the proposal. This includes completion of necessary fill-ins.

5.2 Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements of the model contract, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. Each exception shall be specifically related to each paragraph and/or specific part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken. Provide rationale in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on the performance, schedule, and specific requirements of the solicitation.

This information shall be provided in the format and content of Table 5.2:

Table 5.2 - Solicitation Exceptions

Solicitation

Document

Page/

Paragraph

Requirement/

Portion Rationale

SOW, Requirements

Matrix, Model

Contract, ITO, etc.

Applicable

Page and

Paragraph

Numbers

Identify the requirement or portion to which exception is taken

Describe why the requirement can/will not be met

5.3 Other Information Required

5.3.1 Authorized Offeror Personnel

Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the

Government.

5.3.2 Government Offices

Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and facility codes for the cognizant

Contract Administration Office, Defense Contracting Audit Agency (DCAA), and

Government Paying Office. Also, provide the name and telephone and fax number for the

Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO).

5.3.3 Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations

Provide company/division's street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code;

TIN; and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract will be performed at any other location(s). List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor, and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.

5.3.4 Attachments to the Model Contract

The offeror shall provide the following as attachments to the model contract:

5.3.4.1 Associate Contractor Agreements

Include Associate Contractor Agreements, if applicable.