RFQ 75R60221Q00275 cover page.pdf

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August 10, 2021

Dear Sir/Madam:

You are invited to submit a quote in accordance with the requirements of Request for Quotation (RFQ) 75R60221Q00275 under FAR Part 13.5. The purpose of this requirement is to provide a national, confidential maternal mental health hotline (“hotline”) to be staffed by qualified counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The period of performance is a base period of 12 months plus one

(1) 12-month option period. It is anticipated that a Time and Materials (T&M) award will result from from this solicitation. The NAICS Code for this requirement is 624190 – Other Individual and Family Services and the PSC code is DG11.

You may submit questions requesting clarification of this requirement via email to KAntwi@hrsa.gov no later than August 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m (EST). Questions received after the due date and time will not be considered. Your quote shall be submitted electronically via email to KAntwi@hrsa.gov no later than August 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. (EST).

Your RFQ shall be prepared in accordance with Section entitled "Instructions to Offerors and Evaluation Criteria.” This RFQ does not commit the Government to pay any costs for the preparation and submission of a proposal nor does it commit the Government to make an award.

It is also brought to your attention that the Contracting Officer is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to expenditure of public funds in connection with this proposed acquisition.

Your proposal must provide a contact name and number, your company name and complete address, including street, city, county, state, zip code, e-mail address, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS). The TIN must match the name of the offeror to whom the payments will be made. Please note that FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018) applies to this acquisition.

Requests for additional information concerning this RFQ should only be referred to Mr. Kwasi Antwi at KAntwi@hrsa.gov.

Sincerely yours, Kwasi Antwi

Kwasi Antwi

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service

Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Acquisitions Management and Policy 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 14W26B Rockville, MD 20857 mailto:KAntwi@hrsa.gov

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Contract Specialist

Attachments:

RFQ 75R60221Q00275 (SF1449)

Attachment A – Statement of Work (SOW) Attachment B - Past Performance Questionnaire

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INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT YOUR QUOTE IF IT DOES NOT

COMPLY WITH THESE QUOTE PREPARATION/SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS.

1. General: Quotes must be submitted by the solicitation closing date and time specified. You must comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the quote; quotes that do not comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the quote may be considered non-responsive and may render you ineligible for award.

In view of the fact that this procurement is conducted under FAR Part 13.5 procedures, the Contracting Officer will not conduct FAR Part 15 type discussions. The Government intends to make an award without discussions. However, the Contracting Officer may determine the need to request additional information or clarifications from you regarding your quote.

In doing so, the Contracting Officer might not necessarily inform you of problems with your quotation or areas where your quotations does not meet RFQ requirements. Your quote, as submitted, must be complete and in compliance with the RFQ requirements.

Quote Format: You shall submit quotes in accordance with the following guidelines.

• All filenames shall include your company name and title/subject of content.

• All documents requested herein shall be compatible with Microsoft Office formats or Adobe

PDF.

• To the maximum extent practicable, you shall not submit Non-FSS items in your quotation.

In the event that Non-FSS items are proposed, each Non-FSS item must be clearly identified.

Quotes in response to this solicitation shall be valid for a minimum of 180 calendar days, and shall include the following volumes:

Volume 1. Product Accessibility Template Volume 2. Technical Quote Non-Price factors): please do not include prices in the technical quote. The technical quote shall not exceed 80 pages, excluding resumes and other required appendices. You are advised to strictly observe limitations on the length and format specified since review of the quote will be limited to 80 pages.

Volume 3. Price Quote

Amendments to Solicitation: If this solicitation is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. You shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation by the date and time specified in the amendment(s).

2. In response to this RFQ, you shall provide the following information:

A. Volume 1. Product Accessibility Template HRSA Section 508 Product Accessibility Template (PAT) Instructions. This section instructs the Offerors to go to the HHS website, fill out the HHS Product Assessment Template (PAT), and submit as Volume I of their proposal submission. Please see clauses below for details.

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352.239-73 Electronic Information and Technology Accessibility Notice Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Notice (December 18, 2015)

(a) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 CFR part 1194), require that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

(b) Accordingly, any Offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS EIT accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.hhs.gov/web/508. The complete text of the Section 508 Final Provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-section-508-standards.

(c) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this solicitation are stated in the clause at 352.239-74, Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility.

In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed EIT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, Offerors must submit an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template, in accordance with its completion instructions. The purpose of the template is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed EIT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows Offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and document—in detail—whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template are available under Section 508 policy on the HHS website http://www.hhs.gov/web/508.

In order to facilitate the Government’s determination whether proposed EIT services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, Offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the EIT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues.

(d) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any exception to Section 508 requirements. If a Offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the described accessibility standards, remediation of the

5 | P a g e supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense.

B. Volume 2 - Technical Quote (Non-Price factors)

To facilitate the technical quote evaluation, the offeror shall submit as part of the RFQ, a separate enclosure entitled, “Technical Quote.” The data and information shall be keyed to each paragraph of the technical quote requirements as outlined below.

Factor 1: Technical

1. Understanding of Requirements (5 points)

The Offeror shall demonstrate their understanding of the need for this project, the demand for service, the project purpose, scope and intent of the requirements set forth in the Statement of Work (SOW) in their own words.

2. Technical Approach to performing work (35 points)

The Offeror’s proposal shall be evaluated on how it fully describes the proposed technical approach to meet each of the requirements specified in the SOW. The following items shall be covered in the proposal.

a. Technical approach to telecommunications service technology (15 points)

The Offeror’s proposal shall fully describe the specific telecommunications service technologies and systems it has in place, or will employ, as part of its infrastructure and capacity to establish, maintain and operate the telephone, text, live web chat hotline and all necesary operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The proposed technical approach shall address each systems requirement specified in the SOW:

i. the text and live web chat systems that are integrated with the HRSA-owned dedicated toll-free telephone number

ii. the hub from which the telecommunications and computer technology platforms and software systems will operate

iii. all specific systems and networks to support overall project administration, quality control, and hotline management and operations: workforce management;

quality management; technology management; reporting and communciations;

financial management; resource and referral directory and functions; and monitoring and reporting functions

iv. use of commercial off-the shelf (COTS) contact management software, digital services1, and industry best practices to triage, route, and respond to calls, texts and web chats in real-time

1 The term ‘digital services’ means services, resources, information, support, or referrals provided through electronic communications platforms and media, which may include mobile phone technology, video technology, computer technology (including use of the internet), and any other emerging communications technologies that are appropriate for the purposes of

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v. an online and continuously updated, comprehensive, searchable, multi-lingual, up-to-date, nationwide, state- by-state, and U.S. territories resource and referral directory to ensure that hotline counselors can effectively refer pregnant and postpartum callers or their support persons/loved ones, to local resources, services and supports, or those available by telehealth

vi. the capability for counselors to provide an immediate warm transfer to an appropriate crisis line for a caller in crisis, including formal arrangements (e.g., letters of intent, memoranda of agreement or understanding) with other national crisis lines, included in the proposal

vii. the systems and organizational capacity, and contingency plans, to handle a surge in contacts, and operate without interruption in the event of downed networks, natural disasters or public emergency

viii. the provision and maintenance of a culturally and linguistically appropriate online presence, i.e., a website, with a live web chat feature, social media capacity, and only using a COTS content management system, as specified in the SOW.

b. Technical approach to non-telecommunications technology requirements (20 points)

The Offeror’s proposal shall demonstrate innovative methods in the proposed technical approach to meet each of the requirements specified in the SOW. The following items shall be included in the proposal:

i. a methodological work plan for completing each task and subtask in the SOW

ii. the culturally and linguistically appropriate, strategic marketing plan, and brand strategy (logo and tagline), to publicize the hotline service and de-stigmatize its use

iii. description of formal arrangements (e.g., letters of intent, memoranda of agreement or understanding) for warm transfers with national crisis lines including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Disaster Distress Hotline, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

iv. description of formal arrangements with other national, state and local resource and referral networks, to the extent possible, in order to maintain and extend the Contractor’s existing resource and referral directory. This shall include a description of the Offeror’s proposed engagement with the National Hotline Consortium.

v. Offeror’s list of provider/service referral source types and amounts (e.g., number of therapists) in your resource and referral directory

vi. Offeror’s website design and content in place, or that will be developed

vii. description of how Offeror will meet all requirements of Task 9. Data Collection, Quality Improvement, and Reports. This includes collection and analysis of monthly data reports to manage, monitor and enhance all hotline services and operations; de-identified help seeker demographics; utilization metrics; key providing services, resources, information, support, or referrals for the benefit of pregnant or postpartum persons experiencing symptoms of perinatal mental health conditions and their support persons/loved ones (“help seekers”).

7 | P a g e performance indicators; development and use of an Evaluation Plan; and ad hoc reports.

viii. a comprehensive timeline that demonstrates the Offeror’s ability to complete all tasks within the period of performance

ix. a discussion of anticipated challenges and potential problem areas with methods and approaches for resolution.

3. Staffing and Personnel (20 points)

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s proposed staffing and personnel for all positions that will perform the required contract activities, including any subcontractors, as specified in the SOW. The following items shall be included in the proposal:

a. a narrative of the proposed staff and personnel, including subcontractors, indicating job titles, names of who will occupy the positions for this project, their key functions, and responsibilities. Descriptions of proposed staff and personnel shall include their credentials, education, years of experience and specific technical accomplishments essential to the performance of the project.

b. proposed staff and personnel with demonstrated knowledge, understanding, and at least 5 years’ experience and recognized expertise providing services for a similar project, and who have provided, and trained health providers on, psychosocial support, evidence-based information, brief intervention, and resources and referrals via telephone, text, and web chats, to pregnant or postpartum persons experiencing mental health conditions and their support persons/loved ones.

c. recruit, employ, orient and train proposed counselors with these minimum qualifications:

• shall have and maintain a current state license or state certification, to practice as a counselor in the state where they are physically located. They must have adequate knowledge of the state laws governing mental health issues and clinical practice for the population they are serving. If such licensure/certification is not available in that state, the individual shall hold appropriate certification from a recognized national certification organization or board.

• Shall have, or be working toward, documented specialized training or Certification in Perinatal Mental Health. Counselors shall possess the depth and breadth of expertise, and a nuanced understanding, of mental health conditions that specifically affect pregnant and postpartum people.

• Shall have or be covered by professional liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; $3,000,000 aggregate.

• Qualified counselors may include an array of the following professionals:

o Certified peer support specialists who have lived experience with a perinatal mental health condition, and who have a current state certification or appropriate certification from a recognized national certification organization or board.

o Licensed healthcare professionals who work in maternal and child health, such as nurses, nurse midwives, physicians, pediatricians, psychiatrists, or certified doulas or childbirth educators.

8 | P a g e o Licensed mental health clinicians, such as professional counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychotherapists, or marriage and family therapists.

d. Ensure that clinical supervision and consultation is available (24 hours a day)

e. job descriptions for all proposed staff and personnel, including the role, key functions, responsibilities and qualifications of proposed project staff. Keep each job description to one (1) page in length as much as possible.

f. an organizational chart depicting the project’s organizational structure, listing titles, names and roles of all proposed staff and personnel, including any subcontractors. The chart shall depict reporting relationships and paths of oversight and communication.

g. Resumes and commitment letters for all proposed staff and personnel who are not current employees, including subcontractors. Resumes and commitment letters shall be included as an appendix, and individual resumes shall not exceed three (3) pages.

4. Management Plan (20 points)

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s management plan for adequately staffing, organizing and managing the project. This shall include the following:

a. detailed management plan, time schedule, and staff-loading matrix, including work to be performed and deliverables

b. specification of how organizational roles and responsibilities shall be divided, decisions made, work monitored, and quality and timeliness of products/services ensured; the expert credentialing, and qualifications verification/vetting process shall be described in detail

c. labor categories/positions and personnel names within the organization which will be available to the contract along with their key functions. The specific duties of each individual should be delineated as well as their expertise and skills that will be utilized.

d. policies, protocols and procedures for effective hotline service operations and contract management. This includes:

• Standard Operating Procedures for all hotline business operations and functions

• Standard Operating Procedures for Counselors

• Orientation and Training

• Surge Capacity

• Emergencies

• Follow-up with help seekers

e. written plan, topics, timelines and curricula for all standardized staff orientation and training for project staff, including subcontractors

f. a continuous quality improvement plan

g. demonstrated understanding of subcontractor/vendor management, including subcontractor reporting and invoicing procedures and formats, to assure compatibility with prime Contract (Offeror) systems and federal requirements.

h. explanation of how the management and staffing plan will enable the Offeror to start operations quickly, conduct multiple tasks concurrently, complete complex tasks within narrow timeframes, and assure quality of products/services.

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5. Organizational capacity and expertise (20 points)

The Offeror shall provide a statement of the mission/purpose, general background, years of experience (at least 5 years), and qualification of the organizational entity offering to conduct the work described in the Statement of Work (SOW). Include information on similar or related contracts, subcontracts, or grants which the entity has completed that is relevant.

The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s demonstrated:

a. organizational capacity and existing infrastructure to maintain all necessary hotline service operations and contract requirements, handle the demand for hotline services, and provide high-quality and timely responses to callers without interruption in services.

b. recognized experience and expertise providing, and training providers on, psychosocial support, evidence-based information, brief intervention, and resources and referrals via telephone and text, to pregnant or postpartum persons experiencing mental health conditions and their support persons/loved ones.

c. recognized experience and expertise as a trainer of health providers and social support networks on evidence-based assessment and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions.

Factor 2: Past Performance Questionnaire. Offeror’s shall submit a total of three (3) past performance references for the technical proposal where the Offeror was the prime contractor or subcontractor for relevant work completed within the past 3-5 years as required by this solicitation.

“Relevant” is defined as similar in size, scope and complexity to this procurement.

If the Offeror has not held any relevant Federal contracts, then the Offeror may submit references from state/local, private sector clients, or Federal clients using the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment B). Offeror’s shall forward a copy the Past Performance Questionnaire to their clients to complete. The completed questionnaire shall be submitted by the client in PDF format by August 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. EST via email to KAntwi@hrsa.gov. If not received by the deadline, the questionnaire may or may not be considered as a reference.

In the case of an Offeror without a record of past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available, the Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably. Therefore, the Offeror shall be determined to have a neutral past performance.

The Government reserves the right to obtain information for use in the evaluation of past performance from any and all sources including sources outside the government.

Acceptable methods for providing a total of three (3) past performance references are:

a. Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment B).

b. Contractor Performance Assessment System (CPARS) reports/ratings.

c. Combination of questionnaires and CPARS reports/ratings.

C. Volume 3 - Price Quote

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Factor 3: Price Quote

1. Completed Standard Form 1449.

The contractor must complete the following Blocks:

BLOCK

17a

State the Name and Address of your organization, along with the DUNS number

BLOCK 23 For Line Item 1, Line Item 2, Line Item 3 and Line Item 4

BLOCK 26 Total award amount

BLOCK

30a

Signature of the person authorized to commit your organization to the contract

BLOCK

30b

Print or type the name and title of the person authorized to commit your organization to the contract

2. The Offeror shall submit a price proposal, fully supported by cost and pricing data, in sufficient detail to allow for price/cost analysis that will be utilized to establish the reasonableness of the proposed costs. The price proposal does not have a page limitation.

Offeror’s price proposal shall include proposal price and a price breakdown by labor categories and rates. Please include a breakdown of costs by task.

3. Offerors shall include the electronic unlocked Excel spreadsheets with your Price Proposal.

4. The resultant contract shall contain FAR Clause 52-217-8, Option to Extend Services. By submitting a proposal for this requirement, the Offeror agrees to this inclusion of this clause in the resulting contract.

3. EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The Technical Factor is more important than Past Performance and PAT. The Technical Factor, PAT and Past Performance Factor when combined are significantly more important than Cost Factor.

Each of the three factors will be evaluated on a stand-alone basis. Technical and Past Performance will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable. Price, will be evaluated on a total price basis and for price reasonableness.

Section 508 Product Accessibility Template (PAT) Evaluation The evaluation of the PAT is independent from the other factors and will be based on the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective Offeror to meet the requirements of all the applicable Section 508 Provisions as listed in the attached HHSAR clause: 352.239-74 Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility.

Alternatively, Offerors may propose goods or services that provide equivalent facilitation. Such offers will be considered to have met the provisions of the Access Board’s standards for the feature or component providing equivalent facilitation.

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If none of the Offerors propose goods or services that fully meet all of the applicable Access Board’s provisions, those Offerors whose products or services meet some of the applicable provisions will be considered eligible for award.

The Section 508 Product Accessibility Template (PAT) will be evaluated as described in this chart.

EIT Products fully meet intent of all applicable Section 508 Provisions. Risk of failure to meet all Section 508 Requirements is very low.

Green

EIT Products can be made capable of meeting the intent of all applicable Section 508 Provisions by using alternative methods for some or all of the products. Risk of failure to meet all Section 508 Requirement is low.

Yellow

EIT Products fail to meet the intent of any of the applicable Section 508 or the PAT is materially incomplete. Risk of failure to meet all Section 508 Requirements is high.

Red

4. CONTRACT CLAUSES

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR Chapter 1) Contract Clauses

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) –This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text.

Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov/far.

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items – (JULY 2021)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code(s) and small business size standard(s) for this acquisition appear elsewhere in the solicitation. However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show—

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, http://www.acquisition.gov/far

12 | P a g e or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation.

Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender’s request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers. (1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are

13 | P a g e due.

(2) (i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is "late" and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and-

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers;

or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government’s control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to

14 | P a g e evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation.

(1) (i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to- GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section Suite 8100 470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW Washington, DC 20407 Telephone (202) 619-8925 Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST ( https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search ( http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of D efense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by-

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, 15 | P a g e

PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers that exceed the micro-purchase threshold, and offers at or below the micro-purchase threshold if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation "Unique Entity Identifier" followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see FAR subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) [Reserved]

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency’s evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror’s offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, 16 | P a g e and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Items - (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Technical Quote Past Performance Price Quote

See Number 2 A. Product Accessibility Template; 2 B. Technical Quote; 2 C. Price Quote, and Number 3. Evaluation Factors for Award for details.

(b) 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).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of provision)

52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items - (FEB 2021) The Offeror shall complete only paragraph (b) of this provision if the Offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in the System for Award Management (SAM) accessed through https://www.sam.gov. If the Offeror has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (v)) of this provision.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision— "Covered telecommunications equipment or services" has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

Economically disadvantaged women-owned small business (EDWOSB) concern means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States and who are economically disadvantaged in accordance with 13 https://www.sam.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25

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CFR part 127. It automatically qualifies as a women-owned small business eligible under the WOSB Program.

Forced or indentured child labor means all work or service—

(1) Exacted from any person under the age of 18 under the menace of any penalty for its non-performance and for which the worker does not offer himself voluntarily; or

(2) Performed by any person under the age of 18 pursuant to a contract the enforcement of which can be accomplished by process or penalties.

Highest-level owner means the entity that owns or controls an immediate owner of the offeror, or that owns or controls one or more entities that control an immediate owner of the offeror. No entity owns or exercises control of the highest level owner.

Immediate owner means an entity, other than the offeror, that has direct control of the offeror.

Indicators of control include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: ownership or interlocking management, identity of interests among family members, shared facilities and equipment, and the common use of employees.

Inverted domestic corporation, means a foreign incorporated entity that meets the definition of an inverted domestic corporation under 6 U.S.C. 395(b), applied in accordance with the rules and definitions of 6 U.S.C. 395(c).

Manufactured end product means any end product in product and service codes (PSCs) 1000- 9999, except—

(1) PSC 5510, Lumber and Related Basic Wood Materials;

(2) Product or Service Group (PSG) 87, Agricultural Supplies;

(3) PSG 88, Live Animals;

(4) PSG 89, Subsistence;

(5) PSC 9410, Crude Grades of Plant Materials;

(6) PSC 9430, Miscellaneous Crude Animal Products, Inedible;

(7) PSC 9440, Miscellaneous Crude Agricultural and Forestry Products;

(8) PSC 9610, Ores;

(9) PSC 9620, Minerals, Natural and Synthetic; and

(10) PSC 9630, Additive Metal Materials.

Place of manufacture means the place where an end product is assembled out of components, or otherwise made or processed from raw materials into the finished product that is to be provided to the Government. If a product is disassembled and reassembled, the place of reassembly is not the place of manufacture.

Predecessor means an entity that is replaced by a successor and includes any predecessors of the predecessor.

Reasonable inquiry has the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title6-section395&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25

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Restricted business operations means business operations in Sudan that include power production activities, mineral extraction activities, oil-related activities, or the production of military equipment, as those terms are defined in the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-174). Restricted business operations do not include business operations that the person (as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007) conducting the business can demonstrate—

(1) Are conducted under contract directly and exclusively with the regional government of southern Sudan;

(2) Are conducted pursuant to specific authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the Department of the Treasury, or are expressly exempted under Federal law from the requirement to be conducted under such authorization;

(3) Consist of providing goods or services to marginalized populations of Sudan;

(4) Consist of providing goods or services to an internationally recognized peacekeeping force or humanitarian organization;

(5) Consist of providing goods or services that are used only to promote health or education; or

(6) Have been voluntarily suspended.

Sensitive technology—

(1) Means hardware, software, telecommunications equipment, or any other technology that is to be used specifically—

(i) To restrict the free flow of unbiased information in Iran; or

(ii) To disrupt, monitor, or otherwise restrict speech of the people of Iran; and

(2) Does not include information or informational materials the export of which the President does not have the authority to regulate or prohibit pursuant to section 203(b)(3)of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)).

Service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern—

(1) Means a small business concern—

(i) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a service-disabled veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(2) Service-disabled veteran means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16).

Small business concern—

(1) Means a concern, including its affiliates that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria in 13 CFR part 121 and size standards in this solicitation.

(2) Affiliates, as used in this definition, means business concerns, one of whom directly or indirectly controls or has the power to control the others, or a third party or parties control or http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title38-section101&num=0&edition=prelim

19 | P a g e have the power to control the others. In determining whether affiliation exists, consideration is given to all appropriate factors including common ownership, common management, and contractual relationships. SBA determines affiliation based on the factors set forth at 13 CFR 121.103.

Small disadvantaged business concern, consistent with13 CFR 124.1002, means a small business concern under the size standard applicable to the acquisition, that—

(1) Is at least 51 percent unconditionally and directly owned (as defined at 13 CFR 124.105) by—

(i) One or more socially disadvantaged (as defined at13 CFR 124.103) and economically disadvantaged (as defined at 13 CFR 124.104) individuals who are citizens of the United States;

and

(ii) Each individual claiming economic disadvantage has a net worth not exceeding $750,000 after taking into account the applicable exclusions set forth at 13 CFR124.104(c)(2); and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled (as defined at 13.CFR 124.106) by individuals, who meet the criteria in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii) of this definition.

Subsidiary means an entity in which more than 50 percent of the entity is owned—

(1) Directly by a parent corporation; or

(2) Through another subsidiary of a parent corporation

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name. The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

Veteran-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) Not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans (as defined at 38 U.S.C.

101(2)) or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(2) The management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

Women-owned small business (WOSB) concern eligible under the WOSB Program (in accordance with 13 CFR part 127), means a small business concern that is at least 51 percent directly and unconditionally owned by, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by, one or more women who are citizens of the United States.

Women-owned small business concern means a small business concern—

(1) That is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women.

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(b)

(1) Annual Representations and Certifications. Any changes provided by the Offeror in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision do not automatically change the representations and certifications in SAM

(2) The offeror has completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM accessed through http://www.sam.gov. After reviewing SAM information, the Offeror verifies by submission of this offer that the representations and certifications currently posted electronically at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items, have been entered or updated in the last 12 months, are current, accurate, complete, and applicable to this solicitation (including the business size standard(s) applicable to the NAICS code(s) referenced for this solicitation), at the time this offer is submitted and are incorporated in this offer by reference (see FAR 4.1201), except for paragraphs ______________.

[Offeror to identify the applicable paragraphs at (c) through (v) of this provision that the offeror has completed for the purposes of this solicitation only, if any.

These amended representation(s) and/or certification(s) are also incorporated in this offer and are current, accurate, and complete as of the date of this offer.

Any changes provided by the offeror are applicable to this…