Attachment 2 Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Methodology.doc

HQ0034-12-R-3022

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS AND EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

1.0 SPECIAL NOTICE TO OFFERORS

1.1 Offerors are advised that the Government may utilize Infinity Technology and their subcontractors and consultants, to assist during the source selection. The exclusive responsibility for source selection will reside with the Government. Proprietary information submitted in response to this solicitation will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") as implemented in the FAR. These companies are bound contractually by Organizational Conflict of Interest and disclosure clauses with respect to proprietary information. Contractor personnel assisting in the proposal evaluation are procurement officials within the meaning of the Act, and will take all necessary action to preclude unauthorized use or disclosure of a competing Contractor's proprietary data.

2.0 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments have resulted in an increasing number of requests from outside the Government for copies of contract qualifications and proposals submitted to federal agencies. If an Offeror’s submissions contain information that he/she believes should be withheld from such requestors under FOIA on the grounds that they contain “trade secrets and commercial or financial information” [5 USC§552(b)(4)], the Offeror should mark its submissions in the following manner:

· The following notice should be placed on the title page: “Some parts of this document, as identified on individual pages, are considered by the submitter to be privileged or confidential trade secrets or commercial or financial information not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Material considered privileged or confidential on such grounds is contained on page(s) _______.”

· Each individual item considered privileged or confidential under FOIA should be marked with the following notice: “The data or information is considered confidential or privileged, and is not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.”

3.0 SOLICITATION RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 GENERAL

3.1.1 The Offeror shall submit documentation illustrating their approach for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation as defined in the PWS. Proposals must be clear, coherent, and prepared in sufficient detail for effective evaluation of the offeror’s proposal against the evaluation criteria. Also, this documentation shall cover all aspects of this solicitation and include the Offeror’s approach for integration and program management activities. Proposals must clearly demonstrate how the Offeror intends to accomplish the project and must include convincing rationale and substantiation of all claims. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete effective response to the solicitation are not desired.

3.1.2 The Offeror shall describe its proposal, through the use of graphs, charts, diagrams and narrative, in sufficient detail for the Government to understand and evaluate the nature of the approach. In its evaluation and confidence assessment, the Government will consider the degree of substantiation of the proposed approaches in the proposal volumes and in response to any discussions. Nonetheless, the Government is seeking substance, not gloss.

3.1.3 All correspondence in conjunction with this solicitation should be directed to the Government's Point of Contact (POC) identified below:

Benjamin Bryant Phone: 703-545-1227 Fax: 703-607-5052

E-mail: Benjamin.Bryant@whs.mil

AND

Dhavid Cayanan

Ph: 703-545-0595

Fax: 703-607-5052

E-mail: Dhavid.cayanan@whs.mil

3.1.3.1 Solicitation information and amendments will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fbo.gov. Offerors shall e-mail written questions requesting clarification of the RFP to the Government via the Contract Specialist, Benjamin Bryant at: Benjamin.Bryant@whs.mil. Telephone calls will not be accepted . The Government will answer questions received up to 25 April 2012. Questions received after this date may not be answered.

3.1.4 Submission Address. All copies of the proposals shall be sent or hand-carried to:

Washington Headquarters Services/Acquisition Directorate

DO NOT OPEN IN MAILROOM – ATTN Benjamin Bryant/Dhavid Cayanan

RFP: HQ0034-12-R-3022

2521 South Clark Street, Suite 3000

Arlington, VA 22202

Phone: 703-545-1227 / 703-545-0595 () Hand carried proposals must be hand delivered of the receiving Contract Specialist or alternate by the date and time specified for receipt of proposals. Failure to meet this time will render your proposal late. Offerors shall call either Benjamin Bryant or Dhavid Cayanan when at Security Guard Desk at street entrance.

Any proposal, modification, or revision, that is received at the designated Government office after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the contracting officer determines that accepting the late proposal would not unduly delay the acquisition; and there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of proposals and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of proposals

3.1.5. Submission Due Dates. Completed proposals must be received by 16 May 2012 at 12:00 Noon EST. The Government POC will provide a receipt showing the time and date of delivery upon request.

3.2 PROPOSAL VOLUMES REQUIREMENTS

3.2.1The proposal shall be accompanied by a cover letter (letter of transmittal) prepared on the company’s letterhead stationery. The cover letter (letter of transmittal) shall identify all enclosures being transmitted and shall be used only to transmit the proposal and shall include no other information. The first or title page shall be in accordance with FAR 52.215-1, paragraph (c)(2).

The following are further descriptions of the information that shall be provided with the proposal.

Volume

Reference Elec. Copies

Paper Copies Page Limit

Executive Summary

I. Management Approach

2. Demonstration of relevant experience via Project Data Sheets

III. Small Business Requirements

IV. Price

V. Contract Information

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FACTOR VOLUME REQUIREMENTS

3.2.2 FACTOR 1:

MANAGEMENT APPROACH (Volume I) Page Limit 30 The Management Volume shall be organized in the following format:

Sub-Factor 1 Technical Approach (Volume I, Section 1)

Sub-Factor 2 Quality Control Plan (Volume I, Section 2)

Sub-Factor 3 Management Plan (Volume I, Section 3)

3.2.2.1 Sub-Factor 1 – Technical Approach (Volume I, Section 1). The Offeror shall provide the technical approach for delivering high quality laboratory and collection services as defined in the PWS. Describe the firm’s technical approach in performing the resulting contract while focusing on the optimal use of resources to meet all performance requirements required to maintain successful operations of the CBRNE laboratory operations to include laboratory analysis and collection services, equipment maintenance/calibration, procurement of consumables/supplies/equipment. At a minimum, the offeror should discuss the following:

(a) The offeror’s knowledge of the analytical methods and limitations of detection of biothreat agents as listed in section 1.3.1 of the PWS.

(b) The offeror’s competency in and supply of sufficient ancillary laboratory equipment with current documented certification to handle workload as listed in section 2.2 of the PWS.

(c) Processes and procedures the offeror will use to ensure sufficient manning in case of surge in data samples as listed in section 2.3 as it relates to on-site laboratory services, reachback capabilities, and collection services.

(d) The offeror’s ability to utilize and provide technical support for a laboratory information management system (LIMS) that will be used to disseminate test results, track specimens, provide trending for quality control statistics and field samples as listed in section 2.2.3 and 3.6 of the PWS.

(e) Documentation of certification for pipettes, Class II biological safety cabinets, and centrifuges as listed in section 17.0 Appendix E: Consumables/Supplies/Equipment.

(f) Examples of the offeror’s performance of process optimization, new method validation design, and implementation as listed in section 6.0 of the PWS, specifically responding to how the firm will design, conduct, and implement the sample study as seen in Attachment 3.

(g) Evidence where the offeror utilized corrective action/preventive action (CAPA) reports and ability to perform associated root cause analysis as seen in section 8.1 of the PWS.

(h) Demonstrated ability of the offeror to utilize PCR and ECL as analytical techniques to identify biothreat agents as proved by performance in Proficiency Testing as in PWS 2.1.9 and, 2.2.2.

(i) Demonstrated current ISO 17025 accreditation as required in section 2.1.9 of the PWS.

(j) Demonstrate that all key personnel proposed by the offeror shall, at a minimum meet or exceed the criteria required to perform under 12.1 of the PWS. Submit the resumes for all key personnel as described in the Performance Work Statement. Resumes are not included in the final page count. However, individual resumes are limited to only two pages per individual. Resumes shall contain the following minimum information to demonstrate the proposed individuals meet the minimum qualifications specified in the Performance Work Statement.

1. Name

2. Current Job Title

3. Proposed Position

4. Employment Status – Specify whether the proposed individual is currently employed by the prime or subcontractor

5. Dates and Company Name for experience with other firms

6. Education (Degrees, Year, Specialization, additional training)

7. Experience and Qualifications

8. Security Clearance –ability to obtain/maintain clearance required as defined in Performance Work Statement NLT 16 June 2012.

3.2.2.2 Sub-Factor 2 – Quality Control Plan (Volume I, Section 2). Submit your firm’s proposed Quality Control Plan and discuss the roles and responsibility of the QC Specialist. Offerors shall address the following:

(a) Your firm’s proposed plan for ensuring quality in the delivery of services from the transition from the current contract throughout the entire period of performance of the contract.

(b) Your firm’s safety plan, specifically the Medical Surveillance Plan, as required in section 9.0.

(c) Evidence of your firm providing SOP development, training plan, and document control as listed respectively in sections 2.1.8 and 3.3 of the PWS.

(d) Your firm’s ability to prepare QA samples, provide statistical analysis of results, and separate personnel performing this task from those performing sample analysis as seen in section 2.2.3 of the PWS.

Note: This can be further defined in SubFactor #3 Management Plan.

3.2.2.3 Sub-Factor 3 – Management Plan (Volume I, Section 3). Describe your management approach to performing the resulting contract in accordance with the Performance Work Statement.

Present your firm’s proposed organizational chart and discuss the proposed management and organizational structure, including lines of authority for key personnel, and organizational relationships with proposed subcontractors in relation to this requirement. Indicate to what extent your firm has worked with the proposed subcontractors in the past. The prime should clearly identify the limits of responsibility for subcontractors. Discuss how the contractor’s organization will interface with the Government team members. Offerors shall also describe their plan for providing a seamless transition of all operations from the outgoing performer to the incoming performer smoothly and without interruption of ongoing operations. The proposed transition period shall be completed within 30 calendar days from the commencement date of the contract. The anticipated commencement date for the transition is 18 June 2012. Submit a transition plan and schedule detailing how the firm will ensure that all requiste staffwill be in place with proper security clearances to perform the duties assigned at actual start up. All transition actions shall be coordinated with Government Representatives and shall include, but is not limited to, the requirements found in section 7.0 of the PWS as follows:

· Lab analysis transition

· Collection transition

· Transfer of Government Furnished Equipment

3.2.3 FACTOR 2:

PAST PERFORMANCE (Volume II) Page Limit 20

3.2.3.1 The offer shall submit up to a total of five projects. The projects can be any combination of projects between the prime contractor (at least three (3) projects) and subcontractor(s) to be evaluated for Factor 2 – Past performance. The Project Data Sheets will contain information used to evaluate Past Performance. Regarding past performance, offeror shall provide a brief history of the project to include the agency or firm for whom the work was or is being performed, the contract number, the date of award, the period of performance, the contract/project value, the type of contract (IDIQ, fixed price, cost reimbursable, time and material, etc.), whether the offeror performed as a subcontractor or as a prime, the Point of Contact information (including name, telephone and fax number and the title of a reference who can verify quality of performance on the project(s) identified).

3.2.3.2 Projects listed may include those entered into by Federal Government, agencies of state and local governments, and commercial customers for the same or similar services as described under this RFP. If a firm has no relevant past performance history of the same or similar scope, size, or complexity of this requirement, the proposal must affirmatively state that it possesses no past performance experience of the same or similar scope, size, and complexity.

3.2.3.3 For all projects submitted that have been complete or substantially completed within the past three (3) years of the RFP closing date, offerors are responsible for having each of their customer POCs complete a Past Performance Questionnaire as seen in Attachment 4. The customer must return the Past Performance Questionnaire directly via email to the Contracting Office as indicated in the questionnaire.

Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Bidders

3.2.3.4 References other than those identified may be contacted by the Government in the evaluation of the firm’s past performance. The Government reserves the right to contact and verify past performance experience with references, and to use any other past performance information available to the firm. Additional past performance data may be obtained through the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting Systems (CPARS) or similar systems, other Government departments and agencies, program managers, contracting officers, an other sources known to the Government (including commercial sources). Offerors will be given the opportunity address any negative performance information resulting from the past performance assessment inquiries.

3.2.3.5 Failure to provide the correct, current telephone and fax number, and/or email address for each point of contact (POC) listed may result in a lower rating for this factor.

3.2.4 FACTOR 3: SMALL BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS (Volume III) Page Limit 10

3.2.4.1 Small Business Participation Commitment (applicable to all offerors): The offeror shall submit a Small Business Participation Commitment which specifies the offeror’s level of commitment to small business participation in the performance of the CBRNE Laboratory Analysis and Collection Services. The Small Business Participation commitment will be incorporated into the contract and shall be binding on the contractor. Small Business Participation Commitment is required from all offerors, including companies with commercial plans and comprehensive subcontracting plans. The contractor shall report actual achievement of small business award results on a quarterly basis using the Small Business Participation Reporting format at Attachment 7 and shall discuss initiatives to assist, promote, and utilize small business (SB), small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUB Zone) small business, veteran-owned small business (VOSB) and service-disabled and veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).

The Small Business Participation Commitment shall address the following:

(a) The extent to which the offeror will utilize small business (SB), small disadvantaged business (SDB), women-owned small business (WOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUB Zone) small business, veteran-owned small business (VOSB) and service-disabled and veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB).

(b) The proposed approach to utilize small businesses to include addressing types of work to be performed, and contractors performing the work, as well as, the extent of the total contract value to be performed by small businesses, including documentation supporting the proposed participation percentage.

(c) The proposal shall include the offeror’s specific commitment to utilize small business expressed a percentage of the total contract value. This commitment shall for a minimum of 20%, of the total contract value being performed by small business concerns. In the event that the prime contractor is a small business, the total amount of the prime contractor’s participation shall be included in the calculation of the small business commitment.

3.2.4.2 Formal Agreements and Letters of Intent (applicable to large business offerors): The offeror shall submit copies of signed formal commitments and/or signed letters of intent to subcontract work with specific small businesses as described above in section 3.2.4.2.

3.2.5 FACTOR 4: PRICE FACTOR REQUIREMENTS (VOLUME IV) No Page Limit

(a) While the Contracting Officer anticipates that pricing for this acquisition will be based on adequate price competition and therefore does not require submission of certified cost or pricing data, offerors are cautioned against unbalanced and unrealistic pricing and should reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed, take into account differences in skills, the complexity of various disciplines, and professional job difficulty.

(b) Price Reasonableness: Note that unrealistically low or high-proposed prices, initially or subsequently, may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition either on the basis that the offeror does not understand the requirement or has made an unrealistic proposal. Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their reasonableness. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed prices rests with the offeror.

(c) Volume Organization. The Offeror’s Price volume shall consist of the following:

Pricing information and supporting data:

a. Base year and Option years

1. CLIN 0001 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 12.1.3 (shall not be more than 1 FTE)

2. CLIN 0002 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 12.2.2

3. CLIN 0003 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 12.2.1

4. CLIN 0004 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 12.2.2

· Offeror shall provide the price for proposed on-site labor for CLINs 0001-0004 to maintain 24/7 laboratory analysis services IAW the PWS paragraph 2.0. The price shall identify all labor categories, the number of hours for each labor category, and labor rates.

5. CLIN 0005 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 2.2

· Offeror shall indicate the total value of reachback capabilities, broken into the following items: off-site labor mix (including labor category number of hours for each labor category, and labor rates); transition price (shall be factored in the initial and conclusion of contract performance) IAW the PWS paragraph 7.0; any additional price items not represented in CLINs 0001 – 0004 & 0006-0010.

6. CLIN 0006 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 2.3

· Offeror shall submit a price reflecting a Not to Exceed (NTE) amount, limited to 35% of the price for CLINs 0003 and 0004 in addition to 5% of CLIN 0005. Actual price will be determined and labor validated at time of Surge.

7. CLIN 0007 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 3.0

· Offeror shall provide pricing to provide collections services in addition to the current 10 locations as follows:

· 1 – 10 Locations

· 10 – 20 Locations

· Pricing shall provide labor mix, including labor category number of hours for each labor category, and labor rates.

8. CLIN 0008 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 6.0

· Offeror shall submit a price proposed based on the sample special study as seen in Attachment 3. Special Studies shall utilize on-site and reachback services in addition to new equipment as needed. Pricing for services shall provide labor mix, including labor category number of hours for each labor category, and labor rates. Actual price will be determined and labor and equipment prices validated at time of Special Study.

9. CLIN 0009 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 16.0

· Offeror shall submit a price for all items as indicated in the Price List.

10. CLIN 0010 and its option years – IAW the PWS paragraph 17.0

· Offeror shall submit a price for all items based on the estimated monthly quantity in the Price List.

b. The total amount of CLIN 0009 and 00010 and its option years shall reflect the total price of all priced items listed in Attachment 5 (Price List) Attachment 3 (Sample Special Study) is provided to show how this CLIN will be utilized. This job sample is provided for information purposes only. Actual prices, delivery and description of CLIN 0009 and 0010 will be identified in individual delivery orders IAW the attached PWS Para 6.0.

c. Person-Loading Schedule and Basis of Price: Submit a person-loading schedule that is a summary of the total proposed hourly required by the proposed technical approach. These hourly requirements are to include (but separately identify) subcontractor(s) and inter-divisional transfer(s) hours. The proposal shall include a narrative discussion of the basis of estimate for all proposed price elements, including detail supporting the proposed hours by labor category, labor rates, material, and other direct costs, overhead and profit.

d. Labor Skill Mix: The proposal shall include labor classification statements for each category of labor proposed (prime, subcontracts, and inter-divisional) describing position qualifications (education, years of experience, etc.).

3.2.7 CONTRACT INFORMATION VOLUME REQUIREMENTS (VOLUME V)

This volume should also include the information to support the overall responsibility of the offeror. In accordance with FAR 9.104-1 the offeror should provide information to demonstrate that it meets the following standards:

(a) Has adequate financial resources to perform the contract, or the ability to obtain them (see 9.104-3(a));

(b) Is able to comply with the required or proposed delivery or performance schedule, taking into consideration all existing commercial and governmental business commitments;

(c) Has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics (for example, see Subpart 42.15);

(e) Be otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations (see also inverted domestic corporation prohibition at 9.108).

4.0 SOLICITATION RESPONSE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Page Limitations. The cover letter, title page, table of contents, table of figures, list of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms do not count against page count limitations. 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.

4.2 Format. Text shall be single-spaced, on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper (except as specifically noted), with a minimum one-inch margin all around. Pages shall be numbered consecutively. No pages should be printed on both sides, 11” x 17” sized fold-out pages may be used for tables, charts, graphs, or pictures that cannot be legibly presented on 8 ½” 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 (10-pitch, pica) 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.

4.3 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.

4.4 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) Office 2000, MS Word 2000. Data submitted in spreadsheet format shall be readable by MS Office 2000, MS Excel 2000. Offerors shall ensure that proposal disks are virus free, and free of password protection. If any portion of the electronic files are unreadable, the Contracting Officer will notify the offeror and permit the offeror to resubmit the” unreadable portion” of the proposal. The method and time for resubmission will be prescribed by the Contracting Officer. The resubmission will be considered as if it were received at the date and time of the original unreadable submission provided the offeror complies with the time and format requirements for the resubmission. In case of conflict between the paper copy and the electronic copy of the proposals submitted, the paper copy shall take precedence.

4.5 Each volume shall be bound separately in hard side three-ring binders (e.g., Section 4.4 Executive Summary in a binder, 4.5.1 Factor Title in a binder, etc.). CDs shall be “read-only” CDs formatted for Microsoft Windows NT with one exception. One of the Volume IV Price disks shall be in read-or-write format with spreadsheets unlinked to any other spreadsheets or other files. The other copy may contain links, but only to documents/ spreadsheets that have been submitted as part of the proposal.

4.6 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.

4.7 Cross Referencing. Each volume, other than the Price 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. Information required for proposal evaluation, which is not found in its designated volume or cross-referenced, is assumed omitted from the proposal.

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

BASIS OF AWARD

5.0 The Government will fully evaluate a offers ONLY IF the offer receives a “pass” for the following five items; however, a “pass” for all items does not guarantee award. Offerors will only be eligible for award after an evaluation is conducted in accordance with the criteria set forth in the Instructions, Conditions, Notices, and Evaluation Methodology of this solicitation. The five items are as follows:

· The offeror unconditionally accepts the terms and conditions of the RFP

· The offeror submits all required information specified in the RFP by the closing date/time

· All members of the offeror’s team (prime, subcontractors, joint venture partners, etc.) must all have an active Secret facilities clearance on the date the proposal is submitted (NOTE: the Government will not sponsor a contractor for a security clearance)

· Small Business Subcontracting Plan: The Offeror must submit a Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR clause 52.219-9 Alternate II. The offeror’s Subcontracting Plan will be reviewed for compliance with FAR 52.219-9, Alt II and DFARS 252.219-7003. The small business subcontracting plan shall be submitted separately from the Small Business Participation Commitment required under Factor 3, which applies to both Large and Small Business. The Subcontracting Plan is not a requirement for evaluation in source selection, but rather, a requirement for award to a Large Business and a matter of responsibility (this section will not count towards offeror’s page limitation).

· The offeror is register under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380 with a small business size standard of $12.0 million.

5.1. The Government intends to award one (1) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for CBRNE Laboratory Analysis and Collections Services. The contract will have a base year of twelve (12) months and four (4) option years. Contract award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose offer, in conforming to this RFP, provides the overall best value to the Government, management plan, past performance, small business requirements,, and price considered. The Government's objective is to obtain the highest technical quality considered necessary to achieve the project objectives with a realistic and reasonable price.

The Government reserves the right not to make an award as a result of this competition if it is in the opinion of the Government that none of the submissions will provide satisfactory performance at a price that is considered fair and reasonable and/or economically feasible.

Offerors are cautioned to submit sufficient information. Offerors may be asked to clarify certain aspects of their proposal (e.g. the relevance of past performance information) .Communication conducted to resolve minor or clerical errors will not constitute discussions and the Contracting Officer reserves the right to award a contract without the opportunity for proposal revision.

The government intends to award without discussions with respective offerors. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed, by the Contracting Officer, to be in the best interest of the Government.

6.0 EVALUATION FACTORS AND RATING METHODOLOGY

6.1 EVALUATION FACTORS

Factor 1 – Management Approach SubFactor 1: Technical Approach

SubFactor 2: Quality Control

SubFactor 3: Management Plan and Key Personnel

Factor 2 – Past Performance

Factor 3 – Small Business Requirements

Factor 4 – Price

Order of Precedence: Factors 1-3 are significantly more important that Price (Factor 4). In regards to the stated non-price factors, Factor 1 is equal in importance to Factor 2. Factors 1 and 2 are more important than Factor 3. Within Factor 1, Subfactors 1-3 are of equal importance. Factor 4, price will become more important as factors become more equal. While the Government anticipates award to the responsible Offeror whose offer provides the overall best value to the Government, no award will be made based on superior technical capability when the proposed price is considered unreasonably high or low, or when the additional price is not justified by the advantages of an award based on technical superiority.

NOTE: Information contained in the Executive Summary into consideration in the evaluation of Factors 1, 2, 3, or 4 will NOT be considered in the evaluation.

6.1.2 Factor 1 Management Approach

The Management Approach will be evaluated as a measure of merit and the Government’s confidence. The Management Approach Factor is subdivided into three sub-factors of equal importance:

Sub-factor 1 – Technical Approach

Sub-factor 2 – Quality Control Plan

Sub-factor 3 – Management Plan

6.1.2.1 Sub-factor 1 – Technical Approach

The Government will evaluate the technical approach to ensure successful execution of laboratory and collection services in accordance with sections 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 of the PWS. The Government will specifically evaluate the extent to which the offeror presents the following:

(a) The offeror’s knowledge of the analytical methods and limitations of detection of biothreat agents as listed in section 1.3.1 of the PWS.

(b) The offeror’s competency in and supply of sufficient ancillary laboratory equipment with current documented certification to handle workload as listed in section 2.2 of the PWS.

(c) Processes and procedures the offeror will use to ensure sufficient manning in case of surge in data samples as listed in section 2.3 as it relates to on-site laboratory services, reachback capabilities, and collection services.

(d) The offeror’s ability to utilize and provide technical support for a laboratory information management system (LIMS) that will be used to disseminate test results, track specimens, provide trending for quality control statistics and field samples as listed in section 2.2.3 and 3.6 of the PWS.

(e) Documentation of certification for pipettes, Class II biological safety cabinets, and centrifuges as listed in section 17.0 Appendix E: Consumables/Supplies/Equipment.

(f) Examples of the offeror’s performance of process optimization, new method validation design, and implementation as listed in section 6.0 of the PWS, specifically responding to how the firm will design, conduct, and implement the sample study as seen in Attachment 3.

(g) Evidence where the offeror utilized corrective action/preventive action (CAPA) reports and ability to perform associated root cause analysis as seen in section 8.1 of the PWS.

(h) Demonstrated ability of the offeror to utilize PCR and ECL as analytical techniques to identify biothreat agents as proved by performance in Proficiency Testing as in PWS 2.1.9 and, 2.2.2.

(i) Demonstrated current ISO 17025 accreditation as required in section 2.1.9 of the PWS.

(j) Demonstrate that all key personnel proposed by the offeror shall, at a minimum meet or exceed the criteria required to perform under 12.1 of the PWS. Submit the resumes for all key personnel as described in the Performance Work Statement. Resumes are not included in the final page count. However, individual resumes are limited to only two pages per individual. Resumes shall contain the following minimum information to demonstrate the proposed individuals meet the minimum qualifications specified in the Performance Work Statement.

1. Name

2. Current Job Title

3. Proposed Position

4. Employment Status – Specify whether the proposed individual is currently employed by the prime or subcontractor

5. Dates and Company Name for experience with other firms

6. Education (Degrees, Year, Specialization, additional training)

7. Experience and Qualifications

8. Security Clearance –ability to obtain/maintain interim clearance required as defined in Performance Work Statement NLT 16 June 2012.

6.1.2.2 Sub-factor 2 – Quality Control Plan

Evaluators will assess the degree to which the offeror’s quality control plan will ensure the contractor will deliver the highest quality professional laboratory and collection services meeting or exceeding all elements of Section 8.0, starting with the transition from the current contract throughout the entire period of performance. Evaluators will assess the offeror’s response to the following:

(e) Your firm’s proposed plan for ensuring quality in the delivery of services from the transition from the current contract throughout the entire period of performance of the contract.

(f) Your firm’s safety plan, specifically the Medical Surveillance Plan, as required in section 9.0.

(g) Evidence of your firm providing SOP development, training plan, and document control as listed respectively in sections 2.1.8 and 3.3 of the PWS.

(h) Your firm’s ability to prepare QA samples, provide statistical analysis of results, and separate personnel performing this task from those performing sample analysis as seen in section 2.2.3 of the PWS.

6.1.2.2 Sub-factor 3 – Management Plan

Evaluators will assess the degree to which the offeror’s organizational capabilities and management structure is suitable to meeting or exceeding all elements of the PWS, including the capability to provide staff which meet or exceed the criteria specified in sections 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0, and 6.0 of the PWS. The evaluators will also assess the proposed lines of responsibility, authority, and communication through which the CBRNE Laboratory Analysis and Collection Services will be managed to include reachback services as listed in section 2.2 of the PWS. The Transition Plan will be evaluated to ensure it meets the criteria set forth in the PWS.

6.1.3 Factor 2 – Past Performance

6.1.3.1 Offerors will be evaluated on the quality of their past performance for the contracts they have identified that are currently on-going or have been completed within the past five (5) years from the closing date of this RFP. Projects performed as the prime will be considered more favorably in the evaluation of past performance than projects performed as a subcontractor.

6.1.3.2 The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s record of past performance in “recent” and “relevant” contract efforts. With regard to past performance, the terms “Offeror includes the prime contractor, subcontractors, and/or teammates. “Recent” means contracts that are on-going or have been completed within five (5) years from the closing date of this RFP. “Relevant” means performance of work similar in size and scope under similar conditions. Relevancy will be decided based on the following criteria:

· Demonstrated experience testing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and electrochemiluminescense (ECL) / immunoassay methodologies and results of PT demonstrating competency.

· Demonstrated knowledge of method and limitations of detection of the biothreat agents of interest.

· Demonstrated ability to optimize procedures to improve sensitivity of method.

· Demonstrated ability to operate a high throughput laboratory in BSL 2/3 mode

· Demonstrated ability to utilize design/engineering controls necessary to accommodate and contain DNA amplification.

· Demonstrated ability to understand work flow processes for PCR activity.

The Government will evaluate the extent to which the offeror provides testing participation and results over the past two (2) years.

6.1.3.3 Additionally, the Government will evaluate whether the Offeror has consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction and timely delivery of quality services at fair and reasonable prices by reviewing the Offeror’s record of the following:

· Quality of products and services

· Timeliness and adherence to schedules

· Resource Management

· Customer Satisfaction

· Overall contract performance

· Results of proficiency testing participation and results of past (Results shall not be older than 30 April 2010)

6.1.3.4 Offerors without a record of relevant past performance or for when information for past performance is not available, will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and will be rated neutral on Past Performance.

6.1.4 Factor 3 - Small Business Requirements.

Small Business Participation Commitment The offeror’s level of small business participation commitment will be evaluated on the following:

(a) The realism of the proposed approach to small business utilization. Realism is defined by the extent to which the offeror provides a reasonable breakdown of work across various small business subcontractors in addition to providing copies of formal commitments to use such firms (i.e. formal agreements/letters of intent).

(b) The extent that participation of small businesses will exceed 20% of the total contract value.

Offers shall be evaluated based on an overall approach, considering realistic approach and commitment level.

*If the offeror is a small business, the small business participation commitment will be evaluated based on the realistic approach to which the offeror will successfully complete more than 50% of the work.

6.1.5. Factor 4 - Price. The Price Proposals shall include prices for all Contract Line Items (CLINS). The Offeror shall price all CLINS including the base period and all options periods. The Offeror must complete the proposed unit and extended prices for each line item in Section B for each Contract Line Item, including all option periods. Offerors shall provide an Excel spreadsheet with a price summary breakdown and a narrative to verify pricing for the base and option years. The Excel spreadsheet shall show the basis for the pricing of each contract period identifying the breakout by price element for the base and option years.

6.2 EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

6.2.1 The following adjectival ratings will be used to rate Factors 1 and 3, including sub-factors. A determination of “Unacceptable” renders the entire proposal unacceptable and therefore will NOT be considered for award. The proposal must be rated “Marginal” or higher overall to be considered for award.

· Outstanding: Proposal meets requirements and indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

· Good: Proposal meets requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements. Proposal contains strengths, which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

· Acceptable: Proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. Risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

· Marginal: Proposal does not clearly meet requirements and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. The proposal has one or more weaknesses, which are not offset by strengths. Risk to unsuccessful performance is high.

· Unacceptable: Proposal does not meet requirements and contains one or more deficiencies. Proposal is unawardable.

6.2.3 Factor 2 - Past Performance - There will be two aspects to the evaluation of the Past Performance. The first aspect is to evaluate the offeror’s past performance to determine how relevant a recent effort accomplished by the offeror to the effort to be acquired through this source selection. The second aspect is “Confidence”. “Confidence” for Past Performance is an assessment of the Offeror’s demonstrated ability to successfully perform the requirements of the contract based on how well they have performed on recent, relevant contracts. As such, “Confidence” in the Past Performance evaluation is assessed against the required level of performance vice the proposed level of performance. A determination of “No Confidence” renders the entire proposal unacceptable and therefore will not be considered for award.

6.2.3.1 Relevancy: The following definitions will be used for the relevancy ratings for each project:

· Very Relevant: Present/past performance effort involved essentially the same scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Relevant: Present/past performance effort involved similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Somewhat Relevant: Present/past performance effort involved some of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

· Not Relevant: Present/past performance effort involved little or none of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

6.2.3.2 Confidence: The following definitions will be used for the confidence ratings for the overall Past Performance:

· Substantial Confidence: Based on the offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

· Satisfactory Confidence: Based on the offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

· Limited Confidence: Based on the offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a low expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

· No Confidence: Based on the offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has no expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

· Unknown Confidence (Neutral) No recent/relevant performance record is available or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned.

6.2.4. Factor 4 - Price Factor. The Offeror's price proposal will be evaluated to determine whether it is reasonable, reflects a clear understanding of the requirements, and is consistent with the methods of performance described in the offeror's technical proposal. The overall evaluated prices will be used to develop the relative price rankings of the proposals, and will include the following:

CLIN 0001 and its option years

CLIN 0002 and its option years

CLIN 0003 and its option years

CLIN 0004 and its option years

CLIN 0005 and its option years

CLIN 0006 and its option years

CLIN 0007 and its option years

CLIN 0008 and its option years

CLIN 0009 and its option years

CLIN 0010 and its option years - For the purpose of the price evaluation, the total amount of CLIN 0010 and its option years shall reflect the total price of all priced items with the assumed annual quantity listed in Attachment 5 (Price List).

Price Realism and Reasonableness: The Offeror's price proposal will be evaluated to determine price realism and reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.404-1. Price realism relates to an offeror demonstrating that the proposed price provides an adequate reflection of the offeror's understanding of the requirements of this solicitation, i.e., that the price is not unrealistically low or unreasonably high or presents an unacceptable risk to the Government. The Government reserves the right to reject proposals whose prices are determined to be unreasonably high or unrealistically low. Price will not be scored or receive an adjectival rating.