RFQ_N02CO72730-36.docx

N02CO72730-36

1.0 TITLE

NCI Diversity Career Development Program (DCDP)

2.0 BACKGROUND

The recent Advisory Committee to the Director (12/12/14) recommended an increase to the number of underrepresented minorities in the NIH Intramural Research program (IRP). To retain the best and brightest scientists, The NCI needs to invest in an effective and sustainable intervention program early in their career path. Women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented racial/ethnic groups exhibit low representation in STEM fields and employment differs from their representation in the U.S. population. The creation of a The NCI Diversity Career Development Program aligns with the NCI commitment to attract, hire and retain underrepresented scientists and to generate a vibrant and diverse scientific community. That contributes to the understanding of the audience and the challenges in being a scientist searching for career development.

3.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective of the NCI Diversity Career Development Program is to increase the diversity of the workforce. This intramural effort will support and nurture talented individuals to succeed in their respective scientific careers. Three central objectives of the program could be summarized as follows:

-Empower participants by building a strong sense of community, support and belonging -Cultivate leadership, management, relationship building and communication skills -Grow a sense of confidence and vision for themselves and their careers.

4.0 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS/ AND PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 Technical Requirements

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks:

(1) It is expected that the Contractor running the coaching component of this program would be able to develop materials, in the form of brochures, readings, power point presentations, etc., to support activities.

(2) Conduct half day workshops four (4) times a year onsite and provide refreshers of the conducted workshops with four (4) 2-hour videoconference sessions (virtual chats). These sessions will include discussion, coaching, accountability, and reinforcement of the key course skills so that participants will develop mastery tailored to the group demands and needs. The proposed group size would include up to ten (10) participants. Cost should include development of all course materials, coaching hours and travel expenses.

4.2 Qualifications

The professional coach must

1. Be trained in life coaching, customized to the needs of a scientific population with at least 3 years of experience in coaching diverse populations;

1. Have a PhD with expertise in biomedical sciences;

1. Have at least 3 years of experience performing scientific research in an academic environment;

1. Have at least 3 years of experience coaching underrepresented minorities and;

1. Have at least 3 years of institutional knowledge of National Cancer Institute (NCI)

1. Be able to provide professional coaching tailored specifically to the needs of postdoctoral fellows from diverse backgrounds which includes but is not limited to the following topics:

· Leadership skill building

· Confidence

· Goal setting

· Confronting inner dialog

· Taking action

· Prioritizing

· Facing obstacles

· Difficult conversations

· Communication and relationships

· Realizing concrete results

· Retention in the sciences

· Career building activities

5.0 TYPE OF ORDER

This is a firm fixed price purchase order.

6.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be for a one-year base period with four, 12-month option periods as follows:

Base Year: September 20, 2017 – September 19, 2018 Option Year 1: September 20, 2018 – September 19, 2019 Option Year 2: September 20, 2019 – September 19, 2020 Option Year 3: September 20, 2020 – December 19, 2021 Option Year 4: September 20, 2021 – December 19, 2022

7.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

NCI Shady Grove Campus, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

8.0 REPORT(S)/DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

Metrics will be used to evaluate success of the effectiveness of the delivered technical requirements and will be based on Participant satisfaction, participation, and leadership of scheduled activities. A survey to participants will be administered at the end of the program to help with the evaluation and inform future Program content. It is expected that the surveys (e.g. Survey Monkey), will be developed, administered and analyzed by the Contractor in collaboration with the Technical Point of Contact for this requirement, and the Manager of the Course.

No. Deliverable Description Proposed Timeline

1 Develop project work plan – the NCI meets face to face or virtually with Weeks 1-2 Contractor (at the NCI Shady Grove campus) to discuss needs; Contractor reviews background material and resources. This should be conducted in a 2-3 hour meeting.

2 Contractor prepares draft of first half of course materials Weeks 3-8

3 The NCI and Contractor finalize first half course materials; schedule first Weeks 9-14 4 hour workshop and first half of the 2 hour virtual chats; begin draft of second half of course materials.

4 Contractor conducts two (2) half-day workshop at NCI Shady Grove or Weeks 15-28 Bethesda campus with participants and three virtual chats; identifies specific needs to tailor individual’s progress.

5 The NCI and Contractor review and edit the draft for second half of course; Weeks 29-32 finalize second half of course materials; Contractor conducts one half-day workshop and three virtual chats at NCI Shady Grove campus.

6 The NCI Technical Point of Contact and participants evaluate Contractor Weeks 32-45 and program; by survey described above. Contractor prepares a report delivered electronically on participant’s growth and projected future needs. A Survey is also prepared and administered.

7 The NCI Technical Point of Contact and Contractor discuss program Weeks 45-46 revision using report information and participant’s evaluation survey results. This discussion will occur virtually.

9.0 INVOICE AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

Payment shall be made after acceptance of the deliverables. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the COR and NIH OFM, in accordance with the attached payment provisions listed below:

The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls: PROMPT PAYMENT (JUL 2013) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow:

I INVOICE REQUIREMENTS

1. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II., below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor.

1. Vendor/Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact).

2. Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment).

3. Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice.

4. Invoice date.

5. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site.

6. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS: Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number.

7. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR).

8. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document.

9. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match.

10. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.*

11. Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately.

12. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.*

* NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid.

2. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt.

3. Mail an original and 1 copy of the itemized invoice to:

National Institutes of Health Office of Financial Management, Commercial Accounts 2115 East Jefferson Street, Room 4B-432, MSC 8500 Bethesda, MD 20892-8500

For inquiries regarding payment call: (301) 496-6088

In order to facilitate the prompt payment of invoices, it is recommended that the vendor submit a photocopy of the invoice to the “Consignee” designated for the acquisition in blocks 6A – 6E of the face page of the Order/Award document.

II. INVOICE PAYMENT

A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events:

1. The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice.

2. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed.

B. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended.

III. INTEREST PENALTIES

A. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable.

1. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.

2. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition.

3. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

B. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

IV. PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (DEC 2013)

1. Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

1. The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act.

Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items.

10.0 CONTRACT CLAUSES AND PROVISIONS

FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 15 days.

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 10 days of contract expiration; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 15 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERICES ACQUISITION REGULATION (HHSAR) (48 CFR

CHAPTER 3) PROVISIONS:

Clause No. Title

HHSAR 352.203-70 ANTI-LOBBYING (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.208-70 PRINTING AND DUPLICATION (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.211-3 PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.222–70 CONTRACTOR COOPERATION IN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

INVESTIGATIONS. (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.224-70 PRIVACY ACT (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.224–71 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION (DEC 2015)

HHSAR 352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (DEC 2015)

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) PROVISIONS:

Clause No. Title

FAR 52.203- 19 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN INTERNAL CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS (JAN 2017)

FAR 52.204-21 BASIC SAFEGUARDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JUNE 2016)

FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

FAR 52.219-4 NOTICE OF PRICE EVALUATION PREFERENCE FOR HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (OCT 2014)

FAR 52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (NOV 2016)

FAR 52.219-9 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (JAN 2017)

FAR 52.222-17 NONDISPLACEMENT OF QUALIFIED WORKERS (MAY 2014)

FAR 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS (OCT 2015)

FAR 52.222-36 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (JUL 2014)

FAR 52.222-37 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON VETERANS (FEB 2016)

FAR 52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (JUN 2008)

FAR 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER-SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (JUL 2013)

FAR 52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS (DEC 2013)

11.0 SOLICIATION PROVISIONS AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The quoter is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the quoter and submitted with its quotation. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the quoter may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/Far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

GENERAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

The quote must be prepared in three SEPARATE volumes: Volume I - "Technical Volume", and Volume II - "Price/Business Volume". Each of these parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that the evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the evaluation of the other. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) number should be included on the front cover of each volume.

Your quote must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization The Government will evaluate your quote in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth this solicitation.

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any of the costs associated with the preparation and submission of your quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this requirement. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your quote shall become a part of the official contract file.

Questions Questions relating to this acquisition shall be submitted to Contract Specialist, David Romley, via email at David.Romley@nih.gov no later than 10:00 AM EST on Friday, September 15, 2017. All email inquiries shall have "Question - RFQ # N02CO72730-36" included in the subject line.

Submission Deadline Quotes are due no later than 10:00 AM EST on Monday, September 18, 2017 to Contract Specialist, David Romley, via email at David.Romley@nih.gov. All quotation submissions shall have "Quotation - RFQ # N02CO72730-36" included in the subject line.

TECHNICAL VOLUME INSTRUCTIONS (VOLUME I)

The technical volume shall be limited to 10 pages, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font. Respondents are encouraged to be succinct and economical in their presentation. Excessive volume and elaborate presentation are unnecessary. Tables of contents, works cited, and the Technical Appendix are not included in the page count.

The technical volume must not contain references to price; however, resource information, such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, etc., must be contained in the technical volume so that the Respondent's understanding of the scope of work may be evaluated.

Quoters must provide clear responses, including objectives and outcomes, to each task addressing the work to be performed in the SOW. The technical volume must reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. Quotes which merely offer to conduct a project in accordance with the Government's requirements will not be eligible for award.

Technical Appendices:

The respondent shall include a Technical Appendix that includes all attachments, such as transcripts, resumes, and letters of commitment.

PRICE/BUSINESS VOLUME INSTRUCTIONS (VOLUME II)

Quoters shall prepare a price volume that contains all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted.

The price quote must contain the following information:

1. Cover letter which includes the following:

a. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN);

b. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number;

c. Business Size (e.g., small or large);

12.0 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

GENERAL EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS

Quotes must be prepared in accordance with and in compliance with the instructions given in this RFQ and address all requirements set forth in the SOW. Quotes which merely offer to conduct a program in accordance with the requirements of the Government will not be eligible for an award.

Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106. The Government does not anticipate requesting revisions to quotes, so Quoters should provide their best solution and price in response to the RFQ. However, the Government reserves the right to request quote revisions that seek additional price discounts, provide revisions to the technical quote, or clarify aspects of the quote. In the event quote revisions are requested, the Government will not necessarily be seeking revisions from all Quoters. The Government will not be conducting "discussions" as defined in FAR Part 15.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Basis for Award:

Selection of a quote for award will be made to the responsible Quoter whose quote contains the combination of those factors offering the best overall value to the Government. The factors in order of importance are: technical approach, personnel qualification /experience and price. When combined, all evaluation factors other than price will be considered significantly more important than price. As quotes become more equal under the non-price factors, the importance of price increases. The process described in FAR 15.101-1 may be employed, which permits the Government to make tradeoffs among price and non-cost factors to consider award to other than the lowest price quote or other than the highest technically rated factor. The Government intends to make an award to the quoters whose quote results in the best value to the Government.

The Evaluation Process:

The Government will award a contract resulting from this quotation to the responsible Contractor whose quote conforming to the quotation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government shall evaluate the following evaluation factors that are listed in descending order of importance:

1. Technical Approach

2. Personnel Qualification / Experience

3. Price

Technical Adjectival Ratings Evaluators will apply the criteria of the following adjectives, (as appropriate to the individual factor being evaluated) as general guidance to be used when rating each of the adjectival factors listed above and the volume as a whole:

EXCEPTIONAL

The quote contains no deficiencies or only a very few and very minor weaknesses. Based on information provided, there is no doubt that the quote demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the services required to meet or exceed most requirements. The highest quality of performance is anticipated.

GOOD

The quote contains no deficiencies and only a few minor weaknesses. Based on the information provided, there is little doubt that the quote demonstrates a high quality of understanding of the services required to meet or exceed some of the requirements.

ACCEPTABLE

The quote contains no deficiencies and some weaknesses. Based on the information provided, the Quote demonstrates an understanding of the services required to meet the requirements.

MARGINAL

The quote contains deficiencies and significant weaknesses. Based on information provided, there is doubt that the contractor understands the services required to meet the requirements. Requirement/services can be met only with major changes to the quote.

UNACCEPTABLE

The quote has many deficiencies and/or gross omissions; failure to understand much of the scope of work necessary to perform the requirements; failure to provide a reasonable, logical approach to fulfilling much of the government's requirements; failure to meet many personnel requirements in the solicitation. (When applying this adjective to a quote as a whole, the technical quote would have to be so unacceptable in one or more areas that it would have to be completely revised in order to attempt to make it other than unacceptable.)

TECHNICAL EVALUATION FACTORS

I Technical Approach

This is the extent to which the Quoter’s technical volume demonstrates an understanding of the tasks to be performed and identify how they intend to successfully complete the requirements in the SOW.

II Personnel Qualification / Experience

The Quoter qualification and experience shall be examined as it relates to the requirements outlined in the SOW. The quoter must demonstrate that they have the prerequisite experience and qualification required to meet the tasks in the SOW.

PRICE (Price will be evaluated separately but not rated)

The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s price for all items/services proposed. Quotations will be evaluated for reasonableness. For a price to be reasonable, it must represent a price to the Government that a prudent person would pay when consideration is given to prices in the market. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition.

EVALUATION OF OPTIONS

It is anticipated that a purchase order awarded as a result of this solicitation will contain option provision(s) and period(s).

In accordance with FAR Clause 52.217-5, Evaluation of Options, (July 1990), the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement, except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government's best interests. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).