07R0007.doc

Section SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

BASE PERIOD

FFP

USDA APPROVED FRESH BEEF AND FROZEN COARSE GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS FOR EUROPEAN REGION, CENTRAL MEAT PROCESSING PLANT (CMPP).

THE BASE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE WILL COMMENCE APPROXIMATELY 30 CALENDAR DAYS AFTER NOTIFICATION OF CONTRACT AWARD (OR DATE AS SPECIFIED BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER) FOR 24 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

SEE ATTACHMENT E (SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/PRICING SPREADSHEET) FOR SUB-CLINS.

FOB: Destination

ESTIMATED

NET AMT

FFP

USDA APPROVED FRESH BEEF AND FROZEN COARSE GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS FOR EUROPEAN REGION, CENTRAL MEAT PROCESSING PLANT (CMPP).

OPTION YEAR ONE MAY BE EXERCISED TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

ESTIMATED

FFP

USDA APPROVED FRESH BEEF AND FROZEN COARSE GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS FOR EUROPEAN REGION, CENTRAL MEAT PROCESSING PLANT (CMPP).

OPTION YEAR TWO MAY BE EXERCISED TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

ESTIMATED

FFP

USDA APPROVED FRESH BEEF AND FROZEN COARSE GROUND BEEF PRODUCTS FOR EUROPEAN REGION, CENTRAL MEAT PROCESSING PLANT (CMPP).

OPTION YEAR THREE MAY BE EXERCISED TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE FOR 12 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

ESTIMATED

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

ADDENDUMS

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFERS: The period of acceptance of offers shown in paragraph (c) of the FAR Clause 52.212-1, is changed as follows: The offeror agrees to hold the offer firm for 120 calendar days from the solicitation closing date (offer due date).

2. QUESTIONS RELATING TO THIS SOLICITATION: All questions of a technical and/or contractual nature concerning this solicitation shall be submitted in writing no later than 15 calendar days after the solicitation issue date (see Block 6 of the SF 1449). A consolidated list of questions and answers, if applicable, may be provided to all prospective offerors as appropriate. Answers to questions will not alter the solicitation unless, and until, an amendment is made to the solicitation. Address questions to the Contracting Officer, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Resale Contracting Division, Resale Commodities Branch, ATTN: PSCC (Ms. Sheila Norfus), 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800. The contract specialist will accept written questions from prospective offerors by facsimile at (804) 734-8090/8088 or E-mail to rhonda.mcdougal@deca.mil.

3. BUSINESS REFERENCES: Offerors shall submit the following information in advance of the submission of their proposal. It is imperative to have the information submitted by the designated deadlines to ensure no delays in the technical evaluation.

(a) Provide a list of at least six (6) business references (commercial businesses and/or government agencies other than DeCA) that your firm currently does business with, or within the last three years, that are similar to the requirements of this solicitation and demonstrates your firm’s ability to perform the proposed effort. The references must be able to provide information on their business experiences with your company relating to the following: (1) product delivery, (2) quality history, and (3) customer satisfaction/business relations. This information should be related to the supply of beef products. If your company is submitting a proposal based on a teaming arrangement, also provide references from at least six (6) of your teaming partner’s customers. Billing departments, sales offices, or customer service departments are not suitable references. THIS INFORMATION IS REQUESTED BY 4:00 P.M. EST/LOCAL TIME (Fort Lee, VA), NOVEMBER 13, 2007. Faxes will be accepted at (804) 734-8088/8090 (Attn: Hallie Barbour) or E-mail to hallie.barbour@deca.mil. Include the following information for each reference:

i. Name and address of the business reference company.

ii. Name and title of the point of contact.

iii. Telephone number, facsimile number, and Email address of contact person.

iv. Reference Company’s Type of Business (i.e. retail, wholesale, foodservice).

v. Estimated annual dollar value and type of agreement/contract.

vi. Indicate whether your firm is a beef supplier, distributor or broker to the business reference and type of products/service provided.

(b) Offerors must send a business reference cover letter and a past performance survey to the six customers submitted as past performance business references in response to paragraph (a) above. A sample cover letter and the required survey are provided at Attachment A (Business Reference Cover Letter and Past Performance Survey). Each commercial business reference, including business references of your teaming partner(s), must complete the survey and return it directly to this office. THE COMPLETED SURVEY IS REQUESTED BY 4:00 p.m., EST/LOCAL TIME (Fort Lee, VA)/EST, DECEMBER 3, 2007. Faxes will be accepted at (804) 734-8088/8090 (Attention: Hallie Barbour), or E-mail to hallie.barbour@deca.mil. The Government will not consider completed surveys submitted with proposals.

(c) If your firm has provided beef products to DeCA commissaries in the past or currently in progress under a formal or informal contract/agreement such as a Requirements Type Contract (RTC), Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), or Resale Ordering Agreement (ROA), provide the contract/agreement number and list of commissary stores with your business reference list as described in paragraph (a) above. DeCA will obtain past performance information directly from the commissary stores.

(d) If your firm has submitted business references in response to a solicitation to DeCA in the last 12 months, the performance surveys received by DeCA under the previous submission may be used in the past performance evaluation.

(e) Generally, offerors submit commercial business references of their best customers and anticipate a favorable rating of their past performance. However, if an offeror believes negative information may be obtained from a reference or other source that has since been corrected, you may submit a brief narrative with your submission of references or in your technical proposal under Technical Proposal, Volume II, Section 9. If negative information is obtained, the Contracting Officer will provide the offeror with an opportunity to respond to general comments about adverse past performance. The Government reserves the right to consider other past performance data obtained from other sources as stated above.

(f) Offerors may submit additional information relating to the firm’s relevant past performance that may demonstrate its likelihood of successfully performing the solicitation requirements. For submission information, see Paragraph 5, Proposal Package, Technical Proposal, Volume II, Section 9.

4. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

(a) Compliance with Instructions: The Government will assess the extent the offeror complies with the instructions in this RFP and completeness. The Government will consider any failure to comply with these instructions to be indicative of the kind of behavior that it can expect during contract performance and a lack of capability to perform satisfactorily. It is recommended that your firm provide its best effort with the initial proposal.

(b) Format of Proposal: Submit your proposal package in two volumes (Volume I Business Proposal and Volume II Technical Proposal). Provide an original of each volume; in addition, provide four (4) copies of Volume II (Technical Proposal). Each volume should contain a table of contents and should be indexed in a systematic format. Proposals are subject to an initial screening by the contracting officer for completeness and compliance with proposal preparation requirements. Only those proposals meeting these requirements may be evaluated further.

(c) Submission of Proposal:

1. Mail or hand-carry the completed package to the address in Block 9 of the Standard Form 1449. The lower left corner of the envelope must clearly identify the solicitation number (#HDEC02-07-R-0007), date and time for receipt of offers, office designated to receive offers. The proposal package must be received no later than the date and time shown in Block 8 of the SF 1449, unless changed by amendment. No facsimile or emailed proposals will be accepted. Delays caused by commercial means such as airlines, express carriers such as Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc or municipal difficulties such as blackouts, are not excusable. Ensure enough time is allowed for the proposal to arrive on time.

(d) Contract Award. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 52.212-1(g), OFFERORS ARE HEREBY ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO EVALUATE OFFERS AND AWARD A CONTRACT WITHOUT DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFERORS. Therefore, offerors should propose their best offer initially containing the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions. In accordance with FAR 15.306(d)(2), the objective of discussions is to “maximize the Government’s ability to obtain best value, based on the requirements and the evaluation factors set forth in the solicitation.” Should discussions be deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer due to proposal weaknesses, deficiencies, or other issues that must be addressed before award, they will be conducted either orally and/or in writing, with only those offerors determined to be within the competitive range. The contracting officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest, and may waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(e) Determination of Business Size: The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 311611, Animal (except Poultry) Slaughtering, and the size standard is 500 employees or less. Determine the size of your business by reviewing the definitions in FAR Clause 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items. If your company employs 500 or less employees (including all of its affiliates), your company is considered a small business.

(f) Subcontracting Plan: A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required from large business concerns and must be submitted with the initial proposal. Failure to submit an acceptable plan with the initial proposal may deem the proposal non-responsive and may make the offeror ineligible for a contract award. See Paragraph 5, Proposal Package, Business Proposal, Volume I, Section 2 for submission requirements.

(g) Formal Teaming Arrangement: A formal teaming arrangement is when the offeror submitting a proposal will depend on the products, capital contributions, or expertise [in whole, or in part] of another company (or companies) to successfully complete the terms of any contract resulting from this solicitation. The Government will recognize that integrity and validity of contractor team arrangements; provided, the arrangements are identified and company relationships are fully disclosed in the offer. The prime contractor (the offeror) maintains full responsibility for contract performance, regardless of any changes to the teaming arrangement between the prime contractor and its teaming partners. Offerors who submit an offer based on such an arrangement must submit a written, legal teaming arrangement that is properly executed with their proposal. The specific responsibilities assigned to a company must be clearly stated in the teaming arrangement. See Paragraph 5, Proposal Package, Technical Proposal, Volume II, Section 8 below for submission requirements. For the terms and conditions of formal teaming arrangements during contract performance, see Addendum to FAR 52.212-4, paragraph 19.

(h) Site Visit Assessment: The Government reserves the right to conduct a site visit of the offeror’s facility at any time during the source selection process, if deemed necessary by the Government.

(i) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Trading Partner Agreement (TPA): The TPA provides the general procedures and policies to be followed by DeCA Trading Partners for furnishing the items listed in the Schedule of Supplies/Services when using EDI techniques for transmitting and receiving information. See Volume I, Section 6 below for submission requirements. A signed copy of the TPA is required.

(j) Alternate Distribution Proposals: The Government’s preferred distribution method is source load. Offerors must submit a primary proposal that meets the source load requirement for consideration for contract award. However, offerors are given the opportunity to submit alternate proposals for different distribution methods for consideration. Any alternate proposal submitted must be clearly identified and must clearly state the proposed advantages to the distribution method proposed in comparison to the primary proposal to include pricing. The Government is not obligated to accept any alternate distribution proposals. Offerors must submit alternate proposals in accordance with paragraph 5, Submission of Proposal Package.

5. PROPOSAL PACKAGE:

A. BUSINESS PROPOSAL – VOLUME I (Section 1 – 7):

Section 1- General Information: This section of your firm’s proposal shall include the following:

(a) A completed Standard Form (SF) 1449. Ensure that Blocks 17a, 17b, 30a, 30b, and 30c on the SF 1449 are complete and that an authorized official with authority to bind the company contractually signs the document. Provide your company’s DUNS and CAGE code numbers in Block 17a.

(b) All amendments issued against this solicitation before the closing date shall be acknowledged by completing and signing Blocks 8, 15A, 15B, and 15C of the Standard Form 30, Amendment of Solicitation and included in this section.

(c) The following fill-in clauses must be completed and submitted in this section: FAR Clause 52.215-6, Place of Performance (see pages 40-41); ); DeCA Local Clause 52.232-4500, Delivery Ticket Invoice (DTI) Procedures (see page 48); and DFARS 252.212-7000, Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (see pages 50-51).

(d) The prospective offeror must register and submit Annual Representatives and Certifications via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://orca.bpn.gov. The offeror is responsible to ensure information is updated and complete. Also in this section, provide your DUNS number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and the date you completed or updated the online representations and certifications. Electronic Document Access (EDA) is a requirement for any offeror that receives a contract award resulting from this solicitation. Awardee(s) will be required to register as vendors on the EDA database at http://eda.ogden.disa.mil. Offerors are also required to register in the Central Contractors Registration (CCR) database at http://www.ccr.gov. The information in the CCR database must match the information in the IRS database and must be active throughout the source selection process and throughout the life of the resultant contract(s). If you are already registered in CCR, verify your record is active. Registration in the EDA, CCR and participation in EFT are mandatory for award eligibility.

(e) The offeror shall also include in this section a signed letter on company letterhead that provides the requested information of all persons who are authorized to negotiate and bind the firm contractually. These will be the only persons authorized to request changes to the Contracting Officer under any contract resulting from this solicitation. Any restrictions to this authorization must be noted. Provide the following information for each authorized person: full name, title/affiliation, phone number, facsimile number, and E-mail address. If changes occur, the Contracting Officer must be notified.

Section 2 – Small Business Commerical Subcontracting Plan: In this section, include your firm’s small business subcontracting plan, if the firm employs more than 500 employees (as described in paragraphs 4(e) and (f) above). See FAR Clause 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan for the required information that must be included in the plan.

Acceptable Small Business Subcontracting Plan – If you previously submitted a subcontracting plan for your firm’s current fiscal year for approval and it was reviewed and you have received communication from DeCA’s Contracting Office that indicated the necessary changes prior to approval of the plan, your plan is acceptable pending the implementation of changes recommended by the Contracting Officer. The changes should be minor in nature. The acceptable plan will satisfy the requirements of this solicitation. Implementation of the recommended changes is required with your proposal and an approved plan submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to award of the proposed contract.

Approved Small Business Subcontracting Plan – If you previously submitted a subcontracting plan for your firm’s current fiscal year for approval and have received a return copy bearing the signature of the contracting officer (DeCA or another Government Agency), your plan was approved. Commercial subcontracting plans are required annually. Submission of a new subcontracting plan for the company’s next fiscal year is required 30 days in advance of the expiration of the current plan. The approved plan will satisfy the requirements of this solicitation and a copy must be submitted with your proposal.

Unapproved Small Business Subcontracting Plan – If you previously submitted a subcontracting plan for approval but did not receive a returned signed copy by a Contracting Officer, or your recommended changes failed to be implemented, or there has been no communication and/or correspondence regarding your subcontracting plan, your plan has not been approved nor accepted. It is the contractor’s responsibility to follow-up with the assigned DeCA contract specialist to determine the status of your subcontracting plan. To state that your subcontracting plan was previously submitted is not sufficient and does not satisfy the requirements of the solicitation. The offeror must either submit a new subcontracting plan or update the necessary information to bring the plan current.

The subcontracting plan must comply with the requirements of FAR Part 19.704 and DFARS Part 219.704 and contain positive and attainable goals. The subcontracting plan must contain information that clearly demonstrates the progression in the estimated goals from the last plan. Incomplete subcontracting plans will not be acceptable and your proposal may not receive further consideration for contract award.

For assistance in developing or updating a subcontracting plan, contact Ms. Diane Reeder, Assistant Director of Small Business, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Small Business Center, West at (425) 889-7318, Email: diane.reeder@dcma.mil. In addition, your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) may be of assistance; www.sellingtothegovernment.net. A subcontracting plan template is available on DeCA website at http://www.commissaries.com/business/subcontractplan.cfm.

Section 3 – Dun & Bradstreet Report: The following document is required in this section of the proposal:

Offerors shall submit a current and comprehensive report from Dun and Bradstreet Incorporated, as it relates to the firm submitting the offer and/or performing the contract. The report should provide a business summary, executive summary, credit capacity summary, special events, financial stress summary, financial stress norms, credit score summary, credit score norms, payment trends, summary of payment habits, payment analysis by industry, public filings summary, public filing detail, business background, and financial summary. The phone number for customer service at Dun and Bradstreet is (800) 234-3867 from anywhere within the United States. From outside of U.S., contact your local D&B office.

Section 4 – Schedule of Supplies/Pricing:

The following pricing information shall be included in this section: (1) Completed paper copy of the pricing spreadsheet, showing completed pricing information for the 24-month base period of performance and each of the three option periods; and (2) A rewritable compact disc (CD-RW) containing the completed Excel (Microsoft Office 2003) file of Attachment E (Schedule of Supplies). Label the disk with your company name and the solicitation number (# HDEC02-07-R-0007). The paper copy of the spreadsheet will prevail if discrepancies arise.

PRICING LINE ITEMS

· Use Microsoft EXCEL to open the pricing spreadsheet at Attachment E. The spreadsheet contains descriptions of the products and annual estimated quantities required within the European Region, CMPP.

· Use EXCEL to enter information in all yellow highlighted fields, i.e., Contractor’s Name, Universal Product Codes (UPC), Special Factors, and Unit Prices for firm-fixed price items.

· MANDATORY SUB-CLINS: The sub-CLINS ending in AA through AZ represents mandatory items. An offeror must submit a price (Special Factor or Unit Price, as appropriate on all mandatory line items in order to be considered for a contract award, except Special Buy line items (For further details on special buys, see Addendum to FAR 52.212-4, paragraph 14). Special factors are firm-fixed prices that are added to the weekly weighted average price (i.e. base price) as published by the USDA Weekly National Carlot Meat Report to calculate a weekly adjusted unit price. The special factor reflects the offeror’s profit, overhead, distribution/transportation, etc. See FAR Clause 52.216-4504.

Enter Special Factors for sub-CLINS AA through AY in each block titled “Special Factor” within the two-year Base Period of performance portion (Except for sub-CLIN AZ; enter a firm-fixed price in each highlighted block titled “Unit Price”). EXCEL will automatically populate the Special Factor (or Unit Price for fixed priced items) to the appropriate blocks under 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Option Periods; however, you may change the Special Factor (or Unit Price for fixed priced items) for each Option year, if desired.

The Base Prices have been filled in for you on the spreadsheet and are based on the weighted-average prices from the USDA Weekly National Carlot Report for the week ending October 20, 2007. The Carlot is published weekly each Saturday on the USDA website at www.ams.usda.gov, and is generally available for viewing each Monday afternoon. (Note: The estimated amount will reflect a different estimated amount once your Special Factor is entered for each item. The extended amounts entered on the EXCEL spreadsheet reflect the extended amount based on entering the Base Price). For evaluation purposes, base prices will be updated in accordance with FAR Clause 52.216-4504.

· Provided the offeror has priced and submitted the required information for all mandatory items in the Schedule of Supplies at Attachment E, an offeror may also propose an alternate item for consideration. Failure to price all mandatory items may result in removal from consideration for contract award. Any proposed alternate must be in accordance with the instructions under Technical Proposal, Volume II, Section 7.

· Related Information: As adequate competition is expected from this solicitation no cost or pricing data is required; however, the Contracting Officer reserves the right to require such data if they are otherwise unable to determine the proposed price to be reasonable or realistic or to resolve any apparent unbalanced pricing.

Section 5 – Fuel Price Adjustments:

Price adjustments for significant, sustained fuel costs increases may be considered for any resulting contract(s). Any post-award, approved increased price adjustments may be revisited at a period of time determined appropriate by the Contracting Officer to review the trend of fuel costs to determine whether any subsequent decreases are warranted. There will be no consideration for fuel price adjustments during the base period of 24 months. Proposals must take that into consideration. Fuel price adjustments may be considered in the three one-year option periods.

Provide in this section, a single percentage that represents the average distribution costs in your proposed overall special factors (averaged). This percentage should be submitted on company letterhead and signed by an authorized person to bind your company contractually.

Section 6 – EDI Trading Partner Agreement:

Offerors submitting a proposal must read and complete the Trading Partner Agreement (TPA) found at Attachment D. Return the completed TPA with the initial proposal by including it in this section.

Section 7 – EDI Pricing: In this section, provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of primary and backup personnel responsible for EDI Pricing within your firm.

B. TECHNICAL PROPOSAL – VOLUME II (Sections 1-10):

This volume shall contain the offeror’s written technical proposal including narratives, shelf life, alternates, teaming arrangements, and additional past performance information. Use standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper in portrait orientation. This volume of the proposal should not exceed 100 pages. Sections should be tabbed for ease of identification.

Technical Capability – Written Narratives (Sections 1 – 5): Each offeror shall submit written narratives that substantiate the offeror’s technical capability. It is imperative that your written technical proposal explicitly addresses all of the questions under each of the five (5) sub-factors set forth below for the Technical Capability evaluation factor. See Addendum to FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation – Commercial Items for evaluation criteria and methodology. The narrative question should be stated at the top of the page with your response following. The narrative must be written in a clear and thorough manner, describing precisely HOW the offeror proposes to perform the requirements. The inclusion of filler material from previous proposals or commercial applications should be avoided unless it has a direct application to the objective of this solicitation. If you plan on subcontracting or forming a teaming arrangement, provide information on your primary subcontractor(s) and/or teaming partners in each narrative as it relates to accomplishing or executing the requirements of this solicitation.

Section 1: Evaluation Sub-Factor – EXPERIENCE

(a) Describe, in detail, your firm’s experience with work of similar nature, scope, complexity, and difficulty that must be performed under the resulting contract of this solicitation. Include how many years in this business and describe whether your firm is a producer, processor, distributor or broker.

(b) Describe, in detail, your firm’s corporate structure, but do not merely provide an organizational chart. Include departments such as quality assurance, research and development, food safety, customer service, and transportation, and explain how the knowledge and level of expertise in these departments will meet and successfully satisfy DeCA’s requirements.

Section 2: Evaluation Sub-Factor – DISTRIBUTION PLAN

(a) Describe, in detail, the key concepts of your distribution plan. Include in your narrative how orders are received, processed, distributed, and how transportation is scheduled. Explain how the firm’s proposed distribution plan will meet or exceed the delivery schedule to make the required sail dates with the maximum shelf life remaining. Explain your plans for source loading under this contract.

(b) Describe, in detail, your firm’s contingency plans for interruptions caused by beef shortages, mechanical breakdowns (i.e. production and/or distributing), inclement weather, transportation anomalies, work stoppages/slow downs, and plant closures.

(c) Describe, in detail, how your firm proposes to handle interruptions in the supply chain. Discuss how you propose to distribute and transport products that result from changes to orders already placed, out of cycle orders, and/or emergency orders.

(d) Describe, in detail, the methods(s) and mode of transportation currently used to transport beef products to your customers. Discuss the adequacy of your proposed mode(s) of transportation. Include in your narrative whether transportation services are contracted out or owned by your company. Provide the names of your back-up source, in the event of problems with your main mode(s) of transportation.

(e) Describe, in detail, the distribution operation and transportation methods currently used to comply with overseas shipping and import requirements. Discuss your distribution/transportation plans for meeting shipping and import requirements while performing under this contract. Explain how your firm currently delivers to ports of embarkation? Explain your firm’s plans for shipping to ports of embarkation while performing under this contract.

Section 3: Evaluation Sub-Factor – PRODUCTION CAPABILITY

(a) Describe, in detail, your firm’s production facilities. Include the names, locations, and USDA plant numbers of all production facilities proposed for use during contract performance.

(b) Describe, in detail, your firm’s production capability in meeting customers demand. Discuss your firm’s capability to handle the product requirements (i.e. estimated tonnage) and capability for producing new products.

(c) Describe, in detail, your firm’s relationship with the beef suppliers you intend to use under this contract, how they will support your production capability and your beef purchasing process. For example, how far in advance you purchase beef, how often the beef is purchased, the average number of beef purchased at one time, etc. Provide a list naming the beef supplier(s) your firm intends to use to support the production capacity under this contract. The list must contain the company name, contact person, city, state, capacity, and description of production.

Section 4: Evaluation Sub-Factor - QUALITY CONTROL

(a) Describe, in detail, your quality control program and quality assurance procedures. Include in your narrative, your plan as it relates to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Plan (HACCP), food safety, product recall procedures, sanitation, pest management, and types of safeguard measures taken to assure the integrity and product security of the food supply provided to the patrons of the commissaries.

(b) Describe, in detail, your Quality Control Department. Discuss who is responsible for resolving quality control problems and the methodology used.

(c) Describe, in detail, the methodology applied to your quality control plan relating to the stabilization of product temperature during each state of the (i.e. production, packing, distribution, transportation, and delivery). Include how your USDA inspector’s ensure that product is inspected, received, stored, staged, and shipped correctly.

(d) Discuss, in detail, your company’s backup plan in the event that food safety issues arise, such as E-Coli, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), etc. Include any plans for alternate sources of supply in the case of food safety issues and/or ban on beef within the U.S.

(e) Describe, in detail, the types of packaging your firm proposes to use for packaging primals and sub-primals. Describe the proposed techniques that will be used to meet commercial packaging requirements. Explain how these proposed techniques will promote optimal shelf life for all items solicited.

(f) Describe, in detail, how your company stays abreast of technological advancements in the meat industry. Include any labor-saving innovation techniques such as, but not limited to, pre-priced package labeling and vendor stocking. Describe any uniqueness and innovation that provides your firm with a competitive advantage. Discuss how these technological advances will benefit DeCA.

Section 5: Evaluation Sub-Factor – ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/PROMOTION PLAN

(a) Discuss, in detail, your plans for providing additional support to the European Region, CMPP. Provide examples and a proposed schedule of additional support that will be provided to the European Region, CMPP under the resulting contract. Additional support includes point of sale material, recipe cards, pamphlets, or merchandising support such as hanging displays that will be provided to attract shoppers to the product. Additional support may also include periodic merchandising support during promotions, resets, etc. These value added services enhance the program and increase customer satisfaction through a well-merchandised department.

(b) Describe, in detail, what promotion plans your firm intends to implement to increase sales. Provide examples and a proposed schedule of promotional activities that will be provided to the European Region, CMPP under the resulting contract. Promotional events can be in the form of demonstrations, sampling, coupons, or other marketing strategies that are used to attract and excite our shoppers about your products. These events create excitement, increase sales, and entice our customers while promoting your products. The offeror will be required to provide any marketing tools associated with the promotions at no additional costs to the Government.

Section 6 (Shelf Life Requirement): This section shall contain the shelf life of each proposed item. Offerors shall complete the spreadsheet at Attachment B and include it in this section of Volume II for evaluation.

Section 7 (Proposed Alternates, if applicable): This section shall contain information about any proposed alternate item, if such is being proposed. Any proposed alternate item must be clearly identified in the offeror’s proposal and required information submitted as specified below. The Government is not obligated to accept any alternate item proposed. The Contracting Officer will provide notification if a proposed alternate item is determined to be accepted or rejected. If a proposed alternate item is accepted by the Government, the offeror will be required to acknowledge the Government’s acceptance.

· Alternate Item: An offeror may propose an alternate item for consideration only if the offeror has provided pricing and required information for all mandatory items specified in the Schedule of Supplies (Attachment E), Section 4 of the Business Proposal, Volume I. The original item must be provided, as failure to price all items may result in removal of the offerors proposal from further consideration for contract award. In order for an alternate item to be considered the following must be provided in this section: (1) the Sub-Contract Line Item Number (Sub-CLIN) of the item the alternate is being proposed to replace; (2) description of the alternate item; (3) weight, size and package information; (4) shelf life guarantee from date of pack; (5) UPC number; (6) proposed special factor and U-factor for the base period and each of the three option periods; (7) an explanation of the differences between the original item and the proposed alternate; and (8) an explanation of the expected benefits to DeCA by accepting the proposed alternate item.

Section 8 (Formal Teaming Arrangement, if applicable): This section shall contain information about the offeror’s Teaming Arrangement, if such arrangement is being utilized.

If an offer is submitted based on a teaming arrangement with another company, as described in paragraph 4(g) of this Addendum, the proposal must include a copy of the legal teaming arrangement (i.e. letter of agreement between parties) in this section of Volume II. The letter must substantiate the stability of the teaming arrangement and will be reviewed by DeCA’s General Counsel. The offeror must supply information as it relates to both companies regarding any information required by this solicitation. This includes narratives, business references, certifications, DUNS numbers, etc. At a minimum, the teaming arrangement must include:

i. Company names and addresses of the team members;

ii. Names and titles of the key individuals within those companies;

iii. Nature and scope of the teaming arrangement;

iv. Duration of the agreement;

v. Roles and responsibilities of the prime contractor and the teaming partner, including limitations, if any;

vi. Provisions for the admission and withdrawal of members from the team, and the terms, conditions and notices required for withdrawal;

vii. Provisions for continuing the teaming arrangement upon the withdrawal of a member, death of a member, or other dissolution of the teaming arrangement; and

viii. Any other provision deemed relevant by the team.

Section 9 (Additional Past Performance Information, if applicable):

This section is provided as merely an opportunity for offerors to submit self-certifying information for consideration, as it is not otherwise required for evaluation purposes and may not be known. Past performance evaluation will consist of business reference survey responses and any other information obtained by the contracting officer, see Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items.

Offerors may submit with their technical proposal additional information relating to the firm’s relevant past performance that may promote its likelihood of successfully performing the solicitation requirements. For example, quality awards or certifications suggesting good workmanship or conformance to contract specifications, or letters from customers addressing adherence to contract schedule, commitment to customer satisfaction, and overall business relations. The burden of providing these examples of past performance information rests with the offeror, and must be submitted with the original proposal by the date stated as the date for receipt of offers. In addition, if an offeror believes negative information may be obtained from a business reference that has since been corrected, you may provide a brief narrative in this section of the technical proposal (see Paragraph 3(e) of this Addendum). The Government reserves the right to consider other past performance data obtained from other sources as stated above.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-2

EVALUATION – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. BASIS OF AWARD: The Government will award one contract resulting from this solicitation. The source selection methodology will be best value, trade-off procedures. Offerors will only be considered for award where all required line items are priced and all required information submitted. Contract award will be made to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the solicitation and will provide the best value to the Government considering the evaluation factors as stated below:

A. TECHNICAL CAPABILITY (Maximum Points 155)

1. Experience

2. Distribution Plan

3. Production Capability

4. Quality Program

5. Additional Support/Promotion Plan

B. PAST PERFORMANCE (Maximum Points 155)

1. Product Delivery

2. Quality History

3. Customer Satisfaction/Business Relations

C. PRICE

2. RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EVALUATION FACTORS: Technical Capability is equal to Past Performance. Technical Capability and Past Performance when combined are approximately equal to price, as this provides the contracting officer with the broadest discretion in determining the best value for the Government. Within the Technical Capability evaluation factor, Experience, Distribution Plan, and Production Capability sub-factors are all of equal importance in relation to each other while the Quality Program sub-factor is slightly less important than the first three sub-factors and the Additional Support/Promotion Plan sub-factor is the least important. Within the Past Performance evaluation factor, Product Delivery and Quality History sub-factors are of equal importance in relation to each other while the Customer Satisfaction/Business Relations sub-factor is slightly less important than the other two sub-factors.

3. PRICE: The Price evaluation factor is evaluated but is not assigned a point value. The prices submitted are analyzed for completeness, consistency, and to identify any irregularities. Offers will only be considered for award where all mandatory line items are priced. An offeror may propose an alternate for consideration provided they have priced the required line items. The Government is not obligated to accept any alternate proposal. Prices must be submitted for the base period of performance and each option year. If the Contracting Officer determines discussions are not necessary, contract award will be made from the initial price proposal.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION: The Government will determine the overall capability of each offeror by evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, significant weaknesses, deficiencies, and material deficiencies of technical proposals. It is possible to have only one technical score for the evaluation factors and their respective sub-factors applied for each offeror. However, it is also possible for an offeror to receive different technical scores in one or more sub-factors if there are substantially different technical capability and/or past performance (typical with teaming arrangements with significant teaming partner(s) capabilities). When this substantial difference occurs, points may be added or subtracted to the technical score for the applicable sub-factor. When it is determined that an offeror’s proposal will require more than one technical score, a recommendation will be made to the Contracting Officer for concurrence.

For the purposes of this solicitation, the following defines the descriptive findings: Strength is an attribute or quality of a proposed approach and past performance that exceeds the minimum Government requirements, and/or is considered advantageous to the Government. Weakness is a flaw in a proposal that is minor in nature representing little or no disadvantage to the Government. Weaknesses may not require addressing during discussions. Significant Weakness is a flaw in a proposal that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. A significant weakness will be addressed if discussions are held, and an offeror will be provided the opportunity to make a correction. Deficiency is a material omission or failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level. A deficiency will be addressed if discussions are held, and an offeror will be provided the opportunity to make a correction. If contract award is made without discussions, a deficiency in a proposal will render the entire proposal deficient and it will be removed from further consideration for contract award. Material Deficiency is a lack of understanding the basic intent of the acquisition that will likely result in unsatisfactory contract performance as well as material failure to meet the Government’s requirements. A materially deficient proposal lacks clear and convincing evidence to support the merit and feasibility of a proposal’s approach in meeting the Government’s requirements; or inconsistencies that indicate a lack of understanding of the scope of the beef requirements and a complete proposal revision will be required. A materially deficient proposal will be eliminated from further consideration for contract award.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITY: Technical capability will be based on the narratives submitted by the offeror demonstrating the firm’s technical capabilities, or other relevant technical facts and circumstances. The Technical Capability evaluation factor is the Government’s determination of whether an offeror possesses the technical capability to implement their proposed plans with an established viable plan of action.

PAST PERFORMANCE: The Government will assess performance based on the offerors past performance history as it relates to the probability of successful accomplishment of the work similar to the requirements of this solicitation in both the commercial and military environments. Specifically, the Government is seeking to determine whether the offeror has demonstrated consistent delivering of complete orders of quality products in a timely manner while maintaining good customer service and professional business relationships.

In evaluating past performance, the Government may use the commercial business references provided by the offeror and other sources of information, including but not limited: federal, state and local government agencies, Better Business Bureaus, published media, and electronic databases. The Government will also consider in-house information available, such as, but not limited to: Contractor Performance Evaluations (DeCA Form 10-17), past performance surveys, non-conformance reports (DeCA Form 10-21), pricing statistics, emails, business review information, and correspondence on file regarding a contractor’s current DeCA contracts. Where the offeror’s relevant performance history indicates performance problems, the Government will consider the trends and severity of the problems and the appropriateness and effectiveness of any corrective action taken. If adverse information is obtained that has not been communicated to the firm, the offerors will be given an opportunity to respond.

5. EVALUATION OF OPTIONS: The Government will evaluate offers for award by conducting price analysis. The total price for each offeror will be calculated by adding the total price for the base year and all option years of all mandatory items. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s). The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced.

6. SOURCE SELECTION DECISION: The Contracting Officer will use best value, trade-off procedures to make the final source selection decision. This process permits tradeoffs among non-cost factors and price and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest-priced proposal or other than the highest technically rated offer. If the Contracting Officer determines that there is no trade-off value among two or more proposals considered technically equal with no discernable differences in the evaluation factors/sub-factors, then price will be the determining factor in determining the best value for the Government. The Contracting Officer may reject some or all proposals received in response to this solicitation, if doing so is in the best interest of the Government.

A determination of contractor responsibility will be conducted on the potential offeror(s). However, if an offeror is determined not to be responsible, the offeror will not be considered for contract award. The Contracting Officer will select the next proposal determined best value to the Government where the offeror is determined responsible.

7. NOTIFICATION: A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer; mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the timeframe for acceptance specified in the proposal, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. The Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless the offeror submits a written notice of withdrawal to the Government that is received by the Government before award, and before the time for acceptance of the offer expires.

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-4

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

1. SCOPE: This contract provides for a program buy for fresh primals and subprimals and frozen coarse ground beef…