M00264-15-R-1003_amend_02.pdf

M0026415SU00014

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 this solicitation amendment is to provide responses to industry questions and to make associated revisions to the PWS and

Sections L and M. See the attached Summary of Changes.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 25

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 14-Jan-2015

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 M00264-15-R-1003

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

18-Dec-2014

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 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

14-Jan-2015

CODE

COMMANDING GENERAL - REG CON OFFICE NCR

2010 HENDERSON ROAD

DENNIE, MICHAEL

QUANTICO VA 22134

M00264 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

M00264-15-R-1003

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been added by full text:

SOL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Industry Question #1: (In reference to Addendum to 52.212-1 –Instruction to Offerors –

Commercial Items), Could you please specify the page limits for Volume I, Volume II, and

Volume III.

Government Response #1: Page limitations have been added to Addendum to 52.212-1 –

Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items for Volumes I, II, and III.

Industry Question #2: (In reference to PWS Paragraph 5.5.3), PWS para 5.5.3 states that contractors must have held a command billet at battalion level or higher. This stipulation of course defines the experience level of the current incumbents, but nowhere in the specified tasks for this capability is there a link between proficiency and battalion level command. That is, of the specified tasks:

- Planning, conducting, and participating in academic forum conferences and workshops

- Advising government Project Officers on related research topics

- Providing support developing information briefings, reports, plans and recommendations for DOTMLPF changes to current combat capabilities, future warfighting concepts, and experimentation

- Preparing authoritative, publishable articles, commentaries, assessments, and staff products

None are enhanced due to one having had battalion level command or higher. During my capture, it was clear the customer likes the incumbents, which is normal, but placing this restrictive qualification with no basis in performance on offerors will serve to dampen competition. Would you please amend Para 5.5.3, the first bullet, to read, "At least 25 years of military experience."

Government Response #2: Selection to command at the battalion level or higher ensures

Research Support key personnel possess the relevant career experience, maturity, and proficiency to conduct the services described at PWS para 5.5.4. Further, successful selection to and completion of command at the O5 and above level ensures proven proficiency vice the lesser or unknown capability of individuals with similar resumes who do not achieve command.

Industry Question #3: (In reference to solicitation method), Is it normal for service contracts of this size (8-11 people) to be solicited as a small business set-aside. Given that the contracting office has decided this will be a Full and Open competition, does that mean you have determined that small businesses are incapable of providing the work requested in this solicitation? If you have made that determination, okay, we will not participate. If you do think small businesses are capable of providing this work, why was it not released as a small business set aside?

Government Response #3: The solicitation method is determined through market research to examine the current capabilities of the market. The market research executed for the MCWL

CETO requirement did not provide the Government with a reasonable expectation that adequate competition would be realized using a small business set-aside solicitation method.

Industry Question #4: (In reference to PWS para 1.2), PWS para 1.2 states “During the past five (5) years the function of CETO has been performed by contractor support utilizing a team of eleven (11) personnel for the core support and numerous personnel used for emerging short term requirements (usually several months in duration). The core support team consisted of one (1)

Executive Manager and (1) Analyst, working part-time (460 hours/year), and nine (9) full-time personnel (1860 hours/year), consisting of one (1) Program Manager, six (6) Research Fellows, one (1) Research Analyst, and one (1) Research Assistant.” This statement mirrors section C-1.2 of solicitation M00264-09-R-0065 from October 2009 and does not align with personnel requirements presented in section 5 of this RFP. Furthermore, this level of effort does not appear reasonable for market salaries matched against previously funded amounts (based upon publicly available data). As sections 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, and 5.8 are currently written they create confusion, since what was previously being supported might not be what CETO needs going forward and the new Tasks as written do not align to the prior discussion in Section 1.2.

Can the Government provide the historical level of effort (LOE) for the last year in man hours by task – or – state their desired LOE by task?

Government Response #4: The services for this effort shall be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) under Firm Fixed Price (FFP) line items. As such, the

Government is soliciting a firm fixed price from industry to perform these services and will not provide the desired level of effort per task or previous levels of effort required per task. Each offer should propose the labor categories and level of effort that it believes will best satisfy the requirements of the Performance Work Statement. As a firm fixed price contract, the contractor will be required to perform the Performance Work Statement requirements within the agreed firm fixed price.

Industry Question #5: (In reference to PWS para 5.1), PWS para 5.1, states “The Offeror must address the relevant background and experience of Key Personnel and demonstrate their related experience, expertise, qualifications, and direct correlation to the PWS requirements”, however, only the Program Manager Support Task is listed with “Key Personnel” in the header.

Which of the tasks listed in Tasks 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, and 5.8 require key personnel?

Government Response #5: All tasks listed in PWS paragraph 5 now indicate that “Key

Personnel” are required. All key personnel shall meet the education/clearance and qualification requirements listed at PWS paragraph 5.

Industry Question #6: (In reference to PWS para 5.1), PWS para 5.1, states “The Offeror must address the relevant background and experience of Key Personnel and demonstrate their related experience, expertise, qualifications, and direct correlation to the PWS requirements”, however, only the Program Manager Support Task is listed with “Key Personnel” in the header.

Is one key staff member with the requisite education/clearance and qualifications sufficient or is each staff member assigned to a task area required to meet the education/clearance and qualifications?

Government Response #6: All key personnel shall meet the education/clearance and qualification requirements listed at PWS paragraph 5.

Industry Question #7: (In reference to PWS para 5.1, Key Personnel), This section does not have a section 5.2 below that and goes directly to Section 5.3. In addition, there are 2 sections labeled 5.1.

Government Response #7: Subparagraph numbering is now corrected under PWS paragraph 5.

Industry Question #8: (In reference to PWS para 7.4.1), The NAICS code referenced is 541990.

As the Government desires to have an aggressive subcontracting goal, it would seem that NAICS

541330 Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons or Contracts and Subcontracts for Engineering Services with a dollar threshold of $38.5M would be better suited for the services that are required under the Section C.

Would the Government consider revising the NAICS Code to 541330.

Government Response #8: The NAICS code 541990 shall remain the standard by which small business status is determined for this solicitation.

Industry Question #9: (In reference to Travel NTE amount), $150K is provided as the travel amount, which is a high number. Does this number also include ODC as well travel or is ODC to be submitted based on the contractor's estimate?

Government Response #9: All costs incidental to performing the services required by the PWS, with the exception of Travel costs, shall be incorporated into the proposed firm fixed price.

Industry Question #10: (In reference to PWS para 5), Are all labor categories listed in Section

5 considered Key personnel or just those associated with Program Management Support in 5.4?

Government Response #10: See Government Response #5 above.

Industry Question #11: (In reference to where to include proposed ODC costs), Is the contractor expected to propose ODCS as a part of CLIN 1001, 2001, 3001 (Technical and

Analytical Support – FFP)?

Government Response #11: See Government Response #9 above.

Industry Question #12: (In reference to proposed escalation rates), What escalation % does the government want the contractor to use from Base Year to Year 1 and from Year 1 to Year 2?

Government Response #12: The Government will not provide guidance regarding proposed escalation.

Industry Question #13: (In reference to proposal submission suspense), Page 1 indicates that submissions are due 1000, 20 Jan 15. However, Section L-6.1 indicates that submissions are due at 0900 on 20 Jan 15. Please clarify the correct suspense time.

Government Response #13: Proposals are due no later than 10:00AM Eastern Time, 20 January

Industry Question #14: (In reference to Enclosure 1: Addendum to 52.212-1 –Instruction to

Offerors – Commercial Items), Section L; Section L-6.1 on page 19 indicates that submissions will include copies of the Technical Volume and Business Volume. Sections L-7.2 (page 21) and L-8.0 (page 24) identify a Volume III – Contract Documentation. In regard to the contents and page limitation for Volume I, Section L-7.3 states that "Offerors shall address only the Letter of Transmission, Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, Technical Understanding of

Requirements and Support Plan, Staffing and Qualifications of Key Personnel, Resumes of Key

Personnel, Past Performance Information, Subcontracting Plan and Small Business Participation

Plan." Please confirm that Volume III should be submitted as a separate Volume or as part of

Volume I (Technical Volume). Additionally, are there any page limits associated with Volume

III?

Government Response #14: Volume III should be submitted as a separate Volume with a page count not exceeding 30 pages.

Industry Question #15: (In reference to proposal submission suspense), an extension of the proposal submission due date of three (3) weeks from the date all questions are answered is requested. Is this something you can accommodate?

Government Response #15: See Government Response #13 above.

The following have been modified:

PWS

Performance-Based Work Statement for

Futures Directorate”s Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities Support Services

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. The Futures Directorate (FD) is part of the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I) /Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) organization located on Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. FD assists the DC, CD&I in a broad mandate to develop future vision, strategy, and force capability as well as force design targets as an integral part of the combat development process. FD is responsible for assessing deep and emerging conflict environments; developing new operational concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP); and technologies to effect optimal force design and to prepare the Corps for combat now and in the future. FD is composed of three (3) Divisions: the Futures

Assessment Division (FAD), the Emergent Force Development Division (EFD), and the Marine

Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL). FAD focuses on the 15-30 year future and combines the Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities (CETO) with the Strategic Vision Group

(SVG) enabling robust deep futures analysis by combining government civilian, active duty, and contracted capabilities in a unified division. EFD focuses on the 5-15 year force future and combines portions of the former MCCDC G3/5 and MCWL to include the Concepts Branch, Plans Branch, and Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Branch. MCWL focuses on the force refinement providing Wargaming, Experimentation, and Science and Technology support to the broader enterprise. Although currently aligned with FAD, CETO was originally formed to support the Expeditionary Force Development Center (EFDC) within MCCDC. In

2005, MCCDC was reorganized, realigning CETO as a separate division within MCWL directly reporting to the Commanding General (CG) and focused on assessment of emerging threats and technological opportunities and development of associated solutions and enhancements. In

2013, MCCDC again reorganized in an effort to improve and synergize the combat development process. As part of this reorganization, the FD was established and CETO was realigned within the new FAD. The methodology by which the combat development process is accomplished is iterative, non-linear, continuously cyclical, and is codified as the Marine Corps Force

Development Process (MCFDP).

1.2. During the past five (5) years the function of CETO has been performed by contractor support utilizing a team of eleven (11) personnel for the core support and numerous personnel used for emerging short term requirements (usually several months in duration). The core support team consisted of one (1) Executive Manager and (1) Analyst, working part-time (460 hours/year), and nine (9) full-time personnel (1860 hours/year), consisting of one (1) Program

Manager, six (6) Research Fellows, one (1) Research Analyst, and one (1) Research Assistant.

Over this period there were numerous short term tasks from various other labor categories to include Senior Research Fellows, Senior Executive, Executives, Executive Senior Military

Analyst, Senior Military Analyst, Junior Research Analyst, and Junior Research Assistant.

2. MISSION

2.1. The core mission of CETO is to provide Director, FD broad-based technical and analytical support for United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat development and experimentation programs at the component, Service and Joint levels. This support will include the full spectrum of combat development-related missions and tasks, to include the assessment of the strategic environment, future threats and adversaries, and associated geographic, environmental, economic, and demographic conditions that may influence the development of future warfighting concepts, experimentation, and required capabilities in the areas of Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF).

3. SCOPE.

3.1. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) identifies and defines the contract tasks to support the Director, FD/CG, MCWL in the research and development of innovative operational and organizational concepts and approaches that emphasize flexible, expeditionary capabilities across a broad spectrum of possible employment options, and in the provisioning of appropriate

Subject Matter Experts (SME) to address specific related issues of concern to the Director, FD.

It also provides support in the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of technologies to enhance current and future warfighting capabilities.

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

4.1. The CETO Program Support Team shall provide day-to-day recurring support for the

MCWL as set forth in the designated task areas with specific priorities established and/or revised as required. Any perceived conflicts or other coordination issues should be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer’s, Representative (COR) immediately for appropriate guidance/resolution.

4.2. In-depth working knowledge in the following areas:

National Security and National Military Strategy and policy.

Current and future environments in which the United States (US) military forces will operate.

Military force development and employment concepts and issues, including the technology trends and developments which are likely to impact such force development and employment.

Global economic, demographic, political, and geopolitical trends and developments that may impact future Marine Corps warfighting capabilities.

4.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness and completion of all tasks under this effort.

4.4. The Contractor’s personnel assigned to this work shall perform all of the tasks set forth in

Section C-5 and provide the associated technical and/or program management products/deliverables, as required by this PWS.

4.5. Tasks specified in Section C-5 are not necessarily sequential; thus several may be ongoing at any given time during the period of performance.

5. PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS.

5.1. The Contractor shall provide FAD/FD with comprehensive capabilities to support performance requirements of CETO listed in the following sections. The Contractor must collectively possess comprehensive knowledge of the Marine Corps, its missions, force structure, warfighting concepts, tactics, techniques, procedures, doctrine, and Marine Corps military systems, to include reconnaissance, psychological operations, urban operations, non-lethal capabilities, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). The

Contractor must possess a working knowledge of the Marine Corps warfighting concepts, the

Expeditionary Force Development System, and associated Navy, Joint, and Department of

Defense (DoD) capabilities development processes.

5.2. KEY PERSONNEL.

The Offeror must address the relevant background and experience of Key Personnel and demonstrate their related experience, expertise, qualifications, and direct correlation to the PWS requirements.

5.3. The Contractor shall be responsible for managing and overseeing the activities of all

Contractor personnel, as well as any subcontractor efforts used in performance of this effort.

The Contractor's management responsibilities shall include all activities necessary to ensure the accomplishment of timely and effective support, performed in accordance with the requirements contained in the PWS.

5.4. Task 1 - Program Management Support. Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide

Program Management support, which is not anticipated to be a full time function, to oversee the support services provided in this contract that meet the following performance criteria:

5.4.1. Specific Tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the contractor’s personnel supporting FD.

• Facilitating Government-Contractor communications, providing a primary technical and managerial interface between the Contractor and the COR.

• Serving as the liaison between the Government and the Contractor’s office to identify and resolve any problems, questions, or issues of concern that exist or may arise.

• Availability during normal working hours, as specified herein and have the ability to meet with government personnel within 24 hours after notification by the Contracting Officer or

COR of any problem and/or significant issue.

• Meeting with the Contracting Officer and/or COR as necessary to maintain satisfactory performance and to resolve other issues pertaining to Government/Contractor procedures. At these meetings, a mutual effort will be made to resolve any and all problems identified. The contractor shall prepare and provide written minutes of these meetings to be signed by the COR, and submitted to the COR within two (2) workdays of the subject meeting.

• Assist in providing other support to FAD/FD as required, to support of its overall mission, e.g. fast-response reports, facilitation of ad-hoc meetings, etc.

• Compiling and providing monthly and annual/final reports.

5.4.2. Education/Clearance.

• A Bachelor’s Degree.

• At a minimum, a Secret level clearance.

5.4.3. Qualifications.

• Five (5) years of experience in conducting in-depth research and providing complete and definitive analyses, with thoroughly documented analytical findings, courses of action and conclusions.

• Experience in Combat Development as an Acquisition Professional.

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

5.4.4. Specialized Skills.

• Capable of interacting with senior military officers and government civilians.

5.5. Task 2 - Research Support. Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide a support service that meets the following performance criteria:

5.5.1. Specific Tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, conducting and participating in academic forum conferences and workshops.

• Advising government Project Officers on related research topics.

• Providing support developing information briefings, reports, plans and recommendations for DOTMLPF changes to current combat capabilities, future warfighting concepts, and experimentation.

• Preparing authoritative, publishable articles, commentaries, assessments, and staff products.

5.5.2. Education/Clearance.

• An advanced degree (Masters or higher) or successful completion of a resident Service

War College in Professional Military Education.

• A Bachelor or Advanced degree in National Security Affairs, International Relations, Engineering, Sciences, and other related fields are desired.

• At a minimum, a current Secret level clearance.

5.5.3. Qualifications.

• At least 25 years of military experience, to include having held a command billet at battalion level or higher.

• Military experience and skills in Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations, to include experience in Joint and Combined operations.

• Prior experience in conducting in-depth research, complete and definitive analysis, and thorough review and documentation of analytical findings, courses of action and conclusions.

Additionally:

• Experience in inter-agency operations is desired.

• Experience in combat development or defense acquisition is desired.

• Proven capability to think, analyze and write clearly and concisely.

• Knowledge of MS Office and intermediate computer skills are required.

5.5.4. Specialized Skills.

• The Contractor must be capable of interacting with senior military officers and government civilians.

5.6. Task 3 - Analytical Support. Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide a support service that meets the following performance criteria:

5.6.1. Specific Tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Interacting with civilian and government think tanks and academic institutions.

• Conducting analytical research and assessments on vital Service Roles and Missions, Quadrennial Defense Review, and military program issues.

• Planning, conducting and participating in academic forums such as conferences and workshops.

• Advising government Project Officers on related research topics.

• Providing support to assist in developing information briefings, reports, plans and recommendations for DOTMLPF changes to current combat capabilities, future warfighting concepts, and experimentation.

• Providing authoritative, publishable defense program assessments and analytic products concerning combat development issues, strategy, innovation, transformation and future combat capabilities.

5.6.2. Education/Clearance.

• An advanced degree (Masters or higher) or successful completion of a War College or experience at a senior level DoD Staff, a credible defense related think tank, or Federally Funded

Research & Development Center (FFRDC).

5.6.3. Qualifications.

• Ten (10) years of experience of which a minimum of four (4) years must be specialized in the analysis, statistical interpretation, and reporting of military operational data; or demonstrated experience in a civilian or defense think tank, FFRDC, war college, or equivalent.

• Capability to write and publish credible defense related products in authoritative academic, public, or defense publications.

• Experience and familiarity with National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, Roles and Missions, Quadrennial Defense Review, and associated top level defense related issues and processes.

• Knowledge of MS Office and intermediate computer skills.

5.6.4. Specialized Skills.

• Capability to develop, articulate, and publish conceptual or strategic level products.

5.7. Task 4 - Analyst Support. Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide a support service that meets the following performance criteria.

5.7.1. Specific Tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Interacting with civilian and government think tanks and academic institutions.

• Conducting research and assessments on various issues.

• Planning, conducting and participating in academic forum such as conferences and workshops.

• Advising government Project Officers on related research topics.

• Providing support to assist in developing information briefings, reports, and plans.

• Coordinating and providing all support associated with Wargaming Program Process, logistics support as required. Support includes, but is not limited to: planning, coordinating, and executing support.

5.7.2. Education/Clearance.

• A Bachelor degree or higher in Science, Mathematics or Engineering.

• At a minimum, a current Secret level clearance.

5.7.3. Qualifications.

• Four (4) to eight (8) years of experience in conducting or supporting research and analytic activities and in the preparation of publishable intellectual products.

• Capability to think, analyze and write clearly and concisely.

5.7.4. Specialized Skills.

• Capable of interacting with senior military officers and government civilians.

5.8. Task 5 - Administrative Support. Key Personnel: The Contractor shall provide a support service that meets the following performance criteria:

5.8.1. Specific Tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Planning, conducting and participating in forums such as conferences and workshops.

• Providing administrative support to assist in developing information briefings, reports, plans and information products.

• Maintaining records, files, and reference data bases to support ongoing research efforts.

5.8.2. Education/Clearance.

• A Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience in a think tank or associated activity.

5.8.3. Qualifications.

• A minimum of two to five (2-5) years of experience in conducting or supporting research and analytic activities and in the preparation of publishable intellectual products.

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

C4 Command, Control, Communications, Computers

C4I Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence, CETO Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities

CG Commanding General

CLIN Contract Line Item Number

COIN Counter – Insurgency Operations

COR Contracting Officer’s Representative

DOD Department of Defense

DOTMLPF Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities

ECO Enhanced Company Operations

EFDC Expeditionary Force Development Center

EWW Extended Work Week

FFRDC Federally Funded Research & Development Center

GWOT Global War On Terror

IDIQ Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS

Enclosure 1: Addendum to 52.212-1 –Instruction to Offerors – Commercial Items

1.0. Multiple Offers

1.1. The Regional Contracting Office, National Capital Region does not encourage Offerors to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation.

2.0. Overview

2.1. The Government intends to award a three year contract (Base year and two one-year option periods) to a Contractor that proves capable of providing broad-based technical and analytical support for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat development and experimentation programs at the component, Service and Joint levels. The Contract will contain Firm Fixed Price

(FFP) Support Services CLINs and CR Travel CLINS for all periods of performance.

2.2. Each Offeror shall submit a proposal that clearly and concisely describes its response to the requirements of the solicitation. 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.

3.0. Guidance

3.1. Proposals must be prepared in accordance with these instructions. Failure to do so will result in the Offeror’s submission being determined to be unacceptable and ineligible for award.

Each Offeror’s submission shall be screened by the Contracting Officer upon receipt to ensure completeness and compliance with the instructions contained in the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Elimination of an Offeror is at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer. The purpose of this procurement is to obtain broad-based support in the identification, monitoring, and evaluation of technologies to enhance current and future warfighting capabilities.

4.0. Confidential Information

4.1. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its amendments have resulted in an increasing number of requests from outside the Government for copies of contract qualifications and proposals submitted to federal agencies. 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” (5USC 552(b)(4), the Offeror should mark its submissions in the following manner:

4.2. The following notice should be placed on the title page: “Some parts of this document, as identified on individual pages, are considered by the submitter to be privileged or confidential trade secrets or commercial or financial information not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Material considered privileged or confidential on such grounds is contained on page(s)_______.”

4.3. Each individual item considered privileged or confidential under FOIA should be marked with the following notice: “The data or information is considered confidential or privileged, and is not subject to mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.”

5.0. Submission of Questions and Proposal

5.1. Questions

5.2. All questions must be received by 05 January 2015, 10:00 AM, Eastern Time. All questions submitted for this solicitation must be electronically sent to the following e-mail address: michael.dennie@usmc.mil and elizabeth.rolle@usmc.mil.

Note: Due to the firewall at Quantico, please be advised that it is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure all electronic submittals of questions are received by the Contracting Officer in the timeframe provided in Paragraph 5.2, Questions.

6.0. Proposals

6.1. Electronic proposals are not authorized for this solicitation and will not be considered for evaluation. Proposals must be received no later than 20 January 2015, 10:00 AM, Eastern

Time. In order to maximize efficiency and minimize the effort involved in the proposal evaluation process, all Offerors must comply with the following instructions for proposal format and content. Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may be considered non-responsive and may render the Offeror ineligible for award. For each Offer submission, provide one (1) Technical Volume and one (1) Business Volume. In addition to the paper copies, the

Offeror shall submit all proposal information in electronic format on a CD following the guidance provided at 7.1 below.

Proposals shall be sent via Federal Express, private courier, or hand delivered to the following address:

Regional Contracting Office, NCR

2010 Henderson Road

Room 202B

Attention: Michael Dennie

Marine Corps Base (MCB)

Quantico, VA 22134

7.0. Proposal Format

mailto:ichael.dennie@usmc.mil

7.1. In addition to the paper copies identified above, the Offeror shall submit all proposal information in electronic format on a CD. Text and graphics portions of the electronic copies shall be in a format readable by MS Word 2003 or earlier. Data submitted in spreadsheet format shall be readable by MS Excel 2003 or earlier. In case of conflict between the paper copy and the electronic copy of the proposals submitted, the paper copy shall take precedence.

7.2. In order to maximize efficiency and minimize the time for proposal evaluation, it is required that all Offerors submit their proposals in accordance with the format and content specified.

8.5 x 11 inch paper in 3-ring binders for text;

8.5 x 14 inch for foldouts, matrixes, WBS;

Single-spaced typed lines;

1 inch margins on all sides;

11 point Arial font;

Headers/footers – ensure the company name and RFP number is included on each page;

Graphs and drawings must be clear/legible and may use a smaller font;

No photographs or hyperlinks are permitted; and

Content should utilize .doc, .pdf. xls, and .jpg formats to the degree possible; and

PLEASE NOTE: Your subject line must read Futures Directorate’s (Center for

Emerging Threats and Opportunities) (CETO) Support Services, RFP M00264-15-

R-0003.

Each proposal shall contain the following volumes/sections:

Volume I – Technical and Past Performance

Offerors technical proposal shall include the Letter of Transmission, Table of Contents, Resumes

Matrix and Compliance Matrix; Factor 1 – Technical Capability; Factor 2 – Performance

Execution and Management and Factor 3- Past Performance. Volume I page count shall not exceed 120 pages.

Volume II – Price Volume

Offerors price proposal shall include a Formal Offer Letter, singed copy of page 1 of the SF1449, and Price Proposal corresponding to SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES; Contract Line

Item Number (CLIN) structure. Pricing information shall not appear anywhere in the Technical

Volume.

Data previously submitted, or presumed to be known, i.e. descriptions of previous projects performed for the Government cannot be considered as a part of the proposal unless physically incorporated in the proposal. Clarity, completeness, and conciseness are essential. Volume II page count shall not exceed 20 pages.

Volume III- Contract Documentation

The purpose of this volume is to provide information to the Government for preparing the contract document and supporting file. The Offeror shall complete block 17 and signature and date blocks 30a, 30b, and 30c of the Standard Form (SF 1449). Signature by the Offeror on the

SF1449 constitutes an offer, which the Government may accept. Offerors shall also submit signed copies of each SF30 which acknowledges receipt of every RFP Amendment. The SF1449 and SF30s do not count against the page limitations.

The Offeror must include all authorized Offeror personnel. The offeror must provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company / division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

The Offeror must include their Subcontracting Plan and Organizational Conflict of Interest Plan

(if applicable) in this volume. Volume III page count shall not exceed 30 pages.

7.3. Volume I - Technical and Past Performance (Contents and Page Limitation):

The following documents are excluded from the 120-page limit: Letter of Commitment (non-employees of company), title pages, executive summaries (to include company’s mission statement.

Offerors shall address only the Letter of Transmission, Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, Technical Understanding of Requirements and Support Plan, Staffing and Qualifications of Key

Personnel, Resumes of Key Personnel, Past Performance Information, Subcontracting Plan and

Small Business Participation Plan.

7.3.1. Include the following and adhere to the page limitations:

The Letter of Transmission – (See Volume I – Technical and Past Performance Volume above)

Should identify the solicitation number, corporate principal submitting the offer, key points of contact within the firm who are authorized to bind the firm, (e.g. contracts, pricing, technical), and a summary of the material content (to include identifying all subcontractors, if applicable.

A Table of Contents and Compliance Matrix (See Volume I – Technical and Past Performance

Volume above) pertinent to the proposal’s material organization and providing traceability from the Offeror’s proposal, to the PWS, to the evaluation criteria, and to other solicitation sections as necessary.

7.3.2. The Offeror shall address the following Factors in Volume I-Technical and Past

Performance:

Factor 1. Technical Capability.

Offerors must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the technical and programmatic requirements described in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), and they must clearly articulate their capability to perform all of the tasks outlined in the PWS so as to provide continuous quality support. The Offeror shall identify performance objectives that can be accomplished by their technical approach, and describe the benefits and advantages of that approach. The Offeror shall also illustrate the roles of staff and team resources to execute the intended strategy. The discussion must provide the evaluation panel with sufficient confidence that the Offeror has the capacity to support the identified mission areas, understands the priorities and emerging issues within those areas, and can execute a comprehensive approach that ensures quality performance and use of staff resources to meet PWS objectives to execute the intended strategy.

Factor 2. Performance Execution and Management.

Offerors must demonstrate a management approach suitable to respond to the types of requirements described in the PWS and consistent with their technical approach. The discussion must provide a comprehensive approach to: 1) managing performance-based work requirements;

2) assurance of consistent quality of performance; 3) handling matters of staffing and resource balancing; and 4) ensuring complementary roles between the Contractor’s managers and

Government staff. The Offeror must demonstrate an understanding of the critical support areas, emerging issues, and risks associated with the support goals set forth in the PWS. Offerors must demonstrate the management techniques, controls, subcontractor management processes, and quality provisions necessary to execute their approach. The Offeror must also note its measures for immediate action and remediation necessary to ensure the quality of contract deliverables and timeliness of service delivery.

The Offer must address (1) the relevant background and experience of Key Personnel, in matrix form, that shows their related experience, expertise, qualifications, and direct correlation to the

PWS requirements who will be assigned to the contract.

Factor 3. Past Performance.

Offerors must demonstrate sufficient, satisfactory performance history employing management and technical capabilities similar to those required in the execution of this PWS. Discussion should illustrate satisfactory performance of both technical and management tasks necessary to meet Government requirements with some degree of assurance based upon recent 5 years performance for comparable work. Any Offeror that submits any contract reference that is not relevant will receive a neutral rating for that contract reference in Past Performance. Offerors must provide at least three (3) references demonstrating relevant past performance involving the quality of performing the same or similar services within the last five (5) years that include the following fields:

Customer;

Contract/Task Order Number;

Program Name;

Period of Performance;

Contract Type;

Total contract value;

Identification of any Key Staff involved who will be assigned to this contract;

Names/telephone numbers/e-mail for the PCO and COR/TOM.

An Offeror that has no record of past performance (e.g. new businesses) or less than three (3) references of prior relevant work must submit a signed and dates statement to that effect. If an

Offeror submits a certification statement and the Government has no information available regarding the Offeror, a “Neutral” rating will be applied for Factor 3, Past Performance.

In addition, Offerors should provide the enclosed Past Performance Questionnaire to the same three (3) previous references. The references should email the form directly to the RCO-NCR at the address provided on the form on or before 20 January 2015, 9:00 AM EST.

It is the sole responsibility of the Offerors to make sure the Past Performance Questionnaire is submitted and received by the requested date.

7.4. Volume II – Price Volume

The Offerors shall address, at a minimum, all facets of the price aspects of the offer, including a

Formal Offer Letter, to include the total contract dollar value. Provide prices, on the SF1449, and

Price Proposal corresponding to SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES; Contract Line Item

Number (CLIN) structure and supporting materials. There is a 20 page limit for Volume II –

Price Volume.

7.4.1. Factor 4. Price

No price data shall be contained in any volume other than the price volume. The Offeror shall complete CLIN’s 0001, 1001, and 2001 include supporting documentation for the firm fixed price portion that includes labor categories, labor rates and labor hours. The Offerors shall use the not-to-exceed amounts in the Supplies/Services Section of the 1449 for Travel which will be considered to be inclusive of any applicable indirect expenses.

The fully developed technical solution and corresponding grand total price for each function area established in the CLIN structure of Supplies/Services Section of the 1449 of the solicitation should be clearly annotated in the proposal. No ambiguities of inclusion, exclusion, or content shall be extended and lack of content or clarity with regard to pricing shall be considered as representing a “non-responsive” offer. The Government intends to evaluate the base and all option years.

Completeness. The Offeror must sign the SF1449, acknowledge all amendments, and include a compliance matrix and Table of Contents corresponding to its proposal submission.

At a minimum, the following areas must be addressed:

Offer is valid for 90 days from (Date of Submission);

No exception to any Terms and Conditions has been taken, or if so, clearly cited;

Acknowledge any amendments to the RFP;

CCR validated / NAICS 541990 compliant;

Signed Offer of $XXXXXXX for BY/ 2-Options provided;

CLIN pricing and supporting documentation is provided;

Staff positions based upon contingency hires must include a signed letter of offer/acceptance in the Business Volume;

Reasonableness. For the price to be reasonable in its nature and amount, it should not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of a competitive business. Reasonableness takes into account the context of a given source selection, including current market conditions, general economic conditions, and other factors that affect the ability of an Offeror to perform the contract requirements.

Reasonableness depends upon a variety of considerations and circumstances, including the following:

(a) Whether it is the type of cost generally recognized as ordinary and necessary for the conduct of the

Offeror’s business or of the contract performance;

(b) Generally accepted sound business practices, Federal and State laws and regulations, etc; and

(c) Any significant deviations from the Offeror’s

Established practices.

8.0. Volume III- Contract Documentation

8.1. Subcontracting Plan

In accordance with FAR 19.202-1(d), all offerors proposals shall submit a subcontracting plan that will be reviewed for compliance with FAR 19.704, FAR 52.219-9, and DFARS 215.304.

The Small Business Participation/Subcontracting Plan shall be submitted with the proposal and will be assessed as Acceptable/Unacceptable. Offerors must possess an Acceptable Small

Business Participation/Subcontracting Plan to be considered for contract award.

The current agency goals are as provided below.

Current Agency Goals

Business Status Percentage

Small Business (SB) 30%

Small Disadvantaged Business 8(a) Participant (SDB/8(a)) 15%

Service Disabled Veterans-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) 8%

Women-owned Small Business (WOSB) 6%

Hub Zone 1%

8.2. Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan

The Offeror shall provide an affirmation statement that no OCI exists; or, if applicable, submit an OCI plan that identifies any potential or actual Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of

Interest (OCCI) as described in FAR Subpart 9.5 as it relates to this solicitation.

If applicable, the OCI plan shall provide any and all methods to avoid, neutralize, or mitigate present and future conflicts of interest. The Prime Offeror’s OCI Mitigation Plan should encompass the Prime and all teaming partners. The OCI Mitigation Plan should be specific to

OCI as related to the solicitation requirement. Early submissions of the Offeror’s OCI Plan shall be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist cited within this solicitation. Submission of the OCI Plan, if applicable, is also required with the Offeror’s proposal.

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

EVALUATION COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Enclosure 2 – Addendum to 52.212-2 -Evaluation - Commercial Items

1.0. Evaluation Factors:

1.1. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with offerors. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions or seek clarifications if the Contracting Officer determines they are necessary. In the event issues pertaining to a proposed solicitation cannot be resolved to the Contracting Officer’s satisfaction, the Government reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the proposed solicitation. In such event, offerors will be notified in writing. In the event a competitive range is established and the

Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the

Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition.

1.1.1. The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible

Offeror, whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the

Government, price/cost and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Factor 1 - Technical Capability, and Factor 2 - Performance Execution and Management, are equal in importance to each other and each is significantly more important than Factor 3 - Past

Performance. All non-price factors, individually and combined, are significantly more important than Factor 4 - Price.

1.1.2. Offerors are forewarned that a proposal meeting solicitation requirements with the lowest evaluated price may not be selected if award to a higher evaluated priced Offeror is determined to be most advantageous to the Government. Although Factor 4 – Price, is the least important factor, it becomes increasingly more important when Offerors receive similar ratings for the non-price factors.

1.2. Factor 1.