Instructions to Offerors.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1. General Information:

1.1 Proposals submitted must be sufficiently detailed to allow for an effective and equitable evaluation by the Government. There will be no public opening of the proposals received as a result of this solicitation. Proposals submitted will become, upon receipt, the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. After evaluation of proposals, electronic copies will be retained for the official paperless contract file. All other copies will be destroyed or forwarded to the Field and Areas Offices in support of their contract administration functions.

1.2 There are no contract drawings associated with this Request for Proposal (RFP). Copies of the solicitation are available by INTERNET ACCESS ONLY. All solicitation documents will be posted through SAM.gov.

1.3 To ensure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, Offerors must follow the instructions contained herein. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, and those identified as evaluation factors. The Offeror shall submit in the proposal all requested information specified in this section of the RFP no later than the exact date and time specified. Failure to meet any requirement may result in an offer being ineligible for award.

1.4 The Contracting Officer has determined there is a high probability of adequate price competition in this acquisition. Upon examination of the initial offers, the Contracting Officer will review this determination and if, in the Contracting Officer's opinion, adequate price competition exists, no additional cost information will be requested and certification under FAR 15.406-2 will not be required. However, if at any time during this competition, the Contracting Officer determines that adequate price competition no longer exists; offerors may be required to submit information to the extent necessary for the Contracting Officer to determine the reasonableness and affordability of the price.

1.5 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code Small Business Size Standard. The NAICS code for this acquisition is 562910. The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 1000 employees (13 CFR Part 121, effective 17 March 2023).

1.6 Bidder Inquiry. Technical inquiries and questions relating to technical requirements, proposal procedures, etc.

are to be submitted via Bidder Inquiry in ProjNet (https://www.projnet.org/projnet/) no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to the date set for receiving proposals, in order that they may be given consideration and actions are taken prior to receipt of offers. The Bidder Inquiry system is to be used to ask and receive answers to all non-proprietary questions.

To submit and review inquiry items, prospective vendors will need to use the Bidder Inquiry Key presented below and follow the instructions listed below. A prospective vendor who submits a comment/question will receive an acknowledgement of their comment/question via email, followed by an answer to the comment/question after it has been processed by our technical team.

Project ID: 405064 Project Name: Libby Asbestos Superfund Site, Operable Unit 3 Quick Add Key: GVYZ33-34GDXH

A. Registration for ProjNet Bidder Inquiry Access http://www.projnet.org/projnet/)

If you are already registered, go to Entering Bidder Inquiries in ProjNet Bidder Inquiry System (“B,” below).

From the ProjNet home page link above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

• Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

• Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

• Email. Enter the email address you would like to use for communication.

Click Continue. A page will then open saying that a user account was not found and will ask you to create one using the provided form.

Enter your First Name, Last Name, Company, City, State, Phone, Email, Secret Question, Secret Answer, and Time Zone. Make sure to remember your Secret Question and Secret Answer as they will be used from this point on to access the ProjNet system.

Click Add User. You are now registered within ProjNet and are logged into the system.

B. Entering Bidder Inquiries in ProjNet Bidder Inquiry System

For future access to ProjNet, you will not be emailed any type of password. You will utilize your Secret Question and Secret Answer to log in.

From the ProjNet home page linked above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

Email. Enter the email address you used to register previously in ProjNet.

Click Continue. A page will then open asking you to enter the answer to your Secret Question.

Enter your Secret Answer and click Login. Once this is completed you will be logged into the system.

Follow online screen instructions to enter specific bidder inquiries for the project.

C. Prior to submitting a new inquiry, Offerors are requested to review the solicitation in its entirety, and to review any and all existing inquiries and Government responses.

D. The Projnet call center operates weekdays from 8AM to 5PM U.S. Central Time Zone (Chicago).

The telephone number for the Call Center is 800-428-HELP.

1.7 Offers will NOT be publicly opened. Information concerning the status of the evaluation and/or award will NOT be available after receipt of proposals.

1.8 If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the Contracting Division in writing (email is the preferred method) with supporting rationale. The Offeror is reminded that the Government intends to award the resulting contract based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussions.

1.9 Other Information Required: Provide the name, title and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually.

Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

2 Specific Proposal Instructions

2.1 Proposal Expenses and Pre-contract Costs.

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal or for any other costs incurred by any firm submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation. Note specifically that the Offeror will not be participating in a sealed bid procurement process under this acquisition method.

Issuance of this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the Government.

2.2 Discussions.

The Government reserves the right to discuss aspects of proposals with Offerors in the competitive range, which may be limited for efficiency (FAR Part 15.306(c)(2)), and to award a contract to other than the Offeror submitting the lowest-priced offer. Offerors are advised that the Government intends to award without discussions, clarifications or any contact concerning the proposals received (FAR Part 15.306(a)(2)). Therefore, proposals should be submitted initially on the most favorable terms from a price and technical standpoint. Do not assume that Offerors will be contacted or afforded an opportunity to clarify, discuss or revise their proposals.

2.3 Accuracy.

Proposals must set forth full, accurate, and complete information as required by this RFP, (including attachments).

The penalty for making false statements is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

2.4 Proposal Submittal Instructions.

The offeror shall submit one (1) electronic version of Volumes I and II through email in accordance with the instructions provided below, in separate files at the time/date and location for acceptance of proposals as identified in Block 9 of the Standard 33 or as provided in the SF30 amendment (if proposal due date and time was extended).

All electronic submissions shall be in Adobe PDF format with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) applied to all documents that will enable word searches to be conducted using Adobe-compatible PDF software. The two (2) volumes listed below shall be submitted as separate and individual files.

Table 1 –Submittals

Volume I: Technical Proposal and Past Performance Information

Volume II: Cost Information and Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of O Offerors

Title the single files in the following format:

W9128F26RA045_ Company Name_Volume_I_Technical_Proposal W9128F26RA045_ Company Name_Volume_II_Cost_and_Contract_Information *Note: Company Name may be abbreviated The following individuals are available to provide information if there are questions concerning delivery instructions of the proposal:

Ms. Amanda Lane, amanda.n.lane@usace.army.mil 402-995-2929

Mr. Zachary Kinder zachary.g.kinder@usace.army.mil

402-214-7540

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS:

In an effort to reduce paperwork and cost, all proposals shall be submitted electronically to email addresses listed above. Submission shall be in Adobe PDF format or Microsoft Excel (volume II only). Total size cannot exceed 35MB. If multiple emails are needed, please mark additional emails “1 of 2” and “2 of 2” to go along with the other instructions herein. Offerors may use compression utility software such as WinZip or PKZip to reduce file size and facilitate transmission.

2.5 Proposal Characteristics.

Each volume shall contain a table of contents and all pages of each factor shall be sequentially numbered.

Submit the SF 33, completed and signed by a person authorized by the Offeror.

Offeror shall submit a one page cover letter containing:

• Solicitation number, W9128F26RA045

• Name, title, address, email, and telephone number of Offeror.

• Names, titles, emails, and telephone numbers of persons authorized to negotiate on the

Offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this RFP.

• Name, title and signature of the person authorized to sign the proposal.

• A statement specifying agreement with all terms, conditions and provisions included in the RFP.

For the Contractor Team Arrangements including Joint Ventures, submit the information required in Section L, paragraph 5.5.1, “Contractor Teaming Arrangements.”

Offerors shall submit acknowledgement of all amendments to the RFP with the proposal submittal.

3.0 Proposal Format

3.1 Basic Proposal Information.

All proposals shall contain the information listed below and as required by this solicitation and be submitted as outlined in Table 2 – Proposal Format into severable volumes with a coversheet displaying the RFP number, contractor name, and an index of the sections of each volume. Proposal clarity, organization and the overall page limitation are required. The entire proposal shall be limited to the maximum number of pages identified in Table 2.

The volumes shall include the following:

3.1.1 Solicitation number and volume number on the first page of each electronic file.

3.1.2 The prime, consortium, or joint venture’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address shall appear in mailto:amanda.n.lane@usace.army.mil mailto:zachary.g.kinder@usace.army.mil the lower left corner of the proposal cover, title page and table of contents of any document/volume to be evaluated.

3.1.3 The name, title, and signature of the official that can bind the firm shall appear on the title page. The CAGE code, DUNS and Tax ID number is also required.

3.1.4 Proposal volume cover format is at the proposer’s discretion as long as the information required by this paragraph and subsequent paragraphs is met.

3.1.5 Table of contents and a cross-reference to the solicitation paragraphs. Offerors shall include a cross reference table showing where solicitation requirements can be found in their proposal.

3.1.6 List of tables/figures/acronyms.

3.1.7 Page number. Pages for each factor should be separately and sequentially numbered (i.e.., first page submitted for evaluation of each factor should be “Volume I - Factor # - Page 1”). The same format shall be followed for Factor 2 and 3.

3.2 Proposal Requirements

Table 2- Proposal Format

EVALUATION

FACTOR

LOCATION Volume I: Technical Proposal and Past Performance Information Factors are listed in descending order of importance

TAB 1

Resumes of Key Management Personnel for this Contract

Factor 1: Maximum of 2 pages per key management person. Total page count shall not exceed 6 pages.

• The key management personnel are as follows:

• CERCLA

Feasibility Study Subject Matter Expert/Senior Engineer (Resume #1)

• Senior Risk Assessor or Subject Matter Expert (Resume #2)

• Project Manager (Resume #3)

TAB 2

Past Performance (Confidence Assessment of Previous Projects)

Factor 2: Offeror’s past project example summaries: 2 pages per project. Total page count shall not exceed 6 pages.

• CPARS and PPQ documentation for past project examples: No page limit.

• List of other relevant CPARS entries: 1 page.

• Disclosure of Termination of Default, Notice of Violations, and/or OSHA Violation - Explanation of violation and correction action(s): 1 page.

TAB 3

Organizational Structure/Management Approach

• The organization chart shall not exceed two pages.

• The narrative of the Offeror’s

Management Approach shall not exceed 8 pages.

TAB 4 Factor 4: Small Business Participation Commitment

Document

Factor 4: Limited to twenty (20) pages

Volume II – Cost Information and Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors

Exempt from page count

TAB 1 SF 33, Solicitation, Offer, and Award (Section A)

TAB 2 Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors (Section K)

TAB 3 Cost Proposal Spreadsheet (Section J)

TAB 4 Adequacy of the Offeror’s Cost Accounting System.

TAB 5 Contractual Arrangements TAB 6 Small Business Subcontracting Plan

3.3. Page Format Restrictions and Limitations. Pages included in page count shall include all pages inclusive of text pages, charts, graphs, figures, diagrams, schematics, etc., unless specifically stated as exempt from the page count in Table 2 – Proposal Format above or paragraph 3.4 below. Outlines and other similar information documents shall be included as numbered pages - no exceptions. The number of pages per factor shown in Table 2 above may be varied by the Offeror to suit its needs for certain identified factors, however, the total number of pages for the volume shall not exceed the maximum page count indicated in Table 2 for that volume. Excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal.

The volumes are limited to single-spaced typewritten pages using no smaller than 10-point proportional font (Times New Roman) or equivalent as the "normal" size standards. No “condensed” fonts shall be utilized. All text shall be legible and easily read. Font size in tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be no smaller than 10-pt, regardless of font used.

3.4. Pages Counted. Each page shall be counted except the following: cover page, tables of contents, title pages, lists of tables/figures/acronyms, glossaries, blank pages, separator pages, CPARS reports, PPQs (if applicable), cross-reference tables, and Volume II, in its entirety.

3.5. Page Size: Unless otherwise stated, a “page” is defined as being one side of an 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper. Pages shall be typewritten except for reproduced sections of the solicitation document. Margins on all four edges of each sheet shall be at least one-half (0.5) inch regardless of paper size. Margins shall be free and clear of any text except for proprietary statements, security markings and page numbers which may fall within the defined margin area.

Solicitation number and company name of Offeror may also be included within the margins. Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict, for example: organizations, systems and layouts, implementation schedules, plans, etc. However, if an offeror utilizes an 11”x 17” page, it shall count and be numbered as two (2) pages, unless for the Organization Structure where it would be counted as one (1) page. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible and shall not exceed 11” x 17” in size.

4.0 Volume Content. Proposals submitted in response to this solicitation shall include the requirements for each factor described below.

4.1 Volume 1, Factor 1 - Resumes of Key Management Personnel. The page limit for this factor is six (6) pages. The Offeror shall provide the resumes of the key management personnel, as identified in this Section L table above. Specifically, provide a resume for the following personnel:

• CERCLA Feasibility Study Subject Matter Expert/Senior Engineer (Resume #1).

• Senior Risk Assessor or Subject Matter Expert (Resume #2).

• Project Manager (Resume #3).

The resumes should clearly display proposed job title, education and training, special qualifications and experience record (including role, duties, and dates), responsibilities and assignments. The resume(s) shall provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the key management person meets the minimum qualifications identified in Section C, paragraph 6.

NOTE: After contract award, the Contracting Officer shall approve replacement of any key personnel after verifying that they meet or exceed the requirements of the RFP.

4.2 Volume I, Factor 2 – Past Performance (Confidence Assessment of Previous Projects). The page limitations for this factor are seven (7) pages total, a two (2) page narrative per project example submitted; one (1) page narrative to list other relevant CPARS entries; no page limitations on official past performance records such as PPQs or CPARS.

4.2.1 A project is defined as: Work performed pursuant to one specific task order of an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract or a single stand-alone “C” type contract which has one specific past performance evaluation in CPARS or via completion of a PPQ. Multiple ID/IQ task orders combined together does not meet the definition of a “project.” An ID/IQ type contract or the performance of work pursuant to multiple task orders of an ID/IQ type contract does not represent a "project" within this definition. If the offeror provides a specific task order as its "project," it shall provide the base contract number and the task order number for reference purposes. If the offeror provides a single stand-alone “C” type contract as its "project," it shall provide the contract number for reference purposes. Projects must have been completed within the last ten (10) years from the initial proposal due date or be 90% financially complete from the initial proposal due date.

Presentation of Previous Experience: The Offeror shall submit three (3) examples of completed projects which demonstrate relatable experience with Potentially Responsible Party oversight at CERCLA Superfund Sites and coordination with EPA requirements as described in Section C of this RFP. The projects selected should show diversity in the types of work accomplished by the firm to accomplish the work identified in Section C of this RFP, including, but not limited to, demonstrated experience using teaming partners that will be a part of the contract resulting from this RFP; demonstrated experience using the offeror’s key personnel that will be directly involved in the contract resulting from this RFP, including their role(s) on the previous experience project(s); and demonstrated experience in remedial projects, including significant and complex projects with an explanation why the project(s) are considered complex. The Offeror shall also provide the dollar value of the project, any regulatory oversight, and any distinctive and/or unique features of the project.

Projects which include, but are not limited to, architectural-engineering (A-E) design services and Advisory and Assistance Services (AAS) are not considered relevant to the Section C, Performance Work Statement.

The Offeror may include both federal government and commercial work. The Offeror must have been the Prime Contractor or Joint Venture partner on the project. The Offeror shall also describe its primary role/duties in execution of the work (for example, the major components of the project which were completed by the prime’s staff/personnel and major components which were subcontracted out).

At least one of the projects submitted shall be for the Federal government and one project shall be a cost-plus fixed fee task order or contract of similar complexity and magnitude.

Information on Previous Experience. The following information shall be included as a minimum in the presentation of previous experience for all projects:

Project #: Name of project and location (City and State, or Military Installation Name and State, if appropriate)

General narrative overview of the site including project description including issues related to the triple constraint of time, scope, and costs. Major accomplishments of the project shall be highlighted.

List of key personnel and their role on this project. The Offeror should indicate which of the key personnel are currently employed by the firm or if they are employed by a subcontractor or teaming partner.

Project performance issues. Examples include cost/schedule, health and safety issues, regulatory/stakeholder issues and other performance issues and how those issues were resolved.

Contract Information/Contract Schedule shall include: the outlined information Customer (agency, military branch, state, city, etc.)

RFP Number Contract and (if applicable) task order number, at award Contract/task order title Contract/task order award date Notice To Proceed (NTP) date (if applicable) Project completion date Project duration (days) Contract/task Order cost at award Final Contract/task order cost to the Government/Customer Location of work (City/Installation, State, Territory, Commonwealth, etc.)

Individual Point of contact for the customer/client.

Name Title Role (Contracting Officer, Program Manager, etc.)

Mailing address Phone number (work) Email address

Name of Company awarded the contract. If this differs from the company name of the Offeror for this RFP, explain why (for example, if the current Offeror was then a member of a Joint Venture working under a different company name).

Affirmatively state that your firm was the Prime Contractor (either singly or as part of a Joint Venture) for the project

Description of the work performed Explanation of how the work performed is relevant to this RFP

The Offeror is responsible for providing current contact information for the individual listed.

The Government has the option to contact this individual directly to verify past performance.

Government Stakeholders. In order to evaluate the Offeror’s ability to create and maintain a cooperative working environment with Government stakeholders, the Offeror should provide information, which demonstrates experience with submitting accurate and timely submittals in accordance with various agency requirements. Offeror shall include, at the minimum:

Agency Name, organization, and contract information

Regulatory program (Hazardous Waste & Materials, Title V, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, or other regulatory driver)

c. Effective resolution of issues, expediting CERCLA process, or other information demonstrating ability to work constructively with multiple Government stakeholders.

Notice of Violations (NOVs). In addition to the project information requested in this section, the Offeror shall also provide notification and information concerning any projects where the right to proceed was terminated for default during the last three (3) years, or so state that there were none. The Offeror shall also provide a list of any environmentally-reportable incident violations and any environmental Notices of Violation (NOVs) received by any member of the Offeror’s team that may have occurred in the past three (3) years, or so state there were none. The Offeror shall also provide a list of OSHA violations and reported accidents by any member of the Offeror’s team in the past five (5) years or so state there were none.

4.3 Volume 1, Factor 3 – Organization Chart/Management Approach. The page limitations for this factor are ten

(10) pages total, a two (2) page organizational chart; eight (8) page management approach. The Offeror shall provide an organizational chart/management approach that demonstrates the effectiveness of the Offeror’s organizational structure and management approach to adequately perform the requirements of the RFP. The Government seeks a structure and approach that will demonstrate effective project execution and efficient management of this contract.

The Offeror shall provide an organizational chart with a separate related narrative. Together, the organizational chart and narrative shall describe:

The Offeror’s proposed organizational structure shall be presented in a chart, including key teaming partners/subcontractors and organizational relationships. This organizational structure should be compliant with Section C. Identify personnel necessary for program and project execution and their place in the organization hierarchy (for example Program Manager, Senior Risk Assessor, etc.).

The narrative shall describe the proposed management approach including organizational, cost, quality, risk, resource, and stakeholder management approaches to achieve the objectives of the PWS within the required time frame.

4.4 Volume, Factor 4 – Small Business Participation Commitment Document. This factor requires all Offerors, regardless of size status to address their planned small business usage for this contract. All Offerors are required to provide a Small Business Participation Plan/Commitment Document. Offerors should propose the level of participation of small businesses (as a small business prime and/or small business subcontractor) in the performance of this acquisition relative to the objectives/goals set forth in the evaluation of this area. The Commitment Document should address the Offeror’s corporate approach and methodology for acquiring, soliciting and using small businesses in the performance of this contract. All Commitment Documents should address the Offeror's commitments to providing subcontracting opportunities, as well as evidence of planned and /or continued outreach efforts to encourage and use small businesses. This Commitment Document should include a breakdown of small business subcategories to be used as shown on the chart in (d) below.

The Commitment Document should demonstrate commitment to all federally designated categories of small business:

Small Businesses (SBs), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), HUBZone Small Businesses (HUB), Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs), Woman- Owned Small Business (WOSBs), and when applicable, Historically Black Colleges/Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MIs).

The Commitment Document should identify all categories for participation as part of the Offeror's team. This should include a general description of the type of work, product or service anticipated to be supplied via a small business concern. Large business primes may achieve the small business participation goals through subcontracting to small businesses.

Small business primes may achieve small business participation goals through their own performance/participation as a prime and through subcontracting to other small businesses.

The proposed Subcontracting Plan and the proposed Small Business Participation Plan must be consistent with one another. A specific format is not required, however, items stated below (a) through (e) shall be provided as a minimum.

Small Business Participation Commitment Document requirements:

(a) Provide a narrative addressing the corporate approach and methodology for acquiring, soliciting and using small businesses in the performance of this contract. The narrative should address the Offeror's commitment to providing subcontracting opportunities, as well as evidence of planned and /or continued outreach efforts to encourage and use small businesses. The narrative should provide detailed supporting documentation regarding the individual commitments expressed in percentages for evaluators to determine that the goals stated are realistic.

(b) Provide the applicable size and categories for the Prime Offeror for this procurement.

Large Business Prime Offeror Small Business Prime Offeror (also check type of SB below) Small Disadvantaged Business Woman-Owned Small Business HUB Zone Small Business Veteran Owned Small Business Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Historically Black College/University or Minority Institution

(c) Submit the Total Percentages planned for Small Business. Percentages are based on Total Contract Value of the Offeror. For this project, the Offeror is required to submit total percentages to identify goals based on planned small business utilization that are challenging but realistic.

Total Percentage planned for Small Business: =35 % W9128F26RA045

(Small Business Prime Contractors – Include yourselves in the above percentage.)

For example: If you are a Small Business Prime Contractor and will be doing 40% of the work and you will be subcontracting another 20% to other small business firms, then your Total Percentage planned for Small Business will = 60%

(e) Provide types of commitments, if any are in place, for this specific acquisition either written, verbal, enforceable, non-enforceable, joint venturing, mentor-protégé, etc.

Separate from Small Business Participation Plan Commitment Document, other than U.S. Small Business offerors must also submit a subcontracting plan meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 and DFARS 252.219-7003 (or DFARS 252.219-7004 if the offeror has a comprehensive subcontracting plan) in Volume V. Other than U.S. Small Business offerors must submit acceptable subcontracting plans to be eligible for award. Subcontracting Plans shall reflect and be consistent with the commitments offered in the Small Business Participation Plan.

5.0 Volume II – Price Information and Representations, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors.

Volume II, Tab 1: SF 33, Solicitation, Offer, and Award (Section A) (Not Evaluated). The Offeror shall complete, in its entirety, all of Section A (SF33) that applies to the Offeror and it shall be signed and dated by an official with the authority to legally bind the company. The Offeror shall also acknowledge all amendments to the solicitation in accordance with the instructions on the SF 30, if applicable.

Volume II, Tab 2: Representations and Certifications (Section K) (Not Evaluated). In accordance with

FAR 4.1102, all Offerors must be registered in SAM at the time an offer is submitted.

The Offeror shall fill out in its entirety all of Section K that applies to the Offeror. The Offeror’s responsibility will be reviewed in accordance with FAR Part 9. Annual Representations and Certifications will be obtained through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

5.3 Volume II, Tab 3: Cost Proposal Spreadsheet: The Offeror shall complete all sections of the Cost Proposal Spreadsheet accurately and completely. Offerors shall propose on all CLINs, including all the option CLINs.

Failure to do so may result in the Offeror being deemed ineligible for award. The Offeror shall not alter the format of the spreadsheet, as the format is essential for consistent evaluation. The spreadsheet must be submitted in its native file format (e.g., .xlsx or .ods). All required information, including labor rates, markups on Other Direct Costs (ODCs) and subcontracts, and profit, must be provided.

(d) Indicate the total percentage of participation, Supplies/Services to be provided and the name of the small business firms intended to be used by each type of subcategory small business. Type of Small Business

% Supplies/Services Name of Small Business Firm(s)

Small Business

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)

Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB)

Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business (HUBZone)

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB)

Veteran Owned (VOSB)

Historical Black Colleges/Minority Institutions

(HBCU/MI)

The Government will perform price analysis on proposed rates and cost analysis and cost realism analysis in accordance with FAR 15.404. The Government reserves the right to request additional information, including data beyond certified cost or pricing data, to determine the fair and reasonableness of proposed costs.

Subcontracts: The responsibility for providing a well-prepared and fully supported cost proposal lies solely with the offeror. The basis and rationale for all proposed costs shall be provided as part of the proposal so that the contracting officer has the information necessary to evaluate the reasonableness of the proposed price.

The prime contractor or subcontractor shall-

(1) Conduct appropriate cost or price analyses to establish the reasonableness of proposed subcontract prices;

(2) Include the results of these analyses in the proposal.

5.4 Volume II, Tab 4: Adequacy of the Offeror’s Cost Accounting System.

Contractor will be reimbursed for reasonable, allocable, and allowable costs incurred during project execution, in accordance with FAR Part 31.

To be eligible for a cost-reimbursable contract award, Offerors must demonstrate an adequate accounting system as required by FAR 16.301-3. Accounting system adequacy may be demonstrated by one of the following methods:

DCAA/DCMA Letter: Submission of a letter from DCAA or DCMA indicating an acceptable accounting system. The Offeror must certify in its proposal that its accounting system has not materially changed since the issuance of the determination.

CPA Audit: Submission of evidence of a third-party certified public accountant (CPA) firm's "pre-award" audit/assessment of the Contractor's accounting system, demonstrating compliance with the criteria in FAR 53.209-1(f), SF 1408, and/or DFARS 252.242-7006 at the time of the audit. The Offeror must certify in its proposal that its accounting system has not materially changed since the audit.

DCAA Pre-Award Survey: If the Offeror cannot provide evidence via Options 1 or 2, the Contracting Officer may request a DCAA Pre-Award Survey. In this case, the Offeror must submit the completed Pre-Award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System Checklist (see Section J - Attachment 2) with its proposal. This form is also available on the DCAA website (Pre-award Accounting System Adequacy Checklist (dcaa.mil)).

The Offeror shall identify the CAGE Code(s) of the accounting system(s) that will be used to accumulate costs.

As part of the responsibility determination, the Government will review the submitted evidence to ensure compliance with FAR 16.301-3(a)(3). To receive a contract award, the Government must determine that the limitations identified in 16.301-3 have been met and that the Offeror has an adequate accounting system to administer a cost-reimbursement contract.

5.5 Volume II, Tab 5: Contractual Arrangements.

5.5.1 Contractor Team Arrangement Other Than Joint Venture. All Offerors proposing a team arrangement other than a Joint Venture shall submit the following information:

a. Provide a listing of the team arrangement members’ corporate name (no abbreviations), address, point of contact, phone number, DUNS Number, and Cage Code.

b. Indicate to what extent the members of this team arrangement have worked together in the past, including identifications of magnitude and complexity of projects worked on.

c. Submit a copy of the signed team arrangement agreement or binding letter of commitment between each team member. All team arrangement agreements and letters of commitment shall:

(1) clearly identify the expected relationship, roles and responsibilities between the firms, prime contractor, and of the subcontractor or other entity (type and proportion of work to be performed); and

(2) shall be signed by the appropriate individual(s) of each firm.

5.5.2 Joint Venture Team Arrangement. No contract may be awarded to a Joint Venture that is not registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database. The joint venture must have its own Data Universal

Numbering System (DUNS) number and register as such.

All Offerors proposing a Joint Venture, shall submit the following information:

d. In the cover letter of your proposal, provide the complete names, addresses, and phone numbers of the firms comprising the joint venture. The JV cover letter must also state if the JV is populated or unpopulated. NOTE: Proposals shall not include the use of “blended” rates.

e. A copy of the signed Joint Venture agreement in accordance with FAR 19.101.

f. In addition to the requirements stated above, and to assure a single point of contact for resolution of contractual matters and payments, the Offeror shall submit a certificate signed by each participant in the joint venture containing the following statement:

“The parties hereto expressly understand and agree as follows: (1) (name, title, and company) is the principal representative of the joint venture. As such, all communications regarding the administration of the contract and the performance of the work there under may be directed to him or her. In the absence of (same name, title, and company), (enter name, title, and company of alternate) is the alternate principal representative of the joint venture.

These individuals have authority to sign on behalf of the joint venture. (2) Direction, approvals, required notices, and all other communications from the Government to the joint venture, including transmittal of payments by the Government, shall be directed to (enter name, title, and company of principal), principal representative of the joint venture.”

NOTE: Provide telephone numbers and email addresses for the points of contact listed in the above statement.

5.5.3 Integrity And Validity Of Team Arrangements. The PCO will recognize the integrity and validity of contractor team arrangements; provided that the arrangements are identified and company relationships are fully disclosed and validation of formal agreements and relationships (i.e., Mentor-Protégé agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, etc.) are provided in the offer and submitted with the proposal responding to the solicitation. The Offeror shall also follow Small Business Administration requirements concerning teaming arrangements. Nothing in the solicitation authorizes contractor team arrangements in violation of antitrust statutes or limits the Government’s rights to:

5.5.3.1 Require consent to subcontracts (see FAR Subpart 44.2);

5.5.3.2 Determine, on the basis of the stated contractor team arrangement, the responsibilities of the prime contractor (see FAR Subpart 9.1);

5.5.3.3 Provide to the prime contractor data rights owned or controlled by the Government;

5.5.3.4 Pursue its policies on competitive contracting, subcontracting, and component breakout initial production or an any other time; and

5.5.3.5 Hold the prime contractor fully responsible for contract performance, regardless of team arrangement between the prime contractor and its subcontractors.