Amendment_0001.pdf

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the closing period; provide answ ers to questions received; change Section C Descripition and

Specif ications; change Section L clause IHD 195; and change Section M for this solicitaion.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 24

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 27-Apr-2017

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X N00174-16-R-0021

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

31-Mar-2017

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

27-Apr-2017

CODE

NSWC IHEODTD N

4081 N. JACKSON RD

BLDG 841

INDIAN HEAD MD 20640-5116

N00174 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

N00174-16-R-0021

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following items are applicable to this modification:

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

The closing date for Solicitation N00174-16-R-0021 is changed as follows:

From: 03 May 2017 3:00 pm EST

To: 12 May 2017 3:00 pm EST

QUESTIONS RECEIVED

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO SOLICITATION N00174-16-R-0021

Question 1: (Page 13) The Performance Statement of Work, Section C, does not provide Stipend amounts. For pricing purposes, could you stipulate a stipend amount since they are set at the Navy’s discretion?

Response 1: Stipend amounts depend on the market rate for scientists/engineers and their experience. Each Navy organization sets those rates.

Question 2: (Page 65, Facility Security Clearance) The RFP stipulates the contractor must maintain a cleared facility (p 65). Is a cleared facility actually needed? Relaxing this requirement would lower the cost to the government.

Response 2: Defense Contract Security Classification Specification (DD254) is required. It will require a facili8ty clearance of Secret.

Question 3: (Page 78 Table 1) The RFP states the place of performance is the “DC Area”. Will a contractor in another area or state be allowed to complete?

Response 3: Yes, DC, Maryland, and Virginia is where the fellows will be performing their duties.

Question 4: (Page 78 Table 1) The 3 labor categories required (Project Manager, Administrative Assistant, and

Financial Assistant) are to have and maintain secret security clearances. Are these clearances actually necessary?

Relaxing this requirement would lower the cost to the government.

Response 4: No they are not required. Please see Amendment 0001, which changes the requirement. The facility and the Post Doctoral Fellows require a Secret security clearance.

Question 5: (Section B pp 2-7) Is the $3,000 travel and ODC CLIN for travel and ODCs associated with the postdoctoral researchers, or is it for travel and ODCs associated with Contractor performance under the Statement of Work?

Response 5: The $3,000.00 NTE travel is associated with the contractor’s performance as outlined in the

Performance Statement of Work.

Question 6: (Section B pp 2-7) If the travel and ODC CLIN is associated with the postdoctoral researchers—is the $3,000 per researcher, or for all researchers?

Response 6: Same as response number 5.

Question 7: (Section B pp 2-7) If the travel and ODC CLIN is associated with the Contractor performance—if there is sufficient justification to increase the travel and ODC CLIN(s) during the period of performance, would the

Government consider increasing the limit?

Response 7: The Government has identified the not to exceed for travel to be $3,000.00 per year.

Question 8: (Section C, SOW 1.1, p 13) In the Performance Statement of Work, Section 1.1, Introduction, it is stated, “Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Division (NSWC

IHEODTD), Dept. R has a requirement to continue the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, which originated with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and transitioned to the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL).” The NRL currently has postdoctoral fellowship programs administered by the National Academy of Sciences and the

American Society for Engineering Education. How does this requirement differ from those programs?

Response 8: NSWC IHEODTD does not use the NRL program so we are not aware of the details of how that program is run at this time.

Question 9: (Section C, SOW 3.1, p 14) In the Performance Statement of Work, Section 3.0 Requirements, 3.1 The

Fellows – Recruitment and Selection, it is stated, “The contractor shall accept applications on a rolling basis.” This process differs from competitive postdoctoral fellowship programs in that it does not allow for comparative ratings/rankings of multiple applicants. Would the government consider proposals in which application deadlines were at three month (or other) intervals, such that application periods were always open but reviews were conducted periodically, such that multiple applicants could be comparatively ranked?

Response 9: No. NSWC IHEODTD require acceptance of applications on a rolling basis.

Question 10: ( Section C, SOW 3.1, p 14) It is not clear as to what process will be followed for evaluation and selection of fellows. In the Performance Statement of Work, Section 3.0 Requirements, 3.1 The Fellows –

Recruitment and Selection, it is stated, “Once a completed application has been received, it shall be forwarded to the requiring DoD agency for an evaluation of the applicant.”, but later in Performance Statement of Work, Section 3.2

Administrative Support (p 15) is states, “The contractor shall provide administrative support to include promotion and outreach efforts, application processing activities, evaluation and selection services, financial and reporting functions, and payment to the Fellows for the services provided by the Fellows to the Government.” Wil the evaluation process be performed solely by the government or will the contractor provide an external assessment of applicants’ quality using expert reviewers?

Response 10: The evaluation of the potential post-doctoral fellows will be performed by the government. The contractor will provide administrative support such as processing applications.

Question 11: (Section H p 32) Clause 5252.232-9104 references fee—please confirm that this contract is expected to be issued on a COST NO FEE basis.

Response 11: This contract will be a COST NO FEE contract.

Question 12: (Section L, 3.0, p 69) How many copies of each volume shall be provided electronically?

Response 12: Please see Section L, 3.0 entitled Instructions For Submission of Offerors.

Question 13: (Section L, 4.2, p 70) Is the Small Business Subcontracting Plan intended to be included in the cover letter? Or should only the percentage of small businesses being proposed be included?

Response 13: Please see Section L, Clause 195 Section 4.2 entitled Cover Letter.

Question 14: (Section L, 4.5, p 71) Please confirm that dollar values may be included in Volume IV, Small

Business Subcontracting Plan.

Response 14: Yes, dollar values maybe included in the Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Question 15: (Section L, 5.0 FACTOR 1, SUB-FACTOR 1, p 72) In Section L, part 5, Factor 1, Sub-Factor 1, it states, “The applicant must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. The

Offeror shall state the current security level of the candidate proposed under the Program Manager labor category in the resume.” These sentences appear to apply to the postdoctoral research applicants (1 st sentence) and the program manager for the Contractor (2 nd sentence). Please clarify.

Response 15: The applicant Post-Doctoral fellows must be US citizens and capable of obtaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. The program manager does not need a security clearance. This verbiage will be changed in

Amendment 0001.

Question 16: (Section L, 5.0 FACTOR 3, p 73) Please clarify what is meant by a “later” version of Microsoft Excel

07?

Response 16: Microsoft Excel version 2007 and newer will be acceptable.

Question 17: (Section L, 5.0 FACTOR 3, p 73) Is the reference to CDs in this section in addition to the hard copies of the proposal referenced in Section L, 3.1.1 and the electronic copy of the proposal that is to be emailed to Mr.

Duhon per Section L, 4.1?

Response 17: Yes. CDs are to be provided with the hard copy submission.

Question 18: (Section L, Table 1, p 78) Table 1 Labor Categories and Hours lists three labor categories with estimated labor hours per position. If the staff required to fulfill this effort exceed the three positions but do not exceed the total hours cited, is that allowable? E.g., would it be acceptable to have 6 staff so long as the annual labor hours do not exceed 1560?

Response 18: Yes. Offerors are to identify categories, hours etc.… in the excel cost summary document.

Question 19: (Section M, Evaluation, Sub-Factor 1, p 82 ) In Section M, Evaluation, Sub-Factor 1, it states, “The

Government will evaluate if the candidate(s) proposed for the labor category meets the Secret security clearance requirement at the time of proposal submission.” Is lack of active clearance disqualifying if personnel has an inactive clearance that can be reactivated based on requirements of the government?

Response 19: The contractor will apply for a clearance for the candidate once the technical review process is completed and contract funds are let by the government. Once a post-doctoral candidate has been approved for a

SECRET clearance, they can be added to the contract. Therefore as long as a post-doctoral candidate has an inactive clearance and it can be activated, he/she may be considered for the contract.

Question 20: (Exhibit A, Attachment 7, Program Manager (Key Personnel) ) In Exhibit A, Attachment 7, Program

Manager (Key Personnel), the qualifications are written to be quite specific and include training and expertise in business and accounting. A key element of the requirements is the ability to identify and recommend highly qualified Science and Technology personnel. Would a program manager with a PhD in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (“STEM”) field and 10 or more years of experience in managing fellowship programs and government contracts be acceptable in this personnel category?

Response 20: Yes, but so would key personnel with lesser training and education who having training and expertise in business and accounting with the ability to identify and recommend highly qualified Science and Technology personnel.

Question 21: (Please confirm that the postdoctoral research associates will not be an employee of the Contractor.)

Response 21: The postdoctoral research associates will perform as independent contractors.

SECTION C - DESCRIPTIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Introduction

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC

IHEODTD), Dept. R has a requirement to continue the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, which originated with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and transitioned to the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). This program provides postdoctoral engineers and scientists, also known as fellows, of unusual promise and ability with opportunities for research on problems, largely of their own choice, that are compatible with the interests of the

Navy and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, such as the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC);

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA); and Naval Surface Warfare Centers (NSWC), hereon referred to as agency or agencies.

2.0 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide NSWC IHEODTD and other agencies with highly qualified postdoctoral scientists and engineers for fellowship appointments. The contractor shall continue the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program originally implemented by ONR. This contract provides for the funding of the Postdoctoral Research Efforts (Stipends, Relocation Costs, Travel Reimbursement and Insurance). The contractor shall provide personnel, facilities, equipment and materials to support basic and applied research, program management and administrative support to perform, accomplish, and complete the tasks described herein; except as furnished by the Government as described in Paragraph 3.0 below.

The basic and applied research that will be provided by the fellows will be in a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines. Research or investigations in the following research disciplines may include, but are not limited to, detonation science, applied mechanics, computer analysis, molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, physiology, stress physiology, environmental physiology, neuroscience, computational fluid dynamics, modeling and simulation, material science, energetic material research, inorganic/organometallic synthesis with emphasis on nanoscale materials, molecular self-assembly, thermite and intermetallic systems, organic synthesis, fast combustion, ultrafast spectroscopy, shock and detonation physics, chemical and mechanical properties of explosives that affect sensitivity, and molecular dynamics modeling.

3.0 REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall provide fellows based on competitively selected candidates on the basis of their overall qualifications and technical proposals addressing specific areas defined by the requesting DoD agency. The selected participants will work in a unique Navy laboratory environment, while interacting with senior laboratory scientists and engineers. The contractor shall place emphasis on the quality of the scientists and engineers nominated for appointments and the relevance of their proposals to the DoD mission.

The purpose of this contract is to fund individual fellows and the cost associated with the recruitment and assignment to agency research programs. The contractor shall also include funding for medical physicals of the individual fellows. The contractor shall have responsibility for recruitment, tracking, selection and maintenance of the program.

3.1 The Fellows – Recruitment and Selection

The contractor shall work closely with the requiring DoD agency to identify qualified candidates in scientific and engineering disciplines and recruit these future postdoctoral fellows through print, web, email and personal contact.

The contractor shall accept applications on a rolling basis. The contractor shall ensure that applicants have received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) or other earned research doctoral degree from an accredited university or college or must present acceptable evidence of having completed all formal academic requirements for one of these degrees before appointment. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. No applicant shall be denied consideration for appointment as a fellow on the grounds of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap. The contractor shall ensure that agency endorsements are obtained before fellowship appointments are made.

Once a completed application has been received, it shall be forwarded to the requiring DoD agency for an evaluation of the applicant. Fellows must be available for a tenure period of performance of one year to commence from the date of notification of selection. The tenure period may be extended for up to two additional years, not to exceed a total of three years per fellow or pass the contract completion date..

Once an applicant is selected to become a fellow, the contractor shall provide stipend, insurance, and travel reimbursements in the form of monthly installments beginning on the fellow’s reporting date, through the

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

The contractor shall process and track applicants and participants from the time they enter the program to the time of completion. The contractor shall have the ability to report the applicant and participant information in a variety of formats. The information tracked shall include profile information, applicant demographic data, educational background, research field, post tenure employment, and publications.

3.2 Administrative Support

The contractor shall provide administrative support to include promotion and outreach efforts, application processing activities, evaluation and selection services, financial and reporting functions, and payment to the

Fellows for the services provided by the Fellows to the Government.

3.3 Program Maintenance

The contractor shall solicit and receive, from agency advisors, annual progress reports and evaluations for each fellow. The contractor shall maintain progress reports and advisor evaluations for all fellows (both former and present).

The contractor shall maintain records of applicants and appointees to include as a minimum applicant’s application.

The contractor shall maintain records of applicant’s race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, and physical handicap in order for NSWC IHEODTD to maintain records of fair and unbiased consideration toward all applicants. The contractor shall inform all applicants that this information shall be used strictly confidentially to ensure unbiased treatment of applicants. The contractor shall inform all applicants that they are under no obligation to provide all or any of this information and it shall not influence consideration.

The contractor shall maintain auditable financial records of all expenditures, disbursements, and stipends as well as accurate records of efforts on the part of the contractor to advertise and recruit qualified applicants for the program.

3.4 Key Personnel Requirements

For key personnel positions, the Contractor shall ensure that they maintain the minimum level of education and experience required for each position and that the COR is notified when any key personnel depart. The key personnel requirement is for a Program Manager. Resumes will be required for all key personnel.

4.0 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Final Report

The contractor shall submit a final report for each fellow at the end of each appointment. The final report shall include a list of international posts held during tenure, professional travel during tenure, programmatic travel during tenure, seminars or lectures delivered during tenure, work in progress, summary of research, publications and papers resulting from research, patents applied for as a result of research, forwarding address, and appraisal of the program in accordance with CDRL A001. The final report shall be submitted to the agency’s advisor and Contracting

Officer’s Representative (COR). This will be due 30 days after the end of the appointment.

4.2 ENTERPRISE-WIDE CONTRACTOR MANPOWER REPORTING APPLICATION (ECMRA)

The Contractor shall report Contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for business operations support via a secure data collection site. Contracted services excluded form reporting are based on Product Service Codes (PSCs). The excluded PSCs are:

(1) W, Lease/Rental of Equipment;

(2) X, Lease/Rental of Facilities;

(3) Y, Construction of Structures and Facilities;

(4) D, Automatic Data Processing and Telecommunications, IT and Telecom-Telecommunications

Transmission (D304) and Internet (D322) ONLY;

(5) S, Utilities ONLY;

(6) V, Freight and Shipping ONLY.

The Contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address https://doncmra.nmci.navy.mil ..

Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during th eperiod of performance during each Government fiscal year

(FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the help desk, linked at https://doncmra.nmci.navy.mil .

4.3 Monthly Report

The contractor shall submit monthly status reports to the research advisor and the COR, which are due on the 20th of each month in accordance with CDRL A002. These reports shall include financial status for each fellow.

4.4 Yearly Report

The contractor shall submit yearly status reports to the COR for each fellow, which will be due 30 days after the end of the year in accordance with CDRL A003. The yearly report shall include a list of professional travel during tenure, programmatic travel during tenure, seminars or lectures delivered during tenure, work in progress, summary of research, publications and papers resulting from research, patents applied for as a result of research, forwarding address, and appraisal of the program.

4.5 Periodic Meetings

The contractor shall schedule a meeting within 15 days after contract award and annually thereafter, with the COR to review in detail the status of the program; its objectives, philosophies, procedures and to discuss policies, issues, and other items of mutual interest. At this meeting, the contractor shall describe advertising efforts specifically related to the program, as well as descriptions of the catalogued research opportunities and the professional meetings at which the agencies were represented.

5.0 SECURITY

5.1 Security

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. The contractor shall submit personal information in accordance with the security process for all fellows associated with this contract. The Contractor shall understand that the security process may vary by agency.

5.2 Information Assurance Training/Non-Disclosure Agreement

Contractor personnel at the government’s discretion, who are granted access to the NMCI network, are required to complete Navy Information Assurance (IA) training and complete and sign an IA form, as required, to be granted continued access to Government information technology networks.

Contractor personnel shall be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect any unclassified

Government materials considered sensitive. Signed NDAs shall be returned to the Government Technical Point of

Contact (TPOC) within three business days after issue.

https://doncmra.nmci.navy.mil/ https://doncmra.nmci.navy.mil/

6.0 TRAVEL

6.1 Travel

The Contractor shall provide advance notification for travel to locations requiring additional Government coordination. All travel requires advance written authorization by the COR or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC).

All travel shall be conducted in accordance with the DoD Joint Travel Regulation (JTR). Travel authorization requests shall include the following:

Title, purpose/objective, expected outcome

Date, time (window), and location

Proposed itinerary

Proposed meeting/activities agenda

Number of Contractor participants

Desired Government participants

Requested Government support

Estimated costs

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

IHD 195 - SECTION L PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (FEB 2000) (NAVSEA/IHD)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

1.0 OVERVIEW

The Contractor shall provide NSWC IHEODTD and other agencies with highly qualified postdoctoral scientists and engineers for fellowship appointments. The contractor shall continue the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program originally implemented by ONR. This contract provides for the funding of the Postdoctoral Research Efforts (Stipends, Relocation Costs, Travel Reimbursement and Insurance). The contractor shall provide personnel, facilities, equipment and materials to support basic and applied research, program management and administrative support to perform, accomplish, and complete the tasks described herein; except as furnished by the Government as described in Paragraph 3.0 below.

The basic and applied research that will be provided by the fellows will be in a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines. Research or investigations in the following research disciplines may include, but are not limited to, detonation science, applied mechanics, computer analysis, molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, physiology, stress physiology, environmental physiology, neuroscience, computational fluid dynamics, modeling and simulation, material science, energetic material research, inorganic/organometallic synthesis with emphasis on nanoscale materials, molecular self-assembly, thermite and intermetallic systems, organic synthesis, fast combustion, ultrafast spectroscopy, shock and detonation physics, chemical and mechanical properties of explosives that affect sensitivity, and molecular dynamics modeling.

1.1 Contract Award

1.1.1 The Government intends to award a single cost with no fee contract as a result of this solicitation in accordance with Section M, to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government, utilizing a trade-off process 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 a contract 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.

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. Unless otherwise allowed, all questions shall be submitted by 4:30PM EST within 10 business days from date of solicitation release, as time may not permit responses to questions received after that time.

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

3.1 Submission

3.1.1 Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals

(i) The Offeror shall submit the following information in both hard copy and electronic copy format; failure to do so will render an offer ineligible for award:

1. Four (4) copies of the Technical Volume I.

2. Two (2) copies of Past Performance Volume II, including Past Performance Matrix, and Past Performance

Questionnaire.

3. One (1) copy of the Cost Volume III, containing the completed and signed RFP package, with all representation certifications executed, and with costs in Section B.

4. One (1) copy of Small Business Subcontracting Plan Volume IV (Mandatory for other than small business only).

(ii) Any proposal modification or revision not received/submitted 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.

(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. Format shall comply with the following information:

8.5 x 11 inch paper

Single-spaced typed lines

1 inch margins

12-point Times New Roman Font text

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 Offeror shall submit proposals in hard copy to:

NSWC IHEODTD –

4081 N. Jackson Road

Indian Head, MD 20640-5115

Code 026F

Attn: Waylin Duhon

The Offeror shall also submit one proposal in electronic copy to:

Waylin.duhon@navy.mil

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, 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 teaming subcontractors;

(iv) 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 the time of proposal submission; or provide with their cover letter an acceptable plan to meet the requirements by the start date of the contract performance. Failure to meet all requirements at the time of proposal submission or provide an acceptable plan to meet the requirements by the start date of the contract performance may remove the Offeror from consideration of award. The following elements of the technical proposal shall be addressed in the cover letter:

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Certification/Mitigation Plan: The Offeror shall certify compliance with the OCI clause HQ L-2-0005 - Notification Of Potential Organizational

Conflict(s) Of Interest (NAVSEA) (JUN 1994). If a potential conflict of interest exists at any tier, each potential prime Offeror is requested to notify the Contracting Officer within 14 days of the date of this solicitation and present an acceptable plan to neutralize any potential organizational conflict of interest. Those Offerors deemed to have a conflict of interest may be ineligible for award.

Small Business Subcontracting Plan: The Offeror shall purpose at least 25% to small business.

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 Information

No cost or pricing information of any kind shall be included in any volume except Volume III, Cost Proposal.

Offerors must submit all cost related documentation required for Volume III.

5.0 PROPOSAL ORGANIZATION

Factors are listed in descending order of importance.

Volume I - TECHNICAL (Factor 1)

1. Security Clearance / Personnel Resources

2. Technical Approach to the Performance Statement of Work

3. Management Plan

Volume II - PAST PERFORMANCE (Factor 2)

Past Performance

Volume III - COST (Factor 3)

Cost Proposal

Volume IV – SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (Factor 4)

Small Business Subcontracting Plan

FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL

The Offeror shall address each subfactor listed below, which are of equal importance. The technical proposal shall not exceed 50 single sided pages, not less than 12 point Times New Roman. The technical proposal shall not contain any hyperlinks or electronically imbedded links or cost/price information. If the technical proposal exceeds

50 single-sided pages, only the first 50 pages will be evaluated. The Offeror’s technical proposal must demonstrate an understanding of all requirements covered in the Statement of Work (SOW) and RFP terms and conditions.

The technical proposal shall contain information/documentation in sufficient detail to enable evaluation based on the factors/sub-factors listed in Section M, Clause entitled Best Value Evaluation and Basis for Award and as detailed below. To this end, each technical proposal shall be specific, detailed and complete as to clearly and fully demonstrate that the prospective contractor has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the requirements and has valid and practical solutions for technical problems. Statements that paraphrase the specifications or attest that standard procedures will be employed are inadequate to demonstrate how the Offeror will comply with the requirements of the specifications, and this clause.

The Offeror shall describe how it plans to accomplish the tasks associated with the following subfactors:

SUB-FACTOR 1: SECURITY CLEARANCE / PERSONNEL RESOURCES

The offeror shall provide postdoctoral fellows based on competitively selected candidates on the basis of their overall qualifications and technical proposals addressing specific areas defined by the requesting DoD agency. The selected participants will work in a unique Navy laboratory environment, while interacting with senior laboratory scientists and engineers. The offeror shall place emphasis on the quality of the scientists and engineers nominated for appointments and the relevance of their proposals to the DoD mission.

The offeror shall accept applications on a rolling basis. The offeror shall ensure that applicants have received a

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) or other earned research doctoral degree from an accredited university or college or must present acceptable evidence of having completed all formal academic requirements for one of these degrees before appointment. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen capable of obtaining a security clearance at the SECRET level. Interim clearances are not acceptable. Personnel security clearances must be verified by the Offeror in the Joint Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS). No applicant shall be denied consideration for appointment as a fellow on the grounds of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap. The offeror shall ensure that agency endorsements are obtained before fellowship appointments are made.

SUB-FACTOR 2: TECHNICAL APPROACH TO THE PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK.

The Offeror’s proposed plan shall demonstrate their ability to provide highly qualified postdoctoral scientists and engineers for fellowship appointments. The Offeror shall provide personnel, facilities, equipment and materials to support basic and applied research, program management and administrative support to perform, accomplish, and complete the tasks described Performance Statement of Work (PSW). The Offeror’s technical approach shall demonstrate an understanding of the requirements contained in all paragraphs of the PSW and demonstrate knowledge and capabilities needed to perform the requirements. The basic and applied research that will be provided by the fellows will be in a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines.

SUB-FACTOR 3: MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Offeror shall provide a comprehensive Management Plan that describes how the Offeror intends to manage and coordinate the task efforts of this contract, including planning, assigning responsibility, controlling personnel, controlling utilization of resources, and periodically monitoring performance and obtaining feedback.

The Management Plan shall describe the proposed subcontractors, the planned division of tasks within the team, the management structure for coordinating and controlling the Fellows, points of contact and the sole bearer of ultimate responsibility for performance. The Offeror must demonstrate that they have assessed the potential risks associated with the management plans, and must provide a plan to mitigate identified risks.

FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE (No Page Limit)

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 that were 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 that is relevant to the current solicitation requirement cited in the

Scope of this solicitation. Relevancy includes similarity of item, 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:

NSWC IHEODTD –

4081 N. Jackson Road

Indian Head, MD 20640-5115

Code 026F

Attn: Waylin Duhon

Waylin.duhon@navy.mil

Surveys may also be emailed to waylin.duhon@navy.mil which is the preferred method of delivery. All questionnaires must be received by the closing date and time of the solicitation.

FACTOR 3: COST (No Page Limit)

There is no limitation on number of pages, page format, or print size for the cost proposal.

The Offeror shall prepare the cost proposal in accordance with the following organization, content and format requirements to assist the Government in making a complete and thorough evaluation. An original and one copy of each prime and subcontractor, if applicable, cost proposal shall be submitted to the Procuring Contracting Officer for evaluation. Only one copy of Microsoft Excel 7.0, CD(s) with the contractor's and subcontractor's cost proposal need be submitted. Only Microsoft Excel is acceptable (Office 07 preferably--any later version of Microsoft

Excel is NOT ACCEPTABLE).

http://www.ppirs.gov/ mailto:waylin.duhon@navy.mil

The Offeror shall take precautions to the maximum practical extent to ensure that the disk submitted contains no computer viruses.

Furnish all cost proposal information in the order listed. This requirement also applies to any proposed subcontractor(s).

(a) Assumptions made in preparing the cost proposal. Any qualifications to any requirement of the cost proposal preparation process. Any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between promised performance and cost shall be explained.

(b) ONE COPY OF YOUR COST PROPOSAL SHALL BE SENT TO YOUR COGNIZANT DCAA

CONCURRENT WITH THE SUBMISSION TO THE PROCURING CONTRACTING OFFICER.

YOUR PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS, IF ANY, SHALL BE INSTRUCTED TO DO THE SAME.

Provide confirmation and date that copies of this cost proposal were submitted to DCAA, along with a current telephone number and point of contact.

(c) In accordance with FAR 52.244-2, when subcontractors and/or consultants are proposed, the Prime shall clearly identify their cost 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 cost. List of subcontractors that are submitting cost information independently.

(d) Briefly describe information concerning the general financial condition of your firm and specific plans for financing the proposed contract, including the most recent income statement and balance sheet or equivalent financial statement.

(e) If you are currently being audited, or have been audited by Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) within the past twelve months, it is requested that the name, phone number and location of the assigned DCAA office be furnished with your proposal along with the audit number.

(f) State the source and date of acceptance of adequacy of the Offeror's accounting system.

(g) If the Offeror has an approved Purchasing System in accordance with FAR Part 44, provide the source and date of latest review. If the Offeror does not have an approved Purchasing System, state what processes are used for purchases of such items as materials, travel, and training.

(h) State whether direct labor rates are subject to a Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) with the

Government. If so, the Offeror shall attach a copy of the FPRA as Attachment (1) to the Volume III - Cost

Proposal.

(i) If the Offeror is aware of differences between DCAA recommended rates and the rates proposed, the Offeror shall identify the specific rates and explain the differences. This includes labor rates, indirect rates, material burdens, and G&A rates.

(j) State the escalation rate used for each year and the basis for this particular rate. Escalation shall not be applied to labor categories listed on the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Determination.

(k) The cost proposal must furnish an explanation of the Offerors "company policy" on the accumulation of costs for vacations, sick leave, holidays, and other compensated leave or time off.

(l) Describe how the Offeror treats, for accounting purposes, the costs of employee training and whether such training occurs during the normal work week or outside the normal work week. Also, the Offeror shall define how Government-sponsored training costs are kept separate from contractor-training costs.

(m) It is recognized that some of the labor category titles used in the RFP may not exactly match the titles normally used in particular company operations. Accordingly, in order to permit a rapid comparison between the labor team proposed in response to this RFP and the Offerors actual labor mix, each proposal must provide the following:

(i) Direct labor rates related to the labor categories specified in the RFP.

(ii) A statement of the Offerors normally used nomenclature for each labor category included herein, together with a copy of the Offerors own position description for each labor category.

(iii) A statement of any other labor categories and related qualifications between any category established herein and the category normally used.

A cross-reference matrix of labor category nomenclature must be provided.

(n) If the Offeror is NOT proposing uncompensated overtime, so state. If the Offeror is proposing uncompensated overtime, 52.237-10 IDENTIFICATION OF UNCOMPENSATED OVERTIME (OCT 1997) applies.

(o) Define and explain the rationale for all burdens that will be applied to material. Explain how material rebates, incentives, or other inducements provided to the Offeror will be treated.

(p) Indicate any other proposed indirect rate(s) for each year and the base to which the rate is applied.

(q) Specify proposed General & Administrative (G&A) rate(s) for each year. Indicate the base to which the rate is applied.

(r) If an Offeror elects to claim facilities capital cost of money as an allowable cost, the Offeror must submit the calculation of the proposed amount on a DD Form 1861, Contract Facilities Capital Cost of Money, or computer generated equivalent with the applicable cost of money base and rates displayed. Failure to complete all necessary information may result in delay in analysis and delay in contract award. In addition, the Offeror must provide the percentages for the Distribution of Facilities Capital Employed by land, buildings, and equipment. Current Department of the Treasury Rates are available at http://www.publicdebt.treas.gov/opd/opdprmt2.htm.

(s) Each subcontractor must submit a statement indicating whether the release of pricing assistance data results to the Prime Contractor is allowed or prohibited. The Offerors are required to provide an assessment and determination that the cost proposed by any subcontractor is fair and reasonable (FAR 15.404-3).

(t) Offerors will submit a total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract. Current annual salary is required only if the employee is currently employed by the Offeror or subcontractor. If the employee is a contingency hire, the

Offeror or subcontractor must include the agreed to annual salary of the prospective employee. The compensation plan for new employees may be estimated, but shall be consistent with the Offeror's overall proposal. See FAR Clause 52.222-46 "Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees (FEB

1993)"of Section M of this RFP.

(u) Yearly Breakout: Each Offerors Cost Proposal shall be prepared based on the number of labor hours by labor category, and material estimates set forth below under the heading "For Proposal Preparation Purposes Only" herein. Also, indicate how burden and G&A rates, and any other indirect rates are developed, by listing costs included in these indirect cost items.

The quantities of hours of labor for each labor category set forth under the heading "For Proposal Preparation

Purposes Only" herein, are suggested to the Offeror for computing total labor costs and represent the Government's current best estimate of requirements.