M00264-22-RFI-0004.docx

M00264-23-RFI-0004

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) Marine Corps Installation Nation Capital Region - Regional Contracting Office (MCINCR-RCO), Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA is seeking information via this Request for Information (RFI) for acquire research and innovative technical analysis (RITA) capabilities from a Contractor to Support for Operations and Analysis Directorate (OAD), Combat Development and Integration (CD&I) mission and the Marine Corps Studies system (MCSS).

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS: Marine Corps Installation Nation Capital Region - Regional Contracting Office (MCINCR-RCO), 2010 Henderson Rd, Quantico, VA 22134

1.0 INTRODUCTION:

This RFI is issued to conduct market research and determine the availability and technical capability of all sources to provide the required products and/or services.

This RFI allows potential contractors to submit a non-binding statement of interest and documentation demonstrating their corporate capabilities and suggestions that will allow the Government to refine its potential course of action. The RFI is intended to assess industry service capabilities and solicit feedback for acquisition planning purposes.

The RFI is intended to assess industry service capabilities and solicit feedback for acquisition planning purposes. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

North America Industry Classification System (NAICS) being considered for this effort are:

· 541611 Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

The Product Service Codes (PSC) being considered for this effort are:

· B599 Special Studies/Analyst-Other

Portfolio: Knowledge Based Services, Engineering and Technical Services per the Department of Defense (DoD) taxonomy associated with the acquisition of services, supplies and equipment.

Estimated Value of this Action: $65 Million over a 5 years period

DISCLAIMER:

THIS RFI IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP). IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS RFI. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

2.0 BACKGROUND: OAD has a mission-critical need for operations research in the form of studies and analyses supporting a wide-range of requirements from across the Marine Corps.

This RFI is for market research pertaining to a follow-on Single Award Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity contract for research and innovative technical analysis for Research and Innovative Technical Analysis capabilities in support of OAD.

Planned Acquisition: (see attached draft Performance Work Statement)

The requirements are being planned as an Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity contract with a five (5) year ordering period. Award is expected around January 2024.

Performance Locations: Contractor Facility

Constraints and Limitations: The following are anticipated to apply to this acquisition:

· Contractor may have to use the USMC’s internal software tools related to the scope of this effort. Contractor must explain how they will learn the functionalities of the Government’s software research tools.

Highest Security Requirement applicable to this effort: Top Secret

Organizational Conflict of Interest: A potential conflict of interest may be present due to the contractor support in study areas that could become a new contract requirement in the future.

3.0 HISTORICAL INFORMATION: This is not a new requirement. These services were procured in 2014 when the Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Regional Contracting Office (MCINCR-RCO) awarded six (6) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quality (IDIQ) contracts to the following contractors: Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Booz Allen Hamilton, Group W, Inc., ManTech Systems Engineering Corp., Innovative Decisions, Inc., and Power Ten, Inc.

Then in 2019, a single award IDIQ contract was awarded to Group W, Inc. under contract M00264-19-D-0007

Both acquisition efforts were solicited as unrestricted.

4.0 CORE OBJECTIVES TO BE ACCOMPLISHED:

The objective of this acquisition is to acquire research and innovative technical analysis (RITA) capabilities from a contractor to support OAD CD&I mission and the MCSS.

The scope of the contract is for a contractor that have the capability to perform operations research for studies and analyses in support of the MCSS program. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting studies that relate to the nature, theory, preparation, and conduct of warfighting. The products provided under RITA will support the MCSS in responding to Marine Corps-wide requirements.

The objectives and tasks are outlined in the attached DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS). The scope of the contract consist of five core objectives for studies as follows:

Objective 1: Futures Capabilities Studies Objective 2: Force Structure Studies Objective 3: Current Operations and Intelligence Studies (Ops & Intel) Objective 4: Decision Analytics Studies Objective 5: Quick-Turn Studies & Human Subject Research (HSR) Protocols

RFI RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Please provide a response to each of the following:

The capability statement provided in response to this RFI shall include the following criteria in addition to answering the RFI specific criteria below, considering the attached DRAFT PWS (Attachment 1):

1. The Government is considering NAICS code 541611 and requests recommendations for alternative NAICS codes. If a recommendation is provided, please include a rationale for the recommended NAICS and explain why the code is applicable to the draft PWS scope of work.

2. Extent to which the responder is aware of any potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) issues or a non-immitigable OCI related to current development work at USMC.

3. Provide past performance records (no more than 3) that demonstrates your experiences executing similar services that are included in the Draft PWS requirements. Please provide a written narrative that details the following:

a. Description of type of work performed,

b. Relationship to RITA 3.0 Draft PWS

c. To whom the services were performed (i.e., name of the customer),

d. Point of contact of service recipient. Please include name, phone number and email address.

4. Please provide any information regarding intellectual property rights associated with this type of service.

5. Are there any professional certifications standards required to do the work?

6. Do you have a facility clearance at the Top Secret classification level?

7. Would the labor resources needed to fulfil the tasks of the Draft PWS require the use of labor categories subject to the Service Contract Act? If so, which labor categories will apply?

8. Are the required services considered a service that is of a type offered and sold competitively in substantial quantities in the commercial marketplace?

a. Why or why not? Please provide non-government sources in which similar services were provided.

b. Please provide information regarding which elements from the DRFAT PWS you have executed at the local, state, federal government or international level. Identify the objective(s) that responder cannot fulfil and provide an explanation about how to mitigate.

9. Please identify any contract(s) on your awareness that cover some or all of the DRAFT RITA 3.0 PWS objectives. If there are any GSA or any other contract(s) done by federal agency for similar objectives, please provide the contract number and point of contact information.

10. The contract will include fixed unit prices per level of complexity structure described in section 6 of the Draft RITA 3.0 PWS. The unit prices will be set individually per complexity level and security clearance level required. Please provide any suggestions to ease the definition of the complexity levels and unit price criteria.

BUSINESS RELATED INQUIRIES:

The responder is invited to provide information and recommendations for fashioning this proposed acquisition. Recommendation areas may include revisions/suggestions to the PWS, the type of contract, anticipated contract terms & conditions, incentives, variations in delivery schedule, price and/or cost proposal support, and data requirements, contract pricing, and any other areas that the responder believes is relevant for the Government to achieve its stated objectives. The responder may opine regarding what portion of the work could be set-aside for small businesses if all the required work cannot be provided by a small business. Details to support any recommendations for partial small business set-asides should be included.

Specific required criteria/questions for this RFI are as follows:

1. Provide the business classification level of your entity to do work under NAICS 541611

a. If you are a large business, please provide a recommendation for the percentage of work to be assigned to small businesses in a Subcontracting Plan. Please include which elements of the objectives you recommend for small businesses and why.

b. If you are a small business, please provide a recommendation regarding your plans to use joint venturing (JV) or partnering to meet each of the requirements areas contained herein. This includes responses from qualified and capable Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Service Disabled-Veteran Owned Small Businesses, Women-owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Small Businesses, and 8(a) companies. You should provide information on how you would envision your company's areas of expertise and those of any proposed JV/partner would be combined to meet the specific requirements contained in this announcement.

2. In order to make a determination for a small business set-aside, two or more qualified and capable small businesses must submit responses that demonstrate their qualifications. Responses must demonstrate the company’s ability to perform in accordance with the Limitations on Subcontracting clause (FAR 52.219-14).

3. Please provide a determination of intent to participate/solicit as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

4. If your business holds an active Government wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) which can accommodate the scope of the entire requirements outlined above, please provide the GSA schedule number with the capability package submission.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Feedback on this requirement is encouraged. This is a market research tool used to identify market capability and solutions, as well as the availability and adequacy of potential small business sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of award. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this notice. Information submitted by respondents to this notice is strictly voluntary.

Responses must contain UNCLASSIFIED information only and be marked “UNCLASSIFIED” at least on the first page of the response. No classified information may be included anywhere in the response. Responses must include:

1) Business name and address;

2) Name of company representative and their business title;

3) Business Type and size

4) Cage Code;

5) DUNS Number;

6) Responses shall be in Microsoft Word for Office or compatible format and shall not exceed twenty (20) pages. A page is defined as each face of an 8½” x 11” sheet with information contained within a one inch margin on all sides. Font type shall be Times Roman 12 point;

7) Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Vendors who wish to respond to this RFI should send responses via email NLT 23 September 2022, 12:00 PM Eastern Time to Jeffrey Sisk at jeffrey.a.sisk@usmc.mil and Mr. Michael Williams michal.williams6@usmc.mil. Interested vendors should submit a brief capabilities statement package (no more than twenty (20) pages) demonstrating ability to perform the services listed in this Technical Description. Documentation should be in bullet format.

Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All Government and contractor personal reviewing RFI responses will have signed non-disclosure agreements and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as described 41 USC 423. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.

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P.W.S.

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR THE

RESEARCH AND INNOVATIVE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (RITA) 3.0

1.0 Background.

As delineated by the National Security Act of 1947 (amended in 1952), Marines are trained, organized, and equipped for offensive amphibious employment and as a “force in readiness.” Today, over a half century later, the vision of the Marine Corps remains and the strategies for sustaining this vision encompass the core fundamentals and key elements of the official mission. The Marine Corps Studies System (MCSS) provides key analytic insights for maintaining our nation’s “force in readiness.”

The MCSS is governed by Marine Corps Order (MCO) 3902.1E under the auspices of the Operations Analysis Directorate (OAD), Headquarters Marine Corps, Combat Development and Integration (CD&I).

It has been a program of record since June 1979. The MCSS provides independent, objective, and unbiased analysis focused on current, mid- and long- range issues that support the overall objectives of the Marine Corps including the Marine Operating Forces, the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS), and the Marine Corps Force Development System (MCFDS). The MCSS dedicates required resources (organic and contract supported) to respond to technical complex challenges faced by today’s Corps. It helps shape the future direction of the Marine Corps and helps determine future requirements based on supported facts and science. The MCSS provides the means and measures through which requirements are turned into capabilities. These efforts are primarily in the form of studies and analyses.

The resultant products provide the basis for senior leaders to make informed decisions.

2.0 Objective & Scope.

2.1. Objective. The objective of this acquisition is to acquire research and innovative technical analysis (RITA) capabilities from a Contractor to support OAD CD&I mission and the MCSS.

2.2. Scope. The Contractors shall have the capability to perform operations research for studies and analyses in support of the MCSS program. This includes, but is not limited to, conducting studies that relate to the nature, theory, preparation, and conduct of warfighting. The products provided under RITA will support the MCSS in responding to Marine Corps-wide requirements.

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, materials, equipment, facilities, travel, and other services required to satisfy the required capabilities and solutions. While this Performance Work Statement (PWS) identifies the functional categories, the suite of resulting task orders is intended to satisfy a full range of related requirements. Studies may include, but are not limited to, the areas of future capabilities, force structure, current operations and intelligence, and decision analytics. The Contractor shall have the resources to perform analytical tasking as follows.

3.0 General Information.

3.1. Ordering Period. This requirement consists of a 5 year ordering period and shall commence upon contract award.

3.2. Quality Control (QC). The Contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The Contractor’s quality control program is the means of assurance that the work complies with the requirements of the contract. If any changes are required, the Contractor shall provide one copy of a comprehensive written QCP to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 5 working days. After acceptance of the quality control plan the Contractor shall receive the Contracting Officer’s (KO) acceptance in writing of any proposed change to his QC system.

3.3. Security Requirements.

3.3.1. SECURITY CLEARANCE. The Contractor shall take all necessary steps to assure that Contractor and any subcontractor personnel performing under this contract are persons of professional and personal integrity and trust and meet all other requirements stipulated in this PWS.

3.3.2. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all contract personnel are U.S. citizens and possess an in-scope (per current DoD 6-year reinvestigation requirement), favorable, Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) / T5 investigation (to include SBPR, PPR or T5R), or currently enrolled in the DoD Continuous Evaluation (CE) / Continuous Vetting (CV) program, adjudicated for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility by the DoD Central Adjudication Facility (DoD CAF) without conditions, exceptions, or waivers at the time of award and prior to performance under this contract.

All Contractors are subject to random Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CSP) examinations as part of the Director of Intelligence's Continuous Evaluation Program.

The Contractor shall ensure it and any subcontractors have completed all DD Form 254 requirements prior to commencing any work under this contract.

The Government will provide the Contractor access to NATO, Secured Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), and Joint World-wide Intel Communication System (JWICS) terminals at the Government facility located at Raymond G. Davis Building, 3300 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134 as required at the task order level.

3.3.3. Physical Security. The Contractor shall safeguard all Government property and information provided in performance of this contract. Contractor employees shall be subject to all MCIA security procedures and any other applicable installation access and security regulations.

3.3.4. Facility Clearance. The contractor shall have an active final Secret Facility Clearance (access to COMSEC and NATO) without any Special Limitations that restrict access.

3.3.5. Subcontracting. Before any subcontracting can take place, approval from the MCIA SSO is required. DD Form 254 is required.

3.3.6. For this requirement, place of performance at the SECRET Level and below is at the contractor location addressed in the DD254. The place of performance ABOVE the SECRET Level is 3300 Russell Rd. Quantico, Virginia.

3.3.7. FAR 52.204-2 Security Requirements.

(a) This clause applies to the extent that this contract involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret.”

(b) The Contractor shall comply with-

(1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); and

(2) Any revisions to that manual, notice of which has been furnished to the Contractor.

(c) If, subsequent to the date of this contract, the security classification or security requirements under this contract are changed by the Government and if the changes cause an increase or decrease in security costs or otherwise affect any other term or condition of this contract, the contract shall be subject to an equitable adjustment as if the changes were directed under the Changes clause of this contract.

(d) The Contractor agrees to insert terms that conform substantially to the language of this clause, including this paragraph (d) but excluding any reference to the Changes clause of this contract, in all subcontracts under this contract that involve access to classified information.

3.3.8. Intelligence Oversight. For any contractor personnel conducting Intelligence or Intelligence-related activities or supporting those efforts under Department of Defense authorities shall report any Questionable Intelligence Activity (QIA) or Significant or Highly Sensitive Matter (S/HSM) to the MCIA Intelligence Oversight Manager (IOM) or Senior Intelligence Officer (SIO).

Questionable Intelligence Activity (OIA): Any Intelligence or Intelligence-related activity when there is a reason to believe such activity may be unlawful or contrary to an Executive Order, Presidential Directive, Intelligence Community Directive, or applicable Department of Defense policy governing that activity.

Significant or Highly Sensitive Matter (S/HSM): An Intelligence or Intelligence-related activity (regardless of whether the Intelligence or Intelligence-related activity is unlawful or contrary to an Executive Order, Presidential Directive, Intelligence Community Directive, or applicable Department of Defense policy), or serious criminal activity by Intelligence personnel, that could impugn the reputation or integrity of the Intelligence Community, or otherwise call into question the propriety of Intelligence activities. Such matters might involve actual or potential Congressional Inquiries or investigations, Adverse Media Coverage, Impact on Foreign Relations or Foreign Partners, or Systemic Compromise, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of protected information.

3.3.9. PHYSICAL RESOURCES. The Contractor shall have all necessary equipment, models, tools, software applications, infrastructure (e. g. wired or wireless telephone networks, laptops, etc. and other resources necessary to execute performance of task orders. No additional charges will be made to the Government to purchase equipment, software, or other tools necessary to perform task orders following their award.

All identified contractor personnel (in a non-critical sensitive capability position) providing support must be eligible for, have, and maintain an active secret clearance. Identified contractor personnel will need to complete a DD Form 2875 for access to a government network or information system prior to reporting to work (see chart below).

NACI (SF 85)

Secret Eligibility Required (SF 86)

Secret Clearance Required

(SF 86 With Access)

Visitor Request Required To Activate Secret Clearance

System Authorization Access Request Required

DD Form 2875

NO

YES

YES

AS NEEDED

YES

ALL CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL REQUIRING ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION AND ASSIGNED TO THIS PROGRAM SHALL POSSESS A MINIMUM SECRET CLEARANCE.

The Prime Contractor and all Sub-contractors (though the Prime Contractor) shall certify in writing to the Government that personnel supporting this contract are "Qualified United States (U.S.) Contractors" per DoD Directive 5220.22-M Chapter 2 Section 2. Qualified U.S. Contractors are restricted to U.S. citizens, persons admitted lawfully into the United States for permanent residence, and are located in the United States. All personnel identified on the certification and/or supporting this contract shall be in compliance with DoD, Department of the Navy (DoN), and Marine Corps Information and Personnel Security Policy to include completed background investigations (as required) prior to any classified performance. When required at the task order level, a Secret Facility Clearance may be required. This contract shall include a DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD-254 Form) as an attachment. The Contractor shall have at a minimum a valid Secret Facility Clearance prior to any classified performance or classified meetings at the Contractor’s facility. When required at the task order level, the Government will assist the Contractor in gaining access to Government agencies and installations related to the systems in question as required. The Contractor shall ensure that the employees are on the approved Government access list prior to entering any access controlled area. The Contractor shall notify the Government by written notice within twenty-four hours of Contractor personnel are to be added or removed from the access control list.

The Contractor may be required to store, access and handle unclassified and classified (up to the SECRET level). Overarching security requirements and Contractor access to classified information shall be specified in the task order DD-254 form. Security management, inclusive of retention of clearances and document handling/storage, are to be considered as part of the Contractor’s indirect base. The Government will not be responsible for getting subcontract companies cleared through any security measures. The Government will sponsor the Contractor’s access to other Government facilities as required. Additional Contractor badging requirements will be delineated on task order DD-254(s). On a limited basis, the Government will also provide the Contractor access to NATO and Secured Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) at the Government facility located at Raymond G. Davis Building, 3300 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134 as required at the task order level.

Special Qualifications. The Contractor shall be responsible for employment, training, guidance, and supervision of qualified personnel performing under this PWS. The Contractor shall accomplish the assigned services by employing and utilizing qualified personnel possessing an appropriate combination of education, training, and experience to successfully accomplish the services in this PWS.

Travel Requirements. For travel costs, the Government will define the travel requirements at the task order level and allow the contractor to price as a separate CLIN at the task order level. Travel costs will be evaluated at the task order level and agreed as FFP. At time of task order, contractor shall provide all travel information in accordance with FAR 31.205-46 Travel Costs. Minimum documentation required for travel submission includes (1) Name and title of traveler, (2) Purpose of the trip, (3) dates of travel and destination, and (4) travel mode(s) authorized. Lodging, Meals and Incidental Expenses shall be compliant with the GSA Per Diem rates. Travel dates are subject to change and as such, the Contractor shall factor in the risk related to last minute travel changes. Considering fully refundable airfare is acceptable for this contract.

Organizational Conflict of Interest. The Contractor shall report immediately to the Contracting Officer any instances where Organizational Conflict of Interest is apparent or present, per criteria set forth under FAR Subpart 9.5. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer immediately whenever it becomes aware that concern may result in any actual or potential OCI and shall promptly submit a plan to the Contracting Officer to avoid or mitigate any such OCI. The Contractor’s mitigation plan will be determined to be acceptable solely at the discretion of the Contracting Officer and in the event the Contracting Officer unilaterally determines that any such OCI cannot be satisfactorily avoided or mitigated, the Contracting Officer may affect other remedies as he or she deems necessary, including prohibiting the contractor from participation in subsequent contracted requirements which may be affected by the OCI.

4.0 Task Order Award Process.

4.1. All task orders under the contract will be executed as Firm Fixed Price. The Government will initiate the Task Order award process by sending the contractor a Request for Quote (RFQ), to include a PWS and QASP that identify the Government’s specific study area(s), and level of complexities based on the requirements under the contract. The contractor shall submit a quote outlining the detailed description of work to be performed, the price, and assumptions that reflect the requirement set forth in the PWS.

4.2. Non-Disclosure Agreement. In the course of performance pursuant to this contract, the Contractor may access nonpublic information, including Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution (PPBE) information. In that event, the Contractor shall agree that it will not use or disclose any such information unless authorized by the COR or the task order monitor. The Contractor shall further agree that it will use its best efforts to ensure that its employees and others performing services under this contract will not use or disclose any such information unless authorized by the COR or the Task Order Monitor. The Contractor shall protect information in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended). To that end, the Contractor shall agree that each of its employees and others performing duties under this contract will sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement, as attached, for each task order award as specified during the solicitation for that task order.

5.0 Deliverables.

The Contractor shall provide the resources and capabilities to execute the studies described below.

5.1. Deliverable 1: Future Capabilities Studies.

5.1.1. Logistics Requirements Analysis.

5.1.1.1. Conduct analyses of the Marine Corps Operational Architecture for Logistics, including existing DoD models or special-purpose models constructed for a particular study. Construct datasets for general-purpose models in all areas of CSS.

5.1.1.2. Conduct analysis of implementation of future concepts as related to logistics support systems. These analyses may include implementation of procurement, storage, in-storage maintenance, distribution, salvage, and disposal. This includes development of consumption planning factors; combat active replacement factors, and management of Prepositioned War Reserve Materiel stock.

5.1.1.3. Conduct analysis of systems and concepts to include inspection and classification; servicing, adjustment, and tuning; testing and calibration; repair, modification, reclamation, and evacuation.

5.1.1.4. Conduct analysis of other CSS systems and concepts to include postal, disbursing, food services, law enforcement, prisoner of war management, automated information systems, exchange services, materiel handling, utilities support, legal services, civil affairs, and graves registration. This analysis also includes physical security of facilities, supplies, and equipment.

5.1.1.5. Conduct analysis of transportation systems and concepts to include motor transport, materiel handling, landing support, embarkation, debarkation, freight/passenger transportation, air delivery (manned and unmanned), and port and terminal operations.

5.1.1.6. Also included are analyses of the capabilities to transfer cargo from ground transportation system to air or sealift, and vice versa, as well as transferring cargo from U.S. transportation systems to the transportation systems of host nations. This analysis also includes concepts and capabilities for containerizing supplies and equipment.

5.1.1.7. Conduct analysis of Health Services (Medical/Dental) systems and concepts to include health maintenance, casualty collection, casualty treatment, treatment of illnesses, all aspects of dental care, temporary hospitalization and evacuation, and medical logistics support.

5.1.2. Wargaming Analysis.

Provide/develop wargames, analytical frameworks, and simulations to assist in the testing of concepts and decisions, exploration of issues, and development and maintenance of databases to support models, games, and simulations. Included in the development process is problem analysis, to determine the applicability of games or simulations to problem solving, and the evaluation of existing models, games, or simulations. Potential tasking in this area includes developing a simulation to model the conduct of an amphibious operation, the use of combat equipment, and related requirements. The Contractor may be tasked with changing or modifying models developed by the Government or for which the Government owns data rights. Moreover, the intellectual property rights to such changes and modifications shall be allocated to and/or retained by the Government.

5.1.3. Seabasing and Landing Support Analysis.

5.1.3.1. Conduct analysis of landing support systems and concepts to include sea basing,the support of waterborne/heliborne landings in order to facilitate the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies across a beach, into a landing zone (LZ) or through a port or air terminal, and to evacuate casualties and prisoners of war. This includes the provision of shore party teams/groups and helicopter support teams/groups.

5.1.3.2. Conduct analyses that examine all aspects of Joint Forcible Entry Operations (JFEO) support and Enhanced MAGTF Operations (EMO) sustainment from a Sea Base, in accordance with the existing and emerging Marine Corps concepts written on the subject.

5.1.3.3. Model the various capabilities of all ships, air transports, and connectors that combine to provide CSS from the Sea Base.

5.1.4. Scenario Development and Analysis.

Develop and/or update strategic and tactical scenarios as required to assist in the testing of concepts, decisions, wargames, and in support of the Marine Corps Studies Program. Develop models that replicate potential threat forces in support of wargames and simulations.

5.1.5. Mission Area Analysis.

Perform analysis in the following military subject areas: Amphibious Operations, Combat Fires, Tactical Mobility, Aviation and Air Defense; Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR); Execution of Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Missions, Security Force Assistance (SFA), and Irregular Warfare Operations.

5.1.6. Analysis of Alternatives.

Perform analysis or assist the Marine Corps in conducting AoAs for all systems, including logistics and/or CSS systems, to compare and contrast all alternative solutions (including science and technology approaches), using MOEs and MOPs, against related cost, schedule, and performance issues.

5.2. Deliverable 2: Force Structure Studies.

5.2.1. Manpower and Recruiting Analysis (MIL & CIV)

Conduct analyses of the impacts of policies, procedures, or organizational changes on the Total Force of the Marine Corps, to include training and education costs, grade shaping considerations, assignment, inventory management, military to civilian (MIL-CIV) conversion, active-reserve mix, and occupational field changes. Identify and assess the impact of such changes in force design to the Service's ability to maintain/meet its worldwide commitments.

5.2.2. Training Assessments Analysis.

Conduct/support investigations into the effectiveness of training, including the impacts of migrating training from live to virtual technologies, introducing distance learning, reducing or lengthening training periods, relocating training sites, modifying training prerequisites, or changing training audiences.

5.3. Deliverable 3: Current Operations and Intelligence Studies.

5.3.1. Cultural, Geopolitical, Economic and Demographic Analysis.

Conduct assessments and comparative analyses of the future geopolitical, economic, demographic, and physical environment within which the Marine Corps will be required to operate. Emphasis will be placed on sound methodological approaches in forecasting geopolitical, economic, demographic, and technological trends and phenomena. Significant factors that may have impact on the development of future doctrine, force structure, and equipment will be identified. Identify alternative or emergent environments, the implications of each, and strategies to provide a hedge against adverse implications each presents.

5.3.2. Technology Forecasting Analysis.

Conduct assessments of technological trends and developments to identify opportunities for the achievement of enhanced operational capability through exploitation of new technology. These assessments, published as Science and Technology Objectives (STOs), will serve as a basis for Marine Corps efforts to expand its technological base through research and exploratory development.

5.4. Deliverable 4: Decision Analytics Studies.

5.4.1 Decision Analysis.

Perform Multi-objective Decision Analysis (MODA) to assist the Marine Corps in determining a preferred decision when a range of choices is available. This will entail using decision theory to assist the Marine Corps in quantifying subjective judgments. Decision analysis may be performed to directly support the resource allocation process or as part of a larger analysis, or any study area needed.

5.4.2. Feasibility Analysis.

Evaluate concepts, techniques, methods, and systems to determine their feasibility for Marine Corps employment. Feasibility analyses will be conducted within the framework of existing Marine Corps missions and functions, and the evaluation will include existing and planned force structure and equipment. Feasibility analysis will be used to test the utility of concepts, techniques, methods, and systems.

5.4.3. Business Process Improvement Analysis.

Conduct analyses of modifications in business practices in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Identify and address the direct and indirect impacts of changes in business practices on readiness and operations.

5.5. Deliverable 5: Quick-Turn Studies and HSR Study Protocols.

5.5.1. Quick-Turn Studies.

The Government will execute on-demand quick-turn analytic studies to support tasking from senior leadership. The contractor shall provide senior analyst support with significant experience supporting USMC studies to assist the Government in executing on-demand quick-turn analytic studies. The Contractor shall provide or contribute to an analytical briefing/product to leadership as directed by the Government at the conclusion of the quick-turn study. Each delivery period includes a 7 days delivery schedule.

5.5.2. HSR Study Protocols.

Depending on the scope of a studies, the need for human subject research may be required. When human subject research is determined, the Contractor shall conduct an external Institutional Review Board (IRB) and provide support for the Institutional Review Board, Administrative Review and Survey Office Review. The Contractor shall develop the study protocol and modify the protocol as required as the protocol navigates the Marine Corps IRB approval process. Protocols will either be focused on data requests of existing Marine Corps data or on data development through qualitative/quantitative focus groups, interviews, surveys, or other methods.

Each delivery period comprises a 270 days delivery date that includes three 90 days delivery schedule milestones. The first milestone (90 days) is the initial protocol for IRB approval. The second milestone (180 days) is protocol update and the third milestone (270 days) is for the final protocol.

5.6. Deliverable 6: Planning Coordinate Support Services.

5.6.1. Annual Kickoff Briefing.

The Contractor shall provide an Annual Kickoff Briefing to stakeholders both internal and external to the Operations Analysis Directorate (OAD). The brief must provide further discussion of capabilities available to the Government in performance of studies and analysis in support of the Marine Corps Study System (MCSS).

5.6.2. Study Review Board Out-Brief.

The Government will execute Study Review Boards three (2) times a year (February and August). The Board meets to identify potential studies across the USMC for execution via the MCSS for the following quarter. The Government will provide the contractor the list of all studies approved by the Board that will require contractor execution, along with the study nomination form provided to the Board. The Contractor shall provide a preliminary briefing to leadership (OAD Director, Deputy Director and Branch Heads) regarding the capabilities, constraints, timelines, risks and performance matters applicable to each study. The Contractor shall also provide a recommended Milestone Plan for each study. The briefings will be held at Government premises, predominantly at the MCCDC auditorium located 3300 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134, unless otherwise agreed to by all parties.

6.0 Levels of Complexities.

Deliverables 1 thru 4 included in this PWS shall be performed in accordance with the levels of complexities described below, as determined in the task orders:

Notional Study Complexity Definitions

Complexity

Low Complexity

Moderate Complexity

High Complexity

Study

Completion/Reporting TimeLine

3-12 months

6-12 Months

> or = 12 months

Proficiency Level

- SME support is a combination of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels where preponderance of the work is conducted at the undergraduate level skillset.

- SME support is a combination of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels where preponderance of the work is conducted at the graduate level skillset.

- Some experts interviews and opinions

- SME support is a combination of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels where preponderance of the work is conducted at the post-graduate (PhD) level skillset.

- Interviews and fieldwork needed

Management

- Single skill set required

· - Co-located team

Simple, sequential tasks

- A combination of 1-2 personnel skill sets

- Primarily co-located team

- Some simultaneous tasks

- Multiple personnel skill sets

- Geographical dispersion of the team or gov’t SME

Multiple simultaneous tasks

Data Availability & Quality

· Data readily available

· Minimal cleansing

· Usable format

Good quality

· Data acquisition requires some assistance

· Moderate cleansing

· Inconsistent quality

Moderate formatting

· Data not readily accessible; requires significant assistance to acquire

· Significant cleansing

· Data quality is problematic

Significant formatting

Data Complexity

- Small data sets

- Well documented sources

- Handling of Personally identifiable information (PII) not required

- Handling of unclassified information

- Moderate size data sets

- Good sources of documentation

- No/some PII; de- identification may be required

- Handling of SECRET and/or TOP SECRET information

- Large data sets

- Absence of sources of documentation

- Extensive research required

- PII; de-identification required

- Handling of SECRET and/or TOP SECRET information

Analytical Technique

- Single analytic techniques

/models/simulations required

- A combination of 2 analytic techniques

/models/simulations required

- Briefing required

- 3 or more analytic techniques

/models/simulations required

- Briefing required

Functional Area

- Single warfighting function

- Single DOTMLPF-P pillar

- More than one warfighting function and/or DOTMLPF-P pillar

- Multiple warfighting functions

- Full DOTMLPF-P analysis

7.0 Methods of Deliverables.

7.1. Deliverable products and the schedule of delivery will be specified in each task order. Each deliverable shall be submitted with a DD Form 250, Material Inspection, and Internal Receiving Report for receipt and acceptance.

7.2. All deliverables shall be provided to the designated Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Marine Corps Studies System Support Center (C 195), OAD, CD&I, 3300 Russell Road, Quantico, Virginia 22134-5130.

7.3. Reports. All reports shall be in digital format unless otherwise stated. Specific reports will be identified in each task order. There are four (4) reports associated with the delivery method. These reports are the Interim, Progress, Draft and Final.

7.3.1. Interim Reports. Interim reports are provided at designated periods during the conduct of each study. The reports shall be in the same format as required for the final report and shall, at a minimum, contain a summary of all documents or interviews used in research, initial findings conclusions, and recommendations with appropriate backup data/information. The reports shall logically lead to the development of the draft final and final reports.

7.3.2. In-progress Review (IPR). IPRs are briefings that cover the results of the Contractor’s efforts on specific tasks, phases, or reports. These briefings shall be made by the Study Contractor to the OAD Study Lead and Study Sponsor. The Study Advisory Committee (SAC) will be encouraged to attend. The IPR shall include graphs, slides, and/or charts.

7.3.3. Draft Final Report. The draft final report shall contain a summary of all documents or interviews used in research, initial findings conclusions, and recommendations with appropriate backup data/information. The draft final report shall lead to the logical development of the final report. Along with the draft final report, any models, simulations or tools developed or modified to accomplish the study shall be delivered or demonstrated to the designated OAD Study Lead. It is necessary that the Government analyst be able to examine the model to ensure the tool is analytically sound and provides the analyst sufficient insight into its function to promote confidence in model run results.

7.3.4. Final Report. The final report shall be complete and clearly annotated and shall contain a summary of all documents, interviews, and publications used in research, initial findings, conclusions, and recommendations with appropriate backup data/information. The draft final and final reports shall include an executive summary that includes background, methodology, major findings, courses of action, and recommendations; a one-page abstract, which provides the major points and conclusions of the study; and an annotated, stand-alone brief package suitable for presentation to flag officers. The brief package shall include background, methodology, major findings, courses of action, and recommendations for the study.

Along with the final report, any models or simulations, or software/other items developed to accomplish the studies/analyses/efforts shall be delivered. It is necessary that the Government analyst be able to examine the model to ensure the tool is analytically sound and provides the analyst sufficient insight into its function to promote confidence in model run results. Therefore, the deliverables shall be in a medium, and format specified herein, or as otherwise directed by the COR.

7.3.4.1. Report Format: The reports shall contain the following format:

1. Complete Title

2. Executive Summary

3. Delivery Order Number and Contract Number

4. Progress Report:

a. Objectives

b. Marine Corps Project Officer

c. Contracting Officer’s Representative

d. Contractor’s Project Study Leader

e. Principle Study Contractors

f. Work accomplished during the reporting period

g. Work planned for the next 45 days

h. Reports, briefings, and meetings conducted during the reporting period

· Problem areas and recommended solutions

5. Delivery Order Schedule Status

7.3.5. The Government shall be provided with at least unlimited rights to all data and automated models developed in support of this contract. Contractor or third party proprietary models must not be used without the specific, written approval, prior to the start of any work.

7.3.6. Unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), Microsoft Office, Professional Edition (or latest version), and Adobe products are approved for use in completing work under this contact. Any exceptions must be approved by the COR prior to use. All charts, maps, and graphics shall be incorporated into the Word files. Electronic files for all reports must be provided in both Microsoft Word and Adobe formats, and, as directed by the COR, must be modifiable.

7.3.7. In addition to the above paragraph, each deliverable shall be placed into one Adobe file and copied onto a CD (CD-RW) or DVD and shall be delivered to the COR.

7.3.8. All reports and submissions are required to be reviewed by technical editors. The Contractor is responsible for submission of products that have been professionally edited by technical writer/editors. Government Furnished Information (GFI) may be provided by OAD to better guide the contractor with editing of final products.

8.0 Performance Requirements Summary

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Task

Deliverable

Performance Objective

Standard

Measurement/Inspection Method

Task 1

Future Capabilities Studies

· Timely deliverables,

· Grammatically correct and complete written material,

· Execution of studies based on objective of study and complexity levels.

· Products shall require no more than two revisions.

100% achievement of study objectives. 98% error free written material.

· Reviews of reports, feedback from command, and evaluations of study objectives.

· 98% error free in written products.

· Successful execution of briefing and presentation (when required).

Task 2

Force Structure Studies

· Timely deliverables,

· Grammatically correct and complete written material,

· Execution of studies based on objective of study and complexity levels.

· Products shall require no more than two revisions.

100% achievement of study objectives. 98% error free written material.

· Reviews of reports, feedback from command, and evaluations of study objectives.

· 100% error free in written products.

Task 3

Operations and Intelligence studies

· Timely deliverables,

· Grammatically correct and complete written material,

· Execution of studies based on objective of study and complexity levels.

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