USUAFRRI_Animal_Husbandry_RFP.docx

Request for Proposals

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) is the Nation's federal health sciences university and is committed to excellence in military medicine and public health during peace and war. We provide the Nation with health professionals dedicated to career service in the Department of Defense and the United States Public Health Service and with scientists who serve the common good. We serve the uniformed services and the Nation as an outstanding academic health sciences center with a worldwide perspective for education, research, service, and consultation; we are unique in relating these activities to military medicine, disaster medicine, and military medical readiness. USUHS is located in Bethesda, MD on the grounds of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This is a request for proposals (RFP) in accordance with the procedures of FAR Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 15 - Contracting by Negotiation. The RFP incorporates all provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 05-72 (January 30, 2014) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) (January 29, 2014).

The selected contractor is required to provide animal husbandry staff for the Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM), Animal Husbandry Division (AHD) and the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute Veterinary Sciences Department (VSD), Animal Husbandry Division to maintain their successful programs of animal care. USUHS requires the services of part-time and full-time contractor employees for the purpose of filling gapped positions and to help with temporary increases in need.

This is a new requirement and there is no incumbent.

It is our intent to award a five (5) year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price task order contract with a ceiling of 4 million. This requirement is set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small-business (SDVOSB) under NAICS code 541940, Veterinary Services with a size standard of $7M. Vendors must be registered in the SAM.gov database (www.sam.gov) as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business under NAICS code 541940 by the due date for proposals.

The contract will be awarded using source selection procedures with best value trade-offs. The contractor must be in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local employment laws and regulations including withholdings, reporting, Service Contract Act (SCA) and visa restrictions.

Statement of Work

The contractor will provide animal husbandry staff for the Center for Laboratory Animal Medicine (LAM), Animal Husbandry Division (AHD) and the AFRRI Veterinary Sciences Department (VSD), Animal Husbandry Division to maintain their successful programs of animal care. Specifically, to provide husbandry and animal care for various species of animals used in research that includes but is not limited to rodents, rabbits, ferrets, ruminants, and swine in the USUHS labs and nonhuman primates, miniature swine, rats, and mice in the AFRRI labs. The contractor also needs to continually observe animals for early detection of illness and disease. In addition, the contractor needs to receive animals into the USUHS and AFRRI animal colonies, and make disposition of USUHS/AFRRI-owned animals. Fourthly, the contractor will need to maintain assigned equipment and animal areas and report deficiencies of the physical plant as needed. The contractor will also have to comply with all occupational health, safety, and security requirements and perform other related duties. Lastly, the contracted staff will assist in meeting all regulatory and accreditation standards.

The animal caretaker services are required seven days a week to include weekend and holidays to meet regulatory requirements and ensure animal welfare. Level I Animal caretakers must have a high school diploma or GED and be certified at the ALAT level within 6 months of hire, and at the basic level have a minimum of 1 year experience (more experience required at higher levels). In addition, they should have sufficient knowledge of different animal species’ husbandry requirements to enable them to perform all required duties. These personnel must have the ability to understand and operate sophisticated technological equipment (ventilated cage systems, autoclaves, cage washers, effluent tanks, biosafety cabinets) and complex management policies for animal care.

Minimum requirements:

-Knowledge of and the ability to recognize observable signs of illness, common diseases, and the general physical condition of animals -Recognize changes in physical activity of animals and discern causes or report the conditions to a supervisor -Knowledge of special feeding and handling requirements and the ability to adjust feed to compensate for animal’s condition -Knowledge of animals’ normal reaction and disposition when catching, handling, and restraining generally hard-to-control animals -Knowledge of mating and maturation of animals to oversee breeding, weaning, and separating, etc.

-Basic knowledge of detergent/disinfectant usage and operating knowledge of the following types of equipment: autoclave, automatic cage wash machine and tunnel washers, conveyer belts, bedding dispensers, bottle fillers, high pressure and steam cleaning devices, and floor scrubbing machines.

Animal caretakers that work at USUHS will perform a variety of duties required for the care and maintenance of one or more species of laboratory animals such as ferrets, rats, mice, gerbils, pigs, goats, rabbits, and others. Animal caretakers at AFRRI will perform duties associated with the care of primates, miniature pigs, mice, and rats.

Duties will include:

· Observe animals’ appearance and activity to detect obvious signs of illness, disease, discontent and general physical condition

· Determine type and amount of feed and liquid each type of animal is to receive

· Catch, handle and restrain various species

· Assess breeding and reproduction animals, determine weaning times, determine gender, and separate animals as required based on gender, weight, age, purpose of research, etc.

· Receive and process newly arrived animals; catch and issue animals to researchers and record issuing information

· Create and maintain records concerning food intake, illnesses, unusual conditions, supplies used, etc.

· Assemble, disassemble and move cages and equipment; unload, move and store feed, bedding, equipment and supplies

· Inventory animals on a periodic, regular schedule and maintain current, accurate inventory records

· Sweep and mop floors; clean and sanitize cages, rooms, holding areas and equipment

· Perform appropriate other duties as assigned

Animal caretakers must possess the physical strength, dexterity, an endurance to handle cages, rack, and large pieces of miscellaneous equipment, feed bags and other materials normally found in an animal research facility. Must also possess the ability to physically handle and restrain larger animals. All individuals shall be required to lift a minimum of 50 lb. The individuals working in the cage wash area must possess the physical stamina to be on their feet all day, lifting, pushing, and pulling equipment in an area that is noisy and has relatively high ambient temperature and humidity

A secret facility clearance is required prior to award for contractors working at AFRRI. Contractors will be required to provide a copy each employee’s certificate with the proposal. Contractors working at USUHS only need a criminal background check. If a recommended employee does not possess a secret facility clearance, they must apply prior to submitting their offer. Offerors that need USUHS/AFRRI to sponsor them must mention this in their proposal.

I. Task Orders:

I(a)(1). A task order will be written per FTE required by either USUHS or AFRRI. They will usually be done at a Firm Fixed Price rate, for a defined period of performance. Task orders will be issued via email to the designated point of contact (POC) for the selected offeror. Task orders will not exceed a one (1) year period.

II. Invoices:

II(a). The contractor shall submit an invoice via e-mail to the Contract Specialist after the end of each month. The invoices will be paid in arrears monthly.

II(b). Invoices shall be paid by government purchase card (GPC) or electronic funds transfer through DFAS upon submission of a proper invoice to the Contract Specialist. The Contract Specialist will compare the invoice to the task order which will be confirmed by the Government POCs.

II(c). The contractor will be responsible for compliance with all Federal, State and local employment laws and regulations including withholdings, reporting, Service Contract Act (SCA) and visa restrictions.

III. Background Investigation, ID Cards, Government Furnished Property, Other Considerations:

III(a). General Security Requirements: Background investigations will be required of contractor personnel. The contractor will conduct or arrange background investigations. This process involves the following steps:

· A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check - USUHS security department will provide fingerprinting services

· A National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI) check III(b). ID Cards: USUHS will verify and authorize the applicant's need for an ID card. USUHS security department will provide USUHS badges and act as Trusted Agent (TA) in order to obtain Common Access Card (CAC). TA enrolls contractor employee into the Contractor Verification System (CVS).

III(c). Base access: The Government POC will provide base access and system access. It is anticipated parking will not be provided for contractor employees. USUHS is metro accessible and offers a carpool program.

III(d). Contractor is required to comply with DoD requirements regarding access to Government information systems.

III(e). Contractor employees working with USUHS will be furnished the appropriate equipment inherent in performing the duties as defined in the task order position description.

III(f). Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring enforcement and compliance of all USUHS policies and procedures regarding occupational health and safety (OHS). Contractor is required to maintain an OHS plan with guidelines for contractor employees (veterinarian technicians, animal caretakers, etc.) who work with animals or human anatomical materials and the potential of exposure to diseases, foreign agents (biological or chemical) or other potential hazards such as those present with the use of syringes. This plan will include testing, training and treatment procedures. Incurred fees may not be billed separately to the Government, and should be factored into the selected offeror’s overhead. A draft plan shall be provided with the Contractor's proposal, followed by a detailed final draft version 15 calendar days after award of the contract.

IV. Task Order Modifications:

IV(a). The Contracting Officer may unilaterally modify an existing task order for the following:

Increase Hours Authorize Overtime Change Government POC SCA Adjustment Deobligate unbilled funds after 12 months

IV(b). The following modifications shall be bilateral:

Cancel Order Decrease Funding – unless period of performance is complete and final invoice is paid

VI. DoD-wide Contractor Manpower Reporting Requirements:

The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours required for performance of services provided under this contract for USUHS via a secure data collection site. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil.

Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year, beginning with 2014. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk at help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mil.

EVALUATION FACTORS

The government will award to the responsible vendor whose offer, conforming to this announcement, will be most advantageous to the government based on best value trade-offs.

The Government is not required to award to the lowest priced offeror or the offeror quoting the highest technically rated quote. Award will be made to the offeror whose offer is deemed the best value to the Government in regards to corporate experience, technically ability, past performance, and price.

All evaluation factors other than price, when combined are significantly more important than price. However, as non-price evaluation factors are rated more equally among technically acceptable offerors, the importance of price increases.

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions

The Government may reject any proposal that has been determined to be unrealistic in terms of price, when compared to the Government estimate, market research and other offerors. Proposals may also be rejected if the offeror does not display a clear understanding of the requirements or the terms and conditions in their proposal.

Evaluation factors are listed in their order of importance, with the most important being listed first.

I. Corporate Experience II. Technical III. Past Performance IV. Price I. Corporate Experience

a) Contractor is required to provide a narrative of their corporate experience in providing animal caretaker positions. This narrative must explain how that experience will be utilized to provide exemplary service at USUHS and AFRRI and discuss the similarities between USUHS/AFRRI and current customers. Offerors must also explain their experience with the Service Contract Act (SCA).

II. Technical

a) Contract is required to submit resumes of the employees expected to have working the contract. Resumes must show that the employee has the skills, certifications, and work experience to be an Animal Caretaker I or II.

b) Contractor is required to submit a quality assurance plan addressing how they will meet staffing needs as well as meeting all regulatory compliance issues.

c) Contractor is required to demonstrate subject matter expertise and submit their compliance plan for the Service Contract Act (SCA).

d) Contractor is required to submit an occupational health and safety (OHS) plan with guidelines for contractor employees who work with animals or human anatomical materials and the potential of exposure to diseases, foreign agents (biological or chemical) or other potential hazards such as those present with the use of syringes. This plan will include testing, training and treatment procedures. Fees will be provided for through Administrative Expenses. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring enforcement and compliance of USUHS policies and procedures regarding OHS. A draft plan shall be provided with the Contractor's proposal, followed by a detailed final draft version 15 calendar days after award of the contract.

e) A secret facility clearance is required prior to award for contractors working at AFRRI. Contractors will be required to provide a copy each employee’s certificate with the proposal. Contractors working at USUHS only need a criminal background check. If a contract employee does not possess a secret facility clearance, they must apply prior to submitting their offer. USUHS/AFRRI will sponsor if necessary.

III. Past Performance

The Government shall evaluate the offerors present and past performance within the past five (5) years. Offerors must provide contact information for three (3) of the most recent contracts with at least one year’s performance history of a similar complexity and scope as the USUHS requirement. The Government reserves the right to select which references to contact. The following must be provided for each listed contract:

· Name of agency and/or business and address

· Name of current point of contact including telephone number , e-mail address and title

· Contract number

· Contract value

· Contract period of performance

· Brief description of services provided

Offerors may provide copies of recent past performance evaluations. USUHS may request additional information at any time.

Offerors will have an opportunity to address any adverse past performance history. Offerors who do not have any past performance history will not be rated favorably or unfavorably, but will instead receive a Neutral/Unknown rating for past performance. Offerors must clearly state in their proposal if they do not have at least three (3) past performance references. Failure to address this information may render an offeror’s proposal non-responsive and may not be considered for award.

More than three (3) past performance references will be accepted.

A strong history of relevant past performance may be more advantageous to the Government than a less relevant record of favorable performance. The Government reserves the right to use data provided by the offeror and data provided by alternative sources in conducting its assessment of past performance history.

Offerors may also provide copies of completed CPARS evaluations completed within the last five (5) years in lieu of providing three (3) past performance references.

IV. Price

Offerors responding to this requirement must submit a per FTE rate per year for the entire duration of the contract (5 years: April 2014 – April 2019). Offerors may propose one rate per each position, which would be fixed for the duration of the contract or may propose up to five (5) different per position rates for each year of the IDIQ contract. The per position proposed rate of the selected offeror will be the fixed costs used for the duration of the contract to determine task order amount.

The number of contractor employees listed in the spreadsheet below is the expected number of animal caretakers that will be selected for this program. The Government will evaluate price by the total cost calculated for the entire five year performance period based on the number of expected contractor employees needed. The Government does not guarantee that the estimated number of positions listed below, will be the actual number of need contractors.

In order to be considered for award, offerors must submit the completed spreadsheet with their proposed pricing as part of their price proposal, to include a price breakout of what is all included in the proposed cost. The purpose is to ensure that the proposed pricing includes all requirements outlined in the solicitation and that the offeror has a clear understanding of what will be required for performance. Offerors who fail to provide either the pricing worksheet attached to this solicitation or the price breakout, may be considered non-responsive. Adjustments made to the bill rates may only be made based on SCA adjustments.

Sample:

Animal Caretaker I

USUHS

2.1

2.1

2.1

AFRRI

2.1

2.1

$28.88

$60,070.40

$60,070.40

$60,070.40

$60,070.40

$252,295.68

$252,295.68

$252,295.68

$252,295.68 $1,261,478.40

Animal Caretaker II

USUHS

1.1

1.1

AFRRI

$31.81

$31.81

$31.81

$31.81

$66,164.80

$66,164.80

$66,164.80

$66,164.80

$66,164.80

$66,164.80

$330,824.00

The price evaluated by the Government would be $1,592,302.40. The pricing proposed in the 2080 hours would be the fixed pricing listed in the IDIQ contract award and would only be subject to SCA adjustments.

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