RFP Attachment 9 - NDES IV Section L.pdf

Section L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors (ICNTO)

L.1.0 Program Structure and Objectives

This acquisition is a follow-on requirement to the AFTAC Nuclear Data Evaluation Service (NDES) III Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The scope of this contract is to perform Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Research and Development (R&D) tasks for 24 ANS/ANN and 21st SURS/SUD in accordance with (IAW) separately issued task orders providing technical services, software/tool maintenance and development, testing, data ingestion, and documentation as specified in the task order.

This effort will provide the 24 ANS/ANN and 21st SURS/SUD missions at the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) with technical services and support in developing and maintaining the NDES suite of software/hardware, tools, databases and modernization efforts to continue to support the NDES suite during the life of the contract.

L.1.1 For consideration in developing the offeror’s proposal, the NDES IV acquisition provides for a five (5) year ordering period. The contract will be awarded as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. The NDES IV contract ceiling will be $16.3M, predominantly for O&M, with incidental Research and Development (R&D) services.

Historically, the funding distribution was 100% O&M. The task order funding will be provided by the specific program being supported. The contract ceiling identified above and at FAR clause 52.216-19 is established based on anticipated mission requirements.

The government reserves the right to negotiate in-scope changes to this ceiling when mission requirements drive such a decision.

L.2.0 Proposal Format

General Instructions

(a) Non-compliance with these instructions may render your proposal unacceptable. These instructions prescribe the format of proposals and presentation of proposal data.

Carefully review this section prior to commencing preparation of the proposal. The instructions contained herein are intended to serve as guidelines for the preparation of the proposal and are not intended to be all-inclusive. All information you provide in the proposal must be UNCLASSIFIED. Specific instructions for each of the Volumes required by these instructions are contained in paragraphs L.2.2 through L.6.3.3.

Proposals will be evaluated up to the page limits listed in the format instructions listed in paragraph 3.1 below. Material exceeding the page limits will not be evaluated, and the excess material will be returned to the offeror.

(b) The offeror's proposal shall include all data and information requested by this ICNTO and shall be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offer shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), RFP Attachment

1, and the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), Exhibit A. If a joint venture arrangement exists for this acquisition, the offeror shall provide a copy of the joint venture agreement that is signed and dated by all joint venture members as part of the proposal submission.

A JV without its own Facility Clearance (FCL) will not have access to classified information and all access will solely be through the cleared JV members. Therefore, JVs without their own FCL are required to submit as part of its proposal a Security Plan/Standard Operating Procedure which, at a minimum, identifies the entity that will be responsible for implementing and managing all security program requirements. The plan will lay out the JV and team members’ roles and responsibilities to ensure compliance with 32 CFR Part 117, NISPOM, to include the fact that the JV itself will not have access to classified information. The JV must also submit the joint venture agreement(s) relating to the establishment of the JV and any subcontracts awarded to the individual joint venture partners as it relates to this solicitation and all security responsibilities.

(c) Offerors shall submit only one (1) proposal for the NDES IV effort as the Government will review only one (1) proposal per offeror.

(d) The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but rather provide convincing rationale to address how the offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror's proposal. Any reference to day(s) stated in the RFP, attachments and other contractual documents should be considered as “calendar” days unless specifically stated otherwise. Offerors are advised their proposals are presumed to represent their best efforts and the most complete responses to this solicitation. Demonstration of capability and qualifications that clearly support the offeror’s claims are essential. The absence of such evidence will adversely influence evaluation of the proposal. Offers will be evaluated using the Factors and Subfactors under Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award.

(e) The offeror shall ensure that accurate contact information is provided for all references.

The Government will make reasonable attempts to contact the listed Point of Contact (POCs). If the Government is unable to reach the listed POCs after reasonable attempts, the Government will not consider that reference.

L.2.1 General Information

L.2.1.1 Point of Contract: The Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) is the sole points of contact for this acquisition. Written requests for clarification and questions regarding this RFP are encouraged to be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 12:00PM EST on 06 May 2024 and shall be sent to the PCO at:

AMIC DET 2 OL/PKA (Patrick SFB FL) Attn: Mr. Ian Batchelor Email: Ian.batchelor.1@us.af.mil

With carbon copy (cc) to:

Ms. Lileana Cintron Email: lileana.cintron@us.af.mil

Mr. David C. Dike Email: david.dike.2@us.af.mil

L.2.1.2 Debriefings: The PCO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range; where upon, they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing. However, offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The CO will notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing shall make their request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

L.2.1.3 Discrepancies: If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the PCO in writing with supporting rationale, as well as the remedies the offeror is asking the PCO to consider as related to the omission or error. Questions from prospective offerors must be submitted no later than 14 days after release of solicitation. Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. The offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

This reservation includes matters of omission, errors, and additional or substitute pages of the initial proposal.

L.2.1.4 Electronic Reference Documents: All unclassified referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the System for Award Management website at https://sam.gov.

Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted.

L.2.1.5 Proposal Acceptance Period. The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation. In compliance with FAR 4.8 (Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all proposals electronically. All volumes shall be UNCLASSIFIED. Elaborate brochures or documentation, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

L.2.1.6 Communications: Exchanges of source selection information between Government and offerors will be controlled by the PCO. Email may be used to transmit such information only if the email can be sent encrypted and must include “Source Selection Information – See FAR 2.101 and 3.104 - CUI” in the subject line of the email.

In order to facilitate the sending and receiving of encrypted emails, offerors may use the DoD SAFE file transfer site (This site is for UNCLASSIFIED documents only). When using DoD SAFE, offerors must first send an unencrypted email to the Contracting Officer, indicated on the face page of the solicitation, to request a DoD SAFE drop-off.

When submitting source selection information via email, file suppression utilities, to include but not limited to zip files, will not be accepted.

L.2.1.7 Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): Funds are not presently available for this effort.

No award will be made under this solicitation until funds are available. The Government reserves the right to cancel this solicitation, either before or after the closing date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

L.2.2 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits:

L.2.2.1. Submittal instructions. To ensure timely and equitable evaluation of proposals, offerors must follow the instructions provided. Offerors are required to submit all documentation/information detailed herein, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements. Failure to submit all required documentation/information may result in a proposal being ineligible for award.

In submitting a proposal, offerors are agreeing to the terms and conditions as written in this Request for Proposal, as amended (if applicable).

(a) Offerors shall submit one (1) electronic copy as described below. Submissions of proposals will be sent via DoD SAFE Site – Please send email request to david.dike.2@us.af.mil no later than 12:00 PM EST on 6 Jun 2024 to receive a code for submission. Include the First Name, Last Name, Email and Phone Number of the individual who will be submitting the proposal. Facsimiles (FAX) proposals will NOT be considered. Proposals are due on 7 June 2024 at 1:00 PM EST.

(b) All pages of the electronic version will be submitted as indicated in the instructions found below. The RFP response shall consist of four (4) separate files as indicated in Table L2.2- Proposal Organization.

Table L2.2 – Proposal Organization

VOLUME ICNTO VOLUME TITLE COPIES PAGE LIMIT

I L.3.0 Completed RFP Electronic: 1

(email/DoD SAFE) Unlimited

II L.4.0 Cost/Price Electronic: 1 (email/DoD SAFE)

Unlimited

III L.5.0 Technical Capability:

1. TS Level Contractor

Facility Clearance

2. TS/SCI Cleared

Personnel

3. Technical Approach to

Task Order (TO) 01 (RFP Attachment 8)

Electronic: 1 (email/DoD SAFE) 1. Spreadsheet

2. 30 Pages

IV L.6.0 Present/Past Performance Electronic: 1 (email/DoD SAFE)

No More than 5 Pages per reference, maximum of 5 references

L.2.2.2 Page Limitation. All material shall be contained within the page limit identified for each volume or appendix. The page limitations specified in Table L2.2 above shall be treated as maximum limits to assist in the evaluation of each proposal. Total page count will be based on the electronic proposal submission. Each page shall be counted toward the above page limits except for cover pages, tables of contents, index tabs, glossaries, list of key terms, cross-reference pages, blank pages, and appendices to technical volume such as tables, charts, graphs, and illustrations. Also excluded from the page limits are consent letters, client authorization letters, company financial statements, security clearance documents, model contract, and Organizational Structure Change History. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal.

Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the offerors.

L.2.2.2.1 Page Size and Format. These instructions shall apply to electronic copy of proposals. These page format restrictions may also apply to Final Proposal Revisions (FPRs), if required.

(a) Standard Page Format. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches. Proposal pages shall be in a font size not less than 10-point font, single-spaced. The typeface should be a common medium condensed typeface (Arial or Times Roman). Margins shall be no smaller than one inch around the perimeter of each sheet of paper.

Each volume shall use a consistent page numbering system.

(b) Legible charts and graphs should be used where practical to depict organization and layout. These charts and graphs should be uncomplicated to preserve clarity. The size 10 font requirement includes the caption of the figures, charts, tables, and graphs. Any text within figures, charts, tables, and graphs which do not meet this requirement will not be considered in the evaluation.

(c) The background color of each page of the proposal submission shall be white or ivory.

(d) Each page should contain the following legend at the bottom of each sheet:

SOURCE SELECTION INFORMATION--SEE FAR 2.101 and 3.104 - CUI

L.2.2.3 Cost/Price or Pricing Related Data. The source selection will be conducted with the expectation of adequate price competition per FAR 15.403-1(c)(1)(i); therefore, certified cost and pricing data is not required. However, the offeror may be required to submit data other than certified cost or pricing data to the extent necessary for the Contracting Officer to determine price reasonableness IAW one or more of the proposal analysis techniques described in FAR 15.404. If adequate competition is not achieved, an offeror will be required to submit certified cost and pricing data IAW FAR 15.403-4 and 15.403-5 and submit a revised cost/price proposal which complies with FAR 15.408 Table 15-2.

L.2.2.4 Classified Information. The Government will not accept any classified information to be included as part of your proposal.

L.2.2.5 Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms. Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations, acronyms and key terms used, with an explanation for each. Glossaries do not count against the page limitations for their respective volumes.

L.2.3 Electronic Offers.

Offerors shall provide proposal documents in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). Offerors are requested to provide pricing spreadsheets in Excel (.xlsx) format showing the formulas.

L3.0 PROPOSAL CONTENT

L.3.0 Volume I – COMPLETED RFP

L.3.1 Narrative – Volume I, Completed RFP shall consist of the completed and signed RFP, to include any amendments issued, with a cover letter delineating any exceptions taken to the RFP terms and conditions with accompanying rationale. However, offerors are cautioned that any noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the RFP may cause their proposal to be determined not eligible for award. Offerors shall ensure that all clauses and provisions that require “fill-in” information are appropriately completed.

L.3.2 Other Information Required

L.3.2.1 Authorized Offeror Personnel. Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government and the name, title, and telephone number of the CEO, Division President, or Vice President of the offeror.

L.3.2.2 Government Offices. Provide the mailing address, telephone, e-mail address (if known), and facility codes for the cognizant Contract Administration Office and DCAA for the prime contractor and critical subcontractors. Also, provide the name, e-mail, and telephone for the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO).

L.3.2.3 Company/Division Address, Identifying Codes, and Applicable Designations.

Provide company/division's street address, facility code, CAGE code; Unique Entity ID (UEI), size of business, and labor surplus area designation. This same information must be provided if the work for this contract will be performed at any other location(s).

Provide the same information for your critical subcontractors. List all locations where work is to be performed and indicate whether such facility is a division, affiliate, or subcontractor, and the percentage of work to be performed at each location.

L.3.2.4 Model Contract/Representations and Certifications. The offeror's proposal shall include a digitally signed copy of the offer and Sections A through K. This includes:

L.3.2.4.1 Section A – Solicitation/Contract Form. Complete blocks 12 through 18 of the SF 33. In doing so, the offeror accedes to the contract terms and conditions as written in the RFP Sections A through K, which constitute the model contract. Note:

An official having the authority to bind the offeror contractually must sign the SF 33.

L.3.2.4.1.1 Proposal Validity. Block 12 of the SF33 is hereby superseded with the following proposal Acceptance terms: Offeror's proposal shall be valid for a period of 365 days.

L.3.2.4.2 Section B – All instructions can be found in section L.4.2.2 SECTION 2.

L.3.2.4.3 Section F – Deliveries or Performance. Acknowledge content of Section F.

L.3.2.4.4 Section G - Contract Administrative Data. – N/A

L.3.2.4.5 Section H – Special Contract Requirements. – N/A

L.3.2.4.6 Section I – Contract Clauses. Complete fill-ins as applicable.

L.3.2.4.7 Section K - Representations, Certifications, and other Statements of Offerors completed IAW FAR 52.204-8.

L.3.2.4.8 SF30 - Acknowledgment of all solicitation amendments issued (if applicable).

L.3.2.5 Status of 8(a). If applicable, provide a copy of the letter from the Small Business Administration (SBA) showing proof of Section 8(a) status.

L.3.2.6 Organizational Financial Information. Submit a copy of your latest available financial statement covering the organization(s), which will perform the contract. Include any information, which may have a bearing on your ability to handle the financial management of the contract. If you are proposing a joint venture, describe how you will handle financial matters.

L.3.2.7 Subcontractors/Partners. Provide company/division's street address, facility code, CAGE code, UEI, size of business (large or small), and labor surplus area designation for joint venture partners and intended critical subcontractors. Critical subcontractors are those proposed to perform 10 percent or more of the effort based on the total proposed price OR perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers critical to overall successful performance. Provide copies (redacted as necessary) of any firm agreements or contracts between business entities.

L.3.3 Exceptions to Solicitation Requirements Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or subfactors. Offerors are cautioned that any noncompliance with the terms and conditions of the RFP may render their proposal to be determined not eligible for award. Offerors shall clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. Each exception shall be specifically related to each paragraph and/or specific part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken. Provide rationale in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on the performance, schedule, cost/price, and specific requirements of the solicitation. This information shall be provided in the format and content of Table L3.3.

Table L3.3 - Solicitation Exceptions

Solicitation Document Page/Paragraph Requirement/Portion Rationale

PWS,

Solicitation, etc.

Applicable Page and Paragraph Numbers

Identify the requirement or portion to which exception is taken

Describe why the requirement can/will not be met

L.3.4 GFP and/or Base Support Requirements. If the offeror requires the use of Government furnished items other than those specified in the NDES IV PWS, Appendix C, the offeror shall provide a listing including quantity, federal stock number, nomenclature, date needed and duration of availability, rental value per FAR 45.1 and 45.2, reason for need, and cross reference to cost/price volume paragraphs which pertain to GFP and/or base support. The offeror shall also provide the written authorization from the cognizant ACO as applicable. The offeror shall supply this information in the format shown in Table L3.4 below.

Table L3.4 - Required Information for Using GFP/Base Support Quantity Federal

Stock Number

Nomenclature Duration of Need

Rental Value

Reason for Need

Cross Reference to

Price Proposal

L.4.0 Volume II – Cost/Price (Factor 1)

L.4.1 General Instructions L.4.1.1 Cost/Price Reasonableness: To aid in the Government’s understanding of the offeror’s proposal, describe the methodology and basis used to support how the offeror’s proposed price is reasonable, complete, and balanced for the work to be performed IAW with the requirements stated in the RFP and PWS. This section is to assist you in submitting data other than certified cost or pricing data that is required to evaluate the reasonableness of your proposed cost/price. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory and failure to comply may result in rejection of your proposal. Offers should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate their reasonableness. The burden of proof for credibility of proposed costs/prices rests with the offeror.

L.4.1.2 Completeness. A proposal is complete when all pricing data required under this solicitation is provided in the format prescribed and the offer has complied with all pricing requirements of the solicitation. Noncompliance with the solicitation, unauthorized manipulation of the workbook, and exceptions/assumptions in the cost/price volume may result in the proposed price being determined incomplete and ineligible for award.

L.4.1.3 Cost/Price Data. Information beyond that required by this instruction shall not be submitted unless you consider it essential to document or support your cost/price position. All information relating to the proposed cost/price, including all required supporting documentation shall be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Cost/Price Volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal (i.e., other proposal volumes).

L.4.1.4 Balance. Price will be evaluated for balance. Unbalanced pricing may increase performance risk and could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one (1) or more line items is significantly over or understated as indicated by the application of price analysis techniques. Per FAR 15.404-1(g), the greatest risks associated with unbalanced pricing occur when startup work or mobilization (there is no transition period in this effort) is a separate line item, and the evaluated price is the aggregate of estimated quantities to be ordered under separate line items of an indefinite-delivery contract. An offer may be rejected if the contracting officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

L.4.1.5 Professional Employee Compensation Realism. Professional Employee Compensation realism is a separate evaluation from the TEP evaluation.

L.4.1.6 Rounding. All labor rates shall be rounded to the nearest penny.

L.4.1.7 Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) Structure:

CLIN 0001, O&M 21 SURS/SUD Tasks will be firm-fixed-price (FFP).

CLIN 0002, O&M 24 ANS/ANN Tasks will be FFP.

CLIN 0003, R&D 21 SURS/SUD Tasks will be cost plus fixed fee (CPFF).

CLIN 0004, R&D 24 ANS/ANN Tasks will be CPFF.

CLIN 0005, 21 SURS/SUD Travel and Other Direct Costs (ODC), O&M & R&D, will be reimbursed on a cost-only basis (no fee).

CLIN 0006, 24 ANS/ANN Travel ODC, O&M & R&D, will be reimbursed on a cost-only basis (no fee).

CLIN 0007, Data Deliverables for CLINs 0001 to 0006, will be Not Separately Priced (NSP).

L.4.2 Volume Organization

The Cost/Price Volume shall consist of the following:

L.4.2.1 SECTION 1

Table of Contents; summary descriptions of estimating, purchasing, and accounting systems; changes to estimating, or accounting practices. Small Businesses shall provide either CAS Disclosure Statements or evidence of an acceptable accounting system as described in DFARS 252.242-7006(a)(1), and System Criteria described in 252.242- 7006(c).

(a) Provide any supporting Forward Pricing Rate Recommendations (FPRR)/Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRA) issued by DCMA or supporting audits issued by DCAA. If the proposed direct hourly rate for one or more labor categories does not match the applicable FPRR/FPRA with the cognizant DCMA or if an FPRR/FPRA is not available, then the offeror shall provide an explanation of the methodology used to develop both the direct labor rates and indirect rates proposed.

(b) If applicable, provide calculations showing the development of composite and/or average rates from contractor fiscal year to government fiscal year.

(c) If applicable, provide supporting documentation (DD Form 1861 and CASB- CMF) for proposed Facilities Capital Cost of Money.

(d) Provide any other pricing data believed prudent and necessary to justify the cost/price proposal.

(e) Estimating System. Provide a summary description of your standard estimating system or methods. The summary description shall cover separately each major cost element (e.g., Direct Material, Engineering Labor, Manufacturing Labor, Indirect Costs, Other Direct Costs, Overhead, G&A). Also, identify any deviations from your standard estimating procedures in preparing this proposal volume. Indicate whether you have Government approval of your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

(f) Purchasing System: Provide a summary description of your purchasing system or methods (e.g., how material requirements are determined, how sources are selected, when firm quotes are obtained, what provision is made to ensure quantity and other discounts). Also, identify any deviations from your standard procedures in preparing this proposal. Indicate whether you have Government approval of your system and if so, provide evidence of such approval.

(g) Accounting System: Indicate whether you have Government approval of your accounting system and if so, provide evidence of such approval. Also, identify any deviations from your standard procedures in preparing this proposal.

L.4.2.2 SECTION 2:

(a) Section B: Will not be completed. However, each offeror shall fill out all tabs within RFP Attachment 4, Direct-Indirect Rates (FFP & CPFF) and TEP, as described in the following paragraph.

(b) Labor Rates. Offerors shall provide the labor rates that will be used during contract performance. The proposed rates shall show an unburdened rate and a fully burdened rate which includes allocable and allowable costs (e.g., labor, fringe, overhead, G&A, Fee/Profit) required to perform the requirements as stated in the PWS, RFP Attachment 1. Offerors shall provide a narrative that describes the offeror’s rationale used to develop each labor rate (e.g., labor categories, fringe, escalation factors and other allowable indirect expenses). Provide all other considerations and assumptions made in developing the rates. RFP Attachment 4 will be filed in Volume II, Cost/Price; and for FFP the fully burdened rate will be reflected on the contract. Furthermore, RFP Attachment 4 will be attached to the basic IDIQ contract upon award and will be utilized for pricing each subsequent Task Order. The rates listed for each Fiscal Year (FY) will be utilized for all TOs issued/awarded throughout that FY.

The Government estimated average annual workload data is based on anticipated mission requirements and historical data. Offerors should be cognizant that this requirement is an IDIQ contract, and as such, these are not actual guaranteed hours.

Actual hours will be task order specific under the IDIQ contract.

(c) Labor hours and categories. The labor categories included in Appendix B of the PWS represent the government’s anticipated labor categories. If an offeror proposes to use different titles for labor categories, or different skill sets for labor categories than what was shared by the Government, the offeror proposals shall map their labor category to those provided by the Government and demonstrate how they meet or exceed labor categories listed in Appendix B of the PWS.

Additionally, for labor categories that are different than those provided in Appendix B, the contractor shall provide a clear and concise description including experience, duties, and education. The offeror is still required to fill out Attachment 4 as provided by the Government without any changes to the labor categories, and hours. The offeror can separately provide their different labor categories, in the same format of Attachment 4, mapping each category to the Government’s labor categories as part of their cost proposal. The offeror shall not change the estimated labor hours provided by the Government. The Estimated Labor Hours for each labor category are identified in Appendix B as well as in Attachment 4.

(d) Solicitation Total Evaluated Price (TEP). Offerors shall not manipulate the TEP Tab on RFP Attachment 4 because this tab automatically populates from the previous Rate tabs. The TEP will be calculated by the sum of all elements of the price/cost proposal, to include all five (5) years of the ordering period for CLINs 0001 to 0006.

If at any time during this source selection, the Contracting Officer determines that adequate price competition no longer exists or that price reasonableness cannot be determined, Offerors may be required to submit certified cost or pricing data or additional data other than certified cost or pricing data, as appropriate, for the Contracting Officer to determine price reasonableness.

(e) NDES IV Pricing and Professional Compensation Matrix (RFP

Attachment 5) The NDES IV Pricing and Professional Comp Matrix shall be completed in accordance with the following instructions. Offerors shall fill in the “Green” shaded cells as appropriate to fulfill the requirements specified in the PWS.

The NDES IV Pricing and Professional Comp Matrix shall be in Excel Format and the spreadsheet shall be unlocked. Offerors shall not alter any formulas in the NDES IV Pricing and Professional Comp Matrix. However, if there are additional indirect burdens required, please provide a similar spreadsheet to account for the change that utilizes the same/similar formulas.

In accordance with FAR Subpart 22.11 and FAR 52.222-46, Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees, Offerors shall submit a total compensation plan setting forth base rate hourly salary and fringe benefits proposed for the professional employees who will work under the contract. Offerors' proposals must fully address the provisions of FAR 52.222-46. The professional compensation proposed will be considered in terms of its impact upon recruiting and retention, its realism, and its consistency with a total plan for compensation. The Total Professional Compensation (Comp) Plan shall consist of a) Professional Compensation Matrix (Attachment 5 – Professional Comp Matrix), and b) Professional Comp Plan Narrative.

A Professional Comp Plan (Comp Plan Narrative and Comp Plan Matrix) shall be submitted for all offerors, teaming partners, joint venture (JV) partners, and subcontractors. The prime offeror must ensure that subcontractor submissions address the requirements of the total compensation plan, including providing direct labor rates (base rate hourly salary) and fringe benefits. Offerors are advised that any interchanges/discussions, if conducted, will be with the prime contractor.

Offerors may propose one (1) Professional Comp Plan Narrative and one (1) Professional Comp Plan Matrix for an entire team or JV, however salary support data must clearly link to proposed rates in the Comp Plan Matrix for all labor categories.

(i) Professional Compensation Matrix (Attachment 5 – Professional Comp Matrix) All labor categories proposed in the Professional Comp Plan Matrix must match those proposed in the offeror’s Professional Comp Plan Narrative, Price Volume, and Technical Volume.

Anticipated Government Labor categories have been provided for reference in RFP Attachment 1, PWS, Appendix B. Offerors shall map/provide its proposed labor categories to the corresponding Government category and provide the proposed number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs), the proposed base rate hourly salary, the proposed fringe rate (as a percentage), and the hourly salary rate support data for each proposed labor category. The offeror shall verify the correct calculation of the Total Compensation Rate.

The offeror should also identify the corresponding Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupation Title and BLS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, at the most detailed level possible, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_stru.htm.

(ii) Professional Compensation Plan Narrative:

The Offeror shall provide a narrative of planned compensation for all professional employee labor categories proposed to perform the effort. Fringe benefit data shall include a description of the benefits offered, and to which professional employee category(ies) the fringe benefits apply.

The professional comp narrative shall include pricing data/basis of estimate details.

The pricing narrative shall clearly explain the offeror’s pricing methodology in sufficient detail so the Government can ensure that the proposed price accurately reflects the work to be performed.

Certified cost or pricing data is not required; however, supporting data/other than cost or pricing data is requested. The offeror’s proposal must fully and clearly address the provision of 52.222-46, and failure to comply may constitute sufficient cause to justify rejection of a proposal.

The proposal must include supporting data which must explain the methodology used to determine the proposed professional compensation rates, must reflect a clear understanding of work to be performed, and must indicate the capability of the proposed compensation structure to obtain and keep suitably qualified personnel to meet mission objectives, in accordance with FAR 52.222-46(b).

Examples of supporting data include national/regional compensation surveys, studies of professional, public, and private organizations, or another recognized compensation market data source (e.g., Watson & Wyatt, Economic Research Institute, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com, etc.) used to support the proposed compensation. Any other type of data source must be justified by the Offeror as a realistic basis of support. The Offeror should also describe any judgmental factors applied, the mathematical or other methods used to estimate, and the nature and amount of any contingencies included in the proposed price.

Offerors are cautioned to present their best proposal upfront. The Government may award without interchanges/discussions, but reserves the right to conduct interchanges/discussions if in the Government's best interests. The burden is on the offeror to clearly and specifically demonstrate and explain proposed pricing. Vague overstatements of reliance on supporting data and/or external tools may not be sufficient.

The Professional Compensation Plan may be submitted as an appendix that does not count toward the page count.

(f) Professional Comp Matrix Instructions (RFP Attachment 5) Offerors shall complete all “Green” shaded cells and shall not alter any formulas in the Professional Comp Matrix.

• Offeror shall enter the Prime/Subcontractor(s) names in Column B.

• In Column C, the offeror shall enter the corresponding Offeror's labor category, as applicable, if they are different from the Government labor categories identified in Column A.

• In Column D, the offeror shall enter the quantity of FTEs being proposed for each labor category.

• Additionally, offerors shall provide the base (raw) hourly rates in Column E, exclusive of all cost factors (e.g., fringe, indirect labor, G&A, profit, etc.); do not enter fully burdened labor rates or any other markups.

• Offerors shall also enter in fringe percentage rates (not dollars) in Column F. “Yellow” shaded cells are locked and will automatically calculate when Columns E and F are completed correctly by offeror.

The prime offeror’s Compensation Plan (Narrative and Professional Comp Matrix) shall be included in the prime contractor’s proposal.

The prime may instruct subcontractors/teaming partners to electronically submit their Compensation Plans (Narrative and Professional Comp Matrix) directly to the Contracting Officer, if applicable.

Offerors shall propose one (1) Compensation Plan Narrative and one (1) Professional Comp Matrix for the entire team.

Offerors shall map proposed labor categories (to include Subcontractors) to the corresponding Government labor category if they deviate from the Government’s labor category, and map salary support documentation to each proposed labor category in “Labor Rate Support Data” (Column H).

(g) Travel/ODC: Travel/ODC CLINs shall be Cost-Reimbursement (COST) Non-Fee bearing CLIN, which include provision for the cost of all travel and associated burdens (e.g., G&A expenses, Material Handling). Offerors shall disclose, as part of their cost proposal, any indirect burdens they intend on applying to the Travel/ODC CLIN for future task orders. The Travel/ODC CLINS will be negotiated at the task order level as required. Offerors shall use the Government-provided not-to-exceed values stated for the Travel/ODC CLINs as reflected on the TEP Tab of RFP Attachment 4, Direct-Indirect Rate Worksheet (FFP &CPFF) and

TEP.

L.4.3 Other Information:

Service Contract Labor Standards Act (SCLSA). Labor under this effort is exempt from the

SCLSA.

L.5.0 Volume III – Technical (FACTOR 2)

L.5.1 General Information This volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. Using the instructions provided below, and in consideration of the Assessment Criteria defined in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use to satisfy the requirements. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm is capable of performing all the requirements specified in the solicitation, to include RFP Attachment 1, PWS.

L.5.2 Format and Specific Content

L.5.2.1 Technical Proposal The following information shall be provided in the written technical proposal and will be evaluated as described in section M.2.2 - Step II - Technical Proposal Evaluation. The offeror shall submit their technical proposal that includes submission verification of proposed personnel with TS/SCI clearances to meet the PWS requirement. In addition, the technical proposal shall include a response to the technical approach to TO1.

L.5.2.2 Volume Organization. The Technical Volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

1) Table of contents

2) List of Tables/Charts/Graphs/Illustrations

3) Glossary of key words and acronyms

4) Short introduction and summary

5) Response to factors and subfactors

L.5.2.3 Evaluation Factors and Subfactors: The offeror shall submit responses to the following factors and subfactors:

Factor 1: Technical Capability:

In the technical volume, address your technical solution for meeting or exceeding the Government’s minimum performance or capability requirements of each of the following areas.

1. Subfactor 1: Top Secret Level Contractor Facility Clearance Upon Contract Award The offeror’s proposal shall provide verifiable proof/evidence that the offeror possesses and maintains a TOP SECRET facility clearance (FCL) issued by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) and the FCL is documented in the National Industrial Security System (NISS).

2. Subfactor 2: Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)

Cleared Personnel Upon Contract Award The offeror’s proposal shall provide verifiable proof/evidence that key management personnel, along with all technical personnel performing classified work on this contract, are eligible for access to TOP SECRET. The offerors will ensure all individuals working within any AFTAC sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) to train AFTAC staff and to install software deliverables are ICD 704 eligible based on a current T5, T5R investigation or continuous evaluation (CE) date. This eligibility for access must be available at contract award in accordance with PWS (RFP Attachment 1) Paragraph 5.4.

3. Subfactor 3: Technical Approach to TO1 The offeror’s proposal shall detail a Technical Approach to NDES IV Task Order 01 (RFP Attachment 8). The offeror shall demonstrate a firm understanding of the O&M of the NDES data management system and the ability to provide modernization efforts for the suite of software/hardware and tools that make up the NDES system. Additionally, offerors shall include the Labor Categories and hours for each labor category they will utilize to meet requirements of TO 1.

Furthermore, the government is looking at the offeror’s demonstrated ability to perform O&M of current NDES systems to include:

a. DASSLE

b. EXDIS

c. Trackman

d. LIMS

e. Workflow

L.6.0 Volume IV – Present/Past Performance (FACTOR 3) L.6.1 General

L.6.1.1 The offeror shall submit Present/Past Performance Information for itself, any joint venture member, and each proposed critical subcontractor, if applicable, IAW the format contained in RFP Attachment 6 – Present/Past Performance Information, and the following paragraphs. A critical subcontractor is defined as an entity other than the offeror itself that will perform ten percent (10%) or more of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price; or that will perform aspects of the effort the offeror considers critical to overall successful performance such as serving in a ‘Principal’, ‘Lead’, ‘Senior’ or managerial designated role. See paragraph L.6.3.1 for specific guidance on the number of present/past performance examples requested. Offerors with no present/past performance shall provide a statement to that effect. Offerors are cautioned that the government will use data provided by each offeror in this volume and data obtained from other sources in the evaluation of present/past performance.

L.6.1.2 Along with the information required in this paragraph, the offeror shall submit a consent letter (see RFP Attachment 7, SubK Consent Letter) executed by each critical subcontractor and/or joint venture partner (if applicable) for whom past performance is provided. The purpose of the consent letter is to authorize release of adverse present/past performance information to the prime offeror to allow the prime offeror an opportunity to respond to such information. If no subcontractor or joint venture partner present/past performance inputs are submitted as part of Volume IV, no consent letter is required.

L.6.2 Recent Contracts L.6.2.1 To be recent, the effort must be ongoing or must have been performed during the past five (5) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation.

L.6.3 Relevant Contracts

L.6.3.1 Submit information in accordance with paragraph L.2.2. Prime offerors shall submit Present/Past Performance Information on a maximum of five (5) recent contracts that they consider the most relevant in demonstrating their ability to perform the proposed effort; this may include recent contracts performed by joint venture partners and/or critical subcontractors (if applicable; no more than five (5) total). Include rationale supporting your assertion of relevance. For a description of the characteristics or aspects the government will consider in determining recency and relevance, see Section M2.3.

L.6.3.2 Specific Content. Offerors are required to explain what aspects of the contracts are deemed relevant to the proposed effort and to what aspects of the proposed effort they relate. This may include a discussion of efforts accomplished by the offeror to resolve problems encountered on prior contracts as well as past efforts to identify and manage program risk. Merely having problems does not automatically equate to a limited or no confidence rating, since the problems encountered may have been on a more complex program, or an offeror may have subsequently demonstrated the ability to overcome the problems encountered. The offeror is required to clearly demonstrate management actions employed in overcoming problems and the effects of those actions in terms of improvements achieved or problems rectified.

On the (up to) five (5) contracts submitted in Volume IV, Present/Past Performance, include relevant information concerning the offeror’s/joint venture member’s and critical subcontractor’s compliance with the requirements of FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns or FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan, if these clauses were included in the present/past performance example contract. Copies of contractual reports may be submitted to validate compliance with requirements of FAR 52.219- 8/52.219-9. Explanation of efforts where minimum quantitative requirements and/or goals were not met should be provided. (Please note FAR 52.219-8 applies to ALL businesses, whereas FAR 52.219- 9 only applies to large businesses.)

L.6.3.3 Organizational Structure Change History. Many companies have acquired, been acquired by, or otherwise merged with other companies, and/or reorganized their divisions, business groups, subsidiary companies, etc. In many cases, these changes have taken place during the time of performance of relevant past efforts or between conclusion of recent past efforts and this source selection. As a result, it is sometimes difficult to determine what present/past performance is relevant to this acquisition. To facilitate this relevancy determination, include in this proposal volume a "roadmap" describing all such changes in the organization of your company. A pamphlet or other commercial document describing such reorganizations may suffice. As part of this explanation, show how these changes impact the relevance of any efforts you identify for present/past performance evaluation/performance confidence assessment. Since the Government intends to consider present/past performance information provided by other sources as well as that provided by the offeror(s), your "roadmap" should be both specifically applicable to the efforts you identify and general enough to apply to efforts on which the Government receives information from other sources.