RFP.pdf

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart

12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested. Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this site to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about this acquisition. No partial proposals will be considered. No partial award will be made. No multiple awards are anticipated. This is not a solicitation for a personal services contract, this is a non-personal services solicitation.

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition

Circular FAC 2005-95.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

Internet News Monitoring Service

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

RFP Number #15F06721R0000212

April 16, 2021

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION

PROCUREMENT SECTION

DATE: April 16, 2021

SUBJECT: Request for Proposals (RFP) 15F06721R0000212

Interested Parties, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) would like to invite your company to submit a proposal for this acquisition as outlined in the accompanying Statement of Work (Attachment B). The

NAICS code for this requirement will be 519130 (Internet Broadcasting and Publishing and Web

Search Portals).

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposal in accordance with FAR Part 12.

Proposals shall be submitted on or before 12:00 PM CST time on May 17, 2021 by Email to the attention of Emily Moss at egmoss@fbi.gov. Ensure that “RFP 15F06721R0000212” appears in the subject line of ALL your emails regarding this solicitation.

The schedule of events is:

Release Date: April 16, 2021

Questions to the FBI: April 27, 2021

Answers out to the Vendors: April 30, 2021

Final Proposals to the FBI: May 17, 2021

Sincerely, Emily Moss Contracting Officer

Professional Service Acquisition Unit, Procurement Section

Finance / Facilities Division mailto:egmoss@fbi.gov

Introduction

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in support of the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), has a requirement for professional Internet News Monitoring Services to assist OPA with a daily news briefing comprised from media analytics and video monitoring/clipping. The

Government intends to award one contract for this effort. NAICS code 519130 Internet

Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals is applicable to this acquisition.

The FBI is seeking to establish a base plus four (4) option year contract utilizing FAR Part

12. This will be a Firm Fixed Price contract. The Government reserves the right to issue a multiple award contract for separate services.

Part-I

Schedule

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The attached SF-1449 (Attachment A) shall be utilized by all Offerors to complete required information for block 17a and block 30. The attached SF-1449 must be signed and dated by all Offerors.

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

The attached Statement of Work (SOW) (Attachment B) provides a detailed description of all services required under this RFP.

Offerors shall utilize the attached SF-1449 (Attachment A) and attached Excel Pricing

Worksheet (Attachment C) for submission of associated pricing.

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall utilize the attached SOW (Attachment B) for proposal purposes.

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING

This section is N/A (Services contract)

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services – Fixed Price

SECTION F – DELIVERIES/PERFORMANCE

F.1 This contract incorporates the following clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make its full text available.

F.1.1 FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1) CLAUSES:

• 52.242-15 Stop Work Order (Aug. 1989)

• 52.247-34 F.o.b Destination (Nov 1991)

F.2 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.2.1 The period of performance for this contract is anticipated to be as follows:

Period CLIN BEGIN END

Base Year 0001-0002 8/10/2021 8/9/2022

Option Year 1 1001-1002 8/10/2022 8/9/2023

Option Year 2 2001-2002 8/10/2023 8/9/2024

Option Year 3 3001-3002 8/10/2024 8/9/2025

Option Year 4 4001-4002 8/10/2025 8/9/2026

The contemplated contract will include four (4) one (1) year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of the Government. For the option years, the Contracting

Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days. The

Contracting Officer may exercise all the line items, some of the line items, or none of the line items in each option period.

F.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

N/A. No material, software, or hardware shall be housed on FBI networks or in FBI facilities.

F.5 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF DELAYS

In the event the Contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when he anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or completion date, or whenever the Contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the

Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer and the COR, in writing, giving pertinent details; provided, however, that this data shall be informational only in character and that this provision shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date, or any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

G.1 This contract shall be administered by the Contracting Officer identified below:

Marie Agrinzoni, Contracting Officer

Professional Services Acquisitions Unit (PSAU)

Redstone Arsenal, AL

Phone: (256) 213-4238

Email: meagrinzoni@fbi.gov

Emily Moss, Contract Specialist

Professional Services Acquisitions Unit (PSAU)

Redstone Arsenal, AL

Phone: (256) 213-2087 Email: egmoss@fbi.gov

The Contracting Officer Representative is identified below:

Courtney Miller-Hileman

Office of Public Affairs (OPA)

(202) 870-7999

G.1.1. No oral statement of any person, Government, or contractor, shall modify or otherwise affect the terms, conditions, or specifications stated in this contract. All modifications of the contract must be made in writing by the CO.

G.1.2 The COR or TPOC do NOT have the authority to and may NOT issue any technical direction which:

• Constitutes an assignment of work outside the general scope of this effort.

• Constitutes a change as defined in the "Changes" clause.

• In any way causes an increase or decrease in the cost or the time required for performance.

• Changes any of the terms, conditions, or other requirements of this effort; and

• Suspends or terminates any portion of this effort.

• The COR or TPOC do not have the authority to commit government funds.

G.2 INVOICE REQUIREMENTS

G.2.1 Current Invoice Requirements – Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

Anticipated to begin in January 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will be transitioning its invoice payment processing operations to the Invoice Processing Platform

(IPP). This will be executed as part of a broader effort to meet compliance with the Office of

Management and Budget’s 2018 electronic invoicing mandate.

IPP is a secure, web-based electronic invoicing system provided by the U.S. Department of the

Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of St.

mailto:meagrinzoni@fbi.gov

Louis (FRSTL). IPP is available at no cost to any commercial vendor or independent contractor doing business with a participating government agency. To learn more about IPP, please visit

IPP.gov.

To prepare for this transition, please review the following timeline and actions:

Upon receipt of this notification

• Request an IPP user account from your company’s IPP administrator if your company is registered in IPP but you do not already have an account.

• Send the name of a POC who will act as your company’s IPP administrator to the FBI if your company is not registered in IPP.

• Review IPP training and help materials.

Until further notice, all invoices should continue to be forwarded to the FBI’s central invoicing inbox (central_invoices@fbi.gov).

Obtaining Access to IPP (Registered Vendors)

If your company is already registered in IPP, you will not be required to re-register. Please contact your organization’s IPP account administrator so that he/she may add you as an additional user to your company’s vendor profile.

Obtaining Access to IPP (Unregistered Vendors)

If your company is not already registered in IPP, you will need to provide the FBI with a point of contact to serve as your IPP administrator. This individual will be responsible for initial account registration as well as creating and managing your company’s IPP users and permissions. Once the requested point of contact’s information has been received, the FBI will submit a request to begin the enrollment process.

The POC will receive two emails from IPP Customer Support:

• The first email contains the initial administrative IPP User ID

• The second email, sent within 24 hours of receipt of the first email, contains a temporary password.

• You must log in with the temporary password within 30 days.

Registration is complete when the initial administrative user logs into the IPP web site with the

User ID and password provided and accepts the rules of behavior. Additional user accounts, including administrators, can be created after initial login.

Until further notice, point of contact information pertaining to who will serve as your company’s IPP administrator should be forwarded to Keenan Robinson (krobinson2@fbi.gov) and Jimmy Riffle (jdriffle@fbi.gov). Please include the following contact information:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number mailto:central_invoices@fbi.gov

Training

Vendor training materials, including a first-time login tutorial, are available on the IPP.gov website. Once you have logged in to the IPP application, you will have access to user guides that provide step-by-step instructions for all IPP capabilities ranging from creating and submitting an invoice to setting up email notifications. Live webinars are held monthly and provide a great opportunity to learn the basics of the system. Individuals within your company responsible for submitting invoices should review these materials upon receipt of this notification.

Additional Support

Phone support for IPP is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm ET: (866)

973-3131. The IPP Customer Support team is available during this time to provide user assistance and to answer any questions related to the IPP application. Questions about the IPP application can also be emailed to IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov.

• For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Vendor FAQ page on the IPP.gov web site.

• For contract-specific questions, please contact your contracting officer at the number provided in your contract.

G.3 System for Award Management Requirement (SAM)

The Offerors and Awarded Contractor shall ensure its company is registered in the System for

Award Management (SAM). Effective July 29, 2012, all vendors shall be registered SAM to receive government contracts. In addition, the FBI will be using a new financial management system on 10/1/2013 that has a direct interface with SAM. If any current FBI vendor data conflicts with SAM Data, the information contained in SAM may override our current information effective 10/1/13. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure that company information in SAM is current, accurate, and complete in SAM. This information includes

TIN, EFT, DUNS, addresses, and contact information. The EFT banking information on file in SAM will be the information the FBI uses to processes payment with vendors doing business with the FBI.

If the Contractor does not maintain an active registration in SAM payments will be held until registration is reactivated. The FBI is not responsible for prompt payment penalties or delays in payment processing due to inaccurate or outdated information in

SAM.

G.4 Small Business Accelerated Payment

The Contractor must indicate his business size on each invoice to assist the payment office in determining eligibility for accelerated payment in accordance with OMB Memo M-11-32, “Accelerating Payments to Small Businesses for Goods and Services,” dated 10/14/2011. The

Prompt Payment Act still applies to this action; however, the agency will make best efforts to pay proper invoices within 15 days.

mailto:IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov

SECTION H – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

RELEASE of Information-Publications by Contractor Personnel

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) specifically requires that Contractor shall not divulge, publish, or disclose information or produce material acquired as or derived from the performance of their duties.

For purposes of this clause, "Information" shall include but not be limited to: in any media or all media including on the web or web sites; publication, studies, books, these, photographs, films or public announcements, press releases describing any part of the subject matter of this contract or any phase of any program hereunder, except to the extent such is:

(i.) already known to the contractor prior to the commencement of the contract (ii.) required by law, regulation, subpoena or government or judicial order to be disclosed, including the Freedom of Information Act.

No release of information shall be made without the prior written consent of the Office of Public Affairs and the Contracting Officer. The contractor and author are warned that disclosure is not without potential consequences. The FBI will make every effort to review proposed publications in a timely manner to accommodate these and other publications.

Where appropriate, in accordance with established academic publishing practices, the FBI reserves the right to author/co-author any publication derived from this contract.

THESE OBLIGATIONS DO NOT CEASE UPON COMPLETION OF THIS

CONTRACT.

NON-DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

In the course of performance pursuant to this contract, the contractor may access nonpublic information. In that event, the contractor shall agree that it will not use or disclose any such information unless authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or the

Contracting Officer. The contractor shall further agree that it will use its best efforts to ensure that its employees and others performing services under this contract will not use or disclose any such information unless authorized by the Contracting Officer’s Representative

(COR) or the CO. The contractor shall protect information in accordance with the Privacy

Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552, as amended). To that end, the contractor shall agree that each of its employees and others performing duties under this contract will sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement set forth below.

Prohibition from Procuring

Effective August 13, 2019, the USG agencies will be prohibited from procuring “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; or enter into a contract (or extend or renew a contract) with an entity that uses any equipment, systems, 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….The term ‘covered telecommunications equipment or services’ means any of the following: (A) Telecommunications equipment produced by Huawei

Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities). (B) For the purpose of public safety, security of government facilities, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, and other national security purposes, video surveillance and telecommunications equipment produced by Hytera Communications

Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, or Dahua

Technology Company (or any subsidiary or affiliate of such entities), unless a waiver is obtained in accordance with applicable regulations.

FBI 52.218-1000 (PGD-07-12) – Maintaining Contractor Performance During a

Pandemic

Continuing Contract Performance During a Pandemic Influenza or other National Emergency

During a Pandemic or other emergency, we understand that our contractor workforce will experience the same high levels of absenteeism as our federal employees. Although the

Excusable Delays and Termination for Default clauses used in government contracts list epidemics and quarantine restrictions among the reasons to excuse delays in contract performance, we expect our contractors to make a reasonable effort to keep performance at an acceptable level during emergency periods.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has provided guidance to federal managers and employees on the kinds of actions to be taken to ensure the continuity of operations during emergency periods. This guidance is also applicable to our contract workforce. Contractors are expected to have reasonable policies in place for continuing work performance, particularly those performing mission critical services, during a pandemic influenza or other emergency situation.

The types of actions a federal contractor should reasonably take to help ensure performance are:

Encourage employees to get inoculations or follow other preventive measures as advised by the public health service. Contractors should cross-train workers as backup for all positions performing critical services. This is particularly important for work such as guard services where telework is not an option. Implement telework to the greatest extent possible in the workgroup so systems are in place to support successful remote work in an emergency.

Communicate expectations to all employees regarding their roles and responsibilities in relation to remote work in the event of a pandemic health crisis or other emergency. Establish communication processes to notify employees of activation of this plan.

Integrate pandemic health crisis response expectations into telework agreements.

With the employee, assess requirements for working at home (supplies and equipment needed for an extended telework period). Security concerns should be considered in making equipment choices; agencies or contractors may wish to avoid use of employees' personal computers and provide them with PCs or laptops as appropriate.

Determine how all employees who may telework will communicate with one another and with management to accomplish work. Practice telework regularly to ensure effectiveness.

Make it clear that in emergency situations, employees must perform all duties assigned by management, even if they are outside usual or customary duties.

Identify how time and attendance will be maintained. It is the contractor's responsibility to advise the government contracting officer if they anticipate not being able to perform and to work with the Department to fill gaps as necessary. This means direct communication with the contracting officer or in his/her absence, another responsible person in the contracting office via telephone or email messages acknowledging the contractor's notification.

The incumbent contractor is responsible for assisting the Department in estimating the adverse impacts of nonperformance and to work diligently with the Department to develop a strategy for maintaining the continuity of operations.

Part-II CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following additional clauses are incorporated as part of this solicitation and resulting contract.

• See continuation pages from SF-1449

Part-III List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments

SECTION J – LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: SF-1449

Attachment B: Statement of Work (SOW) (this will become an attachment to the contract)

Attachment C: Pricing Proposal spreadsheet (this will become an attachment to the contract)

Attachment D: Past Performance Template

Attachment E: Sample Daily News Briefing

Attachment F: Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT)

Part-IV Representations and Instructions

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER

STATEMENTS OF OFFEROR

This solicitation requires registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award, pursuant to FAR 4.1102 and other applicable regulations and guidelines.

Information can be found at www.sam.gov. The FBI is utilizing a new financial system that has a direct interface with SAM. If any current FBI vendor data conflicts with SAM data, the information contained in SAM may override the Bureau current information. The

Offerors information in SAM must be updated and accurate, and shall include Tax ID#, EFT, DUNS#, Cage Code #, address, and contact information. The EFT banking information on file in SAM will be used to process payment to vendors.

If the Contractor does not maintain an active registration in SAM, payments will be held until registration is reactivated. The FBI is not responsible for prompt payment penalties or delays in payment processing due to inaccurate or outdated information in SAM.

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS OR

RESPONDENTS

1.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

(a) This section of the Information to Offerors (ITO) provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on the format and content of the proposal. The offeror’s proposal must include all data and information requested by the ITO and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Any offeror who submits an incomplete package may be considered non-responsive. The offeror shall be compliant with the requirements stated in the Statement of Work (SOW). Non-conformance with the instructions provided in the ITO may result in unfavorable proposal evaluation or rejection of the proposal.

(b) The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include enough 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 shall 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.

(c) Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, detailed artwork, or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired.

(d) In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8, Government Contract Files, the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals. Unless the offeror requests otherwise, the

Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful quotes.

1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1.1. POINT OF CONTACT

Emily Moss, Contract Specialist (CS) and Marie Agrinzoni, Contracting Officer (CO), are the main point of contacts for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to http://www.sam.gov/ the CS/CO. Written requests for clarification may be sent to Emily Moss and Marie Agrinzoni at the following email addresses identified below:

Emily Moss, Contract Specialist egmoss@fbi.gov

Marie Agrinzoni, Contracting Officer meagrinzoni@fbi.gov

1.1.2. Request for Discounts/Additional Price Reductions

The Government is hereby requesting maximum additional discounts and price reductions for this contract.

1.1.3. CONTRACT TYPE

This is a Firm Fixed Price contract type. The Government reserves the right to award either a single award contract or a multiple award contract for separate services to different vendors.

1.1.4. INCURRED EXPENSES

The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred or associated with preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation.

1.1.5. DISCREPANCIES

If an offeror believes that the requirements in this solicitation contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer in writing with supporting rationale.

1.1.6. Teaming/Partnering/Subcontractors Offerors

If the offer is based on a teaming/partnering/subcontractor relationship, the offeror shall provide a copy of the teaming/partnership agreement and validate that each team member is eligible for contract award through www.sam.gov. The agreement shall include information which identifies the responsibilities for each entity under contract.

1.2. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1.2.1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Questions should be emailed to Emily Moss at egmoss@fbi.gov. Questions will be answered by emailing responses back to the Offeror. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after April 27, 2021; 12:00pm CST will be answered. Questions must be submitted in the following format using Microsoft Word:

Question # Category RFP Reference Question

Questions are due electronically by 12:00pm CST on April 27, 2021.

mailto:meagrinzoni@fbi.gov http://www.sam.gov/

1.2.3 FINAL SUBMISSIONS

All final quotes must be received by Emily Moss at egmoss@fbi.gov by 12:00pm CST on

May 17, 2021. This shall include all electronic submissions.

1.3 ORGANIZATION/NUMBER OF COPIES/PAGE LIMITS

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in the Proposal Organization Table (Table I-

1 below). The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies as specified in Table I-1.

The contents of each quote volume are described in the ITO paragraph as noted in the table below.

Table I-1: Proposal Organization

VOLUME

RFP

PARAGRAPH

NUMBER

VOLUME TITLE

COPIES

PAGE LIMIT

I

3.0

Technical Capability

1 Electronic

50 Total (Sample

Briefing should be no more than 30 pages; Technical narrative should be no more than 20 pages)

II

3.0

Past Performance

1 Electronic

6 Pages (2 pages per example)

III 4.0 Price 1 Electronic None

IV 5.0 Contractual Documents 1 Electronic None

V 6.0 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

(VPAT)

1 Electronic None

VI 7.0 Small Business Participation 1 Electronic None

1.3.1. PAGE LIMITATIONS

Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Documents that are incorporated or referenced in the proposal will be included in the page limit calculation and disregarded if the page limits including attached, referenced, or incorporated documents are exceeded.

1.3.2. COST OR PRICING INFORMATION

All cost or pricing information shall be addressed ONLY in the Price volume.

1.3.3. GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

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

1.4 PAGE SIZE AND FORMAT

(a) Documents shall be single spaced. Except for the reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12 point. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume.

(b) Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be used whenever practical to depict organizations, systems and layouts, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10 point.

1.5 LABELING

A cover sheet should be included in each volume, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification and the offeror’s name. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e), Restriction on Disclosure and Use of Data, and 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Quote Information and Source Selection Information.

1.6 ELECTRONIC COPIES

Indicate on each submission the volume number and title. The electronic copies shall be submitted in a format readable by Microsoft (MS) Word 2016.

1.7 DISCUSSIONS

The Government reserves the right to engage or not engage in discussions with Offerors regarding this procurement.

2.0 CONTRACT INFORAMTION

2.1.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Period CLIN BEGIN END

Base Year 0001 - 0002 8/10/2021 8/09/2022

Option Year 1 1001 - 1002 8/10/2022 8/09/2023

Option Year 2 2001 - 2002 8/10/2023 8/09/2024

Option Year 3 3001 - 3002 8/10/2024 8/09/2025

Option Year 4 4001 - 4002 8/10/2025 8/09/2026

2.1.2 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

N/A. No material, software, or hardware shall be housed on FBI networks or in FBI facilities.

3.0 VOLUME I/II – TECHNICAL CAPABILITY /PAST PERFORMANCE

3.1 GENERAL

The Technical Capability/ Past Performance volumes should be specific and complete. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical Capability /Past Performance factors defined in the section entitled “Evaluation Factors for Award.” Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible your proposed methodology for satisfying these factors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements in the solicitation. It is not necessary or desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal. Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

3.2 FORMAT AND SPECIFIC CONTENT

3.2.1. Technical Capability/Past Performance

In the Technical Capability/Past Performance volumes, address your proposed approach to meeting the requirements of each factor.

3.2.2. VOLUME ORGANIZATION

Volume One and Two shall be organized according to the following general outline:

(1) Table of Contents

(2) List of Tables and Drawings

(3) Glossary

(4) Cross Reference Matrix

(5) Factor One: Technical Capability

(6) Factor Two: Past Performance

(7) Factor Three: Price

NOTE: The Cover Page, Table of Contents, List of Tables and Drawings, Glossary, and Cross

Reference Document are excluded from the 50-page limitation for Volume One.

3.2.3. Factor One: Technical Capability (Volume I)

The Offeror shall submit a Technical Approach narrative (20-page limit) that demonstrates the

Offeror’s understanding of the work outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW) and their ability to successfully execute their approach to achieve this work.

The Offeror shall submit a sample executive news briefing example (no more than 30 pages) for a daily news briefing that demonstrates the Offeror’s ability to produce a comprehensive and detailed report that meets the requirements in the Statement of Work. The sample briefing example shall include stories relating to and of interest to the FBI. It shall incorporate the format of the Sample Daily News Briefing the FBI has provided. Please do not provide examples involving other organizations. See Attachment E (Sample Daily News Briefing) for a basis for information to submit the example of Offeror’s daily news briefing.

3.2.4. Factor Two: Past Performance (Volume II)

Using the attached template (Attachment D), provide three (3) Relevant Experience Narratives of not more than two (2) pages each that describes the Offeror’s experience providing support to similar size and scope requirements to Government agencies (Federal, State or Local). The described Past Experiences must have been performed within the past seven (7) years. Offeror's must only submit relevant experience examples that contain a CPARS assessment.

4.0 VOLUME III – PRICE VOLUME

4.0 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Contractor shall provide a concise narrative description of the pricing methodology and the way the total price was derived in the price volume. Contractors shall state in the Price

Volume any assumptions relied upon in determining prices. Contractors shall submit the

Government – provided Excel Spreadsheet and enter the Firm Fixed Price per CLIN for the

Base Year and all four (4) Option Years for each CLIN along with a proposed price per license for any future licenses that may be required. Failure to comply with the instructions in this section constitute grounds for eliminating a contractor from further consideration for Contract

Award.

4.0.1. Price Information

All information relating to the proposed price including all required supporting documentation must be included in the section of the proposal designated as the Price volume. Under no circumstances shall this information and documentation be included elsewhere in the proposal. The proposal’s technical contents shall not contain price information.

4.2.0 VOLUME ORGANIZATION

The Price volume shall consist of the following sections: table of contents, pricing spreadsheet, and any other relevant Price information. List each exception to the ground rules and assumptions provided in the solicitation regarding Price and each qualification of the Price volume, if any. Provide complete rationale for any exceptions.

5.0 VOLUME IV - CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS

5.1.1 COVER PAGE

The Offeror’s Volume IV shall contain a cover page with the following information:

(1) Offeror name

(2) Date of submission

(3) A statement that the items or services provided are Commercial

(4) Solicitation Name and Number

(5) All offerors’ proposal(s) shall be valid at least 180 days after the proposal due date. The offeror shall make a clear statement in the Cover Page that the proposal is valid at least 180 days from the proposal due date.

(6) Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your quote and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

(7) Provide company/division’s CAGE code; DUNS code; and size of business

(large or small). 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.

5.1.2. SF-1449

The Offeror is required to complete the following sections of the SF-1449:

Block Description

17a Contractor / Offeror (Company)

Company Physical Address

Individual Phone Number

Code (DUNS)

Facility Code

30a Signature of Offeror (Individual authorized to bind the company)

30b Name and Title of Signer (Individual authorized to bind the company)

30c Date

6.0 VOLUNTARY PRODUCT ACCESSIBILITY TEMPLATE (VPAT)

Offeror(s) shall submit a completed VPAT Template (Attachment F) as it applies to the Offeror’s proposal regarding CLIN 0001.

7.0 SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

Subcontracting Plan

Prime contractors shall submit a subcontracting plan, which includes dollar percentage goals for subcontracting opportunities. The Offeror shall submit a subcontracting plan of no more than fifteen (15) pages. The Subcontracting Plan is to be completed by organizations classified as anything other than a small business and must follow all requirements as set forth in FAR Part 19.704.

Small Business Participation

Offerors shall submit information which addresses how they expect to include small businesses in the performance of the contract as. All offerors shall:

a. Identify the extent to which Small Businesses (SBs), Veteran-Owned Small

Businesses (VOSBs), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

(SDVOSBs), HUBZone Small Businesses (HUBZones), Small Disadvantaged

Businesses (SDBs) and Woman- Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) will be utilized in the performance of the contract.;

b. Identify the names of the SBs, VOSBs, SDVOBs, HUBZones, SDBs or

WOSBs who will participate on the contract, the products and/or services to be performed and the estimated total dollar amount of such work;

c. Address the extent of commitment to utilize the team members in performance of the contract (for example, length of the relationship, whether there is a written agreement, and key elements of the agreement); and

d. Provide prior performance information, if any on no more than five (5) contracts that were performed within three years from the proposal submission date which included FAR clause 52.219-8, “Utilization of Small Business Concerns” and/or FAR clause 52.219-9, “Small Business Subcontracting plan” and show the actual performance or compliance with these FAR clauses. Offeror’s Prior

Performance Information shall include the following:

1. Name of the contracting activity;

2. Contract number

3. Total contract value

4. List major subcontractors/teaming partners;

5. The role(s) of the subcontractor(s) involved;

6. The applicable goals and actual performance (dollars and percentages) for subcontracting with the types of small business concerns listed FAR 52.219-9

A Subcontracting Report for Individual Contracts (ISR), Summary Subcontract Report (SSR) from the electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS) for that contract. If the SSR forms are not available for the referenced contracts, the contractor shall submit a detailed explanation as to why they are not available and submit any other official documentation of actual accomplishments of the goals established under the subcontracting requirements for the referenced contracts

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

1.0 BASIS FOR CONTRACT AWARD

This is an evaluation conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part

12.6 “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items”. The

Government will evaluate the proposal, based upon an integrated assessment of Technical

Capability, Past Performance and Price factors. While the Government evaluation team will strive for maximum objectivity, the evaluation process, by its nature, is subjective and, therefore, professional judgment is implicit throughout the entire process.

1.1 NUMBER OF CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED

The Government intends to award either a single or multiple award Firm Fixed Price contract for

Internet News Monitoring Services. This contract is for one (1) base year plus four (4) option years.

2.0 EVALUATION FACTORS

2.1 EVALUATION FACTORS

Award will be made to the offeror(s) proposing the combination most advantageous to the

Government based upon an integrated assessment of the evaluation factors and subfactors described below.

Factor 1: Technical Capability

Factor 2: Past Performance

Factor 3: Price

2.2 FACTOR 1: TECHNICAL CAPABILITY

The proposal should address how the Offeror will successfully produce any deliverables and daily briefings as stated in the Statement of Work. The Offeror’s narrative should clearly show that they have a good understanding of this requirement and the work to be performed in the Statement of

Work and should highlight their ability to provide the services required.

The Technical Approach should also include a sample briefing example (no more than 30 pages) for a daily news briefing that demonstrates the Offeror’s ability to produce a comprehensive and detailed report that meets the requirements in the Statement of Work. The sample briefing will be evaluated on its quality, detail, ease of navigating headlines, design and content.

This Factor will assess the Offeror’s ability to provide effective technical services throughout the period of performance. Offeror must demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of the Government requirements as outlined in the SOW. This factor will be used to assess the following:

• Ability to meet minimum and desired requirements stated in SOW Section 2

• Availability of sources listed in SOW Section 2.2

• Proposal to meet requirements listed in SOW Section 3

• Sample provided for SOW Section 3

2.3 FACTOR 2: PAST PERFORMANCE

The Past Performance assessments will be evaluated as to the Offeror’s experience performing similar requirements for other Government Agencies (Federal, State or Local) along with how well it performed those services. Past Performance is relevant when an Offeror has been confronted with the kinds of challenges and risks contemplated by the solicitation. Past

Performance is recent when an Offeror has performed this type of work within the past seven

(7) years. The more similar an Offeror’s past performance is to the solicitation requirements, in terms of size, scope, and complexity, the more relevant it will be considered. CPARS will be utilized as an additional verification method.

2.4 FACTOR 3: PRICE

The proposed prices will be evaluated, but not scored. The price factor will be evaluated as to its submitted Base Year and Option Year total prices for all CLINs to determine if they are fair and reasonable for the work to be performed and are consistent with the other various elements of the

Offeror’s proposal. The total overall contract price for all years will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise such options.

The price information submitted in the Offeror‘s price proposal, as required by the RFP, will be evaluated to determine if proposed prices are fair and reasonable in accordance with FAR 13.106-

3 based on the Offeror‘s proposed approach. A contract will not be awarded to an Offeror whose total price and stated FFP per year price is not determined to be fair and reasonable.

2.5 VOLUME 4: CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS

Volume IV will not be evaluated as part of mission suitability. However, before being eligible to receive an award, the Offeror shall submit this volume as follows:

The Offeror’s Volume V shall contain a cover page with the following information:

(1) Offeror name

(2) Date of submission, Solicitation Name and Number

(3) A statement that the items or services provided are Commercial

(4) All offerors’ proposal(s) shall be valid at least 180 days after the proposal due date. The offeror shall make a clear statement in the Cover Page that the proposal is valid at least 180 days from the proposal due date.

(5) Provide the name, title, and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your quote and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

(6) Provide company/division’s CAGE code; DUNS code; and size of business

(large or small). 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.

The attached SF-1449 shall be utilized by all Offerors to complete the required information.

The attached SF-1449 must be signed and dated by all Offerors.

Block Description

17a Contractor / Offeror (Company)

Company Physical Address

Individual Phone Number

Code (DUNS)

Facility Code

30a Signature of Offeror (Individual authorized to bind the company)

30b Name and Title of Signer (Individual authorized to bind the company) 30c Date

2.6 VPAT Evaluation Rating

Rating Description

Acceptable Offeror submitted a completed VPAT that clearly identifies their 508 program compliance.

Unacceptable Offeror failed to submit a completed VPAT attachment that clearly identifies their 508 program compliance.

2.7 SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

The Government will evaluate the Small Business Subcontracting Plan on its quality, level of appropriate detail, feasibility, cost effectiveness, compliance with FAR Part 19.704, and the Contractor’s good faith effort to help the FBI achieve its Small Business Subcontracting goals listed below:

Small Business (SB) 38%

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) 5%

Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) 5%

HUBZone Business (HUBZone) 3%

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVOSB) 3%

2.7.1 Factor Ratings: Small Business Participation

Rating Description

Acceptable Small Business Participation Plan is clear, provides sufficient detail and makes a good faith effort to help FBI achieve its Small Business Subcontracting Goals as stated in the RFP

Unacceptable Small Business Participation Plan is not clear, does not provide sufficient detail and lacks clear path to helping FBI achieve its Small Business Subcontracting Goals as stated in the.

2.8 Evaluation Ratings and Definitions for Factor 1

The color code rating depicts how well the quote meets the evaluation standards. Color code ratings will be assigned based upon a consensus of the Evaluation Team. The Color ratings will be assigned as follows:

Color Rating Description

Blue Outstanding Quote greatly exceeds requirements and indicates exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is very low.

Purple Good Quote meets requirements and indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements. Quote contains strengths which outweigh any weaknesses. Risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Green Acceptable Quote meets requirements and indicates adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. Strengths and weaknesses are offsetting or will have little or no impact on contract performance.

Risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

Yellow Marginal Quote does not clearly meet requirements and has not demonstrated adequate approach and understanding of the requirements. The quote has one or more weaknesses which are not offset by strengths.

Risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Red Unacceptable Quote does not meet requirements and contains one or more deficiencies. Risk of unsuccessful performance is unacceptable.

Quote is unawardable.

2.9 EVALUATION RATINGS AND DEFINITIONS FOR FACTOR 2 – PAST

PERFORMANCE

The Past Performance assessments will be rated on a Performance Confidence scale. This rating will be determined based on if the assessments submitted are of similar size and scope to this requirement (Relevancy) and was performed within the past seven (7) years (Recency).

2.9.1 Evaluation Ratings and Definitions for Factor 2 – Past Performance

Performance Confidence Assessment.

The Performance Confidence Assessment composite rating for the each of the Offeror’s Experience Narratives will be one (1) of the following five (5) Performance Confidence ratings:

Substantial Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent / relevant experience / past performance record, the

Government has a high expectation that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent / relevant experience / past performance record, the

Government has a reasonable expectation that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

Neutral Confidence Offeror has no recent / relevant experience / past performance record is available, or the Offerors performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned. The Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on the factor of past performance and will receive a neutral rating.

Limited Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent / relevant experience / past performance record, the

Government has a low expectation that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent / relevant experience / past performance record, the

Government has no expectation that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

3.0. SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as factors or subfactors. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the solicitation may result in the offeror being ineligible for award.

Offerors must clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and must provide supporting rationale.