Shipping BoxesRFQ.docx

I.: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

II.: The solicitation number is IFB-NIHOD2011281 and solicitation is issued as a Invitation for a Bid (IFB).

III.: The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-53, effective 7/5/2011.

IV.: The North American Industry Classification (NAICS) is 322211 and the Standard Size is 500 employees.

V.: A list of contract line item number(s) and items, quantities and units of measure, (including option(s), option years).

Base contract period: October 1, 2011 through September 30, 2012

1. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 24x14x12" (60.96x35.5x30.48cm) meeting the

2. BOX, Records Storage: Shall be

3. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 12x12x12" (30.48x30.48x30.48"cm) meeting the

4. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x14x18" (45.72x35.56x45.72cm) meeting the

5. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x12x10" (45.72x30.48x25.40cm). Shall be in

6. BOX, Animal Shipping: Shall be corrugated boxes measuring10x6x9" (25.40x15.24x22.86 cm) meeting the

Total Base Year $________ $________

Option Period One: through_________________ (Specific dates to be completed at time of award)

1. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 24x14x12" (60.96x35.5x30.48cm) meeting the

2. BOX, Records Storage: Shall be

3. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 12x12x12" (30.48x30.48x30.48"cm) meeting the

4. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x14x18" (45.72x35.56x45.72cm) meeting the

5. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x12x10" (45.72x30.48x25.40cm). Shall be in

6. BOX, Animal Shipping: Shall be corrugated boxes measuring10x6x9" (25.40x15.24x22.86 cm) meeting the

Total Option Period One $________ $________

Option Period Two: through________________ (Specific dates to be completed at time of award)

1. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 24x14x12" (60.96x35.5x30.48cm) meeting the

2. BOX, Records Storage: Shall be

3. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 12x12x12" (30.48x30.48x30.48"cm) meeting the

4. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x14x18" (45.72x35.56x45.72cm) meeting the

5. BOX, Shipping: Shall be corrugated shipping boxes measuring 18x12x10" (45.72x30.48x25.40cm). Shall be in

6. BOX, Animal Shipping: Shall be corrugated boxes measuring10x6x9" (25.40x15.24x22.86 cm) meeting the

Total Option Period Two $________ $________

Total Base Year + Two Option Periods $________ $________

VI.: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES The National Institute of Health, Office of Acquisitions, Office of Logistics and Acquisition Operations , OLAO) seeks to procure Shipping Boxes. Description of the requirement, point of contact, applicable clauses and terms and conditions are included in the attached and in Statement of Work (SOW).

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO QUOTERS

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. PURPOSE

This Invitation for a Bid (IFB) solicits proposals to provide Shipping Boxes. The requirements are described in the attached Statement of Work.

2. BACKGROUND

The NIH’s Gaithersburg Distribution Center (GDC) serves as a staging area for receipt, storage and distribution of consumable products used in furthering the mission of the NIH. On occasion, non-NIH government agencies also purchase products from the GDC. The GDC warehouse primarily receives stores and distributes material used in furthering the medical/research mission of the NIH. Products include, but are not limited to: consumable items for use in research laboratories, cleaning supplies, office products, chemicals, and medical supplies. The NIH is seeking a contract with a qualified vendor whom will provide the necessary labor and operational expertise to efficiently and effectively facilitate Shipping Boxes. The vendor chosen for this contract is expected to provide all necessary personnel management expertise necessary to address all related product to the satisfaction of the Government. The Government shall be the final determinant regarding whether services provided are satisfactory for the mission of the NIH. The NIH Supply Center currently provides a convenient ordering mechanism for stockroom customers to order shipping boxes. Every delivery must be coordinated in advance, at least one business day prior to shipping, with the NIH, GDC, and Customer Service Department at (301) 496-9156. Unless otherwise specified, deliveries shall be made to the delivery point specified below Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. only. If there is heavy snow the day of the scheduled delivery, please contact the NIH, GDC, and Customer Service department at (301) 496-9156 to ensure that the NIH is open, if closed, delivery will be made on the following workday. The day for delivery will be in accordance with the delivery schedule faxed with each order. Trucks arriving after the specified time will not be allowed to remain overnight at the delivery point and must return the following day for unloading. Supplies scheduled for delivery on a Federal Holiday should be made the following workday. Satisfactory performance of this contract shall be deemed to occur upon delivery and acceptance by the Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative of the item(s) described herein. Deliveries shall be made f.o.b. destination, within consignee’s premises to the following locations:

Deliver to

The government requires delivery to made within 7 calendar days from the date the contractor receives an order. Descriptive Literature to be submitted as part of solicitation

(a) “Descriptive literature,” as used in this provision, means information furnished by a bidder, such as cuts, illustrations, drawings, and brochures, that shows a product’s characteristics or construction or explains its operation. The term includes only that information required to evaluate the acceptability of the product and excludes other information for operating or maintaining the product.

(b) Descriptive literature is required to establish, for the purpose of evaluation and award, details of the product offered that are specified elsewhere in the solicitation and pertain to significant elements such as --

(1) Design;

(2) Materials;

(3) Components;

(4) Performance characteristics; and

(5) Methods of manufacture, assembly, construction, or operation.

(c) Descriptive literature, required elsewhere in this solicitation, shall be --

(1) Identified to show the item(s) of the offer to which it applies; and

(2) Received by the time specified in this solicitation.

(d) If the bidder fails to submit descriptive literature on time, the Government will reject the bid, except that late descriptive literature sent by mail may be considered under the Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids provision of this solicitation.

(e) If the descriptive literature fails to show that the product offered conforms to the requirements of the solicitation, the Government will reject the bid.

SAMPLE REQUIREMENT

Bid Samples to be submitted after contract award upon request

(a) “Bid sample” means a product sample required to be submitted by a bidder to show those characteristics of the offered products that cannot adequately be described by specifications, purchase descriptions, or the invitation for bid (e.g., balance, facility of use, or pattern).

(b) Bidders must furnish bid samples as part of the bid, upon request once the reverse auction has closed and the bidder has been contacted to do so. The Government must receive the bid samples by the time specified once requested. Maximum of 30 days will be required. If the bidder fails to submit samples on time, the Government will reject the bid and move to the next lowest bidder, except that the Contracting Officer will consider a late sample sent by mail under the Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Bids provision of this solicitation.

(c) The Government will test or evaluate bid samples to determine compliance with all the characteristics listed for examination in this solicitation. The Government will reject the bid when the sample fails to conform to the required characteristics, and move to the next lowest bidder. Products delivered under any resulting contract must conform to –

(1) The approved sample for the characteristics listed for test or evaluation; and

(2) The specifications for all other characteristics.

(d) Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, bid samples shall be --

(1) Submitted at no expense to the Government; and

(2) Returned at the bidder’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during post award testing.

Vendors will be required to submit a sample. The samples shall be labeled and packaged as stated below. Bidders failing to submit properly labeled and packaged samples will be considered non-responsive and will be rejected. See paragraphs below for a full description of the evaluation/qualification process.

A single box/item (for each line item requested) shall be furnished at no expense to the Government as part of the submission. The sample will remain the property of the Government and will not be returned. All samples shall be received on or before the time designated for the initial response when notified by the Contract Specialist.

Samples shall be tagged showing the Solicitation Number, Contractor’s name and the word “Sample”. The samples shall be mailed or delivered to: National Institutes of Health, Office of Acquisition (OLAO), ATTN: Terita Stevenson, 6011 Executive Blvd., Room 539C, Rockville, Maryland 20852 and must be received by the date and time requested. Samples will be evaluated to determine compliance with quality, workmanship and other product requirements as specified in this solicitation. NOTE: IF YOU HAVE SAMPLES SENT DIRECTLY TO THE NIH BY THE MANUFACTURER, THEY MUST STILL COMPLY WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE LABELING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BID SAMPLES.

Only those vendors whose proposed products are determined to meet the salient characteristics delineated in this solicitation through the evaluation process and who also provide the following information (BY THE DATE AND TIME DESIGNATED FOR RECEIPT OF INITIAL BID RESPONSES IN BLOCK 8 OF SF 1449) with their initial bid submission will be invited to participate in the reverse auction:

3. METHOD OF ACQUISITION

The Government intends to acquire the necessary supplies by awarding a contract in accordance with FAR Part 12, Simplified Acquisition Procedures through Fed Biz Ops (www.fbo.gov). This requirement is being processed under open market ordering procedures for shipping boxes established in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13 for the acquisition of commercial items (Ref. FAR Part 12).

4. NUMBER OF AWARDS

It is anticipated that a single award may occur due to this solicitation and that the award will be made on/about October 1, 2011 will be made from this solicitation as an indefinite delivery, firm fixed price, type contract.

5. DATE OF AWARD

It is anticipated that the award will be made on/about October 1, 2011.

[DESCRIPTION-SPECIFICATION-WORKSTATEMENT-STATEMENT OF WORK]

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish Shipping Boxes.

Article C.1 - Salient Characteristics for Items 1- 8:

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 1.

DESCRIPTION: Box, Shipping

NSN# 8115-00-435-4179

1. Shall be designed in accordance with attached drawing for Item #1.

2. Shall be constructed of corrugated, single wall, double-faced smooth mil finish fiberboard.

3. Shall be folded flat.

4. Set up size shall measure 24" L x14" W x 12" H (60.96cm x 35.56cm x 30.48cm) nominal.

5. Shall have adhesive body joint, and shall be self-locking (no taping).

6. Shall have tuck-in bottom and top.

7. Shall have a gross weight limit of 65 lbs. (29.48 kg).

8. Shall pass the 200 PSI bursting strength test. Box certification identifying the PSI shall be printed on bottom flap.

9. Shall have bottom outer flaps with full overlap and center scored to provide for tuck-in fold.

10. Bottom inner flaps shall be the same length as the outer flaps and center slotted to receive outer flaps and center slotted to receive outer flap tuck-in.

11. When set-up the bottom shall consist of three plies except inner flaps shall overlap approximately 4-1/2" (11.43cm).

12. The top outer and inner flaps shall be 9" (22.86cm) long.

13. The top outer flaps shall be scored 2" (5.08cm) from edge to provide for tuck-in fold.

14. Top inner flaps shall be center slotted to receive outer flap tuck-in.

15. Shall have hand holes in both ends and centered side-to-side 3" (7.62cm) from the top of box.

16. Shall be packaged 20 boxes per bundle, 7 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40" x 48") NTE 55" (139.70cm) height including pallet. Bundles shall be banded to the skid.

17. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-435-4179.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 2.

DESCRIPTION: Box, Shipping

NSN # 8115-00-117-8249

1. Shall be designed in accordance with attached drawing for Item #2.

2. Shall be constructed of corrugated, single wall fiberboard with a smooth mil finish.

3. Shall be used for record storage.

4. Shall feature lapped joints secured by wire stitching.

5. Gross weight limit shall be 90 lbs. (40.82kg).

11. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-117-8249.

12. Shall be packaged 15 boxes per bundle, 16 bundles (standing on edge) per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40” x 48”), not to exceed 55” (139.70cm) in height, including pallet.

13. The following instructions shall be printed in black ink (letters measuring at least ¼”) on opposite long sides of the assembled box and shall include the exact wording as specified below:

Instructions

Do not obscure box numbers or accession number with tape.

Use black felt tip marker.

14. One end (with hand hole) shall have the following information printed in black ink:

15. The remaining end (with Hand Hole) shall have the following information printed in black ink:

DO NOT WRITE ON THIS END

16. All ink used to print the bar code and the instructions shall be a permanent/non-washable type.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 3.

NSN# 8115-00-290-3370

1. Shall be designed in accordance with attached drawing for Item #3.

2. Shall be constructed of corrugated, single wall fiberboard with a smooth mil finish.

8. Shall pass 200 PSI bursting strength test. Box certification identifying the PSI shall be printed on bottom flap.

9. Shall be packaged 25 boxes per bundle, 20 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet measuring 40" x 48"), NTE 55" (139.70cm) in height, including pallet.

10. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-290-3370.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 4.

NSN# 8115-00-179-0580

1. Shall be designed in accordance with attached drawing for Item #4.

6. Shall be packaged 25 boxes per bundle, flat folded and banded 10 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40” x 48”). Five (5) of the bundles shall be banded together to form 2 larger bundles per pallet. The larger bundles shall be stacked on the pallet standing on edge with the height not to exceed 55" (139.70cm), pallet included.

7. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-179-0580.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 5.

NSN# 8115-00-179-0579

1. Shall be designed in accordance with attached drawing for Item #5.

8. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-179-0579.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 6.

DESCRIPTION: Box, Animal Shipping

NSN# 8115-01-045-2125

1. Shall be designed for the shipment of live animals in accordance with attached drawing for Item #6.

2. Shall be constructed of single wall corrugated fiberboard (double faced).

3. Shall have a smooth mil finish.

4. Shall be 200 PSI bursting strength test. Box certification identifying the PSI shall be printed on bottom flap.

5. Shall have a gross weight limit of 65 lbs. (29.48 kg.).

6. Shall be C flute, joint lapped and only inside shall be stapled.

7. Shall be folded flat.

8. Set-up size shall measure 10" L x 6" W x 9" H (25.40 cm. L x 15.24 cm. W x 22.86 cm. H).

9. Shall be without filter.

10. Shall be packaged 25 boxes per bundle, 24 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40” x 48”), not to exceed 55" (139.70cm) in height, including pallet.

11. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-01-045-2125.

12. Shall include slotting in accordance with NIH drawing number 4-0815, Detail A. See attachment.

13. The location of printed information and rodent picture shall be in accordance with attached drawing for Item #6, detail A, so as not to be hidden by flaps when box is in the folded up condition. See attachment.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 7.

DESCRIPTION: Box, Animal Shipping w/filter

NSN# 8115-00-L04-0816

1. Shall be designed for the shipment of live animals in accordance with attached drawing for Item #7.

2. Shall be constructed of single wall corrugated fiberboard (double faced).

3. Shall have a smooth mil finish.

4. Shall be 200 PSI bursting strength test. Box certification identifying the PSI shall be printed on bottom flap.

5. Shall have a gross weight limit of 65 lbs. (29.48 kg.).

6. Shall be C flute, joint lapped and only inside shall be stapled.

7. Shall be folded flat.

8. Set-up size shall measure 10" L x 6" W x 9" H (25.40 cm. L x 15.24 cm. W x 22.86 cm. H).

9. Shall include 4 screen filters attached.

10. Shall be packaged 15 boxes per bundle, 16 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40” x 48”), not to exceed 55" (139.70cm) in height, including pallet.

11. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-L04-0816.

12. The location of printed information and rodent picture shall be in accordance with attached drawing for Item #7, detail A, so as not to be hidden by flaps when box is in the folded up condition. See attachment.

SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS FOR ITEM NUMBER 8.

DESCRIPTION: Box, Animal Shipping w/filter

NSN# 8115-00-L04-0817

1. Shall be designed for the shipment of live animals in accordance with attached drawing for Item #8.

2. Shall be constructed of single wall corrugated fiberboard (double faced).

3. Shall have a smooth mil finish.

4. Shall be 200 PSI bursting strength test. Box certification identifying the PSI shall be printed on bottom flap.

5. Shall have a gross weight limit of 65 lbs. (29.48 kg.).

6. Shall be C flute, joint lapped and only inside shall be stapled.

7. Shall be folded flat.

8. Set-up size shall measure 6-5/16" L x 6-5/16" W x 6-3/4" H (16.03cm. L x 16.03cm. W x 17.15 cm. H).

9. Shall include 4 screen filters attached.

10. Shall be packaged 15 boxes per bundle, 16 bundles per skid (4-way wood pallet, measuring 40” x 48”), not to exceed 55" (139.70cm) in height, including pallet.

11. Each box shall be individually bar coded in accordance with NIH Std 6, latest in effect. See attachment. The bar code when scanned shall read the 13 digit National Stock Number (NSN) #8115-00-L04-0817.

12. The location of printed information and rodent picture shall be in accordance with attached drawing for Item #8, detail A, so as not to be hidden by flaps when box is in the folded up condition. See attachment.

Article C.2 - Additional Salient Characteristics for Items 1- 8:

Note: Numbers 1, 2, and 3 (iii) below only applies if the product that you offer does not come with a UPC Code. If they don’t then they will need the NIH specific Bar Code as stated below.

Numbers 3 (i) and (ii) apply to all products being offered.

1. Shall be marked in accordance with the attached NIH Standard Number 6, latest in effect, Symbology for Marking Unit Packs, Outer Container, and Selected Documents or latest NIH Standard in effect.

2. All individual Boxes and bundle of Boxes must be bar coded with a National Stock Number (NSN). This number identifies the commodity being procured for the NIH, Central Stockroom. The bar code shall be 3 of 9 code as per the current Fed Std. No 123, latest in effect. The 13-digit NSN for the specific item shall be marked below the barcode symbol.

3. Packaging, Palletization and Marking Instructions:

(i) Packaging - Boxes shall be suitably glued and sealed to prevent tearing and opening during normal handling. All boxes shall be free of bulges and distortions and show no evidence of damage.

(iii) Marking – In addition to meeting the requirements set forth in NIH Standard No. 6, latest in effect, standard commercial marking shall be used. Exterior shipping containers and material not shipped in containers shall be marked, labeled, or tagged as applicable, and shall include (a) contractor’s name and address; (b) contract and/or delivery order number, and (c) total number of cartons in shipment (i.e., 1 of 5, 4 of 5, etc.). In addition, each ream and carton shall be marked or labeled in accordance with commercial practice, such marking and labeling must include dimension, color, type, grain, and direction.

PACKAGING, MARKING AND SHIPPING: All deliverables required under this contract shall be packaged, marked and shipped in accordance with Government specifications. At a minimum, all deliverables shall be marked with the contract number and Contractor name. The Contractor shall guarantee that all required materials shall be delivered in immediate usable and acceptable condition.

(a) Preservation, Packaging, and Packing – Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, Military Standard 2073-1D Notice 1, dated 10 May 2002 or latest in effect, Standard Practice for Military Packaging, shall be used to afford adequate protection against corrosion, deterioration, and physical damage during shipment from supply source to the destination specified in the solicitation.

(b) Delivery Tickets – Delivery tickets must cite the identifying contract number, delivery order number, and the name of the individual placing the order. When delivery is made by the Contractor’s own courier, a delivery ticket must be left with the ordering official or other designated receiving official showing Date, Purchase Order Number, Quantity/Pallets, and Description.

When delivery is made by other than the Contractor’s own courier, for example, via air mail, parcel post, railway express, etc., a delivery ticket must be enclosed with each consignment.

KEY PERSONNEL, HHSAR 352.270-5 (January 2006):

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts (or as soon as possible, if an individual must be replaced, for example, as a result of leaving the employ of the Contractor), the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit comprehensive justification for the diversion or replacement request (including proposed substitutions for key personnel) to permit evaluation by the Government of the impact on performance under this contract. The Contractor shall not divert or otherwise replace any key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The Government may modify the contract to add or delete key personnel at the request of the Contractor or Government.

(End of Clause) The following individual(s) is/are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder:

[TO BE SPECIFIED PRIOR TO AWARD]

VII.: Delivery shall be made f.o.b destination within consignee’s premises to the following addresses as directed by the individuals or activities authorized to place orders:

METHOD OF ORDERING

a. A Task/Delivery Order Number shall be given to you at the time the order is placed. The Contractor is cautioned not to accept an order unless one of these numbers is issued.

b. The Consignees/Ordering Officials shall sign all orders (including written confirmation of oral/telephonic orders) involving requests for supplies and/or services under this contract. Each delivery shall be accompanied by a packing slip or other evidence of delivery/performance.

The authorized designees are:

TBD prior to award

The following Contractor representative(s) is/are authorized to receive and accept orders placed by telephone :

Name(s):

TBD prior to award

Telephone:

VIII: FAR Clause 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUNE 2008)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of Offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show---

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b)for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions or commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted shall be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers. (1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2) (i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is ``late'' and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com)

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by–

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (http://assist.daps.dla.mil/wizard);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111 5094,Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,000, and offers of $3,000 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “DUNS” or “DUNS +4" followed by the DUNS or DUNS+4 number that identifies the offeror's name and address. The DUNS +4 is the DUNS number plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned at the discretion of the offeror to establish additional CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32.11) for the same concern. If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one. An offeror within the United States may contact Dun and Bradstreet by calling 1-866-705-5711 or via the internet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform An offeror located outside the United States must contact the local Dun and Bradstreet office for a DUNS number. The offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.

(k) Central Contractor Registration. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the CCR database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror. Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the Internet at http://www.ccr.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

IX: FAR Clause 52.212-2 EVALUATION-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JANUARY 1999)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible bidder whose bid conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate bids in descending order of importance:

· Descriptive literature

· Past performance

· Bid samples meeting all salient characteristics set forth in Sections C.1 and C.2

Bid samples meeting all salient characteristics set forth in Sections C.1 and C.2, descriptive literature, and past performance, when combined, are approximately equal in the Government’s evaluation of who will be awarded the contract.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate bids for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that a bid is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of a bid mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful bidder within the time for acceptance specified in the bid, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the bidder’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept a bid (or part of a bid), unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

Past Performance

At least three past performance references that have entailed similar work that is required by this Invitation for Bid must be submitted. References must include: the reference’s name, address, phone number, email address, company (or government entity), order date, completion date, dollar value, and a description of the products rendered. Cited references are to send a completed past performance survey directly to Terita Stevenson, Contract Specialist, via email to:

stevenst@od.nih.gov Surveys must be received by the date and time designated for receipt of bids in Block 8 of the SF 1449. Please see attached survey for details. NIH may consider internal and external past performance that is not referred to in the bid.

Technical and past performance factors, when combined, are significantly less important than price.

X: OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS

The offeror makes the following Representations and Certifications as part of its proposal (check/complete all appropriate boxes or blanks on the following pages).

(Name of Offeror)

(Signature of Authorized Individual) (Date)

(Typed Name of Authorized Individual)

Note: The penalty for making false statements in offers is prescribed in 18 U.S.C. 1001.

FAR Clause 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS - COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APRIL 2011)

An offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov If an offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically at the ORCA website, the offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (o) of this provisions.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision--

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its nonperformance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Inverted domestic corporation means a foreign incorporated entity which is treated as an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), i.e., a corporation that used to be incorporated in the United States, or used to be a partnership in the United States, but now is incorporated in a foreign country, or is a subsidiary whose parent corporation is incorporated in a foreign country, that meets the criteria specified in 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in Federal Supply Classes (FSC) 1000-9999, except—

(1) FSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Federal Supply Group (FSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) FSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) FSG 89, Food and Related Consumables;

(5) FSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(10) FSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral…