RFQ 75D301-26-Q-79163.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

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1. REQUEST NO.

75D301-26-Q-79163

2. DATE ISSUED

3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

000HCCCE-2026-98072

4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

RATING

5a. ISSUED BY Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chamblee Campus Building 102, MS S102-4 4770 Buford Hwy Atlanta GA 303413717

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (No collect calls)

NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

Paula Taylor (770) 488-2433 x

8. TO: 9. DESTINATION

a. NAME b. COMPANY a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

c. STREET ADDRESS b. STREET ADDRESS

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d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services.

Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and NIOSH, has a requirement to Evaluating Improved Knee-Saver Devices in Deep Squatting Tasks

Please submit any questions to Paula Taylor at Vga8@cdc.gov no later than 12:00 PM EST on or before 8/4/2026. Please submit quotation to Paula Taylor at Vga8@cdc.gov, no later than 12:00PM EST on 8/10/2026.

NO LATE EXCEPTIONS, NO EXTENSIONS.

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS

b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS

c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS

d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

15. DATE OF

QUOTATION

a. NAME OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or print) NUMBER

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Previous edition not usable Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

7. DELIVERY

FOB

DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule) mailto:Vga8@cdc.gov mailto:Vga8@cdc.gov

ITEM SUPPLIES / SERVICES QTY / UNIT UNIT PRICE EXTENDED PRICE

0001 Prepare an IRB approved testing protocol

Task 1: Prepare an Institutional ReviewBoard (IRB)-approved pilot testing protocol:

This is a Firm fixed price line item Period of Performance: 9/16/2026 to 9/15/2027

1 Each

0002 Pilot tests, data collect, data analysis Task 2: Pilot tests, data collection, and data analysis:

This is a Firm fixed price line item

0003 Documentation Task 3: Documentation:

This is a Firm fixed price line item

Statement of Work / Performance Work Statement

Title: Evaluating Improved Knee-Saver Devices in Deep Squatting Tasks

Period of performance of this contract is: 9/16/2026 to 9/15/2027 Base Period: 9/16/2026 to 9/15/2027

SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease that affects 32.5 million people in the US. The prevalence of knee OA among adults over 60 years is approximately 10% (men) and 13% (women). Epidemiological studies showed that the prevalence of knee OA among workers is associated with their occupational activities. In many occupational activities, such as floor installation, electrical repairs and installations, roofing, retail stocking, gardening, and construction repairs, workers need to perform high knee-flexion tasks. Occupations involving high knee flexion tasks for at least 30 minutes per day resulted in increases in knee OA occurrence from 122% to 240 %, compared to average workers. The prevalence of OA will continue to increase with the aging workforce and the increasing life expectancy.

Knee savers or knee supporters are devices that are attached to the users’ legs to make users feel more comfortable during high knee flexion tasks. Knee savers have been used to reduce knee joint loading in some sports and occupational activities, such as roofing; however, the mechanism of how or if knee savers can reduce joint loading during deep squatting has not been analyzed on a biomechanical basis and their designs may be improved. Currently, commercially available knee savers of one size/type are intended to be used for individuals with different ranges of motion (ROM) in the lower extremities and different body sizes.

NIOSH researchers are working on a NORA-funded project (Biomechanical Evaluation of Knee Savers for Reducing Joint Load during Squatting) to improve the knee saver design to reduce the knee joint loading, thereby reducing workers’ knee OA risk. NIOSH researchers will develop a biomechanical model to analyze the musculoskeletal loading in the knee joint and in the spine region during high knee flexion tasks such as deep squatting, validating the model using human subject testing data, and applying the biomechanical model to improve the knee saver design. The human subject testing data will be obtained from the proposed contract.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this service contract is to obtain the human biomechanical data required to develop biomechanical models of human deep squatting tasks with and without a knee-saver device. The experimental data shall be generated by the contractor through conducting a series of tests of different knee-saver devices in deep squatting tasks.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

The contract shall provide the following services:

(1) To develop a testing protocol according to the experimental method and subject tasks described in this statement of work. The human subject test protocol must be developed by the contractor and reviewed and approved by the contractor’s Human Subject Research

Institute Review Board (IRB); a copy of the IRB human subject protocol shall be made available to NIOSH.

(2) To conduct the human subject tests (8-9 subjects) according to the approved protocol to collect experimental biomechanical data.

(3) To conduct raw data processing and reduction to generate the experimental data required by NIOSH. The specific items of the data to be submitted to NIOSH are listed in the attached Data Dictionary.

The required experimental method and subject tasks are briefly outlined as follows: The contractor shall recruit healthy participants (8-9 subjects) who have no existing knee/leg/spine musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and/or OA. The contractor shall not record any data on the potential candidates who are excluded from the tests. The contractor shall collect the following information, on paperwork, from the recruited participants: name, phone number, and email address (if he/she has), age, gender, race, body weight, and height in the vendor’s paperwork. An ID (a randomly selected combination of two letters) shall be assigned to the participants. The personally identifiable information (PII) of the participants and the informed consent forms signed by the participant and researcher(s) shall be recorded in paperwork, not saved in any computer, electronic, or internet system. The paperwork shall be stored in a locked file cabinet in a secured lab space and shall not be accessible to NIOSH staff. The PII shall be accessed solely by the leader of the contractor’s team who has received a Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Training Certificate for biomedical engineering research, and the PII shall not be released to any other person. The subject ID and any PII shall not be provided to NIOSH.

The subjects shall perform deep squatting tasks without knee savers and with knee-saver devices of six different types. Representative off-the-shelf and custom-made knee-saver devices shall be used in the tests. The subjects shall perform deep squatting tasks with two different squatting postures. During the tests, the contractor shall collect kinematics (body movement), kinetic (ground reaction forces and interface contact forces), and muscle activity (surface electromyography) data using the vendor’s equipment and software, which include motion capture system, force plates, and electromyography (EMG) measurement system. The contractor’s report to NIOSH shall not contain any PII and the data shall be transmitted to NIOSH via SFTP. NIOSH will not have access to PII.

SECTION 4 – TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

Task 1: Human subject test protocol Development of a testing protocol by the contractor

a. The testing protocol shall be developed according to the experimental method and subject tasks described in this statement of work.

The testing protocol shall be reviewed and approved by the contractor’s Human Subject Research Institute Review IRB.

b. A copy of the IRB human subject protocol shall be made available to NIOSH.

Task 2: Human subject tests

1. Conduct of human subject tests

a. The contractor shall recruit healthy participants (8-9 subjects) who have no existing knee/leg/spine MSD and/or OA.

b. The PII of the participants and the informed consent forms signed by the participant and researcher(s) shall be recorded in paperwork, not saved in any computer, electronic, or internet system. The paperwork shall be stored in a locked file cabinet in a secured lab space and shall not be accessible to NIOSH staff.

c. The subjects shall perform deep squatting tasks without knee savers and with knee-saver devices of six different types.

2. Data collection

a. During the tests, the contractor shall collect kinematics (body movement), kinetic (ground reaction forces and interface contact forces), and muscle activity (surface electromyography) data using the contractor’s equipment and software, which include motion capture system, force plates, and electromyography (EMG) measurement system.

b. The test data shall be initially processed and organized. The summarized data shall include test method, data collection conditions, and analysis method.

c. The processed experimental biomechanical data (in CSV- or Excel-format) shall be sent to NIOSH.

Task 3: Final report A final report contains:

a. Detailed approach used in the tests

b. Findings or observations in the tests

c. Technical issues

SECTION 5 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

N/A

SECTION 6 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND CONTRACT SUPPORT HOURS

SUBSECTION A – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work shall be performed entirely at the contractor’s facility.

SUBSECTION B – CONTRACT SUPPORT HOURS

SECTION 7 – TRAVEL

SECTION 8 – DELIVERABLES/REPORTING SCHEDULE

The deliverables shall be as follows:

(1) the testing protocol (reviewed and approved at the contractor’s institute);

(2) the processed experimental biomechanical data (in CSV - or Excel-format) with the items listed in the Data Dictionary and preliminary analysis; (3) a description of the data processing methods and/or software, and (4) a final report on the detailed approach, findings, and encountered issues.

The testing protocol shall be prepared and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the contractor’s institute on/before November 15, 2026 and a copy shall be sent to the NIOSH Project Officer.

The IRB-approved human testing (8-9 subjects) and preliminary analysis shall be performed, and the testing data (including a table of subject descriptive statistical data such as subject population age average, range of height, weight, and their standard derivations) and the initial analysis results shall be delivered on/before May 28, 2027.

The interim progress reports are expected on completion of each step/task. The final documentation of the detailed approach and preliminary findings shall be delivered on/before September 15, 2027.

Task Deliverable Quantity/Format Due Date Deliver To Test protocol development and IRB approval

Report Document in PDF-format

11/15/2026 NIOSH

project officer (ozw8@cdc.

gov)

Task Deliverable Quantity/Format Due Date Deliver To Subject testing and data collection

Report Document in CVS-format

5/28/2027 NIOSH

project officer (ozw8@cdc.

gov)

Summary and document

Report Document in PDF-format

9/15/2027 NIOSH

project officer (ozw8@cdc.

gov)

SECTION 9 – EVALUATION OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

NIOSH project officer will evaluate the Contractor's performance and determine acceptance of each deliverable based on the following criteria:

9.1 Test Protocol

The testing protocol will be considered acceptable if it:

• Is submitted on or before November 15, 2026.

• Has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval.

• Includes the complete experimental methodology described in this Statement of Work.

• Contains all required testing procedures, instrumentation, subject recruitment criteria, data collection methods, and statistical analysis plan.

• Addresses any technical comments provided by the NIOSH Project Officer.

9.2 Human Subject Testing and Experimental Data

The testing activities and associated deliverables will be considered acceptable if they:

• Are completed in accordance with the IRB-approved protocol.

• Include testing of 8–9 human subjects as specified in the SOW.

• Provide complete processed biomechanical data in CSV or Excel format.

• Include all variables identified in the approved Data Dictionary.

• Contain no significant missing or unexplained data.

• Include preliminary statistical analyses and descriptive statistics for the study population.

• Are submitted on or before May 28, 2027.

9.3 Data Processing Documentation

The documentation will be considered acceptable if it:

• Clearly describes all data processing procedures.

• Identifies software, software versions, and analysis methods used.

• Provides sufficient information to allow the Government to understand and reproduce the reported results.

9.4 Final Report

The final report will be considered acceptable if it:

• Is submitted on or before September 15, 2027.

• Summarizes the testing methodology, experimental results, statistical analyses, limitations, and conclusions.

• Documents any deviations from the approved protocol and explains their impact.

• Addresses comments received from the NIOSH Project Officer.

• Is technically accurate, complete, and professionally prepared.

9.5 Acceptance

Each deliverable will be reviewed by the NIOSH Project Officer for completeness, technical adequacy, and compliance with this Statement of Work. If deficiencies are identified, the Contractor shall correct and resubmit the deliverable within 15 calendar days (or another mutually agreed period). Deliverables will be considered accepted upon written notification from the NIOSH Project Officer.

SECTION 10 – REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Torkinejad-Ziarati P., Xia T., Kudernatsch S., Peterson D.R., (2022), “Experimental assessment of effectiveness of arm-supporting exoskeleton for overhead work,” 7th International Digital Human Modeling Symposium (DHM), Iowa City, Iowa.

2. Kudernatsch, S., (2021), “An Integrated Approach to Exoskeleton Device Evaluation and Design,” Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University.

Available electronically from https://hdl.handle.net /1969.1/195252.

Academic advisor: Peterson D.R.

3. Vining, R., Long, C.R., Minkalis, A., Gudavalli, M.R., Xia, T., Walter, J., Coulter, I. and Goertz, C.M., (2020), “Effects of chiropractic care on strength, balance, and endurance in active-duty US military personnel with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial,” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(7), 592-601.

4. Kudernatsch S., Peterson D.R., (2018), "Biomechanical Testing of an Upper- Extremity Occupational Exoskeleton-Preliminary Report on Methodologies and Pilot Data," Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 62(1), 2013-2017

5. Xia, T., Long, C.R., Vining, R.D., Gudavalli, M.R., DeVocht, J.W., Kawchuk, G.N., Wilder, D.G., and Goertz, C. M., (2017), “Association of lumbar spine stiffness and flexion-relaxation phenomenon with patient-reported outcomes in adults with chronic low back pain–a single-arm clinical trial investigating the effects of thrust spinal manipulation,” BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 17(1), 1-15.

6. Bazrgari, B., and Xia, T., (2017), “Application of advanced biomechanical methods in studying low back pain–recent development in estimation of lower back loads and large-array surface electromyography and findings,” Journal of Pain Research, 10, 1677

7. Kudernatsch S., Peterson D.R., Asaki T., (2017), “Human-Centered Exoskeleton: Upper Extremity Strength Augmentation in Occupational Settings,” Proc Biomed Eng Soc Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ.

8. Xia, T., Long, C.R., Gudavalli, M.R., Wilder, D.G., Vining, R.D., Rowell, R.M., Reed, W.R., DeVocht, J.W., Goertz, C.M., Owens Jr, E.F., and Meeker, W. C., (2016), “Similar effects of thrust and non-thrust spinal manipulation found in adults with subacute and chronic low back pain–A controlled trial with adaptive allocation,” Spine, 41(12), E702.

9. Xia, T., and Frey Law, L., (2015), “Wrist joint torque-angle-velocity envelope evaluation and modeling,” International Journal of Human factors modelling https://hdl.handle.net/ and simulation, 5(1), 33-52

Note: The name of the members in the contractor’s BioDynamics Laboratory are in bold. The key members of the team – Ting Xia – has PhD degree in biomechanics, ergonomics, and human performance fields. Dr. Xia has served as key personnel such PI/Co-PI and Project Leader on several NIOSH, NIH and DoD funded studies.

SECTION 11 – MINIMUM CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

To perform the required human subject tests, the contractors should meet the following technical and professional requirements:

(1) Have a solid background and education in ergonomics and biomechanics, especially evaluating the effects of ergonomic interventions using biomechanical assessments, which may be proved from their publications. The contractor’s team members have received CITI Training Certificate for biomedical engineering research.

(2) Have a strong expertise and research experience in musculoskeletal mechanics, especially related to different industrial tasks, which may be proven by their publications.

(3) Have experience conducting experimental studies on the ergonomic and biomechanical evaluation of occupation-related activities when using different power tools, which may also be proved from their publications.

SECTION 12 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Information Security and Privacy

The contractor shall collect the following information, on paperwork, from the recruited participants: name, phone number, and email address (if he/she has), age, gender, race, body weight, and height in the contractor’s paperwork. An ID (a randomly selected combination of two letters) will be assigned to the participants. The personally identifiable information (PII) (name, phone number, and email address) of the participants and the informed consent forms signed by the participant and researcher(s) will be recorded in paperwork, not saved in any computer, electronic, or internet system. The paperwork will be stored in a locked file cabinet in a secured lab space and will not be accessible to NIOSH staff.

Human Subjects Protections in Research The human subject test protocol must be developed by the contractor and reviewed and approved by the contractor’s Human Subject Research Institute Review Board (IRB); a copy of the IRB human subject protocol shall be made available to NIOSH.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Reports and documents will be delivered electronically.

Section 13 - Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Accessibility (Section 508)

The Contractor shall comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794d), as amended, and all applicable implementing regulations, including the HHS Accessibility Requirements.

All Electronic and Information Technology (EIT), also referred to as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), developed, acquired, maintained, or delivered under this contract shall conform to the applicable accessibility standards identified in 36 CFR Part 1194 (Revised 508 Standards), unless an approved exception applies.

The Contractor shall ensure that all contract deliverables requiring accessibility, including but not limited to:

• Electronic documents (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, and similar formats);

• Web pages and web-based applications;

• Software applications;

• Multimedia products (audio and video);

• Electronic forms;

• Training materials; and

• Other ICT products or services are accessible to individuals with disabilities and conform to applicable Section 508 standards.

Specifically, the Contractor shall:

1. Design, develop, test, and deliver ICT products and electronic content that comply with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements.

2. Ensure that all electronic documents are properly structured using accessible headings, lists, tables, alternative text for images, meaningful hyperlinks, sufficient color contrast, logical reading order, and other accessibility features appropriate to the document type.

3. Ensure that multimedia products include synchronized captions for prerecorded video, audio descriptions where required, and transcripts for audio-only content.

4. Cooperate with the Government during accessibility reviews and testing.

5. Correct any accessibility deficiencies identified by the Government at no additional cost to the Government prior to final acceptance.

6. Upon request, provide documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable Section 508 requirements, including a completed Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) based on the current Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®), when applicable.

Failure to comply with applicable Section 508 accessibility requirements may result in rejection of deliverables until accessibility deficiencies have been corrected.

Applicable HHSAR Provisions

The Contractor is advised that this solicitation includes the following HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) provisions:

• HHSAR 352.239-78, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Notice

• HHSAR 352.239-79, Accessibility of Electronic and Information Technology

These provisions and any resulting contract clauses are incorporated by reference and apply to all applicable ICT deliverables under this contract.

Printing

No other clearance required.

APPENDIX A: Data Dictionary

File Name Description Pilot Testing of Knee Savers in Deep Squatting Tasks

Kinematic and Kinetic Data Collection in Deep Squatting Tasks

Header or Parts of Header Name in CSV (Excel File) Description or Definition

Subject # (Not linked to Subject ID)

Task #

Task 1: Deep squatting tasks without wearing knee savers. Squatting posture:

heels-up.

Task 2: Deep squatting tasks without wearing knee savers. Squatting posture:

heels-down.

Task 3: Deep squatting tasks wearing knee savers. Squatting posture: heels-up.

Task 4: Deep squatting tasks wearing knee savers. Squatting posture: heels-down.

Repetition/Trial # Trial 1 and Trial 2 (two repetitions or trials will be completed per task and condition (unitless)

Time Record time of the events (second)

EMG_SPIN_L

Surface electromyography (EMG) data for measuring muscle activity in erector spinae, Left.

In percentages of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (unitless)

EMG_ SPIN_R

EMG data for measuring muscle activity in erector spinae, Right.

In percentages of maximal voluntary

EMG_HAM_L

hamstrings, Left In percentages of maximal voluntary

EMG_HAM_R

hamstrings, Right In percentages of maximal voluntary

EMG_QUA_L

quadriceps, Left In percentages of maximal voluntary

EMG_QUA_R

quadriceps, Right In percentages of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (unitless)

FORCE_PL_X_L Force plate output, X-direction, Left (Newton, or N)

FORCE_PL_Y_L Force plate output, Y-direction, Left (N)

FORCE_PL_Z_L Force plate output, Z-direction, Left (N)

FORCE_PL_X_R Force plate output, X-direction, Right (N)

FORCE_PL_Y_R Force plate output, Y-direction, Right (N)

FORCE_PL_Z_R Force plate output, Z-direction, Right (N)

CONT_FORCE Contact force between knee saver and thigh (N)

ANK_FLE_L Ankle plantarflexion-extension (+/-), Left (degree)

ANK_FLE_R Ankle plantarflexion-extension (+/-), Right (degree)

ANK_ABD_L Ankle Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Left (degree)

ANK_ABD_R Ankle Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Right (degree)

ANK_EVE_L Ankle Eversion-Inversion (+/-), Left

ANK_EVE_R Ankle Eversion-Inversion (+/-), Right (degree)

KNEE_FLE_L Knee Flexion-Extension (+/-), Left (degree)

KNEE_FLE_R Knee Flexion-Extension (+/-), Right (degree)

HIP_FLE_L Hip Flexion-Extension (+/-), Left (degree)

HIP_FLE_R Hip Flexion-Extension (+/-), Right (degree)

HIP_ABD_L Hip Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Left (degree)

HIP_ABD_R Hip Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Right (degree)

HIP_INT_L Hip Internal-External Rotation (+/-), Left (degree)

HIP_INT_R Hip Internal-External Rotation (+/-), Left (degree)

TRUNK_FLE Trunk Flexion-Extension (+/-) (degree)

TRUNK_LAT Trunk Right/Left Lateral Flexion (+/-) (degree)

TRUNK_ROT Trunk Right/Left Rotation (+/-) (degree)

PELV_FLE Pelvic Flexion-Extension (+/-) (degree)

PELV_LAT Pelvic Right/Left Lateral Flexion (+/-) (degree)

PELV_ROT Pelvic Right/Left Rotation (+/-) (degree)

SHOU_FLE_L Shoulder Flexion-Extension (+/-), Left (degree)

SHOU_FLE_R Shoulder Flexion-Extension (+/-), Right (degree)

SHOU_ABD_L Shoulder Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Left (degree)

SHOU_ABD_R Shoulder Abduction-Adduction (+/-), Right (degree)

SHOU_INT_L Shoulder Internal-External Rotation, Left (+/-) (degree)

SHOU_INT_R Shoulder Internal-External Rotation, Right (+/-) (degree)

ELB_FLE_L Elbow Flexion-Extension (+/-), Left (degree)

ELB_FLE_R Elbow Flexion-Extension (+/-), Right

NECK_FLE Neck Flexion-Extension (+/-)

NECK_LAT Neck Right/Left Lateral Flexion (+/-) (degree)

NECK_ROT Neck Right/Left Rotation (+/-)

APPENDIX B – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICE TO OFFERORS

Quote Files

Format - Written. Offerors shall submit their written quotes in either Adobe.pdf format or Microsoft Word format. The Offeror shall mark each volume with the appropriate title at the top of each page (e.g., Volume I – Technical). The Offeror shall number all pages of each volume and identify each page with the complete company name, date, and solicitation number, RFQ1817714, in the header and/or footer. MS Word (.doc) files shall use the following page setup parameters:

Margins – Top, Bottom, Left, Right - 1” Gutter – 0” From Edge – Header, Footer - 0.5” Page Size, Width – 8.5” Page Size, Height – 11” Printed on Single Side Orientation- Portrait

The following additional restrictions apply:

Pages shall be single spaced, and each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line.

The Offeror shall use a standard, 12-point minimum font size in Times New Roman font. The Offeror may use a reduced font size, not less than 8-point, and landscape orientation for illustrations. Tables or figures may be printed on foldout sheets, not to exceed 11 x 17 inches.

Each foldout sheet will count as one page towards the maximum page count for each volume.

Align all text in “Align Left.” Do not “Justify” text. Use a single column (vice double column) text format.

All pages shall contain the phrase: “Source Selection Information -- See FAR 2.101 and 3.104.”

(Printed or stamped). Reference Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) section 3.104-4 -- Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.

Quote Volumes

A. The quote must consist of Volumes I through III as set forth in Table 1.

Table 1 Quote Volumes

VOLUME TITLE SIZE LIMITS

I Technical

Technical Approach – 10 pages Staffing Plan – 6 pages, 2-page limit per resume which do not count toward the overall 6-page limitation Management Plan – 12 pages Transition Plan – 4 pages

II Past Performance/Experience

Relevant and Recent Performance - 1 page each for a minimum of the three required projects (Pass/Fail)

III Price No Limit

Offerors shall not include pricing information in any volume other than Volume III, Price.

Quotes will be evaluated up to the page limits listed in Table 1. Information exceeding the page limits set forth above will not be evaluated. However, the Government will not count the following towards the page count of any

Volume:

Single cover page per Volume

Table of Contents

VOLUME I – TECHNICAL

The Offeror shall prepare and submit a Technical Volume. This volume contains examples of the Offeror’s demonstrated performance providing the SOW required capabilities. The purpose of the technical factor is to assess the Offeror’s proposed approach, as detailed in its quote, to satisfy the Government’s requirements.

The evaluation of risk is related to the technical assessment. Risk assesses the degree to which the Offeror’s proposed technical approach for the requirements of the solicitation may cause disruption of schedule, increased costs, degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, or the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance. Risk will be evaluated as one aspect of the technical evaluation, inherent in the technical evaluation factor ratings. The technical factors of the quote presented by the offeror to whom the award is made will be incorporated in the agreement at the time of award.

1. Technical Approach: Limited to 10 pages

The Offeror shall provide an analysis of the task requirements to indicate their understanding of those task requirements, operating environment and the acquisition objectives. The Offeror shall provide a detailed and comprehensive statement of the scope and purpose of the project(s) to demonstrate complete understanding of the intent and requirements of the contract and how potential problems with projects will be identified, and solutions are to be offered.

The Offeror shall provide a description of their capabilities and performance techniques and methodology they propose in performance of the tasks. The Offeror shall specifically address aspects such as technical understanding, methodology and approach to meet or exceed the requirements for each task, specifically for requirement for their strategic and detailed Management and Staffing Plan for RAPID onboarding and collaborative efforts with OSSAM- Office of Personnel Security.

The Offeror shall also describe innovative approaches or capabilities to improve or enhance the programmatic, technical, and scientific support for each of the tasks with the sub-factors listed below:

a) Provide a description of prior performance of similar work, specifically highlighting their experience with Emergency Response efforts, the approach used, and outcomes obtained.

b) Provide a detailed and comprehensive statement of the problem, scope, and purpose of the project to demonstrate complete understanding of the intent and requirements of the contract and potential problems that may be encountered.

c) Describe the proposed detailed technical approach to comply with each of the requirements specified in each task listed in the statement of work. The proposal must be consistent with the stated goals and objectives. The proposed approach must ensure the achievement of timely and acceptable performance and must include a milestone and/or phasing charts to illustrate a logical sequence of proposed events.

d) Describe a plan that includes potential issues and risk mitigation plans for overcoming difficulties involved with performing work requirements.

Offerors will be evaluated based on the degree to which their capabilities and approach translate into probable success for completing each discrete task.

2. Staffing Plan: Limited to 6 pages

The Offeror shall provide:

a) A staffing matrix for each task that must demonstrate the type and number of staffing resources readily available for the base effort, including breakdowns by skill sets (key management, professional, and technical personnel), security clearances and any related certifications. The matrix of proposed personnel shall also include their experience, education, skills, and qualifications to do the job. Any proposed key staff not currently employed by the contractor should include a letter of commitment.

Adequately identify the percentage of time each staff member shall contribute to the program. The backgrounds of the personnel will reflect the length and variety of experience and expertise in tasks similar to the tasks required by this project and any relevant training. The extent to which outside consultants or specialists will be used and evidence of availability shall be indicated. The Offeror shall provide a description of the desired skills and abilities of the staff they propose to support the task, to include skills, abilities, and experience in:

i. Project management, operations, technical, scientific research, computation modeling, communications, partner engagement and support.

ii. Time management and interpersonal skill.

iii. Oral and written communication skills.

iv. Coordination and organizational skills, including the ability to manage and respond to multiple requests and priorities in a timely manner with limited supervision.

b) Resumes from key personnel (limited to 2 pages per resume that do not count toward overall page limitation) outlining the credentials and background of key management, professional, and technical personnel used for each task including the percent time allocated to managing each task.

c) If subcontractors are proposed, provide information to support their qualifications. The Offeror shall identify any portions of the task that will be performed by subcontractors. This information must include the subcontracting firm and the specific duties and labor categories that will be performed by the subcontractor. The Offeror shall also furnish a written copy of the draft subcontracting agreement.

Subcontractor support can only encompass up to 49% of the overall effort.

d) Also describe the extent to which outside consultants or specialists will be used and evidence of availability and competency.

3. Management Plan: Limited to 12 pages

The Offeror shall provide:

A management plan that describes their approach for managing all requirements in the statement of work. In the management plan the offeror shall:

a) Describe the offeror’s organizational structure and how they propose to manage this task, including a discussion of potential issues and/or risks.

b) Describe the decision-making authority of the project director as related to other elements of the organization, including subcontractors or consultants.

c) Provide a rationale for their management approach.

d) Specify the approach for maintaining control of all contracts change management issues.

e) Provide (1) a detailed description of how conflicts are managed; (2) a plan to ensure client and sub-Contractor satisfaction; and (3) a measurement of fiscal responsibility.

f) Identify (if any) assumptions or conditions relating to their Management Plan and Other Qualification Information. The Government reserves the right to reject any proposal that includes any assumption or condition that adversely impacts or affects the Government’s requirement.

g) Identify anticipated management barriers and risks, and provide a description of their approach to mitigate, eliminate, or manage risks.

h) Describe personnel management practices with respect to how the offeror minimizes employee turnover, encourages employee excellence and provides procedures utilized for evaluation of personnel.

i) Describe their approach to rapidly obtain and/or replace qualified staffing resources to support existing and new acquisition work and to meet changing workload requirements, including workforce development strategies for continuous improvement and minimize knowledge and performance gaps during staff turnover. Describe how they will collaborate with CDC’s Office of Personnel Management/OSSAM, for rapid clearance and onboarding best practices. Offerors without a detailed Management Plan will not be considered.

4. Transition Plan: Limited to 4 pages

The Offeror shall provide a Transition Plan for the a) phase-in/start-up of this acquisition and

b) phase-out to minimize disruption to the Government’s ability to achieve its organizational mission. The Transition Plan shall include a management transition approach that is clear and complete, including the timeline and resources required for the transition. The Transition Plan shall detail the planned transition methodology in logical sequence to ensure a smooth transition of all tasks/subtasks of the SOW without interruption or degradation of service levels. The Transition Plan shall include an approach that ensures the successful achievement while limiting impact to existing programs/projects. The Transition Plan shall also include a complete description of risks

(cost, technical and performance to both the Contractor and the Government), issues and risk mitigation strategies. The phase-out shall describe the proposed approach to knowledge transfer when passing work onto a successor.

VOLUME II – PAST PERFORMANCE/EXPERIENCE

1. Past Performance – Limited to 3 pages

a. An evaluation of offeror’s past performance information will be conducted subsequent to the technical evaluation. The offeror must have demonstrated successful operations and maintenance of similar contracts, to include scale and complexity. Preference will be given to quotes that demonstrate past performance of similar projects related to the work and scope outlined in the SOW.

b. The evaluation will be based on information obtained from the write-ups, other relevant past performance information obtained from other sources known to the Government, and any other information supplied by the offeror, to include problems encountered on the identified contracts and corrective action taken.

c. The Government will assess the relative risks associated with each offeror. Performance risks are those associated with an offeror’s likelihood of success in performing the acquisition requirements as indicated by that offeror’s record of past performance.

d. The assessment of performance risk is not intended to be the product of a mechanical or mathematical analysis of an offeror’s performance on a list of contracts, but rather the product of subjective judgement by the Government after it considers all available and relevant information.

e. When assessing performance risks, the Government will focus on the past performance of the offeror as it relates to all acquisition requirements, such as: 1) the offeror’s record of performing according to specifications, including standards of good workmanship; 2) the offeror’s record of controlling and forecasting costs; 3) the offeror’s adherence to contract schedules including the administrative aspects of performance; 4) the offeror’s reputation for reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction; and 5) the offeror’s business-like concern for the interest of the customer.

f. The Government will consider the currency and relevance of the information, sources of the information, context of the data and general trends in the offeror’s performance. The lack of a relevant performance record may result in an unknown performance risk assessment, which will neither be used to the advantage nor disadvantage of the offeror.

g. Note: Contractors submitting offers without past performance will receive a neutral rating.

h. Subcontractors – JOINT VENTURE OFFERORS: If the offeror is a joint venture, the offeror shall provide all required solicitation information for all parties including a copy of the joint venture agreement. The agreement shall include information that identifies the responsibilities for each entity under the subsequent contract. The agreement shall demonstrate the relationship between the firms; and identify contractual relationships and authorities to bind each entity of the joint venture. If the joint venture is comprised of

8(a) firms, the Small Business Administration (SBA) must approve the joint venture agreement prior to award.

i. The Offeror shall provide a description of three projects completed within the past five years that clearly demonstrate the Offeror’s experience in performing projects of similar scope, size, and complexity to the requirements described in the SOW. Experience should reflect similar level of complexity and work as described in the SOW. The following information shall be provided for each project reference:

i. Contract number, customer/agency name and contract title;

ii. Brief narrative description of the work performed for each of those contracts, how this work relates to the SOW, including a discussion of any problems encountered/corrective actions and significant accomplishments;

iii. Dollar value, contract type, period of performance, place of performance, and the number and types of personnel used in the performance of the contract; and

iv. Name, address and phone number of at least two customer contacts (Contracting Officer and Project Officer) for each of the identified contracts.

VOLUME III – PRICE (No page limitation)

A price analysis of the quote will be conducted to determine the reasonableness of the contractor’s quote. Offeror's cost/price proposal will be evaluated to determine whether it is complete, reasonable, and consistent with the Offeror's technical approach; whether it reflects a clear understanding of the solicitation requirements; and whether it contains balanced pricing. The price of the proposal is the total estimated cost.

The Offeror’s cost/price proposal shall at minimum consist of the following:

a) Introduction

b) Table of contents

c) Overview

d) Description of estimating and/or accounting practices acceptable by Government standards.

e) Proposed elements of total price broken down by each CLIN and further to each task.

f) A Pricing Table giving a detailed cost breakdown of the total cost or not to exceed

(NTE) amount by task or labor categories, labor hours, and labor rates used.

g) Calculated totals amount for the base period and each option period.

h) Additionally, as this is a performance-based acquisition, the contractor is required to propose a performance-based payment schedule based upon tasks completed, submission of approved deliverables and task order milestones achieved within each period.

A price analysis of the quote will be conducted to determine the reasonableness of the Contractor’s price quote. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition but may also be determined through cost and price analysis techniques as described in FAR 15.404. Only proposals that are rated technically acceptable will be reviewed. In its evaluation, the Government may use commercial published data, same or similar CDC contracts, Government estimates, industry standards, field pricing reports, or other information as deemed appropriate by the Government. Further, the Government may utilize information other than cost or pricing data provided in support of the price portion of the offer when evaluating the offer.

The Government reserves the right to vary from the stated task combinations at award.

Options: The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

BASIS FOR AWARD. The Government intends to award a contract to an offeror whose quote represents the best value to the Government. Using the methodology in FAR 16.507-5, the CDC will evaluate all responses using the evaluation criteria provided in the RFQ and conducting a comparative evaluation of offers. The CDC will award a task order to the vendor providing best value to the government. Best value is defined as the expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the Government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement. Subjective judgment against objective criteria is implicit in the evaluation process.

The Government reserves the right to award no task order at all, depending on the quality of the quote(s) submitted and the availability of funds.

The Government may reject any quote that it evaluates to be unrealistic in terms of program commitments, including contract terms and conditions, or unrealistically high or low price when compared to Government estimates, such that the quote is deemed to reflect an inherent lack of competence or failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the requirement.

The Government may judge a quote to be unacceptable if it contains statements that do not clearly reveal the Offeror’s response or contains statements such as “we will use best commercial practices,” “we will use standard procedures,” or “we will employ well-known techniques,” if the Offeror uses such terms without definition or explanation.

The Government will evaluate quotes to determine compliance with all requirements of the RFQ, including any attachments and exhibits. The Government will evaluate each response strictly in accordance with its content. The Government cautions Offerors that in order for its quote to be eligible for award, the quotes shall be in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in the RFQ.

The Government may use information other than that provided by the Offeror in its evaluation.

Such information, referred to as extrinsic information, is obtained from sources outside the proposal. Sources of extrinsic information may include Government Databases, the CPARS, past performance questionnaires, as well as other means.

Clause

352.239-74[9] Electronic, Information, and Communication Technology Accessibility.

[(Deviation)]

(a) Pursuant to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, all information and communication technology (ICT) supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services, or support developed, acquired, maintained or delivered under this contract or order must comply with the Revised 508 Standards, which are located at 36 C.F.R. 1194.1 and Appendices A, B, and C, and are available at https://www.access-board.gov/ict/. Information about Section 508 is available at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html.

(b) Additional Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this contract or order are identified as follows:

205 WCAG 2.0 Level A & AA Success Criteria 302 Functional Performance Criteria 502 Inoperability with Assistive Technology 503 Applications 504 Authoring Tools 602 Support Documentation 603 Support Services If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services support provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(c) In the event of a modification(s) to this contract or order, which adds new ICT supplies or services or revises the type of, or specifications for, supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support, the Contracting Officer shall require that the Contractor submit a completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) (based on the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies or services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, and services support provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the contract, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(d) If this is an Indefinite-Delivery type contract, a Blanket Purchase Agreement or a Basic Ordering Agreement, the task/delivery order requests that include ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support will define the specifications and accessibility standards for the order. In those cases, the Contractor shall be required to provide a completed HHS Section 508 Accessibility Conformance Checklist (see https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html) or an ACR (based on the VPAT see https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat), and any other additional information necessary to assist the Government in determining that the ICT supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support conform to Section 508 accessibility standards. If it is determined by the Government that ICT supplies and services provided by the Contractor do not conform to the described accessibility standards in the provided https://www.access-board.gov/ict/ https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/accessibility-checklists/index.html https://www.itic.org/policy/accessibility/vpat documentation, remediation of the supplies, products, platforms, information, documentation, or services support to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its own expense.

(e) The contractor shall identify to the Contracting Officer any perceived exception or exemption to Section 508 requirements for review by…