B-52_TS_Section_L_Draft_22_Jan_15.pdf

FA8621-15-R-6338

Section L 21 January 2015

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

FOR THE

B-52 TRAINING SYSTEMS

Solicitation # FA8621-15-R-6338

Draft

SECTION L

Instructions to Offerors (ITO)

L-I INFORMATION TO OFFERORS (ITO) AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR

PROPOSAL PREPARATION

1.0 Program Description

1.1 The efforts anticipated under the resultant contract include the operations, maintenance, and sustainment (OM&S) support for the B-52 Training Systems. Specifically, these efforts include Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) and Training System Support Center (TSSC) services for the Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs); concurrency and fidelity upgrades for ATDs and Maintenance Training Devices (MTDs); development, production, and fielding of new ATDs and MTDs, as required; contract transition activities; and ATD and MTD studies and analysis efforts, as required.

1.2 This is a follow-on services acquisition and will be competitively awarded to a small business. The contract period of performance includes a maximum five (5) month transition period, 4 years of CLS (one base year, plus three 1-year options), 8 years of TSSC services (three base years, plus five 1-year options), 8 years of modifications for concurrency and fidelity upgrades, and 8 years for acquisition of new devices.

2.0 General Instructions

2.1 General Information

2.1.1 The proposal must include all data and information requested by this ITO and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the B-52 Training Systems Performance Work Statement (PWS), Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), and Model Contract. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation.

2.1.2 These instructions prescribe the format of proposals and describe the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data. They are designed to ensure the submission of information essential to the understanding and comprehensive validation of proposals. The instructions permit the inclusion of any additional data or information an offeror deems pertinent. Offerors are cautioned to follow the detailed instructions fully and carefully, as the Governments intends to make an award based on initial offers received, without discussion of such offers. 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, but not substantially changing, any proposal submitted.

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

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

2.1.5 The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation. The offeror shall make a clear statement in the proposal documentation volume that the proposal is valid for 270 days from the closing date for receipt of proposals.

2.1.6 In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Unless the offeror requests otherwise, the Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful proposals.

2.1.7 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: The NAICS code for this acquisition is 336413 and size standard is <1000 employees.

2.1.8 System for Award Management (SAM): Contractors will not be eligible to receive a contract award from a DoD activity unless they are registered in SAM. Contractors shall be registered in the DoD SAM Database prior to award of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement in accordance with FAR 52.204-7. 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.

2.1.9 Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number: 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.

2.1.10 Point of Contact

The Contracting Officer (CO), Mr. David Moorhead, (937), 255-0897 e-mail:

david.moorhead@us.af.mil and Contract Negotiator/Buyer, Ms. Rebecca Johnson, (937) 255- 3905, e-mail: rebecca.johnson.19@us.af.mil are the exclusive POCs for this acquisition.

Written questions or requests for clarification may be sent via email to these individuals. It is encouraged that any such questions or requests be submitted within 10 days of the Request for Proposal (RFP) release date. Answers to such questions and clarifications will be provided to all offerors by posting questions and answers (Q&A) on the B-52 Training Systems Support solicitation on Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/ASC/FA8621-15-R-6338/listing.html. In the event of conflict between the answer to any questions and the RFP, the RFP shall take precedence.

2.1.11 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 preaward debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a postaward debriefing.

However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The CO will notify unsuccessful offerors 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. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

2.1.12 Discrepancies

If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the CO in writing with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the offeror is asking the CO to consider as related to the omission or error.

2.1.13 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the FBO website at http://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. The B-52 Training Systems Support solicitation FBO webpage is:

https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/ASC/FA8621-15-R-6338/listing.html

2.1.14 Communications

Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the CO. Email may be used to transmit such information to offerors only if the email can be sent and received encrypted and includes “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line. Otherwise, source selection information will be transmitted via USPS or pick-up and delivery by a local representative. In order to facilitate the sending and receiving of encrypted emails, offerors must use Microsoft (MS) Outlook email configured to support encryption or a different email product that is S/MIME compatible and configured to support encryption. If you intend to submit source selection information via encrypted email, you will need to contact the CO indicated on the face page of the solicitation prior to that first submittal in order to exchange Public PKI key credentials.

2.1.15 Notice to Offerors Regarding Funds Availability

Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to hold in abeyance this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

2.2 Proposal Preparation Instructions:

2.2.1 Proposal Format: These instructions prescribe the format of proposals and describe the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data. They are designed to ensure the submission of information essential to the understanding and comprehensive validation of proposals. The instructions permit the inclusion of any additional data or information an offeror deems pertinent within the page limitations specified herein.

2.2.1.1 The Government may make a final determination regarding acceptability solely based on 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, but not changing, any proposal submitted.

2.2.1.2 At any time during this competition if the CO determines that adequate price competition no longer exists, offerors may be required to submit information to the extent necessary for the CO to determine the reasonableness of the price.

2.3 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table 2.2 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in Table 2.2, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified. The volumes 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 2.2 - Proposal Organization

VOLUME ITO Paragraph Number

VOLUME TITLE PAGE

LIMIT

# SOFT

COPIES

# HARD

COPIES

I 3.0 Executive Summary 10 2 8 II 4.0 Technical Capability 150 2 8 III 5.0 Past Performance 5 pages per contract 2 4

IV 6.0 Price Unlimited 3 3 V 7.0 Contract Documentation Unlimited 2 2

Multi-media files (e.g. Quick Time, Windows Media Player, Real Player, .avi, .mpeg, etc.) will not be accepted as part of any proposal submission and will be destroyed without review if received as part of a submission.

2.3.1 Page Limitations

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. The page count in the paper version of the proposal must match the electronic page count. If exceeded, the excess pages will be removed from the back of the volume and not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal and excess paper copies will be returned to the offeror as soon as practicable. Each page shall be counted except as described in subparagraphs below. Page limitations also 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.

2.3.1.1 Page Size and Format

Page size and format shall be consistent throughout the submission. A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, not including foldouts. Pages shall be typed with 1.5 line spacing. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text shall be no less than 12 point and in New Times Roman font.

Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. At least 1-inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins shall be used. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page size and format restrictions shall apply to responses to ENs. These limitations shall apply to both electronic and hard copy proposals.

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, legible, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume, and may only be used for large tables, charts (including schedules), graphs, diagrams and schematics; not for pages of text. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 8 point and in Times New Roman font. These limitations shall apply to both electronic and hard copy proposals.

2.3.2 Pricing Related Data

All cost or pricing data shall be addressed ONLY in the Price and Contract Documentation Volumes. Cost trade-off information, work hour estimates, and material kinds and quantities may be used in other volumes only as appropriate for presenting rationale for alternatives or design and trade-off decisions.

2.3.3 Classified Information

Where classified information is required in your response, it shall be provided as a classified supplement and bound in a single classified addendum to Volume II. Each entry in the classified addendum shall be referenced to the proposal volume, page number, and paragraph number to which it applies. Similarly, a reference shall be placed in the unclassified volume where the classified insert applies, giving the page and paragraph numbers within the addendum where it can be found. Binding shall conform to the same directions as those given in this ITO for unclassified portions. The classified addendum shall be separately bound with an applicable security designation color cover, conforming to DOD 5220.22-M (National Industrial Security Program) the DD Form 254, and the Security Classification Guide providedin this solicitation.

Pages in a classified addendum will be included in the page count for the applicable volume.

The classified addendum shall be submitted according to the applicable security regulations as contained in DOD 5220.22-M (National Industrial Security Program).

2.3.4 Cross-Referencing

To the greatest extent possible, each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated with a minimum of cross referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume or cross-referenced will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal.

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

The offeror shall fill out the Cross Reference Matrix at Attachment L-5 of this ITOindicating the proposal reference information as it relates to the ITO, PWS, Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), and CDRL references found therein.

2.3.5 Indexing

Each volume shall contain a detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections. The Table of Contents and tab index pages do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

2.3.6 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

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

2.3.7 Binding and Labeling

Each volume of the proposal should be separately bound in a three-ring, loose leaf binder permitting the volume to lie flat when open. Staples shall not be used. A cover sheet 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 should be placed on the spine of each binder. All unclassified document binders shall have a color other than red or other applicable security designation colors (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 material shall include the following information located in the header and footer of each page:

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY –

See FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104

2.4 Electronic Offers

The content and page size of electronic copies must be identical to the hard copies of the proposal submitted. Electronic storage media shall be submitted in one of the following formats: prerecorded (pressed) CD-ROM or CD-R. The Government will not accept any proposal submitted through any media in rewriteable format (i.e. flash drive or CD-RW) media.

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. Each volume shall be on a different 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 MS Office Word 2010, MS Office Excel 2010, MS Office Project 2010, and MS Office Power Point 2010, as applicable. In the event that there are any discrepancies between the hard copies and the electronic copies of the proposal, the hard copies will be used for evaluation.

2.5 Distribution

The "original" proposal shall be identified. Proposals shall be addressed to the CO and mailed or hand carried to the source selection facility at the following address:

AFLCMC/AQH

ATTN: Mr. David Moorhead (FA8621-15-R-6338)

1755 Eleventh Street Building 570, Room 113 Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433

2.6 Deadlines

All proposal volumes must be received by 1500 local Dayton, Ohio time on DD Month YYYY.

3.0 Volume I - Executive Summary

In the Executive Summary Volume, the offeror shall provide the following information:

3.1 Narrative Summary

The narrative summary of the entire proposal should be concise, to include addressing the significant risks and mitigation activities, as well as highlighting any key or unique features, excluding cost/price. The salient features should tie in with Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

3.2 Table of Contents

Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal.

4.0 Volume II - Technical Capability Volume

4.1 The Technical Capability Volume shall 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 methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these Factors and Subfactors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is not necessary or desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.2 Format and Specific Content

4.2.1 Technical

In the Technical Capability Volume, address your technical solution for meeting or exceeding (where possible) the Government’s minimum performance requirements of each technical subfactor. (Note that credit will only be given for exceeding minimum performance requirements for Subfactors 3 and 4.) Government insight into the offerors assumptions used in developing their methodologies and approaches is important. The Offeror shall identify assumptions used in developing the technical volume, where appropriate and necessary, to ensure the government clearly understands the details and relationships of elements of the proposal.

4.2.1.1 Technical Risk

Address Technical Risk for all (Technical Capability Subfactor 1: Program Management;

Subfactor 2: Contractor Logistics Support; Subfactor 3: Training Systems Support Center; and Subfactor 4: Trainer Modifications) associated with those aspects of your proposed technical approach you consider to have the potential for disruption of schedule, increased costs, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance. Classify each risk in accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures as provided in Section M, Table 3, Technical Risk Rating. Provide the rationale for each risk and its rating, including quantitative estimates of the impact on cost, schedule, and performance. Describe the impact of each identified risk in terms of its potential to interfere with or prevent the successful accomplishment of other contract requirements (for example:

Performance Work Statement (PWS) or specification requirements), whether or not those requirements are identified as subfactors. Propose a realistic "work-around" or risk mitigators for identified risks that will eliminate or reduce risk to an acceptable level. Identify and classify any new risks introduced by such risk mitigation.

The relative importance of each Factor and Subfactor is as follows: If either Technical Capability Subfactor 1 or 2 are rated UNACCEPTABLE (as defined in Paragraph 2.2 below), the offeror will be ineligible for award. If both Technical Capability Subfactors 1 and 2 are rated ACCEPTABLE, then their respective risk ratings will be included in the best value tradeoff decision to determine the successful offeror, which will be made as follows:

• Technical Capability, Trainer Modifications (Subfactor 4) is equally important to Past Performance (Factor 2), and more important than Price (Factor 3)

• Technical Capability, Trainer Modifications (Subfactor 4) is more important than Technical Capability, TSSC (Subfactor 3)

• Technical Capability, TSSC (Subfactor 3) is more important than Price (Factor 3) and less important than Past Performance (Factor 2)

• Technical Capability, TSSC (Subfactor 3) is more important than Technical Capability, Program Management (Subfactor 1)

• Technical Capability, TSSC (Subfactor 3) is more important than Technical Capability, CLS (Subfactor 2)

• Technical Capability, Program Management (Subfactor 1) is equally important to Technical Capability, CLS (Subfactor 2)

• All non-price factors, when combined, are significantly more important than price

IAW FAR 15.304(e), all Technical Capability subfactors, and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. However, Price will contribute substantially to the selection decision.

4.2.2 Volume Organization

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

(1) Table of Contents

(2) List of Tables and Drawings

(3) Glossary

(4) Cross Reference Matrix

(5) Subfactor One: Program Management

(6) Subfactor Two: Contractor Logistics Support

(7) Subfactor Three: Training System Support Center

(8) Subfactor Four: Trainer Modifications

(9) Risk Matrix

4.2.3 Specific Subfactor Proposal Content:

4.2.3.1 Subfactor 1: Program Management

4.2.3.1.1 The offeror shall describe their home office organizational and support structure and provide convincing evidence that the contractor has an organizational structure that grants the contractor program manager sufficient authority to execute all requirements and also provides timely and responsive support for execution of all CLS, TSSC, modifications, and new equipment work under this solicitation. This description should include specific detail of where in the organization the B-52 Training Systems program manager (PM) is assigned, information on reporting chains and levels of authority to manage all required efforts under this solicitation, the role of the PM and the relationship to supporting functional organizations, e.g., engineering, quality assurance, finance, etc. and identification of key personnel by position (Offeror shall use the definitions of key personnel provided in Attachment J-3) and name that will execute this program. (PWS paragraph 2.1)

4.2.3.1.2 The offeror shall describe their company process to efficiently and effectively attract, recruit, and retain sufficient trained and qualified personnel to perform all elements of this solicitation, including staffing levels, and personnel qualifications for CLS and TSSC operations. Note, the Offeror shall not provide this information for the priced options requested under this solicitation. This description should include the role of the program manager in this process, as well as the role of other key personnel along with the steps and typical timelines for completion of the hiring process from advertising a position until the new employee is at work.

(PWS paragraph 2.1).

4.2.3.1.3 The offeror shall describe a transition methodology which efficiently and effectively transitions B-52 TS Support from the incumbent contractor. At a minimum, this description should provide an explanation of key tasks for each element of the transition along with inch-stone schedules, exit criteria, personnel resources, and infrastructure planned for Barksdale and Minot AFBs operating locations. (PWS paragraph 6.0)

4.2.3.1.4 The Offeror shall describe a sound and comprehensive teaming/subcontractor arrangement plan that will be utilized to execute all elements of work required under this solicitation. This description should include the names of teaming/subcontract partners, the unique qualifications of each team member, the specific work to be accomplished by each team member, the work share to be performed by each team member, any Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs) that will be required and the types of information to be exchanged there under. (PWS paragraphs 2.1 and 2.1.7)

4.2.3.2 Subfactor 2: Contractor Logistics Support

4.2.3.2.1 The Offeror shall describe a sound and comprehensive approach for CLS to ensure a minimum 95% availability of the B-52 Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs) and individual stations as referenced in Performance Work Statement (PWS) Paragraph 3.0, to include the role of the PM in this process, as well as the role of other key personnel. (PWS paragraph 3.0)

4.2.3.2.2 The offeror shall describe a sound and comprehensive obsolescence mitigation plan(s) to maintain a minimum 95% ATD and individual station availability for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources/Material Shortages (DMS/MS), obsolescence, and failure rate tracking for the B-52 ATDs, spares, and support equipment. (PWS paragraph 2.2.6)

4.2.3.3 Subfactor 3: Training System Support Center (TSSC)

4.2.3.3.1 The Offeror shall describe a sound and comprehensive Baseline Management approach for maintaining and merging multiple, concurrent software and hardware development efforts, configuration management functions and mission planning. This description should include the activities required for maintaining and merging multiple, concurrent software and hardware development efforts, configuration management, and mission planning along with an explanation of the key tasks involved and the entrance/exit criteria associated with establishing/modifying the configuration baseline(s). (PWS paragraph 4.3)

4.2.3.3.2 The Offeror shall describe sound and comprehensive approach for the TSSC to accomplish Distribution Mission Operations Mission Package (DMO/MP) standards updates throughout the life of the contract and to ensure the completion of all standards through MP15 within the 3 year base period. This description shall use the definitions of resources provided in Attachment J-3 to provide an explanation of the labor skill mix (including required numbers of staff broken out by discipline category, experience levels, and academic degree levels) along with a discussion of the role of the PM and any other key personnel in this process. The Offeror shall also indicate that, given the same level of effort required to complete DMO/MP through MP15 within the 3-year base period, their stated approach and manpower levels will/will not remain constant for each of the remaining option years. (PWS paragraph 4.3.9)

4.2.3.3.3 The Offeror shall describe a sound and comprehensive approach for the TSSC to accomplish B-52 Software Block updates to the trainer Offensive Avionics System. This description shall use the definitions of resources provided in Attachment J-3 to provide an explanation of the labor skill mix (including required numbers of staff broken out by discipline category, experience levels, and academic degree levels) along with a discussion of the role of the PM and any other key personnel in this process. (PWS paragraph 4.3.10)

4.2.3.3.4 No new/additional GEF will be provided for the three priced options and offerors shall not include GFE requirements for the priced options as part of their proposal.

4.2.3.4 Subfactor 4: Trainer Modifications

4.2.3.4.1 The offeror shall provide a realistic technical approach and overall schedule for the government defined upgrades (CONECT, IFF Mode 5, and 1760 Internal Weapons Bay) in accordance with the Performance Work Statement. (PWS paragraph 4.1)

4.2.3.4.2 The Offeror shall provide a single comprehensive risk identification and mitigation plan for the three defined upgrades. (PWS paragraph 2.1.9)

4.2.3.4.3 The Offeror shall provide separate development and production/install schedules (IMS/IMP) by device, for devices receiving CONECT upgrades (1-WST Development, 3-WST Production/Install, 1-OSMT Development, 2-OSMT Production/Installs) as defined in the PWS.

Each schedule shall contain milestones, with corresponding completion dates, for accomplishing all development and production aspects of the upgrade effort(s). (PWS paragraph 4.1 and 4.2)

4.2.3.4.4 The Offeror shall propose an approach, including an associated schedule, for removing the SIL from the current location and moving it to the new location. This approach shall also address the steps that will be implemented to ensure the SIL is ready for use by the Government prior to being needed for development efforts. (PWS paragraph 6.0)

4.2.3.4.5 No new/additional GEF will be provided for the three priced options and offerors shall not include GFE requirements for the priced options as part of their proposal.

5.0 Volume III - Past Performance

5.1 General

Each Offeror shall submit a Past Performance Volume with its proposal, containing Past Performance Information (PPI) of no more than five contracts which are active or have been completed within five years preceding the date of this solicitation. A minimum of two of the five contracts must be from the Small Business prime. Use the online Past Performance Information (PPI) Tool described in Attachment L-1 to develop this Volume. This information shall be provided for the offeror and significant subcontractors, teaming partners, joint venture partners, and suppliers who are proposed to perform 10 percent or more of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price or perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers critical to overall successful performance. In addition to the data provided in this volume, the Government will use data obtained from other sources (described below) in the evaluation of past performance.

Along with the information required in this paragraph, the offeror shall submit a consent letter executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner, authorizing release of adverse past performance information to the offeror so the offeror can respond to such information (a template for this letter is found in Attachment L-4). For each identified effort for a commercial customer, the offeror shall also submit a client authorization letter, authorizing release to the Government of requested information on the offerors performance.

One of the considerations in proposal evaluation is the verification of the Offerors’ present and past performance on contracts. The Government depends on information, particularly relevant commentary, received from agencies which have firsthand experience with an offeror. For the evaluation of the offerors performance, the Government is requesting the Offeror provide the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment L-3) to customers that could provide relevant past performance information. A cover letter explaining the use of the questionnaire and instructions for completion and submittal is provided (Attachment L-2, Past Performance Questionnaire Cover Letter). The Offeror shall provide the government contact information (name, title, email address, and phone number) for two POCs at each agency the Offeror requests complete/submit the Past Performance Questionnaire as part of Volume III. This information shall be included as an attachment to Volume III and WILL NOT count against the Volume III page count.

It is important that the completed questionnaire(s) be sent directly to the government Performance Confidence Assessment Group (PCAG) (see email address on Past Performance Questionnaire, Attachment L-3). Note that once the questionnaire is filled out, it becomes source selection sensitive and must be handled accordingly.

5.2 Early Proposal Information

Each Offeror is requested to submit the Past Performance Volume 15 days prior to the date set for receipt of proposals (information is provided in Attachment L-1 for each relevant contract). Failure to submit early proposal information will not result in Offeror disqualification.

5.3 Relevant Contracts

Submit Past Performance Information (in accordance with Attachment L-1) on no more than five recent contracts completed or ongoing for Federal agencies and commercial customers within five years preceding the date of this solicitation that you consider most relevant in demonstrating your team’s ability to perform the proposed effort. A minimum of two of the five contracts must be from the Small Business prime. If an Offeror is submitting a proposal as a joint venture, past performance information is required from that joint venture. This information may be from work performed as the joint venture or from one or more of the companies that formed the joint venture as long as the total contracts submitted does not exceed five contracts. Include rationale supporting your assertion of relevance. For a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining recency and relevance, see Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award.

5.3.1 Specific Content

Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the Offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a limited or no confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an Offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The Offeror is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified. This may allow the Offeror to be considered a higher confidence candidate. For example, submittal of quality performance indicators or other management indicators that clearly support that an offeror has overcome past problems is required. Categorize the relevant information into the specific Technical subfactors used to evaluate the proposal.

5.3.2 Organizational Structure Change History

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

6.0 VOLUME IV – PRICE

6.1 General Instructions

The offeror shall provide the following information in the Price Volume:

6.1.1 Selected Pre-Priced Services

The offeror shall insert proposed prices and other information into the “B-52 TS Price Matrix - TEP” Spreadsheet included as Attachment 3 to Section J (also referred to as the “TEP Spreadsheet”) IAW instructions found under the “Instructions” tab of the TEP Spreadsheet. The TEP Spreadsheet generates the Offerors total evaluated price. The total evaluated price consists of Offeror proposed prices and Offeror proposed quantities.

6.1.2 Price Reasonableness

Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their reasonableness. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the offeror. This section is to assist the Offeror in submitting information other than cost or pricing data required to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed price. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of the proposal. Additionally, unbalanced pricing may be a reason to reject a proposal.

6.1.3 Estimating Techniques and Methods

When responding to the Cost/Price Proposal requirements in the solicitation, the Offeror and associated subcontractors may use any generally accepted estimating technique, including contemporary estimating methods, to develop their estimates. Identify deviations (if any) from your standard estimating procedures (including overhead and G&A applications) in preparing this proposal volume. Indicate whether you have Government approval of your estimating and purchasing systems and provide evidence of such approval. Provide a summary description of your pricing methodology as it pertains to this acquisition.

6.1.4 Pricing Assumptions

Summarize all significant pricing assumptions, scope limitations, and/or qualifications of the Cost/Price proposal. The Pricing Assumptions section shall not exceed two pages.

6.1.5 Price Information

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless the Offeror considers it essential to document or support the price position. All supporting information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price volume. Under no circumstances shall this data and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.

6.1.6 Cost or Pricing Data Requirements

In accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b) and 15.403-3(a), information other than certified cost or pricing data may be required to support price reasonableness. Information shall be provided in accordance with 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 as defined under FAR 2.101.

6.1.7 Rounding

All dollar amounts provided shall be rounded to the nearest dollar. All loaded labor rates shall be rounded to the nearest penny. All other rates and factors shall use no more than two (2) decimal places.

6.1.8 Cost Reimbursement CLINs

The Offeror shall not propose prices for the Cost Reimbursement (CR) CLINs as they are not included in the Total Evaluated Price (TEP). These include the CLS Supply Support CLINs X020 – X024, and Travel CLIN 8000.

6.1.9 Additional Information

For CLINs that contain wage determination or collective bargaining rates, the proposals shall be in most current year United States currency dollars. Offerors shall not escalate wage determination or collective bargaining rates.

6.1.9.1 Fully Loaded Labor Rates (Fixed Rate Table)

The Offeror shall provide the fully-loaded labor rates and the government will compute the Total Evaluated Price (TEP) based on these proposed rates and other fixed price CLINs.

Offerors shall complete the pricing spreadsheet (ref. Section J Attachment 3). Use the format in Section J Attachment 3 for these fully-loaded labor rates. The Offerors must ensure that all fully-loaded labor rates include all applicable labor overheads, G&A, and cost of money (if proposed), and profit, for the applicable period of performance for each labor category in the spreadsheet. A rate must be proposed for all labor categories. A “no bid” or omitted rate may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation. The rate tables will be incorporated as an attachment to the resultant contract award and will be the rates used on subsequent ECPs/CCPs subject only to adjustments under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or the Service Contract Act (SCA).

6.1.9.2 Labor Rates subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) and DOL Wage Determinations (WD) For those labor categories which fall under the CBA, they shall be in accordance with FAR

22.1002 – Wage Determination Based on Collective Bargaining Agreements. For CBA and

Wage Determination wages, all contract base labor rates shall be proposed using the most current revisions for the base year. All Offerors should propose the base year CBA labor rates for all years of the contract, even if there are negotiated CBA rates for contract years 2 and beyond. In other words, we request Offerors straight-line their base labor rates for all years.

This process will alleviate the burden of the Offeror having to accurately project escalation for the out-years of the contract in the TEP. In your proposal, provide the Wage Determination, Revision No. and Revision Date of the published CBA/WD agreement/determination you are using to facilitate future wage determination adjustments.

Offerors are requested to provide both the base labor rate and the fully-loaded rate (inclusive of base labor, all other applicable direct and indirect costs, and profit) for all labor categories and contract years. This is also to facilitate adjustments under the appropriate DOL wage determinations. When DOL-generated base labor rates are eventually available and rates are then calculated for the contract out-years, the adjustments made to the fixed fully-loaded rates will only be the difference between the base labor rate originally established in the contract, and the CBA and/or DOL Wage Determination base labor rate. Adjustments will be made only at the direct cost line, no increases or adjustments will be made for indirect expenses and profit.

6.2 Volume Organization

The Cost/Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

6.2.1 Section 1 – Completed Total Evaluated Price (TEP) Offeror Spreadsheet The offeror shall submit a completed version of the Government provided “B-52 TS Price Matrix - TEP” Spreadsheet” (Attachment 3 to Section J) IAW instructions found under the “Instructions” tab in the TEP spreadsheet. The completed TEP Spreadsheet shall be submitted as an electronic Microsoft Excel file. The TEP spreadsheet will produce the offerors total evaluated price and includes a summary tab of all Offeror proposed prices, which will be placed on contract at time of award.

6.2.2 Section 2 – Narrative and Methodology

The Offeror shall provide a narrative of the basic pricing approach and methodology utilized to generate TEP Spreadsheet prices and cross reference each item with the completed TEP Spreadsheet. The Offeror shall provide any ground rules and assumptions necessary for the Government to understand what the prices represent and to enable the Government to determine if the prices are reasonable. These assumptions should correlate to and/or supplement information elsewhere in the proposal to add clarity.

6.2.3 Section 3 – Government Furnished Property/Government Furnished Equipment

(GFP/GFE)

Other information such as Government Furnished Property/Government Furnished Equipment (GFP/GFE), base support, long lead costs, termination costs, development/production schedule, inflation rate summary and explanation, life cycle cost, and special tooling/test equipment.

7.0 Volume V - Contract Documentation

7.1 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications

The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. The offerors proposal shall include a signed copy of the Model Contract, and Sections A through K.

7.1.1 Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Completion of blocks 12, 15A, 15B, 16, 17, and 18 of the Standard Form 33. Signature by the Offeror on the Standard Form 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.

7.1.2 Section B - Supplies or Services and Costs/Prices

Completed pricing information in Section B of the model contract.

7.1.3 Section F - Deliveries or Performance

Proposed Delivery Schedule. The offeror shall propose the delivery schedule by completing the blanks in Section F of the model contract.

7.1.4 Section G - Contract Administrative Data

7.1.5 Section H - Special Contract Requirements

7.1.6 Section I - Contract Clauses

7.1.7 Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors Completed representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements.

7.2 Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements

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 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, cost, and specific requirements of the solicitation. This information shall be provided in the format and content of Table 7.2.

Table 7.2 - Solicitation Exceptions

Solicitation Document

Page/ Paragraph

Requirement/ Portion

Rationale

SOO, SOW, SPEC,

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

7.3 Other Information Required

7.3.1 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.

7.3.2 Government Offices

Provide the mailing address, telephone and fax numbers and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), and Government Paying Office. Also, provide the name and telephone and fax number for the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO).

7.3.3 Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations Provide company/division's street address, county and facility code; CAGE code; DUNS code;

TIN; size of business (large or small); 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.

7.3.4 Attachments to the Model Contract

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

7.3.4.3 GFP and/or Base Support Requirements

The Government plans to provide the items listed in Attachment X of the solicitation as GFP/ (or Attachment X as Base Support). If the Offeror requires the use of Government furnished items other than those specified, the Offeror shall provide a listing including quantity, federal stock number, nomenclature, date needed and duration of availability, rental value per FAR

45.1 and 45.2, reason for need, and cross reference to Price volume paragraphs which pertain to GFP and/or base support. The Offeror shall also provide the written authorization from the cognizant ACO, as applicable. The Offeror shall supply this information in the format shown in Table 7.3.

Table 7.3 - Required…