RFP_Addendum_-_Instructions_to_Offerors_and_Basis_for_Award_REV082014.pdf

Instructions, Considerations, And Notices To Offerors

L.1. 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

a) Federal Acquisition Regulation: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/

b) General Services Acquisition Manual: https://www.acquisition.gov/GSAM/gsam.html

FAR

PROVISION NO.

PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS – COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)

52.216-27 SINGLE OR MULTIPLE AWARDS (OCT 1995)

52.222-24

PRE-AWARD ON-SITE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPLIANCE

EVALUATION (FEB 1999)

52.237-1 SITE VISIT (APR 1984)

GSAM

PROVISION NO.

PROVISION TITLE AND DATE

552.217-71

NOTICE REGARDING OPTIONS (NOV 1992)

FILL-IN: “purchase additional quantities of supplies or services and to extend the term of this contract”

552.219-71

NOTICE TO OFFERORS OF SUBCONTRACTING PLAN REQUIREMENTS

(JUN 2005)

552.219-72

PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND NEGOTIATION OF

SUBCONTRACTING PLANS (JUN 2005)

L.2 FAR 52.216-1 Type of Contract (Apr 1984)

The Government contemplates award of one Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts as a result of this Solicitation.

L .3 . FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sept 2006)

(a) Protests, as defined in section 31.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), shall be served on the Contracting Officer (addressed as follows) by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from:

Heidi McFall Light Vehicle Acquisition Branch (QMAAA) 1800 F St N.W.., Floor 3, HUB 3400 Washington, DC 20405

(703) 859-0894 or Heidi.mcfall@gsa.gov

The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

L.4 Production Facility Site Inspections Offerors shall indicate the vehicle Inspection Point (I.P.) and Place of Performance for the schedule of items. The information supplied shall include the city and state of final vehicle assembly at which Government source inspection will be performed. In the event the vehicle production point differs from the point of final assembly, the offeror shall indicate the production point (city and state) for the schedule line item.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/ https://www.acquisition.gov/GSAM/gsam.html mailto:Heidi.mcfall@gsa.gov

L.5 Pre-Proposal Questions Any questions identified by Offerors shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Specialist (maisie.meade@gsa.gov). This Solicitation will remain unchanged unless it is specifically amended in writing via a formal amendment issued by the Contracting Officer. All amendments will be posted to the FBO website. If an amendment is issued, an Offeror will be required to acknowledge the amendment by acknowledging the amendment on the SF 1449 submitted with its proposal.

Notice to Offerors: Offerors are encouraged to submit all general questions and requests for clarification no less than 10 days after to the RFP opening date. The decision whether to respond to questions and requests for clarifications made after that date shall be at the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer.

L.6 Instructions For Modifying Proposals Offerors are hereby reminded that modifications of a proposal are subject to the requirements and restrictions defined within FAR Clause 52.215-1(c), Submission, Modification, Revision, and Withdrawal of Proposals. Following receipt of initial proposal submissions on the proposal due date as specified in the Solicitation, modifications and/or revisions to original proposal submission shall not be accepted unless requested as a result of participation in discussions following establishment of a competitive range. Should proposal revisions be requested, any changes made shall be indicated by drawing vertical line adjacent to the change in the page margin, using track changes function (i.e. strikethrough and changes highlight) and showing the date of the modification at the bottom of the respective pages.

L.6.1 Disposition of Proposals All original electronic files of an Offeror’s proposal shall be retained by the Government; no electronic files shall be returned to the Offeror. No destruction certificate will be issued.

L.6.2 Proposal Preparation Costs

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of the initial (and any subsequent revisions/modifications to the) proposal or any costs incurred prior to execution of a formal Contract. Stipend for proposal costs shall not be paid by the Government.

L.7 Proposal Preparation Overview The Government will evaluate the all proposals in accordance with the evaluation criteria described herein, using the evaluation rating systems outlined below. Price information will be evaluated for fairness, reasonableness, and for material unbalancing, as described herein. The evaluation will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 15. Proposal must be complete, and respond directly to the requirements of this Solicitation. Any commitments made in the proposal may become a part of the resultant contract.

L.8 Basis Of Award The Contracting Officer will award no more than one firm fixed-price (FFP) indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to the responsible Offeror whose proposal the Source Selection Authority determines conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable, and offers the best overall value to the Government, considering the price and non-price factors described herein All evaluation factors, other than price, when combined, are considered significantly more important than the price. When conducting the best value trade-off between price and non-price factors, the Government will consider both the demonstrated technical capability of an Offeror as well as the Offeror’s Total Evaluated Price which will be calculated by using the proposed unit pricing and estimated quantities.

After the Government individually evaluates and rates each proposal, the Source Selection Authority will determine which proposal represents the best value. The Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer, other than the highest rated technical offer, or to reject all offers. The Government will not award a contract to an Offeror whose proposal contains a deficiency, as defined in FAR 15.001. If there is a lower priced, conforming offer(s), the Source Selection Authority must determine that the added value of a more expensive proposal would justify award to that Offeror.

mailto:maisie.meade@gsa.gov

L.9.0 Proposal Preparation Considerations Offerors are advised that the following proposal preparation considerations are applicable to this Solicitation.

L.10.0 All Electronic Solicitation Via FBO This is an all-electronic solicitation release including amendments. All documents and any associated amendments will be posted to the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website at:

www.fbo.gov. Offerors interested in submitting a proposal in response to this RFP will be required to access/download the Solicitation documents including any amendments. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the FBO website for any posted changes and for downloading all required documents from the FBO website. Hard copies will not be made available.

L.10.1 Mandatory Responsibility Requirements Proposals shall conform to the requirements of the Request For Proposals (RFP), including, but not limited to: (1) Completed Reps and Certs (i.e. completed Section K and current completed profile verified on-line (www.sam.gov).

NOTE: Offerors not meeting all of the minimum responsibility criteria may be eliminated from further consideration.

L.10.2 Subcontracting Requirements

Any business designated as other than small under the applicable NAICS code (336112) – Light Truck and Utility Vehicle Manufacturing is required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan as part of its initial proposal submission. Submitted subcontracting plans shall comply with the requirements set for in FAR 52.219-9 and GSAM 552.219-73 (included in full text herein below). Additional information pertaining to submission requirements for the Subcontracting Plan is included in Section M.

GSAM 552.219-73 Goals for Subcontracting Plan (June 2005)

(a) Maximum practicable utilization of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns as subcontractors is a matter of national interest with both social and economic benefits.

(1) The General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) commitment to ensuring that maximum practicable opportunity is provided to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns to participate as subcontractors in the performance of this contract, consistent with its efficient performance, must be reflected in the offeror’s subcontracting plan submitted pursuant to the clause of this contract at FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

(2) In addressing the eleven elements described at FAR 52.219-9(d), the offeror shall demonstrate that its subcontracting plan represents a creative and innovative program for involving small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns in performing this contract. An offeror submitting a commercial plan can demonstrate its commitment in providing maximum practicable opportunities through subcontracting opportunities it provides to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns that relate to the offeror’s production generally; i.e., for both its commercial and Government business.

(3) The subcontracting plan shall include a description of the offeror’s subcontracting strategies used in previous contracts and significant achievements, with an explanation of how this plan will build upon those earlier achievements. Additionally, the offeror shall demonstrate through its plan that it understands the small business subcontracting program’s objectives, GSA’s expectations, and is committed to taking those actions necessary to meet these goals or objectives.

(b) GSA believes that this contract provides significant opportunities for the use of small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns as subcontractors. Accordingly, it is anticipated that an acceptable subcontracting plan will contain at least the following goals:

http://www.fbo.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

Small Business 25 percent HUBZone Small Business 3 percent Small Disadvantaged Business 5 percent Women-Owned Small Business 5 percent Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business 3 percent Veteran-Owned Small Business 3 percent

NOTE: Target goals are expressed as a percentage of planned subcontracting dollars.

(c) In determining the acceptability of any subcontracting plan, the Contracting Officer will—

(1) Review the plan to verify that the offeror has demonstrated an understanding of the small business subcontracting program’s objectives and GSA’s expectations with respect to the programs and has included all the information, goals, and assurances required by FAR 52.219-9;

(2) Consider previous goals and achievements of contractors in the same industry;

(3) Consider information and potential sources obtained from agencies administering national and local preference programs and other advocacy groups in evaluating whether the goals stated in the plan adequately reflect the anticipated potential for subcontracting to small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns; and

(4) Review the offeror’s description of its strategies, historical performance and significant achievements in placing subcontracts for the same or similar products or services with small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, women-owned, veteran-owned, and service-disabled veteran owned small business concerns. The offeror’s description can apply to commercial as well as previous Government contracts.

(d) Failure to submit an acceptable subcontracting plan and/or correct deficiencies in a plan within the time specified by the Contracting Officer shall make the offeror ineligible for award.

L.11 Proposal Format And Preparation General Instructions

The minimum acceptance period shall be sixty (60) days. The proposal shall consist of three (3) volumes. Each volume shall be separate and complete so that evaluation of each may be accomplished independently of or concurrently with the evaluation of the other volumes. Offerors shall submit only electronic copies, no hard copy proposals shall be accepted.

L.11.1 Proposal Content and Format Instructions Utilizing the format prescribed below, Offerors are to provide the requested information (separated into the required Volume) making every effort to present information clearly and concisely. All information shall be submitted in English in no less than 10 point font size. Proposals that do not follow these Instructions, or otherwise include documentation that is difficult to read, may result in disqualification or a lower evaluation rating. Price proposal information, business proposal information, and technical proposal information shall be submitted in separate zip files in the following format.

L.11.1.1 Separate Volume Requirements Proposals shall be submitted for evaluation in the format indicated herein.

Specifically, proposal information shall be separated and divided in accordance with the below format and segregated into separate volumes as follows:

Volume I Business Proposal

Volume II Price Proposal

Volume III Technical Proposal

Failure to follow proposal instructions may result in an Offeror’s proposal being considered technically deficient and excluded from further consideration.

L.11.1.2 Volume I (BUSINESS PROPOSAL) Volume I (Business Proposal) shall contain the information identified below which pertains to information other than pricing or technical factor information. Volume I shall include the following elements and be organized as follows:

TAB A – SAM Information – with complete Reps and Certs

TAB B – Financial Information GSA Form 527

TAB C – Vendor Response Document (DO NOT include entire solicitation document)

TAB D – Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Large Business Only)

TAB E – Proof of completion of VETS-100A reporting requirement

TAB F – Inspection Point/ Place of Performance attachment

TAB G – Product Description (PD) Fill Ins – Do not send whole PD

TAB H – Signed copies of all Solicitation amendments

L.11.1.2.1 Sub-contracting Plan

(NOTE: This Requirement applies to Large Business Offerors only): If the Offeror is a large business concern, in accordance with the definition as identified in FAR Clause 52.219-1, “SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATION,” the firm must also submit, as part of its business proposal, a small business subcontracting plan in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9 SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (Sep 2007), ALTERNATE II (Oct 2001). The goals established for Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Business, HUBZone Business, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business participation are:

Small Businesses (SB): 25% Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDB): 5% Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSB): 5% HUBZone Businesses (HUBZone): 3% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB): 3%

The Offeror should provide as much specific information on proposed subcontracted effort for the contract as possible. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan shall be thorough, complete, and in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9 Alternate II, as it will be incorporated into the contract upon award if found to be acceptable and upon final approval of the Contracting Officer should the Offeror be selected as the awardee.

The Plan shall include a description of the types of services the firm proposes to subcontract with Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), along with the proposed percentages of their participation, to demonstrate a plan to meet the subcontracting goals that will apply to these contracts. If practical, the Offeror shall provide specific information on proposed subcontracted effort for this project and submit the firm’s subcontracting compliance on previous projects completed or underway within the past three years of the date of this solicitation. This requirement may be supported by using copies of the U.S. Government Standard Form 295.

The Government will evaluate the Plan in accordance with the requirements of FAR Clause 52.219-9 Alternate II and will assign a Go/No-Go rating. To be acceptable (“GO” rating), subcontracting plans must:

a) Adequately address the required statutory elements and include satisfactory responses to all required information as outlined in 52.219-9 Alternate II.

b) Provide sufficient information to enable the CO to accept the plan.

c) Those areas where the plan is deficient will be reviewed with the Offeror with the goal of correcting deficiencies.

d) As part of the evaluation, the Government will compare the small business subcontracting opportunities in the plan with the goals established in the solicitation. The Government will review the plan for specific proposed subcontracting opportunities for the Small Business Community (Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone Business (HUBZone), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)).

e) As part of the subcontracting plan evaluation, the Government will also evaluate the Offeror’s past performance in establishing realistic yet challenging goals, and in achieving them.

L.11.1.3 Volume II (PRICE PROPOSAL) Volume II (Price Proposal) shall contain the items identified herein:

CLIN 0001 – MCV – Inclusive of Warranty per PD Section 4.12, all modifications, and testing costs per PD Section 4.0-4.9, Base Period – Contract award to August 31,2015

** CLIN 0001 shall include two prices: (A). Pricing with the Offeror providing the complete MCV, and (B). Pricing if the Government provides the base vehicle (chassis and cab) to the Offeror, as Government Furnished Property (GFP).

A Pricing: The elements of the proposed price for CLIN 0001 A pricing scenario shall be broken down to determine price reasonableness as follows:

Base Vehicle (Chassis and Cab) Modification Supplies & Services Testing per PD 4.0-4.9 Warranty per PD Section 4.12

B Pricing: (Chassis and Cab) The elements of the proposed price for CLIN 0001 B pricing scenario shall be broken down to determine price reasonableness as follows:

Modification Supplies & Services Testing per PD 4.0-4.9 Warranty per PD Section 4.12

CLIN 0002 – Unlimited Government Data Rights per DFARS 252.227-7015 for Items Developed at Government Expense

CLIN 0003 – Training and Integration Services – Inclusive of all costs per PD Sections 4.10 & 4.11.

CLIN 0004 – Spare Parts Kit – fob Charleston, SC or Washington, DC, with all items filled in on SF1449 pages 3-4

CLIN 1001 – MCV – Inclusive of Warranty per PD Section 4.12, all modifications, and testing costs per PD Section 4.0-4.9 – Option Period One (1), September 01, 2015 through August 31, 2016

A Pricing: The elements of the proposed price for CLIN 1001 A pricing scenario shall be broken down to determine price reasonableness as follows:

Base Vehicle (Chassis and Cab) Modification Supplies & Services Testing per PD 4.0-4.9 Warranty per PD Section 4.12

B Pricing: (Chassis and Cab) The elements of the proposed price for CLIN 1001 B pricing scenario shall be broken down to determine price reasonableness as follows:

Modification Supplies & Services Testing per PD 4.0-4.9 Warranty per PD Section 4.12

CLIN 1004 – Spare Parts Kit - fob Charleston, SC or Washington, DC – Option Period One (1), September 01, 2015 through August 31, 2016 – will fill-ins on SF1449 pages 4-5

Offerors are hereby advised that a proposal must contain pricing for all Contract Line Items which shall include unit pricing for each item contained therein. The Government reserves the right to make an award with or without the use of Government Furnished Equipment. Failure to provide any of the required unit pricing shall result in the Offeror’s pricing proposal being deemed deficient and may be grounds for dismissal of the proposal from further consideration. The unit prices for each line item shall reflect the actual prices to be paid by the Government.

L.11.1.4 Volume III (TECHNICAL PROPOSAL) Volume III (Technical Proposal) shall contain the Offeror’s response to the Government’s technical requirements in a concise and straightforward manner addressing each identified factor (and sub-factors, if applicable) as identified in Section M. Volume III shall contain no reference to price. Volume III shall include the following elements and be organized as follows:

Tab 1: Verification Cross Reference Matrix (VCRM) – Per Section 3.22 of the Purchase Description, showing the type of verification that will be used for each requirement with the proposal.

Verification methods shall be specified for each requirement as either Engineering Test (ET), Confirmation of Compliance (COC), or Quality Assurance Performance and Verification Testing(QAPVT).

Tab 2: Exception Spreadsheet - Offeror shall explicitly and completely identify any and all exceptions taken to the requirements of this specification. Drawings, literature, and any other information submitted with an offer do not constitute a stated or implied exception unless specifically identified in writing as an exception and accepted and implemented by an amendment to the solicitation or modification to a contract. Any exception deemed acceptable by the Government shall only apply to the specific item, requirement, etc. cited, and shall not extend to any other requirement.

Tab 3: Brand name or Equal - Offeror offering other than brand name items identified in the PD, when an “or equal” may be acceptable, shall furnish with their offers all technical data information, product descriptions, etc. to ensure that a determination may be made as to the equality of the product(s) offered (see clause titled Brand “Name or Equal” set forth in Section 552.210-74 of the GSA Acquisition Regulations.)

Tab 4: Alternate HVAC System (If applicable) - The offeror may submit an additional (second) proposal incorporating an alternate solution that also allows operation of the HVAC system from 120 VAC shore power with the engine off. The alternate solution shall meet the capacities and performance capabilities specified within while the vehicle is running- engine on. The alternate auxiliary HVAC system solution shall be equipped with a dedicated shore power inlet connection on the exterior curbside of the vehicle. If needed, a transfer switch shall be installed in the interior allowing the operator to select between on-board power and shore power. The offeror shall succinctly explain the configuration of their proposed solution. The offeror shall provide all of the technical details of their additional offerings.

Tab 5: Preliminary Drawings: Drawing submitted shall include:

Layout views of the proposed MCV including all equipment locations and basic dimensions verifying compliance with the requirements herein.

Exterior front, rear, and side view with overall dimensions.

Weight analysis to include the following:

• Estimated curb weight of modified vehicle

• Estimated weight of Offeror installed equipment

• Estimated Maximum GVWR

• Estimated Front GAWR

• Estimated Rear GAWR

• Estimated front payload capacity (not including Offeror installed equipment and modification; minimum shall be 1,000 lbs)

• Estimated rear payload capacity (not including Offeror installed equipment and modification; minimum shall be 1,800 lbs)

Tab 6: Factor A: Relevant Experience - The Offeror's proposal shall contain information demonstrating the relevance of the Offeror's experience as it relates to the knowledge of providing and/or producing highly modified commercial vehicles. At a minimum, the Offeror shall provide evidence of of five (5) years of engineering, design, and manufacturing experience in providing similar vehicles, with equal or greater complexity. Offeror shall provide specific examples of producing or providing like systems (within design tolerances) on projects with similar complexity and quantities, to include configuration management processes. Offeror may submit detailed literature, photos, and other illustrative materials of similar vehicles manufactured, for reference only.

Maximum 10 Page Limit

Tab 7: Factor B: Management and Quality Control Plan Approach - The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate how the quality of the work will be managed and controlled to satisfy the specified requirements of the MCV production. In addition, the proposal shall demonstrate the ability and mechanisms of the Offeror to ensure meeting each scheduled deliverable due date, as well as demonstrating the quality control procedures in place to meet the required consistency in configuration across the fleet, and adherence to design tolerances. Offerors shall submit documented quality assurance processes to assure compliance with all specification requirements including requirements established by reference, i.e. SAE, FMVSS, NFPA, etc. Maximum10 Page Limit

Tab 8: Factor C: Technical Approach - The Offeror shall provide a written, detailed Technical

Approach for how it proposes to satisfy the specified requirements of the MCV. If the Offeror's proposal reiterates the specifications without providing sufficient detail for the Government to evaluate how the Offeror proposes to satisfy the specified requirements of the MCV, the proposal will not be further evaluated, and the Offeror will not be considered for award. The Technical Approach shall include the following components:

Sub-factor C(1): Understanding of Technical Requirements – The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the specified requirements presented in the solicitation, and proposed production and systems integration methodology. All Offerors in the initial competitive range, may be required to participate in an oral presentation to the Government, in person, or by video conference. This oral presentation may be scheduled up to two weeks after submission of the proposal.

Sub-factor C(2): Feasibility and Completeness of Approach - Maximum10 Page Limit The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate how the Offeror's proposed approach is workable. In addition, the proposal shall also demonstrate the Offeror's ability to produce high quality documentation, systems integration experience, change control procedures, and production and testing capabilities. The Offeror shall describe warranty support for MCV describing their customer service access and processing warranty claims.

Sub-factor C(3) Technical Approach for Production and Scheduling- Maximum10 Page Limit The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate the how the Offeror proposes to successfully meets the testing and production timelines for the FPV and any concurrent/subsequent MCV delivery orders placed. Each Offeror shall provide projected delivery schedules in Gantt chart format, that clearly outline the Offeror’s minimum, maximum, and optimal production capacity to deliver up to seventeen (17) MCVs, 365 days from date of award. All proposed MCV production facilities must be clearly identified in the Offerors proposal, as all facilities, including subcontractors, will be inspected, prior to selection and award (Pre-Award Review), by GSA Operations Analysts, as part of a performance assessment review, to verify acceptability and production capacity.

L.11.1.4.1 Past Performance Offerors shall submit three (3) completed past performance references, within the last three (3) years, in providing and/or producing modified commercial vehicles similar to that of this RFP with regards to considerations such areas as technical success and customer satisfaction for the Government to evaluate. Tab 9 of The Technical Volume III shall include the following information for each project:

i. Project title; Contract No.

ii. Project description (narrative shall include how the project is relevant to that of this RFP);

iii. Period of performance (i.e. contract start and end dates);

iv. Project owner name, title; and

v. Project owner contact information including phone and email.

L.11.2 Proposal Format Instructions Pages shall be formatted to print on 8-1/2x11 inch paper, with lettered/numbered sections to correspond with the evaluation factors and/or required volume elements. Proposal text shall be in a standard font a minimum of ten (10) points, single-spaced. Proposal submissions must include one (1) copy of each of Volume I (BUSINESS PROPOSAL), Volume II (PRICE PROPOSAL) and Volume III (TECHNICAL PROPOSAL) submitted electronically in separate zip files. There is to be no pricing information, cited or inferred, in any Volume other than Volume II.

L.11.3 Signature by Authorized Party All signatures on all documents, originals and copies, must be original signatures in ink and in a color other than black. Signatures shall be from an individual authorized to bind the Offeror.

L.11.4 GSA Form 527 Contractor’s Qualifications and Financial Information For the purpose of the Contracting Officer determining satisfactory financial responsibility, Offerors are required to complete GSA Form 527, Contractor’s Qualifications and Financial Information, and submit a complete copy (pages 1 through 6) as part of the initial Business Proposal (Volume I) of this solicitation. GSA Form 527 is attached to this solicitation for your use (see separate PDF file). GSA Form 527 is electronically available at www.gsa.gov, Forms Library, GSA Forms tab, for download accessibility to view, fill, print, and/or save. See separate PDF file provided with FBO Solicitation or download from www.gsa.gov.

http://www.gsa.gov/ http://www.gsa.gov/

Evaluation Factors For Award

M.1 Eligibility for Award Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the instructions in Section L of the solicitation, shall address each elements as defined herein this Section M regarding each evaluation Factor (and any sub-factor), and must clearly demonstrate the Offeror’s ability to meet all requirements specified in the Solicitation as a whole.

Failure to furnish full and complete information that demonstrates the Offeror’s ability to satisfy the requirements may cause the offer to be considered technically unacceptable.

For an offer to be eligible for award the Offeror must be determined to be responsible and the proposal must not include any deficiencies. All proposals shall include reference and explanation of any exceptions or deviations taken or conditional assumptions made with respect to the Offeror’s proposal versus the solicitation. All exceptions taken must contain sufficient justification to permit evaluation. All benefits to the Government shall be explained for each exception taken. Exceptions will not automatically cause a proposal to be termed unacceptable, however, if the exception(s) fails to meet minimum RFP requirements and/or results in deviations from the requirements of this Solicitation, the Government shall note such exceptions as a deficiency.

The determination of the Offeror’s responsibility will be made by the Contracting Officer. The Government will make determinations of responsibility in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 9.1, Responsible Prospective Contractors, using information available from the Offeror and any other sources.

M.2 Method of Award The Contracting Officer will award a firm fixed-price contract to that responsible Offeror whose proposal the Source Selection Authority determines conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable, and offers the best overall value to the Government, considering the non-price factors described herein, and price.

Intention To Award A Single-Award IDIQ Contract – The Government seeks to award one (1) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to that Offer determined to provide the best value, price and non-price factors combined. The Government reserves the right to award more than one IDIQ, if so determined to be in the Government’s best interest.

In evaluating proposals, all evaluation factors, other than price, when combined, are considered significantly more important than the price. Factors A – E are listed in descending order of importance.

Factors A and B are considered equal in importance and slightly more important than Factor C when combined. All sub-factors are considered equal in importance to one another within its respective Factor. See below for detailed evaluation factor and rating criteria information.

M.2.1 Best Value Trade-off

When conducting the best value trade-off between price and non-price factors. After the Government individually evaluates and rates each proposal, the Source Selection Authority will determine which proposal represents the best value considering price and non-price (technical) factors. The Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer, other than the most highly technically rated offer, or to reject all offers. The Government will not award a contract to an Offeror whose proposal contains a deficiency, as defined in FAR 15.001. If there is a lower priced, conforming offer(s), the Source Selection Authority must determine that the added value of a more expensive proposal (within the cost limitation) would justify award to that Offeror.

As part of the evaluation, the Government will evaluate betterments in proposals relative to the minimum standards in the RFP to determine if they offer additional value to the Government. In addition, innovations in proposals will be evaluated to determine if creative ideas of the Offeror are a better value to the Government compared to the minimum criteria

M.2.2 Adjectival Ratings for Non-price (Technical) Factors An adjectival rating will be assigned to each technical evaluation factor. An overall technical rating shall also be assigned to each technical proposal based on the ratings assigned to the individual factors.

Adjectival Rating Rating Description

Excellent Proposal demonstrates excellent understanding of the requirements and approach that significantly exceeds performance or capability standards. Has exceptional strengths that will significantly benefit the Government. The proposal contains no significant weaknesses or deficiencies.

Very Good Proposal demonstrates a good understanding of requirements and approach that exceeds performance or capability standards.

Has one or more strengths that will benefit the Government.

There are no deficiencies or significant weaknesses.

Acceptable Proposal demonstrates acceptable understanding of the requirements and approach that meets performance or capability standards. Acceptable solution. There are no deficiencies.

Marginal Proposal demonstrates shallow understanding of requirements and approach that only marginally meets performance or capability standards necessary for minimal, but acceptable contract performance.

Unacceptable Proposal fails to meet performance or capability standards.

Requirements can only be met with major changes to the proposal. There are major deficiencies and/or significant weaknesses that are not readily correctable.

M.2.3 Definitions for use in Source Selection Process The following definitions shall be used during evaluations of the proposals to ensure consistency amongst Board members when individual evaluations are being conducted.

Word Definition

Deficiency A material failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level.

Weakness A flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Significant Weakness

A flaw in the proposal that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

Strength Any aspect of a proposal that appreciably decreases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance or a favorable attribute of the proposal that provides benefit and/or efficiency over the minimum requirements of the solicitation that represents a significant benefit to the Government.

Uncertainty Any aspect of the proposal for which the intent of the Offeror is unclear because there may be more than one way to interpret the offer or because inconsistencies in the offer indicate that there may be an error, omission, or mistake.

Deviation Proposal implies or specifically offers a deviation below the specified criteria.

The Offeror may or may not have called the deviation to the Government’s attention. A deviation is a deficiency and is not permitted. The proposal must conform to the solicitation (meeting or exceeding identified minimum requirements) for award.

M.3 Evaluation Factors And Sub-Factors: Proposals shall be evaluated and rated against the below identified factors from which the SSA (CO) will make a best value source selection award determination.

All non-price (technical) factors are considered significantly more important than price. Factors A – E are listed in descending order of importance. Factors A, B, and C are considered equal in importance and significantly more important than Factor E when combined. All sub-factors are considered equal in importance to one another within its respective Factor. See below for detailed evaluation factor and rating criteria information.

Factor A: Relevant Experience Factor B: Management and Quality Assurance Plan Approach

Factor C: Technical Approach Sub-factor C(1): Understanding of Technical Requirements Sub-factor C(2): Feasibility and Completeness of Approach Sub-factor C(3): Technical Approach for Production and Scheduling

Factor D: Past Performance Factor E: Price

M.3.1 FACTOR A – Relevant Experience This factor considers the extent of the Offeror’s past experience (i.e. “what” an Offeror has done to produce or provide modified commercial vehicle contracts) on contracts of similar size and scope. The Offeror shall submit information on at least one (1), but no more than three (3), relevant contracts of similar size and scope performed (i.e. completed or currently being performed) within the last three (3) years from the date proposals are due. “Relevant” is defined as modified commercial vehicles similar to this Solicitation in size (i.e modification and integration services and dollar value of supplies tendered) and that have a logical connection with the requirements of this Solicitation by including similar scope elements.

Relevant experience that demonstrates functions, responsibilities and controls exercised by the Offeror, which are the same or similar, to that required under this Solicitation will likely receive a higher rating.

This criterion will be evaluated for the quality of experience demonstrated. The greater the relevancy of the Offeror’s project experience to this Solicitation, the more likely Offerors will receive a higher rating during evaluations. Offerors that demonstrate a higher degree of relevant experience will be evaluated more favorably. The minimum submission requirements for this factor are defined below.

1) A list of at least one (1), but no more than three (3), contracts for similar modified commercial vehicles completed or currently being completed. Offerors shall explain how the information provided is relevant to the proposed acquisition.

2) For each contract identified in the submitted list, the Offeror shall submit an information sheet inclusive of a narrative summary for the project, limited to no more than one (1) single-sided page each.

3) Narrative summaries of the submitted projects shall demonstrate the Offeror’s capabilities, technical expertise, and experience managing complex projects with reference to considerations of timeliness and technical success.

M.3.2 FACTOR B - Management and Quality Control Plan Approach The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate how the quality of the work will be managed and controlled to satisfy the specified requirements of the MCV production. In addition, the proposal shall demonstrate the ability and mechanisms of the Offeror to ensure meeting each scheduled deliverable due date, as well as demonstrating the quality control procedures in place to meet the required consistency in configuration across the fleet, and adherence to design tolerances. Offerors shall submit documented quality assurance processes to assure compliance with all specification requirements including requirements established by reference, i.e. SAE, FMVSS, NFPA, etc.

M.3.3 FACTOR C – Technical Approach This Factor consists of three (3) sub-factors; each sub-factor corresponds to a separate plan and shall be evaluated separately. Proposals shall include each of the three (3) required plans; failure to provide any one plan shall result in a deficiency and will cause the overall rating for Factor C to be Unacceptable. No additional plans/narrative outside of the requirements identified below shall be submitted nor evaluated.

However, the Government shall use all items submitted in the Technical Proposal Checklist to evaluate the factors below. Offerors shall submit, in narrative format, the following Plans:

Sub-factor C(1): Understanding of Technical Requirements The Offeror shall demonstrate a clear understanding of the specified requirements presented in the solicitation, proposed production and systems integration methodology by Oral Presentation. Oral Presentations shall be scheduled after receipt of proposals, and will allow the Offeror to present their methodology and understanding of the technical requirements.

Sub-factor C(2): Feasibility and Completeness of Approach

The feasibility and completeness of approach shall describe the methodology and processes that will be utilized to ensure effective contract performance.This includes the Offeror's capability to produce high quality documentation, manage change controls, systems integration and production, and performance testing capabilities.

Sub-factor C(3): Technical Approach for Production and Scheduling The Offeror's proposal shall demonstrate the how the Offeror proposes to successfully meets the testing and production timelines for the FPV, and any concurrent/subsequent MCV delivery orders placed. Each Offeror shall provide a projected delivery schedule in Gantt chart format that clearly outlines the Offeror’s minimum, maximum, and optimal production capability for up to seventeen (17) MCVs in a 365 day period from contract award. All proposed MCV production facilities must be clearly identified in the Offerors proposal, as all facilities, including subcontractors, will be inspected, post award, by GSA Operations Analysts, as part of a performance assessment review, to verify acceptability and production capacity prior to award..

M.3.4 FACTOR D – Past Performance This factor considers the quality of the Offeror’s past performance (i.e. “how well” an Offeror has performed on previous contracts), within the last three (3) years, in providing and/or producing modified commercial vehicles similar to that of this RFP with regards to considerations such areas as technical success and customer satisfaction. This factor also considers the quality of the offeror’s performance in carrying out the work required. The Government will evaluate the relative merits of each Offeror's past performance.

The Government reserves the right to consider all aspects of an offeror's performance history, but may attribute more significance to projects that demonstrate performance on relevant contracts similar to that of this RFP. The Government will consider information provided by reference, as well as other relevant information from other sources, when evaluating the Offeror’s past performance. If negative information is received, the Offeror will be given an opportunity to respond.

In accordance with FAR 42.1503(e), past performance of the Offeror will be evaluated using the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS), as well as customer satisfaction surveys. All performance ratings for the Offeror for contracts completed within the past three (3) years from the date proposals are due shall be considered. A lack of past performance information will not result in the Offeror being rated favorably or unfavorably for this Factor. Government databases will be checked and previous customers may be contacted as references.

NOTE: All relevant contracts submitted must have been completed within the last three (3) years from the date proposals are due. The Government reserves the right to contact the evaluator on previous Government or private sector work to verify the offeror’s performance. Submittal Requirements: Offerors shall submit a list all contracts (including current point of contact, phone number, and e-mail address) for the Government to send a past performance survey.

M.3.5 FACTOR E – Price Offerors shall submit a complete price proposal separately from the technical proposal. Pricing shall be provided for all items in the SF1449; proposals omitting any of the information will be considered incomplete and cannot be considered for award. Price will not be rated or scored, but will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness through the use of a price analysis. Price break downs in accordance with Section L.1.3 for CLINs 0001A, 0001B, 1001A, and 1001B shall be provided separately from the SF1449.

The Government will also check for appearance of unbalanced line item prices. As price is an indicator that the Offeror understands the scope and level of effort, price will be evaluated for reasonableness and used in performing the best value trade off decision. The Government may use various price analysis techniques and procedures to determine price reasonableness.

M.4 Proposal Evaluation

M.4.1 Compliance Appraisal Proposals will be reviewed to verify compliance with the requirements of the Solicitation. Offerors may be given the opportunity to clarify certain aspects of proposals or to resolve clerical errors.

Failure to comply with the RFP requirements may result in the offeror’s proposal not receiving further consideration.

M.4.2 Initial Evaluation Technical proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for conformance to the requirements specified in this RFP under section “M.3. Evaluation Factors and Sub-factors”. Price proposals will be reviewed and evaluated for price reasonableness in accordance with FAR 15.404, as applicable.

Oral Presentations will be scheduled with after the initial competitive range is established for Offerors to demonstrate their technical understanding and approach of Technical sub-factor C(1).

M.4.3 Competitive Range Determination It is the intent of the Government to award without discussions. However, if award without discussions cannot be made, the Contracting Officer may establish a competitive range comprised of the most highly rated proposals based on the ratings of each proposal against all evaluation criteria.

M.4.3.1 Oral Presentations Offerors in the initial competitive range will be required to provide an oral presentation of technical sub-factor (C)1, demonstrating their understanding of the specified requirements presented in the solicitation, proposed production and systems integration methodology. The Oral Presentation may be in person at GSA in Washington, DC, or by video teleconference.

M.4.4 Discussions If discussions are determined necessary by the Contracting Officer, a competitive range will be established, and then the Contracting Officer may conduct one or more rounds of written and oral discussions with each Offeror within the competitive range. The primary objective of these discussions is to maximize the Government’s ability to obtain best value based on the requirements and the evaluation factors set forth in this RFP. Discussions shall discuss, at a minimum, significant weaknesses and deficiencies identified in an Offeror’s Proposal.

M.4.5 Final Proposal Submission.

At the conclusion of all discussions, Offerors remaining in the competitive range shall be given the opportunity to submit final revised proposals (FPRs). The Contracting Officer will identify the due date and time for Offerors to submit FPRs. The Offeror’s FPR shall address any outstanding issues in the technical proposal, price schedules, supporting documentation, and other areas such as the Subcontracting Plan or exceptions to the RFP.

M.4.6 Final Proposal Evaluation FPRs will be evaluated in same manner as the initial proposals using the same factors and sub-factors and following the same procedures. Final strengths, weaknesses and deficiencies will be identified based on the FPR submission and final ratings will be assigned to each Offer based on the FPR submission.