RFP Argon Piping R1 6.1.2026.docx

Request for Proposals Number LBNF-73573-JK for

Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

Argon Piping, Supply, Installation, and Testing

This Request for Proposal consists of a model subcontract in Sections A through J and a Request for Proposal in Sections K through M.

Questions and inquiries are to be submitted via e-mail to Jerry King at jking@fnal.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on July 3, 2026.

Proposals are to be submitted via e-mail to Jerry King at jking@fnal.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on July 27, 2026.

Draft Subcontract for LBNF Argon Piping, Supply, Installation and Testing Between Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC and VENDOR

Subcontract Number TBD For LBNF Argon Piping Supply, Installation, and Testing Between FFDG and SUBCONTRACTOR

A1. Identification of Parties

This Subcontract is between Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC (“FFDG”) and the party identified in A8. below as the Subcontractor (“Subcontractor”).

A2. Subcontract Issued Under Prime Contract

This Subcontract is issued under Prime Contract No. 89243024CSC000002 between the United States Government (“Government”), represented by the Department of Energy (“DOE”), and FFDG for the management and operation of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (“FNAL” or “Fermilab”) and the performance of research and development work.

A3. Relationships

Nothing in this Subcontract shall be deemed as creating any relationship between FFDG and Subcontractor other than that of contractor and subcontractor or buyer and seller. Subcontractor shall not interpret any clause contained herein as being binding or purporting to bind the United States Government, its officers, or its agents.

A4. General Purpose of the Subcontract

The general purpose of this Subcontract is the acquisition of the Argon Piping – Supply, Installation and Testing for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) facility in Lead, South Dakota as further described in Attachment J1.

A5. Period of Performance

The required delivery dates are identified in F1. of the Subcontract.

A6. Order of Precedence

Any inconsistency in this Subcontract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order: Section A, B, D, E, F, G, H, I, C.

A7. Agreement

The parties agree to perform their respective obligations in accordance with the sections, terms, and conditions, the documents referenced or incorporated herein, which constitute the entire Subcontract and shall supersede all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether verbal or written.

A8. Signature

The parties have caused this Subcontract to be executed by their duly authorized agents by their signatures below.

Subcontractor:

TBD Fermi Forward Discovery Group LLC (FFDG)

Signature: Signature:

Name: Name:

Title: Title:

Date: Date:

Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices

B1. Prices

The Subcontractor shall provide the supplies or services at the firm fixed prices shown in the table below.

B2. Firm Fixed Prices (FFP)

The Firm Fixed Prices are not subject to any adjustment by the Subcontractor. Only the FFDG Procurement Specialist is authorized to change the Firm Fixed Prices.

B3. Unit Prices for Change Orders

The fully burdened hourly rates included in Attachment J-11 shall be utilized in the calculations of a firm fixed price change order, in the event a change is necessary during the performance of work. Under no circumstances will the supplier perform work on a Time and Materials basis.

Section C - Description of Work

C1. Standards of Performance

The Subcontractor shall perform the work under this Subcontract by using its best efforts and know-how and its performance shall be accomplished in a workmanlike manner by qualified, careful, and efficient personnel, in accordance with professional standards of care. The Subcontractor shall perform all work, include in Attachment J-4.

C2. Technical Reports

The Subcontractor shall prepare and submit to the Procurement Specialist and/or distribute, as directed by the Procurement Specialist, such reports concerning technical aspects of work under this Subcontract, in such quantity and form (including detail) and at such times, as may be specified in this Subcontract.

C3. Conduct of Employees

The Subcontractor shall be responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, and integrity and shall be responsible for taking such disciplinary action with respect to its employees as may be necessary. The Subcontractor shall immediately remove from the work under this Subcontract any employee of the Subcontractor who, in the sole discretion of FFDG, is found to be unsatisfactory in technical performance or personal conduct.

C4. Statement of Work

The Subcontractor shall complete and deliver the work in accordance with the Statement of Work at Attachment J-3.

Section D - Packaging and Marking

D1. Packaging and Marking

RESERVED

D2. Shipping Address

All items shall be shipped to the following address, or a nearby staging area, as directed by FFDG:

Ross Headframe 100 Ross Rd.

Lead, SD 57754

The Subcontractor shall notify the FFDG Technical Representative two weeks in advance of material shipment, to allow sufficient time for FFDG Logistics coordination of underground movement to the cavern.

Section E - Inspection and Acceptance

E1. Inspection and Acceptance

Inspection and acceptance shall be in accordance with the Statement of Work in Attachment J-3 and applicable clauses per Section I.

Section F - Deliveries or Periods of Performance

F1. Periods of Performance

Completion of construction shall be completed within 250 calendar days from date of award.

*For purposes of the RFP, these are FFDG’s requested completion days. Proposals shall comment on the feasibility of FFDG’s requested completion dates. A faster performance is desired, especially in the shaft. Additionally, there is no constraint on concurrent activities (i.e. surface, shaft and underground may be performed concurrently). Each proposal must include the offerors’ forecasted delivery dates based on current shop availability and expected turnaround.

Section G - Subcontract Administration Data

G1. Subcontract Administration

a. FFDG’s Procurement Specialist for this Subcontract is shown below. The Procurement Specialist or their designate is the only person authorized to make changes in the terms, conditions and requirements of this Subcontract or make modifications to this Subcontract including changes or modifications to the Statement of Work. The Subcontractor shall direct all notices and requests for approval required by this Subcontract to the Procurement Specialist at the following address:

FFDG Procurement Specialist Attention: Jerry King Email: jking@fnal.gov Phone: (217) 390-1120

Fermi Forward Discover Group, LLC Kirk & Pine Street Batavia, IL 60510

b. Any notices and approvals required by this Subcontract from FFDG to the Subcontractor shall be issued by the FFDG Procurement Specialist.

c. FFDG’s Technical Representative for this Subcontract is shown below. The Technical Representative is the person designated to monitor the Subcontract work and to interpret and clarify the technical requirements of the Statement of Work. The Technical Representative is not authorized to make changes to the work or modify any of the terms and conditions, including the schedule and the pricing of this Subcontract.

FFDG Technical Representative Attention: Matt Heck Email: mjohnk60@fnal.gov Phone: (605) 571-2426 Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC

d. Unless otherwise stated in the Subcontract, reports required by the Subcontract shall be separately submitted to the FFDG Procurement Specialist and the FFDG Technical Representative. Unless otherwise stated in the Subcontract, the reports shall be submitted by email.

G2. Notification of Potential Changes

The Subcontractor shall provide notification to FFDG of potential changes to this Subcontract. The primary purpose of this clause is to obtain prompt reporting by the Subcontractor of circumstances or FFDG actions that the Subcontractor considers to constitute a change to this Subcontract. The Subcontractor shall notify the FFDG Procurement Specialist in writing of any actions, inactions, or communications by FFDG that the Subcontractor regards as a potential change to this Subcontract. This notice requirement does not apply to formal change orders identified as such in writing and signed by the FFDG Procurement Specialist pursuant to the Subcontract’s Changes clause. The Subcontractor shall provide the notice promptly, but no later than ten calendar days from the date that the Subcontractor identifies the potential change. Based on the most accurate information available to the Subcontractor, the notice shall state:

(1) The date, nature, and circumstances of the conduct regarded as a change;

(2) The name, function, and activity of each FFDG individual and Subcontractor official or employee involved in or knowledgeable about such conduct;

(3) The identification of any documents and the substance of any oral communication involved in such conduct;

(4) In the instance of alleged acceleration of scheduled performance or delivery, the basis upon which it arose; and

(5) The elements of Subcontract performance for which the Subcontractor may seek an equitable adjustment under this clause.

FFDG is not obligated to reimburse the Subcontractor for any work performed outside of the Subcontract scope without authorization from the FFDG Procurement Specialist.

G3. Invoices

All invoices shall be emailed to apinvoices@fnal.gov with a copy to the Procurement Specialist. The subject line of the email shall state the Subcontractor’s name and the Subcontract number.

If the Subcontractor is unable to submit an invoice by email, it may submit the invoice to the following address:

FFDG Accounts Payable Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory P.O. Box 500 – Mail Station 112 Batavia, IL 60510

G3.1 General Invoice Requirements

Invoices shall be sent electronically to APINVOICES@FNAL.GOV.

Invoices shall contain the following information:

9. Description, price, and quantity of materials, property, or services delivered or

G4. Payment Schedule

a. FFDG shall pay the Subcontractor, upon the submission of proper invoices in accordance with any requirements from the clauses referenced in Section I, the prices stipulated in this Subcontract for services rendered and accepted, less any deductions provided in this Subcontract.

G5. Closeout

The Subcontractor shall, as a condition of full payment, assist FFDG after the completion of the work in accomplishing the administrative closeout of this Subcontract.

Section H - Special Subcontract Requirements

H1. FFDG Furnished U.S. Government Property

FFDG will not furnish any U.S. Government Property for use under this Subcontract

H2. Insurance

The insurance requirements for this Subcontract are as shown in Attachment J-1.

H3. Warranties

Warranties under this Subcontract are as described in Attachment J-1.

H4. Technical Direction

a. Performance of the work under this Subcontract shall be subject to the technical direction of the FFDG Technical Representative. The term "technical direction" is defined to include, without limitation:

i. Providing direction to the Subcontractor that redirects Subcontract effort, shifts work emphasis between work areas or tasks, requires the pursuit of certain lines of inquiry, fills in details, or otherwise serves to accomplish the subcontract Statement of Work.

ii. Providing written information to the Subcontractor that assists in interpreting drawings, specifications, or technical portions of the work description.

iii. Reviewing and, where required by the Subcontract, approving technical reports, drawings, specifications, and technical information to be delivered by the Subcontractor to FFDG.

b. Matt Heck is the FFDG Technical Representative.

c. Technical direction must be within the general scope of work stated in the Subcontract. The FFDG Technical Representative does not have the authority to, and may not, issue any technical direction that—

i. Constitutes an assignment of additional work outside the Statement of Work.

ii. Constitutes a change as defined in the Subcontract clause entitled "Changes."

iii. In any manner causes: an increase or decrease in the firm fixed price of the Subcontract; an increase or decrease in or changes to the period of performance of the Subcontract specified in Section F.

iv. Changes to any of the expressed terms, conditions, or specifications of the Subcontract; or

v. Interferes with the Subcontractor's right to perform under the terms and conditions of the Subcontract.

d. The Subcontractor must proceed promptly with the performance of technical direction duly issued by the FFDG Technical Representative in the manner prescribed by this clause and within its authority under the provisions of this clause. If, in the opinion of the Subcontractor, any instruction or direction by the FFDG Technical Representative falls within one of the categories defined in (c)(i) through (c)(v) of this clause, the Subcontractor must not proceed and must notify the FFDG Procurement Specialist in writing within five (5) working days after receipt of any such instruction or direction and must request that the FFDG Procurement Specialist modify the Subcontract accordingly. Upon receiving the notification from the Subcontractor, the FFDG Procurement Representative must—

i. Advise the Subcontractor in writing within ten (10) days after receipt of the Subcontractor's correspondence that the technical direction is within the general scope of the Subcontract effort and does not constitute a change under the Changes clause of the Subcontract.

ii. Advise the Subcontractor in writing within a reasonable time that FFDG will issue a written change order; or

iii. Advise the Subcontractor in writing within a reasonable time not to proceed with the instruction or direction of the FFDG Technical Representative.

e. A failure of the Subcontractor and FFDG Procurement Representative either to agree that the technical direction is within the general scope of the Subcontract or to agree upon the Subcontract action to be taken with respect to the technical direction will be subject to the provisions of the clause entitled "Disputes."

H5. Supervision

FFDG employees shall not direct or supervise Subcontractor's employees, either directly or indirectly. The Subcontractor is solely responsible for directing and supervising its employees.

H6. Additional Requirements

Subcontractor compliance with all the orders, regulations, plans, manuals, and other directives listed in the Statement of Work and in the Incorporated Documents is a material term of this Subcontract.

H7. Additional Subcontract Terms for Work Performed at the Sanford Underground Research Facility

“SDSTA” means the South Dakota Science & Technology Authority, created by the South Dakota legislature, and operator of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

“SURF” means the Sanford Underground Research Facility, located in Lead, South Dakota, and which is the Far Site for the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) project of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

H8. Small Business Subcontracting Plan The Subcontractor’s Small Business Subcontracting Plan is incorporated in Attachment J-9. (Attachment J-9 will be removed if the Subcontract is awarded to a small business.)

Section I - Subcontract Clauses

I. General Clauses

The general terms and conditions for this Subcontract are listed in Attachment J-1. The clauses listed in that Attachment shall be applicable to this Subcontract as stated therein based on the value of the Subcontract, the status of the Subcontractor, and the nature and location of the work. The Subcontractor shall flow down to sub-tier subcontractors the clauses as specified in that Attachment.

Section J - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

J. Incorporated Documents

The following documents are incorporated as a part of this Subcontract.

Section K – Representations and Certifications

Section L—Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors

The following requirements must be adhered to for the Offeror’s submission of Proposals to Fermi Forward Discovery Group (FFDG) in support of this specific requirement:

L1. Proposal Response and Due Date and Time

A) Proposals shall be submitted via email to Jerry King at jking@fnal.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on July 27, 2026.

B) Representations and Certifications must be:

· Submitted on the forms furnished by FFDG or on copies of those forms, which have been manually signed and scanned.

· The person signing the Representations and Certifications must initial each erasure or change appearing on a completed form.

· The Offeror’s Representations and Certifications shall be signed by an authorized representative of the company.

C) Submit an email with 1 scanned pdf copy of the Technical Proposal volume and 1 scanned pdf copy of the Price/Contractual Proposal volume.

L2. Inquiries and Questions

Direct all price/contractual and technical questions that you may have concerning this RFP in writing via email to jking@fnal.gov. All inquiries and questions regarding this solicitation must be received no later July 3, 2026, in order to allow FFDG sufficient time to respond prior to the proposal due date. Offerors shall reference the solicitation number in the subject line of the email correspondence. The person designated below shall be the only contact for all inquiries regarding any aspect of this RFP and its requirements.

Responses to written questions, which involve an interpretation or change to this RFP, will be issued in writing by an RFP amendment and mailed to all parties recorded by FFDG as having received a copy of the RFP. All such amendments issued by FFDG prior to the time that FFDG receives proposals shall be considered part of the RFP.

Companies receiving this RFP other than directly from FFDG Procurement are responsible for notifying the FFDG contact for RFP inquiries that they are in receipt of an RFP package, and for providing a company name, contact name, and email address in the event an amendment is issued.

Only additional information provided by formal written amendment shall be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications are not binding on FFDG.

L3. Explanation to Prospective Offerors

Any explanation desired by a prospective Offeror regarding the meaning or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specification, etc., must be requested with sufficient time to allow for a reply to reach all prospective Offerors before the submission of their offers. Any information given to a prospective Offeror will be furnished to all prospective Offerors if such information is necessary in submitting offers or if the lack of such information would be prejudicial to any other prospective Offerors.

Direct any questions concerning the RFP in writing to:

Jerry King Procurement Specialist jking@fnal.gov

(217) 390-1120

L.4 Minimum Offer Acceptance Period

“Acceptance period,” as used in this provision, means the number of calendar days available to FFDG for awarding a Subcontract from the date specified in this RFP. Once awarded a Subcontract, the Offeror agrees to perform in compliance with the Subcontract terms.

FFDG requires a minimum acceptance period of 180 calendar days.

An offer allowing less than FFDG’s minimum acceptance period may be rejected.

L.5 Evaluation of Proposals

An Evaluation Team will evaluate the proposals. Offerors should be prepared to respond to requests by the Evaluation Team for responses and/or site visits deemed necessary to assist in the detailed evaluation process.

Failure to complete any section of the Proposal may render the proposal insufficient, and it may not be evaluated. All items requested herein will be considered in the evaluation process. FFDG may conduct negotiations with any Offeror to resolve inadequacies or clarify issues in submittals.

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with this RFP.

FFDG shall evaluate proposals for award purposes without considering any conditions or contingencies. Negotiations may be conducted with those Offerors submitting technically acceptable proposals.

L.6 Pre-Proposal Meeting and Optional Site Visit

A mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and On-Site Underground Tour to go over the RFP with prospective Offerors will be held on June 23, 2026, starting at 8:30 am. Mountain Daylight Time. Attendance for the Optional Site Visit is not mandatory to bid on this work. The Pre-Proposal and Site Visit will be held in Lead, SD. The On-Site Visit will include a tour of the underground facilities of the Sandford Underground Research Facility (SURF) relevant to the SOW.

All Offerors intending to send representatives to the On-Site Visit are required to submit an RSVP no later than 4 pm Mountain Time, June 15, 2026, to allow sufficient time for badging to be completed. The RSVP shall be emailed to jking@fnal.gov prior to the deadline.

Attendees are responsible for all travel and transportation costs associated with attendance at the On-Site Visit. FFDG is not liable for any costs or damages incurred or arising from the inability of any person (or persons) to access the site or attend the Site Visit, whether due to failure to supply the necessary notifications and information for access to FFDG in a timely fashion, or for any other reason.

On Site Visit:

Please include the following in your RSVP for the On-Site Visit.

1. Full legal name and email address for each attendee (including lower-tier subcontractors)- (Limited to three individuals per company due to underground cage restriction).

2. Safety, PPE, and Training Requirements.

· PPE Required: Hard hat, steel-toe boots, safety glasses, reflective safety vest, and long-sleeve shirts.

· Self-Rescuers: Self-rescuers will be provided by FFDG for all participants entering the underground site.

· Prequalification Safety Training: Will be conducted onsite by FFDG on the morning of the visit – no pre-training is required before arrival. Training details will be provided in an amendment.

3. Site Access Instructions

· For all onsite attendees, Fermilab site access approval is required in advance. Each attendee must:

· Complete the Fermilab Access Request Form (Access Request Form), see answers below

· Provide a REAL ID-compliant ID (REAL ID-compliant document) and visa documentation (Visa documents) if applicable when you arrive.

Access Request Form Instructions

4. Additional Notes

· Questions asked during the “On-Site” visit will be documented and included in an RFP Addendum.

During the Site Visit, FFDG representatives will provide a brief presentation of the elements required for this RFP and a walk-through of available/accessible areas relevant to the SOW. Questions and answers during this visit will be documented and shared with all participants. Oral explanations and other interpretations or clarifications are not binding on FFDG.

L.7 Acknowledgement of Amendments to Solicitations

Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (a) by signing and returning the amendment; (b) by e-mail to jking@fnal.gov; or (c) by completing the Representations, Certifications and Acknowledgments (Form SARC). FFDG must receive the acknowledgment by the time and at the place specified for receipt of offers.

L.8 Responsible Offerors

FFDG reserves the right to award a Subcontract only to a responsible Offeror. A responsible Offeror is defined as a company that demonstrates the financial ability, resources, skills, capability, willingness, and business integrity necessary to perform the Subcontract. FFDG determination of whether an Offeror is responsible is at FFDG’s sole discretion.

L.9 Additional Terms and Conditions

The articles, terms, conditions, and provisions provided herein generally conform to those normally issued by this office and are compliant with FFDG’s Prime Contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or with public law. Significant exceptions to the sample Subcontract and the FFDG General Terms and Conditions, requested changes, or requests for waivers by the Offeror may delay any resultant award. There is no certainty that any requested changes will be incorporated into the awarded Subcontract.

L.10 Submission of Proposals

The Offeror’s written proposal shall be submitted electronically to the e-mail address listed below: The subject, title, or description line of all email correspondence shall include the RFP number.

jking@fnal.gov Attention: Jerry King Procurement Specialist Subject: (e.g. RFP LBNF-73573-JK) The cover page of an electronic Proposal shall list the solicitation number, due date and time, and the name and address of the Offeror. Facsimile offers will not be considered.

L.11 Late Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals of Proposals

Any proposal received at the email designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt will not be considered unless it is in the best interest of FFDG to evaluate it, and it is received before the award is made.

L.12 Requirements for Proposals

Offerors shall submit two (2) separate pdf proposal volumes.

The Technical Proposal volume shall contain all the pertinent technical information exclusive of the prices and other information required in the Price/Business Proposal volume. The Technical Proposal volume shall include all the information required by the Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions below.

Technical Proposal Preparation Instructions:

The Offeror’s Technical Proposal should discuss each evaluation factor stated in Section M. The Technical Proposal should provide the following documentation to facilitate FFDG’s evaluation of each evaluation factor:

Criterion 1: Past Experience and Past Performance This shall provide relevant examples of corporate experience in the engineering and manufacturing of welded stainless-steel pipes that are similar in scope to the FFDG requirements required by this solicitation. Each example should provide a description sufficiently detailed to demonstrate the offeror’s capabilities. At a minimum, the Offeror shall demonstrate experience on three (3) projects completed within the past ten (10) years. In addition, the level of performance achieved by the Offeror on each past project will be considered.

Criterion 2: Technical Merit of the Offeror's Approach to accomplish the SOW.

In this section, FFDG will evaluate the degree to which the Offeror's proposal demonstrates its ability to meet or exceed the technical requirements for the Argon Pipe Installation as defined in the Statement of Work. Evaluation under this factor includes, but is not limited to, the following key considerations:

· Installation approach – surface, shaft, and underground.

· Weld inspection approach.

· Gas testing approach.

· Schedule for performance of the work.

Criterion 3: ESH Corporate Program and Quality Assurance Corporate Program A. ES&H Program:

Offeror shall provide a corporate safety plan, which includes the past three years of EMR. The Offeror shall complete the Fermilab Subcontractor Injury & Illness Data Questionnaire. The Offeror shall provide their Corporate Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) Plan. Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC), Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Case Rate, and Experience Modification Rate data as requested in the questionnaire, including support documentation. FFDG will evaluate whether the Offeror has provided a comprehensive ESH plan. FFDG will review the Offeror’s Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC), Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Case Rate, and EMR data based on information provided in the Fermilab Subcontractor Injury & Illness Data Questionnaire. Fermi Forward desires an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of less than 1.00 for the current and previous two years. Offerors that are outside the desired EMR can be evaluated further by reviewing the case-specific circumstances and any positive trend of the EMR rate. If the Offeror is outside of the EMR rating and trending up, they should provide an explanation letter for each year that is outside of the 1.0. Please provide additional EMR data year-to-date for a total of 6 years. The FFDG ESH Management Team will evaluate and determine if the Offeror’s circumstance can be accepted, and determine what is in the best interest of FFDG and the DOE.

The Offeror shall submit their Corporate Environmental, Safety, and Health Program. The elements of each Offeror’s ES&H Program will be reviewed and evaluated based on the scope of work and evidence of compliance with DOE 10CFR851 Subpart C, which includes OSHA 29CFR1910.

B. Quality Assurance Program:

The Subcontractor shall submit its Company Quality Assurance Program. The Program should meet an applicable nationally recognized standard, such as International Organization for Standards (ISO) 9001, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), etc. The Subcontractor’s welding program should meet ASME, or American Welding Society (AWS), etc., utilizing qualified welders, Weld Procedure Specifications, and Weld Qualification Records.

The QA program will be evaluated based on the degree to which the Offeror's program demonstrates the ability to meet FFDG requirements in the SOW.

Proposal Format for Criterion 3: This section shall include the offeror’s Corporate Quality Control Plan and a copy of any program certifications held by the offeror.

Price/Business Proposal:

The Price/Business Proposal shall include the following:

· Subcontractor Annual Representations and Certifications (SARC)

· PUR-466 Proposal Certifications Form

· Pricing for each Subcontract Line Item (SLIN) in Section B

· Small Business Subcontracting Plan, in accordance with FAR Clause 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug. 2018). Small businesses are exempt from this requirement.

· List of authorized negotiator(s) and contact information.

· Any written exceptions or proposed changes to the terms and conditions or other provisions of the model subcontract contained in this RFP.

L.13 Certified Cost or Pricing Data

Offerors are not required to submit certified cost or pricing data with their offers; however, such data may be requested at a later date.

L.14 Exceptions

FFDG warns Offerors that taking exceptions to any term or condition of this RFP (including submitting any alternate proposals that requires relaxation of a requirement) may make an Offeror ineligible for subcontract award. If exceptions are taken, Offerors shall identify the section or attachment of the RFP and paragraph or clause designation which the Offeror is taking exception to. The reason for any exception(s) shall be clearly stated in the Offeror’s proposal.

L.15 Release of Claims, Liability and Preparation Expenses

This RFP does not commit FFDG to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of an offer or for any other such costs incurred prior to the execution of a Subcontract.

L.16 Award of Subcontract

FFDG intends to award one Firm Fixed Price (FFP) subcontract as a result of this RFP. It is anticipated that award will occur by October 10, 2026. Sections A-K of this RFP represent a model of the FFP subcontract that FFDG intends to award. Award will be on FFDG’s form and will not incorporate offeror’s proposal forms except where indicated.

Unless specified otherwise elsewhere in this Request for Proposal, the Subcontract will be awarded to the responsible Offeror whose offer represents the best value, total cost of the acquisition and other factors considered.

FFDG reserves the right to reject any or all offers and to waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

FFDG may accept within the time specified therein, any offer (or part thereof, as provided in (c) above), whether or not there are negotiations subsequent to its receipt. If subsequent negotiations are conducted, they shall not constitute a rejection or counteroffer on the part of the FFDG.

It is FFDG’s intent to award based on initial offers. Accordingly, each offer should be submitted on the most favorable terms, from a price and technical standpoint that the Offeror can submit. However, FFDG may allow for proposal revisions if FFDG deems it necessary.

L.17 Subcontracting

Unless otherwise specified, the successful Offeror shall be responsible for performance of any lower-tier subcontractor that may perform work under this Subcontract. Performance by a lower-tier subcontractor employee is subject to FFDG consent and will be considered in FFDG’s evaluation. The FFDG Subcontractor must ensure that any lower-tier subcontractor abides by all terms and conditions and requirements of the FFDG Subcontract.

L.18 Summary

The prospective Offeror is hereby reminded to review all attachments and terms and conditions of this solicitation prior to submitting their written proposal. All proposals must be submitted in accordance with this Request for Proposal and with all related requirements, representations, and certifications.

Proposals shall include the following submittals:

· Technical Proposal that specifically responds to each evaluation factor per the proposal format requirements stated in Section L

· Price/Contractual Proposal

· PUR-466 Proposal Certifications Form

· Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC)

· (FL-11 and FL-57B) Organizational Conflicts of Interest Forms

· Subcontractor Corporate QA Plan

· Subcontractor Injury and Illness Data Questionnaire, including OSHA 300A logs and Experience Modification Rating (EMR) documents

· FL-55 Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if offeror is not a small business)

Section M—Evaluation Factors for Award M1. Basis for Subcontract Award

1.1 FFDG expects to award a Subcontract to an Offeror who is deemed responsible, whose proposal conforms to this solicitation’s requirements, and whose proposal is judged to represent the best value to FFDG.

1.2 FFDG will use a Tradeoff source selection method. The best value is represented by the most advantageous proposal, price and other factors considered. Offerors are advised that a proposal meeting the solicitation requirements with the lowest evaluated price may not be selected if award to a higher evaluated price proposal is determined to be most advantageous to FFDG.

1.3 FFDG expects to award one Firm Fixed Price (FFP) subcontract as a result of this solicitation. However, FFDG may reject any or all proposals and not make any award based on this solicitation. FFDG may waive any informality or minor irregularity in proposal(s) received at its sole discretion.

1.4 FFDG reserves the right to award without discussions with Offerors. Accordingly, Offerors should submit their best proposals.

M2. Technical Evaluation Factors Each proposal shall be evaluated relative to the following factors. The evaluation factors are listed in descending order of importance. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are of equal importance to cost or price.

1) Past Experience and Past Performance Corporate past experience that is comparable to FFDG requirements. At a minimum, the offeror shall demonstrate past experience pertaining to three (3) projects of similar scope and completed within the past ten (10) years. In addition, the level of performance achieved by the offeror on each past project will be considered.

2) Technical Merit of Offeror's Approach to accomplish the SOW FFDG will evaluate the degree to which the offeror's proposal demonstrates its ability to meet or exceed the technical requirements for the Argon Pipe Installation as defined in the Statement of Work. Evaluation under this factor includes, but is not limited to, the following key considerations:

· Installation approach – surface, shaft, and underground.

· Weld inspection approach.

· Gas testing approach.

· Schedule for performance of the work.

3) ESH Corporate Program and Quality Assurance Corporate Program A. ES&H Program:

Offeror shall provide a corporate safety plan, which includes the past three years of EMR. The Offeror shall complete the Fermilab Subcontractor Injury & Illness Data Questionnaire. The Offeror shall provide their Corporate Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) Plan. Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC), Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Case Rate, and Experience Modification Rate data as requested in the questionnaire, including support documentation. FFDG will evaluate whether the Offeror has provided a comprehensive ESH plan. FFDG will review the Offeror’s Total Recordable Case Rate (TRC), Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Case Rate, and EMR data based on information provided in the Fermilab Subcontractor Injury & Illness Data Questionnaire. Fermi Forward desires an Experience Modification Rate (EMR) of less than 1.00 for the current and previous two years. Offerors that are outside the desired EMR can be evaluated further by reviewing the case-specific circumstances and any positive trend of the EMR rate. If the Offeror is outside of the EMR rating and trending up, they should provide an explanation letter for each year that is outside of the 1.0. Please provide additional EMR data year-to-date for a total of 6 years. The FFDG ESH Management Team will evaluate and determine if the Offeror’s circumstance can be accepted, and determine what is in the best interest of FFDG and the DOE.

The Offeror shall submit their Corporate Environmental, Safety, and Health Program. The elements of each Offeror’s ES&H Program will be reviewed and evaluated based on the scope of work and evidence of compliance with DOE 10CFR851 Subpart C, which includes OSHA 29CFR1910.

B. Quality Assurance Program:

The Subcontractor shall submit its Company Quality Assurance Program. The Program should meet an applicable nationally recognized standard, such as International Organization for Standards (ISO) 9001, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), etc. The Subcontractor’s welding program should meet ASME, or American Welding Society (AWS), etc., utilizing qualified welders, Weld Procedure Specifications, and Weld Qualification Records.

The QA program will be evaluated based on the degree to which the Offeror's program demonstrates the ability to meet FFDG requirements in the SOW.

M3. Evaluation Process Technical Evaluation Factors Each proposal shall be evaluated relative to the following factors. The evaluation factors are listed in descending order of importance. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are of equal importance to cost or price.

Each technical criterion will be graded based on the following ratings:

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