HC101318R00240001.docx

HC101318R0024

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 30-Nov-2018 02:00 PM to 05-Dec-2018 02:00 PM.

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

The following have been modified:

SECTION J

ATTACHMENTS

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

INFORMATION TO OFFERORS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION

1.0 Program Title and Objectives

The purpose of the DISN Optical Network Enhancement Link 40 acquisition is to execute the installation of various telecommunications equipment at new facilities, all of which will be covered under new operations and maintenance (O&M) leased fiber. The acquisition shall effectively include the purchase of new equipment and installation of said equipment at the targeted facilities for which the fiber strands intersect. The Optical Transport Network will be 100 Gigabyte/second (“100G”) 6500 Packet-Optical Transport Network (P-OTN) and tie into the current DISN.

2.0 General Instructions

(a) This section of the Information to Offerors provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The offeror's proposal must include all data and information requested by the RFP and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offer shall sufficiently address the requirements in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Functional Requirements Specification (FRS). Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this Information to Offerors may result in removal of the proposal from further evaluation.

(b) 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 base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.

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

(d) The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the solicitation. The offeror shall make a clear statement in the contract documentation volume that the proposal is valid for 150 days from the RFP due date.

(e) In accordance with 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 General Information

2.1.1. Point of Contact

The contracting officer (KO) and the contract specialist (CS) are the sole points of contact for this procurement. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the KO and CS. Written requests for clarification must be sent to the KO at the address located in Section G.

2.1.2. Debriefings

The KO will notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range;

whereupon, they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing. However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The KO 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.

2.1.3. 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 KO in writing. The offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussions.

2.1.4. Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) web site 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.

2.1.5 Communications

Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the KO and CS. Email may be used to transmit such information to offerors only if the email subject includes “RFP HC1013-18-R-0024-Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 & 3.104” in the Subject line. The email address for the KO and CS are contained in Section G.

No information concerning this solicitation or requests for clarification will be provided in response to offeror-initiated telephone calls. All such requests must be made in writing and submitted as directed above. Written inquiries will be answered in writing and provided to all offerors. However, because of administrative time, written inquiries may not be answered when requests are received by the above addressee within 10 calendar days of the due date of offers as specified in this solicitation.

2.2 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 this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table 2.2. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the information to offerors paragraph as noted in the table below.

Table 2.2 - Proposal Organization

Number

electronic

electronic

electronic No Page Limit

electronic No Page Limit

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). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors. Page limitations shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information; such inclusions are not acceptable and will not be considered part of the proposal. The Government reserves the right not to consider for award any proposal that does not adhere to the administrative requirements of this solicitation. Each page shall be counted except the following: cover page, table of contents, glossary, OCCI mitigation plans and Section 508 compliance.

2.2.2 Page Size and Format

2.2.2.1 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 single spaced. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12 point Ariel, Times New Roman, or Courier New font for all text. The technical volume of the proposal is to be submitted as an MSWord 2010 (or newer) or PDF document. Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and ¾-inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page format restrictions shall apply to responses to ENs.

2.2.2.2 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 a single page in size. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point Ariel, Times New Roman, or Courier New font for all text included in a table.

2.2.3 Pricing Information

All pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price Proposal Volumes.

2.2.4 Classified Information

Offerors shall not submit classified information.

2.2.5 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. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is not permitted.

2.2.6 Indexing

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

2.2.7 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, and with an explanation for each.

2.2.8 Labeling

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.

2.3 Electronic Offers

In order to respond to this solicitation, the offeror shall deliver its proposal via email not later than the time and date specified in this solicitation. In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors, the offeror's proposal submission will be considered complete when all volumes are received. The offeror shall submit volumes I through IV in separate files attached to the email. The electronic copies of the proposal shall be submitted in a format readable by Adobe Acrobat Version 11, Microsoft (MS) Office Word 2010, MS Office Excel 2010, MS Office Project 2010, and MS Office Power Point 2010, as applicable.

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 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/Management Volume

4.1 General

The Technical/Management Volume should be specific and complete. Your responses will be evaluated against the technical/management 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 subfactors. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.2 Format and Specific Content

Responses should be structured as follows to address the Technical/Management Approach.

4.2.1 Technical/Management

In the Technical/Management volume, address your proposed approach to meeting or exceeding the minimum performance or capability requirements of each technical/management subfactor, as well as the risks in your proposed approach in terms of technical/performance, cost, and/or schedule.

4.2.2 Volume Organization

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

(1) Table of Contents

(2) List of Table and Drawings

(3) Glossary

(4) Subfactor One: Program Management

(5) Subfactor Two: Implementation of a new 100G P-OTN Segment

(6) Subfactor Three: Operations and Maintenance and Sustainment Services

(7) PWS Draft Deliverables* *Draft deliverables may be submitted as attachments to the Technical Volume and do not count towards the 40 page limitation.

5.0 Volume III - Price

5.1 General Instructions

The price evaluation will be based on the Total Evaluated Price for the contract life. The Government will calculate the Total Evaluated Price by totaling the proposed Monthly Recurring Charges/Non-Recurring Charges (MRC/NRCs) of the Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) in Section B to include the base period, nine one-year options, and the optional 6 month extension IAW FAR 52.217-8. The Government has provided a baseline ‘Attachment J7 Pricing Template’ that the offerors shall utilize in pricing their proposal. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise such options.

In addition, the offeror shall provide supporting data within Volume III - Price that provides a detailed break-out of the proposed CLIN price in Section B.

5.1.1 Price Reasonableness and Completeness

The Government will verify that all solicitation requirements have been priced, figures are correctly calculated, and prices are presented in a clear and useful format. The Government will determine the reasonableness of the overall price based on the various price analysis techniques discussed in FAR 15.404-1. If, after receipt of proposals, the Contracting Officer determines that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness, the offeror may be required to submit additional data other than certified cost or pricing data in accordance with

FAR 15.403-3.

offerors shall not submit an offer that contains unbalanced pricing. Unbalanced pricing exists, when, despite an acceptable proposal, the price of one or more items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques. The Government will analyze offers to determine whether they are unbalanced with respect to separately priced items.

5.1.2 Price Information

Pricing submitted for the base period and all option periods, including pricing for the optional six-month extension period that may be authorized IAW FAR 52.217-8 "Option to Extend Services" will be evaluated. See FAR 52.217-8 which authorizes the Government to require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract.

The price proposal should include separate line items by CLIN for the additional six-month period IAW FAR 52.217-8. These prices shall be identical to the proposed pricing in the six months prior to expiration of the base period, or the final option period, if option periods are present. The total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, all option periods, and the pricing for the optional 6-month extension period. Pricing will be incorporated into Schedule B upon contract award.

5.1.3 Price Information

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted, unless you consider it essential to document or support your price position. All 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. The Contractor shall separately develop and price the Bill of Material and Engineer, Furnish, Install, Secure, and Test (EFIST) services for each Subtask in the exact Subtask order in accordance with the PWS to serve as supporting price documentation. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.

5.1.4 Pricing Template

The Price volume shall consist of a price proposal outlining the proposed prices for each of the CLINs in MS Excel Version 2000 or newer. Within the Attachment J6 Pricing Template, offerors are required to provide prices for all contract years for all open CLINs, on the worksheet tab entitled “Pricing Template - Link 40.” With the exception of selected cells within the “Pricing Template - Link 40” tab of Attachment J7 Pricing Template, the Pricing Template is protected by the Government and offerors shall not unprotect, alter or add to the Pricing Template in any manner not directed in the instructions. A complete solution to meet the minimum requirements of the PWS and Proposal Format must be demonstrated using the Government provided CLINs. The offeror may include additional tabs within the Pricing Template spreadsheet to further demonstrate the reasonableness of proposed pricing.

Offerors should not include additional technical data in Volume III – Cost/Price to include Attachment J7 Pricing Template and any supplemental summaries. Technical data should only be included in Volume II of the offeror’s proposal.

5.2 Volume Organization

The Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

SECTION 1 - Table of Contents.

SECTION 2 - Pricing information and supporting data. This shall include a completed Section B of the RFP and Pricing Template (Attachment J7).

SECTION 3 - Other information such as Government Furnished Property/Government Furnished Equipment (GFP/GFE). List each exception to the ground rules and assumptions provided in the solicitation and each qualification of the Price volume, if any. Provide complete rationale for any exceptions.

6.0 Volume IV – Contract Documentation

6.1 Representations and Certifications

The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. The offeror's proposal must include a signed copy of the solicitation and completion of Sections A through K of the RFP.

Offerors must comply with the clause in Section L – 52.204-7 entitled “System for Award Management.” The Contracting Officer will check the System for Award Management for those offerors who have been determined to be within the competitive range. Offerors who are not registered in SAM will be advised of the need to register. An offeror may be determined ineligible for contract award if not registered within SAM at time of award. Offerors also are also required to complete additional representations, certifications, acknowledgments and statements reflected in Section K of this solicitation.

6.1.1 Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

Offerors must complete block 17a and signature and date for blocks 30 a, b, and c of the Standard Form (SF) 1449. Signature by the offeror on the SF 1449 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept.

6.1.2 Section B - Supplies or Services and Costs/Prices

Offerors must complete the pricing information in Section B of the RFP.

6.1.3 Section F - Deliveries or Performance

Offerors shall propose the delivery schedule in Section F of the RFP.

6.1.4 Section G - Contract Administrative Data

Offerors must complete “Contractor Point of Contact” in Section G of the RFP.

6.1.5 Section H - Special Contract Requirements

Offerors shall identify in the proposal, quote, bid or any resulting contract, any potential or actual Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest (OCCI) as described in FAR Subpart 9.5. See “Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest (OCCI)” in Section H. Offeror shall complete “Key Personnel” in Section H. Offeror shall submit Electronic Product List; see “Requirement to Submit an Electronic Product List” in Section H.

6.1.6 Section I - Contract Clauses

See RFP.

6.1.7 Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors See RFP.

6.2 Other Information Required

6.2.1 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.

6.2.2 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 locations. 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.

6.2.3 Government Furnished Property (GFP)

The Contractor shall Engineer, Furnish, Install, Secure, and Test (EFIST) and make operational a new 100G 6500 P-OTN consisting of fiber, amplifier and SDN locations detailed in the CONUS Site Specific Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM) - Attachment J2. Equipment purchases in “Attachment J2” will be Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).

6.2.4 Small Business Participation Plan

The Government’s assessment of small business participation and commitment is measured against the total lifecycle value of the contract, which is separate from the FAR requirement for Contracting Officer review and acceptance of an offeror’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

All offerors shall provide their proposed goals in terms of percent of total lifecycle value of the contract awarded for the period of performance. Small business participation is small business contributions to contract performance at the prime contract through first tier subcontract levels.

Offers shall include a narrative explanation regarding the basis for and efforts associated with establishing proposed participation dollars and percentages including a breakout of prime and first tier small business participation.

Offerors shall identify by name, type of business, product/service, dollar value, timeframe, and nature of commitment the small business participation planned for this acquisition. Offerors shall clearly describe the nature of commitment. Offers shall describe new, contract specific incentives and tools (e.g., mentor protégé agreements and developing second sources focused on improving readiness or reducing cost). Offerors shall describe the process they will use to ensure proper flow-down of requirements, process management, and performance assessments of small business utilization at lower tiers.

Small Business Participation plans will be evaluated by the KO as acceptable/unacceptable based on the offerors’ explanation and justification in achieving their proposed goals.

6.2.5 Continuation of Essential Contractor Services

This contract contains DFARS 252.237-7024 NOTICE OF CONTINUATION OF ESSENTIAL CONTRACTOR SERVICES. Attachment J8 contains the identified Mission Essential Contractor Services that the contractor will be required to perform during periods of crisis. The Government will evaluate the offeror’s plan in response to DFARS 252.237-7024 on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis to determine that the offeror’s plan addresses the requirements in 252.237-7024(b)(2)(i-v).

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