FA8903-15-R-0023_Section_L_20151027.pdf

18 Aug 2015

FA8903-15-R-0023

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

SECTION L

Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

INFORMATION TO OFFERORS (ITO) AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL

PREPARATION

DEFINITIONS

DEFINITIONS: Offerors shall use the following definitions while preparing proposals for this acquisition. These definitions are applicable to all sections of the solicitation.

WESTERN REGION: The Western region is defined as including EPA regions 9 and 10.

CONCURRENT: Work performed whose periods of performance are simultaneous. At any given time, projects will be considered to be concurrent only with the projects with which they overlap.

CONUS: Continental United States means the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia.

CONUS TIME ZONES: Standard CONUS time zones to include Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.

ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION PROJECTS: An act or process to remedy, repair, or restore contaminated environmental sites. For the purposes of this acquisition, environmental remediation projects include the cleanup of contamination from hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants with incidental identification, investigation, and work associated with the remediation effort.

GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED: To be considered geographically dispersed, the Team shall have projects in Western EPA regions 9 and 10.

KEY PERSONNEL: Permanent employees of the Prime firm/Team who fill management positions in the organization and provide expertise in their assigned positions, rather than temporary or contract employee arrangements.

MANAGEMENT APPROACH: A management approach must clearly document (1) how the Offeror intends to assign, execute and manage personnel and resources for task orders under the BECSRC contract; (2) the method for identifying and mitigating management issues; and (3) the method for communicating and distributing responsibilities between the Prime and various Team members.

ORGANIZATIONAL AND CONSULTANT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In accordance with FAR SUBPART 5309.5 OCI will be addressed at the task order level.

OFFEROR: Defined as the “PRIME” contractor submitting a single proposal in response to this solicitation.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

PROJECT: A Project, as submitted by the Offeror for evaluation under this solicitation for basic contract award, shall consist of a SINGLE task order or work order issued under a requirements contract or any other multiple delivery type contract (includes Simplified Acquisition Base Engineering Requirements (SABER) and Basic Ordering Agreements), or a stand-alone contract for a Government or commercial client.

STAKEHOLDERS: Stakeholders include the following: Customers, project managers, regulators, state/federal/foreign agencies, local communities, elected officials, citizens groups, and others as applicable.

SUBCONTRACTORS: Any supplier, distributor, vendor, or firm that provides supplies or services to or for a Prime contractor in the performance of a contract. Subcontractors are not considered part of the Prime contractor’s Team or Team members.

TEAM: This solicitation will refer to the Prime and all identified Team members as a “Team.”

TEAM/TEAM MEMBER(S): The Government will consider the Offeror and all named Team members a TEAM when a signed Teaming Arrangement (TA) or Letter of Intent (LOI) is provided.

TEAMING ARRANGEMENT (TA) OR LETTER OF INTENT (LOI): To be valid under this solicitation, a teaming arrangement (TA) or letter of intent (LOI) must commit the parties to performance under this contract, should it be awarded to the Offeror.

1.0 Program Structure and Objectives:

The Government seeks to award a Requirements Contract entitled, “Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Environmental Construction and Services Requirements Contract (BECSRC)” in accordance with (IAW) FAR 16.503(b)(1). Each Task Order (TO) issued against the contract will be priced on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) or Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) basis. FFP pricing will be based on the pre-negotiated fully-burdened labor rates. The goal of this acquisition approach is to enable rapid TO processing such that acquisition lead time is minimized. The scope of this requirements contract includes a full range of environmental remediation actions necessary to protect human health and the environment. It includes rapid response and removal of environmental media contamination and site restoration activities located on BRAC installations in EPA regions 9 and 10 (Western). The resultant contract will have a five (5) year ordering period with two (2) additional years for TO performance completion.

1.1. Budget/Funding Information:

For consideration in developing a proposal, the maximum ceiling value is $8M over the life of this contract. However, this is a requirements contract which does not guarantee the successful single awardee a minimum obligation amount. Congressional budget year allocations and prioritized requirements may determine future TO placements.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

2.0 General Instructions:

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) intends to conduct this acquisition as a Competitive Source Selection, Small Business Set-Aside (SBSA) IAW the provisions set forth in this solicitation. This section of the Information to Offerors (ITO) provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The Offerors’ proposals must include all data and information requested by the ITO and shall be submitted IAW these instructions. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Statement of Work (SOW), Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs), and this Solicitation.

Non-compliance with the instructions provided in this ITO may result in an unfavorable proposal evaluation.

The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather 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.

Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired. Similarly, for oral presentations (when applicable), elaborate productions are unnecessary and not desired.

The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A, Standard Form 33, block 12 of the solicitation. The Offeror shall make a clear statement in the proposal documentation, Volume I, that the proposal shall be valid for 180 days from the date of submission. The Offeror shall submit in the proposal all requested information specified in the solicitation at or before the exact time specified. Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply will render your proposal ineligible for award.

IAW 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 unsuccessful proposals.

The Contracting Officer (CO) has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. If at any time during this competition 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. Assumptions (if provided) used in the proposal preparation must be fully explained and justified.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard.

The NAICS code for this acquisition is 562910 which is 500 employees or less. This solicitation does not commit the Government to any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal or for any other costs incurred by any firm submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation. Note specifically that the Offeror will not be participating in a sealed bid procurement process under this acquisition method. Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

2.1 General Information

2.1.1 Point of Contact

The CO is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Written requests for clarification may be sent to the CO via email at the address located in Section A of the solicitation. Email is the preferred method of communication. The CO for this acquisition is as follows:

Ms. Dianna G. Saenz Phone: (210) 395-8695 E-mail: dianna.saenz@us.af.mil

2.1.2 Debriefings

(a) Notifications: Offerors who are eliminated from further consideration for award will receive a notification with a basis of the determination only. The CO will notify Offeror(s) of the source selection decision IAW FAR Part 15.503(b).

(b) 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 IAW 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.

Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request IAW the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable. However, Offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing.

2.1.3 Discrepancies

If an Offeror believes that the requirements or instructions in section L contain errors, omissions, 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. Offerors may be asked to clarify certain aspects of their proposal. Communication conducted to resolve minor or clerical errors will not constitute discussions and the CO reserves the right to award a contract without the opportunity for proposal revision. The Government may conduct discussions with Offerors whose proposals have been determined to be within the competitive range if determined necessary. If the CO determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

2.1.4 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the FedBizOpps website at:

https://www.fbo.gov. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

2.1.5 Oral Presentations – Not Applicable

https://www.fbo.gov/

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

2.1.6 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. All Team members shall have a signed Teaming Arrangement (TA) or Letter of Intent (LOI) which shall be provided in Volume I, Contract Documentation. Any business entity without a TA or LOI with the Prime is NOT considered a Team member and will not be evaluated.

Mentor-Protégé (M-P) is a relationship and not a business entity. M-Ps require formal TAs or LOIs to qualify for consideration as a Team member. A Joint Venture (JV) will be considered a sole business entity. Signed JV documentation must be provided in Volume I, Contract Documentation.

The proposal shall present a complete, coherent presentation of the Team’s ability as applicable.

2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The Offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in Table 2.2 below. The titles and contents of the volumes shall be defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in the table. The attachments identified in the table shall be separately bound in three-ring, loose-leaf binders, as necessary. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below. All titles and contents shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified. All Proposal volumes (original unbound, hard copies, e-copies) identified shall be delivered to the address specified in Block 8 of the SF 33 no later than 4:00 PM Central Time on 20 Nov 2015. Specific format requirements are identified in paragraph 2.2.1.1, Page Size and Format. In the event that this table conflicts with the detailed instructions in the paragraphs that follow, the detailed instructions shall take precedence.

https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/Far02.doc%23T2101 https://cs.eis.af.mil/airforcecontracting/knowledge_center/Documents/AFFARS_Library/5315/templates/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/AFAC%20Working%20Folders%20--%20PM/far/FAR03.DOC%23b3104

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

Table 2.2 Proposal Organization – Requirements Contract

ITO Paragraph Number 2.2.1 2.2.1.1 2.2.7 2.3

VOLUME

ITO

Paragraph Number

TITLE PAGE

LIMIT

ORIGINAL

UNBOUN

D

HARD

COPIES

E-COPIES

(CD-ROM)

I

3 VOLUME I - CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

3.1 Narrative Summary

No Limit 1 2 1

3.2 Standard Proposal Information

3.2a Master Table of Contents

3.2b Volume Table of Contents

3.2c List of Tables and Figures

3.2d Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

3.2e Solicitation Cross-Reference Matrix

3.3 Validity Statement

3.4 Contact Information

3.5 Teaming Arrangements and/or Letters of Intent

3.6 Exceptions to Terms and Conditions

3.7 Solicitation

3.7.1 Representations and Certifications

3.7.2 Attachments to Solicitation (info only)

3.8 Financial Responsibility

3.9 Accounting System

4 VOLUME II - TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

II

4.1 FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL

4.1.1 Subfactor 1.1 MANAGERIAL APPROACH 10

1 3 1 4.1.2 Subfactor 1.2 SAMPLE TASK ORDER (STO) 30

4.2 FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE (Project Descriptions) 10

III

5 VOLUME III- FACTOR 3: PRICING

5.1 Basic Contract Pricing Information

No Limit 1 3 1 5.1.1

FFP Labor Categories/Labor Rates (Attach L-2)/ Professional Compensation Plan

5.1.2 Sample Task Order Pricing

5.1.3 Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre-Review Form (Attach L-3)

5.2 Exceptions/Assumptions and Rationale

*See 2.3 Electronic Offers for separate BECSRC CD-ROM requirements

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

2.2.1 Page Limitations

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs), if notices are necessary. The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the Offerors. Each page shall be counted except the following:

(a) Cover pages

(b) Table of Contents

(c) List of Tables and Figures

(d) Glossaries

(e) Tabs

(f) Dividers

(g) Blank pages

2.2.1.1 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 x 11 inches, not including foldouts. Pages shall be printed double-sided on recycled paper as much as practical. Pages shall be portrait oriented, except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document; the text size shall be no less than 10 point. 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 3/4 inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page size and format restrictions shall apply to responses to Evaluation Notices (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, legible, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume. 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.

2.2.2 Cost or Pricing Related Data

All pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price Proposal Volume (Volume III). All cost or pricing data shall be addressed ONLY in the Cost/Price Proposal and Contract Documentation Volume. 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.

2.2.3 Classified Information Not Applicable

2.2.4 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 will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted to conserve space but shall not impair clarity. The Offeror shall provide in Volume I, a Solicitation Cross-Reference Matrix indicating by ITO, SOW, and/or specification paragraph number, the corresponding proposal paragraph in that section which addresses the referenced item.

2.2.5 Indexing

Each volume shall contain a detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify items identified in the Title column of Table 2.2 Proposal Organization. Tabs do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

Note: DO NOT include proposal information on tabs.

2.2.6 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes. One glossary may be developed for the entire proposal and provided in each volume.

2.2.7 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 should 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. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed IAW 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.

2.3 Electronic Offers

The content and page size of electronic copies must be identical to the hard copies. For electronic copies, indicate on each CD the volume number and title. Use separate files to permit rapid location of all portions, including factors, subfactors, exhibits, annexes, and attachments, if any. The offeror shall submit volumes I through III in electronic format, using recordable CDs. Each volume shall be in a different directory on a CD broken out by factor. 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) Office Word 2007, MS Office Excel 2007, MS Office Project 2007, and MS Office Power Point 2007, as applicable. 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.

2.4 Distribution

The "original" proposal shall be identified. Proposals shall be addressed to the CO at 772 ESS/PKC and mailed or hand carried to:

OFFICIAL MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS (Fed Ex, UPS, etc):

2261 Hughes Ave, Ste 163 3515 S. General McMullen, Bldg 1, Room 3026 JBSA Lackland AFB TX 78236-9853 San Antonio TX 78226-2018

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

3.0 VOLUME I – CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION

In the contract documentation 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 highlighting any key or unique features excluding cost/price. The key or unique 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.

3.2 STANDARD PROPOSAL INFORMATION

3.2a: Provide a Master Table of Contents for the entire proposal (all volumes).

3.2b: Provide a Table of Contents for Volume I 3.2c: Provide a List of Tables and Figures for Volume I.

3.2d: Provide a Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms for Volume I.

3.2e: Provide a Solicitation Cross-Reference Matrix in Volume I for the entire proposal

3.3 VALIDITY STATEMENT

The proposal acceptance period is specified on the solicitation, SF 33, Page 1, Block 12.

The Offeror shall make a clear statement that the proposal is valid until this date in the proposal documentation volume. Be sure to identify appropriate markings as identified in FAR 52.215-1(e) and FAR 3.104-4, “Restriction on disclosure and use of data.”

3.4 CONTACT INFORMATION

Offeror shall provide contact information in Volume I, Contract Documentation.

3.5 TEAMING ARRANGEMENTS AND/OR LETTERS OF INTENT; LETTERS OF

WITHDRAWAL

Provide all Teaming Arrangements and Letters of Intent for Team members to receive credit for performing as a team as required in Volume I, Contract Documentation. A business entity can participate in this acquisition on one proposal only.

3.6 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. Failure to meet a requirement will result in an offer being ineligible for award in the absence of discussions. Offerors shall clearly identify any exceptions to the Terms and Conditions of the solicitation. Exceptions are strongly discouraged. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation will result in the Offeror being removed from consideration for award. Exceptions taken to terms and conditions of the solicitation, to any of its formal attachments, or to other parts of the solicitation shall be identified. 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, price, and specific requirements of the solicitation. This information shall be provided in the format and content of Table 3.6. Failure to comply with the terms and

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

conditions of the solicitation will result in the Offeror being removed from consideration for award in the absence of discussions.

Table 3.6 – Solicitation Exceptions SOLICITATION Document Paragraph/Page Requirement/Portion Rationale

Contract clause, solicitation paragraph, solicitation, ITO, etc.

Applicable page and paragraph numbers

Identify the requirement or portion to which exception is taken

Justify why the requirement will not be met

3.7 SOLICITATION

The purpose of this section 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 Solicitation (Sections A thru J). Signature by the Offeror on the Standard Form 33 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept. The "original" copy shall be clearly marked under separate cover, unbound and without any punched holes.

3.7.1 Representations and Certifications

The Offerors proposal shall include a signed copy of the Representations and Certifications, Section K. The Offeror may submit a signed copy from the Online Representations and Certifications (ORCA) website in lieu of completing the representations and certifications included in the solicitation.

3.7.2 Attachments to the Solicitation

The following is a list of attachments or exhibits, which will be made part of the BECSRC Contract upon award.

Exhibits A, B, and C – CDRLs Attachment # L-1 – Statement of Work (SOW) Attachment # L-2 – FFP Labor Categories and Labor Rates

3.8 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The PCO is required to make a determination of responsibility IAW FAR 9.1. As part of this determination, the PCO may request a Financial Capabilities Assessment from the cognizant Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Office.

The Prime shall register for the Financial Capability Risk Assessment using the Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre-Review Form, Attachment L-3. The pre-review form shall be completed immediately upon receipt of the solicitation but no later than 15 calendar days after the release date of the solicitation and be submitted via e-mail to rita.leal@us.af.mil. In addition, a copy of this completed form shall be included in the cost/price volume of the proposal. The following information will be required: Firm name, POC and full contact information to include address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and cognizant DCMA/DCAA office and address. If the accounting records are maintained at a different location (other than at the cognizant DCMA/DCAA office), provide the address location of the records on the request form.

3.9 ACCOUNTING SYSTEM

mailto:rita.leal@us.af.mil

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

It is anticipated that CPFF type contract line items (CLINs) will be awarded under any resulting requirements contract.

(a) The Offeror (Prime contractor) must have an accounting system that has been audited and determined adequate for determining costs applicable to this contract in accordance with FAR 16.301-3(a)(1) to be eligible for contract award. Identify any deviations from your standard procedures in preparing your proposal.

(b) The Offeror shall provide a copy of its most recent accounting system approval letter/memo from the cognizant federal agency ACO (usually the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

(c) If the Offeror does not have audit verification of an adequate accounting system IAW FAR 16.301-3(a)(1), Attachment L-3, the Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre-Review Form will be used to initiate an accounting system audit by

DCAA.

(d) The accounting system will not be evaluated as a separate cost/price subfactor. However, it is a basic contract requirement with a pass/fail determination thus it will be evaluated during the source selection process. A contract may only be awarded to the Offeror who is determined to have an adequate accounting system by DCAA. Submission of this information in the cost/price volume (5.1.2) is merely to facilitate review of the information by the appropriate evaluators.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

4.0 VOLUME II – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

4.1 FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL

The Offeror shall submit a Management Approach describing the capacity and capability to successfully manage the demands of the overall BECSRC Western contract. The Management Approach shall detail specific strategies, tactics and procedures that guarantee the Offerors ability to rapidly respond and begin on-site remediation activities within 48 hours of TO Award/Notice to Proceed. The Management Approach must demonstrate the team’s capacity and capability to provide the full scope of services of all the BECSRC Western basic SOW requirements.

4.1.1 Subfactor 1.1: Managerial Approach: Demonstrate the ability to rapidly respond and begin on-site remediation activities within 48 hours of TO Award/Notice to Proceed and the ability to manage multiple/concurrent TOs throughout the region.

The Management Approach shall include:

- How the Offeror and Team members will manage communication processes, distribution of responsibilities, and allocation of projects/TOs amongst the Prime, Team members and subcontractors. Within your response, explain why this approach is considered optimal in meeting the needs of the BECSRC program.

- An explanation of how the Offeror will provide a valid commitment between all parties detailing business arrangements that put the Offeror firmly in control and responsible for all aspects of the Team’s performance.

- A description of the business processes required to administer and manage concurrent, multi-installation projects/TOs representing the full scope of services specified in the SOW.

- A description of the business processes required to identify and mitigate cost, schedule, and performance risks to include schedule delays, subcontractor nonperformance, cost growth, poor quality of services/deliverables, and site safety; describe how these processes will be implemented in the BECSRC program.

- A graphic showing Offeror’s and Team members’ capabilities/expertise for all of the SOW, Section 6.0, Description of Services; the combined sum of all shall provide complete capability and coverage of the SOW requirements.

- A map or graphic depicting the Offeror and/or Team members’ office locations in the

Western BECSRC Region (EPA regions 9 and 10) and demonstrating presence in the Western Region; utilize different symbols to distinguish Offeror and Team member A, B, C, etc.

- A Diagram or graphic presenting the flow or lines of communication between Prime, Team members, and subcontractors.

4.1.2 Subfactor 1.2: Sample Task Order (STO)

The STO proposal shall include:

- A management and technical approach that is comprehensive, realistic, integrated, and efficient that includes risk management strategies and provides an explanation of how all SOW requirements and other applicable agreements will be met while ensuring protection of human health and the environment and ensuring regulatory compliance.

- An activity-based Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) that outlines key activities and milestones in detail including any critical path items and incorporates Government and Regulatory review periods.

- A detailed Management Plan that includes a description of a qualified field and management team, key personnel and subcontractors (where applicable), roles and responsibilities, and an organizational chart.

- The Offeror shall identify all risks associated with the project and proposed technical approach, including potential system failures, and outline strategies for elimination or mitigation of the risks and/or contingencies to address the risks (e.g., Plan B).

- Any Exceptions/Assumptions and Rationale during development.

4.2 FACTOR 2 PAST PERFORMANCE

The proposal shall identify Past Performance covering the scope specified in the BECSRC SOW to the maximum extent practicable. Information shall be presented in accordance with the instructions and format shown in Attachments L-4 and L-5. Additionally, each offeror shall submit a total of five (5) Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) with five project descriptions to be placed in the Volume II binder under the Past Performance Tab. The Offeror will send blank PPQs to Government agencies and private sector companies. These agencies or companies must have detailed information concerning contracts considered relevant in demonstrating ability to perform the proposed effort. PPQs must be submitted directly from your customer to Rita Leal at rita.leal@us.af.mil. The responsibility to track and ensure the completion/submission of the PPQ rests solely with the Offeror. The PPQ form is included as Attachment L-6 to this solicitation.

Along with the information required in this paragraph, the Offeror shall submit a consent letter executed by each 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. 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 Offeror's performance.

Past Performance is separate and distinct from Determination of Responsibility required by FAR 9.

However, past performance information contained herein may be used to support the Determination of Responsibility for the successful awardees. Information provided on PPQs assists the government in determining both the relevance and confidence ratings for past performance.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

5.0 VOLUME III – FACTOR 3: PRICE

5.1 BASIC CONTRACT PRICING INFORMATION

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

5.1.1 Attachment # L-2 – FFP Labor Categories and Rates

5.1.2 Sample Task Order Pricing

5.1.3 Attachment # L-3 – Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre- Review Form

Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and failure to comply may render your proposal ineligible for award in the absence of discussions. Offers shall be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their price reasonableness, realism and total evaluated price. Offerors shall also provide supporting data for the basis of proposed costs. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the Offeror.

The Government may not award a contract based on a proposal with unbalanced pricing.

Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques. Unbalanced pricing poses an unacceptable risk to the Government and may be a reason to reject an Offeror’s proposal in the absence of discussions.

5.1.1 FFP Labor Categories and Rates: Labor rates will be provided using the attached FFP Labor rate table which will also be incorporated into the basic contract. The guidelines for the major cost/price elements normally associated with the buildup of fully burdened labor rates and required support documentation is provided below:

(a) Base Labor Rates: Show base labor rates associated with each labor category. Base rates are the hourly rates that the employees will be paid for performance under the basic contract. A labor rate should be proposed for each labor category as well as the basis and rationale for all proposed base labor rates. The most common basis for a proposed base rate is the actual rate the employee is currently being paid. When a composite base labor rate is proposed, a separate worksheet that identifies the individuals, their rates, and the weighting assigned to each rate to arrive at the single composite rate must be provided. If an individual in a particular labor category is currently not employed, a verifiable method used to establish the reasonableness of proposed rate must be provided, e.g. Salary.com, quotes, etc. Supporting payroll data and rationale for all position classifications anticipated to be used under the contract shall be submitted as part of the proposal.

(b) Base Labor Rate Escalation: Current rates will require adjustment for annual cost of living increases. Base rate adjustments can occur when calculating year one rates if employees would normally receive pay increases prior to the end of the first contract year. Base rates for contract out-years will require escalation adjustments to reflect what employees will receive for those periods.

The methodology used to escalate out-year rates shall be provided to include the basis for the escalation factors used and the date that pay increases are effective.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

(c) Indirect Rates: Common indirect rates are Labor Overhead, Fringe Benefits, General & Administrative (G&A), and Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCOM). In the proposal, show each individual rate, as applicable, and describe the allocation base. The allocation base is the cost category that the rate is multiplied by to calculate the indirect dollars. An example is a labor overhead rate applied to direct labor dollars; the latter being the allocation base. If current Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs) or approved provisional billing rates are available, provide a copy of the FPRAs or approved provisional billing rates in addition to identifying the cognizant Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) and his/her location. If a current FPRA or approved provisional billing rates are not available, provide the name and address of any Government audit agency or independent audit firm that has conducted an audit and include a copy of said audit in the cost/price proposal. If no such audit exists, so state.

(d) If no indirect rate audit information is available, financial data and the methodology used to calculate the proposed indirect rates must be submitted. Identify costs not allowed by FAR 31.2 as well as the build-up of the indirect rates, including applicable pools and bases. In addition, provide actual indirect rates for the previous three years.

(e) Professional Compensation Plan: As part of the price proposal, Offerors shall provide a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract IAW FAR 52.222-46 -- Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees (Feb 1993). Provision follows in full text:

FAR 52.222-46 EVALUATION OF COMPENSATION FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (FEB 1993)

(a) Recompetition of service contracts may in some cases result in lowering the compensation (salaries and fringe benefits) paid or furnished professional employees. This lowering can be detrimental in obtaining the quality of professional services needed for adequate contract performance. It is therefore in the Government's best interest that professional employees, as defined in 29 CFR 541, be properly and fairly compensated. As a part of their proposals, offerors will submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract. The Government will evaluate the plan to assure that it reflects a sound management approach and understanding of the contract requirements. This evaluation will include an assessment of the offeror's ability to provide uninterrupted high-quality work. The professional compensation proposed will be considered in terms of its impact upon recruiting and retention, its realism, and its consistency with a total plan for compensation. Supporting information will include data, such as recognized national and regional compensation surveys and studies of professional, public and private organizations, used in establishing the total compensation structure.

(b) The compensation levels proposed should reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed and should indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives. The salary rates or ranges must take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty. Additionally, proposals envisioning compensation levels lower than those of predecessor contractors for the same work will be evaluated on the basis of maintaining program continuity, uninterrupted high-quality work, and availability of required competent professional service employees.

Offerors are cautioned that lowered compensation for essentially the same professional work may indicate lack of sound management judgment and lack of understanding of the requirement.

(c) The Government is concerned with the quality and stability of the work force to be employed on this contract. Professional compensation that is unrealistically low or not in reasonable relationship to the various job categories, since it may impair the Contractor's ability to attract and retain competent professional service employees, may be viewed as evidence of failure to comprehend the complexity of the contract requirements.

(d) Failure to comply with these provisions may constitute sufficient cause to justify rejection of a proposal.

5.1.2 Sample Task Order Pricing

- The STO’s price proposal shall be suitable for evaluation and consistent with the WBS narrative and schedule provided above with sufficient detail to aid the Government in determining whether the price proposal submitted in response to the RFP is complete.

- Offerors shall provide a total project price summary breakdown consistent with FAR

15.403-5, including Direct Labor, Material, Other Direct Costs (travel, subcontracts, etc.), G&A, Profit, and Bonding. Price proposals shall also include a Price Proposal Summary/Roll-up Sheet for Direct Labor, Subcontracts, and ODCs. Offerors shall also provide support data for the basis of proposed costs for each applicable task. The total proposed price amount shall be rounded to the nearest dollar.

- Adequate price competition [FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)] is anticipated to determine price reasonableness. In order to ascertain adequate price competition, at least two or more competitive and technically acceptable offers must be received. Adequate price competition will not exist with the receipt of only one offer; therefore, if none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the Offeror shall be required to submit Certified Cost or Pricing Data IAW FAR 15.403-5. Other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data (IAW FAR 2.101 definition) is required in order to perform Price Realism Analysis required on the FFP Labor Rates and the STO.

The Offeror shall provide:

- All spreadsheets (both hard and soft copies) in Microsoft Excel (.xls). Spreadsheets shall be presented in the same order as the SOW presents information and shall be labeled IAW the paragraphs and subparagraphs of the SOW. Each cost proposal shall also include a spreadsheet outlining the breakdown of each cost element, as well as a spreadsheet showing the total cost. Numbers in cost element sheets/roll-up sheets shall be readily traceable to each spreadsheet presented IAW the SOW paragraph and subparagraph format. No hard numbers, circular references, or locked formula cells shall be included.

- Other Than Certified Cost and Pricing Data to include a break out of the direct labor (labor categories, descriptions, and hours for all personnel proposed (including any Associated Contractors)). Also include a brief explanation of each individual effort performed by the prime and any subcontractors. The Offeror shall also identify each cost element (i.e., subcontracting, labor, travel, Other Direct Costs, overheads, etc.) and provide Other than Certified Cost or Pricing Data to support their proposal.

5.1.3 Attachment # L-3 – Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre- Review Form

5.2 EXCEPTIONS/ASSUMPTIONS AND RATIONALE

Offerors shall identify any exceptions taken to the pricing requirements stated in this solicitation.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

5.3 NON-REQUIRED DATA

Data beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless the Offeror considers it essential to document or support their price position. All information relating to the proposed price including any required supporting documentation must be included only in the section of the proposal designated as the Volume III, Factor 3 (Price).

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

6.0 DISCUSSIONS

6.1 The Government intends to hold discussions only with Offerors who are determined to be in the Competitive Range. However, the Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion. Evaluation notices will be issued to Offerors in the competitive range, responses will be requested from applicable Offerors, and discussions will be opened if necessary. The competitive range may be further reduced for purposes of efficiency pursuant to FAR 15.306(c)(2). Formal responses to evaluation notices (if applicable), discussion items, and final proposal revisions will be considered in making the final award decision.

Any revision or non-concurrences to contract terms and conditions submitted in Final Proposal Revision (FPR) may not be subject to further discussion or negotiation, and may render the offer unacceptable to the Government. This provision is not intended to restrict the team’s opportunity to revise figures (e.g., prices, rates, etc.); rather, it is intended to preclude any misunderstandings by the Government, which could result if new or revised terms and conditions are submitted in the FPR that have not been fully disclosed, discussed and understood during discussions or negotiations.

Hence, such new or revised terms and conditions are not solicited and, if submitted in the FPR, may render the offer unacceptable to the Government.

6.2 Teams are cautioned to submit sufficient information and in the format specified in Section L.

Teams may be asked to clarify certain aspects of their proposal. Communication conducted to resolve minor or clerical errors will not constitute discussions and the CO reserves the right to award a contract without the opportunity for proposal revision.

7.0 COMPLETE LIST OF SECTION L ATTACHMENTS

L-1a – Statement of Work L-1b – CDRLs L-2 – FFP Labor Categories and Rates L-3 – Financial Capability Risk Assessment/Accounting System Audit Pre-Review Form L-4 – Past Performance Projects L-5 – Past Performance/SOW Matrix L-6 – Past Performance Questionnaire

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

SECTION L – FA8903-15-R-0023

ATTACHMENT L-3

FINANCIAL CAPABILITY RISK ASSESSMENT/ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AUDIT PRE-

REVIEW FORM

I. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Offeror/Prime Primary Point of Contact:

E-mail Address:

Phone Number:

II. PRIME COMPANY INFORMATION:

Company Name:

Address:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

CAGE Code:

DUNS:

TIN:

III. COGNIZANT DCMA OFFICE:

Address:

POC:

IV. COGNIZANT DCAA OFFICE:

Address:

POC:

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

Attachment L-4

PAST PERFORMANCE SUMMARY/ PROJECTS

Contractor Code Contractor Code A Prime : F Team

Member:

B Team

G Team

C Team

H Team

D Team

I Team

E Team

J Team

Seq No

Cont Code

Contract No TO No

Award Date

End Date

Location Work Performed (check EPA region that applies)

Mo/Yr Mo/Yr EPA 9 EPA 10

Seq No – Sequence Number for the contract or TO Cont Code – Contract Code Contract No - Contract Number TO No – Task Order Number Mo/Yr – Month/Year

1. List Projects, numbering them sequentially. All five projects must be at least 50% complete as of the date of this solicitation, three of which shall be provided for the Prime.

2. List the Contractor Code for the Prime or Team member who performed work under the contract or TO.

3. For location of work, use an 'X' or check mark.

4. To demonstrate “concurrent geographic operations” the offeror shall provide projects completed by the Team in EPA regions 9 and 10.

5. Credit will NOT be given for projects that concluded more than (3) three years prior to the date of this solicitation.

6. Information from Attachment L-4 will be used to populate Attachment L-5.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

Attachment L-5

PAST PERFORMANCE/SOW MATRIX

BECSRC SOW

Task Area

Projects

Hazardous Waste Management, Solid Waste

Management

SOW

Para. 6.3, 6.7

Sampling, Interim Remedial Action-Operations/LTM

Para. 6.6.1. 6.6.4

Other Environmental Operations and Services

Para. 6.0

Other Environmental Operations and Services

Para. 6.0

Remedial Investigation (RI) or RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI)

Para. 6.16.2

Instructions:

1. List in the matrix the sequence number-contractor codes from Attachment L-4 in “Projects” column.

2. Indicate with an “X” the primary SOW Task Area covered for each project. Indicate with an “A” any additional SOW Task Area(s) covered by a project.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

Attachment L-6

PAST/PRESENT PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (PPQ)

WHEN FILLED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS SOURCE SELECTION SENSITIVE INFORMATION IAW FAR 2.101 & 3.104

SECTION 1: CONTRACT IDENTIFICATION

A. Contractor:________________________________________________________________________

B. Contractor Cage Code: _________________________________

C. Contract number: ______________________________________

D. Contract type: ______________________________

E. Was this a competitive contract? Yes _____ No _____

F. Period of performance:…