Attachment_9_-_Instructions_to_Offerors_RFP_Section_L.docx

SECTION L

Instructions to Offerors

1. Purpose

1.1 The Rapid Development Integration Facility’s (RDIF) primary function and scope consists of, aircraft part development, integration, prototyping, modification and production on a variety of military aircraft. While it is the Government’s goal to perform as much of these requirements as possible, contractor resources augment Government resources to accomplish the RDIF’s mission. Support requirements (including labor categories & hours) fluctuate as programs and funding are acquired. While touch-labor is the common element of support, various programs require the following: work at offsite locations, short term specialties, materials, manufacturing, research and development, prototyping, quality assurance, engineering, aircraft modification, test support, etc.

1.2 The Government will award a single Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to cover potential requirements for support. As customers are identified and funding is obtained, requirements will be identified, drafted into requirements documents, and provided to the IDIQ contract holder for pricing of new task orders.

2. General Information

2.1 The COs listed below are the primary and alternate points of contact for this acquisition. Address all questions or concerns to both COs. Written requests for clarification may be sent to both COs via email. Email is the preferred method of communication. The COs for this acquisition are as follows:

Primary: Richard K. Porter Alternate: Kathy Hamblin 2640 Loop Road West, Bldg 46 2640 Loop Road West, Bldg 46 Room 210.056 Room 210.055 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 Wright-Patterson AFB, 45433 Phone: (937) 656-8086 Phone: (937) 656-8084 Email: richard.porter.12@us.af.mil Email: katherine.hamblin@us.af.mil

2.2 There is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial proposals, 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. However, if at any time during this competition the CO determines that adequate price competition no longer exists, Offerors may be required to submit Other Than Certified Cost or Pricing Data information.

2.3 In Accordance With (IAW) FAR 4.803(a)(10), the Government shall retain one (1) copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

2.4 The CO will promptly notify Offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competition IAW FAR 15.503. Upon notification of exclusion, an Offeror may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring debriefing must make a request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.503 or 15.506 as applicable. Debriefings will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.506.

2.5 The Government plans to use the Government-owned software, EZSource, for the evaluation. The software administration for EZSource is provided by Array Information Technologies, with Harris IT Services and Stellar Innovations & Solutions acting as it subcontractors. Representatives from these firms may have exposure to the Offerors' proposals, but will not be providing advice on the merits of any proposal. Employees from these firms who may have exposure to proposals have executed non-disclosure agreements. These non-disclosure agreements are available for review upon request. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. Any objection shall be provided in writing prior to the date set for receipt of proposals and shall include a detailed statement of the basis for the objection. Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation 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) and implemented in the FAR. Representatives from Array Information Technologies and subcontractor representatives are bound contractually by organizational conflict of interest and disclosure clauses with respect to proprietary information.

2.6 The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award contracts without discussions with Offerors (except clarifications as described in FAR 15.306(a)). Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a technical and price standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined to be in the Government’s best interest.

2.7 The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition 336413, Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing. The size standard is 1,000 employees following the Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, and Aircraft Engine Parts Exception.

2.8 “Offeror” is defined as the single concern with whom the Government will have privity of contract if the award is made to such concern. This concern is identified in block 15(a) of the model contract (SF33).

3. PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 This Section prescribes the format for proposals and describes the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data. These instructions are designed to ensure the submission of information essential to the understanding and comprehensive evaluation of proposals. Offerors are cautioned to follow the detailed instructions fully and carefully. Offerors are responsible for submitting a proposal which is coherent, understandable, easy to reference, complete and meets all submission requirements. .

3.2 To ensure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, Offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are required to submit all documentation and/or information detailed herein. Failure to submit all required documentation and/or information may result in a proposal being ineligible for award. Inadequate, incomplete or disorganized proposals may be found to be technically unacceptable, and evaluation of that proposal stopped, simply because the evaluators could not reasonably ascertain whether the proposal meets the technical evaluation factors of this solicitation. In submitting proposals, Offerors are agreeing to the terms and conditions as written in this solicitation.

3.3 If the Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall notify both the Primary and Alternate Contracting Officer’s (CO’s) (listed in Section 2.1) in writing with supporting rationale within seven (7) days.

3.4 The proposal shall be accompanied by a complete and signed Cover Letter to be included in Volume I. The cover letter must meet the requirements at FAR 52.215-1(c)(2). The cover letter must specify that your proposal remains in effect for 180 days after proposal receipt date.

3.5 Proposals shall be organized into four (4) volumes identified in the table located in section 4.2. Each volume shall be bound separately in hard side, three-ring binders. Each binder in the proposal shall include a title page, table of contents and a glossary of any abbreviations and acronyms. These pages are excluded from the page counts listed in the table found in section 4.2. The table of contents shall list sections, subsections, and page numbers. Each volume shall be written on a standalone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal. Every acronym shall be spelled out in the text the first time it appears in each proposal volume.

3.6 The Offeror shall provide one (1) hardcopy of the original proposal clearly identified as “original” proposal. In addition to that paper copy, the Offeror shall submit all proposal information in identical format and content in electronic version on CD/DVD. Each CD or DVD will contain only one (1) proposal Volume. The CD/DVD shall be “read-only” and formatted for Microsoft Windows. All Microsoft Excel Attachments shall be submitted in Microsoft Excel format (unaltered) in which they are provided by this RFP. The Offeror shall not include any formulas or links beyond what is included in the provided format. When creating Adobe PDF (Portable Documentation Format) files the Offeror shall create the file to enable textual search and copy functions. Macros or other embedded objects or features will be disabled as part of regular security precautions.

3.7 All text shall be Times New Roman font, size 12, single-spaced, on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper (except as specifically noted in this Section). Within each volume, pages shall be numbered consecutively. A page printed on both sides shall be counted as two (2) pages. 11” x 17” sized fold out pages may be used for tables, charts, graphs, or pictures that cannot be legibly presented on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the Volume. Foldout pages shall fold so that the Government can read and evaluate them without removal from the proposal binder. Any 11” x 17” document will be considered a two sheet equivalent (with regards to page count limitations). Graphic presentations, including tables, are subject to the same font size and spacing requirements, and shall have spacing and text that is legible. In case of conflict between the paper and electronic copies submitted, the original paper version shall take precedence.

3.8 Page Limitations: The contents of any pages submitted in excess of the prescribed limitations for each section may not be reviewed or considered by the Government. In the event the Offeror creates an ambiguity, the Government may exercise its own discretion in counting pages. The hard copy version shall be used to confirm these page limitations have been met. See the table in section 4.2 for page limits.

3.9 Section J of the RFP references a total of nine (9) attachments. Only the RDIF Price Matrix, RFP Section J Attachment 3 and the Vendor Past Performance Form RFP Section J Attachment 4 require completion and submission as part of the Offeror’s proposal. Attachments 2, 3, 6, & 7 are for reference only need not be returned with the Offeror’s proposal. Attachment 8 – Instructions to Offerors RFP Section L and attachment 9 – Evaluation Criteria RFP Section M, must be followed completely; the Offeror must submit all required documentation.

3.10 These instructions are intended to elicit brief and specific responses with examples. However, simply stating that the Offeror understands and intends to comply with this effort, paraphrasing statements in the RFP, or providing unsubstantiated marketing claims is inadequate and may be deemed non-responsive.

3.11 The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The Offeror shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of its facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror’s proposal.

3.12 Proposals are due in “hard copy” and electronic form at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on XXX. Offerors are encouraged to submit Volume III, (Past Performance) by 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on XXX . Both the proposal and Volume III Past Performance Information shall be delivered to:

AFLCMC/WISK

Attn: Richard Porter 2640 Loop Road, Bldg 46, Room 210.056 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433

Electronic copies of proposals received at or before the receipt of hard copies will not satisfy the requirement to submit a hard copy of the proposal at the place above, by the date and time as noted above. Proposals may be mailed (to include UPS, FedEx, or any other delivery service) or hand-carried to the above address so they are received by the contracting office by the due date and time. The outside envelope/container shall be marked with the words “PROPOSAL ENCLOSED” and the RFP number. This is a secure military installation so appropriate arrangements are required to access the facility with enough time to meet proposal deadlines. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to make those arrangements to assure meeting proposal deadlines. Offerors who use regular mail to submit their proposals to Wright-Patterson AFB should allow additional time for delivery due to security screening on packages that may be conducted at the Wright-Patterson AFB mail processing facility. Proposals received after the specified due dates will be considered late proposals, regardless of the delay, and shall not be considered for award.

4. PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

4.1 Table of Contents

4.1.1 The Contracting and Technical Volumes shall contain a detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume.

4.1.2 Master Table of Contents – Volume I, CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION, shall contain a consolidation of the individual Table of Contents for all Volumes (I through IV). This will be referred to as the Master Table of Contents.

4.1.3 The Table of Contents will not count against page limitations.

4.2 Organization and page limitation

4.3 The information requested in the four (4) volumes identified in 4.2 will be evaluated in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in Section M of this RFP.

5. VOLUME I – CONTRACT DOCUMENATION

5.1 The cover letter identified above in 3.4 shall be included as the first page of this volume. The Offeror’s cover letter must include a statement that the proposal and prices included therein will remain in effect for 180 calendar days after the proposal receipt date.

5.2 The Offeror shall provide a Master Table of Contents for all volumes and a table of contents specific to volume I (see 4.1.1 and 4.1.2 above).

5.3 Offerors shall complete and submit the SF 33 model contract including the Provisions and Clauses in Section I of the RFP as well as the Offeror’s Representations and Certifications in Section K of the RFP. The Offeror should not enter prices into Section B of the RFP as section B will not be evaluated. Price evaluation will be accomplished on the prices the Offeror enters into RFP Section J Attachment 3 – RDIF Price Matrix. Except for the attachments identified above in 3.9, the SF33 shall be returned in its entirety.

5.4 Offerors shall complete the Offer 15-18 of the Standard Form (SF) 33, Solicitation Document. By completing these blocks, the Offeror accedes to the contract terms and conditions as written in the RFP. These sections constitute the model contract. The hard copy shall be clearly marked as “original.” The name, title, and physical signature on the SF33 must match the name and signature provided in the cover letter in response to FAR 52.215-1(c)(2)(v).

5.5 Offerors shall provide written acknowledgement, signed by a company representative meeting the requirements of FAR 52.215-1(c)(2)(v), that acknowledges that if the Offeror is awarded the IDIQ contract, it will perform the live task order at the prices provided in this proposal. The live task order constitutes the minimum guarantee for the IDIQ contract.

6. VOLUME II – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

6.1 Subfactor 1 – Sample/Live Task Approach

The Government has provided the offeror with requirements documents for both a live task order (RFP Section J Attachment 7 – RDIF Live Task Order) and a sample task order (See RFP Section J Attachment 6 – RDIF Sample Task Order).

A live task order is an active RDIF requirement for aircraft component development, integration, prototyping, and production. The live task order will be performed by the firm that wins the IDIQ contract, and will constitute the minimum order guarantee for this IDIQ contract.

The sample task order is representative of the type of work the IDIQ holder will perform in support of RDIF, but the actual work will not be performed.

The Offeror shall review the live and sample task order requirements documents found at RFP Section J Attachment 7 – RDIF Live Task Order and RFP Section J Attachment 6 – RDIF Sample Task Order, and provide the following:

6.1.1 It’s technical approach for performing the work on both the sample and live task orders. The technical approach must demonstrate that the Offeror will perform labor at the RDIF Facility at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, using available RDIF Equipment. (See RFP Section C - RDIF Equipment List ) ***Note a separate plan is needed for the live and sample task orders; two (2) total plans.

6.1.2 Labor categories and hours necessary to perform the work in paragraph 6.1.1 (See RFP Section J Attachment 7 – RDIF Live Task Order, and RFP Section J – Attachment 6 RDIF Sample Task Order ).

6.1.3 Résumés showing qualifications and experience of personnel proposed to perform the labor hours in 6.1.2.

6.1.4 A list of all materials and quantities that must be purchased, and names and DUNS number of all material suppliers.

6.1.5 Identification of any tasks that must be subcontracted and DUNS number of all identified subcontractors.

6.2 Subfactor 2 – Management of IDIQ

During the life of this contract, the Offeror will likely be required to perform multiple projects simultaneously with requirements that span the list of capabilities listed in RFP Section C, Performance Work Statement (PWS) section 5. It must therefore submit the following:

6.2.1 The specific capabilities identified in RFP Section C – PWS section 5 that the Offeror will provide using its own employees.

6.2.2 The specific capabilities identified in RFP Section C – PWS section 5 that the Offeror will provide through subcontracting or teaming.

6.2.3 The name and DUNS number of all subcontractors and teaming partners identified in 6.2.2.

6.2.4 Its process for qualifying and managing performance of its subcontractors, teaming partners, and material suppliers.

6.2.5 Its process for determining whether prices for subcontracted work or materials are fair and reasonable.

6.2.6 A quality control plan that will be followed when performing any task order issued against this contract.

6.2.7 Its plan for maintaining a qualified and experienced temporary workforce (labor isn’t guaranteed beyond existing task orders) performing aircraft component development, integration, prototyping, and production within 50 miles of Wright Patterson AFB, OH.

7. VOLUME III – PAST PERFORMANCE

7.1 Past Performance will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 15.305(a)(2). The performance confidence assessment will be based on recent and relevant past performance of the Offeror and/or its subcontractors/teaming partners. The Offeror shall submit one (1) Vendor Past Performance Form (RFP Section J – Attachment 4) for each past contract to be evaluated by the Government. Up to seven (7) Total Vendor Past Performance Forms (RFP Section J – Attachment 4) may be submitted. Any submission in excess of the limit will not be considered and it will in the Government’s discretion which seven (7) projects will be evaluated. RFP Section J Attachment 4 – Vendor Past Performance Form requires the Offeror to provide a Point of Contact (POC) for each contract. The Offeror is also required to provide the scope of the contract and a description of its performance in relation to the capabilities found in RFP Section C – PWS, section 5.

7.2 The Offeror may rely on past performance of its subcontractors or teaming partners only if the subcontractor or teaming partner is identified in the Offeror’s response to RFP Section L Paragraph 6.2.3. Subcontractor/teaming past performance records count toward the seven (7) record limit established in RFP Section L 7.1 above.

7.3 If the Offeror is a formal Joint Venture or in a Mentor-Protégé relationship, the Government will consider the past performance of all firms that comprise the joint venture. Please note that if the Offeror is a formal joint venture or in a Mentor- Protégé relationship, it shall provide a copy of the Small Business Administration approved Mentor-Protégé and/or Joint Venture certificate documentation. For 8(a) Joint Ventures, the SBA must receive the certification documentation prior to the proposal due date and must approve the documentation before contract award.

7.4 The POC for each contract will be contacted by the Government, and will be provided a standardized RDIF Past Performance Questionnaire (RFP Section J – Attachment 5) to be completed by regular mail, email, or phone. RFP Section J Attachment 5 - RDIF Past Performance Questionnaire is provided for informational purposes only and the Offeror shall not complete or submit Attachment 5 - RDIF Past Performance Questionnaire as part of its proposal. If the POC is unable to be reached, the Government may locate another POC or contact the Offeror and request an alternate POC.

7.5 When identifying which projects to submit, the Offeror shall select projects that meet the definitions for recency and relevancy below:

7.5.1 Recency: The period of performance of the contract submitted on the Vendor Past Performance Form (RFP Section J – Attachment 4) occurs or remains ongoing within the five (5) years prior to this RFP release date.

7.5.2 Relevancy: Projects where the Offeror or its subcontractors/teaming partners have demonstrated the capabilities identified in RFP Section C PWS, section 5 through performance of aircraft component development, integration, prototyping, and production in a rapid environment requiring adaptive collaboration.

8. VOLUME IV – PRICE

8.1 The Offeror shall complete the RDIF Price Matrix (RFP Section J – Attachment 3). This attachment requires the Offeror to establish fully burdened labor rates for predetermined labor categories. The list of predetermined labor categories is all inclusive, meaning that any labor performed over the life of this contract will be priced by the Offeror using these labor categories only. These labor rates are binding over the life of the IDIQ contract, meaning all task orders issued against the IDIQ contract will incorporate these respective rates.

The contractor will also provide its markup percentage that will be assessed to all materials purchased or subcontracts issued. This markup percentage will be binding over the life of the IDIQ, meaning that on Task Orders issued against this IDIQ, the Offeror can only price in the actual cost of materials, plus the mark-up percentage established at the IDIQ contract.

8.2 The RDIF Price Matrix (RFP Section J – Attachment 3) also require the Offeror to establish pricing for the live task order. No pricing is required for the sample task order. To arrive at live task order pricing, the Offeror will be required to extend the labor pricing previously identified in the RDIF Price Matrix (RFP Section J – Attachment 3) by the labor hours quoted in the technical volume (see section 6.1.2 above).

The contractor will provide pricing for the materials it listed in 6.1.4, and for tasks it intends to subcontract as identified in 6.1.5. The materials and subcontractor prices will be extended by the materials/subcontracting markup. These prices will be added to the labor prices to determine the total live task order price and the total sample task order price.