PWS - FFSM Study final.pdf

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Full-Face Snorkel Mask Safety Performance Study

A. Description of Services

The Contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, and laboratory facilities necessary to perform an engineering and physiological evaluation of full-face snorkel masks. This study focuses on identifying design-related hazards that contribute to unsafe levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and excessive respiratory effort, which pose significant life-safety risks to the general public. The contractor shall summarize the findings in a report and make specific recommendations to identify poor/unsafe designs and factors for developing performance requirements for this category of product.

B. Background

Engineering evaluations of products like the OUSPT full-face snorkel mask have indicated that certain designs may be fundamentally unsafe and potentially fatal for human use, regardless of the user's health status. Preliminary examinations have identified critical failures in mask function, specifically regarding CO2 clearance and breathing resistance. These issues can lead to hypercapnia (carbon dioxide poisoning) and increased risks of pulmonary edema. The CPSC requires a formal, systematic study to validate these hazards across a representative sample of products currently available in the consumer marketplace.

C. Objective

The objective of this contract is to quantify the physiological impact of full-face snorkel mask designs through rigorous laboratory testing. The study aims to test a body of 20 to 25 samples and accumulate robust data by measuring gas concentrations and resistive effort on different mask types. The results will be correlated to physical characteristics of the masks that will make it easier to identify products that are unsafe for use. The results will provide the CPSC with the technical data necessary to support potential safety warnings, recalls, or development of standards.

D. Contract Type

This is a firm-fixed price contract for the services described herein.

E. Description of Work

Independently, and not as an agent of the Government, the Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, materials, services, facilities, and resources to perform the work set forth below:

• Task 1: Marketed Sample Procurement: The Contractor shall systematically select a group of full face snorkel mask that have been associated with breathing incidents or have on-line or other documented complaints that may indicate difficulty breathing. The purchase of snorkel masks will be from retail and/or online stores. This ensures the study tests products currently available to the public.

• Task 2: Engineering Inspection and Measurement: The Contractor shall perform a physical evaluation of each device, documenting dimensions and mechanical architecture. Evaluation will include analysis of the functional design including valve construction, airway paths, dead space volume.

• Task 3: Laboratory Testing: The Contractor shall select masks based on Task 2 and agreed upon by CPSC staff and carry out testing in a controlled laboratory setting using an automated breathing metabolic simulator (ABMS) or equivalent instrumentation. This includes setting up equipment, ensuring sensor calibration, and performing measurements of:

o Resistive Effort: Comprehensive test to measure the level of effort required for a user to breathe through the device using an automated breathing metabolic simulator (ABMS) or equivalent instrumentation. This includes calculating the work of breathing (WOB) values and evaluating potential effects on range of users.

o CO2 Accumulation: Comprehensive test to measure the levels of carbon dioxide provided to a user during operation. This includes tests at various work rates.

• Task 4: Technical Labor and Analysis: The lead researcher and laboratory staff shall oversee all daily operations, manage project timelines, and analyze data to identify levels of effort likely to compound hypercapnia and pulmonary edema.

• Task 5: Report: The Contractor shall provide a report to CPSC which summarizes the findings, provides expert analysis on how the results relate to respiratory injury, and relates the findings to physical characteristics of the mask design. The report shall also provide recommendations regarding the best course of action for CPSC to address these hazards, such as product specific or product category design considerations, and/or revisions to product standards.

• Task 6: Travel: The Contractor shall perform necessary travel for site visits, laboratory coordination, and a final technical briefing for CPSC staff.

F. Reporting Requirement/Deliverables

The Contractor shall submit all reports, documents, and files to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

1. The Contractor shall hold a kick-off meeting with CPSC staff.

2. The Contractor shall provide written status reports every two weeks and shall meet with the COR on a monthly basis to monitor performance and progress.

1) Format: The reports shall be provided in either Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format and shall be provided to the COR by e-mail.

2) Content: Each report shall contain the following:

a) Status of project and new developments

b) Problems and proposed solutions

c) Changes in schedule

3. The contractor shall provide summary of test results of each batch of five samples and meet with COR to discuss findings. These meetings may coincide with monthly progress review meetings.

4. After all test data has been gathered and analyzed, the contractor shall provide an outline of the draft report.

5. The Contractor shall provide a draft final report.

1) Format: The draft final report shall be provided as a Microsoft Word electronic document and shall be provided to the COR by e-mail.

2) Content: The report shall detail all findings and recommendations gathered for this task order.

6. The Contractor shall provide a final written report.

1) Format: The final written report shall be provided in Microsoft Word format. The contractor shall provide one electronic copy to the COR by e-mail and two hard copies.

2) Content: The report shall detail all findings and recommendations gathered for this task order and address all the comments received from the CPSC staff.

Item Quantity Delivery & Performance

1. Kick off meeting

(virtual if needed) 1 Within 2 weeks of contract award, but no later than 4 weeks.

2. Written status report 20 Every 2 weeks per mutually agreed schedule, starting within 4 weeks of contract award

3. Summary of test results and meeting.

4-5 Based on test schedule.

4. Outline of report. 1 Within 40 weeks of contract.

5. Draft report 1 electronic copy Within 44 weeks of contract award

6. Final written report 1 electronic, 2 hard copies Within 50 weeks of contract award

G. Period of Performance

The contract performance period shall begin on the effective date of this contract and continue for one year.

H. Contractor Qualifications

The Contractor shall demonstrate the ability to perform the technical evaluation and report the results as requested through experience with similar contracts for similar work in the past 3 years.

At least one key staff member should hold a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or a related field and possess specialized expertise in underwater breathing systems, the physiology of respiratory injury, and has demonstrated the ability to analyze data to identify respiratory conditions likely to compound hypercapnia and pulmonary edema while diving underwater. Experience with snorkel mask design and diving safety is required.

I. Quality Assurance

The COR will review, for completeness, preliminary or draft documentation that the Contractor submits and may return it to the Contractor for correction. Absence of any comments by the COR will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility of complying with the requirements of this contract.

J. Performance Assessment Plan

Specific performance measures may be incorporated into individual task orders. However, at a minimum, successful performance will be measured by:

Performance Objectives Performance Thresholds Reporting Requirements/Deliverables:

Reports and other work items are complete and submitted on time.

Reports and other work items are complete and submitted in accordance with the delivery schedule 95% of the time.

Documentation Requirements: Documents are accurate and require minimal editing.

Documents are accurate and require only minimal editing for grammatical errors 100% of the time.

Key Personnel: All key personnel shall be knowledgeable and experienced.

Key personnel shall have the background and skills required to complete their assigned tasks 100% of the time.

K. Place of Delivery

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Mechanical and Combustion 5 Research Place Rockville, MD 20850

The CPSC COR and e-mail address will be indicated on the award.

L. Inspection and Acceptance

The final report will be reviewed within 14 calendar days of receipt of the report for any additional questions and/or comments. If returned to the Contractor as a result of the review, the Contractor shall address and/or revise their report accordingly and return the final version to the

COR within 14 calendar days of receipt.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ALL GSA CLAUSES AREINCORPORATED INTO THIS ORDER.

CPSC Local Clauses

LC 1B CONTRACTOR’S NOTE - DELIVERIES TO THE CPSC NATIONAL PRODUCT

TESTING LABORATORY SITE, ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND

Delivery Address:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission National Product Testing Laboratory 5 Research Place Rockville, MD 20850

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Laboratory facility is located in Rockville, MD.

Deliveries are to be made to the loading dock area which is accessible from the parking area entrance on Research Place on the east side of the building. Do not enter the parking area from Research Court on the North side of the facility as there may not be sufficient room to maneuver and back up to the loading dock area on the east side of the building.

Deliveries may not be left outside the building or loading dock, unless specifically directed by appropriate CPSC staff. All deliveries shall be considered "inside deliveries" in accordance with the instructions below.

When scheduling deliveries, the purchase order number shall always be referenced and all packages shall clearly display the Purchase Order Number on the outside of the cartons and/or packages and include the packing slip.

ATTENTION GOVERNMENT VENDOR:

A. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

1. DELIVERY INSTRUCTION FOR SMALL ITEMS

Deliveries should be made between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday (except holidays).

Deliveries outside these hours require prior arrangements.

Contacts:

Allyson Tenney- 301-987-2769 Matthew Dreyfus – 301-987-2094 Michael Nelson – 301-987-2752

For the Furniture, Chair, Exercise Equipment, and IT Equipment Contacts:

Cary Windsor – (301) 504-7203 (Cell: (202) 302-9327)

2. DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS FOR LARGE OR HEAVY ITEMS:

Large or heavy items must be delivered directly to the loading dock. If delivery cannot be made to the loading dock directly or via the leveling device and requires off-loading the item from the delivery vehicle to the ground, then deliveries of such large or heavy items should be scheduled 24 hours in advance and should be made between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday (except holidays). Contact information is the same as above to arrange for CPSC lift truck operators or other lifting and handling support needs for the delivery.

B. BILLING INSTRUCTIONS

Pursuant to the Prompt Payment Act (P.L. 97-177) and the Prompt Payment Act Amendments of 1988 (P.L.

100-496) all Federal agencies are required to pay their bills on time, pay interest penalties when payments are made late, and to take discounts only when payments are made within the discount period. To assure compliance with the Act, vouchers and/or invoices shall be submitted through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) is a secure web-based electronic invoicing and payment information service available to all Federal agencies and their supplier by the U.S. Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service.

IPP allows Federal agencies and their suppliers to exchange electronic purchase orders, blanket POs, invoices, and payment information in one easy to access web portal. This service is free of charge to government agencies and their suppliers, including services and support.

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause- (1)”Payment request” means a bill, voucher, invoice, or request for contract financing payment with associated supporting documentation. The payment request must comply with the requirements identified in FAR 32.905(b), “Payment documentation and process” and the applicable Payment clause included in this contract.

(b) The Contractor shall submit payment requests electronically using the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Information regarding IPP is available on the Internet at www.ipp.gov. Assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@stls.frb.org or phone (866)973-3131.

PAYMENT AND INVOICE QUESTIONS

For payment and invoice questions, contact the Accounts Payable Branch at (304) 480-8000 option 7 or via email at AccountsPayable@fiscal.treasury.gov.

Customer Service inquiries may be directed to Nancy Kneisler at NKneisler@cpsc.gov.

OVERPAYMENTS

Accounts Receivable Conversion of Check Payments to EFT: If the Contractor sends the Government a check to remedy duplicate contract financing or an overpayment by the government, it will be converted into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means the Government will copy the check and use the account information on it to electronically debit the Contractor’s account for the amount of the check. The debit from the Contractor’s account will usually occur within 24 hours and will be shown on the regular account statement.

The Contractor will not receive the original check back. The Government will destroy the Contractor’s original check, but will keep a copy of it. If the EFT cannot be processed for technical reasons, the Contractor authorizes the Government to process the copy in place of the original check.

http://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:ippgroup@stls.frb.org mailto:AccountsPayable@fiscal.treasury.gov

C. INSPECTION & ACCEPTANCE PERIOD

Unless otherwise stated in the Statement of Work or Description, the Commission will ordinarily inspect all materials/services within seven (7) business days after the date of receipt. The CPSC representative responsible for inspecting the materials/services will transmit disapproval, if appropriate, to the contractor and the Contracting Officer. If other inspection information is provided in the Statement of Work or Description, it is controlling.

D. NO AUTOMATIC RENEWALS

If any license or service tied to periodic payment is provided under this agreement (e.g., annual software maintenance or annual lease term), such license or service shall not renew automatically upon expiration of its current term without prior express consent by an authorized Government representative.

(End of Clause)

LC 24 Public Statements and Nondisclosure of any Data Developed Under this Contract

a. The Contractor agrees that it and its employees will not disclose any data obtained or developed under this contract to third parties without the consent of the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

b. The Contractor shall obtain an agreement of non-disclosure from each employee who will work on this contract or have access to data obtained or developed under this contract.

c. The Contractor shall not externally publish information related to this contract without the approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). For example, press releases and announcements would require the approval of the COR.

(End of Clause)

LC 31 Restrictions on Use of Information

a. If the Contractor, in the performance of this contract, obtains access to information such as CPSC plans, reports, studies, data protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), or personally identifying information (PII) which has not been released or otherwise made public, the Contractor agrees that without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer it shall not: (a) release or disclose such information, (b) discuss or use such information for any private purpose, (c) share this information with any other party, or (d) submit an unsolicited proposal based on such information. These restrictions will remain in place unless such information is made available to the public by the Government.

b. In addition, the Contractor agrees that to the extent it collects data on behalf of CPSC, or is given access to, proprietary data, data protected by the Privacy Act of 1974, or other confidential or privileged technical, business, financial, or personal identifying information during performance of this contract, that it shall not disclose such data. The Contractor shall keep the information secure, protect such data to prevent loss or dissemination, and treat such information in accordance with any restrictions imposed on such information.

(End of Clause)

LC 38 Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity

Contractor/Grantee agrees that compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions for purposes of section 3729(b)(4) of title 31, United States Code.

Contractor/Grantee certifies that it does not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.

(End of Clause)

FAR Clauses

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

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

https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

The following clauses are incorporated:

52.204-27 Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application. (Jun 2023)

52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors.

52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions.

FAR Provisions

52.204-7 System for Award Management. (Nov 2024)

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTION TO OFFERORS

AWARD OF A CONTRACT IS CONTINGENT UPON AN AGENCY DECISION TO FUND

THIS PROJECT. ALL SUBMISSIONS SHALL INDICATE PRICING IS VALID

THROUGH September 30, 2026.

FORMAT AND INFORMATION FOR SUBMITTING A QUOTE:

Please email your quotation in the following THREE SEPARATE BOUND VOLUMES via e-mail to FPritchett@cpsc.gov. Questions are due by 12:00 PM EST on August 20, 2026. Quotes are due by 12:00 PM EST on August 24, 2026.

mailto:Lglasgow@cpsc.gov

Each volume must be submitted as a separate attachment. DO NOT COMBINE all three volumes as one attachment.

An active System for Award Management (SAM) registration is mandatory to submit a quote on this requirement. SAM is a self-service data base. Vendors register and maintain their own secure information through the SAM website. To register and/or receive additional information, please visit https://ww.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM#1 or call 1-866-606-8220.

All quotes and proposals that are submitted in response to this RFQ shall be at the expense of the Contractor.

CPSC requests discounts from the GSA Schedule pricing.

Please email your quotation in the following THREE SEPARATE ATTACHMENTS (one attachment per volume):

VOLUME 1: CONTRACT AND PRICING DOCUMENTS:

• Firm Fixed pricing in accordance with deliverables identified in the PWS.

• Proposed Payment Schedule

Contained in this volume shall be the rationale used to arrive at pricing, including but not limited to:

• Labor hours

• Labor categories

• Description of labor categories

• All expenses other than labor, including any travel expenses which are part of the firm fixed price.

VOLUME 2: TECHNICAL QUOTE

This volume is limited to 20 pages. Quotes must be detailed and specific. The technical quote shall include:

(1) A comprehensive discussion of the background, objectives, and work requirements of the statement of work as analyzed by the quoter. This should demonstrate a clear understanding of the project’s purpose and scope.

(2) An explanation of the proposed methods and techniques for completing each task, detailing the approach to sampling, engineering inspections, automated breathing metabolic simulator (ABMS) respiratory testing, analysis of results and criteria for evaluating safety of the product.

(3) A description of how each task will be evaluated for full performance and acceptability, including the criteria for successful completion from the quoter’s perspective.

https://ww.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM#1

(4) A discussion of any anticipated major difficulties and problem areas, along with recommended approaches for resolving them. This should include strategies for addressing challenges related to FFSM hazards, logistics, and resource planning.

(5) An overview of major logistical considerations, covering project management, resource allocation, and processes for adapting to changing environments or requirements.

These components will ensure the technical quote fully addresses the expectations outlined in the context and demonstrates the quoter’s ability to perform the required work effectively.

Quoters shall provide a technical quote that includes the following general areas:

A. Proposed overall methodology and demonstrated ability to perform the work

Quoters shall provide a description of their methodology for performing all PWS tasks, demonstrating a thorough understanding of FFSM hazards such as CO₂ accumulation, work of breathing (WOB), and associated physiological risks. The quote must clearly outline the approach for sample acquisition, engineering inspection, and automated breathing metabolic simulator (ABMS) testing, followed by comprehensive data analysis and preparation of required deliverables.

The methodology must also describe robust resource planning processes that ensure appropriate allocation of personnel, equipment, and facilities, with the flexibility to adapt to evolving project demands and environmental constraints, including contingency and rapid-response strategies for unforeseen logistical issues. In addition, quoters shall detail their management methods and support activities, including processes for project oversight, task coordination, communication structures, progress tracking, risk identification, and issue resolution to maintain continuous compliance with requirements. Reporting systems shall be fully described, including schedules, formats, communication channels, and processes for disseminating updates, findings, risks, and status information to promote transparency and enable timely Government decision-making. Finally, the methodology must include FFSM-specific safety and quality procedures addressing CO₂ hazards, hypercapnia, pulmonary edema risks, and other identified FFSM safety concerns; hazard-mitigation strategies; emergency protocols; and quality-assurance measures to ensure data integrity, reliable equipment performance, and adherence to regulatory and laboratory standards.

(1) Resource Planning:

(A) Explain processes for resource allocation that allow adaptability to shifting project demands and environmental conditions.

(B) Include contingency planning and quick-response strategies for unforeseen logistical issues.

(2) Management Methods and Support Activities:

(A) Describe approaches for project oversight, task coordination, and effective communication among team members.

(B) Detail methods for tracking progress, resolving challenges, and maintaining compliance with standards.

(3) Reporting:

(A) Describe systems for management and status reporting, including schedules, formats, and channels for disseminating updates, findings, and risks.

(B) Reporting should promote transparency and support timely, informed decisions.

(4) Additional FFSM-Specific Requirements:

(A) Establish thorough safety procedures to address hazards linked to FFSM use, particularly risks of hypercapnia and pulmonary edema.

(B) Implement risk mitigation measures, including hazard identification, preventative actions, and emergency protocols.

(C) Apply quality assurance to ensure reliable data, optimal equipment performance, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.

B. Qualified personnel

The quoter shall confirm that all personnel are qualified to perform the work required under this contract. Personnel should demonstrate recent experience with comparable work within the past 3 years, including technical evaluation and reporting of results. At least one key staff member must hold a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (or a related field), with specialized expertise in underwater breathing systems, respiratory injury physiology, and analyzing data to identify respiratory conditions that may exacerbate hypercapnia and pulmonary edema during underwater activities.

Additionally, experience with snorkel mask design and diving safety is required.

Management and technical approach requirements for FFSM study Outlined below are the essential requirements for a robust management and technical approach supporting the Full-Face Snorkel Mask (FFSM) study, designed to ensure effective execution, safety, and compliance with the Statement of Work. At a minimum, this section of the quote must include:

(5) Organizational Structure:

(A) Present an organizational chart detailing relationships and responsibilities.

(B) Specify the total staff count, including key positions and supporting personnel, required to fulfill FFSM study objectives.

(6) Roles and Responsibilities:

(A) List all project roles and assign clear responsibilities, emphasizing technical, management, and safety functions.

(B) Roles for respiratory testing, engineering evaluation, data analytics, and quality assurance must be explicitly described.

(7) Skill Sets:

(A) Identify the vital expertise needed for each role, including certifications and experience in biomedical engineering (or related field), underwater breathing systems, and respiratory injury physiology.

(B) Specialized knowledge in snorkel mask design, diving safety, and hazard analysis relevant to FFSM is required.

(8) Training and Certification:

(A) Outline ongoing training, certification, and refresher programs to keep staff skills current.

(B) Ensure all personnel are trained in safety protocols and quality assurance for FFSM research.

VOLUME 3: PAST PERFORMANCE

The quoter shall identify three (3) contracts/task orders with the Federal Government and/or commercial customers that demonstrate recent and relevant past performance. Recent is defined as within the last three years. Relevant is defined as work similar in complexity and magnitude of the work described in this Performance Work Statement.

Include the following information:

(1) Project title

(2) Description of the project and why you deem this reference relevance to this effort

(3) Contract number and, if applicable, task order numbers

(4) Contract amount

(5) Government Agency/Organization for which the services were performed

(6) COR’s name, address, and phone number

(7) Contracting Officer’s name, address, and phone number

(8) Current status, e.g., completed and/or if in progress, start and estimated completion dates

(9) Dollar value and type of contract

The Government may also consider information obtained through other sources. Past performance information will be utilized to determine the quality of the quoter’s past performance as it relates to the probability of success of the required effort.

The quoter shall provide information that clearly demonstrates the quality of similar work performed by the quoter. Please include the scope of work, objectives, problems encountered/how they were resolved, and final outcome(s).

Evaluation of Quotes

It is the government’s intent to make an award to the responsible offeror whose quote, in conforming to the RFQ, provides the overall best value to the government considering technical evaluation factors and price.

The government may reject any quote that is evaluated to be significantly non-compliant with the solicitation requirements, unreasonably high or low in price, or reflects a failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the work to be performed.

Best Value-Trade Offs: The government reserves the right to make an award to other than the lowest priced offeror if the superior technical submission, or the submission indicating a reduced performance risk, warrants paying a premium. Furthermore, the government reserves the right to award no contract at all, depending on the quality of the quotes, the availability of funding, and the continued existence of the requirement.

Technical evaluation factors are more important than price. As non-price factors become closer, price will become a more important factor in selecting the best value. Each offeror should recognize that its initial price and technical quote may be used as the sole and final basis for award and should quote accordingly. Should initial quotes not provide the government with a satisfactory total solution, the government reserves the right to request quote revisions in order to reach a best value determination.

The Technical Evaluation Committee reserves the right to revise an offeror’s technical consensus decision based on information within the Price Volume when the Technical Evaluation Committee feels that content within the Price Volume will have an impact on technical evaluation factors.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Technical Approach When evaluating the offeror’s technical approach, the government will assess the following:

The contractor’s demonstrated understanding of CPSC’s requirements and the soundness and viability of the offeror’s approach to the required tasks. Responses will be evaluated based on methodology, thoroughness, reasonableness, and practicality. Responses must be specific; general introductory textbook treatments are not appropriate. The Offeror will be evaluated on the adequacy and effectiveness of the proposed technical approach.

Proposed Personnel The quote must demonstrate that the vendor has sufficient and qualified personnel. Proposed personnel will be evaluated for the recentness and relevancy of their education and experience as demonstrated in the technical quote. The government will evaluate the technical skillset of the personnel as they relate to the required tasks of the PWS. The quote will be evaluated for the robustness, soundness, and viability of the contractor’s staffing plan.

Past Performance Evaluation When assessing performance risks, the government will focus on the past performance of the Offeror as it relates to all acquisition requirements such as cost, schedule, and performance, including standards of good workmanship; the Offeror's adherence to contract schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; the Offeror’s ability to attract and maintain personnel minimizing turn-over, the Offeror's reputation for reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction and which includes the Offeror's business-like concern for the interest of the customer.

Offerors with no relevant past performance shall be evaluated neither favorably nor unfavorably.

The government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and all sources, including sources outside of the government.

Price The government will evaluate the offers to determine if they are fair and reasonable relative to the scope of proposed activities. In addition, offers and level of effort will be evaluated to determine if the Offeror understands the nature and extent of the work to be performed. As part of the price analysis, the government will consider whether the labor mix, level of effort and materials quoted are consistent with the contractor’s technical approach.

PRICE WILL BE EVALUATED SEPARATELY FROM THE TECHNICAL SUBFACTORS

AND PAST PERFORMANCE.

EVALUATION

Written proposals will be evaluated by technical evaluators. Proposals will be objectively evaluated and placed into one of the following categories: Outstanding, Acceptable, Susceptible to being made acceptable, or Unacceptable. The definitions for these categories are as follows:

Outstanding: A quotation which offers additional advantages to the government in meeting requirements or a unique approach which satisfies all of the government's requirements with detail to indicate how the approach is innovative and not only feasible but desirable, and which is well supported by evidence that it will be successful.

Acceptable: An approach which satisfies all of the Government's requirements with adequate detail to indicate the feasibility of the approach and an understanding of the Government's need.

Susceptible to being made acceptable: An approach which, as initially proposed, cannot be rated acceptable because of minor errors or omissions which are capable of being corrected without a major rewrite or revision of the proposal. This proposal does not clearly meet the Government's requirements. (Quoters will only be given an opportunity to correct this rating if the Government enters into negotiations. Otherwise, such proposals will be determined to be unacceptable.

Therefore, quoters are encouraged to provide complete and thorough explanatory technical proposals with their initial submission.)

Unacceptable: The proposal fails to meet or to address the technical factors of the solicitation, contains major errors, omissions, or deficiencies, or indicates a lack of understanding of the Government's need. The proposed approach is based on unproven techniques or is inadequately supported with evidence that it will be successful, or the approach cannot be expected to meet the Government's requirements without a major rewrite or revision of the proposal.