MPP_BAA_21-S-0002_Final.pdf

DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE

AGENCY

Mentor-Protégé Program Broad Agency Announcement

HHM402-21-S-0002

29 September 2021

BAA: HHM402-21-S-0002

BAA Title: DIA MPP

PART 1: SUMMARY INFORMATION

Federal Agency Name – Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Announcement Type – Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) BAA Opportunity Title – DIA Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) Announcement Number – HHM402-21-S-0002 Funding Limitations – Procurement (PROC) funds are usually appropriated in each annual

DoD appropriations act to finance the MPP. Consequently, these opportunities are subject to the availability of funds and other resources.

Key Dates & Submission Deadlines – o BAA Posting Date – 29 September 2021 o BAA Open Period – 1 October 2021 – 30 September 2031 (Note that the end date assumes future amendments to statutory and regulatory authorities, which currently expire on 30 September 2024 for purposes of entering into Mentor-Protégé agreements.)

o Proposer Submission Deadlines – Step 1: White Papers – Submissions are on a tri-annual basis. See chart below for submission dates.

Fiscal Year Documents Due Date RFP Questions 20 days before White Paper Submission Dates

FY22

White Paper

Submission Dates

NLT 10AM ET on 15 November 2021

TBD

TBD

FY23 -

FY31

White Paper Submission Dates

TBD

TBD

TBD

Step 2: Proposals – Upon written request from a DIA Warranted Contracting Officer who will provide a proposal submission date.

Opportunity Description – DIA is interested in the full range and scope of innovative solutions and/or service providers from all interested and qualified sources. The DIA Office of Small Business Programs is seeking eligible mentor firms for participation in the Department of Defense (DoD) MPP in accordance with DFARS subpart 219.71 and DFARS Appendix I through this BAA.

Program Purpose – The DoD MPP provides incentives for DoD contractors (known as mentor firms) to furnish small business concerns (known as protégé firms), with assistance to:

o Enhance the capabilities of eligible small business concerns to perform as subcontractors and suppliers under DoD contracts and other contracts and subcontracts; and o Increase the participation of such business concerns as subcontractors and suppliers under

DoD contracts, other Federal Government contracts, and commercial contracts.

Eligibility – o Mentor Firms: DFARS Appendix I-102(a) details the requirements to be a mentor. Any mentor firm approved by DoD MPP is eligible to apply to the DIA MPP.

o Protégé Firm: DFARS Appendix I-102(b) details the requirements to be a protégé.

Agency Contact – DIA MPP Office: mpp@dodiis.mil o Communications – All communications with the Government shall be directed to Natalie Yacoub-Pugh at Natalie.yacoub-pugh2@dodiis.mil; and cc the MPP organizational mailbox at mpp@dodiis.mil. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

Opportunity Website – www.SAM.gov and http://www.dia.mil/Business/Needipedia.aspx BAA Attachments:

o Attachment 1 – Mandatory Cost Spreadsheet (Sent upon written request for proposal) o Attachment 2 – Quad Chart

Part II: Full Text of Announcement

1. Mission: As a combat support agency and key member of the United States Intelligence

Community, DIA principally provides military intelligence related information to defense policymakers and force planners in support of U.S. military planning and operations. DIA also provides other critical support and services as is appropriate. DIA is committed to building agility and creativity into the core of all of its activities to promote maximum efficiency and effectiveness in agency operations. To sustain, foster, and ensure the most advanced/modern capability exists in fulfilling multiple agency level roles and responsibilities, DIA is interested in the totality of possible solutions, opportunities, and leading-edge technologies that support agency innovation objectives and/or enhances DIA’s mission through service providers.

2. Award Information:

2.1. Capability: The DIA is interested in all potential innovative concepts/ideas of interest that may fill current gaps, to include concepts/ideas focused principally on maximizing agency operating efficiency and effectiveness, and access by DIA to potential or existing state-of-the-art innovations. Both technical and otherwise, that may not currently be in use by the agency or that may be in limited use and in need of updating or leveraging across a greater expanse of the collective enterprise.

2.2. Funding: No funding has been specifically reserved for this solicitation at this time.

However, funding may be provided throughout the open period of this BAA to pursue promising innovation concepts of interest with any qualified sources.

3. Award Type and Basis for Award: DIA will issue a Cost-type contract with no-Fee to the mentor firm. In all instances, the government reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this solicitation and make awards without discussions with proposers. The government, however, reserves the right to conduct discussions with a proposer if the government determines this to be necessary and, in the government’s best interest. However, the government need not conduct discussions will all proposers but may hold discussions with only some proposers or only one proposer. In addition, the government may permit a proposer to submit a proposal revision as part of discussions. However, the government may, at its discretion, provide only some or only one proposer the opportunity to revise its proposal. If multiple proposers are permitted to revise their proposals the government need not give every proposer the same amount of time in which to submit proposal revisions and may establish differing (i.e., uncommon) cut-off dates for receipt of proposal revisions.

3.1. Awards under this BAA, if any, will be made to proposers whose proposals are deemed the most advantageous to the government based on the evaluation criteria contained herein and because of the availability of funding for the proposed effort. The government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation once it makes the award instrument determination or initial selection decision. Such additional information may include but is not limited to Representations and Certifications. The government reserves the right to remove proposers from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions or cost/price within a reasonable time or the proposer fails to timely provide requested additional information.

4. Instructions: Interested mentors are responsible for submitting white papers relevant to

DIA’s NeedipeDIA Need areas. Interested parties are required to review the various individual NeedipeDIA listings posted on the website, and to self-identify on the coversheet of their White Paper submission, all the relevant mission needs from NeedipeDIA requirement that most closely associated with their white paper concept/idea, or where the preponderance of benefit is most likely to occur, even if their particular concept/idea potentially covers more than one NeedipeDIA listing area in question. Mentors and protégés are highly encouraged to review the www.dia.mil/business/needipedia website. This will use a two-step process. Step 1 will consist of white paper submissions only (see paragraph 5).

To be considered for step 2 the mentor will receive a written request for proposal submission from the DIA cognizant contracting officer (See paragraph 6).

4.1. Text Spacing and Type. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12-point. The font will be Times New Roman. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by section.

4.2. Illustrations and Tables. Tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and figures may be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible and shall not exceed

8.5 x 11 inches. Graphics and tables may be in differing font sizes.

4.3. Delivery. Electronic submission will only be accepted. The two electronic submission avenues are direct email to mpp@dodiis.mil or use of DoD SAFE. If using the DoD SAFE please coordinate your SAFE drop-off 10 Days prior to submission deadlines.

5. Step 1: White Paper Submissions - Executive Summary

5.1. The white paper shall not exceed ten (10) pages (excluding the protégé status and eligibility certification). White Papers are reviewed on a first come first server basis.

5.2. The format for submission of White Papers is intended to be flexible, but all submissions should adhere to the following general guidelines:

A. Section A: Mentor Information Company Name POC name, email, phone number Cage Code

DUNS

Facility Clearance Level Primary NAICs Last 3 years of annual revenue Describe how the offeror meets the MPP mentor eligibility requirements:

1. To be eligible to participate as a mentor, an entity must—

a. Be eligible for the award of Federal contracts;

b. Demonstrate that it—

i. Is qualified to provide assistance that will contribute to the purpose of the Program;

ii. Is of good financial health and character; and

iii. Is not on a Federal list of debarred or suspended contractors; and

c. Be capable of imparting value to a protégé́ firm because of experience gained as a DoD contractor or through knowledge of general business operations and Government contracting, as demonstrated by evidence that such entity—

i. Received DoD contracts and subcontracts equal to or greater than

$100 million during the previous fiscal year;

ii. Is an other-than-small business, unless a waiver to the small business exception has been obtained from the Director, Small Business Programs (SBP), OUSD(A&S);

iii. Is a prime contractor to DoD with an active subcontracting plan; or

iv. Has graduated from the 8(a) Business Development Program and provides documentation of its ability to serve as a mentor.

Describe the mentor’s contractual experience with DIA for the past 5 years.

Describe the mentor’s experience with MPP for the past 5 years.

Provide approval letter from DoD stating the mentor has been approved through the DoD OSBP.

B. Section B: Protégé Information Company Name CEO name, email, phone number Cage Code

DUNS

Facility Clearance Level Socio-economic status Primary NAICs Last 3 years of annual revenue Core Capabilities applicable to DIA Technical Categories

(www.dia.mil/Business/Needipedia) Describe how the Protégé meets the MPP eligibility requirements:

1. To be eligible to participate as a protégé́, an entity must be—

a. A small business concern;

b. Eligible for the award of Federal contracts;

c. Less than half the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for its primary North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code;

d. Not owned or managed by individuals or entities that directly or indirectly have stock options or convertible securities in the mentor firm;

and

e. At least one of the following:

i. A qualified HUBZone small business concern.

ii. A women-owned small business concern.

iii. A service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

iv. An entity owned and controlled by an Indian tribe.

v. An entity owned and controlled by a Native Hawaiian organization.

vi. An entity owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

vii. A qualified organization employing severely disabled individuals.

viii. A nontraditional defense contractor.

ix. An entity that currently provides goods or services in the private sector that are critical to enhancing the capabilities of the defense supplier base and fulfilling key DoD needs.

C. Section C: Proposed Approach Needs assessment: the needs assessment should focus on technology and developmental assistance for the protégé within the identified area of interest of

DIA.

Comprehensive review: the proposal must demonstrate that a comprehensive review was performed for the selected protégé, summarizes the results of the needs assessment and the proposed approach addresses the areas identified.

Anticipated approach, description and timeline of the technology transfer Percentage of technology transfer Identification of business development and infrastructure assistance Expected protégé certifications, technical skill sets, etc. at the end of the agreement Identify the capabilities and estimated percentage of developmental assistance effort to be performed by the Mentor, by the Historically Black Colleges & Universities/Minority Institutions HBCU/MI)/ Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other team members.

Benefit to DoD/DIA/other federal agencies because of this agreement (Attachment 3 – Quad Chart)

D. Section D: Relationship Describe the Mentor/protégé past and current relationship; proof of length of this relationship, current subcontracting relationship to include current or past subcontracting activities with dollar amounts, Include relationships that are 12 months or longer.

E. Section E: Estimated Cost of Mentor-Protégé Agreement Base Year Option Year 1 Total

5.3. Evaluation of White Paper Submissions

5.3.1. The Executive Summary will be evaluated on the following factors below:

1. Participant Eligibility – The Government will evaluate the mentor and protégé’s eligibility in meeting the requirements outlined in paragraph 5.2 Sections A & B.

2. Protégé Technology - The Government will evaluate the relevance of the protégé’s proposed technology to current DIA technical categories.

3. Comprehensive Review - The Government will evaluate the comprehensive review of the needs assessment and the offeror’s proposed approach to address the protégés needs. Additionally, the Government will evaluate the Offeror’s approach with providing value to DoD/DIA consistent with DFARS Appendix I, I-106.

4. Developmental Assistance Approach – The Government will evaluate the proposed mix of developmental assistance effort to be performed by the Historically Black Colleges & Universities/Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI), Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other team members.

5. Mentor Experience - The Government will evaluate the extent of Mentor’s experience with DIA and the Mentor’s ability to transfer this knowledge to the Protégé.

6. Relationship - The Government will evaluate the prior working relationship between the Mentor and Protégé. The extent of the prior working relationship shall be at least 12 months in duration and could include, but is not limited to:

previous arrangements, informal mentoring activities, and other activities demonstrating a mentor/protégé like relationship.

7. Cost – The Government will confirm the Offeror has not exceeded the threshold of $800,000.00 for two (2) years at a maximum of $400,000.00 for the base and $400,000.00 for Option.

Each factor will be assigned one of the color ratings that corresponds to the following ratings:

6. Step 2: Proposal Submission (if requested). Proposals will only be accepted upon written request from a government contracting officer.

6.1. DIA may request that an offeror submit a proposal for funding consideration. Offerors should follow the instructions for proposal format as outlined in this BAA. Specific instructions on how to submit a proposal will be given by the Contracting Officer at time of proposal request. Proposals will only be reviewed and evaluated if requested by the Government upon a favorable review of a submitted White Paper as described above.

6.2. The proposal shall consist of the following three (3) volumes:

6.2.1. Volume 1 – Technical Proposal

Executive Summary Ratings Definitions Color/Rating Description Acceptable White Paper Submission - Executive Summary meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

Unacceptable White Paper Submission - Executive Summary does not clearly meet requirements.

6.2.2. Volume 2 – Cost/Price Proposal

6.2.3. Volume 3 – Mentor-Protégé Agreement

6.3. Volume 1 - Technical Proposal: The technical proposal shall address the Step 2 evaluation criteria described in section 6.3 and shall include:

A. Detailed program milestone project schedule (work breakdown schedule) delineating the proposed approach for each proposed year. NOTE: Upon award the milestone project schedule will become part of the Quarterly Program Management Review (PMR) and continue to the discussed throughout the Agreement.

1. Identification of all milestones/deliverables (specific tasks) with specific due dates (i.e., 31 Jul 2018). Describe what, when and how the assistance will be provided and by whom (i.e., OJT, workshops, seminars, HBCU/MI, PTAC, SBDC). These shall be presented as a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The WBS shall be shown as a Gantt chart, created through programs such as MS Project, that shows milestones, deliverables, individual tasks, durations of tasks, delivery dates, etc. Task shall show if they are to run in concurrence or consecutively and any gaps between concurrent tasks.

2. Project schedule shall be in Microsoft Project (or a similar scheduling program)

B. Detailed potential subcontracting opportunities between the Mentor and Protégé estimated by year

1. List the contract name, contract number, RFP name, estimated subcontract amount and brief description of work to be performed by the protégé

2. The Mentor and Protégé shall sign this section acknowledging the potential subcontract arrangement.

C. Provide an organizational chart to identify the responsible program participants for all team members, including authorized decision makers. Provide names and job titles. This information must include HBCU/MI/PTAC/SBDC team members as proposed.

D. Provide a Letter of Endorsement from the President or Chief Executive Officer

(CEO) of the Mentor to demonstrate their commitment to the Mentor-Protégé Program and direct subcontracting to the protégé for a successful program.

6.4. Evaluation of Technical Proposals: The technical volume will be evaluated on the factors below:

A. Project Schedule – The Government will evaluate the offeror’s project schedule to ensure consistency with the proposed approach, reasonable deliverables and adequate timelines.

B. Subcontracting - The Government will evaluate the proposed subcontracting opportunities and benefits the Mentor will be providing to the protégé. Along with mix of resources used to enhance Protégé capabilities.

C. HBCUs/Minority Institutions – The Government will evaluate the proposed

HBCU/Minority Institutions the Mentor intends to use to support the Protégé’s business development and enhancement.

D. MPP organization and support - The Government will evaluate the proposed organizational structure and support provided by the mentor.

Each factor will be assigned one of the color ratings that corresponds to the ratings listed below.

To be eligible for award, a proposal must be rated Acceptable for all Step 2 factors.

6.5. Volume 2- Cost Proposal (if requested): The Mentor shall submit a cost proposal using the format and instructions at Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) Part 15.408, Table 15-2, “Instructions for submitting Cost/Price Proposals”. The cost volume shall be presented in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with formatted formulas (the spreadsheet shall not be locked). Mentors shall provide proposed costs for each year not to exceed a total of $800,000.00 for two (2) years at a maximum of $400,000.00 for the base, and $400,000.00 for Option Year 1. The average agreement is typically $150k - $450k per year. The cost proposal shall include adequate and realistic cost or pricing to support the proposed technical approach. The cost volume shall contain supporting documents for all costs proposed. The Government anticipates award of Cost (No Fee) type contracts.

6.5.1. Mentors shall provide proposed cost data for each year proposed (Base + 1

Option), not to exceed one (1) option year. The proposal shall be furnished with supporting schedules and contain hour breakdown per task. Labor/salary reimbursement must be for employees on the Mentor’s payroll only. Protégé salaries and consultant costs are not permitted. Labor hours and dollar values associated with technology transfer to the Protégé must track to each technology and developmental assistance category in the Technical proposal. The Cost Proposal shall contain separate specific costs that show which costs are clearly attributable to the proposed technology. Fee, profit, and Facilities Capital Cost of Money (FCCM) are not allowed.

6.5.2. All cost elements without fee/profit shall be broken down into each respective Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) (See Attachment 2).

6.5.3. Substantiating Cost Data. In the Cost volume, the offeror shall identify factual cost information that forms the basis for the cost estimate and that will permit the Government to substantiate the offeror’s proposed costs and rates. Substantiating cost data shall include a cost narrative and related attachments with supporting evidence documentation set forth in the below paragraphs. The cost narrative shall address all the following:

Technical Proposal Ratings Definitions Color Rating Description Green Acceptable Technical proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

Red Unacceptable Proposal does not clearly meet requirements.

6.5.4. Direct Labor Rates. Identify the basis of proposed labor rates. This information shall, at a minimum, include current/historical/projected cost data related to proposed direct expense rates upon which the proposed rates were based (e.g., FPRAs, FPRRs, payroll records). Also provide any documents required to support the computation of proposed direct rates. Provide evidence of all proposed labor rates. If labor rates are based on payroll records, provide payroll data directly from the offeror’s accounting system (not just a listing of rates) related to proposed base labor rates. If rates are based on survey information, provide the applicable pages from the survey and indicate the rates used. Provide a chart that shows proposed labor rates with corresponding supporting data.

6.5.5. Wage Escalation. Identify and provide source of proposed escalation factor.

Describe the methodology used to apply proposed escalation (e.g., effective date of escalation). If escalation is incorporated into estimates on a pro-rated basis, please explain and show calculations. If proposed escalation is based on historical experience, provide the most recent three (3) year history on similar projects.

6.5.6. Subcontractors. Provide supporting cost/price documentation for all proposed sub-contractors, including copies of the subcontractor proposals. Identify the subcontract type the offeror intends to issue and the total proposed subcontract value by task for each subcontractor. Pursuant to FAR 15.404-3, Subcontract Pricing Considerations, it is the offeror’s responsibility to conduct appropriate cost or pricing analyses to establish the reasonableness of the proposed subcontract prices and to include these analyses in its proposal. The subcontract cost or price analysis shall include the following— cost/price analysis technique(s) used (e.g., comparison of prices received);

detailed findings; and basis for determination of fair and reasonable proposal subcontract prices.

6.5.7. If the intended subcontract is time-and-material (T&M), the offeror shall provide justification and subcontractors are required to provide supporting documentation of proposed T&M rates (i.e., cost buildup computations of fully-burdened labor rates and/or other calculations used to establish T&M labor rates). Subcontractor T&M proposals must include direct labor hours and rates by labor category. Estimated material costs must be accompanied by evidence and/or supporting documentation of proposed values. If the intended subcontract is cost-type, the subcontractor shall provide a total cost breakdown including totals for each cost component: direct labor hours, rates, and costs by labor category; indirect costs; fee, etc.). The subcontractor’s proposal must contain a cost narrative and supporting documentation for its proposed rates.

6.5.8. The offeror shall annotate whether the subcontractor(s) are providing labor services at the Mentor site, protégé site, or the subcontractor site(s). If at the subcontractor site, the offeror shall specify which subcontractor sites and location addresses are applicable to the labor services.

6.5.9. Subcontractors, interdivisional transfers, or any other business entities associated with the prime offeror’s proposal who have proprietary data may submit sealed unsanitized price/cost directly to the offeror for inclusion as a sealed component of the offeror’s proposal. The prime offeror shall properly handle and protect the unsanitized subcontractor price/cost proposal submissions. The prime offeror shall be responsible for submitting all sealed, unsanitized price/cost proposals for its subcontractors, interdivisional transfers, or any other business entities associated with its proposal on/before the proposal submission deadline A prime offeror’s failure to include subcontractor cost/price data with its prime proposal submission shall be handled in accordance with FAR 15.208. Information reflected in the prime’s proposal must reconcile with the subcontractors’ proposal data.

6.5.10. Other Direct Costs (ODCs). Estimate all travel expenses broken out by individual trip with justification. Ensure all Mentor-Protégé/subcontractor travel costs related to Post-Award, Program Management Reviews and any other required meetings/conferences/training are included. Attendance at the annual OSD Mentor- Protégé Training Week is mandatory and travel costs must be included. Travel will be reimbursed in accordance with FAR 31.205-46, Travel costs. The Mentor shall include a breakdown of travel costs for Mentor, Protégé and all subcontractors, for each year. All travel expenses must be related to Protégé developmental assistance and training not marketing.

Note: The Government shall not reimburse for the cost of conference attendance unless the attendee is participating as a guest speaker. (Proof of “guest” participation must be provided.) Thus, Conference participation shall not be included in ODCs.

6.5.11. IAW DFARS 219.7104 Developmental assistance costs eligible for reimbursement or credit. (a) Developmental assistance provided under an approved Mentor-Protégé agreement is distinct from, and must not duplicate, any effort that is the normal and expected product of the award and administration of the mentor firm’s subcontracts. The mentor firm must accumulate and charge costs associated with the latter in accordance with its approved accounting practices. Mentor firm costs that are eligible for reimbursement are set forth in Appendix I. Before incurring any costs under the Program, Mentor firms must establish the accounting treatment of developmental assistance costs eligible for reimbursement or credit.

6.5.12. The HBCU/MI, PTAC and/or SBDC are considered subcontractors and a proposal with cost breakdown from the HBCU/MI, PTAC and/or SBDC is required for any proposed costs. HBCU/MI costs must include a breakdown of costs for direct labor, indirect costs, supplies, faculty travel, interns, and use of facilities at the College or University. PTAC and SBDC cost must be broken down in a similar fashion. Mentors must include a copy of the developmental/technical assistance plan and cost proposal from the HBCU/MI, PTAC and/or SBDC they have chosen to participate in their Mentor-Protégé agreement. All HBCU/MI (or PTAC/SBDC) proposed costs (including Overhead, G&A, direct labor) must be incorporated into this volume under a separate column titled “Subcontractors” and should remain separate from Mentor’s direct labor costs.

6.5.13. Provide breakout of proposed incidental costs. Incidental costs are limited to 10 percent of the total proposed cost. The 10 percent incidental costs must be otherwise allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Incidental costs or other ODCs cannot exceed 10% of the total cost of the proposal. Incidental costs include all costs other than Mentor direct labor, overhead, profit, and G&A costs associated with direct labor.

Subcontracting to HBCU/MI, PTAC, and SBDC is not considered incidental costs.

Mentor must state the proposed percentage of incidental does not exceed 10 percent of the total estimated cost in accordance with Appendix I, I-109(c). Examples of incidental costs include travel, training, and certifications, etc. To calculate the 10%, divide the incidental costs into the total proposal costs (total proposal cost includes labor, overhead, G&A, and incidental costs). No fee, G&A or profit allowed on incidentals.

6.5.14. Indirect Rates. The offeror shall identify proposed indirect rates and indirect factors used in its cost estimates. The offeror shall include a table of all indirect rates and indirect factors proposed by contractor fiscal years (CFYs), identify the source of the rates (e.g., Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA), Forward Pricing Rate Recommendation (FPRR), Forward Pricing Rate Submission/Proposal (FPRS/FPRP), estimate based upon historical experience, etc.), and provide the date of the source. The offeror shall explain the allocation base to which each rate is being applied and provide evidence to support proposed indirect rates and indirect factors. Current Government rate recommendations will be used as the basis for evaluation purposes. Therefore, cognizant Government audit rate recommendation evidence is preferred (e.g., DCAA recommended rates and/or DCMA indirect rate approval letters). The offeror shall provide evidence of the proposed indirect rates and indirect factors used in its cost estimates (e.g., a copy of the FPRA, FPRR, FPRP, FPRS or other official cognizant Government audit correspondence documenting the proposed rates/factors). The offeror shall also provide audit agency contact information, including applicable telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

6.5.15. Mentor must submit an advance agreement for the final indirect rates for the life of the contract as stated in Appendix I, I-106(e).

6.6. Evaluation of Volume 2 – Cost/Price: The Government will evaluate the cost proposal for cost realism and reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.404-1. The Government evaluation will assess how well the proposal supports elements of cost, work hours, loading factors and rates over the contract life. Reasonableness is evaluated by assessing the acceptability of the Offeror’s methodology and risks used in developing the cost estimates. The cost analysis techniques in FAR 15.404-1(c)(2) are used to determine whether the estimated cost is fair and reasonable. The proposed costs are deemed reasonable when they are fair to the buyer, fair to the seller, and reasonable considering the market conditions, available alternatives, and cost-related factors as determined through one or more of the cost analysis techniques. The Government will evaluate proposals for cost realism and will determine a probable cost (PC) by adjusting the offeror’s proposed costs to reflect any additions or reductions to cost elements to realistic levels based on the results of the cost realism analysis. The Government’s award decision will be based on the PC inclusive of the base and option years.

6.7. Volume 3 – Mentor-Protégé Agreement: Mentor shall use the required DoD templates and may be downloaded from the DoD Mentor-Protégé web page.

https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/MPP-Resources/

6.7.1. Mentor-Protégé Agreement: Complete the required DoD template. Note:

Paragraph 12-15 information should be top level only. Detailed information should be provided in Volume I.

6.7.2. Mentor Application: If the mentor has not been previously approved, complete the required DoD template and submit to DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) for approval. If a firm is an approved DoD mentor, include a copy of the previous DoD approval letter. For details on how to become an approved mentor please visit: https://business.defense.gov/Programs/Mentor-Protege-Program/MPP- Resources/

6.7.3. Mentor and Protégé Past Performance Information: Identify all past and active

Mentor-Protégé agreements and proposed agreements currently being considered (indicate agency). Include information on any formal or informal Mentor-Protégé experience.

6.8. Evaluation of Volume 3 – Mentor-Protégé Agreement: Each factor will be assigned one of the color ratings that corresponds to the ratings listed below. To be eligible for award, a proposal must be rated Acceptable for all Step 2 factors.

6.8.1. Did the mentor uses the appropriate DoD template?

6.8.2. Has the mentor been approved by DoD OSBP MPP office?

6.8.3. Did mentor provide past performance information for both the mentor and the protégé on all past and active Mentor-Protégé agreements?

Mentor-Protégé Agreement Proposal Ratings Definitions Color Rating Description Green Acceptable Proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements.

Red Unacceptable Proposal does not clearly meet requirements.

7. Project Spectrum: Project Spectrum is the definitive platform to strengthen the cybersecurity of small and medium sized businesses, as well as universities. Project Spectrum provides resources, information, training, and risk assessments to help companies and institutions improve cyber readiness and comply with DoD requirements. Please review the Project Spectrum website before submitting your white papers: https://projectspectrum.io/#!/.

7.1. The government will not reimburse for cybersecurity activities related to CMMC certification. Protégés are encouraged to review the Project Spectrum site and register for any support related to CMMC. Project Spectrum is a free resource for protégés under the DoD’s MPP.

7.2. The Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) has launched Project Spectrum (http://www.projectspectrum.io) as the definitive platform for cybersecurity information, resources, tools, and training for small businesses that are part of the defense and national security supply chain. Tasks to meet NIST SP 800-171 evaluations requirements or achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, Cybersecurity will not be reimbursed. If a proposed development plan includes additional cyber training and development resources, a waiver must be obtained from the OSD Mentor-Protégé Program Office. Absent the waiver, training will not be reimbursed.