J-6_Section_L_Amend_0004_correction_Track_Changes.pdf

HC1028-17-R-0015

ATTACHMENT J-6

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Section L-Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents

All applicable provisions will be incorporated into Section L in the RFP.

LIST OF SECTION L ATTACHMENTS

Attachment L-1 Question & Answer Template Attachment L-2 Past Performance Information Sheet Format (requirement described in Attachment L-

2) Attachment L-3 Subcontractor/Teaming Partner consent Letter for the Release of Past Performance

Information to the Prime Contractor

L1 – INFORMATION TO OFFERORS

L.1.0 Program Title and Objectives The purpose of this acquisition is to obtain reliable, responsive, and cost effective processor infrastructure services DISA-approved locations through the X-86 and SPARC Processor Capacity Services (XSPCS) model. XSPCS will utilize an on-demand service approach for new (unless approved by the Government) equipment that can readily adjust to both increases and decreases in processor requirements and is priced on a utility (“as ordered”) basis for processor hardware.

For all processor capacity requirements, the service provider will acquire, transport, and provide the necessary hardware, hardware maintenance, processor operating software, and service to support the processor infrastructure associated with this contract as a capacity service.

The Government intends to award a total of two single-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) type contracts as a result of this full and open competitive procurement. One ID/IQ contract will be awarded for the X-86 chipset/operating system, and a separate ID/IQ contract will be awarded for the SPARC chipset/operating system. Award will be made to each offeror whose proposal represents the best value in accordance with the evaluation criteria defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. The Government reserves the right to make no award at all.

Funding will be provided annually via issuance of a task order(s). Incremental funding will be utilized IAW DFARS Clause 252.232-7007. The contract ceiling for the overall contract life-cycle is $653.5M ($323.9M for the X-86 chipset and $329.6M for the SPARC chipset). The contract minimums will be $770,000 for the X-86 chipset and $630,000 for the SPARC chipset.

L.2.0 General Instructions For the purpose of this solicitation, an offeror is defined as a prime contractor or joint venture teaming arrangement. Only one reference regarding subcontractor experience or past performance will be recognized. Each offeror, identified by a distinct commercial and government entity (CAGE) code, may submit only one proposal for each chipset of this RFP.

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L.2.0.1This 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. Offerors may submit a proposal for the X86 chipset only, for the SPARC chipset only, or the offeror may submit proposals for both the X86 chipset and the SPARC chipset IAW Table L.1 – Proposal Organization requirements. If offerors choose to submit proposals for both chipsets, each proposal must be submitted separately and be independent from the other proposal. Each chipset proposal will be evaluated independently with separate best value trade off determinations. 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 address all requirements as stated in the PWS and RFP. Non-conformance with the instructions provided in this Information to Offerors may result in removal of the proposal from further evaluation.

L.2.1.1 L.2.0.2 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 capabilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal.

L.2.0.3 Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed art work, internet hyperlinks, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired and will not be considered a part of the proposal, but will be considered part of the page count.

L.2.04 The offeror shall make a clear statement in Volume I cover page that the proposal is valid for a minimum of 365 days from the proposal due date.

L.2.0.5 In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one digital copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

L.2.0.6 Portions of the successful offeror’s proposal may be incorporated into the contract as an attachment in Section J.

L.2.0.7 Use of Non-Government Advisors Non-Government personnel will not be utilized in the evaluation of proposals.

L.2.0.8 Government Furnished Information (GFI) There may be GFI at the contract level. There will be no physical library or reading room for this solicitation.

L.2.1 General Information

L.2.1.1 Point of Contact The KO and the contract specialist (CS) are the only 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

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KO and CS at the address located in DARS Clause 52.204-9000, Points of Contact, of the contract/solicitation.

L2.1.2 Debriefings The KO will notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range; whereupon, they may request and receive a debriefing, 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. 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 IAW 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.

L.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 or CS in writing with supporting rationale.

L.2.1.4 Electronic Reference Documents All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the 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.

L.2.1.5 Communications

Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the KO or CS. Evaluation notices and responses will be transmitted as e-mails and will be treated and marked as Source Selection Sensitive Information. The subject line of the email shall be titled: “RFP HC1028-17-R- 0015, Contractor Name, Source Selection Information See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.” Questions/comments will only be entertained if received in email and only when submitted on Attachment L-1 Solicitation Questions and Answer Template in Section L.

Emails should be addressed to the KO and CS as follows:

KO: Jacqueline Johnson Email: jacqueline.d.johnson20.civ@mail.mil

CS: Michelle Crain Email: michelle.r.crain2.civ@mail.mil

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 to the above email address. 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 http://www.fedbizopps.gov/ mailto:jacqueline.d.johnson20.civ@mail.mil mailto:michelle.r.crain2.civ@mail.mil

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addressee after the original due date for receipt of questions, as specified in this solicitation. The timeframe for submitting inquiries will not be extended as a result of an extension to the due date for the receipt of offers, unless authorized by the KO.

L.2.1.6 Award without Discussions The Government intends to award without discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial proposal should contain the offeror’s best approach/terms for technical, management, past performance, and price; however, despite this intent, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the SSA determines they are necessary. If the SSA determines discussions are necessary, a competitive range will be established. Based on the ratings of each proposal against all evaluation criteria, the KO shall establish a competitive range comprised of all of the most highly rated proposals, unless the range is further reduced for purposes of efficiency, pursuant to FAR 15.306(c)(2). In the event issues pertaining to a proposed contract cannot be resolved to the SSA's satisfaction, the Government reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the solicitation.

In such event, offerors will be notified in writing.

L.2.1.7 Organizational and Consultant Conflict of Interest (OCCI).

Each offeror shall specifically identify in its proposal whether or not any potential or actual OCCI, as described in FAR Subpart 9.5, exists for this procurement. If the offeror believes that no OCCI exists, the OCCI response shall set forth sufficient details to support such a position. If an offeror believes that an actual or perceived OCCI does exist on this procurement, the offeror shall submit an OCCI plan with the proposal, explaining in detail how the OCCI will be mitigated and/or avoided, reference para L.9.5.

L.2.1.8 DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification Offerors must complete Block 6 of the attached DD254 with the appropriate information for their companies.

Completed DD254s must be submitted with proposals provided in Section J, Attachment C1. Security classification requirements must be met at time of proposal submission.

L.2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table L.1 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 specified in Table L.1. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the Information to Offerors paragraph, as noted in the table below.

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Table L.1 - Proposal Organization

VOL. RFP

PARA # VOL. TITLE PAGE LIMIT

I L3 Executive Summary Cover Page 1 Page Readme File 1 Page Table of Contents No Limit Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

Narrative Summary 5 Page Limit

II L4 Technical/Management Approach (Factor 1)

Table of Contents No Limit Technical/Management Approach (Factor 1)

(to include all sub-factors) 75 pages

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

III L5 Past Performance (Factor 2)

Table of Contents No Limit

Offeror’s Past Performance Information Sheets

15 pages (5 pages per past performance effort (Summary Page not included in page count))

Summary Page 1 Page (per Past Performance effort)

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

Organizational Structure Change History 1 Page (per Past Performance effort)

Consent Letters 1 Page (per Contractor)

IV L6 Cost/Price (Factor 3)

Table of Contents No Limit Price Narrative No Limit Pricing Spreadsheet; Pricing Proposal No Limit Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

V L7 Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Plan_(Factor 4)

Plan Narrative 20 Pages

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VOL. RFP

PARA # VOL. TITLE PAGE LIMIT

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms No Limit

VI L8 Small Business Participation (Factor 5) Table of Contents No Limit Plan Narrative 20 Pages

VII L9 Additional Requirements

Contract Information No Limit Small Business Subcontracting Plan No Limit Organizational and Consultant Conflict of

Interest Mitigation Plan No Limit

DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification No Limit

Cross Reference Matrix No Limit Joint Venture/Partnership Agreement (if applicable) No Limit

L.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 shall not be circumvented by including inserted text boxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information; such inclusions are not acceptable and may be cause for elimination of the proposal from consideration. Page limitations may be placed on responses to ENs. The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors. The Government reserves the right to not consider for award any proposal that does not adhere to the administrative requirements of this solicitation. Each page shall be counted, except blank pages and those listed with ‘No Limit’ in Table L.1.

L.2.2.2 Page Size and Format.

L2.2.2.1 A page is defined as teach face of a sheet of paper containing information. Pages shall be 8.5 x 11 inches in format size. The font type/text size shall be no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman (no other font variations are acceptable) font for all text. For all tables, charts, graphs, and figures included in the proposal, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point Times New Roman font.

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The Technical/Management Volume of the proposal is to be submitted as an Adobe Acrobat, Portable Document Format (PDF) document. The document may not be protected to prevent copying of text.

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 1-inch side margins. The pages of individual files within each volume shall be numbered sequentially.

L.2.2.2.2 Legible charts, graphs, and figures may 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. Tables whose total length (number of rows) exceed a single page may be continued by the use of repeating headers. For tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point Times New Roman font.

L.2.2.3 Cost or Pricing Information All cost or pricing information shall be addressed in the Cost/Price Proposal Volumes ONLY. 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.

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

L2.2.5 Cross Reference Matrix The offeror shall prepare a cross reference matrix, cross referencing all RFP requirements to the location of the offeror’s responses in their proposal. The cross reference matrix provides reference information but is not evaluated. The offeror’s format is acceptable.

L.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.

L2.2.7 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used and with an explanation for each. Glossaries of abbreviations and acronyms do not count against the page limitations for that volume.

Each abbreviation and acronym shall be spelled out in its entirety the first time used.

L.2.3 Table of Contents Each volume, except the Cost/Price Volume IV, shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume.

L.2.4 Proposal Submission

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a. To respond to this solicitation, the offeror shall deliver an electronic proposal to https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/ in accordance with the following instructions:

Submitting proposals via the worldwide web: Prior to submitting proposals, the offerors shall be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database (http://www.sam.gov). The offeror must also have an external certification authority (ECA) http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/. This webpage provides links to approved ECA. To apply for your certificate, select one of the approved ECA vendors and complete the registration. When applying, personnel will be required to verify their identity. If a new ECA is required, please contact the ECA vendor as soon as possible. The length of acquiring an ECA depends on the vendor approval. **NOTE: A medium assurance certificate is the type of certificate required. **

The offeror must also be registered on the DITCO Solicitations and Uploads (formerly DCOP) web site, at https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/. If the offeror has an existing account (i.e., registered with DITCO for a prior solicitation), it is not necessary to re-register. The offeror may use that existing account to upload this proposal. If the offeror is required to register on the DITCO web site, choose the option for "The solicitation requires vendor registrations for eligibility" during the registration process. The offeror will then be prompted to enter the solicitation number. The solicitation number entered at this point is only used to help DITCO prioritize the order in which to review and approve the registration requests. Upon completion of the on-line registration process, a DITCO representative will review and approve the registration request before the offeror will be given access to the protected areas of the web site. As soon as the registration has been approved, an email will be sent to the email address of the person who registered. The email will contain a user id and password that will be needed when uploading proposals. The approval of the registration request usually takes one business day. This registration process allows DITCO to precisely track when proposals are uploaded (or attempted to be uploaded). Offerors are strongly encouraged to register a minimum of two weeks prior to uploading a proposal. Offerors should also attempt to upload their proposal as early as possible to ensure no problems arise at the last minute. If you have any problems, contact the DITCO Customer Service Center at disa.scott.ditco.mbx.technical-support@mail.mil.

b. All proposal volumes shall be submitted in Adobe Acrobat, PDF, version 11.0.16 (or previous versions that are completely compatible); except the XSPCS Pricing Templates, which shall be submitted in MS Excel 2007 or later version. Note: There shall be no page markings with restrictive legend prohibiting the copying and pasting of text for Government use specific to this acquisition.

Also, no scanned images are permitted, with the exception of the signed SF33 cover page (Section A), Sections I and K of the solicitation, and other documents originating from third parties as verification or certification required by the RFP (e.g., acceptable accounting system verification).

The Government must be able to copy text.

c. Submit each volume as a separate electronic .zip file, with the volume number and the name of the volume from Table L.1- Proposal Organization. Each individual file within the zip file must be autonomous and complete. Then, zip all volumes into a single zip file, using the offeror’s legal business name and CAGE code as the file name.

https://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/ http://www.ditco.disa.mil/vendors/ mailto:disa.scott.ditco.mbx.technical-support@mail.mil

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d. Virus Check. Offerors shall perform a virus check prior to proposal submittal and certify they have done so in the proposal’s Cover Page.

e. Use of the software and procedures described in this part will reduce the amount of time and effort needed by the Government to receive and install proposals into an electronic evaluation system and will help to ensure that proposals are suitable for reading electronically. Information regarding electronic products listed herein should not be construed as Government endorsement for such products.

f. Due Date/Time. The time specified on the SF-33, Block 9, is in Central Standard Time. Any proposal, modification, or revision that is received at the DITCO Solicitations and Uploads web site specified in Section L.2.9 after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals in Block 9 is “late” and will be handled IAW FAR 15.208(b) and subparagraphs thereto.

g. The offeror’s proposal submission will be considered complete when all volumes have been received. Partial proposals will be considered late.

h. The offeror shall prepare a “readme” file, included in Volume I, which describes the organization and layout of the files in its electronic submission. The file shall describe the names of the .zip files and the names of each file included therein.

i. Efforts by the Government to clarify or expedite installation of electronic proposal submissions, IAW FAR 15.207(c), will not be considered discussions.

L.2.5 Use of Software Tool The Government will access the softcopy versions of the offeror’s proposal using an automated source selection documentation tool, FedSelect.

L.2.6 Classified Information Offerors shall not submit classified information.

L.2.7 Acceptance of Proposals The Government reserves the following rights:

a. To only consider proposals that are submitted in accordance with all technical requirements stated or referenced in the solicitation and that demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to perform the Government’s requirements.

b. To reject proposals that delete or alter technical requirements of the solicitation or include terms, conditions, or assumptions that caveat or limit performance.

L.3.0 Volume I - Executive Summary In the Cover Page, the offeror shall provide the following information:

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a. i. The offeror’s firm name;

ii. The solicitation name and number;

iii. The name, address, electronic address and telephone and facsimile numbers of the offeror;

iv. A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set forth in the schedule;

v. Names, titles, electronic addresses and telephone and facsimile numbers of persons authorized to negotiate with the Government on the offeror’s behalf, in connection with this solicitation;

vi. Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal;

vii. Proposals signed by an agent shall be accompanied by evidence of that agent’s authority;

viii. A generic company email address shall be provided for this solicitation and all XSPCS correspondence or the email addresses of a maximum of two points of contact;

ix. Provide the offeror’s CAGE code, Data Universal Number System (DUNS) code, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and business size (large or small) and type(s) of small business, if applicable;

x. Confirmation that offeror’s proposal is valid for a minimum of 365 days from the proposal due date;

xi. Provide a list of all joint venture (as described in L.8.8) team members, a listing of their size status, and if applicable, all the socioeconomic programs under which they are eligible

xii. Confirmation of virus check.

b. Readme file, as described in Section L2.4.h.

c. Table of Contents of the entire proposal, to include Lists of Tables, Figures, and/or Drawings.

d. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

L3.1 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/sub-factors. Any summary material presented here shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

L3.2 Table of Contents.

Include a master table of contents of the entire proposal.

L.4.0 Volume II – Technical/Management Approach The PWS provides the Government’s overall requirements for the duration of the XSPCS contract. Offerors shall submit their Technical/Management Approach as Volume II of the proposal, in response to the Technical/Management Factor found in Sections M2.0, as applicable.

L.4.1 General

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The Technical/Management Volume should be specific and complete. Responses will be evaluated against the technical/management sub-factors 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 sub-factors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory.

Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

L.4.2 Format and Specific Content. Please construct and present your responses according to the following:

L.4.2.1 Technical/Management (Evaluation Factor 1) In the Technical/Management volume, address your proposed approach to meeting or exceeding the minimum performance or capability requirements of each technical/management sub-factor. Offerors shall discuss how their solution will introduce new technology during the life of the contract. Any equipment or technical solution proposed as an alternative SLIN in the Cost Model (Attachment B-1) will not be evaluated under the Technical/Management Factor.

L.4.2.2 Volume Organization The Technical/Management volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

Volume II Technical/Management - Factor 1

Sub-factor 1: Technical Solution: X86 and SPARC Sub-factor 2: Technical Solution: Virtualization Sub-factor 3: Transition Plan Sub-factor 4: Capacity Sub-factor 5: Integration/Interfaces Sub-factor 6: Performance/Availability Sub-factor 7: Technical Requirements and architecture

L.4.2.3 Proof of Concept (POC) If a POC demonstration is required, ALL offerors in the competitive range for each chipset will be required to demonstrate their proposed solution to members of the source selection evaluation team (SSET) at the offeror's own demonstration location and at the offeror's own expense. The POC demonstration is designed to validate Sub-factors 1, 2, and 3 of the offeror's technical solution. Specific elements of Sub-factors 1, 2, and 3 to be validated will be determined by the Government and provided to offerors as part of a detailed test plan. Offerors will be notified if they are in the competitive range and if a POC is required. If a POC is required, the first POC demonstration will occur within 30 calendar days after the competitive range is established. A detailed test plan and any government-provided data required to be used in the demonstration will be provided to each offeror 14 calendar days prior to the demonstration. Offerors will be given one day to present their solution.

L.5.0 Volume III - Past Performance (Evaluation Factor 2)

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L.5.1 Content and Organization (Volume III) The Past Performance Volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

a. Summary Page describing the role of the offeror and each teaming partner, joint venture partner, and/or significant subcontractor that the offeror is submitting a Past Performance Information Sheet (Ref. Attachment L-2);

b. Past Performance Information Sheets. See Attachment L-2. (Refer to Table L.1 for page limitations on past performance information sheets.)

c. Along with the information required, the offeror shall submit a consent letter executed by each subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner, authorizing release of past performance information to the offeror so the offeror can respond to such information (Ref. Attachment L-3).

L.5.2 General The offeror shall submit a past performance volume with its proposal, containing past performance information (see format in Attachment L-2) in accordance with this section. This information is required for the offeror and subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners who are proposed to perform at least 40% of the proposed effort, based on the total proposed price, or perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers critical to overall successful performance. Offerors are cautioned that the Government will use data provided by each offeror in this volume and data obtained from other sources in the evaluation of past performance, including Government knowledge of the offeror and its teaming partners’ past performance with the agency.

L.5.3 Relevant Contracts In accordance with the past performance information (using the format contained in Attachment L-2, Past Performance Information) with no more than three (3) recent contracts, including a significant teaming partner’s and/or significant subcontractor’s past performance information submissions that you consider most relevant in demonstrating the offerors and proposed significant teaming partner’s and/or significant subcontractor’s ability to perform the proposed effort.

See Section M.2.2 for a description of the characteristics or aspects the Government will consider in determining recency and relevance. See Table M.6 for the definitions of relevancy and recency.

a.d. If an offeror submits past performance information for an indefinite delivery contract for any teaming partner, joint venture, and/or significant subcontractor, then the offeror must identify a specific task order under the indefinite delivery contract.

b.e. Recent contracts are considered to be efforts that the prime offeror or its teaming partners, joint venture, or significant subcontractors have performed within the past three (3) years, prior to issuance of this solicitation. For ongoing efforts, must have been in place at least nine months before the proposal due date.

L.5.3.1 Specific Content Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the

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offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a limited performance, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The offeror is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified.

L.5.3.2 Organizational Structure Change History Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what past performance is relevant to this procurement. To facilitate this relevancy determination, include in this proposal volume a "roadmap" describing all such changes in the organization of your company. A pamphlet or other commercial document describing such reorganizations may suffice. As part of this explanation, show how these changes impact the relevance of any efforts you identify for past performance evaluation. Since the Government intends to consider past performance information provided by other sources as well as that provided by the offerors, the "roadmap" should be both specifically applicable to the efforts you identify and general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources.

L.6.0 Volume IV - Cost/Price (Evaluation Factor 3)

L.6.2L.6.1 General Instructions

L.6.2.1L.6.1.1 Cost/Price Reasonableness This section provides information other than pricing data that is required to evaluate the reasonableness and completeness of the proposed cost/price. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of the proposal and removal of the proposal from further consideration.

Additionally, the Government reserves the right, but is not obligated, to review proposed pricing for unbalanced pricing. Unbalanced pricing poses an unacceptable risk to the Government and may be a reason to reject an offeror’s proposal. Proposals should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their reasonableness.

L.6.2.2L.6.1.2 Cost/Price Information All information relating to the proposed price, including all required supporting documentation, must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Cost/Price Volume. 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. It is anticipated that pricing will be based on adequate price competition;

therefore, offerors are not required to submit certified cost or pricing data.

Pricing submitted for the base period and all option periods, including option pricing for an additional 6-month 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 pricing proposal shall include pricing for the

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additional 6-month period, IAW FAR 52.217-8, which is identical to the proposed unit pricing in Option Year 5. The total evaluated price will consist of the proposed price for the base period, all option periods, and the option pricing for the additional 6-month period. Pricing will be incorporated into Schedule B and related B-Tables upon contract award and used for all orders placed post-contract award.

Due to the likely inability of any offeror to accurately estimate travel associated with this requirement, the Government is providing plug numbers for Travel, sub-contract line item number (SLIN), to be used by all offerors when proposing travel. These cells are locked in the cost model and should not be changed. Actual travel shall be for technical assistance-related work or at the Government’s discretion and authorized by the contracting officer’s representative (COR) (in writing, prior to performance) and will be paid IAW FAR Part 31.205-46.

Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted unless considered essential to document or support the cost/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 Cost/Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal.

L.6.2.3L.6.1.3 Cost or Pricing Information Requirements In accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b) and 15.403-3(a), “data other than cost or pricing data”—to include the identical types of data as certified cost or pricing data, but without the certification— may be required to support price reasonableness. Information shall be provided IAW FAR 15.403-5. If, after receipt of proposals, the KO determines the required conditions of adequate competition do not exist, that there is insufficient information available to determine price reasonableness, and none of the exceptions in FAR 15.403-1 apply, the offeror may be required to certify its submitted cost or pricing data (see FAR 15.406-2 -- Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data).

L.6.2 Cost Model Offerors should stringently follow the Government’s Schedule of Supplies or Services (Section J, Exhibit B- 1, X-86 Cost Model and/or B-1, SPARC Cost Model) construct and calculations and should not deviate from this format. All formulas used shall remain present in the spreadsheet for verification.

L.6.2.1 Instructions Offerors shall stringently follow the Cost Model construct and calculations and shall not deviate from this format. All formulas used shall remain present in the spreadsheet for verification.

For all processor capacity solutions, a complete standard solution to meet the minimum requirements of the PWS must be demonstrated using the Government provided SLINs.

The Government requires unit pricing for each requested CLIN/SLIN. Failure to provide pricing for each requested CLIN/SLIN will result in the Offeror’s proposal being deemed incomplete and ineligible for award.

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Offerors shall provide the proposed make and model of each CLIN/SLIN as specified in Exhibit B-1, X-86 Cost Model and/or B-1, SPARC Cost Model. Supporting pricing data shall be made available to the Government as a part of the Offeror’s price narrative.

Offerors should refer to and comply with the additional instructions related to the ground rules and function of the cost models contained on the ‘Instructions’ tab of the Exhibit B-1 cost model(s).

L.6.2.2 Cost Model Inputs and Function The unit pricing provided will represent the monthly firm-fixed unit price, provided by contract period, on a per CLIN/SLIN basis. For example, in the Government provided Cost Model, the CLIN/SLIN unit price provided in the 'B-table' pricing under "YR1 Monthly Price" will be utilized as the per month CLIN/SLIN unit price for all of Base Year 1 of the contract period of performance. The proposed unit pricing from the offeror-proposed 'B-table' will be the maximum rates used for the life of the contract. Offerors may propose decreases in unit prices during contract performance, however, post-award, there will be no increases to the CLIN/SLINs prices identified in the contract 'B-table'.

The Exhibit B-1, X-86 Cost Model and/or B-1, SPARC Cost Model, offerors are required to provide monthly unit prices for all contract years for all CLINs/SLINs, on the worksheet tab entitled “B-Table.” The provided “B-Table” unit prices will be multiplied by the government provided ‘scenario’ evaluation quantities (as detailed in the Scenario tab of Exhibit B-1, X-86 Cost Model and/or B-1, SPARC Cost Model.

This Scenario will be the Total Evaluated Price on the Cost model’s “Summary Sheet” tab

Offerors should only provide monthly unit pricing in the B-Table tab of B-1, X-86 Cost Model and the B-1, SPARC Cost Model for all of the government provided SLINs. SLINs designated as “12mo commitment” in the B-Table tab reflect a minimum ordering period of 12 months. Unit pricing provided in the B-Table tab will populate pricing information into the evaluation tabs. Unit pricing for all government provided SLINs will be included in the contract award. With the exception of selected cells within the “B-Table” tab of Attachment B-1 Cost Models, the Cost Models are protected by the government and offerors shall not unprotect, alter or add to the Cost Models in any manner not directed in the instructions.

L.6.2.3 Additional Offeror-Proposed Optional SLINs For all processor capacity solutions, a complete standard solution to meet the minimum requirements of the PWS and RFP must be demonstrated using the Government provided SLINs. All SLIN items listed on the "B-table" tab of the Exhibit B-1 Cost Model(s) must have a proposed unit price, in order for the Offeror's proposal to be considered complete, and thereby eligible for award.

In addition to the complete required solution discussed above, Offerors may propose alternative SLINs in the B-Table tab of the Cost Model to supplement their proposed technical solution. Under no circumstances shall any Offeror-proposed alternative SLIN(s) be required in order to fulfill the standard solution requirements set forth in the PWS. For example: DISA must be able to order a complete solution for CONUS-based processing capacity that meets all the non-optional requirements listed in the PWS by ordering requested tiered service levels.

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SLINs should be added in the provided space below the Government required CLIN/SLIN configurations and reference SLIN headings above. Any added SLINs should follow the same numbering and description name formats as what is provided in the B-Table tab.

Additional SLINs provided by the Offeror will not be included in the total evaluated price and accordingly will not be evaluated as a part of the Cost/Price factor of this source selection. Proposed alternative SLINs shall be OPTIONAL and will only be exercised at the Government's discretion. Alternative SLINs will be subject to further review and negotiation if/when the alternative SLIN is exercised.

L.6.3 Pricing of Technological Advances The proposed CLIN/SLIN prices will be the prices used for the life of the contract regardless of technological advances and the replacement of equipment with newer versions. As processor technologies advance, the Offeror shall provide next generation processors at the same relative position, or better, as the processor generation proposed at time of contract award. Accordingly, the Awardee will be required to update equipment to ensure access to the aforementioned processor technology advances, which shall be provided at no additional cost to the Government. When technology advances, the Government will make the final determination on when or if the SLIN configurations will be updated.

L.6.43 Volume Organization The Cost/Price volume shall consist of the following sections:

Part I – Price Narrative The Price Narrative shall include the following:

Part I, Section A - Introduction Include table of contents; glossary of abbreviations and acronyms; summary descriptions of accounting, estimating, and purchasing systems; and changes to estimating, accounting practices, or Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Disclosure.

Part I, Section B - Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms.

If necessary, provide a glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

Part I. Section C – Business Systems Description

Part I, Section C.1 - Estimating System Provide a summary description of your standard estimating system or methods. The summary description shall cover separately each major cost element (e.g., Direct Material, Engineering Labor, Manufacturing Labor, Indirect Costs, Other Direct Costs, Overhead, G&A, etc.). Also, identify any deviations from your standard estimating procedures in preparing this proposal volume. Indicate whether you have Government approval of your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

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Part I. Section C.2 - Purchasing System Provide a summary description of your purchasing system or methods (e.g., how material requirements are determined, how sources are selected, when firm quotes are obtained, what provision is made to ensure quantity and other discounts). Also, identify any deviations from your standard procedures in preparing this proposal. Indicate whether you have Government approval of your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

Part I, Section C.3 – Other Applicable Business Systems

Part B - Other Information Cost or pricing information and supporting data, to include estimating methodology for proposed unit pricing. Data shall include all information necessary to support the proposed prices. Other information such as Government Furnished Property/Government Furnished Equipment (GFP/GFE), long lead costs, termination costs, development/production schedule, inflation rate summary and explanation, life cycle cost, and special tooling/test equipment. List each exception to the pricing ground rules and assumptions provided in the solicitation and each qualification of the Cost/Price volume, if any. Provide complete rationale for any exceptions. Technical data and assumptions shall not be included in this section and will not be reviewed unless provided in the appropriate proposal section.

Part C – Exhibit B-1 Cost Model Offerors shall submit an electronically encoded cost/price model in support of the proposed price. Any cost model submitted must be in the explicit format provided by the Government. The proposed cost model must be consistent with your approved estimating system and must duplicate the logic and mathematical formulas reflected in the Price Narrative. Cost/price models must be submitted in .xls file format (MS-Excel 2013 or earlier) compatible format.

Part D - Final Proposal Revision (if required)

L.7.0 Volume V – Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Volume (Evaluation Factor 4) A determination has been made by the program office that the items or services to be procured under this RFP are subject to Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) controls as outlined in the PWS. As a result, offerors will be required to submit a detailed organization-wide SCRM plan as part of the proposal ir technical submission. The Government’s review of the SCRM evaluation factor will include an assessment of an offeror’s understanding of and ability to provide an organization-wide SCRM plan which identifies and analyzes the risk of failure points within the supply chain and how the offeror is prepared to deal with those risks and execute in accordance with Committee on National Security Systems (CNSSI) 1253 and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-53. Supply chain risks range from natural threats to counterfeit products and applies to quality, security, resiliency, and product integrity. Mitigation plans to manage risks may involve logistics, cybersecurity, and financial management.

The goal is to preclude undue risk to the Government and ensure supply chain continuity in the event normal business operations are interrupted. The Government will assess the adequacy of an organization-wide

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SCRM plan to identify threats to the supply chain, and provide mitigation strategies that will protect the Government’s interest.

If a SCRM concern arises after contract award, the Government will determine whether a continuation of the contract poses an undue risk to both the common defense and security to this nation. If the Government determines that such a risk exists, the Government reserves the right to accept or reject a proposed mitigation plan by the Contractor (if one or more is presented within a reasonable time) as negotiated by the Contracting Officer or terminate the contract for convenience.

L.8.0 Volume VI – Small Business Participation Plan (Evaluation Factor 5) L.8.2L.8.1 Volume VI - Small Business Participation All offerors, including small businesses shall submit as a separate document the Small Business Participation Plan for each chipset proposal pursuant to FAR 52.219-9, Alt II. In accordance with DFARS 215.304(c) (i), the Government will evaluate the Small Business Participation Plan to determine if small business participation is maximized, where applicable. Offerors shall demonstrate the extent of their inclusion of small businesses in the performance of the contract, to include: service-disabled veteran-owned small business concerns, HUBZone small business concerns, small disadvantaged business concerns, and women-owned small business concerns.

L.8.1.1 The Small Business Participation Plan The Small Business Participation Plan will demonstrate the "specifics" or the "how" or the "details" of the offerors firm intentions to maximize the utilization of small businesses. Offerors may demonstrate commitment to achieving the small business participation by a variety of methods to include: indication of a small business fulfilling a prime contractor role, signed teaming arrangements, pre-negotiated subcontracting agreements, and planned orders. The approved percentage of total contract dollars will be incorporated into the resultant contract in Section J. To enable the Government’s evaluation, offerors shall include a Small Business Commitment Table (see Table L.2 below) in their Small Business Participation Plan.

Table L.2 Small Business Commitment Table

Name of Company

Type of Business

Type of products or services

Subcontract type

Dollar Value

Timeframe

Nature of commitment

The Small Business Participation Plan shall address the following:

(a) Percent or extent of inclusion of small business concerns, as defined in FAR Section 19;

(b) Efforts to ensure that the small business commitment will be met;

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(c) Specific extent of commitment to small business firms (commitments for inclusion of small business via negotiated / signed agreements are desired through confirmation of small business status of the prime contractor/joint venture teaming arrangement;

(d) Identification by name, type of business, products/services, estimated dollar value, estimated duration of work, and type of commitment.

The KO will review the Small Business Participation Plan on an acceptable or unacceptable basis.

L.9.0 Volume VII – Additional Requirements The purpose of this volume is for offerors to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. Required information includes:

a. Table of Contents

b. Contract Information

c. Small Business…