RFP - 75N91020Q00108.pdf

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 1 of 25

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

75N91020Q00108

1.0 TITLE

Large-Scale Data Analysis to Characterize Variations in Cancer Treatments Across the United States.

2.0 OVERVIEW

Document Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation – Request for Proposals (RFP)

Solicitation Number: 75N91020Q00108

Posted Date: 13 August 2020

Response Date: 24 August 2020 at 12:00 PM EST

Classification Code: R499 – Other Professional Support

NAICS Code: 541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Business Size Standard: $16.5 Million

2.1 CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Cancer Institute

Office of Acquisitions

9609 Medical Center Drive

Room 1E134

Bethesda, MD 20892

UNITED STATES

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), Health Systems and Interventions Research Branch (HSIRB) seeks to procure the services of a qualified Contractor to perform large-scale data analysis to support HSIRB efforts to characterize variations in cancer treatments across the United States. These services will be procured on a competitive basis.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation issued as a request for Proposal (RFP) for commercial services, prepared in accordance with the requirements of FAR 12.6 and as supplemented with additional information contained in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation 75N91020Q00108, includes all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR FAC 2020-08.

The Government anticipates that a single purchase order (PO) will be made as a result of this solicitation; however, the Government reserves the right not to issue any award if it is in the best interests of the Government. This anticipated award type is firm-fixed price.

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3.0 STATEMENT OF WORK

3.1 BACKGROUND

It is now possible to conduct large-scale analyses of variations in cancer treatment pathways. This is due to near-universal adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by cancer hospitals and clinics;

advances in data analytic tools; and the growing number of data networks that have established linkages across EHR, diagnostic, pharmacy and administrative claims databases.

Tremendous variations in the collection, coding and storage of data in hospitals and clinics are a substantial barrier to harmonizing the data from different EHRs. Another challenge is appropriately linking EHR data to other data types such as claims. Few data networks have succeeded in harmonizing data across these diverse data types and demonstrated the ability to conduct large-scale analyses on routinely collected data in healthcare delivery organizations.

NCI previously supported a pilot study within the Observational Health Data Sciences and

Informatics (OHDSI) network to analyze data from over 5 million cancer patients with co-morbidities. This study showed that there were more than 60,000 treatment pathways for depression;

more than 40,000 treatment pathways for diabetes; and more than 346,000 treatment pathways for hypertension.

This new requirement builds on the previous project by characterizing the variation in cancer treatment pathways of patients treated in diverse cancer care delivery organizations across the U.S.

3.2 OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this contract is to conduct large-scale data analyses. These data analyses will be used to characterize the variations in cancer treatment pathways of patients treated in diverse cancer care delivery organizations across the U.S. and to characterize the extent of cancer treatment variation from the relevant cancer treatment guidelines. The secondary objective is to ascertain the feasibility of collecting and analyzing data needed to understand the human-level and organizational-level factors (including differences in IT implementation and use) that may be associated with variations in the treatment pathways.

This project will advance our understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of current approaches to harmonize data across diverse healthcare delivery databases and to use these data to conduct large-scale analyses of variations in cancer treatment pathways across the U.S. The project may also help to identify patient populations and delivery settings that are likely to experience the greatest cancer treatment variations. This project will help inform future NCI activities on using large-scale data analyses to understand the impact of variations in cancer treatments on patient outcomes and the factors driving these variations.

3.3 SCOPE

The Contractor shall utilize an existing large data network to create large treatment cohorts of cancer patients to analyze the variation in treatments in breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and one hematological malignancy. There must be separate treatment cohorts for early-stage and late-stage cancers. The Contractor shall extract and analyze data on treatments used by all oncology specialties – medical, radiation and surgical – and characterize the extent of treatment variation.

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The contractor shall specify the relevant treatment guidelines, such as those available from the

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

(NCCN) for these four cancers (including early stage and advanced cancers) and characterize the variation in cancer treatments from the treatments recommended by these guidelines. Data visualizations will be used to explain the extent of cancer treatment variation.

Since many factors influence the choice of treatments for a cancer patients, such as patient factors

(such as stage of cancer, presence of a comorbidity, type of insurance), clinician factors (such as specialty and experience) and organizational factors (such as the choice of default clinical decision support (including order sets) for treatment pathways in an EHR, availability of advanced treatment facilities such as proton beam therapy centers), NCI is interested in knowing the feasibility of using the data network for analyzing these factors. The contractor shall specify what type of data on each of these factors (patient-level, clinician-level and organizational-level factors) are available in the data network.

3.3.1 TASK 1 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ANALYTICAL PLAN

The Contractor shall develop an overall project management plan and an analytical plan for the

Scope of the project.

The Project Management Plan shall:

• Describe the development and implementation of the requirements under this contract.

• Detail the timing and mode of key tasks.

The Analytical Plan shall:

• Specify the databases, data, data extraction, aggregation and analytic tools to be used to create treatment cohorts.

• Specify the approach to create the cancer treatment cohorts.

• Specify the sources of cancer treatment guidelines

• Specify the approach to characterize the treatment variation.

• Identify the treatment cohorts for at least four cancers including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and one hematological malignancy.

• Identify the relevant guideline-recommended treatment pathways for each cancer, including an evidence-based guideline for treating early-stage cancer and a guideline for treating advanced cancer.

• Provide the technical details on the software, algorithms and methods used to extract, harmonize and aggregate data from linked databases

3.3.2 TASK 2 – CREATE AND ANALYZE DATA

The Contractor shall utilize an existing large data network to create large treatment cohorts of cancer patients to analyze the variation in treatments in breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and one hematological malignancy.

As part of this task, the Contractor shall:

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• Characterize the extent of variation in treatments from the guideline-recommended treatment pathways.

• Identify the data and analytic approaches used to assess potential contributors to treatment variation at the patient-level (such as comorbidities, type of insurance, patient demographics), clinician-level (such as specialty and experience) and organizational-level (such as clinical decision support for cancer treatment pathways, availability of advanced treatment facilities such as proton beam therapy).

• Ascertain the extent of variation from applicable clinical treatment guidelines.

3.3.3 TASK 3 – PROJECT REPORT

The Contractor shall write a report on the project findings with background, methods, results and discussion sections. This includes detailed data visualizations depicting the treatment variations by disease, age of patient, region, type of delivery site and other relevant variables.

The report shall discuss the feasibility of collecting and analyzing data at the patient-, clinician-, and level and the organizational-level for conducting large-scale analyses. The report will identify patient-level, clinician-level and organizational-level factors that may be associated with the cancer treatment variations.

3.3.4 TASK 4 – TECHNICAL REPORT

The Contractor shall write a technical supplement to the project report with details on the software, data elements used from each relevant database, the data analytic plan and the list of relevant treatment guidelines.

3.3.5 TASK 5 – COMMUNICATION & PRESENTATION

The Contractor shall regularly communicate with the NCI technical experts to discuss project progress and to discuss any challenges encountered.

The Contractor shall present the project findings in a talk to NCI staff.

The Contractor shall use appropriate data visualizations to present results of the large-scale data analyses in an easily understandable format.

4.0 CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS/ AND PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall assign the key personnel outlined in this section. The Contractor shall ensure that the CO and TPOC have the current point-of-contact information for all key personnel. All key personnel listed in this section are considered essential to performance of this requirement, and replacement or removal of key personnel shall only be done in accordance with HHSAR 352.237-75.

4.1.1 PRIMARY DATA SCIENTIST/CLINICAL INFORMATICIST

The Contractor shall assign a primary data scientist or primary clinical informaticist to this award.

The primary data scientist/clinical informaticist shall be responsible for creating cancer treatment

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4.1.2 PRIMARY ONCOLOGIST

The Contractor shall assign a primary oncologist to this award. The primary oncologist shall be responsible for working with data scientist to ensure all relevant treatments are considered for the selected cancers, specifying current treatment guidelines and specifying extent of treatment variation from guidelines.

4.2 PROHIBITION AGAINST PERSONAL SERVICES

The Contractor shall not perform personal services under this contract. Contractor personnel are employees of the Contractor or its subcontractors and are under the administrative control and supervision of the Contractor. A Contractor supervisor must give all individual Contractor employee assignments and daily work direction. The Government shall not supervise or direct Contractor employees in the performance of their assignments.

If at any time the Contractor believes that any Government action or communication has been given that would create a personal service relationship between the Government and any Contractor employee, the Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer of this communication or action.

The Contractor shall not perform any inherently governmental functions under this contract. No

Contractor employee shall represent or give the appearance that he or she is 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.

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all employees assigned to this contract understand and are committed to following the requirements of the Contract.

4.3 CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

The Government shall evaluate Contractor performance in accordance with FAR Subpart 42.15. The

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) will be utilized for these reviews.

Information on CPARS can be located at http://www.cpars.gov

4.4 508 COMPLIANCE

Deliverables under this order must comply with all relevant Section 508 accessibility standards.

Regardless of format, all Web content or communications materials specifically produced for publication on, or delivery via, HHS Web sites, including text, audio, or video, under this contract shall conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. Remediation of any materials that do not comply with the applicable accessibility standards of 36 CFR Part 1194 as set forth herein shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. HHS guidance regarding accessibility of documents can be found at:

http://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/making-files-accessible/index.html http://www.cpars.gov/ http://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/making-files-accessible/index.html

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Federal government-wide guidance regarding accessibility of documents can be found at:

https://www.section508.gov/best-practices

This guidance includes documents describing the preferred method of authoring and testing documents produced in Microsoft Word 2013 or later, Microsoft Excel, and files formatted as PDF.

5.0 REPORT(S)/DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

All written deliverable products shall be submitted in draft format for review, comment and approval by the technical point of contact (TPOC). Final copies of approved drafts shall be delivered to the

TPOC within five (5) business days after receipt of the Government’s comments.

All written draft and final deliverable products shall be submitted in electronic copy for review and comment. If requested, final deliverable products shall be submitted in hard copy; two (2) final bound copies and one (1) unbound flat final copy suitable for reproduction, in addition to an electronic copy. Other quantities and formats may be submitted after prior approval from the TPOC.

Electronic copies shall be submitted in Microsoft Office 2007 OR Word format or more recent version, unless prior approval for another format has been obtained from the TPOC.

All deliverables shall be sent electronically (Microsoft Word or Excel 2013, unless approved by the

TPOC) per the following deliverable schedule:

REL TASK

DELIVERABLE DESCRIPTION / FORMAT

REQUIREMENTS

DUE DATE

3.3.1 Project Management Plan in Word or PDF format

30 days after award

3.3.1 Draft Analytics Plan in Word or PDF format

30 days after award

3.3.1 Final Analytics Plan in Word or PDF format

60 days after award

3.3.2 Draft report on findings of project in Word or PDF

format

10 months after award https://www.section508.gov/best-practices

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3.3.3 Final report on findings of project in Word or PDF

format

15-days prior to expiration of the contract.

3.3.4

Draft technical report on software, data elements, analytic plan and list of relevant treatment guidelines in Word or PDF format

10 months after award

3.3.4

Final technical report on software, data elements, analytic plan and list of relevant treatment guidelines in Word or PDF format

15-days prior to expiration of the contract.

3.3.5 Regularly communicate with NCI staff

Monthly calls after award

3.3.5 Presentation at NCI

15-days prior to expiration of the contract.

6.0 TYPE OF ORDER

This is a firm fixed-price purchase order (PO) for non-severable services.

6.4 NON-SEVERABLE SERVICES

The services acquired under this purchase order are non-severable services.

Funds are only available for use on the contract line item number (CLIN) to which they are obligated. Unused funds from one CLIN may not be applied to other CLINs.

9.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be for 12 months from the date of award. The anticipated period of performance is:

17 September 2020 – 16 September 2021

10.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Services shall be provided at the Contractor’s facility/facilities.

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Incidental onsite meetings or presentations may be conducted if mutually agreed upon by the

Government and the Contractor. Any onsite services shall be provided at the following address:

National Cancer Institute

9609 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850

Travel expenses are not authorized under this order. The Contractor shall not be reimbursed for any travel expenses or incidental expenses related to travel (e.g. parking fees).

11.0 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT NO. TITLE NO. OF PAGES

1 SF-1449 2

2 Invoicing Instructions 4

3 NDAA Representations 3

12.0 PURCHASE ORDER CLAUSES AND TERMS

12.1 HHSAR 352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (DEC 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.

12.2 FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(AUG 2020)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or

Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and

Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

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(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub.

L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video

Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Aug 2020) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-

232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov

2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-

77 and 108-78 ( 19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting

Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

CLAUSE

REFERENCE NO.

TITLE EFFECTIVE

DATE

52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract

Awards Jun 2020

52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment Jun 2020

52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation May 2020 52.223-3 Convict Labor Jun 2003 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities Apr 2015 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity Sept 2016 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans Jun 2020 52.222-36 Equal Employment for Workers with Disabilities Jun 2020 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans Jun 2020 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities Jun 2020 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons Jan 2019 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While

Driving Jun 2020

(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

CLAUSE

REFERENCE NO.

TITLE EFFECTIVE

DATE

No applicable clauses

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(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, as defined in FAR 2.101, on the date of award of this contract, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the

Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.

(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.

(e) (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-

(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Jun 2020) (41

U.S.C. 3509).

(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality

Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the

Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services

Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018)

(Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(iv) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and

Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Aug 2019) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of

Pub. L. 115-232).

(v) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2018) (15

U.S.C.637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 11 of 25 opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds the applicable threshold specified in FAR 19.702(a) on the date of subcontract award, the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.

(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).

(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sep 2015) (E.O.11246).

(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 2020) (29

U.S.C.793).

(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Jun 2020) (38 U.S.C.4212).

(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor

Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.

(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter

67).

(xiii) (A) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Jan 2019) (22 U.S.C.

chapter 78 and E.O 13627).

(B) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50(22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O

13627).

(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor

Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain

Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor

Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015) (E.O. 12989).

(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).

(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) (E.O.

13706).

(xix) (A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).

(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.

(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the

United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).

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(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (Jun

2020) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of

FAR clause 52.226-6.

(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels

(Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx.1241(b) and 10 U.S.C.2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.

(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

12.3 FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

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 these addresses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar

CLAUSE REFERENCE

NO.

TITLE EFFECTIVE

DATE

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance Oct 2018

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code

Maintenance

Jul 2016

FAR 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial

Items

Oct 2018

FAR 52.227-14 Rights in Data – General May 2014

FAR 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms Jan 1991

12.4 PAYMENT TERMS

Payment shall be made upon delivery and acceptance of each deliverable.

The NCI will not accept invoices which include items not listed on the Offeror’s initial proposal and incorporated into the schedule of items for the resulting award. Payment authorization requires submission and approval of invoices to the TPOC and NIH OFM, in accordance with the attached payment provisions listed below:

The following clause is applicable to all Purchase Orders, Task or Delivery Orders, and Blanket

Purchase Agreement (BPA) Calls: PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2017) FAR 52.232-25. Highlights of this clause and NIH implementation requirements follow:

12.4.1 INVOICE REQUIREMENTS

A. An invoice is the Contractor's bill or written request for payment under the contract for supplies delivered or services performed. A proper invoice is an "Original" which must include the items listed in subdivisions 1 through 12, below, in addition to the requirements

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 13 of 25 of FAR 32.9. If the invoice does not comply with these requirements, the Contractor will be notified of the defect within 7 days after the date the designated billing office received the invoice (3 days for meat, meat food products, or fish, and 5 days for perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, edible fats or oils) with a statement of the reasons why it is not a proper invoice. (See exceptions under II., below.) Untimely notification will be taken into account in the computation of any interest penalty owed the Contractor.

1. Vendor/Contractor: Name, Address, Point of Contact for the invoice (Name, title, telephone number, e-mail and mailing address of point of contact).

2. Remit-to address (Name and complete mailing address to send payment).

3. Remittance name must match exactly with name on original order/contract. If the

Remittance name differs from the Legal Business Name, then both names must appear on the invoice.

4. Invoice date.

5. Unique invoice #s for all invoices per vendor regardless of site.

6. NBS document number formats must be included for awards created in the NBS:

Contract Number; Purchase Order Number; Task or Delivery Order Number and Source

Award Number (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract number; General Services

Administration number); or, BPA Call Number and BPA Parent Award Number.

7. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) or DUNS + 4 as registered in the SAM.gov.

8. Federal Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). In those exceptional cases where a contractor does not have a DUNS number or TIN, a Vendor Identification Number (VIN) must be referenced on the invoice. The VIN is the number that appears after the contractor’s name on the face page of the award document.

9. Identify that payment is to be made using a three-way match.

10. Description of supplies/services that match the description on the award, by line billed.*

11. Freight or delivery charge must be billed as shown on the award. If it is included in the item price do not bill it separately. If identified in the award as a separate line item, it must be billed separately.

12. Quantity, Unit of Measure, Unit Price, Extended Price of supplies delivered or services performed, as applicable, and that match the line items specified in the award.*

* NOTE: If your invoice must differ from the line items on the award, please contact the Contracting

Officer before submitting the invoice. A modification to the order or contract may be needed before the invoice can be submitted and paid.

B. Shipping costs will be reimbursed only if authorized by the Contract/Purchase Order. If authorized, shipping costs must be itemized. Where shipping costs exceed $100, the invoice must be supported by a bill of lading or a paid carrier's receipt.

C. Mail an original and 1 copy of the itemized invoice to:

National Institutes of Health

Office of Financial Management, Commercial Accounts

2115 East Jefferson Street, Room 4B-432, MSC 8500

Bethesda, MD 20892-8500

For inquiries regarding payment call: (301) 496-6088

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In order to facilitate the prompt payment of invoices, it is recommended that the vendor submit a photocopy of the invoice to the “Consignee” designated for the acquisition in blocks 6A – 6E of the face page of the Order/Award document.

12.4.2 ELECTRONIC INVOICING PROCEDURES

Effective April 1, 2020 all NIH contractors/vendors invoices should be sent electronically via e-mail to the NIH Office of Financial Management (OFM) and the Contracting Officer (CO) using the electronic submission instructions contained in Attachment #2.

This section shall remain in full force and effect until the Government formally notifies the

Contractor of a return to mail-in invoice procedures detailed in this award.

12.4.3 INVOICE PAYMENT

A. Except as indicated in paragraph B., below, the due date for making invoice payments by the designated payment office shall be the later of the following two events:

1. The 30th day after the designated billing office has received a proper invoice.

2. The 30th day after Government acceptance of supplies delivered or services performed.

B. The due date for making invoice payments for meat and meat food products, perishable agricultural commodities, dairy products, and edible fats or oils, shall be in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, as amended.

12.4.4 INTEREST PENALTIES

A. An interest penalty shall be paid automatically, if payment is not made by the due date and the conditions listed below are met, if applicable.

1. A proper invoice was received by the designated billing office.

2. A receiving report or other Government documentation authorizing payment was processed and there was no disagreement over quantity, quality, or contractor compliance with a term or condition.

3. In the case of a final invoice for any balance of funds due the contractor for supplies delivered or services performed, the amount was not subject to further settlement actions between the Government and the Contractor.

B. Determination of interest and penalties due will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Prompt Payment Act, as amended, the Contract Disputes Act, and regulations issued by the Office of Management and Budget.

12.4.5 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS

SUBCONTRACTORS, FAR 52.232-40 (DEC 2013)

a) Upon receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 15 of 25 maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the prompt Payment Act.

Include the substance of this clause, include this paragraph c, in all subcontracts with small business concerns, including subcontracts with small business concerns for the acquisition of commercial items.

13.0 TASK ORDER PROVISIONS

11.1 FAR 52.204-24 REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING CERTAIN

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICES OR

EQUIPMENT (AUG 2020)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the

Offeror has represented that it “does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument” in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered

Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition. (1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization

Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after

August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for

Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after

August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 16 of 25 equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award

Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the

Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds

“will” in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that— It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds “does” in paragraph

(d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures. (1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the

Offeror has responded “will” in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment

(include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered

(include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 17 of 25

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded “does” in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment

(include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered

(include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained:

Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 18 of 25

11.2 FAR 52.204-26 COVERED TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OR

SERVICES – REPRESENTATION (DEC 2019)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, “covered telecommunications equipment or services” has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain

Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award

Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for “covered telecommunications equipment or services”.

(c) Representation. The Offeror represents that it □ does, □ does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the

Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument.

13.1 FAR 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 proposal 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 proposal or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

PROVISION

REFERENCE NO.

TITLE EFFECTIVE

DATE

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management Oct 2018

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting Aug 2020

FAR 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror Aug 2020

FAR 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror Aug 2020

FAR 52.204-22 Alternative Line Item Proposal Jan 2017

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors – Commercial Items Oct 2018

FAR 52.223-22 Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and

Reduction Goals – Representation

Dec 2016

FAR 52.225-20 Prohibition on Conducting Restricted Business

Operations in Sudan – Certification

Aug 2009

FAR 52.224-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in

Certain Activities or Transactions Related to Iran –

Representations and Certifications

Aug 2018

14.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 19 of 25

14.1 GENERAL

This is request for proposal (RFP) does not commit the Government to pay any of the costs associated with the preparation and/or submission of proposals. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this requirement.

By submitting a proposal in response to this RFP, the Offeror understands that their proposal will become a part of the official contract file.

14.2 SUBMISSION PROCEDURES

Offerors shall provide one original proposal electronically via e-mail to Renee Jones-Chuang, Contract Specialist at renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov. no later than the deadline specified in Section

2.0. Proposals submitted via facsimile, mail, courier, or any other method will not be accepted.

Proposals submitted to any party other than the Contract Specialist administering this order will not be accepted.

Offerors shall reference RFP # 75N91020Q00108 on all correspondence.

Modifications, withdrawals, or revisions received after the deadlines posted in Section 2.0 shall be considered “late” and will not be accepted by the Government, except in accordance with the requirements at FAR 52.212-1(f).

14.3 QUESTIONS

Questions must be submitted electronically, via e-mail, to the Contract Specialist, Renee Jones-

Chuang, at renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov. The deadline for questions is 17 August 2020 at 3:00 PM

EST.

Offerors shall reference RFP # 75N91020Q00108 on all correspondence.

The Government reserves the right to transmit any and all questions and answers to all prospective

Offerors and/or post any questions and answers on the governmentwide point of entry (GPE).

14.4 ORGANIZATION OF PROPOSAL

Offerors must submit proposals in two SEPARATE volumes: Volume 1 – “Technical Volume,” and

Volume 2 – “Price & Administrative Volume.” Each volume shall be separate and complete in itself so that the evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the evaluation of the other.

14.4.1 VOLUME 1 – TECHNICAL VOLUME

The technical volume shall be limited to 11 pages, with 1-inch margins and not less than 12-point font for body text and headers. Footnotes, references, figures, etc. shall use not less than 10-point font. Respondents are encouraged to be succinct and economical in their presentation. If present, the table of contents, cover page, and works cited page(s) are not included in the page count.

mailto:renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov mailto:renee.jones-chuang@nih.gov

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 20 of 25

Technical proposals that exceed the page limit will be evaluated only on the portion of the proposal that meets the requirements of this RFP. For example, a 12-page technical proposal will only be evaluated on the first 11 pages.

The technical volume must not contain references to price. A technical volume which contains pricing may be deemed “non-responsive” and ineligible for award at the sole discretion of the

Contracting Officer. The technical volume may contain resource information such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, etc. so that the respondent’s understanding of the scope of work may be evaluated.

The technical volume must disclose the Offeror’s technical approach in sufficient detail to provide a clear and concise representation. The technical volume must contain a response to each of the factors and sub-factors identified in this RFP.

14.4.2 VOLUME 2 – PRICE & ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUME

Offerors shall prepare a price volume that contains all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed pricing. In addition to pricing, Volume 2 shall include the following administrative information:

• Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN);

• Unique Entity Identifier (e.g. DUNs Number);

• CAGE Code;

• Business size and designation (e.g. small business);

• Name and contact information of individual authorized to commit the Contractor;

• A statement to the effect that pricing is valid for a period of at least 60-days from the closing date of the solicitation;

• A statement of agreement with the delivery terms outlined in this RFP.

• A signed copy of the SF-1449; and

• Representations and Certifications requested in this RFP.

Offerors shall submit pricing individually by contract line item number (CLIN) and a total price.

Offerors shall include all shipping charges necessary for performance of this requirement in their original price proposal. The NCI will not accept invoices which include items not listed on the

Offeror’s initial proposal and incorporated into the schedule of items for the resulting award.

13.0 EVALUATION & BASIS FOR AWARD

13.1 GENERAL EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposals must be prepared in accordance with and in compliance with the instructions given in this

RFP and address all requirements set forth in the statement of work (SOW). Proposals which offer merely to conduct work in accordance with the requirements will not be eligible for an award.

Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106.

National Cancer Institute 75N91020Q00108 Page 21 of 25

The Government does not anticipate requesting revisions to proposals. Offerors should provide their best solution and price in response to the RFP. However, the Government reserves the right to request proposal revisions, seek additional price discounts, or clarify aspects of the proposal.