Attachment_4_--_Exhibit_No._1.docx

Attachment 4 EXHIBIT No. 1 -- EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

MERIT FACTORS TO BE EVALUATED

The following merit factors will be used to evaluate the proposals. Merit factor 1and 6 are twice the importance of merit factors 2, 3, and 4. Merit factors 2, 3, and 4 are of equal importance. Merit Factor five 5 will be considered 1/4 of importance as factors 2, 3, and 4.

Merit Factor 1 - Experience Merit Factor 2- Past Performance Merit Factor 3- Professional Qualifications Merit Factor 4 - Resources Merit Factor 5 - Location of Prime and Subcontractors Merit Facto 6 – Sample Task Order Technical Proposals

MERIT FACTOR 1 -EXPERIENCE

This area will be evaluated on the subfactors listed below. Subfactor A is equal to Subfactor B.

Subfactor A - Management

Demonstration of managerial ability for a minimum of 3 complex projects (e.g. multiple governments, agencies, states, disciplines, etc.) through documented history of timely completion of past projects and efficient organizational framework.

Subfactor B - Specialized Experience

(1) Demonstrate experience (5 years minimum) in studies/analysis of environmentally sensitive areas, with emphasis on biological preservation and ecosystem enhancement in the southwestern United States, especially in the international border to include the Rio Grande and the Colorado River ecosystems.

(2) Demonstrate experience (5 years minimum) in preparation of EAs, FONSIs, EISs, RODs, etc. and conduct public participation programs in development of environmental documents. Demonstrate experience in post construction monitoring.

(3) Demonstrate training (last 3 years) in hydraulics modeling, ecosystem preservation, surveying, and GIS development.

(4) Demonstrate experience (5 years minimum) working on historical resource projects to include mitigation projects with the State Historical Preservation Office, development of HABS/HAER documentation, archaeological field studies, and historical inventories.

MERIT FACTOR 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE

Subfactors A, B, C, D, E, and F are of equal importance. Subfactors A, B, C, D, E, and F are more important than subfactor G, quality awards.

Subfactor A - Quality of Service - compliance with contract requirements, accuracy of reports, technical excellence.

Subfactor B - Timeliness of Performance - met interim milestones, reliable, responsive to technical direction, completed on time, including contract administration. No liquidated damages assessed.

Subfactor C - Cost Control; within budget; current, accurate and complete billings.

Subfactor D - Business Relations - effective management; reasonable/cooperative behavior; flexible; effective contractor recommended solutions.

Subfactor E - Customer Satisfaction - satisfaction of end user with the contractor's service. Proposal shall provide a list of past contracts. A performance survey will be emailed to each reference as determination of customer satisfaction. The IBWC may conduct follow-up phone conversations if necessary.

Subfactor F - Receipt of widely recognized quality awards or certifications.

Examples are the Malcolm Baldridge Quality award, or equivalent award, covering entity submitting the offer.

Assessment of the Offeror's past performance will be one means of evaluating the credibility of the Offeror's proposal, and relative capability to meet performance requirements.

Information utilized will be obtained from the references listed in the proposal, other customers known to the Government, consumer protection organizations, and others who may have useful and relevant information. Information will also be considered regarding any significant subcontractors and key personnel records. The Government will utilize the information in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS).

Evaluation of past performance will often be quite subjective based on consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances. It will include a determination of the Offerors commitment to customer satisfaction and will include conclusions of informed judgment. However, the basis for conclusions of judgment will be documented.

Award may be made from the initial offers without discussions. However, if discussions are held, Offerors will be given an opportunity to address unfavorable reports of past performance, if the Offeror has not had a previous opportunity to review the rating. Recent contracts will be examined to ensure that corrective measures have been implemented. Prompt corrective action in isolated instances may not outweigh overall negative trends.

If an Offeror, or the proposed employees for the Offeror, does not have a past performance history relating to this solicitation, the Offeror will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on this factor.

MERIT FACTOR 3- PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

This area will be evaluated on the subfactors listed below. Subfactor A is of equal importance as Subfactor B.

Subfactor A - Project Manager or Principal Investigator

(1) At least one Ph.D. degree will be represented for at least five of the disciplines listed in the Statement of Work (engineering, environmental sciences, biological sciences, ecological sciences, cultural, and natural resources).

(2) Education level and professional experience (5 years minimum) of key personnel including relevant disciplines research experience as supported by vitae, a list of authored reports, articles and research and/or management reports.

(3) Experience (5 years minimum) with study methods and techniques, NEPA and related laws and regulations.

Subfactor B - Field Supervision

(1) At least one Masters Degree will be represented for the five disciplines listed in the Statement of Work (engineering, environmental sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, cultural, and natural resources).

(2) Education level (Bachelors Degree) and professional experience (3 years minimum) of key personnel including relevant disciplines research experience as supported by vitae, a list of authored reports, article and research and/or management reports.

(3) Experience (3 years minimum) with study methods and techniques, NEPA and related laws and regulations.

MERIT FACTOR 4 – RESOURCES

This area will be evaluated on the subfactors listed below. Subfactor A is higher in importance than Subfactor B.

Subfactor A - Key Personnel and team composition and availability.

(1) Show team composition with minimum of 50% "in-house" capabilities.

(2) Demonstrate rapid response capabilities of accomplishing work orders (provide at least 2 examples).

Subfactor B - Capabilities of performing work in the United States and Mexico border region.

(1) Show awareness of Mexican laws and regulations as evidenced by environmental projects conducted in both countries.

MERIT FACTOR 5 - LOCATION OF PRIME AND SUBCONTRACTORS

This area will be evaluated on the subfactors listed below. Subfactor A is of equal importance as Subfactor B.

Subfactor A - An office for the Project Manager and key personnel should be located within 200 miles of the border preferably located near El Paso, Texas.

Subfactor B- The subcontractor's key personnel should have key offices located near the United States and Mexico border preferably with offices in key cities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

MERIT FACTOR 6 – Sample Task Order TECHNICAL PROPOSALS This factor will evaluate the sample task order technical proposals to the three (3) Work Plans submitted in response to the three (3) Statements of Work (SOW) provided in Section L of the Solicitation. The Work Plans shall be prepared in accordance with section 5.3 Work Plans as provided in the PWS. All subfactors are equal in weight.

Subfactor A – Understanding of the SOW requirements.

(1) Work Plan provides a detailed plan to accomplish the goals of the SOW and shows an understanding of the requirements and needs of the SOW.

(2) Proposal is written in a concise and professional manner that allows the reviewer to confidently assess the work plan.

Subfactor B – Personnel Qualifications

(1) Proper and sufficient personnel are assigned to accomplish the requirements and needs of the SOW.

(2) Personnel possess the proper education, experience, specialized credentials to competently accomplish the requirements of the SOW.

Subfactor C – Resource Allocation

(1) Proper resources are allocated to complete the requirements of the SOW.

(2) Resources are properly allocated so that only needed resources and no waste are used in the completion of the requirements of the SOW.