N00174-16-R-0004-0001.docx

N00174-16-R-0004

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS RECEIVED

Question 1: Does the Pre-solicitation under solicitation number N0017416R0004 contain requirements similar to a current contract? If possible, please provide the current contract number. Or, is this a new requirement for the government?

Answer 1: Yes, the Pre-solicitation under solicitation number N0017416R0004 contain requirements similar to a current contract. The purpose of this solicitation is to ramp on additional contractors to support total Life Cycle Management of the various aircrew escape systems managed under the Joint Program Office (JPO) for Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Device (CAD/PAD) Tri-Service Charter. The original solicitation number was N00174-12-R-0010 issued on June 7, 2012. A total of 16 contracts were awarded. Contract Numbers are as follows: N00174-13-D-0012, N00174-13-D-0013, N00174-13-D-0014, N00174-13-D-0015, N00174-14-D-0007, N00174-14-D-0008, N00174-14-D-0009, N00174-14-D-0010, N00174-14-D-0011, N00174-14-D-0012, N00174-14-D-0013, N00174-14-D-0014, N00174-14-D-0015, N00174-14-D-0016, N00174-14-D-0017, and N00174-14-D-0018.

Question 2: Can the government delete the OCI portion of the solicitation, where the contractor is limited from participating in future procurement of "any work under this contract?

Answer 2: No, the government will not be deleting the OCI portion of the solicitation. HQ L-2-0005, Notification of Potential Organizational Conflict(s) of Interest (NAVSEA) (JUN 1994) is our required clause for all competitive procurements.

Question 3: Why is there a requirement for Financial Status reporting on FFP task orders? Can the contractor take exception to this clause?

Answer 3: The requirement to submit the Financial Status Report in accordance with the statement of work paragraph 3.5 and Contract Data Requirement List A005 is hereby deleted from the solicitation. The statement of work and Contract Data Requirement Lists will be revised at time of award.

Question 4: Can the contractor still bid if they do not have an approved accounting system or the capability to do earned value?

Answer 4: Yes, the contractor can still submit a proposal if they do not have an approved accounting system or the capability to do earned value. An approved accounting system is not required since the contract type will be Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contracts with Firm Fixed Priced task orders.

Question 5: On page 99 under facility security clearance, the level of security clearance required is white out (not there). Can you tell me if there is (or is not) a facility security requirement associated with this RFP?

Answer 5: The level of facility security clearance is Secret. However, the facility security clearance is only required if a proposal is submitted for Task 3. See page 105 of the solicitation.

Question 6: Could you please provide me the documents referenced in Section J of the solicitation?

Answer 6: All referenced documents in Section J of the solicitation can be downloaded from FedBizOpps as they are attached to the solicitation with the exception of the Past Performance Matrix & Questionnaire which are provided with this amendment.

Question 7: When I give you the costs for the people who would most likely actually work on the program, would it be just their direct cost, or would it be burdened with overheads? I would suspect it would be burdened but wanted to double check.

Answer 7: Contractors shall utilize the excel Cost Summary Attachments 4, 5, and 6 in preparing cost proposals. The Cost Summary Attachments have been revised and are included as Excel attachments to this amendment.

Question 8: On page 107 in the Factor 2, Past Performance section it references a “Past Performance Matrix (as listed in Section J)…” I’ve been through the documents from Section J several times, to include looking again today, and cannot find that document, was it put on line?

Answer 8: No, the Past Performance Matrix was not included with the solicitation, however it has been provided as an attachment 13 to this amendment.

Question 9: We plan on using a significant number of small businesses but they are all associated with Supplies/Materials (they will be all of our work for x-ray, machine shops, test houses, etc…). Given no one company will win the entire value of Task 1 or Task 2, how can we estimate what 5% of that value would really be? We are estimating we might win $2M of business in a given year and if that is the case we would easily be able to meet the 5% rule at that level. But if we have to get 5% of the entire Task 1 and Task 2 elements we will be non-compliant.

Answer 9: Section L and M has been revised, see below.

Question 10: Since the instructions for the Cost Volume state we have to use all of the positions and all of the hours for those positions in any of the Tasks we chose to bid on (Task 1 and Task 2), how do we make this work?

Answer 10: Contractors shall adhere to the instructions for the Cost Volume with regards to positions and hours.

Question 11: Our understanding is that Task 3 is a small business set-aside; therefore only small businesses can propose. Can a large business with a small business as a subcontractor propose?

Answer 11: No, Task 3 is strictly set aside for small businesses.

Question 12: We are interested in the technical writing portion of Task 3. Can we submit a proposal that emphasizes the technical writing portion only?

Answer 12: All small businesses are encouraged to propose to Task 3 (Technical Consulting Support).

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The standard size code $15,000,000 has been added.

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following have been added by reference:

The following have been deleted:

SECTION J - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

The following have been modified:

HQ J-2-0002 CONTRACT LANGUAGE FOR SECTION J IS REVISED TO INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS 4, 5, 6, 13, AND 14 IN THIS AMENDMENT.

The following document(s), exhibit(s), and other attachment(s) form a part of this contract:

Attachment 1 – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Task 1 – 9 Pages

Attachment 2 – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Task 2 – 8 Pages

Attachment 3 – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Task 3 – 7 Pages

Attachment 4 – Cost Summary Format Task 1 – 6 Pages

Attachment 5 – Cost Summary Format Task 2 – 6 Pages

Attachment 6 – Cost Summary Format Task 3 – 6 Pages

Attachment 7 - Contract Security Classification Specification, DD Form 254 – 2 Pages

Attachment 8 – Wage Determination WD-05-2103 (REV 15)

Attachment 9 – Contracts Data Requirement List (CDRL) DD Form 1423 A001 –

A006 – 6 Pages

Attachment 10 – Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Information

Attachment 11 – Contractor (VPP) Fundamental Training

Attachment 12– Safety Instructions

Attachment 13 – Past Performance Questionnaire

Attachment 14 – Past Performance Matrix

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

FACILITY SECURITY CLEARANCE (NAVSEA) (FEB 2012)

(a) No award will be made to any offeror which does not possess a facility security clearance issued by the Defense Security Service at the Secret level. Naval Sea Systems Command will initiate appropriate security clearance action for any apparent successful offeror which does not already possess such clearance. The Government is not obligated to delay award pending security clearance of any offeror.

(b) The security classification of this procurement is specified in the Contract Security Classification Specification, DD Form 254, attached hereto.

HQ L-2-0010 - SUBSTITUTION OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SINGLE PROCESS INITIATIVE (NAVSEA) (MAY 1998)

Your proposal shall identify where you are substituting your previously approved Single Process Initiative (SPI) processes for specified requirements. In addition, offerors shall provide the information required by DFARS 252.211-7005, paragraph (c).

IHEODTD 195 - SECTION L PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (NAVSEA/NSWC IHEODTD) (OCT 2013)

I. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1.0 OVERVIEW

The purpose of this procurement is to provide Tri Service Aircrew Escape Systems Life Cycle Management Support in support of the Cartridge Actuated Device (CAD)/ Propellant Actuated Device (PAD) Joint Program Office.

Notice to Offerors: Funds are not presently available for this effort. No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an Offeror for any costs.

1.1 Contract Award:

1.1.1The Government intends to award multiple contracts as a result of this solicitation in accordance with Section M, to the responsible Offerors whose proposals represent the Best Value utilizing a trade-off process to the Government in accordance with the Factors and Sub-factors set forth in the solicitation.

1.1.2 The Government may reject any or all proposals if such action is in the Government’s interest.

1.1.3 The Government reserves the right to award multiple contracts, based on initial offers and without holding discussions, but reserves the right to hold discussions at the Government’s discretion; therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a cost/price and technical standpoint.

1.1.4 The Government may conduct price analysis, cost analysis, and/or cost realism analysis on the cost proposal.

2.0 NOTICES TO OFFERORS

Each Offeror must (1) submit an offer, (2) submit information that addresses the evaluation factors, and (3) submit supporting cost data. The Government will evaluate each Offeror's understanding of the Government's requirements and ability to perform the work on the basis of its proposal. It is the Offeror's responsibility to provide information and evidence that clearly demonstrates its ability to meet the solicitation requirements. Offerors may submit questions requesting clarification of solicitation requirements via email to the Contract Specialist, Amy Anokye at amy.anokye@navy.mil. Unless otherwise allowed, all questions shall be submitted by January 19, 2016 as time may not permit responses to questions received after that this date.

Special Notice: TASK THREE OF THE APPLICABLE STATEMENT OF WORK IS SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS. ONLY SMALL BUSINESS OFFERORS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS TASK. ALL OTHER TASKS ARE FULL AND OPEN.

ADDITIONALLY, IF THE HIGHEST RATED OFFEROR FOR EACH TASK (OTHER THAN TASK THREE) IS AWARDED TO A LARGE BUSINESS, AND THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO AWARD A SECOND CONTRACT FOR THAT TASK, THE SECOND AWARD IS HEREBY SET ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESS, PROVIDED AT LEAST ONE SMALL BUSINESS RATES AS A BEST VALUE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE APPLICABLE TASK. IF THE SECOND AWARD IS MADE TO A SMALL BUSINESS, ANY SUBSEQUENT AWARDS WILL BE MADE UNDER THE FULL AND OPEN TERMS. THE SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE TASKS BEING SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

Once the Government makes contractual awards, individual delivery or task orders will be competed and awarded based on the Low Priced/Technically Acceptable approach, pursuant to FAR 15.101-2, except as noted below:

Although it is the Government’s intent to compete all task or delivery orders (pursuant to FAR 16.505) among the Contractors awarded a base contract, the Contracting Officer may determine that a sole source is appropriate in the following instances:

(1) The agency’s need for such services is of such urgency that providing a competitive opportunity would result in unacceptable delays;

(2) Only one Contractor is capable of providing such services or materials necessary at the level of quality required because the services ordered are unique or highly specialized;

(3) The order should be issued on a sole source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow-on to a task order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given fair opportunity to be considered for the original task order.

The Offerors shall submit the following information. Failure to do so will render an offer ineligible for award.

1. Six (6) copies of the Technical Volume.

2. Two (2) copies of Past Performance Volume , including a list of no more than seven relevant contracts performed within the last five years. A separate listing shall be provided for the Prime and each subcontractor.

3. Two (2) copies of the Cost/Price Volume, containing the completed and signed RFP package, with all representation certifications executed, and with costs in Section B, and any amendments issued.

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

3.1 Hard copy Submission

3.1.1 Submission, modification, revision and withdrawal of proposals

(i) Offerors are responsible for submitting proposals and any revisions to the Contracting Officer, Code 022, by the time specified in the solicitation in order to be considered.

(ii) Any proposal modification or revision not received/submitted in the portal by the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and may not be considered. The solicitation will close at the exact date and time specified in the solicitation and Offerors will be unable to submit their proposal after that time. Each proposal submitted is time/date stamp recorded by the Contracting Officer at time of proposal receipt.

(iii) Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice to the Contracting Officer provided such notice is received prior to Contract award. Withdrawals are effective upon receipt of notice by the Contracting Officer.

Failure to submit a complete proposal prior to the solicitation closing date and time may render the proposal unacceptable.

3.2 Offer Expiration Date

Proposals in response to this solicitation shall be valid for 180 calendar days.

4.0 PROPOSAL FORMAT

4.1 GENERAL

Offerors must comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the proposal; proposals that do not comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the proposal may be considered non-responsive and may render the Offeror ineligible for award.

Offerors are instructed to clearly label all files with Volume number, company name and a unique identifying name which is reflective of the contents of the file (i.e., VOL. III, ABC COMPANY, PRIME COST PROPOSAL). Please keep the file names consistent for all volumes. The proposal shall be prepared so that it meets the following format requirements:

8.5 x 11 inch paper Single-spaced typed lines 1 inch margins 12-point Times New Roman Font text

-- Offeror shall include their Section B pricing. Narratives related to cost/price summary data may be provided. There is no limitation on the font size of the cost/price proposal.

--Any other attached documents requested herein shall be no smaller than 10 point Times New Roman font.

Offerors shall have all subcontractors submit their proposal information in a uniform format consistent with the above instructions.

4.1.1 Page Numbering

The Offeror shall use a standard page numbering system to facilitate proposal references. Number consecutive pages within sections. Charts, graphs and other insert materials shall be page-numbered as part of the page numbering system.

4.1.2 Page Limitations

Page limitations are identified for each volume/section of the proposal, as described in paragraph 5.0 below and will be treated as maximums. If exceeded, excess pages will not be read or considered in proposal evaluation. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Graphs, charts, and tables are included in the page count. The following are not included in the page limitations:

(i) Title/Cover pages

(ii) Tables of contents

(iii) Glossaries of abbreviations and acronyms

(iv) Subcontracting agreements, letters of intent, resumes, subcontract plan and subcontract agreements

(v) Proposal Cross-Reference Tables

4.2 Cover letter, provided as a separate file, of the proposal must provide the following:

(i) The solicitation number;

(ii) Cage code

(iii) The name, address, e-mail address, and telephone and facsimile numbers of points of contact for the Offeror and subcontractors;

(iiii) Names, titles, and telephone and facsimile numbers (and electronic addresses if available) of persons authorized to negotiate on the Offeror’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation;

(v) Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal.

(vi) A statement that the Offeror consents meets and agrees with all terms, conditions, requirements, provisions, and amendments included in the solicitation. Offerors must meet all requirements at time of proposal submission; or provide with its cover letter an acceptable plan to meet the requirements by the start date of contract performance. Failure to meet all requirements at time of proposal submission or provide an acceptable plan to meet the requirements by the start date of contract performance may remove the Offeror from consideration of award. The following elements of the technical proposal shall be addressed in the cover letter:

4.3 Cover Page, Table of Contents, Proposal Cross-Reference Table

Each proposal volume must include a Cover Page and a Table of Contents. The Cover Page shall identify the solicitation number, amendment number, proposal volume and title, and the Offeror’s name. Volume I shall include a Master Table of Contents and a Proposal Cross-Reference Table. The Proposal Cross-Reference Table shall indicate the required proposal content by solicitation section/page number and the section/page number where this content appears in the proposal.

4.4 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

Each volume shall contain a glossary which includes all abbreviations, acronyms and their corresponding definitions.

4.5 Cost and Pricing Information

Cost or pricing information of any kind shall only be included in Volume IV, Individual Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals and Volume III, Cost/Price Proposal.

5.0 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Factors are listed in descending order of importance.

Volume I - TECHNICAL (Factor 1)

1. Technical Approach

2. Relevant Corporate Experience

3. Facilities and Equipment

Volume II - PAST PERFORMANCE (Factor 2) Past Performance

Volume III – COST/PRICE (Factor 3)

Volume IV- Small Business Subcontracting Plan (For Other Than Small Businesses Offerors Only) (Factor 4) Not subject to merit evaluation; only for determining Responsibility.

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL (Volume I)

The Offeror’s Technical Proposal shall address the information detailed below and shall specify by Statement of Work paragraph number to which of the task area(s) the Offeror is proposing. The Technical Proposal shall be single-spaced; not less than 10 pitch (Times New Roman or similar); printed on single sided pages; and not to exceed the page limits for each Sub-Factor below. Offerors are advised that excess pages will not be evaluated. The Technical Proposal shall not contain any hyperlinks, other electronically imbedded links or Cost/Price information.

SUB-FACTOR 1: Technical Approach (Not to Exceed 20 Pages)

The Government will not evaluate corporate relevant experience in this sub-factor. Corporate experience will only be evaluated under the Corporate Relevant Experience sub-factor (2). The Offeror shall submit a detailed description of their approach to perform the requirements listed in the Government provided Statement of Work (SOW). The Offeror’s approach shall include, at a minimum, the proposed approach to analysis, design, fabrication and test functions, as applicable.

The Offeror shall provide a copy of the company’s Quality Assurance Plan. The plan should be in sufficient detail so as to allow the Government to ascertain if the contractor's quality system meets the requirements of ANSI/ASQCQ9000 through Q9004 industry standards, or an equivalent quality system. Identify the quality and process controls that will be used to ensure that the end item will be in compliance with the applicable drawing, specifications, SOW and contract requirements. In the case of hardware manufacturing, describe the type of documentation that will be used to identify, record and disposition non-conforming material, in-process rejects and characteristic discrepancies.

SUB-FACTOR 2: Relevant Corporate Experience (Not to Exceed 5 Pages)

The Offeror shall submit a summary of the Offeror’s relevant corporate experience in the SOW task areas on which they are proposing; this summary shall not include the experience of the Offeror’s personnel. The summary shall contain a description of the Offeror’s relevant experience, within the past five (5) years, performing efforts similar to those in the applicable task areas required under the SOW. The summary shall not parrot the SOW task descriptions, as that is ineffective in supporting the Offeror’s claim of having gained relevant experience in those SOW task areas. The Offeror shall discuss relevant work processes and procedures associated with performing the individual task(s) work and the nature, difficulties, uncertainties and risks associated with performing the kind of work that will be required under the prospective task areas for which the Offeror is proposing. The narrative shall also address the beneficial experience gained from previous contracts or subcontracts the Offeror has performed.

SUB-FACTOR 3: Facilities and Equipment (Not to Exceed 5 Pages)

The Offeror shall provide a detailed description of its facilities and equipment for testing, lab analysis, parts fabrication and loading, as applicable to the task(s) on which they are proposing. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed use of subcontracted facilities. The Offeror shall provide a description of the facilities and equipment that will be utilized to support the functions of the contract, as listed below: In the description of the Offeror’s facility(ies): Provide information as to the location of their facility(ies). If it is anticipated that more than one facility will be utilized (i.e. East and West Coasts), then it shall be so indicated. The Offeror shall include the square footage dedicated for the efforts and they shall attest to the adequacy of these facilities to provide supportive documentation and drawings in accordance with the tasks in the Statement of Work. If any of the listed facilities is contingent on this contract award, the Offeror shall so indicate that. The Offeror shall demonstrate their plan to ensure the facility(ies) are available at time of award.

FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE (Volume II)

Past performance information shall be provided for the Prime and all Subcontractors in order to develop an Offeror’s past performance rating.

Past performance information is one indicator of an Offeror’s (to include prime and subcontractors) ability to perform the Contract successfully. In the evaluation of an Offeror’s past performance, the Government reserves the right to use relevant performance within the past five years. Relevant and timely past performance information in the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), and the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) (http://www.ppirs.gov/) including the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) will be considered during the evaluation of an Offeror’s past performance.

Using the Past Performance Matrix (as listed in Section J), the Offeror and all subcontractors shall provide a separate list of relevant contracts performed within the last five years. Contracts that are listed in PPIRS are preferred. The list for the Prime shall contain no more than seven relevant contracts. In addition, each subcontractor shall complete a separate matrix and provide no more than seven relevant contracts. The identified relevant contracts shall focus on performance and/or productivity that is relevant to the current solicitation requirement. Relevancy includes similarity of service/support, complexity and dollar value. With respect to relevancy, more relevant past performance will typically be a stronger predictor of future success and have more influence on the past performance confidence assessment than past performance of lesser relevance. If the Offeror has no relevant past performance within the last five years or cannot provide a list of relevant contracts, then the Offeror must provide an explanation.

Past Performance Questionnaires (as listed in Section J) only apply to relevant contracts for which performance information is not available through PPIRS. The Offeror and subcontractors shall submit the Past Performance Questionnaire to all of their references listed on the Past Performance Matrix that have NO PPIRS contracts, and shall request the references to complete the Past Performance Questionnaire and return it directly to:

Contracts Department 4072 North Jackson Road Suite 132, Amy Anokye., Code 022AA Indian Head, MD 20640-5115

Past Performance Questionnaires may also be e-mailed to amy.anokye@navy.mil, which is the preferred method of delivery.

The Government will review past performance information provided by the Offeror and available to the Government to determine the quality and usefulness as it applies to the performance confidence assessment.

FACTOR 3: COST/PRICE (Volume III)

REMINDER: It is imperative that Offerors label all cost or price files with Volume III, company name and a unique identifying name which is reflective of the contents of the file.

This volume is the only volume that shall contain cost or price information. There is no limitation on the number of pages for the cost/price proposal. All Attachments submitted under Volume III shall be clearly identified. Prime contractors and all subcontractors MUST provide their company name; complete address; point of contact with phone number; and solicitation number. Service Contract Act labor categories shall be identified by the Offeror. The Offeror shall provide a narrative to justify any labor category that results in the Government paying a fully burdened labor rate in excess of $156 per hour (with indirect rates and fee applied).

THE OFFEROR SHALL SEND ONE COPY OF ITS COST/PRICE PROPOSAL TO ITS COGNIZANT DCAA CONCURRENT WITH ITS PROPOSAL SUBMISSION TO NSWC IHEODTD. THE OFFEROR SHALL INSTRUCT ITS PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS AND CONSULTANTS, IF ANY, TO DO THE SAME. The Offeror shall provide confirmation and date that copies of its cost proposal were submitted to DCAA, along with a telephone number and point of contact at DCAA.

In accordance with FAR 52.244-2, when subcontractors and/or consultants are proposed, the Prime shall clearly identify their cost/price information to include a description of the supplies or services to be subcontracted; identification of the type of subcontract to be used; identification of the proposed subcontractor; and the proposed subcontract price. In addition, the Prime shall identify the labor category, employee name, and hours of all proposed subcontractors and/or consultants. The prime shall instruct subcontractors and/or consultants to submit supporting cost/price proposals in the same format as required for the Prime. Subcontractor and/or consultant proposals should only reflect their proposed hours and costs/prices. If a proposed subcontractor and/or consultant does not want to disclose detailed pricing information to its prime contractor, then the subcontractor and/or consultant shall submit complete cost proposal submissions in accordance with the following instructions:

The submission must include the solicitation number and the name of the prime contractor. Cost/price data provided separately by a subcontractor or consultant should be received by the time and date specified for receipt of proposals. The prime contractor shall be responsible for justifying the reasonableness of each subcontractor’s or consultant’s cost/price, and this reasonableness analysis shall be submitted in this Volume.

FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION PURPOSES ONLY:

The Government has identified the labor categories and hours (Table 1-attached) amounts to be used by all Offerors in preparing their cost/price proposals as set forth herein.

Estimated Labor Hours

A work-year is based on 1,920 hours. Offerors are to use the level of effort shown in Table 1 (attached) for computing all labor costs (prime, subcontractors, and consultants) to ensure that all Offerors propose the same level of effort in their proposal submission. Key Personnel are identified by a “K”. The level of effort provided under this Contract by the Government is the Government’s best estimate and is used to establish the ceiling of the Contract. The Government advises that this is the estimated labor hours at time of award and for the life of the Contract; however changes in program requirements may affect changes in the estimated hours.

All Offerors (prime, subcontractors and consultants) shall provide the employee name, number of hours, and the hourly rate for each labor category listed below in their cost/price proposal (i.e., the Offeror shall provide a name for each work-year). The same information is required for all personnel who are proposed under letters of intent. Offerors shall submit signed Letters of Intent which are signed by the prospective employee and an authorized officer of the Offeror’s company for personnel not currently employed by the Offeror. The Offerors are instructed not to use composite rates for the labor categories; the cost/price proposal should reflect actual rates.

A consultant is defined as expert/specialist person/persons whose expertise is required to assist/support the contractor’s own team in the performance of a performance element. A consultant is not an employee of either the prime or any of the subcontractors, but shall be under contract to the prime contractor. Consultant costs/prices shall be reflected under the Labor Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) and not the ODC’s CLINs.

FACTOR 4 - Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals – (Mandatory for other than small business)

The Offeror shall submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with FAR clause 52.219-9. Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals - (10 Page Limit) (Applies to and is for other than small business Offerors only)

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals shall be provided concurrent with submission of the Offeror's proposal and will be incorporated into the contract.

The Small Business Subcontracting Plan Goals will be evaluated as part of the FAR Part 9.1 Responsibility Determination.

FOR PROPOSAL PREPARATION PURPOSES ONLY:

The Government has identified certain labor, and material/ODC amounts to be used by all Offerors in preparing their cost proposals as set forth herein. Table 1 below depicts all task area labor costs and hours (prime, subcontractors, and consultants) combined. The level of effort provided in this example is the Government’s best estimate and is computed using all the SOW task areas combined. The Government advises that changes in program requirements may affect changes in the level of effort. It is imperative that the Offeror’s submission reflect category selections from the labor tables below for the SOW task(s) on which they are proposing. The Offeror’s labor categories and hours shall be appropriate to and calculated on the tasks on which the Offeror chooses to propose.

All Offerors (prime, subcontractors and consultants) shall provide the number of hours, and the hourly rate for each labor category listed below that applies to the chosen SOW task(s) in their cost proposal. The same information is required for all personnel who are proposed under letters of intent. The Offerors are instructed not to use composite rates for the labor categories; the cost proposal should reflect actual rates.

A Consultant is defined as an expert/specialist person/persons whose expertise is required to assist/support the Contractor’s own team in the performance of a contract. A Consultant is not an employee of the prime or any of the subcontractors.

TABLE 1

Task 2

Task 1

Task 2 (Originally Task 4)

Task 3 (Originally Task 5)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

IHEODTD 211 - SECTION M BEST VALUE EVALUATION AND BASIS FOR AWARD (FFP) (NAVSEA/NSWC IHEODTD) (OCT 2013)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

General:

1. It is the intention of the Navy to award Multiple Contracts for each of the specific task areas in the Statement of Work as a result of this Request for Proposal. Awards shall be for one base period and three option periods to provide Tri Service Aircrew Escape Systems Life Cycle Management Support in support of the Cartridge Actuated Device (CAD)/ Propellant Actuated Device (PAD) Joint Program Office.

2. Awards will be made to the responsible Offerors whose proposals are the most advantageous to the Government under the selection criteria set forth in this Section M. Offerors are required to follow specific instructions in submitting their proposal. Each Offeror’s submission will be screened upon receipt by the Contracting Officer or a designee of the Contracting Officer to ensure compliance with the RFP instructions and requirements. Elimination of an Offeror due to failure to comply with the submission requirements of the RFP is at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Task three of the applicable Statement of Work is set-aside for small business. Only small business Offerors will be considered for this task. Additionally, if the highest rated Offeror for each task (other than task three) is awarded to a large business, and the Government intends to award a second contract for that task, the second award is hereby set aside for small business, provided at least one small business rates as a Best Value to the Government for the applicable task. If the second award is made to a small business, any subsequent awards will be made under the full and open terms. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not applicable to the tasks being set-aside for small businesses.

3. As a result of this solicitation, the Government intends to award multiple Contracts based on initial offers and without holding discussions, but reserves the right to hold discussions at the Government’s discretion; therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. However, in accordance with FAR 15.306 -- Exchanges With Offerors After Receipt of Proposals, may occur when award without discussions is contemplated. IAW FAR: “Clarifications are limited exchanges, between the Government and Offerors. If award will be made without conducting discussions, Offerors may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of proposals (e.g., the relevance of an Offeror’s past performance information and adverse past performance information to which the Offeror has not previously had an opportunity to respond) or to resolve minor or clerical errors.”

4. There is a Small Business Subcontracting requirement of five percent (5%) of the overall total dollar amount of the cost/price proposal, at the first tier, as described herein. Offerors who are other than Small Businesses are required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan, as described in Section L that addresses this requirement. Offers from Small Business concerns must demonstrate that no single subcontractor will perform more than the Small Business Prime. Unlike small business set-asides which require the small business prime to perform at least 50% of the proposed effort, this solicitation is not reserved for small business and therefore the 50% rule does not apply, however no subcontractor can perform a greater amount of the effort than the prime.

5. The following factors will be used to evaluate offers. The factors are listed in descending order of importance. All non-cost factors, when combined, are more important than cost/price, however cost/price becomes more of a deciding factor of importance, when Offerors receive similar ratings for the other factors.

Once all evaluations are complete and tabulated in accordance with the Source Selection Plan, the Government will evaluate the Offerors by comparing the tabulated ratings to the evaluated Cost/Price. Through this comparison, the Government will determine the Offerors whose proposals for the applicable Statement of Work task areas on which they proposed represent the Best Value to the Government. After evaluating all proposals, the Contracting Officer may determine that the number of most highly rated proposals that might otherwise be included in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals, pursuant to FAR 52.215-1(f) (4).

After the Government makes contractual awards, individual delivery or task orders will, pursuant to FAR 15.101-2, be competed and awarded based on the Low Priced/Technically Acceptable approach, except as noted below:

Although it is the Government’s intent to compete all task and delivery orders (pursuant to FAR 16.505) among the Contractors awarded a contract, the Contracting Officer may determine that a sole source is appropriate in the following instances:

(1) The agency’s need for such services is of such urgency that providing a competitive opportunity would result in unacceptable delays;

(2) Only one Contractor is capable of providing such services or materials necessary at the level of quality required because the services ordered are unique or highly specialized;

(3) The order should be issued on a sole source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency as a logical follow on to a task order already issued under the contract, provided that all awardees were given fair opportunity to be considered for the original task order.

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE EVALUATION FACTORS: The Government will consider the following factors when deciding which of the Offerors who comply with the instructions is the Best Value.

Volume I - Factor 1: Technical Volume II - Factor 2: Past Performance Volume III - Factor 3: Cost/Price Volume IV – Factor 4: Small Business Subcontracting Plan (For Other Than Small Businesses Only) Not subject to merit evaluation; only for determining Responsibility.

All non-priced factors, when combined, are approximately equal to Cost/Price in importance.

Technical Ratings:

The Government will use the following combined technical/risk rating which includes consideration of risk in conjunction with the strengths, weaknesses, and deficiencies in determining technical ratings.

Outstanding: Proposal meets requirements and indicates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Good: Proposal meets requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements. Proposal contains strengths which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Acceptable: Proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance. Risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

Marginal: Proposal does not clearly meet requirements and has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. The proposal has one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths. Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Unacceptable: Proposal does not meet requirements and contains one or more deficiencies. Proposal is unawardable.

“Risk” as it pertains to source selection, is the potential for unsuccessful contract performance. The consideration of risk assesses the degree to which an Offeror’s proposed approach to achieving the technical factor or subfactor may involve risk of disruption of schedule, increased cost or degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, and the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance.

“Deficiency” is a material failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level. See FAR 15.001.

“Weakness” is a flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. See FAR 15.001.

“Strength” is an aspect of an Offeror's proposal that has merit or exceeds specified performance or capability requirements in a way that will be advantageous to the Government during contract performance.

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL (Volume I)

The Government has established the page limit for each technical subfactor in Section L of the RFP. Offerors are advised that excess pages will not be evaluated. The Government will assess whether or not the Offeror has simply restated the Statement of Work (SOW), which is unacceptable. The following Technical Sub-Factors shall be used to evaluate offers.

The Sub-Factors are of equal importance.

Sub-Factor 1: Technical Approach Sub-Factor 2: Relevant Corporate Experience Sub-Factor 3: Facilities and Equipment

SUB-FACTOR 1: Technical Approach (Not to Exceed 20 Pages)

The Government will not evaluate corporate relevant experience in this sub-factor. Corporate experience will only be evaluated under the Corporate Relevant Experience sub-factor (2). The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s detailed description of their approach to perform the requirements listed in the Government provided Statement of Work (SOW). The Offeror’s approach should include, at a minimum, the proposed approach to analysis, design, fabrication and test functions, as applicable.

The Quality Assurance Plan should be in sufficient detail to allow the Government to ascertain if the contractor's quality system meets the requirements of ANSI/ASQC-Q9000 through Q9004 industry standards, or an equivalent quality system. The Government will evaluate whether the Offeror identified the quality and process controls that will be used to ensure that the end item will be in compliance with the applicable drawing, specifications, SOW, and contract requirements. The Government will evaluate whether the Offeror describes the type of documentation that will be used to identify, record and disposition non-conforming material, in-process rejects and characteristic discrepancies when there are hardware deliverables.

SUB-FACTOR 2: Relevant Corporate Experience (Not to Exceed 5 Pages)

The Government will assess each Offeror’s relevant corporate experience; not the experience of the Offeror’s personnel to determine whether, during the past five (5) years, they have performed efforts similar to those required under the SOW. The Government will assess whether or not the Offeror has simply parroted the SOW task descriptions, or whether distinct, relevant information has been provided. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s relevant work processes and procedures and the nature, difficulties, uncertainties and risks associated with performing the work that will be required under the prospective contract. The Government will evaluate the benefits gained from each contract/subcontract reference.

SUB-FACTOR 3: Facilities and Equipment (Not to Exceed 5 Pages)

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s facility(ies) and information as to the location of their facility(ies). The Government will evaluate the square footage dedicated for the efforts and they will evaluate the adequacy of these facilities to provide supportive documentation and drawings in accordance with the applicable tasks in the Statement of Work. The Government will evaluate whether any of the facilities are contingent on contract award and their plan to ensure the facility(ies) are available at time of award.\The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s equipment necessary to comply with the applicable tasks in the Statement of Work: The Government will evaluate the specific equipment located in the facility(ies) which the Offeror plans to utilize in support of the tasks on which they are proposing. If any of the listed equipment is contingent on contract award, the Offeror shall have demonstrated their plan to ensure the equipment will be available at or within 1 month of the time of award.

FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE (Volume II) The Government will evaluate the Prime and Subcontracting’s past performance to develop the Offeror’s past performance rating Past Performance will be evaluated by the Contract Specialist. Past performance information is one indicator of an Offeror’s (to include Prime and Subcontractors) ability to perform the contract successfully. The past performance evaluation results in an assessment of the Offeror’s probability of meeting the solicitation requirements. The past performance evaluation considers each Offeror’s demonstrated recent and relevant record of performance in supplying products and/or services that meet the contract’s requirements. The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s past performance to determine how relevant a recent effort is to the current requirement and to determine how well the contractor performed on those previous contracts. Common aspects of relevancy include similarity of service/support, complexity and dollar value. With respect to relevancy, more relevant past performance will typically be a stronger predictor of future success and have more influence on the past performance confidence assessment than past performance of lesser relevance. One performance confidence assessment rating is assigned for each Offeror after evaluating the Offeror’s recent past performance and its relevancy.

The reference information must be current to facilitate the evaluation process.