Price Only Section M - Final Draft.docx

Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

1.0. Price-Only Competition

Basis for Contract Award This acquisition will utilize price as the only evaluated factor. Award will be made to the offeror with the lowest total evaluated price (TEP) and whose proposal conforms to the solicitation requirements (to include all stated terms, conditions, representations, and certifications). In order to be eligible for award, the offeror must be an approved source IAW FAR 52.209-1, Qualification Requirements. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if determined necessary by the Contracting Officer.

1.1. Solicitation Requirements (Terms and Conditions)

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and Statement of Work (SOW) requirements, in addition to the price factor. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the Offeror being ineligible for award. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and must provide complete supporting rationale. The Government reserves the right to determine any such exceptions unacceptable, and the proposal, therefore, ineligible for award.

1.2 Number of Contracts to Be Awarded

The Government intends to select one contractor for this acquisition. However, the Government reserves the right not to award a contract at all, depending on the quality of the proposals and prices submitted and the availability of funds.

1.3 Competitive Range Determination

If discussions are conducted, the Government shall establish a competitive range comprised of the most highly rated proposals, in accordance with (IAW) FAR 15.306(c). During the evaluation process multiple competitive range determinations may be made that eliminate Offerors from the competition IAW FAR 15.505. A competitive range determination may eliminate Offerors based on their initial proposal evaluation results, after discussions (if necessary), prior to issuance of the Final Proposal Revision (FPR) request, or for efficiency. If Offerors are excluded from the competitive range, they may request a debriefing IAW FAR 15.505.

1.4 Discussions

The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if necessary. Therefore, it is imperative that Offerors submit their best terms initially. However, if during the evaluation period it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government to hold discussions, the Government will determine if responses received during discussions will be considered formal proposal revisions, or if offerors will be required to include responses in the Final Proposal Revision (FPR). Should a FPR be required, the Request for FPR letter will include specific instructions on how offerors will submit FPRs.

2.0. Evaluation Factor

2.1. Factor 1- Price

Price proposals will be evaluated as follows:

2.1.1. Completeness

Proposals will be reviewed for completeness. Incomplete proposals will be considered ineligible for award.

2.1.2. Price Reasonableness

The proposed prices will be evaluated for reasonableness. Reasonableness must represent a price to the Government a prudent person would pay in the conduct of competitive business. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition, but may also be determined through price analysis techniques as described in FAR 15.404-1(b)(2).

2.1.3. Unbalanced pricing

Offerors’ proposals will be reviewed for unbalanced pricing. The Government will evaluate any supporting information provided by the Offeror explaining variances that appear unbalanced. Evaluated offers that are determined to be unbalanced may be deemed ineligible for award by the Contracting Officer if a determination is made that lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total price, the price of one or more line-items (including sub line items) is significantly over or understated as demonstrated by application of price analysis techniques, such that:

a) There is reasonable doubt the offer would result in the lowest overall cost to the Government, even though it is the lowest priced Offeror; or

b) The offer is so grossly unbalanced; its acceptance would be tantamount to allowing an advanced payment.

2.1.4. Total Evaluated Price (TEP):

The TEP will be calculated as the sum of the total proposed prices for all separately priced line items (including sub line items). The total proposed price for each separately priced line item shall be calculated as the proposed unit price multiplied by the corresponding quantity/BEQ. TEP will be used for evaluation purposes only.