AETC PWS Sections K-M_18 June.pdf

ID07210019/42QFWA21Q0046

Solicitation Section K - M

General Services Administration

Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)

Greater Southwest Region

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Solicitation Number 47QFWA21Q0046

AAS FILE ID07210019

Course Development and Delivery Services for the

AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AIR EDUCATION AND

TRAINING COMMAND (AETC)

Performance Work Statement

(PWS)

NAICS CODE is 541519 (Other Computer Related Services)

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

(Sections K, L, and M)

June 16, 2021

PROPOSAL DUE DATE AND TIME

All Submissions for Proposal MUST be RECEIVED BY GSA: JULY 18th at 3:00PM Central Time

PART IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K:

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS or

RESPONDENTS

K.1.0 Required Representations and Certifications (Standalone Documents):

The following information contains representations and certifications (REPS and CERTS). Some of these REPS and CERTS will be incorporated by reference (IBR), others will be included by Full Text.

K.2.0 FAR PROVISIONS – REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

K.2.1 FAR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS INCOPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions

(FEB 2007)

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that require Certain Internal Confidentiality (JAN 2017)

52.222-38 Compliance with Veterans’ Employment Reporting Requirements (FEB 2016)

52.223-1 Bio-based Product Certification (May 2012)

52.223-4 Recovered Material Certification (May 2008)

K.2.2 FAR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN FULL TEXT

52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan-Certification (AUG 2009).

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Business operations means engaging in commerce in any form, including by acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling, possessing, leasing, or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real property, or any other apparatus of business or commerce.

Marginalized populations of Sudan means-

(1) Adversely affected groups in regions authorized to receive assistance under section 8(c) of the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (Pub. L. 109-344) ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 note); and

(2) Marginalized areas in Northern Sudan described in section 4(9) of such Act.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate-

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional Government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

(b) Certification. By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror does not conduct any restricted business operations in Sudan.

(End of provision)

52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran-Representations and Certifications (AUG 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision- Person-

(1) Means-

(i) A natural person;

(ii) A corporation, business association, partnership, society, trust, financial institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor, and any other business organization, any other non-governmental entity, organization, or group, and any Governmental entity operating as a business enterprise; and

(iii) Any successor to any entity described in paragraph (1)(ii) of this definition; and

(2) Does not include a Government or Governmental entity that is not operating as a business enterprise.

Sensitive technology-

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically-

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3) of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

(b) The offeror shall e-mail questions concerning sensitive technology to the Department of State at CISADA106@state.gov.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this provision or if a waiver has been granted in accordance with 25.703-4, by submission of its offer, the offeror-

(1) Represents, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that the offeror does not export any sensitive technology to the Government of Iran or any entities or individuals owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of, the Government of Iran;

(2) Certifies that the offeror, or any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not engage in any activities for which sanctions may be imposed under section 5 of the Iran Sanctions Act. These sanctioned activities are in the areas of development of the petroleum resources of Iran, production of refined petroleum products in Iran, sale and provision of refined petroleum products to Iran, and contributing to Iran's ability to acquire or develop certain weapons or technologies; and

(3) Certifies that the offeror, and any person owned or controlled by the offeror, does not knowingly engage in any transaction that exceeds $3,500 with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps or any of its officials, agents, or affiliates, the property and interests in property of which are blocked pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (see OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List at https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/SDN- List/Pages/default.aspx).

(d) Exception for trade agreements. The representation requirement of paragraph (c)(1) and the certification requirements of paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this provision do not apply if-

(1) This solicitation includes a trade agreements notice or certification (e.g., 52.225-4, 52.225-6, 52.225-12, 52.225-24, or comparable agency provision); and

(2) The offeror has certified that all the offered products to be supplied are designated country end products or designated country construction material.

[End of Section K]

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

L.1.0 General Solicitation Information

a) This solicitation is for a Multiple Award IDIQ Performance-Based Commercial services contract to be solicited, evaluated, and awarded in accordance with FAR Part 15. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541519, Other Computer Related Services.

All Submissions for Proposal MUST be RECEIVED BY GSA: JULY 18th at 3:00 PM Central Time

To be eligible for award, the contractor must have this NAICS on their www.sam.gov registration

b) ACQUISITION STRATEGY:

● Competitive

● Commercial

● Severable

● Multiple Award

● Women Owned Small Business Set Aside

● Base Period POP: 12 months

● Option 1 POP: 12 Months

● Option 2 POP: 12 Months

c) The offeror’s proposal shall clearly demonstrate in detail an understanding of both general and specific requirements, as well as convey the Offeror’s capability for transforming its understanding into successful performance based on the information provided within the PWS.

d) It is the offeror’s responsibility in identifying material that may be proprietary to mark each page that the offeror believes contains proprietary information with the notation that says: “(Company Name) Proprietary Information.”

e) Information requested herein must be furnished in writing and be fully and completely in compliance with the RFP instructions. The information requested and the manner of submission is essential to permit prompt evaluation of all proposals on a fair and uniform basis. Simple statements of compliance without the detailed description of how compliance will be accomplished may not be considered sufficient evidence that the Offeror can meet the contract performance requirements and may result in technical unacceptability or an association of greater risk to successful performance posted by an Offeror’s proposal concerning particular evaluation factor(s).

f) The contractor must submit proposals by the date and time established in the RFP notice posted in GSA's Electronic Ordering System (ASSIST 2.0). If you are unable to attach your proposal in GSA's Electronic Ordering System due to some type of technical difficulty, you must report the problem to the CO via email at lisa.riche@gsa.gov, in sufficient time prior to closing to allow for the submission of the proposal via an alternative method determined by the CO.

g) SPECIAL NOTE: Failure to register properly in GSA’s Electronic Ordering System, ASSIST 2.0, is not an acceptable reason for the inability to submit a proposal or to receive communications regarding this solicitation.

h) The only method by which any term of the solicitation may be modified is by a formal amendment to the solicitation generated by the issuing office. No other communication made whether oral or in writing (e.g., Q&A prior to response closing date and time, clarifications, etc.) will modify or supersede the solicitation.

i) The Government reserves the right to make a selection based upon initial proposals; therefore, the offeror should submit its best terms in its initial proposal. In accordance with FAR 15.306, the Government also reserves the discretion to confer with the offeror and request revised proposals if needed, establish a competitive range, and may also determine to make no award.

j) The offeror shall thoroughly examine all solicitation documents and instructions. Failure to do so will be at the offeror’s own risk. Failure to comply with all of the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Government’s elimination of the offeror’s proposal from further consideration for award.

k) If the Offeror is aware of a mistake, ambiguity, or identifies a contradiction, they must immediately bring this to the attention of the Contracting Officer to be corrected or clarified.

L.1.1 Solicitation Questions

Any questions regarding this procurement shall be sent via e-mail to janet.gilliam@gsa.gov and lisa.riche@gsa.gov with the subject line “RFP Questions on SOLICITATION #ID07210019,” no later than June 27th, 2021 at 5:00 PM Central Time. In posing questions, the offeror must cite the relevant solicitation document, section, and page number. Questions should be written in a manner that enables a clear understanding of the Offeror’s questions or concerns. Questions must also be written in a manner that allows the Government to share the questions and responses with all other offerors. Questions will be answered on a non-attribution basis to protect the identity of the individual(s) asking the questions, but they will be shared. Statements expressing opinions, sentiments, or conjectures are not considered valid inquiries and will not receive a response. Further, the offeror is reminded that GSA will not address hypothetical questions aimed at receiving a potential “evaluation decision.”

The Contracting Officer will provide written answers to questions which will be provided via an amendment to the solicitation, posted to ITSS, and will be viewable to interested offerors.

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L.2.0 Pre-Submission Information

L.2.1 General Submission Guidelines:

a) The solicitation will be posted to www.sam.gov.

b) After viewing the solicitation, interested offerors need to contact the (ITSS) helpdesk to register and gain access to the system. Phone number for ITSS helpdesk is 877-472-4877

c) After gaining access to the system, interested offerors are required to send an email to lisa.riche@gsa.gov to provide confirmation that they have access to the system.

d) Interested offerors shall submit their proposals with the correct volumes identified no later than the submission close date of the solicitation.

L.3.0 Submission Instructions

All information submitted for evaluation must be contained within the seven (7) volumes as described below:

L.3.1 Volume 1: Cover Letter/Executive Summary

The Offeror shall provide a one-page document on business letterhead that clearly lists the following information:

a) A document providing the DUNS number, Tax ID, and listed Business name of the Prime as it appears in the System for Award Management (SAM).

b) Listed Business Name and DUNS number of any subcontractors

c) Email and Phone number for Key Points of contact for any Prime and Subcontractors

L.3.2 Volume 2: Previous Experience (PE)

a) Offerors will be evaluated on relevancy to the scope, size, and duration of requirements.

b) The projects submitted for Previous Experience must be within the last three (3) years of the solicitation response due date.

c) Offerors shall submit no more than three (3) Previous Experience projects.

d) Offerors must submit documentation of previous projects that meet the relevancy to scope, size, and duration of requirements as they relate to Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI) Storyboard mailto:lisa.riche@gsa.gov and Course Creation Production.

e) A Previous Experience project submission shall not exceed two (2) Pages.

f) Total Previous Experience submission shall not exceed six (6) pages in total.

g) The Government will only evaluate the first six (6) pages of the Previous Experience submission.

h) Offerors MUST utilize the Information Sheet provided in Appendix D in preparation of Previous

Experience documentation.

i) A higher overall rating will be assigned to the Previous Experience factor for offerors whose submit 3 projects that meet all of the evaluation criteria.

L.3.3 Volume 3: Technical Approach (TA)

● Technical Approach: Description of the Contractor’s knowledge and understanding of the requirements as outlined in the solicitation. Includes the methodologies, processes, and techniques used to successfully complete the solicitation requirements.

● Feasible: Can successfully accomplish the tasks with the resources identified. Determine if requirements can be met with the anticipated technology, and if the required functionality and performance can be met by the chosen technology, for all planned and anticipated operational scenarios. The offeror needs to clearly provide a crosswalk of labor categories to be used and how the labor categories are related to the accomplishment of the tasks listed in Section 4 of the PWS.

● Practical: Logical approach that does not introduce a high level of risk in order to successfully complete the task requirements. The proposal should clearly describe how the contractor’s Technical Approach is manifested in practice or action; not theoretical. The Technical Approach should also clearly demonstrate the contractor’s capabilities.

● Appropriate: A suitable approach that is within the scope of the task and satisfies all the task requirements (right tool for the job). Ensure Technical Approach aspects are assessed for technical and functional appropriateness, adequacy, and compliance with requirements.

● The offeror must demonstrate in detail in the TA submission the following tasks and how they relate to the feasibility, practicability, and appropriateness;

o Describe in detail how to perform major tasks and subtasks outlined in Section 4 of PWS o Describe in detail Quality Control process for deliverables o Demonstrate capability to provide on-demand content development services and interactive multimedia products o Describe how they will staff for the three categories/levels of curriculum development during the performance period of the contract o Demonstrate the understanding of IMI development process o Describe test and training evaluation plans for courseware o Describe how technical support, planning, consultation, analysis, and expert advice will be provided in regard to Air Force training o Describe how staff will implement industry-standard practices to create standardized competency development projects o Demonstrate how staff will develop, maintain, and update training curriculum

Offerors’ Technical Approach must not exceed fifteen (15) pages in total.

L.3.4 Volume IV: Pricing

**The prices included in the pricing spreadsheet will be used for evaluation purposes only and will not be incorporated into the contract.

a) The Offeror must use the pricing worksheet provided with the solicitation (Attachment 6: Pricing

Spreadsheet to establish their pricing for this requirement and provide rates for all of the labor categories listed within the pricing spreadsheet.

b) Rates provided in the pricing worksheet must be fully burdened labor rates. No additional G&A or

Material and Handling (M&H) will be authorized

c) The hours provided in Attachment 6: Pricing Spreadsheet are estimates only but will be used for purposes of evaluation. They do not constitute a guarantee of any kind. The actual requirement may require more or less hours than those listed in the pricing spreadsheet.

d) This requirement is for a Firm Fixed Price contract. In an effort to receive the highest quality solution at the best value, the Government requests all available discounts by the contractor for this requirement

e) Travel will be required for this contract.

f) Surge Support may be required for this contract.

h) Travel and Surge Support dollar values are used in the price basis for evaluation purposes and shall not be changed from the figures in the pricing spreadsheet.

i) During performance, only actual costs for travel are reimbursed in accordance with the Federal

Travel Regulations (FTR).

j) Options Clause FAR 52.217-9 has been included. Offerors will submit pricing for all of the Options included in the pricing spreadsheet. Pricing will be evaluated to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.

Reference Section M.1.10 Evaluation of Options for additional information to price Options.

k) Do not include or address price in any other volume of the proposal unless otherwise directed.

L.3.5 Volume V: Subcontracting Capability

a) The offeror shall describe its ability to establish a subcontract with another firm for a dollar value of at least $1 Million Dollars.

b) Offerors shall submit at least one (1) example of a subcontracted project valued at $1 Million Dollars or more.

c) Offerors shall submit no more than three (3) subcontracted projects valued at $1 Million Dollars or more.

d) Offerors submitting three (3) projects that meet the evaluation criteria will receive a higher rating.

e) Subcontracting Capability submission shall not exceed one (1) page to include the size, scope, and name(s) of the firm(s) that were subcontracted.

f) Offerors will be evaluated for the size and scope of the project(s) submitted.

L.3.6 Volume VI: Past Performance

The offeror shall complete and submit two (2) Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaires

(Attachment 9).

L.3.7 Volume VII: General Administrative Requirements

L.3.7.1 Organizational Conflict of Interest

a) The Offeror shall provide a separate one-page document on business letterhead that clearly states if the firm HAS or HAS NOT identified any potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest. If the firm has not identified any organizational conflicts of interest, then no further action is required.

b) If the firm has identified Organizational Conflicts of Interest, then they must clearly be described and a mitigation plan must be provided for review by the Contracting Officer.

L.3.7.2 Representations and Certifications

a) The Offeror must review, complete, sign, and submit all representations and certifications as specified in Section K of the solicitation. Reference Attachment 8 Full Text Representations and Certifications in addition to the information listed within Section K of the solicitation.

L.3.7.3 Exceptions to the RFP Provisions

a) The Offeror shall provide a separate one page document on business letterhead that clearly states that the firm DOES or DOES NOT take any exceptions to the RFP provisions, clauses, PWS or other information within the solicitation.

b) If the offeror takes any exceptions, the exceptions shall be clearly listed within the document.

L.3.7.4 Completed and Signed SF1449

a) The Offeror shall complete, sign, and submit the SF 1449, (Attachment 11).

b) Fill in Block 17a with Firm’s name and address

c) Enter TOTAL amount for all CLINs to include OPTIONS in Block 26.

d) Complete and sign Blocks 30A, 30B, and 30C

L.3.7.5 Authorized Signatory

a) On a separate one-page document the Offeror shall certify and submit that the individual signing the SF1449 has the legal authorization on behalf of the business firm to legally bind the business to the proposal being submitted.

L.4.0 Provisions Incorporated by Full Text

FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Firm Fixed Price contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from

Lisa M. Riche, Contracting Officer lisa.riche@gsa.gov 819 Taylor Street, Room 13A33 Fort Worth, TX 76102

(b) The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.242-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its proposal. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov

(End of Provision)

FAR 52.252-5 Authorized Deviations in Provisions (Apr 1984)

(a) The use in this solicitation of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) provision with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the date of the provision.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (48

CFR 2) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “(DEVIATION)” after the name of the regulation. (End of Clause)

L.5.0 Provisions Incorporated by Reference

52.204-7 System for Award Management (OCT 2018)

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (JUL 2016)

52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (JUL 2016)

52.215-22 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges-Identification of Subcontract Effort (OCT 2009)

52.215-23 Limitations on Pass-Through Charges (OCT 2009)

52.237-10 Identification of Uncompensated Overtime (MAR 2015)

L.6.0 GSA INFORM 2.0

FAR Part 15 (required debriefing)

FAR Part 16 (if over $5.5M)

A. Overview of the IN-depth Feedback through Open Reporting Methods (INFORM 2.0)

Process

This solicitation is part of an initiative using the INFORM 2.0 process which is designed to enhance the quality and usefulness of post-award communications by providing greater transparency and openness into the procurement process. INFORM 2.0 seeks to increase GSA-industry communication by providing clearer and more complete information to explain the award decision.

Through the INFORM 2.0 process, GSA will seek to share additional information with offerors in writing and/or through an oral feedback meeting that is not required by statute or regulation. For purposes of this solicitation, and in addition to any information required by FAR 15.503 and 15.506, GSA is providing each offeror with the opportunity to participate in the INFORM 2.0 process as further discussed below.

B. Detailed Description of the INFORM 2.0 Process

B.1. Component 1 - Notification of Award

After award and in accordance with any post-award notification timeframes required by regulation (i.e., FAR Parts 15.503(b) and 16.505(b)(6)), the contracting officer will issue written notices to the successful and unsuccessful offerors (the Notification of Decision

Statement (NODS)). The notices will contain:

● All information required by statute or regulation

● An unredacted copy of the complete technical evaluation for that particular offeror that includes a full description of the unsuccessful offeror’s strengths, weaknesses, risks, and deficiencies;

● An overall technical evaluation summary for that particular offeror and the successful offeror that includes evaluated price, overall technical ranking, rating, or score.

B.2. Component 2 - Request for Oral Feedback Meeting or Written Questions

Within three business days after receipt of the NODS, an offeror may, but is not required to:

● submit a written request to the contracting officer for an oral feedback meeting;

● submit a list of written questions to the contracting officer; or

● take no further action.

Solicitation Language FAR Part 15(all) and 16 (over $5.5M)

If the offeror timely elects to request an oral feedback meeting or submit a list of written questions, GSA will consider any such request to constitute a required debriefing pursuant to FAR 15.506. If an offeror does not request an oral feedback meeting or submit a list of written questions within the three-day time period, the receipt of the

NODS concludes the INFORM 2.0 process and satisfies the FAR requirement for debriefs pursuant to FAR 15.506.

If the offeror submits a list of written questions in lieu of the oral feedback meeting, the contracting officer will attempt to respond within five business days of receipt of the written questions. Unless otherwise stated, the contracting officer’s response to the written questions will conclude the INFORM 2.0 process and any corresponding postaward debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506.

If the offeror requests an oral feedback meeting, the offeror should provide the following information:

● Primary point of contact;

● List of participants with titles (e.g., Senior Vice President);

● List of topics to assist GSA better prepare for the oral feedback meeting; and

● Preference for in-person, telephone, or web-based conferencing (if available).

B.3. Component 3 - Oral Feedback Meeting

During the oral feedback meeting, GSA’s objectives are to provide:

● Reasonable responses to written questions submitted by the offeror;

● Explanations for the evaluation conclusions and contract award decisions;

● Any additional information about the fairness and impartiality of the evaluation and why the award decision was rational;

● Reasonable responses to additional questions raised during the meeting;

● Additional transparency into the underlying competition process; and,

● A greater understanding of the evaluation and award process.

GSA will not provide any information that is prohibited by law or regulation.

B.4. Component 4 - Post Oral Feedback Meeting Questions

Within two business days after the conclusion of the oral feedback meeting, the offeror may submit a list of written questions to the contracting officer. The contracting officer will provide a written response within five business days and, unless otherwise noted by the contracting officer, the INFORM 2.0 process and any corresponding post award debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506 will have concluded.

Solicitation Language FAR Part 15(all) and 16 (over $5.5M)

If the offeror elects not to submit a list of written questions within two days after the oral feedback meeting, the INFORM 2.0 process and any corresponding post-award debriefing as further set forth at FAR 15.506 is concluded.

[End of Section L]

SECTION M:

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1.0 SOURCE SELECTION AND EVALUATION

M.1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The information contained within this Section will be used to evaluate proposals. All information must be clearly marked and submitted with the appropriate Volume to be considered for evaluation. The Government intends to select Multiple Proposals for Contract Award. However, pursuant to FAR 15.305(b) the Government may reject all proposals received in response to this solicitation, if doing so is in the best interest of the Government.

M.1.2 Non-Compliant and Non-Conforming Proposals

If an offeror fails to comply with the proper marking of the documents in any Volume of the proposal, or if the proposal has not been properly submitted, the Government reserves the right to limit the proposal from receiving any further evaluation or consideration for award.

M.1.3 Proposal Accuracy and Completeness

It is very important that the submitted proposals conform to the instructions provided within this solicitation.

If a proposal is submitted and any of the documents do not conform and adhere to the instructions provided in the solicitation, then the Government reserves the right to limit the proposal from receiving any further evaluation or consideration for award.

M.1.4 Unsatisfactory Rating and Removal of Further Consideration

If at any time during the evaluation, the evaluation team assesses a proposal and assigns a rating of less than Satisfactory, for any of the evaluation factors, then the Government reserves the right to limit the proposal from receiving any further evaluation or consideration for award.

M.1.5 BASIS FOR AWARD

After the evaluation of the proposals submitted, the Government anticipates making multiple contract awards to responsible offerors whose proposals, conforming to the solicitation represents the best value to the Government price and other non-price factors considered. The anticipated award may be made to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror.

M.1.6 INTENT TO AWARD WITHOUT DISCUSSIONS

The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if determined necessary but intends to award without discussions. Any discussions, if conducted, will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.306.

M.1.7 EVALUATION FACTORS

M.1.7.1 LIST OF EVALUATION FACTORS

FACTOR 1: Technical Approach FACTOR 2: Previous Experience FACTOR 3: Subcontracting Capability FACTOR 4: Past Performance FACTOR 5: Price

M.1.7.2 RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF ALL EVALUATION FACTORS

The relative importance of the non-priced evaluation factors is listed in descending order and are established as follows:

Factor 1, Factor 2, Factor 3, and Factor 4.

All non-price factors (Factor 1, Factor 2, Factor 3, and Factor 4) when combined are significantly more important than Price (Factor 5). As the difference in non-price factors becomes closer, Price may become more important. Non-price factors will be evaluated first, then price. The Government will select a proposal based upon a best value tradeoff determination.

M.1.7.3 SELECTION OF APPARENT AWARDEE

After the conclusion of the evaluation of proposals, the Contracting Officer will determine if a tradeoff is necessary in order to identify the apparent awardee. The Government anticipates making a contract award to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s) conforming to the solicitation represents the best value to the Government price and other non-price factors considered. The anticipated award may be made to other than the lowest priced offeror(s) or other than the highest technically rated offeror(s).

M.1.8 ADJECTIVAL RATING DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATION FACTORS

M.1.8.1 FACTOR 1: Technical Approach, FACTOR 2: Previous Experience, FACTOR 3:

Subcontracting Capability

The following information will be utilized to assign a rating to a proposal that has been submitted and evaluated. Based on this standard each vendor will be assigned a rating factor based on the definitions and criteria in Table 1 below.

Excellent (E) The proposal significantly exceeds the minimum PWS requirements. Evaluation of the factor presents a very low risk of unsuccessful contract performance. Very little to no Government oversight is expected in achieving the required level of contract performance.

Very Good (VG) The proposal exceeds, to varying degrees, one or more of the minimum PWS requirements. Evaluation of the factor presents a low risk of unsuccessful contract performance. Little to very little Government oversight is expected in achieving the required level of contract performance.

Acceptable (A) The proposal meets the minimum PWS requirements. Evaluation of the factor presents a low to moderate risk of unsuccessful contract performance. Little to moderate Government oversight is expected in achieving the required level of contract performance.

Marginal (M) The proposal does not meet, to varying degrees, one or more of the minimum PWS requirements. Evaluation of the factor presents a high risk of unsuccessful contract performance. Moderate Government oversight is expected in achieving the required level of contract performance.

Unacceptable (U) The proposal does not meet a majority or any of the minimum PWS requirements.

Evaluation of the factor presents a very high risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Substantial Government oversight is expected achieving the required level of contract performance.

Table 1

M.1.8.2 FACTOR 4: Past Performance Past Performance will be evaluated based on the information received from the Past Performance Questionnaire and from the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). Each Offeror will be assessed a rating and determined to be satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or neutral.

M.1.8.3 FACTOR 5: Price This Factor will not receive an adjectival rating but will be evaluated to be determined as fair and reasonable.

M.1.8.4 Technical Evaluation Board’s Evaluation of Proposal and General Adequacy The Technical Evaluation Board will review and evaluate information provided within the correct volumes of the proposal as submitted by the Offeror. Any information that was evaluated, but does not contain evaluation notes or comments, will be identified, and established as being generally adequate in response to what the solicitation has asked for.

M.1.9 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

FAR 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (1990).

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

[End of Section M]