N00024-23-R-2101-U0002.docx

N0002423R2101

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

SECTION L

SECTION L - Section Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Offerors

1.0 GENERAL

THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY PROPOSAL THAT DOES NOT SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLY WITH THESE PROPOSAL PREPARATION/SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS.

THIS PROCUREMENT IS SET-ASIDE FOR 8(a) FIRMS ONLY. IF A PROPOSAL IS RECEIVED FROM AN OFFEROR OTHER THAN A CURRENT 8(a) FIRM, IT SHALL BE DEEMED INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE PLACE OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS NEWPORT NEWS, VA.

The Government is seeking proposals for Third Party Fire Watch for the USS John C. Stennis’s (CVN 74) and USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Refueling Complex Overhauls (RCOHs). For proposal purposes, the estimated date of award is June 2023. The Government reserves the right to award sooner or later than necessary. The start and end dates will be updated accordingly upon Award.

The Government contemplates award of a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract through a best value tradeoff selection process. The best value proposal will be selected using a tradeoff process, as defined in FAR 15.101-1, which permits tradeoffs among cost and non-cost factors. Award will be made to the Offeror whose proposal is the most advantageous to the Government under the selection criteria set forth in this Section M. The contract will be awarded for one base year, with four one-year options.

The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract based upon initial proposals. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from cost or price and technical standpoints. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions herein, and non-conformance with the specified required content may be cause for rejection of the proposal. Offerors are advised that material submitted in excess of the page limits stated herein will not be evaluated.

2.0 GENERAL CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

The Offeror’s proposal is the sole basis for evaluating the technical merits of what is being offered, the degree to which the Offeror’s claims of performance capability and capacity are supported, and the ability of the Offeror to perform In Accordance With (IAW) the requirements. Proposals submitted shall be sufficiently detailed as to clearly demonstrate that the Offeror has a thorough comprehension of all requirements, including all special provisions of the Request for Proposal (RFP), to enable Government personnel to make a thorough evaluation of the proposal and to arrive at a sound determination as to whether the prospective Offeror will be able to perform IAW the requirements of the RFP.

Offerors are advised to submit proposals that are complete, clear, and consistent in all respects without the need for additional explanation or information. Offerors are cautioned against the use of general, vague, or unsubstantiated statements which prevent concise proposal evaluation.

The format and content of the proposal shall contain a response to the topics of discussion noted below. Information presented shall appear in the same order as outlined. A master table of contents identifying major subsections by number, title, page number and volume shall be provided in each volume.

The Offeror’s proposal shall address the entire RFP and all of its amendments and attachments. The proposal shall constitute an offer and will indicate the Offeror’s unconditional assent to the terms and conditions in this RFP. Any objection to any of the terms and conditions will constitute a deficiency which may make the offer unacceptable.

Alternate proposals will not be considered and shall not be submitted.

Documents, exhibits, and other attachments that form a part of this RFP and will become part of any resultant contract are identified in Section J. The following RFP sections listed below (which also form a part of this RFP), will not become a part of any resultant contract:

Section K – Representations, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors Section L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors Section M – Evaluation and Award Factors

Offerors are expected to reach a reasonable understanding of the requirements of this RFP by careful study (particularly Section C—Descriptions/Specifications and Section J—List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments) and by the application of qualified knowledge and experience. If such a review establishes the need for correction or clarification, such need should immediately be brought to the attention of the Contract Specialist and Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO), noted below, so that the matter can be resolved and so that, if necessary, official dissemination of such correction or clarification can be made to all Offerors.

The Government intends that all work authorized for the contemplated fire watch support be compatible with the duration of the scheduled performance period for each availability. The Offeror should, therefore, inform the Government prior to the due date for proposals of any work item or sum of work items that appears to require a longer period.

2.0 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

PROPOSALS ARE DUE AT 1500 EASTERN TIME ON TUESDAY, February 21, 2023 AT THE NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND.

The proposal shall be valid for no less than 270 days from the date of solicitation closing.

THIS PROCUREMENT IS SET-ASIDE FOR 8(a) FIRMS ONLY. IF A PROPOSAL IS RECEIVED FROM AN OFFEROR OTHER THAN A CURRENT 8(a) FIRM, IT SHALL BE DEEMED INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE PLACE OF PERFORMANCE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS NEWPORT NEWS, VA.

The Offeror’s proposal shall be detailed, specific, and complete to enable a thorough evaluation of the proposal and a sound determination that the proposal will meet or exceed the requirements and objectives set forth in the RFP. Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the instructions herein, and non-conformance with the specified required content may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

If it is determined that an offer is not in compliance with the page limitation of that volume of the proposal, Offerors are cautioned that pages above the specified page limit within each volume will be removed and not evaluated (i.e. if the maximum page limit is 30 and 35 pages are submitted, pages 31 through 35 will not be evaluated). Offerors are cautioned that some factors have additional page limitation criteria, specific to that section. The page count shall not include cover pages, title pages, table of contents, or tab pages. NOTE: Unless specifically excluded above, all pages will count towards the page limitations, including all required plans. Exhibits/Diagrams/Charts are allowable but shall have type no smaller than 8-point font size and 1 inch margins, and should be viewable/distinguishable by the average person with the naked eye. The narrative material in the proposal shall be single spaced, with type no smaller than 10-point font size and have 1 inch margins.

The proposal shall be valid for no less than 270 days from the date of RFP closing. The proposal shall provide comprehensive responses to the areas provided for in this section. The proposal shall be a complete response to the Statement of Work (SOW) and the requirements of this RFP.

Each Offeror must (1) submit an offer, (2) submit written information that pertains to its capability, and (3) submit supporting cost data. When evaluating an Offeror’s capability to perform the prospective contract, the Government will consider how well the Offeror complied with these instructions. The Government will consider an Offeror’s noncompliance with these instructions to be indicative of the type of conduct that it may expect from the Offeror during contract performance.

The first page of each volume shall be in accordance with FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition. The Offeror shall identify any restrictions to the disclosure of its proposal by marking the proposal IAW paragraph (e) of FAR Provision 52.215-1.

Formal Submission: Initial proposals and any modifications thereto are to be submitted to the Contract Specialist on or before the closing date and time cited elsewhere in this solicitation (Note 1, below). Faxes, hard copy, and/or responses through other means are not acceptable.

One (1) electronic submission of each volume shall be sent through the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) website Solicitation module of the complete proposal. The PIEE website is as follows: https://piee.eb.mil.

To register, click the “Register” button and agree to the Privacy Act Statement; select “Vendor” as the type of user you are; choose “User ID \Password” as how you will be accessing the PIEE applications and create a User ID and Password; choose security questions and answers; complete the user profile; enter company information; in the Roles screen, select “SOL – Solicitation” under Application and “Proposal Manager” under role and press the “+Add Roles” button; Roles summary will pop up and enter your CAGE under Location Code / CAGE (a Contract Administrator must be in System of Award Management (SAM) prior to entering this information); complete the justification (example: required for proposal submission); and sign the Statement of Accountability Agreement. It is highly recommended that the PIEE Solicitation Module account be established and the communication path confirmed well in advance of the proposal submission deadline. Electronic submissions shall be made under PIEE -> Solicitation -> N0002423R2101. As the PIEE system is just being set up, and if issues arise, Offeror(s) may submit their proposals via their standard submission process, if they have a system in place that allows for secure proposal transmission and a written request is submitted to the points of contact as described below.

Alternate methods of transmission may be accepted on a case-by-case basis if a written request is submitted to the points of contact (Eliott Lee and Kirby Tucker) prior to the proposal submission date to ensure operability and timely submission. Failure to submit the proposal via PIEE OR obtain permission to submit through an alternate method prior to the deadline may render the offer unawardable.

Electronic Submissions of the proposal, as indicated below, shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Kirby Tucker at kirby.e.tucker.civ@us.navy.mil and the PCO, Eliott Lee at eliott.m.lee.civ@us.navy.mil via PIEE. Responses not received at the time specified above will be considered late and not considered for award. The Offeror is responsible for the condition of its delivered proposal. Timely submission to PIEE does not constitute complete submission and time should be allowed for the PIEE system to process and upload proposal documents. As such, Offerors are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow time to confirm receipt of the proposal materials with the PCO or Contract Specialist. Although the Government will consider minor proposal deadline extensions to accommodate PIEE transmission issues, the Government may not approve such extension requests very close to the submission deadline. Offerors should contact the PCO and Contract Specialist by email as soon as they are aware of any technical difficulties.

Note 1: Hand-carried and mail delivered proposals will not be accepted. Submission of e-mail offers is not authorized for this solicitation. The PIEE website is the only acceptable method of submission, unless an alternate secure proposal submission process is arranged with the Government prior to the proposal submission deadline.

Electronic proposal submissions and supporting information shall be suitable for reading in the standard Microsoft Windows suite, in accordance with 252.215-7012 REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS VIA ELECTRONIC MEDIA (JAN 2018). Submitted electronic files shall not be compressed. Included files shall be created/prepared using Microsoft Office 2010 compatible applications. Spreadsheets, worksheets, and workbooks shall be prepared using Microsoft Excel compatible applications. Schedules shall be created and submitted using Microsoft Project compatible applications, in addition the Offeror shall submit schedule as a higher level PDF. Graphics, photographs, and other data beyond the capability of Microsoft Office 2010 compatible applications may be submitted in Adobe Acrobat format. Electronic spreadsheets shall not be compiled or password protected; and all cells and formulas shall be visible, editable, and unprotected. Formulas shall be maintained in each Excel sheet to permit verification of calculations, and revision of output(s) through variation of inputs(s). Any tables contained within submitted narrative shall be capable of being edited (i.e. not embedded pictures or screenshots). Submitted files shall not reference external data. The Offeror shall screen all proposal submission and supporting information for computer viruses prior to submittal. Submitted electronic files shall be limited to the following extensions:

.docx Microsoft Word .xlsx Microsoft Excel .pptx Microsoft PowerPoint .pdf Adobe Acrobat .mmpx Microsoft Project

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions: The submission to the Government in response to the RFP -- i.e., the Offeror’s offer, including the entire RFP and all of its attachments -- will constitute an offer and will indicate the Offeror’s unconditional assent to the terms and conditions in this RFP. An objection or exception to any of the terms and conditions will constitute a deficiency which may make the offer unacceptable.

SUBCONTRACT INFORMATION

In requesting proposals from prospective subcontractors, Offerors shall provide all necessary information for the contemplated requirement. The Government will not advise prospective subcontractors as to the requirements of their transactions with Offerors, nor will the Government respond to direct inquiries from prospective subcontractors concerning clarifications of specification or solicitation requirements. ALL SUCH REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE PRIME CONTRACTOR (OFFEROR).

3.1 PROPOSAL OVERVIEW

A. Evaluation Factors The Government shall evaluate Non-Cost/Price and Cost/Price factors. The Technical evaluation is comprised of three (3) Non-Cost/Price factors: (1) Management Approach; (2) Resource Capabilities; and (3) Past Performance.

The final factor, (4) Cost/Price is a Cost/Price factor.

B. Proposal Structure

(1) Paragraph Numbering. Paragraph numbering shall conform to the following system:

Volume I. SF33 Solicitation Set

Volume II. Technical

A. Management Approach B. Resource Capabilities

Volume III. Past Performance

Volume IV. Cost/Price Proposal

(2) The Offeror shall structure the Proposal so information provided for each section is as comprehensive as possible. The information provided for each section should be sufficiently self-contained to minimize the need to refer to other Proposal sections for evaluation purposes. Offerors shall not include any cost/price information under any volume other than Volume IV. If cross-references are needed, page and paragraph numbers shall be included.

(3) Section M of this solicitation provides the relative importance of the evaluation factors.

(4) Four separate volumes: Volume I (SF33 Solicitation Set), Volume II (Technical), Volume III (Past Performance), and Volume IV (Cost/Price) are required. The page limitations are identified in table L1 below. The Offerors shall ensure consistency, defined as “free from variation”, between the technical proposal and cost/price proposal. During the course of evaluating the technical and cost/price proposals, the PCO will validate that the technical proposal (Management Approach & Resource Capabilities) and cost proposal are consistent. Specifically, the costs/prices proposed will be evaluated and verified using historical and current market information to confirm costs proposed are within reason and consistent with the technical approach. Any inconsistencies between the technical (Management Approach & Resource Capabilities and Past Performance) and cost/price proposals may be viewed as weaknesses and/or risks in the proposals, and the offer may, at the Government’s discretion, be considered unacceptable and eliminated from competition for award.

Table L1- Volume Descriptions

VOLUME/

SECTION

via PIEE

Note- The RFP response must be submitted in four (4) separate volumes (each Volume is a separate e-file) as delineated above, with any sub-headings divided and easily recognizable upon viewing within each volume, within the specified page limitations. No additional volumes or pages will be reviewed. Sub-heading are for organization purposes, Offerors must still address entire Section L.

(5) Offerors are cautioned that, in accordance with the clause “Instruction to Offerors-Competitive Acquisitions” (FAR 52.215-1), the Government intends to award a contract on the basis of initial proposals received, without discussions. Therefore, each proposal shall contain the Offeror’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint.

(6) Proposal Outline: The proposal submission shall be accompanied by a cover letter that contains the information outlined in FAR 52.215-1 (c)(2). The cover letter shall also affirmatively state that the accompanying proposal:

1. Is for all requirements as stated in the solicitation (including all attachments, appendices, and amendments thereto);

2. Is made without qualification or exception to any terms and conditions appearing in the solicitation;

3. Is from an Offeror that is a current SBA 8(a) firm/participant (include the anticipated graduation date from the 8(a) program); and

4. Is valid for a period of 270 days from the date established for the receipt of proposals.

Offerors shall address any exceptions to the solicitation’s requirements/terms/conditions PRIOR to proposal submission and NOT within its submission. Any exceptions taken to the terms of the solicitation that are not adjudicated through an amendment to the solicitation, or otherwise adjudicated, may render proposal submissions as unacceptable.

The proposal shall be organized and tabbed in accordance with the Volume, Factor, and layout detailed in the following outline:

Each of Volumes I, II, III, and IV shall contain the following items in addition to the Offeror’s proposal data required by this RFP:

a. Cover & Title Page

The cover and Title page shall include the following:

· Title of Proposal

· Volume number and title

· RFP number

· Name, Point of Contact Information, address, telephone number, and email address of the Offeror

· The following statement: “The Offeror confirms that it will comply with the requirements of N00024-23-R-2101, as amended, regardless of 1) any references in Volumes I, II, III, and/or IV to request a waiver to an RFP requirement; and 2) any references in Volumes I, II, III, and/or IV to data requested to be provided by the Government post-award.”

· Signature and Date

b. Master Table of Contents

The table of contents shall provide sufficient detail, including page numbers, so that factors and sections can be easily located.

C. Solicitation Responsiveness

Offerors are advised to submit proposals that are complete, clear, and consistent in all respects without the need for additional explanation or information. Offerors are cautioned against the use of general, vague, or unsubstantiated statements, which prevent concise proposal evaluations. Each factor will be evaluated on how well the response meets the requirements of the solicitation. The response that completely addresses all of the solicitation requirements may be judged superior to the response that minimally addresses solicitation requirements.

D. Offerors Compliance

Offerors must comply with specific information submission requirements found below under Paragraph III entitled, “Instructions for Technical Proposal Preparation” and paragraph IV entitled, “Instructions for Cost Proposal Preparation.” Failure of the Offeror to comply with all aspects of solicitation requirements located within the “Technical Proposal” or “Cost Proposal” section may, at the Government’s discretion, render the proposal unacceptable, and the Offeror may be eliminated from competition for award.

E. Competitive Range

If an award is not made on the basis of initial proposals, the PCO will make the determination as to which proposals are in the “competitive range.” The competitive range shall be determined based on the results of the evaluation of initial technical and cost/price proposals, considering all evaluation criteria, and shall include the most competitive proposals. The number of proposals within the competitive range may also be reduced if the PCO determines the number of most competitive proposals that might otherwise be included within the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted.

F. Discussions/Final Proposal Revision (FPR)

(1) Pursuant to the provision under this section entitled FAR 52.215-1, “Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition,” the Government intends to award a single contract on the basis of a proposal submission without conducting discussions with Offerors, but reserves the right to conduct discussions per FAR 15.306 “Exchanges with Offerors After Receipt of Proposals” if determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. Each Offeror shall submit only one proposal. No alternate proposals will be accepted, and the submission of multiple proposals will result in rejection of the proposal. Therefore, each Offeror’s proposal submission shall contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint.

(2) If discussions are held, all Offerors selected to participate in discussions shall be advised of weaknesses and risks in their proposals, and shall be offered a reasonable opportunity to correct or resolve such weaknesses and risks and to submit such technical and cost information, or other revisions to their proposal, that may result from such discussions.

(3) The PCO intends to make award without conducting discussions pursuant to FAR 52.215-1. At his or her discretion, the PCO may determine the competitive range and elect to conduct either verbal or written discussions, or both. If the PCO elects to conduct discussions, the PCO reserves the right to conduct oral discussions, consisting of presentations of discussion question responses followed by a question-and-answer session. At such time, the PCO will also provide the Offerors with information as to the format, length and rules which will govern the conduct of oral presentations of discussion question responses. The content of these presentations will be in response to questions the PCO may submit to the Offeror during the discussion period. The purpose and goal of presentations of discussion question responses is to clarify and gain a better understanding of questions asked the Offeror by the Government and the Offeror’s responses. The execution of oral discussions will not constitute part of the Offer. Written answers to discussion questions will become part of the proposal only if subsequently specifically referenced in the FPR. When discussions are completed, the PCO will close discussions and request FPRs.

3.2 CROSS REFERENCING

Each volume shall be written to the greatest extent possible on a stand-alone basis so that its content may be evaluated with a minimum amount of cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Cross-referencing within a proposal volume is permitted where its use would conserve space without impairing clarity. Information required for proposal evaluation that is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal.

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

3.3 COMMUNICATIONS WITH NAVSEA

3.3.1 Solicitation and Amendments

Solicitation information and amendments will be made available through the Government Contract Opportunities website found at: www.sam.gov.

The solicitation, which will include related files (i.e., RFP and Section J attachments) listed under the solicitation number, can then be downloaded directly to your workstation. It is an offeror’s responsibility to ensure it is accessing the SAM.gov website to view potential amendments and procurement notifications for this solicitation.

3.3.2 Questions Concerning the Solicitation

Offerors may submit written questions requesting clarification of RFP requirements or to request any reference documents listed in the RFP by electronic mail to Kirby Tucker at kirby.e.tucker.civ@us.navy.mil and Eliott Lee at eliott.m.lee.civ@us.navy.mil using Attachment L-1.

Offerors shall use the subject heading for the email correspondence: N0002423R2101 Bidder Questions -- (insert name of offeror).

Only questions submitted by electronic mail will receive a response. Questions and responses will be distributed electronically via www.sam.gov to all potential Offerors as an amendment to the solicitation and will not be attributed to any individual or organization in accordance with FAR 15.201(f). The Government may edit the question to remove potentially proprietary information. For ease of Government review and to minimize response time, Offerors shall submit this form in the original file format. DO NOT convert the form to Portable Document Format (PDF). To ensure the Government understands the context of the question, Offerors shall detail the applicable document name, document date or version, page, paragraph, clause or other specific citation to which the question applies. Information contained in the Government’s responses to bidder’s question shall not supersede any information contained in the solicitation (including amendments). In the event of a discrepancy between a response to a bidder’s question and the content of the solicitation, the solicitation shall take precedence. Questions should not include proprietary or otherwise protected information of the Offeror.

The deadline for receipt of questions is 30 Calendar days after the date the original solicitation was issued (See Block 5 of the Standard Form 33). Any questions received after this date may not be answered prior to receipt of proposals. Proprietary data, if so noted, will be protected. Offerors shall not submit comments, questions, or inquiries to any Government representative other than the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist identified herein.

3.4 VOLUME I – SF33 SOLICITATION SET

3.4.1 Offer

The offer is the document that will be used to make an award to the successful Offeror and must include the following:

a. Standard Form 33, “Solicitation, Offer and Award”, with blocks 12 through 18 completed by the Offeror.

b. Solicitation Amendment(s) (if any) – The Offeror shall submit a signed complete copy of each amendment(s).

c. RFP Sections B through J - The Offeror shall submit Sections B through J with all appropriate information required by the RFP completed, including applicable fill-in clauses.

d. RFP Section K, “Representation, Certifications and Other Statements of Offerors”, completed by the Offeror or a statement verifying the information has been completed in the System for Award Management with the date the registration remains valid.

e. Exhibit(s), Attachments, and Schedules – The Offeror shall submit a copy of or provide written acknowledgement and acceptance of all Exhibits, Attachments, and Schedules, which will form a part of any resultant contract. All Exhibits, Attachments, and Schedules that require the Offeror to provide information shall be completed in their entirety.

3.4.2 General Information

Offerors shall provide the source of approval, the latest dates, and the current status in which the Offeror had the following:

a. Accounting System. Offerors are cautioned that this contract contains cost reimbursement provisions and a cost reimbursable contract may only be awarded to an Offeror that meets the limitations set forth in FAR 16.301-3;

b. Purchasing System;

c. Estimating System;

d. Adequacy of the Offerors Disclosure Statement pursuant to FAR 30.201-3 and FAR 52.230-1.

Offerors shall identify the cognizant Administration Office (POC name, phone number, email address, and physical address) and provide copies of the letters transmitting the approvals of the above identified systems with its proposal submission.

Offerors shall provide a summary of this information in the following format:

Table L2: General Information

Number Email Address

Accounting System

Purchasing System

Estimating System

Disclosure Statement Adequacy

3.5 VOLUME II – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL

3.5.1 INSTRUCTIONS FOR TECHNICAL PROPOSAL PREPARATION

In responding to the Technical Factors of Management Approach and Resource Capabilities below, Offerors shall demonstrate they have a thorough understanding and capability to perform the efforts in the SOW cited in Section C.

A technical proposal is required from each Offeror and will be evaluated as specified in Section M. The Offerors shall provide the required copies of their technical proposals as specified in Section L, “Submission of Proposals”, containing information organized under the following:

· Management Approach

· Resource Capabilities

The required content for the technical proposal is described below.

The PCO reserves the right to request such additional information regarding scheduling, manpower, facilities, management organization and capabilities (including financial – FAR 9.104-3) that may be necessary to determine the Offeror’s qualifications for award of a contract, to determine the relative merit of the Offeror’s proposal, or to otherwise clarify any aspect of the proposal.

CAUTION: The technical proposal should contain brief statements of fact rather than wordy, generalized narratives.

The technical proposal (Management Approach and Resource Capabilities) shall consist of no more than 50 pages. Offerors are cautioned that no more than the first 50 pages of technical proposal will be evaluated. Any portion of a technical proposal which exceeds the 50 pages will not be evaluated and will be treated in the same manner as late proposals or modifications in accordance with the Section L clause in this solicitation entitled, “Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisitions” (FAR 52.215-1). The technical proposal should be properly paginated, with the appropriate page number marked on each page.

Each single side of a piece of paper (if printed) shall be counted as one page toward the 50-page limit, with the exception of the following items:

(a) The first page of the technical proposal, which shall consist of a single title page containing only the following basic information: volume number and category name; the solicitation number; the name of the contract; Offeror’s name; the full name and address designation of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA); and the Offeror’s position regarding disclosure of proposal data. No pages placed before this title page will be evaluated.

(b) The table of contents for the technical proposal, which shall immediately follow the title page described in item (a) above.

(c) Any pages in the proposal used solely for the purpose for separating sections of the proposal, or as tabs.

(d) The resume(s) shall not exceed three (3) pages for each individual(s). Pages in excess of three (3) will be counted toward the 50-page limit for the technical proposal. The Government has requested resume(s) for one (1) labor category only, the Program/Project Manager.

(e) Up to ten (10) pages of exhibits included in the technical proposal. If printed, each single side of a piece of paper (if printed) in excess of the ten (10) page allowance for exhibits will count as one (1) page towards the 50-page limit for the technical proposal. Exhibits/Diagrams/Charts are restricted to standard 8-1/2”×11” paper, with judicious use of 11”×17” paper Z-folded to 8-1/2”×11” size for items such as facility layout, and organizational charts permitted as necessary. Exhibits/Diagrams/Charts must not contain any text other than simple explanations pertinent to the exhibit.

(f) Letters of commitment from all subcontractors, as described below in “Resource Capabilities”.

(g) Past performance information, as described below in “Past Performance”.

3.5.2 VOLUME II – FACTOR 1: MANAGEMENT APPROACH

NO COST/PRICE INFORMATION SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME.

This part of the proposal should provide a systematic approach that demonstrates a comprehensive understanding and application of management techniques, methods and procedures required to efficiently execute the requirements of this solicitation. Offerors should address the following areas taking into account all the Offeror’s current Government and commercial efforts under contract, the proposed effort under this solicitation and any other submitted proposals.

1. Describe the program management organization to be used for this effort and how it will contribute to the planning and execution of work requirements.

2. Training- Offeror shall address:

· How will the Offeror ensure its initial Fire Watch Team is adequately trained at the start of the contract and throughout the contract period of performance?

· How will new employees be trained and qualified?

· How does the Offeror’s management team plan to keep/maintain training records?

· How will the Offeror’s management team ensure employees maintain their training or safety qualifications?

NOTE: SUPSHIP NEWPORT NEWS WILL FACILITATE THE NECESSARY ON-SITE TRAINING OF PERSONNEL WITH THE SHIPBUILDER IN ORDER FOR THIRD PARTY FIREWATCH EMPLOYEES TO ACCESS THE SHIPBUILDER’S FACILITY. THERE IS AN AVERAGE OF 10 PERSONNEL ALLOWED TO TAKE THE SAFETEY TRAINING CLASS AND AN AVERAGE OF 2 CLASSES PER WEEK HELD.

3. Management/Supervision Plan

Offeror shall address their overall management approach and ability to plan, manage, and execute all efforts required by the SOW under this solicitation, including, but not limited to, controlling personnel, controlling utilization of resources, tracking deliverables, monitoring performance and obtaining Government feedback.

· Include management plan to address the potential to support multiple work shifts

· Include management plan to address the potential to support two ships (CVN 74 and CVN 75) simultaneously

4. Data Reporting

Discuss how the Offeror shall address and demonstrate understanding of the data deliverable requirements (CDRLS) of the contract including weekly hours and cost incurred.

5. Subcontract management (if applicable)

The Offeror shall not be penalized for use of Subcontractors, but shall describe in the narrative how the proposed team provides optimal balance between size, manageability, and support capability while maintaining an integrated approach. Offerors are reminded here that they cannot subcontract for more than 50% the cost of the services/supplies.

6. Transition Plan:

The Offeror shall describe the transition process in detail including all steps the Offeror intends to take in order to assume responsibility from the incumbent Contractor, if applicable, within sixty (60) days upon contract award. Offeror shall address how personnel are properly trained and skilled with adequate shipyard/vessel access and how the Offeror will assume responsibility for support of current Third Party Fire Watch program without discontinuity of work flow or loss of integrity of the programs' current operation. The proposed plan should include a schedule for hiring ramp up and a timeframe of when staffing actions will be completed and any risk mitigation strategies. Staffing actions shall be completed NLT sixty (60) days after contract award. The plan shall include, but not be limited to: start date, end date, and detailed Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M) with measurable elements. The Transition Plan shall be consistent with the Offeror’s Cost/Price proposal. Specific elements to consider include:

a) Transition Team Responsibilities - Offerors shall describe its start-up plan with a detailed explanation regarding how full performance will be achieved by NLT the end of the transition period (i.e. sixty days after contract award). Offerors shall describe their intended mode of establishing management and project staffs, assuming responsibility for support of the programs’ current operation without discontinuity of work flow or loss of integrity of the program’s current operation, and creating interfaces for technical and contract administration.

b) Incumbent Capture – If the Offeror intends to hire incumbent personnel, the Offeror shall address how the Offeror will transition incumbent personnel and discuss risk mitigation if the Offeror is unable to hire the incumbent personnel.

c) Shipyard/Vessel Access Requirements – The Offeror shall provide a discussion regarding shipyard/vessel access. The Offeror shall provide a plan to implement the required Shipyard/Vessel background check screening (via backgroundchecks.com) and badging requirements to obtain access to the vessel while in the Huntington Ingalls Newport News Ship Yard and Norfolk Naval Base.

3.5.4 VOLUME II – FACTOR 2: RESOURCE CAPABILITIES

NO COST/PRICE INFORMATION SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME.

In this part of the proposal, the Offerors should address the following areas taking into account all current Government and commercial efforts under contract, the proposed effort and any other submitted proposals.

1. Describe the total human capital resources available to the organization. Clearly indicate which resources (production/fire watch and administrative) are committed to this proposed work effort and which resources are committed to other work efforts. The Offeror must clearly demonstrate that it has or can obtain the human capital resources required to execute this contract.

2. Provide current and projected workload for all subcontractors (if any) and provide letters of commitment from all subcontractors, stating that they will be able to perform the required work and provide the requested labor hours during each CLIN’s Period of Performance (POP).

3. Provide a staffing plan for this contract POP including current contracted and projected workload; shifts; and staffing levels. Provide additional details on a staffing plan to support the possible surge growth projected for each availability and fiscal year.

4. Discuss how temporary contract labor (if any) will be utilized to augment employee staffing. Include the ratio of employee to temporary contract labor.

3.6 VOLUME III – FACTOR 3: PAST PERFORMANCE

NO PRICE INFORMATION SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THIS VOLUME.

Offerors shall provide in its proposal any information regarding its past performance, and that of its major subcontractors, (for purposes of the past performance evaluation major subcontractor means a subcontractor that will accomplish 10% or more of the dollar value of the work required by the solicitation or are awarded a subcontract which equals or exceeds $2 million, whichever is greater) on THREE (3) recent and relevant contracts within the last FIVE (5) years that involve the same or similar work in both type and complexity as that required by this solicitation. A total of 3 past performance questionnaires are required for the Offeror. If the Offeror has a major subcontractor, then one of the three past performance questionnaires must be for the major subcontractor. Thus, there will be two past performance questionnaires for the prime, and one past performance questionnaire for the major subcontractor. However, if an Offeror does not have any major subcontractors for which to provide this information, the Offeror shall state this, and shall still provide three past performance questionnaires for the prime.

This should include, at a minimum, contracts/work that required the same or similar type and complexity of effort required by this solicitation.

The Government reserves the right to determine the recency and relevancy of such information and to verify statements and representations made in an Offeror’s proposal. Any information provided must be in sufficient detail with points of contact to enable the Government to obtain information for an evaluation in accordance with the past performance factor in Section M. Summary lists of contracts or incomplete data may not be considered. The Government reserves the right to contact references provided by the Offeror, but reserves the right not to contact any or all references.

Offerors shall provide a list and individual Reference Information Sheet (RIS) Attachment L-2 for a minimum of three (3) relevant contracts (including subcontracts) performed, or currently being performed, within the last five (5) years and with a value of $500,000 or greater. Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs) information (completed for the one (1) year or final version) may be utilized in lieu of the RIS (so three (3) official CPARS report of three (3) different contracts will meet the three (3) minimum requirement-Adobe compatible pdf format is preferred). If the Offeror has no recent relevant contracts equal to or greater than $500,000, the most recent contracts that are similar with the greatest dollar value shall be provided. The Offeror shall provide the same information for major subcontractors anticipated to be used under this contract.

If applicable, provide OSHA 300 Incident rates for applicable work history. Provide relevant OSHA 300 Records as necessary to quantify and discuss relevant work safety records.

The information proposed in the past performance volume should address, among other areas, the Offeror’s previous performance in: quality of product or service, timeliness of performance, management, and customer relations/customer satisfaction. The Offeror shall also discuss its prior compliance with FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns.

Sources of past performance information may include information provided by the Offeror, or any other sources available to the Government. Other sources include, but are not limited to, the PPIRS, Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), eSRS, CPARS, or other databases; interviews with Program Managers, PCO, and Fee Determining Officials; and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Only if there is no recent relevant past performance information for the Offeror or its major subcontractors, the Offeror may not be evaluated either favorably or unfavorably for past performance.

Offerors shall use Exhibit L-2 for the evaluation of Past Performance.

3.7 INSTRUCTIONS FOR COST/PRICE PROPOSAL (VOLUME IV) PREPARATION

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OFFERORS (AND SUBCONTRACTORS) READ AND FOLLOW THESE COST/PRICE PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER AN INACCURATE OR INCOMPLETE COST/PRICE PROPOSAL INDICATIVE OF THE OFFEROR’S INABILITY TO PERFORM THE WORK REQUIRED UNDER THE CONTRACT. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE COST/PRICE DATA REQUIRED BY THESE COST/PRICE PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN THE ELIMINATION OF AN OFFEROR’S PROPOSAL FROM THIS COMPETITION.

A. OVERVIEW

The technical proposal shall not include cost/price information.

1. Release of Cost Information: All cost information submitted is for the exclusive use of authorized representatives, and will be treated as business confidential and will not be publicly disclosed. Where a request for disclosure of such cost information is submitted to the Government pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552a), the Government will not disclose Offeror’s cost information if public disclosure of such information would substantially harm the Offeror in its competitive position. In order to help ensure non-disclosure, the title page of the cost proposal and other sheets of proposal data should be marked with the restrictive legends contained in the Solicitation Instruction in Section I clause 252.227-7037 entitled “VALIDATION OF RESTRICTIVE MARKINGS ON TECHNICAL DATA” (if applicable) and the cost/price proposal should be enclosed in a separate electronic folder of the proposal.

2. The cost/price proposal is the Offeror’s estimate of the cost and fee to perform the work described in this solicitation, which represents the Government’s best estimate of the work most likely required during the ships availability under this contract. The Government will use the cost proposal to determine each Offeror’s Total Evaluated Price (TEP), so it is important that the cost proposal be accurate and complete. The TEP to the Government will be based upon an analysis of the completeness, realism, and reasonableness of the cost proposal (per FAR 15.404-1). Based upon such analysis, a TEP to the Government for the Offeror will be calculated to reflect the Government’s estimate of the Offeror’s proposed cost and price (See Section M). Therefore, any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between promised performance and cost or price should be explained in the cost volume.

All labor and burden rates proposed will be compared to available Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)/Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) recommended rates or approved interim billing rates. Any deviation from the DCAA/DCMA recommended rates or approved interim billing rates must be fully substantiated for the proposed rates to be accepted by the Government in calculating the TEP to the Government. The burden of proof for cost credibility rests with the Offeror. Each Offeror shall submit the cost proposal clearly marked “Volume IV – COST/PRICE PROPOSAL.” Offerors may include supporting information for proposed rates within the narrative of Volume IV and/or under separate tabs within Exhibit L-3 (e.g. Indirect Rates might include projected business expenses, projected business base, etc.).

3. Government Fiscal Year (GFY) as used herein is defined as 01 October through 30 September. All Offeror’s shall clearly state their accounting-system defined Contractor Fiscal Year (CFY) (e.g., starts on DD-MM and concludes on DD-MM) and apportionment method used to generate GFY rates using CFY-based rates (for example, if an Offeror’s CFY 2023 runs from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023, in order to convert rates from CFY 2023 to GFY 2024, the Offeror would apportion 11/12 from CFY 2023 and 1/12 from CFY 2024).

4. Unrealistically low cost estimates, initially or subsequently, may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from competition either on the grounds that the Offeror does not understand the requirement or that it has made an unrealistic proposal. The burden of proof of cost credibility rests with the Offeror. If the Government determines an Offeror’s estimates to be inexplicably low, that Offeror may be eliminated from the competition without further discussion.

5. Consistency between the technical and cost proposals will be evaluated as part of the projected cost to the Government. An Offeror whose cost proposal is inconsistent with its technical proposal may be eliminated from the competition.

6. Failure of the Offeror and its subcontractor(s) to provide the required cost information may render the proposal unacceptable and the Offeror may be removed from competition. The Offeror shall modify the cost exhibits as needed to reflect the Offeror’s proposed costs in accordance with their accounting system; however, all information required within each cost exhibit must be included. The Offeror must submit these cost exhibits in unprotected Excel format, with clearly visible formulas, links, and tracking information for each cell. All fields must be editable. Spreadsheets submitted in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) will not be accepted.

7. Offerors are required to propose cost and fee for the work scope as delineated in Section C of this solicitation for each CLIN listed in Exhibit L-3. Labor hour phasing by GFY and Contractual Year has been provided in Exhibit L-3 and will be used for evaluation purposes only.

8. The following issues should be addressed, as necessary, in the Cost Proposal: (1) Any inconsistency between the Offeror’s established estimating and accounting practices and procedures and FAR Part 31 Cost Principles; (2) Whether the Offeror is, or may be, in noncompliance with its Disclosure Statement; or whether any aspect of this proposal is inconsistent with the Offeror’s disclosed practices.

9. The following…