Amendment_0001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

1. The purpose of this amendment is to incoporate questions regarding the solicitation and answers to those questions into the solicitation.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 38

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 21-Aug-2015

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X HQ0013-15-R-0007

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

11-Aug-2015

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

21-Aug-2015

CODE

DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY-CON

WOODROW W. BELL JR

201 12TH STREET, SOUTH

SUITE 203

ARLINGTON VA 22202

HQ0013 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

HQ0013-15-R-0007

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 28-Aug-2015 12:00 AM to 28-Aug-2015 02:00 PM.

The following have been modified:

ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS

Attachment/Exhibit Description Date No. of pages

01 Past Performance Questionnaire 1 July 2015 4

02 Annex A 1 July 2015 13

03 DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification

Specification

11 Jun 2015 2

04 Performance Requirements Summary 13 Aug 2015 1

EVALUATION FACTORS

Evaluation Factors for Award

7.1. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

7.1.1. In accordance with FAR Subpart 15.1, “Source Selection Processes and Techniques” a tradeoff process will be utilized to determine the best value to the Government in accordance with the evaluation criteria identified in paragraph 7.2. The basis for award of a contract as a result of this solicitation will be an integrated assessment of these factors, which are designed to determine which proposal offers the best prospect of accomplishing the Government’s requirements.

7.1.2. The burden of proof as to cost rests with the offeror. The offeror’s proposal is presumed to represent his best efforts to respond to the solicitation. Any inconsistency whether real or apparent, between promised performance and cost should be explained in the proposal.

Unexplained inconsistencies resulting from the offeror’s lack of understanding of the nature and scope of the work required or lack of financial ability to perform the contract may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.

7.1.3. A tradeoff process will be conducted, in the best interest of the Government, to consider award to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror.

Proposals which are unrealistic in terms of technical expertise, unrealistically low or high in price, or indicates price reductions in subsequent options periods, unless fully justified and explained in detail; will be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence or indicative of failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the proposed contractual requirements and may be grounds for exclusion from the competitive range or otherwise elimination from consideration from the competition.

7.1.4. The offerors will prepare proposals based upon the description of the PWS.

7.2. EVALUATION FACTORS

7.2.1. The evaluation factors that will be considered in making an award under this solicitation are listed below:

a. Technical Capability

b. Past Performance

c. Price

7.2.2. – Factor 1, Technical Capability is the most important factor. Technical Capability is more important than Past Performance. The Past Performance Factor is more important than the

Price Factor. When combined all non price factors are significantly more important than Price.

THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTS THE FACTORS AND SUBFACTORS WHICH

WILL BE

USED FOR EVALUATION/SELECTION:

7.3.1 Factor I: Technical Capability. The Government will evaluate the Offeror's technical capability to determine the degree to which the information provided by the offeror in its proposal demonstrates the offeror's expertise in acquiring qualified personnel, managing, supervising, and performing in accordance with the contract requirements and the sub factors listed below:

Factor Order of Importance. With regard to relative importance, the Technical Capability Factor is the most important factor. Under Technical Capability, Sub-factor A (Understanding and

Capability to Conduct the Work) and Sub-factor B (Acquiring Personnel and Subject Matter

Experts and Management of Operations) are equal in importance and each is more important than Sub-factor C (Support Services). Sub-factor D Quality Control is more important than Past

Performance.

7.3.1.1. Sub-Factor A -- Understanding and Capability to Conduct the Work: Must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the required services; Capability with identifying, recruiting, hiring, and also maintaining senior level academic employees, professors, and other technical or administrative personnel to CONUS and OCONUS; and ability to work with senior officials CONUS and OCONUS to achieve program objectives.

7.3.1.2. Sub-Factor B – Acquiring Personnel and Subject Matter Experts and

Management of Operations: The contractor’s approach must demonstrate the ability to recruit and hire qualified and knowledgeable subject matter experts and personnel to accomplish PWS requirements. Resumes will be reviewed to see how well proposed personnel meet the qualifications listed in the PWS. The vendors’ approach for management of operations will be evaluated for adequacy of management style and method(s) of corrective action(s). The contractor must describe the contractor’s process for finding, identifying and recruiting qualified personnel. The Contractor must address how the contractor intends to meet the qualifications identified in the PWS, and should also identify those areas the contractor sees as critical to the customers for this contract, how it will monitor quality performance in those areas, and how it will maintain or exceed customer expectations, including identification and correction of problems. The offeror shall fully identify the qualifications of the proposed personnel it could employee on this contract effort to include access and pool of qualified surge personnel. The offeror shall provide the names of the proposed staff members and faculty for base year and surge requirements. Offerors should also indicate the availability of proposed individuals (i.e. Is the proposed individual an existing, bona fide employee of the offeror or will employment of the proposed individual be contingent upon award of this contractor?) The offeror shall provide the labor category/job title for each staff member.

7.3.1.3. Sub-Factor C -- Support Service: The contractor must describe approach for providing remote support services (Hotel, Transportation, Interpretation Support, Flights etc.) in support of programs held OCONUS.

7.3.1.4. Sub-Factor D -- Quality Control Plan (QCP): The QCP must demonstrate the contractor's ability to provide oversight, measurements, and reporting processes to ensure compliance with all contract requirements. The Quality Control Plan must include all elements in the PWS and Performance Requirements Summary; to include a comprehensive and effective

Safety and Security programs that complies with all contract safety and security requirements.

7.4. Factor II: Past Performance. Past performance information will be obtained from references provided by the offeror who completed the Past Performance Questionnaire and from other sources known to the Government or learned of in the course of the evaluation. Each offeror will be evaluated on performance under existing and prior contracts for similar services.

Performance information will be used for both responsibility determinations and as an evaluation factor. The Government will focus on information that demonstrates quality of performance relative to the size and complexity of the contract under consideration.

7.4.1. The Government may contact the references provided in the offer, former customers, etc.

to inquire about past performance to include, but not limited to, its reputation for conforming to terms and conditions, for accurately estimating and controlling costs, for adherence to contract schedules (including the administrative aspects of performance); for reasonable and cooperative behavior, and commitment to customer satisfaction. The Government may contact references other than those identified by the offeror. There are two aspects to the past performance evaluation.

7.4.2. The first is to evaluate the offeror’s past performance to determine how relevant a recent effort accomplished by the offeror is to the effort to be acquired through the source selection. In establishing what is relevant for the acquisition, consideration should be given to those aspects of an offeror’s contract history that would give the greatest ability to measure whether the offeror will satisfy the current procurement. Common aspects of relevancy include similarity of service/support, complexity, dollar value, contract type, and degree of subcontract/ teaming.

7.4.3 To receive consideration for award, a rating of no less than “Somewhat Relevant” must be achieved for Past Performance. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for who information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be assigned an unknown/not relevant rating and not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

7.4.4. The second aspect of the past performance evaluation is to determine confidence level on how well the contractor performed on the contracts. The past performance evaluation performed in support of a current source selection does not establish, create, or change the existing record and history of the offeror’s past performance on past contracts; rather, the past performance evaluation process gathers information from customers on how well the offeror performed those past contracts. Requirements for considering history of small business utilization are outlined at

FAR 15.304(c)(3)(ii) and DFARS 215.305(a)(2). The Past Performance Evaluation Team will review this past performance information and determine the quality and usefulness as it applies to performance confidence assessment. When evaluating how well the contractor performed on past contracts, the evaluators’ consideration will include, but is not limited to, quality of service;

timeliness of performance and business practices and customer satisfaction.

7.4.5. To receive consideration for award, a rating of no less than “Satisfactory Confidence must be achieved for the Past Performance Factor and each of the Past Performance Sub-factors. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for who information on past performance is not available, the offeror will be assigned an unknown/neutral confidence and not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.

7.5. FACTOR: Price: The entries the offerors make on the pricing schedule for the base period and each option period will be used for price evaluation. The proposed cost shall be commensurate with the offeror’s technical approach. Price will be evaluated and weighted, but not scored. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

7.6. PROPOSAL EVALUATION:

7.6.1. Technical Capability is the most important factor. Technical Capability is more important than Past Performance. Past Performance is more important than Price.

7.6.2. When combined all non price factors are significantly more important than Price.

7.7. AWARD PROCEDURES:

7.7.1. The Government intends to award to one offeror.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

6. Instructions to Offerors

6.1 Proposal Submission

6.1.1 Offerors shall submit the proposal in three (3) volumes.

a. Volume I: Technical Capability

b. Volume II: Past Performance

c. Volume III: Price

6.1.2. Offerors shall submit five (5) hard copy versions of their proposal. Four (4) of the copies shall have the offeror’s name and any other identifiers redacted or removed.

6.1.3. Text shall be single-spaced, on 8½” x 11” paper (except as specifically noted), with a minimum one-inch margin all around. Pages shall be numbered consecutively. A page printed on both sides shall be counted as two pages. Submission as double-sided printing/copying on recycled paper is encouraged. Offerors may use 11” x 17” sized fold-out pages for tables, charts, graphs, or pictures that cannot be legibly presented on 8½” x 11” paper. An

11” x 17” is a two-sheet equivalent (with regards to the page count limitations). Print shall be of a minimum 12-point font size or a maximum 10 characters per inch spacing. Bolding, underlining, and italics may be used to identify topic demarcations or points of emphasis. Graphic presentations, including tables, while not subject to the same font size and spacing requirements, shall have spacing and text that is easily readable.

6.1.4 Each volume in the proposal shall include a copy of the cover letter (letter of transmittal), title page and table of contents. The table of contents shall list sections, subsections and page numbers. Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used. Each acronym used shall be spelled out in the text the first time it appears in each proposal volume.

6.1.5. In addition to the paper copies identified above, the offeror shall submit all proposal information in electronic format on a CD. Text and graphics portions of the electronic copies shall be in a format readable by Microsoft (MS)

Word 2000. Data submitted in spreadsheet format shall be readable by MS Excel 2000. Oral presentation (if conducted) material shall be readable by MS Office 2000 or MS PowerPoint 2000. In case of conflict between the paper copy and the electronic copy of the proposals submitted, the paper copy shall take precedence.

6.1.6. Restriction of Disclosure/Proprietary Information. If the offeror wishes to restrict the disclosure or use of its proposal, use the legend permitted by FAR 52.215-1(e). Individual subcontractor/vendor proprietary information may be submitted via separate binders/CDs. The information contained in these binders/CDs must be referenced (by binder title, page and section number as appropriate) within the main proposal where the information would have been included if it were not subcontractor/vendor proprietary. The information in these separate binders/CDs is subject to all other requirements of the RFP and must be well-marked to clearly indicate any special handling instructions.

6.1.7. Cross Referencing. Each volume, other than the Cost volume, shall be written to the greatest extent possible on a stand-alone basis so that its content may be evaluated with a minimum of cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. Hyperlinking of cross-references is permissible. Information required for proposal evaluation, which is not found in its designated volume or cross-referenced, is assumed omitted from the proposal.

6.1.8 Period for acceptance of offers. The Offeror agrees to hold firm the prices in its offer for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

6.1.9 Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments. Should amendments be issued against this solicitation, the

Offeror shall acknowledge by signing the Standard Form (SF) 30 entitled Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract and include it in the proposal submission.

6.1.10 Offerors shall submit questions no later than, 11:00 am, EST, on 18 August 2015. Offerors shall submit the questions and comments via email to Woodrow Bell at woodrow.bell@dsca.mil.

6.2. Volume I: Technical Capability

6.2.1. Offerors shall submit a technical proposal of no more than forty (40) pages. The offeror shall include any assumptions and constraints to achieving PWS objectives within this 40 page limit. Proposal contents that exceed the stated page limitations will be removed from the proposal by the Contracting Officer, prior to turning the proposal over to the Government evaluation teams, and will not be considered in the evaluation. This volume shall be sufficiently specific, detailed, and complete as to demonstrate clearly and fully that the Offeror has a thorough understanding and knowledge of the complexities inherent in the performance of this requirement. Statements that the Offeror understands, can, or will perform the listed functions without supporting information or narrative are inadequate. Paraphrasing the PWS or parts thereof, is similarly inadequate, as are phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well-known” techniques will be used.” This volume shall be written such as to enable evaluators to make a thorough evaluation as to whether the services proposed adequately respond to the specific Government requirements.

(Notice: The Government reserves the right to reject any proposals that include any assumptions or conditions that impacts or affects the Government’s requirements.)

6.2.2. Sub-Factor A -- Understanding and Capability to Conduct the Work:

6.2.2.a. Offeror shall submit approach for identifying, recruiting, hiring and maintaining senior level academic employees, professors, and other technical or administrative personnel to work in CONUS and in geographical regions; and ability to work with senior officials CONUS and OCONUS to achieve program objectives.

6.2.2.b. Offeror shall address how the offeror intends to meet the qualifications identified in the PWS, and should also identify those areas the offeror sees as critical to the customers for this contract

6.2.3 Sub-Factor B – Acquiring Personnel and Subject Matter Experts and Management of Operations:

6.2.3.a. Offeror shall submit approach to recruit and hire qualified and knowledgeable subject matter experts and personnel to accomplish PWS requirements. Offeror shall submit resumes for all proposed personnel. Resumes shall be no more than three (3) pages. If proposing personnel that are currently performing services for the centers and the offeror is not the applicable incumbent, the offeror shall provide proof of the employees consent for the offeror to propose his/her services. The consent shall be in the form a letter signed and dated by the person, in question.

6.2.3.b. The offeror shall fully identify the qualifications of the proposed personnel it could employ on this contract effort to include access to and pool of qualified surge personnel. The offeror shall provide the names of the proposed staff members and faculty to meet the requirements of the PWS. Offerors should also indicate the availability of proposed individuals.

6.2.4 Sub-Factor C -- Support Services: The offeror shall describe approach for providing remote support services

(Hotel, Transportation, Interpretation Support, Flights etc.) to customers operating overseas.

6.2.5 Sub-Factor D – Quality Control Plan (QCP):

6.2.5.a The QCP shall demonstrate the contractor's ability to provide oversight, measurements, and reporting processes to ensure compliance with all contract requirements.

6.2.5.b. The QCP shall include all elements in the PWS and Performance Requirements Summary; to include a comprehensive and effective Safety and Security programs that complies with all contract safety and security requirements.

6.2.6. Page Limitations. The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables, glossary of abbreviations & acronyms, resumes, resume consent documentation and QCP do not count against page count limitations.

6.3. Volume II: Past Performance

6.3.1 Offerors shall submit Contractor Performance Data Sheets on at the most three previous contracts in the last 5 years with similar scope and size. Offeror shall submit a past performance summary sheet describing its experiences.

6.3.2 The information shall include:

a. Name of (past) customer

b. Name/Number of contract

c. Description of work performed

d. Period of performance of contact

e. Price of the contract.

f. Name of Point of Contact for the customer

g. Phone number and email of POC.

6.3.3 A Past Performance Questionnaire is included in the solicitation package. Offerors shall send copies of the

Past Performance Questionnaire to customers. Offerors shall instruct the customers to return the questionnaire directly to Mr. Woodrow Bell at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency Contracting Office. Past

Performance Questionnaires may be returned via email to woodrow.bell@dsca.mil or mailed or delivered to the addressed at paragraph 6.5.1 of this section. Offerors are to inform the vendors the questionnaires are due 3:00 pm, EST on 25 August 2015. OFFERORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROMPTING VENDORS TO SUBMIT

QUESTIONNAIRES, ON TIME.

6.3.4. The offeror may also submit relevant contracts performed by subcontractors that will perform under this contract, but under no circumstances may an offeror submit more than three contracts for review, regardless of whether the contracts were performed by the offeror, subcontractor(s), or any combination thereof. If subcontractor contracts are submitted, the offeror must also clearly indicate the percentage of work that the subcontractor(s) performed under each task/category of effort throughout the course of the contract.

6.3.5. If the offeror possesses no relevant past performance, it should affirmatively state this fact in the Contractor

Performance Data Sheets. Failure to submit the completed Contractor Performance Data Sheets shall be considered certification (by signature on the proposal) that the offeror has no past performance for like or similar items for the

Government to evaluate.

6.3.6. Volume II shall be no more than twelve (12) pages.

6.4. Volume III: Price Proposal.

6.4.1. CLIN Type Chart and Instructions

CLIN Type Applicable CLINs Instructions

Firm fixed Price (FFP) 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0007, 0008, 0009, 0010, 0017AA, 0017AB, 0018, 0019, 0020, 0021, 0022, 0023; 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1010, 1017AA, 1017AB, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021, 1022, 1023; 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2017AA, 2017AB, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Enter the Unit price and the Amount.

Labor Hour (LH) 0012, 0013, 0014, 0015, 0016, 0024, 0025, 0028, 0029, 0030, 0032AA, 0032AB, 0032AC; 1012, 1013, 1014, 1015, 1016, 1024, 1025, 1028, 1029, 1030, 1032AA, 1032AB, 1032AB; 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2024, 2025, 2028, 2029, 2030, 2032AA, 2032AB, 2032AC

Enter the Unit price and the Amount.

Cost Reimbursable (Travel) 0033, 0034: 1033, 1034; 2033, 2034 An estimated ceiling price will be pre-filled by the Government. There is nothing for offerors to enter. No fees shall be added.

mailto:woodrow.bell@dsca.mil

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (ODC) 0011, 0026, 0027, 0031AA, 0031AB, 0031AC; 1011, 1026, 1027, 1031AA, 1031AB, 1031AC;

2011, 2026, 2027, 2031AA,

2031AB, 2031AC

An estimated cost amount will be pre-filled by Government. Offerors shall use the entered amount to calculate their fee and enter it in the space provided. Offerors shall note the fee percentage used in their calculations. IAW FAR 15.404-4(c)

(4) (C), the fee for cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts shall not exceed 10%

6.4.2. Offerors shall enter the UNIT PRICE and AMOUNT for each FFP and LH CLIN in the schedule of the solicitation. The entries in the schedule will serve as the price list for the labor category at the CLIN for which the

UNIT PRICE and AMOUNT are entered.

6.4.3. Travel CLINs and Overtime CLINs are Cost Type CLINs. No fee shall be added to Travel CLINs. The amount will be pre-filled. There is nothing for offerors to enter.

6.4.4. The ODCs, Research Program and Program Support CLINs have a pre-filled amount. Offerors are not to enter UNIT PRICE and AMOUNT for these CLINs. Offerors shall use the entered amount to calculate their fee and enter it in the space provided. Offerors shall note the fee percentage used in their calculations. In accordance with

FAR 15.404-4(c) (4) (C), the fee for cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts shall not exceed 10%. No other fees shall be applied other than the negotiated proposed fee. The Government shall consider the fixed fee amount price evaluation.

6.4.5. Contract Manpower Reporting. This shall be a Non Separately Priced CLIN.

6.4.6. Offerors may reproduce the schedule for easier entry of information. However, in the event of any errors concerning reproduced quantities and estimated ceilings, DSCA will use the quaities and estimated ceilings provided in the RFP to calculate totals using the offerors entries for unit prices and rate percentages.

6.4.7. Should amendments be issued against this solicitation, the Offeror shall acknowledge by signing the Standard

Form (SF) 30 entitled Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract and include it in the proposal submission. The offeror include the signature page of the solicitation and acknowledgement of all amendments in volume III.

6.4.8. Each offeror shall provide, as part of their proposal, a copy of their letter from the Defense Industrial Security

Clearance Office (DISCO) that grants their facility and security clearance levels. Offerors shall include a statement certifying that all personnel employed to perform under the resultant contract meet the qualifications (to include the requisite security clearances, and National Agency Checks) in the DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification

Specification, at Attachment 03. The executive officer at paragraph 5.2.7 of the PWS shall obtain and maintain a

Secret security clearance. Some of the distinguished professors and facilitators detailed at paragraph 5.2.11 of the

PWS may require a Secret security clearance. 5.2.11 addresses professors and facilitators that may be required due to surge effort.

6.5. Submission Information

6.5.1. All submissions are to be received no later than 2:00 pm EST, on 28 August 2015.

All Mailed and Hand Delivered Submissions shall be delivered to:

Defense Security Cooperation Agency

ATTN: Mr. Woodrow Bell

201 12th Street South

Suite 203

Arlington, VA 22202

6.5.2. In accordance with contract provision 52.215-1, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMPETITIVE

ACQUISITION (Jan 2004), the Government intends to award a contract without discussions, but reserves the right to hold discussions if necessary. Since Offerors may correct deficiencies, as defined in FAR 15.001, only through discussions, Offerors are cautioned to examine this solicitation in its entirety and to ensure that their proposal contains all necessary information, provides all required documentation, and is complete in all respects. Failure to do so shall be at the offeror’s risk. The offeror’s initial proposal should contain the offeror’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. The government will not pay the Offeror for preparing the proposal.

PWS

PART I

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 GENERAL: The contractor shall provide qualified personnel to perform tasks in support of the Department of

Defense (DoD) Washington DC Regional Centers (Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies, Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), and the William J. Perry Center(WJPC) in accordance with this PWS.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: Tasks under the contract will be performed at Government owned facilities or Government leased facilities in the continental United States (CONUS) and Outside CONUS

(OCONUS). The regional centers are currently located at the National Defense University. The contractor will perform support services and technical assistance at regional center offices and other sites as designated by program needs. Contractor offices must be located in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

1.2 Background:

1.2.1 The Near East South Asia Center was launched in October 2000, the NESA Center’s mission is to enhance stability in the Near East and in South Asia by providing an academic environment where strategic issues can be addressed, understanding deepened, partnerships fostered, defense-related decision-making improved and cooperation strengthened between military and civilian leaders from the region and the United States.

1.2.1.1 The Center builds on the strong bilateral relationships between the United States and countries in the NESA region by focusing on a multilateral approach to addressing regional security concerns and issues. It is designed to meet the knowledge needs of national security professionals by providing a forum for rigorous examination of the challenges that shape the security environment of the region. The Center provides a focal point where national decision makers can gather to exchange ideas and explore tools for cooperative problem solving.

1.2.1.2 The core curriculum will examine four broad themes: regional strategic issues; the changing strategic environment; elements of security decision making; and tools for enhancing regional security.

1.2.1.3 Participation is open to military and official representatives from all countries in the NESA region with which the U.S. government maintains formal diplomatic relations, non-NESA countries that have strategic interests in the region and U.S. participants. Participants are nominated by their governments. The twenty-nine nations participating from the region include: Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United 1.2.4 Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and

Kyrgyzstan. Further information about the NESA Center can be found at their website (http://nesa-center.org/).

1.2.2 The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS): Launched in 1999, ACSS supports United States foreign and security policies by strengthening the strategic capacity of African states to identify and resolve security challenges in ways that promote civil-military cooperation, respect for democratic values, and safeguard human rights. The center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships.

1.2.2.1 ACSS builds strong relationships between the United States and African nations by focusing on defense institution building initiatives through the execution of security cooperation programs focused on Africa. This includes engaging African partners, states, and institutions through focused and efficient academic programs, outreach, and research as a conduit for an African security policy dialogue. Additional information about ACSS can be obtained at http://www.africacenter.org.

1.2.3 The William J. Perry Center (WJPC) for Hemispheric Defense Studies was established as the Center for

Hemispheric Defense Studies in September 1997, by directive of the Secretary of Defense, to enhance civilian partner capacity in the Americas. WJPC is the premier Western Hemisphere forum for strategic-level defense and security education, outreach, analysis, research, and ongoing dialogue regarding the development of effective security and defense policies and strategies within the region.

http://nesa-center.org/ http://www.africacenter.org/

1.3. SCOPE: The contractor will perform tasks in the design and implementation of events that will enable the appropriate regional center to conduct its current programs and other programs that will be developed. The tasks listed are those that are currently identified. During the course of the contract these tasks may be adjusted in coordination with the contractor to encompass additional similar tasks or to reduce the scope of the contracted support services. The Government shall provide the contractor with 60 days written notice before significantly reducing the scope of the services or functions required under the contract. DC regional centers programs will include, but are not limited to those listed in Annex A.

1.3.1 Approach: The contractor will conduct business in a fashion that is consistent with Federal and DoD regulations. The contractor shall provide technically qualified personnel, who are experienced in international policy, operations, administrative, logistics and support analysis services to support the detailed planning, organizing, coordinating and execution of numerous conferences, seminars and international programs as well as operation of the ongoing policy and outreach missions as specified in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Experience working with senior government and military personnel, and with the Department of Defense is desirable. The contractor will respond to the designated center Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), for policy and program guidance. CORs shall be designated at the task order level.

1.3.2. Objective: This Performance Work Statement (PWS) provides the Regional Centers extended and quick turnaround analytical research materials, seminar, conference, symposia, event, technical, logistical, and administrative support services. These tasks support RC seminars and other events from 1 August 2015 through 31

July 2016, and two one-year option periods, if exercised. The contractor will provide an experienced project manager, and appropriately skilled personnel as required to meet objectives. The contractor will also provide bilingual (where required), technically qualified, experience international policy, operations and support analyst to support the detailed planning, organizing, coordinating and execution of numerous research efforts, conferences, seminars and international travel programs as specified in the following tasks:

1.4 Period of Performance: The period of performance is for one 12 months base period and two 12 months options. Total contract period of performance including options is 36 months.

1.5 Operational Information:

1.5.1 Quality Control: The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which it assures itself that work complies with the requirement of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop quality control procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 3, “Performance Requirements Summary”. After acceptance of the quality control plan, the contractor shall receive the contracting officer’s acceptance in writing of any proposed change to the QC system. The QCP proposed in the solicitation shall be incorporated into the contract award.

1.5.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the Government must do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rate(s).

The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services.

1.5.3 Recognized Holidays: The contractor will not be required to work the below holidays:

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther King Day

President’s Day

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

1.5.4 Emergency Base or Government Office Closures: When contractor employees that are performing under firm fixed price CLINs are not allowed access to the worksite due to emergency closures, the contractor may invoice for the agreed upon amount, unless deliveries and schedule are affected. Should deliverables and schedule be affected the contractor and contracting officer will have to engage in discussion/negotiations to resolve. When contractor employees working under labor hour CLINs are not allowed access to the worksite due to emergency closures, the Government shall not be charged for the previously scheduled work hours, unless the contractor can show work was performed and the Government received a benefit. The contracting officer shall have the option of seeking remedies which permit the contractor to (a) reschedule the time lost due to base closure or (b) report to an alternate duty location.

1.5.5 Place of Performance: The contractor will perform support services and technical assistance at Regional

Center offices located at Fort Leslie McNair, in Washington D.C. on the campus of the National Defense University, with occasional domestic and international travel; and other sites as designated by program needs.

1.5.6 Type of Contract: A hybrid type of contract with the majority of the Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) being Firm Fixed Price with a few Labor Hour, Cost Reimbursable and Cost Plus Fixed Fee CLINs.

1.5.7 Special Qualifications. The Contractor shall provide qualified, experienced, and skilled employees, for tasks required under this contract. Individuals will be accepted for assignment to contract tasks based collectively on the qualifications stated in the contract, as required by the respective performance task, conforming to industry/government standards and related to the inherent requirements of the work to be done.

1.5.7.1 Categories of Services. The Government requires the following mix of contract services to perform this effort: (See detailed requirements under Part 5 Specific Tasks)

1.5.7.2 Administrative Support -- Performs a variety of administrative services/functions that are principally worked supporting the various departments at the RCs, such as report writing, program analysis, student affairs support, etc.

1.5.7.3 Technical Support -- Performs a variety of technical support services/functions, such as, logistical, budget, and accounting support.

1.5.7.4 Academic Support. Provide at the request of the government, qualified personnel support services to meet program requirements, for both programmed and un-programmed events, such as Facilitators, Guest Speakers, Panelist, and Adjunct Professors. These tasks will take place at the Regional Center facilities, and/or at other designated locations throughout the world. Academic support and facilitators must have a combination of practical experience and/or teaching experience in the required area of expertise.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS.

2.1 DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1 Contracting Officer (KO). A person duly appointed with the authority to enter into and administer contracts on behalf of the U.S. Government.

2.1.2 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A representative from the requiring activity assigned by the

Contracting Officer to perform surveillance and to act as liaison to the contractor

2.1.3 Cross-Cultural. Combining, pertaining to, or contrasting two or more cultures or cultural groups;

Comparing or dealing with two or more different cultures. For example, experience with one or more countries in

Africa.

2.1.4 Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with it in the Performance Work Statement.

2.1.5 Government Furnished Property (GFP). Property in the possession of, or directly acquired by the

Government and subsequently made available to the contractor.

2.1.6 Government Property. All property owned or leased to the Government or acquired by the Government under the terms of the contract. Government property includes both Government furnished property and contractor acquired property as defined in FAR 45.101.

2.1.7 Government Furnished Material (GFM). Material in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the

Government and subsequently made available to the contractor.

2.1.8 Government Material. All material that may be incorporated into or attached to a deliverable end item or that may be consumed or expended in performing a contract, i.e., raw and processed materials, small tools, supplies component parts, raw and processed materials.

2.1.9 Interest. Organizational or financial interest.

2.1.10 Professional and Consultant Services. Services rendered by persons who are members of a particular profession or possess a special skill and who are not officers or employees of the contractor.

2.1.11 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.12 Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

2.1.13 Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the government to assure services meet the requirements of the

Performance Work Statement.

2.2 ACRONYMS:

ACSS Africa Center for Strategic Studies

AA Academic Affairs

CCA Communications and Community Affairs

OD Office of the Director

DCOSO

L Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Logistics

DCOSA Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration

DoD Department of Defense

RC Regional Center

IAW In Accordance With

OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest

ODC Other Direct Costs

PRS Performance Requirements Summary

PWS Performance Work Statement

QC Quality Control

UIC Unit Identification Code

Surge Periodic services that may be requested for tasks as shown in sections 5.4.1 - 5.4.7.

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3.1 GENERAL: The government shall provide, the facilities, equipment, materials, and/or services listed below.

3.2 Equipment and Information: When authorized by the COR to perform on-site at Government facilities, adequate workspace, including desks, computer workstation setup, telephone, and other necessary equipment will be provided by the Government. The government will provide the contractor access to regulations, directives or other policy documents required to complete this task.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED

4.1 General: Except for those items specifically stated to be government furnished in Part 3, the contractor shall furnish all other items necessary to perform the required services.

4.1.1 Other Direct Costs (ODC): In order to perform the services described in this PWS the contractor may incur direct costs to purchase supplies and services needed to carry out day-to-day operations, programs, seminars, and other events. The contractor may obtain, after approval from the COR, such goods and or services necessary to perform the work described in the PWS. The contractor will, at all times, endeavor to minimize such costs. ODC’s are reimbursable at the Contractor’s actual cost with no allowance for profit or fee, per FAR 16.601(b).

4.1.1.1 Contractor Travel - An amount will be designated in a separate CLIN to cover costs for contractor travel.

Travel ODC’s are reimbursable at the Contractor’s actual cost with no allowance for profit or fee, per FAR

16.601(b). Actual travel will be coordinated with the COR and pre-approved by the KO.

4.1.1.2 Research Program - Contractor may be reimbursed for necessary incurred direct costs to support ACSS

Research Program and other programs pre-approved by the government. An amount will be designated in a separate

CLIN to cover costs for the Research Program.

4.1.1.3 When Regional Centers conduct events outside of the Washington DC area, the contractor may be reimbursed for costs of items or services purchased directly for the contract that the Contracting Officer has pre-approved. This includes costs for supplies and other support services overseas, to include lodging services, when such items or services are not available through government logistics or procurement systems.

4.1.2 Other Reimbursable Costs: The contractor will be reimbursed for its allowable direct costs allocable to the contract. For the purpose of reimbursing allowable costs, the term “costs” includes only those recorded costs that, at the time of the request for reimbursement, the Contractor has paid by cash, check, or other form of actual payment for items or services purchased directly for the contract.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. BASIC SERVICES. The contractor shall provide qualified Administrative and Technical support personnel to perform the tasks set forth in Part 5 of the PWS. The contractual support personnel shall be already trained in their positions. The contractor must provide the resume of all personnel performing on this contract. Before filling any vacancies during the performance of this contract, the contractor contractor shall provide the candidate’s resume to the government.

5.1. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE 1: The contractor shall provide qualified administrative, technical, management, and academic support personnel to perform the tasks set forth in Part 5 of the PWS. The contractual support personnel will be already trained in their positions.

5.1.2 Academic support and facilitators must have the combination of academic degree (PhD or JD preferred), practical experience, and/or teaching experience in the required area of expertise. Administrative, technical and management support personnel will be already trained to perform their tasks. Personnel shall possess the highest standards of personal deportment and judgment; possess demonstrated organizational abilities, and outstanding interpersonal and communications skills.

5.1.3 Personnel must be able to travel internationally to perform the required tasks. Personnel with cross-cultural experience are preferred.

5.1.4 Tasks: Lecture and facilitate seminar instruction, organize academic events, develop curriculum, advise students and fellows, and design and conduct research on topics of context of designated regional center.

5.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NESA CENTER:

5.2.1 Events Program Planning Manager (1 Year/12 Months/1880 hrs.)

Tasks: The Program Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing the continuity of NESA Center programs and for managing the staff of the Events Program Planning Office. Works with internal/external resources to secure needed materials and services. Ensures that short and long term completion milestones are reached and requirements are met. Conducts research and recommend vendors to support programs. Evaluate current planning procedures, recommend improvements and implement modifications. Responsible for managing staff of Events

Program Planners and academic intern program; create assignment schedule for event program planners and updates as required; conduct performance evaluations of Event Program Planners and academic interns; create training materials for new event program planning employees and implement standardized training programs; investigate opportunities for event planner continuing professional education; manage and standardize execution of seminar components which are universal to NESA seminars. Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOP) for domestic and international events and conduct in-progress reviews (IPR) and after action reviews with event planners. Assist Event Program Planners with travel requirements; acquiring airline tickets, filing pre and post travel vouchers, compile security information and manage cable transmissions, when necessary. Travel in support of international programs and train staff to properly perform pre/onsite/post international event requirements.

Conduct programs as assigned.

Qualifications: To successfully perform this task, a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college is required.

Three or more years of…