M0026323R1002 Amendment 0001 FE.pdf

M954923242531

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of Amendment 0001 is to provide government responses to questions received from industry and to revise Section C, Section L, Section M and Attachment 1 - Product Specif ications dated 3 May 2023.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 18

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 05-May-2023

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X M0026323R1002

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

20-Apr-2023

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

05-May-2023

CODE

RCO MCRD PARRIS ISLAND

PO BOX 5069

SEE BLOCK 16 FOR POC

PARRIS ISLAND SC 29905-5000

M00263 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

M0026323R1002

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been modified:

BASE IDIQ PWS

C.1.0 Background

C.1.1 The Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC)’s Advertising Program is directed toward the recruitment of personnel to fill vacancies in both enlisted and officer programs. The mission of the MCRC Advertising Program is to use all the tools of marketing and communications to drive qualified prospects through the decision-making process to becoming a Marine and put the prospect in front of a Marine recruiter. This program includes the recruiter/sales support materials, also known as promotional and incentive items. Promotional items are issued for advertising purposes while incentive items are issued to encourage or reward actions that assist Marine Corps recruiting.

C.2.0 Scope

C.2.1 The scope of this requirement is to provide branded promotional and incentive items for United States Marine Corps (USMC) events. MCRC’s mission is currently evolving, and campaigns and current goals and objectives will also evolve over time. As a result, promotional and incentive items change over time, and this contract will allow for items within scope to be added as needed. Similarly, promotional and incentive items may be deleted or the specific requirements of specific items revised to support mission accomplishment. The contractor will be flexible about such changes. There will be a five-year ordering period for this requirement beginning on or about 25 September 2023. All promotional and incentive items furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of a delivery order. Delivery dates and quantities for delivery orders awarded under this contract will be designated within the respective delivery orders.

C.3.0 Point of Contacts

C.3.1 Contractor Point of Contact: The contractor shall provide a single management point of contact for this contract and all subsequent delivery orders to serve as the primary interface with the Government Representative and the Contracting Office.

C.4.0 Place of Performance

The place of performance will be at the contractor’s facility.

C.5.0 Kick-Off Meetings/Conferences/Meetings

C.5.1 A Kick-off Meeting will be held within fifteen (15) business days after contract award. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure mutual understanding of contract requirements and procedures, and conduct a review of promotional and incentive items design. Discussion at the meeting will focus on project orientation, clarification and transfer of applicable background information, contract requirements, dispute resolution procedures and identification of points of contact from contractor and Government organizations. An overarching goal of the Kick-off Meeting is the establishment of efficient and effective communication mechanisms among the parties, which include but is not limited to e-mail, teleconferencing, video teleconferencing (VTC) and any other technologies available to facilitate timely communication.

C.5.2 Conferences/Meetings The Government reserves the right to hold additional meetings via teleconference (at no additional cost), if changes to style, size, color, etc. should occur, or items are added or deleted, as necessary to administer the contract.

C.6.0 Requirement

C.6.1 The Contactor shall furnish all the labor, equipment, facilities and materials, and supplies to manufacture and supply the required items in a timely manner. The Government will provide all Eagle Globe and Anchor (EGA) graphics, designs and artwork required to be displayed on products after contract award. Each Delivery Order (DO) will identify the exact sizes and quantities required from each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN). The contractor shall provide the style, size, and quantity of promotional and incentive items listed under each CLIN on each DO. The contractor shall provide the style, size, and quantity of promotional and incentive items listed under each CLIN on each DO in accordance with Attachment 1 – Product Specifications

C.7.0 Specifications

C.7.1 All materials and supplies used in the making of both promotional and incentive items shall be of the exact same kind specified under the product details listed under SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES, by each CLIN 0001 - 0018.

C.7.2 In the event that MCRC requires specifications changes to any promotional and incentive item, the Contracting Officer will provide written notification of the changes to the contractor via bilateral modification to the contract. The contractor shall be flexible regarding the specifications for each item to be produced under this contract. At no time shall any material and/or supplies be used which deviates from the original intended design, appearance, or standards required by the Marine Corps without written approval from the Contracting Officer. All work shall be performed in the best and most professional workmanship manner possible.

C.7.3 Allocation of intellectual property rights (associated with or related to the deliverable graphics and other works). All EGA graphics, designs, artwork, other works, and related items (singularly or collectively Works), and all associated, or related, intellectual property, in whatever form, created, generated, or produced under this contract shall become the property of the Marine Corps; therefore, the Marine Corps shall have the irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide right to use, modify, reproduce, perform, display, release, or disclose such graphics, designs, artwork, and other Works and other related items in whole or in part, in any manner, and for any purpose whatsoever, and to have or authorize others to do so.

C.7.4 The USMC requires unrestricted use of the subject deliverables that are part of this effort.

Therefore, any restricted or limited graphics, designs, artwork, or other Works or related items including, but not limited to, the Contractor’s or a Third-Party’s proprietary graphics, designs, artworks, other

Works and related items must not be used under this contract without the Contracting Officer’s specific written approval prior to the start of any work. The Contracting Officer’s disapproval of any or all such restricted or limited graphics, designs, artwork, or other Works and related items shall not be a basis for an equitable adjustment as to price, time and place of delivery, or any other term in the contract.

C.7.5 The Government will provide all artwork (e.g., EGA graphics, USMC logo, Interstate font, etc.) to the contractor at contract award. Subsequently, the contractor shall mail one proposed final sample for each CLIN 0001-0018 using all Government-provided artwork to the Government Represenative listed beloew for final approval within 15 days. If the proposed final samples do not meet the requirements of the contract, the contractor has 5 days to correct any issues the Government finds with the proposed final samples. Provision of proposed final samples and correction of any issues the Government identifies with the proposed final samples shall be at the contractor’s expense, and the contractor will not be entitled to an equitable adjustment to the contract for the expense or time involved in producing and providing proposed final samples and correcting issues the Government finds with the proposed final samples. The Government’s deliverable requirements shall only include items with all issues identified by the Government corrected, (i.e., Government approved), so the Government is not required to order any item unless and until all issues identified by the Government are corrected

Proposed Final samples shall be sent to for final approval to:

Marine Corps Recruiting Command Headquarters Attention: Vincent Bradley 3280 Russel Road Quantico, VA 22134

Once final approval is received from the Government Representative noted above, finalized products shall be sent to:

Regional Contracting Office Attention: Starleana Cooke Building 159 Corregidor Street P.O. Box 5069 Parris Island, SC 29905

The contractor must immediately notify the Government Representative of all damaged, flawed, and overrun items. These items must be boxed separately and delivered to:

Marine Corps Recruiting Command Headquarters Attention: Vincent Bradley 3280 Russel Road Quantico, VA 22134

C.7.6. All items involving stitching (textile products) should be free of loose strings. Zig zag sewn shirts or hats with stitching not parallel to the seams is not acceptable. Where indicated in the product specifications, shirts should be tag free.

C.8.0 Delivery

C.8.1 Delivery Schedule Distribution: Contract deliverables shall be both promotional and incentive items. Final delivery dates shall be determined at the time of delivery order award. Deliveries will be to the following address:

AMWARE Fulfillment Attention: Angela Smith 8125B Troon Circle Austell, GA 30168

C.8.2 Receiving hours for deliveries to AMWARE Fulfillment are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. The contractor shall ensure that delivery companies provide lifting capabilities to offload shipments. This is a Firm Fixed Price requirement; all offers shall include F.O.B. destination delivery.

C.9.0 Packaging

Included in every box should be separate packing lists and other documentation, which must reflect the delivery order number and the quantity of the product included.

C.10.0 Domestic Sourcing Restrictions

Goods to be delivered under this contract are subject to the restrictions of the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment. This section is meant to highlight certain aspects of the Buy Amendment Act and the Berry Amendment, but the contractor is required to review applicable statutes, FAR 52.219-33 FAR 52.225-1, DFARS 252.225-7012, FAR Part 25, and DFARS Part 225 prior to submitting its proposal and as necessary during contract performance, and to build time, expense, and other resources necessary for compliance into its price and into its commitment to deliver conforming goods in a timely manner as required by this contract. The contractor is solely responsible for ensuring that all delivered goods strictly comply with the statutes and the FAR and DFARS provisions on domestic sourcing cited above, regardless of whether the Government inspects for compliance with domestic sourcing restrictions;

regardless of whether the Government reminds the contractor of the requirement to comply or demands such compliance; and regardless of the source of any goods accepted under this contract or any other Government contract. Compliance with provisions required by the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment are required by statute and cannot be waived by conduct or course of dealings.

The contractor will maintain a list of names and addresses of all manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors during the life of this contract, and shall be prepared to provide such list and any other information necessary to ensure compliance upon request of the Contracting Officer. Compliance is still the responsibility of the contractor, regardless of whether the Contracting Officer makes such requests or does not make such requests.

The Buy American Act places restrictions on the purchase of supplies that are not domestic end products.

As stated above, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.225-1 Buy American Act – Supplies, and FAR 52.225-2 Buy American Act Certificate; are included in this contract and FAR 52.225-2 was required to be completed by all offerors. Per FAR 52.225-2 and DFAS 252.225-7000, the contractor by its offer certifies that all items to be delivered are domestic, unless the contractor lists nondomestic sources; and the Contracting Officer may rely on those certifications, both prior to award and during the term of this contract.

The restrictions of the Berry Amendment and the FAR and DFARS provisions cited above apply to goods required to be delivered under this requirement. Per DFARS 225.7000(b), nothing in Part 225.70 affects the applicability of the Buy American Act to goods delivered under the contract, so the contractor is responsible for determining applicability of both statutes to all items. The following chart is meant to assist the contractor in complying with the Berry Amendment.

Item Berry Amendment Restrictions Apply Water Bottles (Plastic) (28oz) Not Applicable Shaker (Plastic) (26oz) Not Applicable Black Fabric Ball Caps/Hats Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862 DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Black T-Shirts Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Prior Service Recruit (PSR) Travel Mugs

Not Applicable

Drawstring Backpacks Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Mousepads If composed of rubber and neoprene, Not Applicable. In accordance with DFARS 225.7002-2(j), as long as the cost of the fabric is not more than 10% of the total price of the end product. FSC Code 7045.

Pens Not Applicable Pencils Not Applicable Lanyards Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Black Long Sleeve T-Shirt Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Officer T-Shirts Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Poolee T-Shirts Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Poolee Jackets Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Crew Neck Shirts for Naval Academy Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Navy Polo Shirts Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862, DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Black Officer Polo Shirt Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862 DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

Educators T-Shirts Applicable, in accordance with 10 USC § 4862 DFARS

225.7002, PGI 225-70.

C.11.0 Ordering Procedures

The following instructions were developed and will be implemented in accordance with FAR 16.505

C.11.1 The contractor shall provide supplies under this contract only as directed in Delivery Orders issued by authorized individuals. In accordance with FAR 16.505, each order will include:

• Date of order;

• Contract number and order number;

• Item number and description, quantity, and unit price. Corresponding line item number from the base contract.

• Delivery or performance schedule;

• Place of delivery or performance;

• Packaging, packing, and shipping instructions, if any;

• Accounting and appropriation data;

• Method of invoicing, payment and payment office, if not specified in the contract;

• Any other pertinent information as appropriate

C.11.2 The following individuals (or activities) are authorized to place orders against this contract:

All warranted Regional Contracting Office (RCO) Parris Island (PI) Contracting Officers are considered designated ordering officials for this IDIQ.

C.11.3 Ordering Process

The order procedures below are provided for informational purposes only. The actual procedures (including response times) may vary according to individual order circumstances.

• Single Award Contract Ordering Procedures. It is anticipated that each order will be placed in accordance with the following procedures:

o Delivery Order: An SF 1449 will be executed by the Contracting Officer and sent to the contractor via e-mail as notice to begin the delivery process. The Contractor is cautioned that no effort to begin delivery process is to be started prior to receipt of a properly signed and executed SF 1449 or other authorization by the Contracting Officer. Orders may be issued orally by the Contracting Officer; however, orally issued orders will be followed up with a written order within three (3) business days o Contractor Notification. The contractor is responsible for immediately notifying the Contracting Officer of any difficulties in performing in accordance with the terms of the order.

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Industry Questions and Government Responses

1. Industry Question: We are only able to quote some of the items in the solicitation as we do not produce t-shirts or hats. Can quote only the items we produce?

Government Response: This procurement will be awarded on the basis of “All or None.”

2. Industry Question: Can you clarify? Do all 18 items need to be US Made?

Government Response: See C.10.0 Domestic Sourcing Restrictions:

Goods to be delivered under this contract are subject to the restrictions of the Buy American Act, the Berry Amendment, and the Nonmanufacture Rule (FAR 52.219-33). None of the supplies required by this contract are kits of supplies, so the contractor must comply with FAR 52.219-33(c)(1).

3. Industry Question: If an item is also a textile it must also be Berry Compliant. Is that correct?

Government Response: That is correct

4. Industry Question: I was wondering if we are able to submit the solicitation for the shirts only.

We are a cut-and-sew manufacturing company so we would be interested in all of the t-shirts (CLIN 0004, CLIN 0011, CLIN 0012, CLIN 0013, CLIN 0015, CLIN 0018).

Government Response: This procurement will be awarded on the basis of “All or None.”

5. Industry Question: Some of items on the Request, fall under the BARRY amendment. For example the hats. We would use Cap America for the hats. they manufacture the hats here in the US but they can not guarantee where all the material comes from. Is this acceptable?

Government Response: Compliance with provisions required by the Buy American Act,the Berry Amendment, and the Nonmanufacture Rule are required by statute and cannot be waived by conduct or course of dealings. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that it makes sufficient inquiry of suppliers, subcontractors, and any other third parties the contractor engages to help accomplish the effort, to ensure delivered goods are in conformance.

6. Industry Question: Do the product samples that we are required to submit with the bid need to have an imprint?

Government Response: Each sample shall resemble the product description and does not need to be branded with the Government-provided artwork. The samples must demonstrate that the offeror is capable of producing the items required by the contract.

7. Industry Question: We want to place a quote according to Solicitation

nr. M0026323R1002, but want to be sure that the requested quantities are understand from our side, example Item nr.1 Water Bottles (Plastic) (28oz) quantity is 1,500,000 (1.5M) and not a 1,500 (One Thousand Five Hundred)?

Government Response: 1,500,000 is equivalent to 1.5 million

8. Industry Question: Is the mouse pad fabric or hard top?

Government Response: 1/8” thick Neoprene

9. Industry Question: Specifications for each item: The description and artwork for each item will be similar than 2017 event ? see attached catalogue we made as reference. If can send us the artwork for this 2023 event will be helpful.

Government Response: Each solicitation stands on its own, and offerors are encouraged to read the current solicitation in its entirety. The Government will provide all Eagle Globe and Anchor (EGA) graphics, designs and artwork required to be displayed on products after contract award. The photos provided of the items in this RFP provide a visual representation of the artwork graphics that will be required for production.

10. Industry Question: Apparel: Details for sizes, and brand quality requested , see 2017 detail, please confirm it will be the same or have new updated. Attached list last event.

Government Response: Each solicitation stands on its own, and offerors are encouraged to read the current solicitation in its entirety. Size details in accordance with the size chart in Attachment 1, will be designated within the respective delivery order. A specific brand is not being requested for this RFP..

11. Industry Question Do you have split order scheduled , how many pieces per item will be ordered?

Government Response: All promotional and incentive items furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of a delivery order. Delivery dates and quantities for delivery orders awarded under this contract will be designated within the respective delivery orders.

12. Industry Question: Do you need a sample for each item with the offer presentation or virtual like the catalogue attached

Government Response: The offeror shall submit a physical sample product for each CLIN 0001-0018. Virtual like catalogue is not acceptable for this Request for Proposal.

13. Industry Question: What are your payment terms ? What is the period of time for the fixed pricing ?

Government Response: In accordance with FAR 16.505 each order will include method of invoicing, payment and payment office. The period of time for the fixed price is the duration of the 5-year ordering period.

14. Industry Question: I see that it would be a 5 year contract, however does that mean that a certain clin could be purchased for the max amounts every year? For example, clin 0003 for the ball caps is at 250,000 - could that be 250,000 per year or 250,000 max over the entire 5 years?

Government Response: The MAX quantity for each CLIN represents the MAX for the entirety of this requirement (5-year ordering period).

15. Industry Question: Does award of this contract necessitate fulfillment of all items on the document? Would US Standard Apparel be able to be contracted to fulfill the basic apparel items, mainly the various short sleeve and long sleeve tees?

Government Response: This procurement will be awarded on the basis of “All or None.” The Government is unable to answer the portion of your question as to whether you could use US Standard Apparel as your subcontractor. Selection and management of subcontractor, suppliers, and other third parties are the responsibility of the contactor; however, offerors and the contractor are cautioned that compliance with all terms and conditions are the contractor’s responsibility, wehther the contractor works with suppliers and subcontractors are not. All offerors and the contractor are also cautioned to review the provisions of 52.219-33 carefully.

16. Industry Question Can you confirm if this shirt is to be made with 100% cotton or 100% polyester?

Government Response: Material specifications for each shirt indicated on each applicable CLIN in Attachment 1 – Product Specifications

17. Industry Question The picture of the mouse pad in the RFP is different than the one that was approved on 6/16/2020 for the current contract. Has the design changed? It looks like the RFP photo was an older design used before 2020.

Government Response: Each solicitation stands on its own, and offerors are encouraged to read the current solicitation in its entirety. Attachment 1, 1.7 (CLIN 0007) – Mousepads updated

DOCUMENT TYPE DESCRIPTION PAGES DATE

Attachment 1 Product Specifications 19 3 May 2023

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

FAR 52.212-1 ADDENDUM

FAR 52.212-1 ADDENDUM

The instructions contained in FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items are applicable to this solicitation, but are tailored as follows:

Paragraph (c) is modified to require the offeror to agree to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

Paragraph (e) “Multiple offers” is not applicable.

This addendum contains the additional instructions below applicable to this solicitation

1. GENERAL INFORMATION. The Regional Contracting Office, Parris Island (RCO-PI) intends to award a single award Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year ordering period, as a result of this solicitation. The objective of this contract is to provide branded promotional and incentive items for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) for distribution purposes at various United States Marine Corps (USMC) events.

(a) The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. Offerors are cautioned to examine this solicitation in its entirety and to ensure that their quote contains all necessary information, provides all required documentation, and is complete in all respects.

(b) Use of general or vague statements such as “standard procedures will be used” will not satisfy this requirement. Unnecessary elaboration or presentations beyond what is sufficient to present a complete and effective solution are not desired and may be construed as a lack of understanding of the requirement.

(c) Proposal must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Failure to do so may result in the offeror’s submission being determined unacceptable and ineligible for award. Each offeror’s submission shall be screened by the Contract Specialist upon receipt to ensure completeness and compliance with the instructions contained in this solicitation. No proposals will be returned to the offeror. Submitted physical product samples will be returned to the offeror at the contractor’s expense, if requested within 15 days after contract award, unless the Government needs the samples for a longer period of time, in which case the Government will notify offerors by letter or email message

2. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments generally provide the public the right to access agency records when a member of the public so requests. If an offeror’s submissions contain information that he/she believes should be withheld from such requestors under FOIA on the grounds that they contain “trade secrets and commercial or financial information”, 5 U.S.C. § 552, the offeror should mark its submissions as set forth in FAR 52.215-1(e).

3. QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD. The Contract Specialist is the point of contact for this acquisition.

Address any questions or concerns to the Contract Specialist. Written requests for clarification shall be sent to the Contract Specialist via email.

The Contract Specialist for this acquisition is:

Name: Starleana Cooke Phone: (843) 228-1980 Email address: starleana.cooke@usmc.mil

The Contracting Officer for this acquisition is:

Name: Kacy M. Mohead Phone: (843) 228-2188 Email address: kacy.m.mohead@usmc.mil

Solicitation information and amendments will be posted to the Contract Opportunities (formerly FBO) website at www.sam.gov. Offerors shall e-mail written questions requesting clarification of the Request for Proposal to the Contract Specialist (starleana.cooke@usmc.mil) and Contracting Officer (kacy.m.mohead@usmc.mil) as instructed above. The Government will accept vendor questions 10 (ten) calendar days after solicitation issuance. Questions received after this date/time may not be answered.

NOTE: Your email subject line for submitted questions should read “RFP M00263-23-R-1002 – QUESTIONS, from insert contractor name.”

4. PROPOSAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

The physical product samples for “ALL ITEMS”, written detailed descriptions of each sample item, past performance information, price proposal, and all other requirements requested in the RFP must be received in its entirety at the below listed address by the date and time specified in Block 8 of the SF 1449.

US Postal Service Regional Contracting Office P.O. Box 5069 Attention: Starleana Cooke (Reference Solicitation M0026323R1002) Parris Island, SC 29905

FEDEX or other Carrier or Courier Regional Contracting Office Building 159, Corregidor Street Attention: Starleana Cooke (Reference Solicitation M0026323R1002) Parris Island, SC 29905

Late submissions will not be considered for evaluation except as allowed by FAR Clause 52. Telegraphic and Facsimile offers are not authorized for this solicitation and will not be considered for evaluation.

Offerors shall prepare their proposal as set forth in 6. Proposal Content and Submission Instructions below. The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in the table and shall be within the required page limits as http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+5USC552 http://www.sam.gov/ specified in the table. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the amplifying information provided in the paragraphs that follow the table. The footer of all content pages for all volumes shall be labeled with the following in Bold Print: “Source Selection Information—See FAR 2.101 and 3.104”

5. PROPOSAL VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer is valid for 120 days from (Date of Submission)

6. PROPOSAL CONTENT AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

6.1 OVERALL PROPOSAL STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Proposal shall submit a proposal which consists of three (3) volumes, as described below:

Naming Convention Tab Title Volume I: Administrative

Tab A Proposal Cover/Transmittal Letter (no page limit), Completed and signed RFP (no page limit)

Tab B Letter of Intent (no page limit) Volume II: Technical

Tab C Technical (limit 15 pages) Tab D Past Performance (limit 10 pages)

Volume III: Price Price Proposal (No page limit)

Information contained in each volume shall be complete to the extent that review of one volume may be accomplished independently of, and currently with, review of the other

Print shall be no smaller than a font size of 11 Arial or Times New Roman Font and shall be on 8-1/2 x 11-inch paper. Charts, graphs, or spreadsheets shall be no larger than an 8-1/2 x 11-inch size page. Margins from the edge of type to the edge of the page shall be no less than one inch on all four sides. Quotation contents that exceed the stated page limitations will be removed from the quote by the Contracting Officer and will not be considered in the evaluation

Each page containing proprietary information should be so marked.

In order to maximize efficiency and minimize the effort involved in the proposal evaluation process, all offerors must comply with the instructions for proposal format and content. Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be considered not to have conformed to the requirements of this solicitation and may render the offeror ineligible for award. Clarity, completeness, and conciseness are essential.

6.2 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUME I AND VOLUME II

Volume 1: Administrative

Note: No price information shall be included

Tab A: Proposal Cover/Transmittal Letter

The Proposal Cover/Transmittal Letter shall include the following information

(a) Solicitation number

(b) Organization

(c) Corporate principal submitting the offer

(d) A point of contact that is responsible for the offeror’s proposal

(e) Top level summary of the proposal and material contact (to include identifying all subcontractors & all enclosures)

(f) Table of contents, Table of figures, List of tables and glossary of abbreviations & acronyms if applicable

(g) No exception to any Terms and Conditions has been taken, or if so, clearly cited. Include any exceptions taken to the solicitation terms and conditions, or the statement, “No exception to any Terms and Conditions has been taken”. However, offerors are cautioned that any noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may cause their proposal to be determined unacceptable

The Completed and signed RFP (Page 1) shall include the following information

(a) The offeror shall complete the “Signature of Offeror/Contractor” part of the Standard Form

1449 in Block 30a, b, and c.

(b) Acknowledge any amendments to the RFP

(c) Complete any applicable representations, certifications, etc. in Section K

(d) The Buy American Act certificates, DFARS 252.225-7000, including listing items, if any, in paragraph (c). If contractor does not have any items to list in those paragraphs, include the certificate but leave those items blank and include statement that the certificate is left blank on purpose, indicating all items will be sourced from U.S. companies

Tab B: Letter of Intent

The offeror shall submit any letters of intent, as applicable. The Government recognizes that the offeror may team with other contractors to meet the requirements of the solicitation. The Government will evaluate the offeror and its first-tier subcontractors or Joint Venture Agreement as a whole when a signed Teaming Agreement, Letter of Intent, or Joint Venture Agreement committing all parties to performance under this contract is submitted. If the quote is comprised of a subcontractor/teaming arrangement, the offeror shall provide a brief summary of each company to include: the full company name, address, point of contact, current phone number, and a description of services to be performed under this contract.

However, limit each summary to 1 page per company or subcontractor.

Volume II: Technical

Note: No price information shall be included in this Volume.

Tab C: FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Proposal shall strictly adhere to the page limitations.

The Offeror shall provide a detailed narrative describing their ability to successfully provide the requirements set forth in the contract. The Offeror shall provide a complete detailed description of each item to be delivered that contains sufficient information for the Government to be able to determine whether each item meets the product specifications outlined at section C.7.0 of the solicitation and Attachment 1 - Product Specifications.

The Offeror shall also submit a physical sample product for each CLIN 0001-0018 that meets the product specifications as outlined in Section C.7.0 and Attachment 1 – Product Specifications, Government-provided artwork (e.g., EGA graphics, USMC logo, Interstate font, etc.) as that will be provided after contract award. Each physical sample shall resemble the product description and does not need to be branded with the Government-provided artwork. Company names may not be screen printed on the items or compete in any way with the Marines logo.

TAB D: FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE

Offerors shall submit past performance information/references for up to three (3) of its most relevant contracts or efforts within the past three (3) years of solicitation closing date. All information provided should be references the offeror considers relevant to the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors shall provide a detailed explanation demonstrating the relevance of the contracts or efforts to the requirements of the solicitation. A minimum of three (3) past performance references is required to include: referenced contractor’s name, contract number, point of contact, phone number and e-mail

Offerors shall submit past performance information/references for up to three (3) of its most relevant contracts or efforts within the past three (3) years of solicitation closing date. All information provided should be references the offeror considers relevant to the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors shall provide a detailed explanation demonstrating the relevance of the contracts or efforts to the requirements of the solicitation.

• “Recent” is defined as a contract in-progress or completed within the last three (3) years as of the date of the initial solicitation. If the offeror has not completed up to three (3) Government contracts within the last three (3) years as of the date of the initial solicitation, information on recent and relevant subcontracts and/or commercial contracts may be submitted.

• “Relevant” is defined as a contract that is of similar scope, magnitude, and complexity to the requirements as set forth in this solicitation.

o Scope: Experience in the areas defined in the PWS.

o Magnitude: The measure of the similarity of the volume, dollar value and/or duration of the work actually performed under the offeror’s submitted contracts to the PWS.

o Complexity: The measure of the similarity of technical difficulty, managerial intricacy and/or required coordination of efforts and disciplines performed by the offeror in its submitted contracts to the PWS. For complexity, not only will the tasks performed by the offeror be considered, but also the offeror’s ability to coordinate tasks (e.g., concurrent performance requirements).

For each of the Past Performance references identified, the Offeror shall:

(a) Include the Contract/Delivery Order number; type of contract; dollar value; period of performance; prime or subcontractor role; and identify problems encountered during contract performance and corrective actions taken, if applicable. If problems were encountered during the performance of the identified past performance references, provide evidence of the offeror’s ability to isolate the root causes of problems and include a description of programs or actions taken to resolve those causes. Problems not addressed by the offeror but found by the Government during the evaluation of the information in this volume will be assumed to still exist.

(b) Describe how the work was/is similar to the PWS requirements in terms of the scope, magnitude, and complexity. Offerors shall also address historical compliance with the requirements of FAR Part 52.219-8 - Utilization of Small Business Concerns.

(c) Identify a Point of Contact (POC) (e.g., Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer’s

Representative, Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, or Government Program Manager), name of contracting agency, agency representative, telephone number, and email address.

Note: If an Indefinite Delivery contract is provided for reference purposes, Delivery Orders numbers must also be provided. In the event the orders are treated as separate references accompanying the Indefinite Delivery contract, the orders will be evaluated alone in terms of the scope, magnitude, and complexity.

If an offeror does not submit any references or submits less than three (3) references, the offeror shall affirmatively state that it only has a certain number of references or state it has none at all. If the offeror affirmatively states it has no references, such offeror shall be assigned a past performance rating of Unknown or (“Neutral”). Any offeror who fails to submit three (3) references or fails to affirmatively state that it has fewer than three (3) references or no references will be determined not to have conformed to the solicitation and may be removed from any further consideration for award.

The Government reserves the right to contact the references provided to conduct a telephone interview and/or exchange to verify the performance information provided or to obtain additional performance feedback. The Government also reserves the right to use past performance information obtained from sources other than those identified by the offeror. This past performance information may be used for the evaluation of past performance

6.3 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR VOLUME II – PRICE PROPOSAL

The Offeror must provide a narrative describing the rationale and methodology used to determine the proposed firm fixed prices. The offeror shall fill in prices for all CLINs in Section B.

(End of provision)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV

2021)

(a) The Government will make a source selection using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach described in FAR 15.101-2. This procurement will be awarded on the basis of “All or None.”

If more than one proposal is received, proposals shall be ranked in order of lowest price to highest price.

Evaluations will commence with the lowest priced proposal. Evaluations will continue until at least two competiting proposals are found to be technically acceptable and have acceptable past performance.

Award will be made to the lowest-price proposal that is technically acceptable and has acceptable past performance. The Government may evaluate additional proposals if it is in the Government’s best interest to do so

In order to make a Techncial Acceptability determination, the Government will evaluate the two non-price factors for acceptability and the offeror’s total evaluated price as described in FAR 15.404.

Definitions are provided in Table 1: Technical Ratings – Acceptability and Table 2: Past Performance Ratings – Acceptability. The factors are:

Non- Price Factors:

Factor 1: Technical Specifications Factor 2: Past Performance

Price Factor Factor 3: Price Factor

EVALUATION FACTORS:

Factor 1: Technical Specifications The objective of this factor is to determine whether the offeror can provide promotional and incentive items that meet the Government’s product specifications. In order to be rated as Acceptable offerors must provide a description of each line item 0001-0018 and a corresponding proposal physical sample that meet the product specifications outlined in Attachment 1

Factor 1 will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below:

Table 1: Technical Ratings – Acceptability

RATING DESCRIPTION

ACCEPTABLE Proposal meets the requirement of the solicitation

UNACCEPTABLE Proposal does not meet the requirements of the solicitation

Factor 2: Past Performance The Past Performance factor will be rated on an Acceptable/Unacceptable basis. The Government will use information provided by the Offeror, as well as any other information deemed necessary as noted in 52.212-1 addendum to assess the Offeror’s ability to meet the solicitation requirements. This assessment will be based on a demonstrated record of past performance, taking into consideration the recency and relevancy of the past performance data. The Government may also evaluate the past performance of an Offeror’s proposed subcontractors. In the investigation of an Offeror’s past performance, the Government reserves the right to contact former customers, Government agencies and other private and public sources of information. The evaluation will include information provided by the Offeror demonstrating compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-8.

In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance (see FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iv)). Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown (or “neutral”) past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, a neutral rating shall be considered acceptable.

Factor 2 will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below:

Table 2: Past Performance Ratings – Acceptability

RATING DESCRIPTION

ACCEPTABLE Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror’s performance record is unknown

UNACCEPTABLE Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government does not have reasonale expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort

Sources of Past Performance Information:

In addition to information submitted by the offeror, the Government may consider all relevant past performance information, and information obtained from any other sources available to the Government, to include, but not limited to, the Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), and the Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) applications. The Government reserves the right to limit or expand the number of references it decides to contact and to contact references other than those provided by the Offeror.

Factor 3: Price The Offeror’s Total Evaluated Price shall be calculated by adding the price of the basic contract line item numbers (CLINs) 0001-0018. The Government will conduct a price reasonableness analysis of total evaluated price to support the selection of the lowest priced, technically acceptable offeror. In order to be considered for award, the proposed price must be determined to be fair and reasonable. The Government may determine a proposal unacceptable should the proposed prices be materially unbalanced. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques.

(b) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award

(c) The Government will not award to an offeror whose proposal indicates that it will provide goods or services prohibited by statute, the FAR or an applicable FAR supplement, or other applicable regulations.

(End of provision)

(End of Summary of Changes)

Attachment 1 –Product Specifications, Dated 3 May 2023

Product Specifications

1.1 (CLIN 0001) – Water Bottles (Plastics) (28oz)

FFP

Description/Measurements:

Plastic Water Bottles. 28 oz. capacity transparent bike bottle with push/pull cap. 2 7/8” Diameter x 9 3/4” Length.

Molded from food-safe, Bisphenol A (BPA)-free plastic.

FDA compliant.

Text at top: MARINES.COM 1-800-MARINES Text at bottom: PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY Bottle Color: Red Cap Color: Black Font: White; all text shall be in capital letters, using Interstate Bold All containers intended to hold water shall not leak.

FOB: Destination

1.2 (CLIN 0002) - Shaker (Plastic) (26oz)

Description/Measurements:

Capacity; 26oz Material: BPA-free plastic.

Agitator ball helps mix powered drinks.

BPA/FDA compliant.

Assembled with Usage instruction. Will not retain odor or flavors. Dishwasher safe.

Bottle Color: Red Cap Color: Black Ball Color: Gray Text: MARINES.COM

Font: White; all Capital Letters using Interstate Bold Image: EGA (EGA will be provided to awardee at time of award) All containers intended to hold water shall not leak.

1.3 (CLIN 0003) - Ball Caps/Hats

Description/Measurements:

U.S. Made Style: Ball Cap with Six Panel, Low style Black Sax Cotton Twill on all six panels, visor and button Color: Black, Four white contrast visor stitches on black with red sandwich visor Material: Cotton and Black plastic sizing strap on back.

Graphic: White embroidered EGA centered over text Font: White; all Capital Letters, using Interstate Bold Image: EGA (EGA will be provided to awardee at time of award)

Text: MARINES

1.4 (CLIN 0004) –…