POSTED CSS 4_25_2023.pdf

Glassware and Media Support

Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Document Type: Combined Synopsis/ Solicitation Solicitation Number: 75N96023Q00035 Posted Date: 4/25/2023 Original Response Date: 5/10/2023 Current Response Date: 5/10/2023

Fisher, Christopher (NIH/NIEHS) [E]

GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 75N96023Q00035

1. SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICING/COSTS

1.1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide reliable, efficient, compliant service of Glassware and Media support to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

1.2 GENERAL - CONTRACT TYPE

The Government contemplates award of a single source, Firm Fixed Price contract in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 – Acquisition of Commercial Products and Services, in conjunction with FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

1.3 CONTRACT LINE ITEMS AND PRICING

1.3.1 LINE ITEMS AND PRICE SCHEDULE

Firm Fixed Price Services

2. STATEMENT OF WORK

I. Introduction and Background

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in the Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (RTP), is one of the 27 Institutes and centers composing the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The mission of NIEHS is dedicated to reducing the burden of diseases and dysfunctions associated with the environment. This mission is accomplished by conducting basic and applied research into the effects of environmental exposures on biological systems and human health; on the identification of susceptible human subpopulations; and on the interaction between the environment, genetics, and age.

PERIOD DELIVERABLE Period of Performance PRICE PER MONTH EXTENDED PRICE

BASE PERIOD GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2023 - 07/31/2024

OPTION PERIOD 1 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2024 - 07/31/2025

OPTION PERIOD 2 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2025 - 07/31/2026

OPTION PERIOD 3 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2026 - 07/31/2027

OPTION PERIOD 4 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2027 - 07/31/2028

OPTION TO EXTEND

(UP TO 6 MONTHS) GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2028 - 1/31/2029

TOTAL

GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT

75N96023Q00035 Media and Glassware Services

II. Scope and Requirements

A. Objective

The purpose of this effort is to provide on-site personnel for the preparation of biological media, tissue cultures, and “buffers” as well as washing, sterilizing, stocking, issuance, and collection of glassware as listed in Attachment 1 – Media and Quantity.

B. General Requirements

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary services and qualified technical personnel, not otherwise provided by the Government to provide preparation of biological media, tissue cultures, and “buffers”, as well as washing, sterilizing, issuance, and collection of glassware as required at the NIEHS in RTP.

Additionally, the Contractor shall provide restocking service for disposable plastic ware and service to prepare sterile custom media using Government-furnished chemicals and media supplies.

C. Contractor Requirements

The Contractor shall provide trained personnel with experience in preparation of sterile custom media and sterile laboratory glassware. All workmanship performed by the Contractor shall be of acceptable industry standard quality and shall be immediately rectified at no additional cost to the Government upon notification of non-acceptability by the Government. In addition, the Contractor shall observe commercially accepted safety and precautionary procedures pertaining to handling of laboratory equipment and biological and chemical materials. The Contractor shall provide and require its employees to use appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e. safety glasses, uniforms, safety shoes, respiratory protection, etc.) as provided by the Government.

The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all Government property that will be provided for use by the Contractor under this contract. The Contractor shall be held responsible for the cost of any repairs caused by negligence and abuse on their part. All Contract personnel must observe all regulations in effect at NIEHS.

D. Government Furnished Equipment, Facilities, and Supplies.

a. The Government will provide all equipment, facilities, laboratory space, office space, materials and supplies needed for the Contractor to provide the required services. The Government Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will place orders for all Government-furnished supplies and equipment.

b. Security: The COR will ensure that service personnel have recognizable identification badges to gain access to the NIEHS facility in accordance with NIEHS/NIH/HHS policy and procedure.

E. Reporting Requirements and Deliverables

Reports – The contractor shall track media orders and glassware usage monthly. Monthly reports detailing media orders and glassware usage shall be provided electronically in Microsoft Word or Excel 2007 or compatible versions to the COR by the tenth day of each month. The contractor shall also maintain and document supplies, chemicals, and glassware inventories. Lists of needed supplies shall be provided to the COR on a weekly basis or as needed.

The Contractor shall provide monthly usage reports and occasionally some service reports to the COR on an ad-hoc basis as requested.

F. Definitions

The definitions listed below are the special terms and phrases used in this SOW or elsewhere in this contract document. For the purpose of the contract, all definitions will apply throughout.

1. Autoclave – An apparatus (machine) that sterilizes using live steam at high pressure and high temperatures.

2. Contamination/Contaminated – Items that have been in contact with potentially hazardous chemicals, radioisotopes, or biological materials.

3. Disposable Glassware – Non-reusable container made of glass.

4. Disposable Plastic – Non-reusable container made of plastic.

5. Fly Media Bottles – Glass bottles that contain media used to propagate colonies of flies.

6. Glassware – Any reusable container that is made of glass.

7. Hazardous Material/Hazardous Waste – Chemicals, radioisotopes, or biological materials with the potential for causing harmful biological effects either acutely or chronically in humans or animals.

8. Medium/Media – A substance/mixture in or on which organisms are cultivated or grown for scientific purposes or study.

9. MOATS – Web-based Media Ordering and Tracking System developed by the Government.

10. Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) - The plan, developed by the Government specifically for this contract, to assure compliance with the contract.

11. Quality Control (QC) - Those actions taken by the Contractor to control the quality of services so that they meet the requirements of this contract.

12. Quality Control Plan (QCP) - The plan, developed by the Contractor specifically for this contract, to assure compliance with the performance work statement.

13. Special Orders – Written request for specific type(s) or quantities of glassware or other miscellaneous items.

14. Sterilize – The destruction of all microorganisms by combination of physical or chemical means.

G. Specific Requirements and Tasks/Deliverables

The Contractor shall provide the following services:

A. Delivery and Pickup Services – The Contractor shall collect dirty glassware from the laboratory areas in Building 101, NIEHS South Campus and Clinical Research Unit at a minimum of twice per day, morning, and afternoon. All collections and deliveries shall be made between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. In addition, the Contractor shall deliver custom orders of media to the laboratory areas as requested by the scientific personnel. The Contractor shall also collect any unused portion or contaminated media from the laboratory areas in concert with the collection of used glassware.

B. Cleaning – Dirty glassware, new glassware, fly media bottles and vials, wash trays, pots, velvet cloth, caps, and tubes shall be washed, inspected, packaged, and stocked. The Contract staff shall also provide routine cleaning of the work area to include tabletops, equipment, carts, floors, sinks, and general work area.

C. Stocking – Glassware, disposable items, chemicals, etc. will be delivered to the glassware and media area from the NIEHS warehouse and other outside sources. The Contractor shall receive, unpack, wash and/or stock all items and dispose of any debris in the dumpsters located in the Module E loading dock.

D. Media Preparation – The Contractor shall prepare and label complex sterile custom biological culture media and drosophila growth media as requested by the scientific staff.

Requests for media are typically received throughout the day on a daily basis. A description of the current types of media in various size containers and most recent annual quantities prepared has been provided as Attachment 1. Standard and custom media orders are submitted from the laboratories using the web-based Media Ordering and Tracking System

(MOATS).

E. Quality Assurance – The contract personnel shall collect samples from all batches of custom media as prepared. Contract personnel shall place a sample in an incubator for observation.

Another sample shall be submitted to the NIEHS QA lab for sterility tests. Results from the sterility tests are typically received by the COR from the NIEHS QA lab within 24 hours. In the event that contamination is detected, the entire batch will immediately be retrieved from the lab and a new batch prepared, tested and delivered to the requestor. In addition to these QA steps required by the NIEHS, the Contractor shall develop a written QCP which includes schedules, methods and results of actions taken by the Contractor to control the quality of goods or services to meet the requirements of the SOW.

3. 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.

The reports shall be delivered F.O.B. Destination as set forth in FAR Clause 52-247-35, F.O.B.

Destination, Within Consignee Premises (April 1984). Unless otherwise specified, deliveries shall be made to the Delivery Point specified Mondays through Fridays (excluding Federal Holidays and Executive Orders).

4. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE TERMS

4.1 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will perform inspection and acceptance of materials and services to be provided.

a. For the purpose of this section, the contract COR is the authorized representative of the

Contracting Officer.

b. Inspection and acceptance will be performed at:

111 TW Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

All work under this contract is subject to inspection and final acceptance by the Contracting Officer or duly authorized representative of the Government.

The Government’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is a duly authorized representative of the Government and is responsible for inspection and acceptance of all items to be delivered under this contract. Unless otherwise specified in the contract, or by the COR, the general quality measures, as set forth below, will be applied to each work product received from the Contractor.

The Government reserves the right to an Inspection period of 7 calendar days, unless a different time period is stated when (the Record of Call/elsewhere in the contract). The receiving report, completed and signed by the appropriate official, constitutes acceptance and shall be acknowledged to the payment office (OFM).

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

The Government will monitor the Contractor performance under this contract and shall retain the right to perform unscheduled inspections, as it deems necessary. Furthermore, the Government retains all rights provided by the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) clause entitled Inspection of Services Fixed Price and any other inspection clause, which may be specified in the contract. The COR and/or the Alternate COR will monitor the Contractor’s activities and accomplishments and will indicate acceptance or non-acceptance of the deliverables. The deliverables identified below will be inspected and either approved or, if they are not acceptable, rejected by the COR and/or the Alternate COR. Such inspections will occur as determined to be necessary by the COR and/or Alternate COR.

The Contractor shall provide a copy of each deliverable in draft format to the COR and other program personnel as instructed by the COR. Within ten (10) business days of receipt (or as set forth in the individual task orders), the COR or designee will review the deliverable and suggest any changes and/or accept or reject the deliverable.

In the event the Government rejects any deliverable, the COR shall notify the Contractor in writing explaining the specific reason(s) for the rejection. If the Government suggests changes, or rejects, the Contractor shall resubmit the revised deliverable within ten (10) business days (or as set forth in the individual task orders) after receiving the Government’s input.

If the Contractor does not receive suggestions or comments within ten (10) business days of submitting a deliverable, the Government has accepted the deliverable unless stated otherwise by the COR.

The Contractor shall make all documentation available in a designated area that is accessible to the COR or their designee.

Deliverables are scalable relative to the risk, size and complexity of the project. The Contractor shall work with the Government to determine the appropriate level of deliverables and milestones to ensure a successful outcome.

All deliverables and other contract work products shall be considered to be solely owned by the Government and shall not be labeled ‘copyright’, ‘proprietary’ or anything similar that might preempt the desired environment of fluid sharing and partnership. The Contractor shall provide to the Government access to all work products including but not limited to: research, designs, code, constructs, databases, and documentation.

Inspection and acceptance shall be performed either at 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709 or at 530 Davis Drive, Morrisville, NC, 27560.

5. PERFORMANCE

5.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE/DELIVERY DATE/ORDERING PERIOD

a. The period of performance of this contract shall be from 8/1/2023 through 7/30/2024.

b. If the Government exercises its option(s) pursuant to the OPTION PROVISION of this contract, the period of performance will be increased as listed below:

The total period of performance for this effort shall be for a base period of twelve months and four twelve-month option periods. This solicitation/contract also includes the clause at FAR 52.217-8, “Option to Extend Services”. The total period of performance shall not exceed five years and six months if that clause is exercised. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE/DELIVERY

The Government expects all work to be performed at the Contractor’s site. The Government’s physical location is:

PERIOD DELIVERABLE Period of Performance P

BASE PERIOD GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2023 - 07/31/2024

OPTION PERIOD 1 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2024 - 07/31/2025

OPTION PERIOD 2 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2025 - 07/31/2026

OPTION PERIOD 3 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2026 - 07/31/2027

OPTION PERIOD 4 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2027 - 07/31/2028

OPTION TO EXTEND

(UP TO 6 MONTHS) GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2028 - 1/31/2029

NIEHS Campus National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 111 T.W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NC USA 27709

5.2 HOURS OF OPERATIONS, HOLIDAYS, AND CLOSINGS

The normal hours of operation are 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET), Monday through Friday, exclusive of Government holidays and closings.

The Government is closed on the holidays and closings listed below. Specific dates for the holidays can be found at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website located at:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/#url=Overview

New Year’s Day Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Washington’s Birthday Memorial Day Independence Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Any other day designated by Federal statute Any other day designated by Executive Order Any other day designated by the President Unscheduled closings mandated by the Government (e.g., weather emergencies, etc.)

In the case of a Government shutdown caused by a failure to pass funding legislation to finance the Government, the Contractor shall seek guidance from the COR.

Observance of the days listed above by Government personnel shall not be cause for an extension to the delivery schedule or period of performance or adjustment to the price, estimated cost, or fee(s), if any, except as set forth in the Contract. In addition, the Contractor shall obtain additional blackout dates from the COR.

6. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

6.1 GOVERNMENT POINTS OF CONTACT

Contracting Officer (CO):

Christopher Fisher Christopher.fisher@nih.gov

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR):

TBD

TBD

6.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S AUTHORITY

The Contracting Officer (CO) identified above has responsibility for ensuring the performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting; ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships. The CO is the only individual who has the authority to enter into, administer, or terminate this contract and is the only person authorized to approve changes to any of the requirements under this contract, and notwithstanding any provision contained elsewhere in this contract, this authority remains solely with the CO.

No statement, whether oral or written, by anyone other than the Contracting Officer, shall be interpreted as modifying the terms and conditions of the contract. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact the CO immediately if there is even the appearance of any technical direction that is or may be outside the scope of the contract. The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for any work not authorized by the CO, including work outside the scope of the contract.

6.3 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) is responsible for: (1) monitoring the Contractor's technical progress, including the surveillance and assessment of performance and recommending to the Contracting Officer changes in requirements; (2) interpreting the statement of work and any other technical performance requirements; (3) performing technical evaluation as required; (4) performing technical inspections and acceptances required by this contract; and (5) assisting in the resolution of technical problems encountered during performance.

The Contracting Officer is the only person with authority to act as agent of the Government under this contract. Only the Contracting Officer has authority to: (1) direct or negotiate any changes in the statement of work; (2) modify or extend the period of performance; (3) change the delivery schedule; (4) authorize reimbursement to the Contractor for any costs incurred during the performance of this contract; (5) otherwise change any terms and conditions of this contract; or (6) sign written licensing agreements.

The Government may unilaterally change its COR designation.

6.4 CONTRACTOR KEY PERSONNEL

KEY PERSONNEL, HHSAR 352.237-75 (December 2015)

The key personnel specified in this contract are considered to be essential to work performance. At least 30 days prior to the contractor voluntarily diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs or contracts the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer and shall submit a justification for the diversion or replacement and a request to replace the individual. The request must identify the proposed replacement and provide an explanation of how the replacement's skills, experience, and credentials meet or exceed the requirements of the contract (including, when applicable, Human Subjects Testing requirements). If the employee of the contractor is terminated for cause or separates from the contractor voluntarily with less than thirty days notice, the Contractor shall provide the maximum notice practicable under the circumstances. The Contractor shall not divert, replace, or announce any such change to key personnel without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. The contract will be modified to add or delete key personnel as necessary to reflect the agreement of the parties.

(End of Clause)

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

6.5 TRAVEL

There are no reimbursable travel costs authorized under this contract.

6.6 GENERAL INVOICING INSTRUCTIONS

All invoices shall meet the requirements of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 32.9.

Detailed invoicing instructions are as follows: See Attachment 5.

Name Title

TBD TBD

6.7 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

a. Contractor Performance Evaluations

Interim and Final evaluations of Contractor performance will be prepared on this contract in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15. The Final performance evaluation will be prepared at the time of completion of work. In addition to the Final evaluation, Interim evaluation(s) will be prepared Annually.

Interim and Final evaluations will be provided to the Contractor as soon as practicable after completion of the evaluation. The Contractor will be permitted thirty days to review the document and to submit additional information or a rebutting statement. If agreement cannot be reached between the parties, the matter will be referred to an individual one level above the Contracting Officer, whose decision will be final.

Copies of the evaluations, Contractor responses, and review comments, if any, will be retained as part of the contract file, and may be used to support future award decisions.

b. Electronic Access to Contractor Performance Evaluations

Contractors may access evaluations through a secure Web site for review and comment at the following address: http://www.cpars.gov.

7. SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

7.1 COORDINATION WITH OTHER PERFORMING ACTIVITIES

The Contractor shall coordinate with NIEHS employees, other federal employees and third-party contractor personnel to meet the requirements of this contract. Examples include security and continuity functions, application and Web development, audits, inspections, program and project management, delivery services, construction, and telecommunication services. The NIEHS COR will notify the CO prior to facilitating initial contact between the Contractor and other third-party contractors performing work for NIEHS, as necessary.

7.2 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES

In accordance with FAR Subpart 37.104(b), Personal services contracts, no personal services shall be performed under this Contract. No Contractor employee will be directly supervised by a Government employee. All individual contractor employee assignments, and daily work direction, shall be given by the applicable employee supervisor. If the Contractor believes any Government action or communication has been given that would create a personal services relationship between the Government and any Contractor employee, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of this communication or action.

7.3 INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS

The Contractor shall not perform any inherently governmental actions under this contract as defined by FAR Subpart 7.5. No Contractor employee shall hold him or herself out to be a Government employee, agent, or representative. No Contractor employee shall state orally or in writing at any time that he or she is acting on behalf of the Government. In all communications with third parties in connection with this Contract, Contractor employees shall identify themselves as Contractor employees and specify the name of the company for which they work. In all communications with other Government contractors in connection with this contract, the Contractor employee shall state that they have no authority to in any way change the contract and that if the other contractor believes this communication to be a direction to change their contract, they should notify the Contracting Officer for the contract and not carry out the direction until a clarification has been issued by the Contracting Officer.

7.4 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Organizational conflict of interest” means that because of other activities or relationships with other persons, a person is unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the Government, or the person's objectivity in performing the contract work is or might be otherwise impaired, or a person has an unfair competitive advantage. (FAR 2.101) An organizational conflict of interest may result when factors create an actual or potential conflict of interest on an instant contract, or when the nature of the work to be performed on the instant contract creates an actual or potential conflict of interest on a future acquisition. In the latter case, some restrictions on future activities of the contractor may be required. (FAR 9.5) The Contractor shall proactively manage Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) to minimize and negate adverse impacts.

7.5 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING

The Contractor shall clearly state, when issuing statements, press releases, requests for quotes, bid solicitations and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money: (1) the percentage of the total prices of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money; (2) the dollar amount of Federal funds for the project or program;

and (3) the percentage and dollar amount of the total prices of the project or program that will be financed by nongovernmental sources.

7.6 DISSEMINATION OF FALSE OR DELIBERATELY MISLEADING INFORMATION

The Contractor shall not use contract funds to disseminate information that is deliberately false or misleading.

7.7 REPORTING MATTERS INVOLVING FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE

Anyone who becomes aware of the existence or apparent existence of fraud, waste and abuse in NIH funded programs is encouraged to report such matters to the HHS Inspector General's Office in writing or on the Inspector General's Hotline. The toll-free number is 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800- 447-8477). All telephone calls will be handled confidentially. The website to file a complaint on-line is: http://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/hotline/ and the mailing address is:

US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General

ATTN: OIG HOTLINE OPERATIONS

PO Box 23489 Washington, D.C. 20026

7.8 TRANSITION

The Contractor shall provide all management, administrative, clerical, and supervisory functions required for the effective and efficient performance of this contract.

A smooth and orderly transition between the Contractor and a predecessor or successor Contractor is necessary to ensure minimum disruption to vital Government business. The Contractor shall cooperate fully in the transition.

The Contractor shall adhere to the same professional and ethical standards of conduct required of Government personnel. The Contractor shall NOT:

Discuss with unauthorized persons any information obtained in the performance of work under this contract.

Conduct business not directly related to this contract on Government premises.

Use computer systems and/or other Government facilities for company or personal business other than work related to this contract.

Recruit on Government premises or otherwise act to disrupt official Government business

It is the Government’s intention to perform closeout procedures on contract. The Contractor agrees to perform those internal functions necessary to support this process in a timely manner.

The contract closeout will occur as soon as possible after required audit and establishment of final rates, as applicable.

7.9 SECTION 508 COMPLIANCE

All reports required herein shall be submitted in electronic format. In addition, one hardcopy of each report shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer.

All electronic reports submitted shall be compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Additional information about testing documents for Section 508 compliance, including guidance and specific checklists, by application, can be found at:

http://www.hhs.gov/web/508/index.html under "Making Files Accessible."

All paper/hardcopy documents/reports submitted under this contract shall be printed or copied, double-sided, on at least 30 percent post-consumer fiber paper, whenever practicable, in accordance with FAR 4.302(b).

8. CLAUSES & PROVISIONS

8.1 FAR CLAUSES/PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This document incorporates one or more clauses and/or 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. Also, the full text may be accessed electronically at this address:

https://www.acquisition.gov/content/part-52-solicitation-provisions-and-contract-clauses.

8.2 FAR CLAUSES/PROVISIONS IN FULL TEXT

See Attachment 4.

8.3 HHSAR CLAUSES/PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This document incorporates one or more Department of Health and Human Service Acquisition Regulations (HSSAR) clauses and/or provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. The full text of a HHSAR clause can be viewed at:

https://www.acquisition.gov/hhsar.

Reference Title Date

FAR 52.204-25 Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

Nov 2021

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications— Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Dec 2022

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services

Dec 2022

9. LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

This section lists and includes those attachments referenced in this document. The following are incorporated into this solicitation/award:

10. INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR RESPONDENTS

10.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Government is issuing this competitive solicitation in accordance with FAR 13.5., Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. Interested parties must submit their quotation in accordance with the instructions contained herein.

Quoters are required to submit a written (1) Technical Submission, (2) Management Submission,

(3) Past Performance Submission, and (4) Business and Price Submission to the Contracting Officer.

Quotations must be complete, self-sufficient, and respond directly to the requirements of this solicitation. Quoters should assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the quoter's quotation.

10.2 SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

This section provides general guidance for preparing quotations as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the submission. Your firm’s quotation shall include all data and information requested by the solicitation and shall be submitted in accordance with these

Reference Title Date

HHSAR 352.222-70 Contractor Cooperation in Equal Employment Opportunity Investigations

Dec 2015

HHSAR 352.223-70 Safety and Health Dec 2015 HHSAR 352.227-70 Publications and Publicity Dec 2015 HHSAR 352.239.74 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Dec 2015

Reference Title Location

Attachment 1 Media & Quantity Page 21 Attachment 2 Price Quote Sheet Page 24 Attachment 3 Technical Evaluation Criteria Page 25 Attachment 4 Clauses in Full Text Page 31 Attachment 5 Invoicing Instructions Page 42 instructions. The quotation shall be compliant with the requirements of the solicitation. Non-conformance with the instructions may result in removal of the quotation from further evaluation.

The Government will only accept electronic quotations. All quotations must be received by the contracting office no later than 5/15/2023 at 11AM EST, via /electronic mail at christopher.fisher@nih.gov. All questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted by 5/3/2023 close of business via electronic mail at christopher.fisher@nih.gov. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit any questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective quoters. Your firm’s Past Performance submissions are due with the quoter’s overall quotation submission. However, your current and past clients should submit their Past Performance Survey Questionnaires directly to the Contracting Officer no later than 5/15/2023 through electronic mail to christopher.fisher@nih.gov by close of business.

The Contractor shall ensure that all contract correspondence that is addressed to the Government is submitted in English. Quoters must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. Quoters must submit all parts of the requested quotation.

The Government intends to evaluate quotations and award a contract without discussions with quoters. Therefore, it is the quoter’s responsibility to present its best terms in its submission.

The quotation shall use the specific format below. These directions assist in providing a fair and equitable evaluation of all quotations. The Government may determine those quotations not following directions as unacceptable and may precluded from further consideration. The quotations shall use:

8.5 by 11-inch size paper No less than 0.5-inch left hand margin and right hand margin No less than 0.5-inch margins at both the top and bottom of each page Minimum 11 point Arial or Times New Roman font Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used where practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated and legible. For tables, charts, graphs, figures, and page numbers, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point Arial or Times New Roman.

All documents shall be in a Microsoft Office compatible format All pages single spaced Every page sequentially numbered; and Page numbers shall be centered in the bottom margin

Any page that does not comply with these requirements will not be evaluated. The page count will be made by counting the pages from left to right, consecutively. Pages that exceed the page limitation will not be evaluated. The quoter shall number each page consecutively. In the event the quoter creates an ambiguity in its numbering of the pages, the Government may exercise its own discretion in counting pages. The following will not count against page limitations: Title pages, table of contents pages, acronym lists, and page dividers (used to separate quotation sections). Pages will be counted if they contain any other information, i.e., diagrams, extraneous data, annexes, documentation, attachments, etc. and will count against the page limitations.

Anything else not specifically specified in this paragraph will be included in the page count.

10.3 CONTENT AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTION

Addendum to FAR PROVISION 52.212-1 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUN 2020)

Quoters shall submit a consolidated quotation composed as follows (must be provided via separate volumes via five separate submitted files):

TRANSMITTAL/COVER LETTER

VOLUME I – Technical Capability VOLUME II – Management Capability VOLUME III – Past Performance Submission VOLUME IV – Price and Business Submission

The following table shows the page limits to which Quoters’ submissions must adhere:

VOLUME SECTIONS PAGE LIMITATIONS

Transmittal/Cover Letter 2 I Technical Capability 25

II

Management Capability

30 Total (Up to 5 pages applied to Quality Control Plan)

III

Past Performance Submission

4 Total (1-page matrix plus 1 page per reference)

IV Price and Business Submission 15

I. TECHNICAL CAPABILITY (VOLUME I)

Quoters shall provide a technical quotation addressing the following:

1. Understanding of the Statement of Work requirements, and tasks.

2. Ability to meet or exceed the stated Government objectives outlined in Statement of Work.

3. Summary of the quoter’s technical ability and qualifications that would support each functional area services described in Statement of Work, providing methodology and techniques to successfully perform tasks required.

4. Understanding and identification of technical risks and mitigation strategies.

II. MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY (VOLUME II)

Quoters shall provide a management quotation addressing the following:

1. Management approach that benefits effectiveness in supervising, coordinating, and allocating contractor personnel and resources toward the successful execution of Statement of Work.

2. Staffing approach that provides for hiring and maintaining personnel with the capabilities, experience, and certifications beneficial for satisfying the Statement of Work requirements, including recruitment and retention of qualified and key personnel.

III. PAST PERFORMANCE SUBMISSION (VOLUME III)

A Past Performance submission is required. The submission shall identify three (3) Contracts and/or Task Orders with federal, state, local Government, commercial sources, or not-for-profit sources and should highlight the company’s key role in the past performance being documented. This information shall consist of a one (1)-page introductory matrix listing the quoter’s past performance references. The quoter shall provide a maximum of three (3) references. The quoter should include the rationale supporting the assertion of relevance for each reference. These references should also be from different contracts. To be considered, past performance data may not be older than three (3) years from the date of this solicitation and may include active contracts.

Past performance references shall be as a Prime Contractor on previous or current projects/tasks that are similar in size, scope, and complexity of the work identified in the PWS.

Past performance does not necessarily have to be Government-related; however, it is important to demonstrate and provide evidence of past performance for work similar in size, scope and complexity to that described in the solicitation. The quoter is required to clearly demonstrate management actions implemented to overcome problems and the effects of those actions, in terms of improvements achieved or problems solved.

The Government reserves the right to use publicly available reports and resources available to the Government. The Government may also use present and/or past performance data obtained from a variety of sources, not just those contacts identified by quoters. For each reference, provide:

a) Reference Name (Company or Entity)

b) Program Title

c) Contracting Agency/Private Company

d) Contract Number/Task Order Number (if applicable)

e) Brief description of the contract effort, including results and successes

f) Type of Contract

g) Period of Performance

h) Original contract dollar value and current or actual dollar value

i) Actual completion date

j) Contact names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of current, or last (if contract completed) Program Director/Manager and/or Contract Manager.

IV. PRICE & BUSINESS SUBMISSION (VOLUME IV)

Quoters shall submit a Price & Business quotation that addresses the following:

1. Provides total pricing for each Task Area via Line Items and Price Schedule Quote.

2. Quoters shall supplement their overall price quote using a form that aligns with (or is at least comparable to) the attached Price Quote Sheet (Attachment 3).

3. Other Direct Costs – Other direct costs (equipment) are estimated by the Government.

Quotations are not required in this area.

Assumptions: All assumptions derived by the quoter relating to estimated prices shall be separately identified in the price section and shall reference the applicable paragraph and page number in the technical and management sections of the quoter’s submission that provides corresponding discussion of the particular assumption.

A quote is presumed to represent a quoter’s best effort to respond to the solicitation. Any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between promised performances and price, must be explained in the quote. For example, if the intended use of new and innovative techniques is the basis for an abnormally low estimate, the nature of these techniques and their impact on price should be explained.

Any significant inconsistency, if unexplained, that raises a fundamental issue of the quoter’s understanding of the nature and scope of work prescribed for this solicitation may be grounds for rejection of the quote or grounds for adjusting the quoted price.

11. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

11.1 ADDENDUM TO FAR PROVISION 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

ADDENDUM TO FAR PROVISION 52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose submission, conforming to the solicitation, is determined to be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors will be used to evaluate quotes:

o FACTOR 1 - Technical Understanding and Approach o FACTOR 2 – Quality Assurance Requirements Summary o FACTOR 3 – Type and Extent of Training/Experience of Personnel o FACTOR 4 - Past Performance o FACTOR 5 - Price

These non-price factors are listed in order of importance.

These non-price factors, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. In the event that two or more quotes are determined not to have any substantial technical differences, because they are technically equivalent, award may be made to the lowest priced quoter.

An award may be made to other than the lowest priced quoter if the Government determines that a quoter’s submission offers technical benefits that merit the price premium. The Government may also issue an award to other than the highest technically rated quote, if the Government determines that a price premium is not warranted based on technical merit. Also note, quoter’s must receive at least an “Acceptable” for each adjectival rated criteria to be considered for award. Additionally, the Government must determine a quoter to be a “responsible prospective contractors” (per FAR 9.104) for consideration of award.

2. EVALUATION CRITERIA

See Attachment 3 – Technical Evaluation Criteria.

Media Liters

#4 LB PLATES (LURIA AGAR PLATES) 346

(MEM) ALPHA MEDIUM 4

10% NEUTRAL BUFFERED FORMALIN 52

10X PBS Ca-Mg Free 112

10X TBE 83

10X TRIS BUFFERED SALINE 82

1M MgCL2 SOLUTION 1

2X YT MEDIA 360

50X TAE BUFFER 18

5X TBE 2

ACK LYSIS BUFFER (GROVES) 2

BAP (TRYPTOCASE SOY AGAR) 40

BG PLATES 10

BHI = BOVINE HEART INFUSION AGAR PLATES 23

brain heart infusion medium 3

BREWER'S THIOGLYCOLLATE BROYH 180

CDO -URA -TRP SCGL Recipe 18 CDO YPGL Recipe 8

DME/F-12 GIBCO CAT# 11330057 12

DME/F-12 W/O PHENOL RED 6

DMEM (high glucose) GIBCO # 11965118 666

DMEM LOW GLUCOSE GIBCO #11885076 10

DMEM/F-12 (equiv. to Gibco #11330) 129

DMEM-HIGH GLUCOSE W/O L-GLU & NA PYRV 2

DULBECCO'S PBS-CMF 135

DULBECCO'S PBS-CMF W/O PHENOL RED 326

EARL'S BALNCD SALT SOLUTION W PHENOL RED 1

G418-YPDA 22

GLUTAMAX-1 SUPPLEMENT 1

HAM'S F-12 GIBCO CAT 11765062 22

HANK'S BALANCED SALT SOLUTION-CMF 13

HEPES BALANCD SALT SOLUTION W/PENN-STREP 3

HEPES BUFFER 1

Hyg-YPDA 38

ISCOVE'S MODIFIED DULBECCO'S (IMDM) 2

L-AGAR PLATES W/KANAMYCIN 3

LB (LURIA-BERTANI) MEDIUM) 1103

LB + KANAMYCIN (cc: #17 brown-purple) 4

ATTACHMENT 1

LB + TETRACYCLINE (15 ug/ml) 1

LB AGAR W/AMP PLATES 21

LB Agar w/Chloramphenical,25ug/ml 1

LB AGAR WITH AMPICILLIN (50 UG/ML) DISH 7

LB low salt medium 7

LB MEDIUM + AMP (100 UG/ML) 19

LB W/AMP PLATES COLOR CODE - #47 5

LB/AMP/X-GAL/IPTG* PLATES 10

LB/KAN/X-GAL + IPTG 1

MAC PLATES 6

MAR # 20 CAN AGAR PLATES 14

MAR # 4 ARG AGAR PLATES 5

MAR # 9. LEU AGAR PLATES 13

MAR #1:MIN AGAR PL and BROTH (PTR DISH) 4

MAR #10 LYS AGAR PLATES 7

MAR #15 TRP AGAR PLATES (brown/green) 12 MAR #17: URA AGAR PLATES (brown/purple) 36

MAR #2: COM AGAR PLATES 57

MAR #24:C0M-low_ADE AGAR PLATES 300

MAR #3: ADE AGAR PLATES 9

MAR #7: HIS AGAR PLATES colr code:purple 20 McCOY'S 5A MEDIUM W/O PENN and STREP 4

MEM (GIBCO # 10370021 109

MEM w/ EARLES SALTS w/o L-GLUTAMINE 63

NZY BROTH 1

OPTI-MEM GIBCO CAT#31985-070 30

PBS - CMF 2130

PBS CMF (Gibco / sheri) 118 PBS with Ca & Mg 48 PBS-CMF w/o KCL 30

PBS-CMF W/SODIUM AZIDE 26

PHENYLETHYL ALCOHOL AGAR 3

POTATO DEXTROSE AGAR (TUBE) 3

PSEUDOMONAS/POUR TUBES 4

RPMI-1640 (GIBCO CAT # 11875119 96

RYM 13: SP3-22 AGAR PLATES 2

RYM 3: YPDA AGAR PLATES 396

RYM 31: TRP BROTH 2

RYM 5: YPG AGAR PLATES 16

S.O.C. MEDIA 1

S.O.C. MEDIUM 3

SD-URA PLATES 4

SOB BROTH 1

SOFT AGAR (13 X 100 TUBES) 4

sterile culture tubes 132 Sterile Toothpicks 45

TERRIFIC BROTH 1623

TRANSFER BUFFER (tris glycine) 1

TRYPTONE GLUCOSE EXTRACT AGAR 16

VIOLET RED AGAR 11

YAS-1: YPDA BROTH 77

YES (Yeast Extract with Supplements) 2

YPD AGAR PLATES 4

YPD BROTH 28

YP-Gal Broth 1 ZP 5FOA Plates 109

Price Quote Sheet for Glassware and Media Support

Attachment Price Quote Sheet

PERIOD DELIVERABLE Period of Performance PRICE PER MONTH EXTENDED PRICE

BASE PERIOD GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2023 - 07/31/2024

OPTION PERIOD 1 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2024 - 07/31/2025

OPTION PERIOD 2 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2025 - 07/31/2026

OPTION PERIOD 3 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2026 - 07/31/2027

OPTION PERIOD 4 GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2027 - 07/31/2028

OPTION TO EXTEND

(UP TO 6 MONTHS) GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT 08/01/2028 - 1/31/2029

TOTAL

GLASSWARE AND MEDIA SUPPORT

Laboratory Glassware Cleaning and Media Preparation Attachment 3

Technical Evaluation Criteria for Laboratory Glassware Cleaning and Media Preparation

The quoter’s technical quote will be evaluated based on the criteria below.

I. Technical Understanding and Approach

Proposals will be evaluated on the offeror’s approach as detailed in a concise and clear plan to accomplish the Government’s requirement. The proposal should include schedules and methods of operation that result in the greatest efficiencies with the maximum of service. The method of operations shall be detailed to reflect a clear understanding of the work and the means of accomplishing the work consistent with requirements of the Statement of Work (SOW). Additionally, the proposal will be evaluated on the offeror’s detailed plan for training personnel in the following areas:

Identifying and handling of laboratory glassware, preparing media, operating equipment, sterilizing procedures

II. Quality Assurance Requirements Summary

This factor will evaluate the offeror's coverage of all the tasks required by the SOW.

The Quality Assurance Requirements Summary must specify:

Scheduled and unscheduled areas to be inspected Individuals who will do the inspections Specific methods of identifying and correcting deficiencies Specific methods of ensuring the level of performance is always acceptable.

III. Type and Extent of Training/Experience of Personnel

The offeror’s proposal will be evaluated on documented training and experience of key personnel in the following areas:

Experience with supervision of employees and associated duties;

Ability to plan and implement work schedules;

Ability to train and oversee training of personnel;

Ability to manage day-to-day problems that may develop;

Strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to develop, track and monitor operational plans and reports Conduct recruiting and issue job assignments; Maintain personnel records and

Files;

Ability to participate as needed in media and glassware preparation, Cleaning and sterilization, inspection, stocking collection, and delivery

Quotes will be rated using the following rating scale of adjectival ratings for each category and sub-category:

RATING DEFINITION

Exceptional (E) Exceeds specified minimum performance or capability requirements in a way beneficial to the government; quote must have one or more strengths and no deficiencies to receive an exceptional.

Acceptable (A) Meets specified minimum performance or capability requirements delineated in the Request for Quote; quotes rated Acceptable must have no major deficiencies but may have one or more strengths.

Marginal (M) Does not clearly meet some specified minimum performance or capability requirements delineated in the Request for Quote, but these weaknesses may be correctable.

Unacceptable (U)

Fails to meet specified minimum performance or capability requirements; quote has one or more deficiencies. Quotes with an unacceptable rating are not awardable.

Past Performance Response must include three (3) references that demonstrate experience in providing maintenance and repairs for similar equipment.

The evaluation will be based on information obtained from references provided by the offeror, other relevant past performance information obtained from other sources known to the Government, and any information supplied by the offeror concerning problems encountered on the identified contracts and corrective action taken.

The Government will assess the Quoter’s recent and relevant past experience and performance as a measure of the Government’s confidence in the likelihood of the Quoter to successfully perform based on previous and current contract efforts. Recent past performance is defined as not more than three years from the RFQ release date; relevant in terms of size, scope, and complexity. The submission will be evaluated on the following:

Relevancy of information provided and obtained from references provided by the Quoter, other relevant past performance information obtained from other sources known to the Government, and any information supplied by the quoter concerning problems encountered on the identified contracts, as well as corrective action taken.

Relevancy of past performance…