N0018920RZ029-0002.docx

N0018920RZ029

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:

Q&AS

Questions & Answers – Amendment 0002

Q1. Solicitation N0018920RZ029, Section B on page 4 of 77, contains the level of effort by labor category required to be proposed. Would the Government please clarify whether Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) applies to the following seven labor categories: Engineering Tech V, Engineering Tech IV, Engineering Tech III, Supply Technician, Computer Programmer III, ILS Specialist IV, and ILS Specialist III. If FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards applies, will the Government amend to include the appropriate FAR clauses and Wage Determination(s)?

A1. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q2. Reference Section B under Level of Effort on page 4 of 77, para (a) Labor Category of the Estimated Total Hours: Will the Government please clarify if offerors are restricted to these labor categories or is it the Government’s intent for offerors to provide any combination of labor categories as its proposed staffing plan to achieve optimal support?

A2. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q3. Solicitation N0018920RZ029 page 68 of 77 requires offerors to submit “Solicitation pricing pages completed by the offeror.” Will the Government please clarify whether “solicitation pricing pages completed by the Offeror” refers to the Section B fill-ins by CLIN on page 3 of 77?

A3. See Amendment

Q4. Reference Section L-I on page 68 of 77, please provide the maximum file size for proposals submitted electronically using e-mail.

A4. See Amendment

Q5. Section L-II (5) Page Limitations on page 70 of 77 specifies that the only exception to the 12 point font size requirement is the corporate experience and past performance information forms, which may be a point size of 10 or greater. Would the Government consider allowing a point size of 10 or greater for graphics and tables as well?

A5. See Amendment

Q6. On page 74 of 77 of the solicitation, please clarify that the instruction “*The prime Offeror shall instruct the subcontractors to follow the same format in the development of its cost spreadsheets” applies only to those subcontractors with Cost Plus Fixed Fee type subcontracts.

A6. See Amendment.

Q7. On page 75 of 77, paragraph (g) states, “Subcontractor Cost/Price breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes.” Please clarify that subcontractor cost/price breakdowns should only be submitted for those subcontractors with CPFF type subcontracts.

A7. See Amendment

Q8. Please provide insight into the decision for not making this RFP a small business set aside. Market research would suggest that multiple small businesses can perform the scope of work within this RFP.

A8. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q9. SeaPort-NxG under NAICS Code 541330 has been designated by the Department of the Navy as the preferred vehicle for procuring contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services as described in Section C of the solicitation. Why is this not being competed under the SeaPort-NxG IDIQ vehicle?

A9. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q10. RFP Section K, 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications, page 56 of 77. The size standard for NAICS 541330, Engineering Services, is listed as $16,500,000. However, there are three exceptions to this size standard reflecting military application that has a size standard of $40.5 million. Since this is being competed within the U.S. Navy Military Service and is oriented toward military weapon systems, would not the Military Exception apply? By using the exception, the size standard better reflects the nature of the work to be performed. Also, there will be greater competition by small businesses that have the capability to meet the full scope of work anticipated under the contract. Please note that under the previous solicitation, N00189-14-R-Z011, Amendment 0002 of 16 Oct 2014, Q&A #4 acknowledged that the size standard for that competition for NAICS Code 541330 was $35.5 million, representing the Military Exception at that time.

A10. See Amendment

Q11. During the previous competition for this work in 2014 under Solicitation, N00189-14-R-Z011, the Government Level of Effort (LOE) was estimated at approximately 68,000 direct labor hours annually, equating to 35+ full time equivalent personnel. However, according to Deltek’s GovWin, actual LOE performed has been less than 20 FTEs and the LOE under the current solicitation is being estimated as 40,572 hours per year or approximately 21 FTEs. This is clearly within the capacity of a small business to perform. What kind of market research was conducted to demonstrate there were not at least two small businesses capable of performing this effort as prime contractors under a small business set-aside solicitation?

A11. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q12. RFP, Section L, Submission of Proposals (Best Value/Tradeoff), page 68 of 77 – This section states that the selection process will be a Best Value/Tradeoff. Section M further states that a best value evaluation will be conducted. However, Section M does not include information on how the non-price factors will be rated as well as the role of strengths and weaknesses in determining the evaluation rating and overall selection. Section M states that past performance will be rated but does not provide information on how it will be rated. It also states that for the other non-price factors (Performance Approach and Socio-economic Plan), the proposal must be determined to be acceptable or better. Since there is no approach stated in the rating of non-price factors, it appears that the rating is for acceptability only, leading to a Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) versus a Best Value source selection criteria, in opposition to current DoD source selection criteria guidance. Will the government please consider including an approach to rating proposals that clearly demonstrates a Best Value source selection? Alternatively, please clarify how best value tradeoff will be conducted based on acceptable/unacceptable non-price evaluation factors.

A12. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q13. RFP, Section L requires all offers to submit a Socio-Economic Plan in addition to the Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Para III(c). It is unclear why a small business should be required to submit a plan to establish targets for additional subcontracting with other small businesses. It is also unclear if a small business is required to submit socioeconomic targets for categories other than itself. Since the Socio-economic plan is a specific evaluation factor that is evaluated for its acceptability or “better,” as stated in section M, small businesses need to understand this requirement. The “or better” evaluation implies that a small business offeror could get evaluation credit for including more than 1 target for small business participation. Therefore, while small businesses are not normally required to establish small business subcontracting goals, this requirement in effect establishes a requirement, adding unnecessary costs to the procurement creating a disadvantage for small business prime offerors. Will the government please clarify the socio-economic plan requirement, the criteria for evaluating it and its role in the selection decision? Alternatively, will the government please consider removing this requirement since it is duplicative for large businesses and unnecessary for small businesses?

A13. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q14. RFP Section M – The evaluation criteria includes the following statement: “For all other non-price factors, an offeror’s proposal must be determined to be acceptable or better in order to be eligible for award.” Please clarify what “acceptable or better” means for purposes of the evaluation and selection decision. Please also clarify what factors this evaluation approach applies to.

A14. See Amendment, Section L.

Q15. RFP Section M – The evaluation criteria includes the following statement: “In determining the rating for the Past Performance evaluation factor, the Government will give greater consideration to the contracts or efforts which the Government feels are most relevant to the RFP.” It is not clear what rating approach the Government intends to use for past performance. Please clarify how past performance will be rated.

A15. See Amendment.

Q16. RFP Section M – The evaluation criteria includes the following statement: “In determining the rating for the Past Performance evaluation factor, the Government will give greater consideration to the contracts or efforts which the Government feels are most relevant to the RFP.” It is not clear how the government will determine relevancy. Please clarify how relevancy will be determined.

A16. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q17. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL: For several positions the requirement states: “Shall possess as a minimum a Bachelor of Science degree in the fields of engineering, operations, physics, chemistry, computer science, or decision sciences”. Under these requirements, a candidate with a BA degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Physics or Mathematics would not qualify, despite having completed the equivalent curriculum, based strictly on the particular university conveying the degree. Would the Government consider changing the wording to read: “Shall possess as a minimum a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University in the fields of engineering, operations, physics, chemistry, computer science, or decision sciences”? This would also better align with qualification requirements of Government personnel performing equivalent functions under the 1515 Operations Research series.

A17. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q18. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL: Under the position SENIOR ENGINEER, it states “Shall possess a Master of Science degree in Engineering, certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) is desired, and 8 years’ experience in engineering.” Would the government consider a Bachelor’s degree plus an additional 2 or 4 years of relevant experience in lieu of a Master’s Degree for this position?

A18. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q19. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL: For the Computer Programmer III position, no desired education or minimum level of experience is described. Could the government please describe the representative minimum education & experience desired so that the contractor may bid the appropriate personnel in order to help the government establish a fair and reasonable price for this position?

A19. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q20. The RFP, Section L.I General, page 70 of 77, Important Notes, para (2) – This section requires offerors to name any person that is part of the proposal development process and is not a bona fide employee of the offeror. It is not clear why the government is asking for this information or what the government intends to do with this information for purposes of the evaluation. For example, is the government concerned about conflicts of interest? If so, there are other protections and remedies available that should be addressed through existing conflict of interest contract provisions including existing non-disclosure agreements. We are concerned that, based on the purpose of this requirement, it allows the incumbent to use its own employees, who are closest to the work, to assist in proposal development without having to report those individuals. Without a clear explanation of this requirement, we recommend that it be removed from the solicitation. Alternatively, will the government please clarify the purpose of this requirement and how it will be fairly included in the evaluation and selection process?

A20. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q21. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL. For several positions the requirement states: “Shall possess as a minimum a Bachelor of Science degree in the fields of engineering, operations, physics, chemistry, computer science, or decision sciences”.Under these requirements, a candidate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Physics or Mathematics would not qualify. Would the Government consider changing the wording to “Shall possess as a minimum a bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University in the fields of engineering, operations, physics, chemistry, computer science, or decision sciences.” In order to better represent those personnel who would qualify under the 1515 Operations Research series?

A21. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q22. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL. Under the position SENIOR ENGINEER, it states “Shall possess a Master of Science degree in Engineering, certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) is desired, and 8 years’ experience in engineering.” Would the government consider an additional 2 or 4 years of experience in lieu of a Master’s Degree for this position?

A22. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q23. C0001.9 REQUISITES-CONTRACT PERSONNEL. For the Computer Programmer III position, no desired education or minimum level of experience is described. Could the government please describe the representative minimum education & experience desired so that the contractor may bid the appropriate personnel in order to help the government establish a fair and reasonable price for the effort?

A23. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q24. Please provide the rationale for a socio-economic plan for small business respondents. This requirement is usually required for large businesses only.

A24. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q25. Section L, page 68 of 77, section I (GENERAL), Paragraphs 2 and 3 state: “Proposals shall be submitted electronically using either (1) email to Danielle Udinson at danielle.udinson@navy.com or (2) the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) found at https://safe.apps.mil/. Any other method of delivery (e.g., hard copy, CD, thumb drive, portal, etc.) will not be accepted.” However, Section L, page 75 of 77 paragraph (g) states: “Subcontractor Cost/Price breakdowns may be submitted in separate sealed envelopes.”

A25. See Amendment.

Q26. Since the proposal requirements require email and SAFE uploads, please provide the Prime and their subs direct links for DoD Safe Link with the specific location.

A26. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q27. Section L, page 69 of 77, section I (GENERAL). Should Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business be shown as “Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business?”

A27. See Amendment.

Q28. Section L, page 70 of 77, section II (REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT), paragraph (3) states: “The table of contents should provide detail sufficient to allow the important elements to be easily located. The use of tabs and dividers is encouraged.” However, on page 71 of 77 it states: “The cover sheet, table of contents (not to exceed one page per volume), and dividers will not count toward the page limit.” Will the Government increase the page limit for the ToC to allow for sufficient level of details?

A28. The solicitation is clear on its face.

Q29. Section L, page 70 of 77: Page Limitations. Can tables and graphics use 10-point font as used in the “corporate experience and past performance information forms”?

A29. See Amendment.

Q30. Section L, page 68 of 77, Section I (GENERAL). Please confirm that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is part of the Volume II – Cost/Price proposal.

A30. The solicitation is clear on its face.

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The following have been modified:

A. Proposals are due on or before close of business on 17 July 2020.

B. All questions regarding this Solicitation are due no later than 8 June 2020.

C. Proposals shall be sent in accordance with the instructions provided in Section L and M of this solicitation. Proposals shall NOT be mailed or hand delivered. Hard copy proposals will not be accepted.

D. The point of contact for this solicitation is:

Danielle Udinson Email: Danielle.udinson@navy.mil Phone: 215-697-9584*

*Note, due to the ongoing pandemic, I am not physically in the office and my phone is not forwarded while teleworking. Voicemails are checked throughout the day, but the fastest method of contact is email.

E. All questions about this requirement should be submitted to Danielle Udinson in writing to the email address listed above with the Subject Title “RFP Question – N0018920RZ029 – (contractor name)”.

SECTION K - REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAR 2020)

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 541330 (Exception 2).

(2) The small business size standard is $41,500,000.00.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b)(1) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is included in this solicitation, paragraph (d) of this provision applies.

(2) If the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management, is not included in this solicitation, and the Offeror has an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), the Offeror may choose to use paragraph (d) of this provision instead of completing the corresponding individual representations and certifications in the solicitation. The Offeror shall indicate which option applies by checking one of the following boxes:

( ) Paragraph (d) applies.

( ) Paragraph (d) does not apply and the offeror has completed the individual representations and certifications in the solicitation.

(c) (1) The following representations or certifications in SAM are applicable to this solicitation as indicated:

(i) 52.203-2, Certificate of Independent Price Determination. This provision applies to solicitations when a firm-fixed-price contract or fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment is contemplated, unless—

(A) The acquisition is to be made under the simplified acquisition procedures in Part 13;

(B) The solicitation is a request for technical proposals under two-step sealed bidding procedures; or

(C) The solicitation is for utility services for which rates are set by law or regulation.

(ii) 52.203-11, Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions. This provision applies to solicitations expected to exceed $150,000.

(iii) 52.203-18, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements--Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(iv) 52.204-3, Taxpayer Identification. This provision applies to solicitations that do not include the provision at 52.204-7, System for Award Management.

(v) 52.204-5, Women-Owned Business (Other Than Small Business). This provision applies to solicitations that—

(A) Are not set aside for small business concerns;

(B) Exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and

(C) Are for contracts that will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(vi) 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services--Representation. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(vii) 52.209-2, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations--Representation.

(viii) 52.209-5, Certification Regarding Responsibility Matters. This provision applies to solicitations where the contract value is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.

(ix) 52.209-11, Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(x) 52.214-14, Place of Performance--Sealed Bidding. This provision applies to invitations for bids except those in which the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xi) 52.215-6, Place of Performance. This provision applies to solicitations unless the place of performance is specified by the Government.

(xii) 52.219-1, Small Business Program Representations (Basic, Alternates I, and II). This provision applies to solicitations when the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(A) The basic provision applies when the solicitations are issued by other than DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard.

(B) The provision with its Alternate I applies to solicitations issued by DoD, NASA, or the Coast Guard.

(C) The provision with its Alternate II applies to solicitations that will result in a multiple-award contract with more than one NAICS code assigned.

(xiii) 52.219-2, Equal Low Bids. This provision applies to solicitations when contracting by sealed bidding and the contract will be performed in the United States or its outlying areas.

(xiv) 52.222-22, Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xv) 52.222-25, Affirmative Action Compliance. This provision applies to solicitations, other than those for construction, when the solicitation includes the clause at 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity.

(xvi) 52.222-38, Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements. This provision applies to solicitations when it is anticipated the contract award will exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and the contract is not for acquisition of commercial items.

(xvii) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that require the delivery or specify the use of USDA-designated items; or include the clause at 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts.

(xviii) 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification. This provision applies to solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA- designated items.

(xix) 52.223-22, Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Goals--Representation. This provision applies to solicitations that include the clause at 52.204-7.)

(xx) 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-1.

(xxi) 52.225-4, Buy American--Free Trade Agreements--Israeli Trade Act Certificate. (Basic, Alternates I, II, and III.) This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225- 3.

(A) If the acquisition value is less than $25,000, the basic provision applies.

(B) If the acquisition value is $25,000 or more but is less than $50,000, the provision with its Alternate I applies.

(C) If the acquisition value is $50,000 or more but is less than $83,099, the provision with its Alternate II applies.

(D) If the acquisition value is $83,099 or more but is less than $100,000, the provision with its Alternate III applies.

(xxii) 52.225-6, Trade Agreements Certificate. This provision applies to solicitations containing the clause at 52.225-5.

(xxiii) 52.225-20, Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business Operations in Sudan--Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxiv) 52.225-25, Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certification. This provision applies to all solicitations.

(xxv) 52.226-2, Historically Black College or University and Minority Institution Representation. This provision applies to solicitations for research, studies, supplies, or services of the type normally acquired from higher educational institutions.

(2) The following representations or certifications are applicable as indicated by the Contracting Officer:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

(i) 52.204-17, Ownership or Control of Offeror.

(ii) 52.204-20, Predecessor of Offeror.

(iii) 52.222-18, Certification Regarding Knowledge of Child Labor for Listed End Products.

(iv) 52.222-48, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment--Certification.

(v) 52.222-52 Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services--Certification.

(vi) 52.223-9, with its Alternate I, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Products (Alternate I only).

(vii) 52.227-6, Royalty Information.

(A) Basic.

(B) Alternate I.

(viii) 52.227-15, Representation of Limited Rights Data and Restricted Computer Software.

(d) The Offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through https://www.sam.gov. After reviewing the SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of the offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically that apply to this solicitation as indicated in paragraph (c) of this provision have been entered or updated within the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard applicable to the NAICS code referenced for this solicitation), as of the date of this offer and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201); except for the changes identified below [ offeror to insert changes, identifying change by clause number, title, date]. These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

FAR Clause Title Date Change

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this solicitation only, and do not result in an update to the representations and certifications posted on SAM.

(End of provision)

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS (BEST VALUE/TRADE-OFF)

I. GENERAL

In addition to instructions to offerors contained elsewhere in this solicitation, the following instructions are provided.

Initial proposals and any modifications thereto are to be submitted on or before the closing date and time cited elsewhere in this Request for Proposals.

Proposals shall be submitted electronically using either (1) email to Danielle Udinson at danielle.udinson@navy.com or (2) the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) found at https://safe.apps.mil/.

Any other method of delivery (e.g., hard copy, CD, thumb drive, portal, etc.) will not be accepted. Proposals shall be received no later than the DATE and TIME FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSAL specified elsewhere in the solicitation. Offerors shall comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the proposals contained herein; proposals that do not comply may be considered unacceptable and may render the proposal ineligible for award. All electronic files and versions of offerors’ proposals shall be submitted in Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel) formats and be in a unlocked and searchable format. The offeror shall be responsible for ensuring that its submissions are virus free.

The Navy Electronic Commerce OnLine (NECO) website has a “submit bid” button next to the solicitation number. Offerors are cautioned NOT to use the “submit bid” button on the NECO website to transmit or submit its proposal in response to the solicitation. Faxes and/or responses through NECO, or any other method, are not acceptable.

Offerors are strongly encouraged to confirm their proposal was received PRIOR to the closing date and time. It is the responsibility of the offerors to ensure that the Contracting Office has received their entire proposal, with all attachments, PRIOR to the solicitation closing date and time. Only the documents received, or uploaded if using the DoD SAFE website, prior to the solicitation closing date and time will be evaluated. According to Navy/Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) help desk, the maximum file size for emails is 10 MB.

If using email submission, offerors should include the following information in the Subject Line for their electronic submission:

Proposal - N00189-20-R-Z029 – (Name of Offeror) – Email (#) of (#)

Offerors shall submit their proposals in two separate volumes as follows:

Volume I Non-price Proposal

Volume II Cost/Price Proposal

In addition, offers consist of and shall include the following items as part of Volume II:

Solicitation cover sheet with appropriate blocks completed by the offeror

Solicitation pricing pages completed by the offeror

Acknowledgement of solicitation amendments pursuant to FAR 52.215-1 (if not previously acknowledged).

Representations and Certifications completed by the offeror in accordance with instructions contained elsewhere in this solicitation. If the offeror has completed all of the representations and certifications required by this solicitation in SAM in accordance with FAR 52.204-8 and DFARS 252.204-7007 ALT A, then the offeror need not submit the hardcopy Representations and Certifications.

The offeror’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan (this Plan is not required for Small Business offerors). However, all offerors, including small business concerns, must submit a Socio-Economic Plan to address the Socio-Economic Plan evaluation factor of this solicitation. (See paragraph III. PROPOSAL CONTENT subparagraph (c) Socio-Economic Plan.)

The Small Business Subcontracting goals are as follows:

Small Business 23% Woman Owned Small Business 5% Small Disadvantaged Business 5% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business 3% Veteran Owned Small Business 3% HUBZONE Small Business 3%

The completion and submission of the above items will constitute an offer (proposal) and will be considered the offeror’s unconditional assent to the terms and conditions of this solicitation and any attachments and/or exhibits hereto. Alternate proposals are not authorized. An objection to any of the terms and conditions of the solicitation will constitute a deficiency (see FAR 15.001) which will make the offer ineligible for award.

Potential offerors are encouraged to carefully review all solicitation requirements and, if they have questions concerning the solicitation, should submit one consolidated list of questions concerning the solicitation via email to the solicitation point of contact, Danielle Udinson at danielle.udinson@navy.mil, NO LATER THAN 5:00 pm, Philadelphia time, five (5) business days after solicitation issue date. Questions should be submitted as early as feasible prior to the above date and time; questions received later may be answered at the discretion of the Navy.

Volume I Non-Cost/Price Proposal

This volume shall address Performance Approach, Past Performance, and Socio-Economic plan and include all information required for proposal evaluation.

This volume of the proposal shall exclude any pricing/cost information, except for the information required to be provided under the Socio-economic Plan factor, that would reveal the total costing/pricing detailed in Volume II of the proposal.

Each page of each copy should include the following legend: Source Selection Information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

Volume II Cost/Price Proposal

This volume shall include the completed solicitation documents and a complete and detailed Cost/Price breakdown with all supporting information. Each page of each copy should include the following legend: Source Selection Information - See FAR 2.101 and 3.104

IMPORTANT NOTES:

(1) Offerors shall respond to all requirements of the solicitation document. Offerors are cautioned not to alter the solicitation.

(2) In the event any person who is not a bona fide employee of the offeror participated in the creation, formulation, or writing of any portion of the proposal, a statement to this effect shall be included in the proposal. Such statement shall identify the name of the person who is not a bona fide employee, that person’s employment capacity, the name of the person’s firm, the relationship of that firm to the offeror, and the portion of the proposal in which the person participated.

II. REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPOSAL CONTENT

(1) CLASSIFIED data shall NOT be included in the proposal.

(2) Introduction and Purpose - This section specifies the format that offerors should use in proposals submitted in response to this solicitation. The intent is not to restrict the offerors in the manner in which they will perform their work but rather to ensure a certain degree of uniformity in the format of the proposals for evaluation purposes.

(3) Each volume should contain the following items in addition to the other information required by this solicitation:

Table of Contents: The table of contents should provide detail sufficient to allow the important elements to be easily located. The use of tabs and dividers is encouraged.

(4) Requirements for Style: Each offeror shall submit a proposal that clearly and concisely sets forth the contractor’s response to the requirements of the solicitation. Unnecessary elaboration or other presentations beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective proposal are not desired and may be construed as an indication of the offeror’s lack of cost consciousness. Elaborate artwork and expensive visual aids are neither necessary nor desired. The proposal shall contain all the pertinent information in sufficient detail in the one area of the proposal where it contributes most critically to the discussion. When necessary, the offeror shall refer to the initial discussion and identify its location within its proposal.

(5) Page Limitations

Volume I, “Non-price Proposal,” is limited to a maximum of 25 pages in length inclusive of any charts, diagrams, and/or other graphics. Each “page” is defined as one sheet, 8 ½ “ x 11”, with at least one inch margins on all sides, using a font with a point size of 12 or greater (e.g., "Times New Roman" style with 12 point font). Lines shall, at a minimum, be single-spaced. Pages shall be consecutively numbered. Multiple pages or double pages will count as an equivalent number of 8 ½" x 11" pages. The cover sheet, table of contents (not to exceed one page per volume), and dividers will not count toward the page limit. The one exception to the font size requirement shown above is that the "corporate experience and past performance information forms" may be completed with a point size of 10 or greater. In addition, 10 point font can be used for tables and graphics.Pages submitted in excess of the page limitations described above will not be evaluated.

Volume II, “Cost/Price Proposal,” is not page limited.

III. PROPOSAL CONTENT

(1) Volume I – Non-price Proposal

The non-price proposal will consist of the following factors: Performance Approach, Past Performance, and Socio-economic Plan. Performance Approach and Past Performance are considered of equal importance to each other and are both considered significantly more important than Socio-Economic Plan.

The Non-price evaluation factors are listed below:

(a) Performance Approach

The offeror shall provide in detail a performance approach that will successfully accomplish the requirements of the solicitation, including the PWS, with a focus on the areas addressed in PWS Paragraph C0001.3, General Scope. The offeror should describe any risks associated with the solicitation, including the PWS and any risks associated with implementation of the offeror’s performance approach; describe any techniques and actions to mitigate such risks; and explain whether the techniques and actions identified for risk mitigation have been successfully used by the offeror. The offeror should provide any other information the offeror considers relevant to the solicitation.

(b) Past Performance

The offeror shall demonstrate relevant past performance or affirmatively state that it possesses no relevant past performance. Relevant past performance is performance under contracts or efforts within the past five years that is the same as, or similar to, the scope, magnitude, and complexity of the work described by this solicitation.

To demonstrate its past performance, the offeror shall identify up to three (3) of its most relevant contracts or efforts within the past five (5) years, and provide any other information the offeror considers relevant to the requirements of the solicitation. Offerors should provide a detailed explanation demonstrating the relevance of the contracts or efforts to the requirements of the solicitation. If subcontractor past performance is provided as part of the three (3) of its most relevant contracts or efforts, the subcontractor past performance will be given weight relative to the scope, magnitude and complexity of the aspects of the work under the solicitation that the subcontractor is proposed to perform. Therefore, the offeror’s proposal should detail clearly the aspects of the work in the solicitation that the subcontractor is proposed to perform.

The references will be evaluated in the aggregate in order to allow offerors who may not have the entire scope, magnitude, and complexity of the requirement under one individual contract to still be considered acceptable if past performance with the full scope, magnitude, and complexity of the requirement can be demonstrated within the allotted number of references as described above.

The offeror should complete a “Past Performance Information Form” for each reference submitted. The form is an attachment to the solicitation. The forms will count toward the Volume I page limit described above. For additional information regarding a particular reference beyond that which will fit on the form, the offeror may continue onto another sheet of paper. Such continuation sheet(s) for submitted references will count toward the Volume I page limit.

The offeror should address its past performance in complying with requirements of the clauses at FAR 52.219-8, "Utilization of Small Business Concerns," and 52.219-9, "Small Business Subcontracting Plan."

(c) Socio-Economic Plan

The offeror, including small businesses, shall address the extent of participation of small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and HUBZone small businesses in performance of any resultant contract. The solicitation, however, does not require participation by such entities. The offeror shall provide targets, expressed as percentages of total contract value, for small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and HUBZone small businesses in any of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Major Groups as determined by the Department of Commerce. The targets may provide for participation by a prime contractor, joint venture partner, teaming arrangement member, or subcontractor. Targets will be incorporated into and become part of any resultant contract.

If the offeror fails to provide targets for the contract and/or any of the six (6) socio-economic categories, the offeror's proposal will be evaluated at zero percent for the contract and/or any socio-economic category for which a target is not provided. However, an offeror that provides no socio-economic plan in response to this factor may be considered ineligible for award. All offerors, including small business concerns, must submit a socio-economic plan and may designate themselves as the primary or sole contractor on the effort.

Note: The Socio-economic Plan factor and the separate requirement for submission of a Small Business Subcontracting Plan are included in the solicitation in an effort to promote small business participation under the solicitation and the resultant contract. The Socio-Economic Plan is a non-price evaluation factor and is separate and distinct from the requirement for an offeror to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The requirements for a Small Business Subcontracting Plan are set forth in this solicitation under FAR clause 52.219-9 Alt II (Dev).

Government small business participation objectives are set forth in FAR clause 52.219-9 Alt II (Dev) in conjunction with the Small Business Subcontracting Plan. The solicitation does not establish separate small business participation objectives for the Socio-Economic Plan evaluation factor. As set forth in FAR 52.219-9 Alt II (Dev), the offeror, if other than a small business, is required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan that includes the offeror’s proposed small business subcontracting goals, and the successful offeror’s approved Small Business Subcontracting Plan will be incorporate into the Contract. While Contracting Officer approval of the offeror’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required prior to any contract award, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is not a component of the comparative evaluation of proposals; rather, it will be treated under the solicitation as a matter of contractor responsibility.

The following adjectival ratings will be used for Performance Approach and Socio-Economic Plan: Outstanding, Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Unacceptable. “Acceptable or better” means ratings of Acceptable, Good, or Outstanding.

The following past performance relevancy adjectival ratings will be used: very relevant, relevant, somewhat relevant, and not relevant, The follwing past performance confidence assessment adjectival ratings will be used: Substantial Confidence, Satisfactory Confidence, Unknown Confidence, Limited Confidence, and No Confidence.

(2) Volume II – Cost/Price

Volume II, "Cost/Price Proposal', is not page limited.

The Cost/Price Proposal in Volume II shall include the solicitation pricing pages (Section B) completed by the Offeror and a complete and detailed breakdown of the Offeror's cost plus fixed fee (CPFF) with all supporting documentation. The Offeror’s Cost/Price Proposal shall not deviate from the level of effort set forth in Section B of the solicitation. The Cost/Price Proposal shall support the Non-Cost/Price Proposal. The Cost/Price Proposal shall include all elements of cost and such other cost information as considered appropriate to support the Offeror’s Proposal. The burden of proof for establishing the realism of all proposed costs rests with the Offeror. The cost and pricing information shall be completed in accordance with the following:

(a) Supporting data including labor rates and hours, burden rates, and travel charges used in developing the Cost/Price breakdown shall be furnished.

(b) Uncompensated Overtime. Uncompensated overtime is not encouraged as work schedules averaging more than 40 hours per week can, over a period of time, lead to degradation of performance. Pursuant to FAR 52.237-10, “Identification of Uncompensated Overtime,” Offerors are reminded (1) “Whenever there is uncompensated overtime, the adjusted hourly rate (including uncompensated overtime), rather than the hourly rate, shall be applied to all proposed hours, whether regular or overtime hours”, (2) “All proposed labor hours subject to the adjusted hourly rate (including uncompensated overtime) shall be identified as either regular or overtime hours, by labor categories, and described at the same level of detail. This is applicable to all Proposals whether the labor hours are at the prime or subcontract level. This includes uncompensated overtime hours that are in indirect cost pools for personnel whose regular hours are normally charged direct.” In that 52.237-10 requires that the Offeror’s accounting practices used to estimate uncompensated overtime be consistent with the Offeror’s cost accounting practices used to accumulate and report uncompensated overtime hours, each Offeror proposing on the basis of uncompensated overtime should provide evidence of that consistency. Also, pursuant to FAR 52.237-10, each Offeror proposing on the basis of uncompensated overtime is required to include a copy of its policy addressing uncompensated overtime with its Proposal. To the extent that an Offeror is proposing on the basis of uncompensated overtime, the Offeror shall explain why the use of uncompensated overtime will not degrade the level of technical expertise required to fulfill the Government’s requirements.

(c) Direct Labor Rates. In order to verify the realism of the Offeror's proposed direct labor rates, all Offerors should submit, as part of their Cost/Price Proposal, documentation substantiating the realism of their proposed direct labor rates. To the extent that an Offeror is proposing a subcontractor on a cost-reimbursement basis, the documentation substantiating the accuracy of the subcontractor’s proposed direct labor rates is also requested.

Acceptable documentation may include the following:

(1) Payroll data (if proposing current, named employees)

(2) Actual billing records showing direct labor rates (if proposing current, named employees).

(3) Copies of signed Letters of Intent that indicate agreed upon annual salary (if proposing named, new hires)

(4) Copies of current or prior fiscal year DCMA Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA), the Offeror’s Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP), Provisional Billing Rate Approval or Provisional Billing Rate Submission, whichever is most recent.

(5) If labor category averages are used as consistent with the Offeror's accounting practice and approved by DCAA, provide a detailed narrative and include the calculation used to establish the category average. For example, provide a list of the current salaries for all employees working in that labor category, divided by the number of current employees in that labor category.

(6) If proposing rates that do not fall within one of the above criteria, provide a detailed, comprehensive description of the methodology used to establish the proposed direct rate. The description shall include both the source where the rate was obtained and a description of how the resulting rate was calculated. Merely stating that a "salary survey" or "market survey" was used is generally not sufficient.

In preparing the cost quotation, the Offeror shall include a spreadsheet that depicts the following total amounts tied back via formula into the cost development spreadsheets:

DIRECT LABOR (PRIME): $_________________

*A line for each separate indirect expense rate, for example:

FRINGE: $_________________

OVERHEAD: $___________________

G&A: $_______________________

ANY OTHER INDIRECT EXPENSE ELEMENT: $____________________

*Subcontractor total for each subcontractor: $____________________

Fixed Fee: $____________________________

TOTAL COST PLUS FIXED FEE: $__________________

TRAVEL: $_______________

TOTAL AMOUNT PROPOSALD: $________________________

*The prime Offeror shall instruct the subcontractors to follow the same format in the development of its cost spreadsheets, when proposed CPFF type subcontracts. Subcontractor cost/price information shall be submitted for all subcontractors regardless of contract type.

Offerors shall not lock any cells in their corresponding excel spreadsheets. Locked cells make it difficult for the Government to evaluate the Proposal. The Offeror shall provide a narrative to explain any assumptions and the application of all burdens. This narrative shall be included as an attachment and cross-reference to the specific sections of the Cost/Price Proposal. Offerors shall also include the percentage of cost the prime’s cost with respect to the total Proposal amount, and the prime shall also describe the percentage of cost each subcontractor makes up compared to the total Proposal amount. Offerors shall describe the percentage of level of effort (hours) the prime is proposed to deliver when compared to the solicited total estimated level of effort, and the prime shall also describe the percentage of level of effort (hours) each subcontractor is proposed to deliver when compared to the solicited total estimated level of effort.

The prime shall describe the type of contract arrangement established between the prime and subcontractor (i.e.

CPFF, FFP, etc), as well as the value of the subcontract.

REALISM OF COST QUOTATIONS: An Offeror's proposal shall conform to this solicitation. Any significant inconsistency, if unexplained, raises a fundamental issue of the Offeror's understanding of the nature and scope of the work required and of his financial ability to perform the task order, and may be grounds for rejection of the quotation. The burden of proof as to cost credibility rests with the Offeror. Offerors who do not have current DCAA approved rates or provisional billing agreements shall provide documentation such as payroll data, invoices, and/or letters of intent with salary information with their Cost/Price Proposal that will assist the Contracting Officer with analyzing their Cost/Price Proposal. Offerors shall require their subcontractor(s) to provide the same type of documentation to the Contracting Officer if the subcontractors do not have current DCAA approved rates or provisional billing agreements. If the Government is unable to verify the cost quotation, it will be deemed unrealistic and not be eligible for task order issuance.

In addition to the foregoing, the Offeror should explain why it believes its proposed direct labor rates are realistic for the requirements to be performed, considering the technical and experiential qualifications necessary to accomplish the taskings.

(d) Indirect Costs. In order to verify the realism of the Offeror's proposed indirect rates, all Offerors should submit, as part of their Cost/Price Proposal, documentation substantiating the accuracy of its proposed indirect rates. To the extent that an Offeror is proposing a subcontractor on a cost-reimbursement basis, the documentation substantiating the accuracy of the subcontractor’s proposed indirect rates is also required.