Request for Information (RFI).pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Code 02 Support Services

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) for the purpose of determining market capability of sources and obtaining market research information. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), or an indication that the Government will contract any of the items and/or services discussed in this notice. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Contractors responding to this request are advised that participation does NOT ensure opportunities for future solicitations or contract awards. Any formal solicitation that may subsequently be issued will be announced separately through SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of any potential Contractor to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this topic.

Information on specific topics of interest is provided in the following sections of this announcement. Information in the RFI is in draft form only and is subject to change in the future. Capability Statements, comments, or responses to this RFI, are not to be construed as offers and any input received is not binding on the Government or this potential future requirement. The Government will NOT reimburse any Contractor or individual for any expenses associated with preparation or participation in this Request for Information.

The Government is currently evaluating the possibility of awarding this requirement as a Sole-Source Contract to an entity owned by Indian tribes or Alaska Native Corporations, in accordance with FAR 19.805- 1(b)(2) and seeking responses to this RFI from entities that meet that criteria.

1.0 Background

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) seeks to provide administrative support services for ONR, Contracts, Grants and Acquisition (Code 02). The Office of Naval Research (ONR) coordinates, executes and promotes the science and technology programs of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through colleges, universities, government laboratories, non-profit and for-profit organizations. ONR formulates and executes the Naval Science and Technology (S&T) portfolio to address the most promising technology opportunities and solutions in basic, applied science and advanced technology development; transitions the most useful technologies to Acquisition and the Warfighter; and provides technical advice and information to the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Department of Defense. Code 02 provides business advice, award execution and administration, policy development and e-business solutions in support of ONR’s mission.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) is responsible for the Command’s compliance with all Public Laws and implementing regulations to facilitate maximum participation in its acquisition program by Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUBZone Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Veteran-Owned Small Business Concerns, and Other Concerns subject to Socioeconomic Considerations.

2.0 Incumbent Contractor and Contract Number:

The incumbent Contractor for this award is Ghostrock Systems Development LLC performing under award number N00178-19-D-7705 / N00014-20-F-3009.

3.0 NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments. The NAICS Code applicable to this potential award is 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services).

4.0 PSC Code

The Product and Service Code (PSC) is a four-digit code that describes a product, service, or research and development (R&D) activity purchased by the Federal government. The PSC Code applicable to this potential award is R707 (Support- Management: Contract/Procurement/Acquisition Support).

5.0 Organizational Conflict of Interest

ONR has determined that an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest (OCI) exists when a Contractor (including its parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates) performs both systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) or other support services and Research and Development (R&D) work. Such situations give rise to OCIs or potential OCIs based on impaired objectivity, biased ground rules, and unequal access to information. ONR prefers that companies avoid such situations altogether by choosing to do only one type of work for ONR. See ONR's Statement of Policy on OCIs, which can be found under Compliance and Protections at the following address:

https://www.onr.navy.mil/About-ONR/compliance-protections/Organizational-Conflicts-Interest

6.0 Eligibility

The Government is presently assessing the prospect of awarding a Sole Source contract with entities owned by Indian tribes or Alaska Native Corporations, in accordance with FAR 19.805-1(b)(2). However, no definitive action has been taken to restrict competition or reserve this requirement at this juncture. To facilitate informed decision-making, we are issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to acquire essential market research data, and any information received will be instrumental in guiding our determination process.

7.0 Statement of Work

See Attachment 1 for the DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS)

8.0 Personnel Requirements

See “Labor Qualifications” in Attachment 1 of the DRAFT Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Industry comments are welcomed on the labor categories and qualifications.

9.0 Contract Type

ONR anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Level-of-Effort (LOE) Contract.

10.0 Security Requirements

ONR anticipates some work will require a DoD Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254) and a facility clearance or the ability to obtain one. A DD 254 will be initiated at the time of contract award.

11.0 Period of Performance (POP)

ONR anticipates a Base plus Four (4) Period of Performance:

Base July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 Option Year 1 July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 Option Year 2 July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028 Option Year 3 July 1, 2028 to June 30, 2029 Option Year 4 July 1, 2029 to June 30, 2030

13. Facility Clearance

Classified work may be anticipated in the future, requiring a facility clearance or the ability to obtain one.

14. Submission and Formatting Instructions for Capability Statements

All Capability Statements must be marked proprietary and shall not contain classified information. Responses to this notice will not be returned.

Responses must be submitted no later than 12:00pm Eastern by Friday (April 19th, 2024). Any Capability Statement received after this date may not be considered. The Government may provide replies/responses to Capability Statements received.

Capability Statements shall not exceed Ten (10) pages in length (excluding a cover page and any vendor comments regarding the PWS) and should be typed in 12- point Times New Roman font, single spaced, with 1-inch margins.

Interested parties shall furnish the following information:

Cover Page

1. Name of Organization, Cage Code, and Unique Entity ID.

2. Address of Organization.

3. Telephone Number and email address for the primary point of contact for the Capability

Statement.

4. Business standing (i.e. large or small business) for NAICS 541330.

5. If a Small Business, indicate all Small Business Type(s) that you qualify for (e.g., Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8(a) Certified, HUBZone Certified, Veteran Owned Small Business, and/or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business).

6. As this requirement will require a “Secret” Facility Security Clearance at a minimum, does your organization have a Facility Security Clearance and at what level? Confidential, Secret, Top Secret? If no, please provide your ability to obtain a Facility Security Clearance.

Table of Contents with page number

Technical Capability

1. Brief summary of your organization’s capability to meet the requirements in the SOW.

2. Specifically what type of work has your organization performed in the past in support of the same or similar requirements?

3. Brief summary of your organization’s experience in managing tasks of this nature.

4. Brief summary of your organization’s experience in managing a team of subcontractors, and if so how many?

5. Brief summary of the technical skills your organization possesses that ensures your capability in performing the requirements in the PWS and as stated above;

6. Provide comments (if any) regarding the ONR Performance Work Statement which is either included or attached to the RFI. **This does NOT count towards the 10 page limit**

7. Provide comments (if any) regarding labor categories and qualifications, and any other tentative aspects of the requirement.

8. Based on your review of the PWS, would you anticipate the use of subcontractors?

9. Summarize what amount of the requirement, if any, the offeror would self-perform or if subcontractors would conduct the majority of the technical effort. Vendor may provide info on all subcontractors that will help meet this requirement.

Staffing

1. How does your organization manage staffing procedures?

2. What strategies does your organization employ for recruitment?

3. Provide insight into your timeline for filling vacancies within the organization.

4. What strategies would you employ if required to ensure vacancies are filled within a 60-day timeframe?

5. How does your organization handle personnel performance issues pertaining to non-compliance with task requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

6. What approach/plan do you propose for the training of individuals to meet the demands outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

7. The Data Specialists (10 FTEs), under Task 2 - Code 24, are not anticipated at time of award, but instead to be included to one of the option years. Provide an outline of your strategy for recruiting individuals to fill these positions upon the Government’s notice and any experience(s) you have on contracts that require adding FTEs on option years.

No cost or pricing information should be provided. Any received will be deleted and destroyed.

15. Submission Requirements:

Capability Statements to this RFI shall be submitted via FedConnect. FedConnect is a web portal that bridges the gap between government agencies and performers to streamline the process of doing business with the government.

Through this portal, performers will be able to review opportunities and submit Capability Statements. To access FedConnect go to https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/default.htm.

How to Register for FedConnect

A FedConnect how to guide can be found at https://www.fedconnect.net/FedConnect/Marketing/Documents/FedConnect_Ready_Set_Go.pdf. The Creating and Submitting a Response on page 25 of the guide provides step by step instructions on how to submit your documents.

Register with SAM: All organizations applying online through Fedconnect must register with the System for Award Management (SAM) and will receive a unique entity identifier (UEI) number. Failure to register with SAM will prevent your organization from applying through FedConnect. SAM registration must be renewed annually. If you have not registered in SAM, go to https://www.sam.gov/SAM/.

If you are the first person in your organization to register in FedConnect, your SAM Marketing Partner ID (SAM MPIN) will also be required. It is the number that is set up by your organization as part of the registration in SAM.gov.

2) Create a FedConnect Account: The next step in the registration process is to create an account with FedConnect.

If you need assistance, the FedConnect Support Team is standing by to assist you.

Email: fcsupport@unisonglobal.com Phone: 1-800-899-6665

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EDT. Closed on Federal Holidays.

FedConnect Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the ONR website at https://www.nre.navy.mil/work-with-us/how-to-apply/frequently-asked-questions.

16. Questions and Point of Contact

Questions of a business nature regarding this RFI may be sent to the following Business Point of Contact:

Name: Alejandro Moreno Title: Contract Specialist Email Address: alejandro.moreno.civ@us.navy.mil

Name: Shawn J. Ryan Title: Contracting Officer Email Address: shawn.j.ryan4.civ@us.navy.mil

17. Support Contractors

Contractor support will not be utilized in support of the review and evaluation of responses.