Section_L Apr 15 08 gd.doc

RTAS RFP 08002

Table of Contents

Section L: Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors

Section

Page

1L.1 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

2L.2 52.211-1 Availability of Specifications Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29 (AUG 1998)

2L.3 52.211-3 Availability of Specifications Not Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions (JUN 1988)

2L.4 52.215-6 Place of Performance (OCT 1997)

4L.5 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984)

4L.6 52-219-1 Small Business Program Representations (MAY 2004)

6L.7 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (FEB 1999)

L.8 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (APR 1984)

L.9 52.233-2 Service of Protest (AUG 1996)

L. 10 Exceptions and/or Deviations

L.11 General Instructions L.12 Solicitation Copies and Enclosures

L.13 Point of Contact for Information

L.14 Interpretation of RFP Requirements

L.15 Identification of Restricted Rights in Computer Software L.16 Reserved

L.17 Operational Capability Demonstration

L.18 Modifications to the Proposals

L.19 Prime Contractor Responsibilities

L.20 Pre-award Audit Requirements

L.21 Delivery of Proposal

L.22 Disposition of Unclassified Drawings and Specifications L.23 Minimum Acceptance Period

L.24 News Release

L.25 Proposal Preparation Costs

L.26 Government-Furnished Equipment

L.27 Disposition of Proposals

L.28 Authorized Official and Submission of Proposal

L.29 Contractor Performance Information L.30 General Proposal Instructions

L.30.1

Electronic Media Version Requirements

L.30.1.1 General L.30.1.2 Media Requirements L.30.1.3 Hardware/Software Compatibility Requirements L.30.1.4 Word Processing File Requirements L.30.1.5 Permissible Image File Formats L.30.1.6 Multimedia Files L.30.1.7 File Compression Restrictions L.30.2

Hardcopy Requirements L.30.3

Appendices and Documentation L.31

Detailed Proposal Instructions L.31.1

Past Performance Section L.31.1.1 Past Performance Client References L.31.1.2 Past Performance Transition References L.31.1.3 Other Sources to be Utilized L.31.2

Technical Section L.31.2.1 Technical Response L.31.3

Management Section L.31.3.1 Management Response L.31.4

Price Section

L.31.5.

Computational Rules

L.31.6

Termination/Cancellation Liability

List of Tables

Table Page

Table L.30-1. Contents of Proposals Table L.30-2. Contents of Proposal

L.1 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer (CO) will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its’ quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at these addresses:

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION:

http://www.arnet.gov/far/

GENERAL SERVICE ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION MANUAL:

http://www.arnet.gov/GSAM/gsam.html

L.2 52.211-1 Availability of Specifications Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29 (AUG 1998)

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 Acquisition Service

Specifications Section, Suite 8100

470 East L’Enfant Plaza, SW

Washington, DC 20407

Telephone (202)619-8925

Facsimile (202) 619-8978

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 cited above in this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

L.3 52.211-3 Availability of Specifications Not Listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions (JUN 1988)

The specifications not listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained from:

Tawanda L. Thomas RTAS Contracting Officer

General Services Administration

230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3280 Chicago, IL 60604-3734 Office Phone: 312.886.3460 Facsimile: 312.886.3827 The request should identify the solicitation number and the specification requested by date, title, and number, as cited in the solicitation.

L.4 52.215-6 Place of Performance (OCT 1997)

(a) The offeror or respondent, in the performance of any contract resulting from this solicitation, ___ intends, ___ does not intend [check applicable block] to use one or more plants or facilities located at a different address from the address of the offeror or respondent as indicated in this proposal or response to request for information.

(b) If the offeror or respondent checks “intends” in paragraph (a) of this provision, it shall insert in the following spaces the required information:

L.5 52.216-1 Type of Contract (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of one or more indefinite-quantity indefinite-delivery, firm fixed price contracts resulting from this solicitation.

L.6 52.219-1 Small Business Program Representations (MAY 2004)

(a)(1) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is 517110.

(2) The small business size standard is 1,500 employees.

(3) The small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, other than on a construction or service contract, but which proposes to furnish a product which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Representations.

(1) The offeror represents as part of its offer that it ___ is, ___ is not a small business concern.

(2) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, for general statistical purposes, that it ___ is, ___ is not, a small disadvantaged business concern as defined in 13 CFR 124.1002.

(3) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it ___ is, ___ is not a women-owned small business concern.

(4) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it ___ is, ___ is not a veteran-owned small business concern.

(5) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a veteran-owned small business concern in paragraph (b)(4) of this provision.] The offeror represents as part of its offer that it ___ is, ___is not a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern.

(6) [Complete only if the offeror represented itself as a small business concern in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.] The offeror represents, as part of its offer, that—

(i) It ___ is, ___ is not a HUBZone small business concern listed, on the date of this representation, on the List of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration, and no material change in ownership and control, principal office, or HUBZone employee percentage has occurred since it was certified by the Small Business Administration in accordance with 13 CFR Part 126; and

(ii) It ___ is, ___ is not a joint venture that complies with the requirements of 13 CFR Part 126, and the representation in paragraph (b)(6)(i) of this provision is accurate for the HUBZone small business concern or concerns that are participating in the joint venture. [The offeror shall enter the name or names of the HUBZone small business concern or concerns that are participating in the joint venture: __________.] Each HUBZone small business concern participating in the joint venture shall submit a separate signed copy of the HUBZone representation.

(c) Definitions. As used in this provision—

“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” 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 the size standard in paragraph (a) of this provision.

“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 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 least 51 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.

(d) Notice.

(1) If this solicitation is for supplies and has been set aside, in whole or in part, for small business concerns, then the clause in this solicitation providing notice of the set-aside contains restrictions on the source of the end items to be furnished.

(2) Under 15 U.S.C. 645(d), any person who misrepresents a firm’s status as a small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, or women-owned small business concern in order to obtain a contract to be awarded under the preference programs established pursuant to section 8(a), 8(d), 9, or 15 of the Small Business Act or any other provision of Federal law that specifically references section 8(d) for a definition of program eligibility, shall—

(i) Be punished by imposition of fine, imprisonment, or both;

(ii) Be subject to administrative remedies, including suspension and debarment; and

(iii) Be ineligible for participation in programs conducted under the authority of the Act.

L.7 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (FEB 1999)

The offeror represents that—

(a) It ___ has, ___ has not participated in a previous contract or subcontract subject to the Equal Opportunity clause of this solicitation;

(b) It ___ has, ___ has not filed all required compliance reports; and

(c) Representations indicating submission of required compliance reports, signed by proposed subcontractors, will be obtained before subcontract awards.

L.8 52.222-25 Affirmative Action Compliance (APR 1984)

The offeror represents that—

(a) It ___ has developed and has on file, ___ has not developed and does not have on file, at each establishment, affirmative action programs required by the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor (41 CFR 60-1 and 60-2); or

(b) It ___ has not previously had contracts subject to the written affirmative action programs requirement of the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Labor.

L.9 52.233-2 Service of Protest (AUG 1996)

Protests, as defined in Section 33.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, that are filed directly with an agency, and copies of any protests that are filed with the General Accounting Office (GAO), shall be served on the CO by obtaining written and dated acknowledgment of receipt from the CO at the address listed in Block 7 on Standard Form 33.

The copy of any protest shall be received in the office designated above within one day of filing a protest with the GAO.

L.10 Exceptions and/or Deviations

CAUTION: Offerors are cautioned that any exceptions or deviations taken to any portion of this Request for Proposal may result in that offeror’s entire proposal being declared unacceptable.

It is the Government’s intent that a successful offeror satisfactorily meet each and every requirement as stated in this RFP. Should the offeror request exceptions and/or deviations from any requirement of Section C, and/or any other clauses, provisions, or terms and conditions of this RFP, that request will be held to a burden of justification (e.g., the requirement is not technically achievable, or the Government referenced the wrong standard). The offeror shall identify each requirement, clause, provision or term and condition for which exceptions and/or deviations are requested in the appropriate section of its proposal. Each exception and/or deviation identified must be fully explained including sufficient justification as to technical problems, cost savings, and/or benefits to the Government so that the Government can thoroughly evaluate the offeror’s input and determine if it is in the best interest of the Government to amend this RFP and allow all offerors to respond to the amended requirement(s). If the offeror’s explanation is not acceptable to the Government, the exception and/or deviation will not be allowed and, unless the original requirement is met, the proposal may be found unacceptable.

L.11 General Instructions

A Standard Form (SF) 33, Solicitation, Offer, and Award, completed and signed by the offeror, constitutes the offeror’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of this solicitation. Therefore, the form must be executed by a representative of the offeror who is authorized to commit the offeror to contractual obligations.

Offerors are expected to examine the entire solicitation. Failure to do so shall be at the offeror’s own risk.

Each offeror shall furnish the information required by the solicitation. The offeror shall sign SF 33, Block 17, and fill in all blocks of Section K as required. Erasures or other changes must be initialed by the individual signing the form. Offers signed by an agent are to be accompanied by evidence of their authority. For additional information, see FAR Clause 52.204-7.

L.12 Solicitation Copies and Enclosures

A copy of the solicitation can be found in FEDBIZOPPS at the following web site:

www.fbo.gov.

L.13 Point of Contact for Information

The contact responsible for supplying additional information and answering inquiries is the CO.

Formal communications, such as requests for clarification and/or information concerning this solicitation, shall be submitted to the CO in writing at the following address:

Tawanda L. Thomas RTAS Contracting Officer

General Services Administration

230 S. Dearborn St., Suite 3280 Chicago, IL 60604-3734 The Government contact responsible for supplying additional information and answering questions is the CO. Answers to questions will be provided to potential offerors giving due regard for the proper protection of proprietary information.

Information concerning this solicitation or requests for clarification will not be provided in response to offeror-initiated telephone calls. All such requests shall be made in writing and submitted to the above address. Questions shall identify the specific area of the solicitation in which clarification is desired. All questions and answers shall be provided to all prospective offerors by the CO. Sources of questions will not be identified.

Prospective offerors are cautioned against discussing the preparation of proposals or questions related to this acquisition with Government personnel except the CO. The circumstances of such a contact, when verified, may result in non-consideration of the offeror’s proposal. Discussions with Government personnel concerning the specifications, the documents incorporated by reference, pricing, or any other proposal matters are strictly forbidden.

Contact with any Government personnel except the CO concerning this solicitation may result in disqualification of the offeror from consideration for award.

L.14 Interpretation of RFP Requirements

No interpretation of any provision of this RFP, including applicable contract specifications, shall be binding on the Government unless furnished or agreed to in writing by the CO or the CO’s designated representative.

L.15 Identification of Restricted Rights in Computer Software

The offeror’s attention is called to the requirement that any restrictions on the Government concerning use or disclosure of computer software that was developed at private expense and is to be delivered under the contract must be set forth in an agreement to be negotiated prior to award and made a part of the contract. Therefore, the offeror shall identify in its proposal, to the extent feasible, any such computer software that was developed at private expense and upon which it desires to negotiate restrictions, and shall state the nature of the proposed restrictions. A listing of such software shall be attached to and included as part of the Technical Proposal. If no such computer software is identified in the proposal, it will be assumed by the Government that it has unlimited rights.

L.16 Reserved.

L.17 Operational Capability Demonstration

At the option of the Government, offerors may be required to perform an Operational Capability Demonstration (OCD). The Government reserves the right to require one or more but not necessarily all offerors to perform an OCD. Designated offeror(s) shall demonstrate certain of their local telecommunications services and operations, administration, and maintenance (OA&M) capabilities. If the Government requires an OCD, it will occur after competitive range is established at a mutually-acceptable site. The offeror will receive a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days’ notice prior to the requested time for presentation. Each offeror who performs an OCD will be responsible for its costs in accordance with Section L.25.

The offeror’s OCD plan shall demonstrate the following:

Services and Features. The offeror shall demonstrate the proposed approach for delivering required services and features.

Management, Administration, and Operations. The offeror shall demonstrate its management and operations capabilities in the following areas:

Proposed service ordering, billing, trouble management, security, and customer service systems.

Proposed program management approach, describing how it will manage OA&M requirements of this solicitation and the reports it proposes to provide.

Personnel, both the proposed program manager and the proposed RTAS team.

L.18 Modifications to the Proposals

All proposal revisions/updates shall meet the following criteria:

Submit changes in the same hardcopy and electronic copy quantities as required for the initial proposal submission. Electronic revision submissions shall conform to the organization and format requirements for the original submission as described in Section L.30. For electronic submissions, the offeror shall resubmit in entirety the lowest-level numbered section of its proposal that contains the change. Such changed sections shall be digitally signed in the same way as the original proposals.

Submit hardcopy changes as complete change pages. Changes shall be indicated by vertical lines adjacent to the change in the right margin to indicate any change that has been made.

Include the date of the modification in the lower right hand corner at the bottom of the respective page. For inserted pages, number each page using an alphanumeric designator (e.g., 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 3, if two pages are inserted between pages 1 and 2).

Maintain the separation of cost and pricing data as specified for the original proposal submission for changes that involve pricing data. Submit any changed electronic copies of the Price Proposal with a complete update of all prices, not just the price(s) that may be changed.

L.19 Prime Contractor Responsibilities

Offerors are encouraged to include in their proposals other sources of supply (sub-contractors) when such inclusions provide the Government a lower overall cost. However, the offeror shall be the prime contractor for procurement of the services offered. The offeror alone will be held responsible by the Government for performance of all contractor obligations under any contract resulting from its proposal. The Government in turn will render payment of any and all charges solely to the prime contractor.

The offeror is reminded that any resultant contract will not create any contractual relationship between the Government and any eventual subcontractors.

L.20 Pre-award Audit Requirements

In accordance with Part 15.404-2 of the FAR, offerors are advised that an audit review by the cognizant contract audit activity may be conducted on price proposals submitted in response to this solicitation. Offerors shall make available to the auditor(s) all books and financial records considered by the auditor(s) to be essential in the discharge of their duties under the FAR whenever the audit is conducted.

L.21 Delivery of Proposal

Offerors shall submit hard copy proposals to be received by the time and date specified in SF 33 (Boxed Offers Only).

Any proposals received after the time and date specified for receipt will be considered LATE.

Markings. It is important that the outer envelope or wrapping of each offer be addressed as shown below. Failure to properly address the outer cover could cause an offer to be misdirected and received too late at the required destination.

Offeror’s Return Address

Contracting Officer’s Address:

Tawanda Thomas RTAS Contracting Officer

General Services Administration c/o Kim Brown 230 S. Dearborn Street, Room 3280

Chicago, IL 60604 Office Phone: 312.886.8906 Facsimile: 312.886.3805

“TO BE OPENED BY CONTRACTING OFFICER ONLY”

The time of receipt of Compact Disk Read Only Memory’s (CD-ROMs) constitutes the time of delivery of proposals. Any technical problems relating to verification of digital signatures or readability of the CD-ROMs will be resolved after receipt.

L.22 Disposition of Unclassified Drawings and Specifications

Any drawings, specifications, and other material furnished by the Government in connection with this solicitation need not be returned to the Government, except as noted.

L.23 Minimum Acceptance Period

Offerors allowing less than 180 calendar days in the “offer” portion of SF 33 for acceptance by the Government may be rejected as unacceptable.

L.24 News Release

Offeror-initiated news releases pertaining to this solicitation shall not be made without prior approval of the CO. A minimum of five business days notice is required for approval.

L.25 Proposal Preparation Costs

This RFP does not commit the Government to pay any cost for the preparation and submission of a proposal(s) in response to this RFP. The CO is the only individual who can legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this procurement.

L.26 Government-Furnished Equipment

No material, labor, or facilities shall be furnished by the Government unless otherwise provided for in the solicitation.

L.27 Disposition of Proposals

One copy of each proposal will be retained by GSA. No destruction certificate will be issued.

L.28 Authorized Official and Submission of Proposal

Block 17 of SF 33 (page 1 of this solicitation) shall be signed by an official authorized to bind the responding organization. The proposal shall be submitted in the required number of copies, to the address, and marked as indicated in blocks 9, 8, and 7, respectively, of SF 33.

Each proposal submitted in response to this solicitation shall address: Past Performance, Technical, Management, and Price. Each proposal shall include the following components:

Cover Page. Each proposal section cover page shall include the solicitation name, solicitation number, date, name(s) of responding organization(s), and revision number if appropriate.

Table of Contents. Each proposal section shall have a table of contents.

Information Requested in Instructions. The RFP provides instructions for the Technical portion in Section L.31.2, for the Management portion in Section L.31.3, for the Past Performance in Section L.31.1, and for the Price portion in Section L.31.4.

Electronic media versions of the sections, as specified in Section L.30, shall be digitally signed by the official authorized to bind the responding organization(s). Further instructions for completing the digital signature process may be made available no later than 30 calendar days prior to the due date of proposals. The Government reserves the right to update the digital signature process as necessary, at no additional cost to the Government.

L.29 Contractor Performance Information

Offerors are advised that the CO will utilize the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) database as one source of information in assessing past performance under this solicitation. PPIRS can be accessed at: http://www.ppirs.gov/default.htm. In order to access their own information in PPIRS, contractors must first gain access through the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) process. Contractors shall go to the CCR web site at: http://www.ccr.gov/ to register for the first time or update their information profile to indicate a past performance Point of Contact. In CCR, contractors shall assign themselves a Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN), which they will use to gain access to PPIRS.

L.30 General Proposal Instructions

The purpose of this section is to specify the general requirements for the contents of proposals. The proposal shall be submitted in hard copy original and four copies and electronic media. The offeror shall submit items such as annual reports, brochures, or oversize charts in hardcopy, only, if unavailable electronically. The specific requirements for the general proposal contents are presented in the following sections.

The offeror shall submit a proposal to offer the mandatory services that are identified in Section C. In addition, the offeror may choose to offer the optional services that are identified in Section C.

The proposal shall be presented in separate sections as shown in Table L.30-1.

Table L.30-1. Contents of Proposals

Each proposal section shall be limited to the maximum number of pages as shown in Table L.30-2.

Table L.30-2. Contents of Proposal

The requirements for each of these sections are set forth in general terms in this section; detailed instructions are provided as Detailed Proposal Instructions in Section L.30. Failure to follow format and composition directions may adversely impact proposal evaluation.

Each proposal shall contain an Executive Summary. The purpose of the Executive Summary is to present a brief introduction and overview of the offeror’s entire proposal, including identification of optional services offered. The Executive Summary shall be written so that a lay person can easily grasp the essence of the services being proposed, the transition approach being proposed, and the offeror’s management and operations concept. The Executive Summary shall not exceed seven (7) pages and shall contain no price information.

Each section shall have a Table of Contents.

In determining the “Maximum Pages” for each proposal volume, the following definitions shall be used:

Page. One side of a standard letter size 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. Therefore, if printed on both sides, there are two “pages” per sheet of paper. The Maximum Pages for each volume is based on the assumed use of these standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheets. The maximum number includes all text and fold-out pages regardless of whether the pages are in the main portion of the volume or in an appendix or attachment to the volume. The following are the only pages that shall not be included in computing the “Maximum Number of Pages”:

Front Cover Page and Back Cover Page, provided no proposal information appears other than that specified in Section L.28.

Section Tab/Separator Pages, provided no proposal information appears on the page other than Section Name/Number.

Table of Contents.

List of Tables.

List of Figures.

Cross-reference tables, conformance and compliance checklists.

Pages intentionally left blank.

Executive Summary.

The Preliminary Transition Management Plan as required in Section C.5.4.2.

The Subcontracting Plan as required in Section L31.3.

Fold-Out Page. Not to exceed 42.5 x 11 inches in size. Fold-out pages are to be used only for diagrams and pricing detail.

Each page shall conform to the following:

Page Margin. Each page shall have the following margins:

Top and Bottom: 1.5 inch

Left and Right: 1.13 inch

Gutter: 0.5 inch

Header and Footer: 0.5 inch.

Font. The font used in the offeror’s proposal shall be 12 point Arial with no reduction. However, figures and charts may be reduced as long as text on the figures or charts is at least 66 percent of full size (i.e., 12 point). The RFP requirements which are to be embedded in the proposal may be as small as 8 point font, with no reduction.

Spacing. The Past Performance, Technical, Management, and Price sections shall have line spacing of one.

L.30.1 Electronic Media Version Requirements

Offerors shall submit their proposals on electronic media and in the quantities and in the formats specified in this section. The offeror should recognize that the Government evaluators will be using the electronic version for reading, searching, reviewing, and evaluating. Proposals that use object embedding techniques may allow the evaluators to better understand the proposals and concepts contained therein.

L.30.1.1 General

Electronic media submissions shall be provided as follows:

Master Copies. The master copies shall include the following five sets of files, with each set recorded on a separate CD-ROM. Four master copies of the proposal shall be submitted as specified below:

Past Performance Files on CD-ROM. The offeror shall provide on CD-ROM all word processing files (containing embedded graphical, spreadsheet, multimedia, or other objects) that comprise the Past Performance Section. The offeror shall also provide all embedded object files in their native formats, subject to the restrictions enumerated in Sections L.30. No file on this CD-ROM shall contain any price information. If requested by the Government, each copy shall be digitally signed, according to further instructions as specified in Section L.28, before being recorded on the CD-ROM.

Technical Files on CD-ROM. The offeror shall provide on CD-ROM all word processing files (containing embedded graphical, spreadsheet, multimedia, or other objects) that comprise the Technical Section. The offeror shall also provide all embedded object files in their native formats, subject to the restrictions enumerated in Sections L.30. No file on this CD-ROM shall contain any price information. If requested by the Government, each copy shall be digitally signed, according to further instructions as specified in Section L.28, before being recorded on the CD-ROM.

Management Files on CD-ROM. The offeror shall provide on CD-ROM all word processing files (containing embedded graphical, spreadsheet, multimedia, or other objects) that comprise the Management Section. The offeror shall also provide all embedded object files in their native formats, subject to the restrictions enumerated in Sections L.30. No file on this CD-ROM shall contain any price information. If requested by the Government, each copy shall be digitally signed, according to further instructions as specified in Section L.28, before being recorded on the CD-ROM.

Price Files

(i) CD-ROM. The offeror shall provide on CD-ROM all word processing files (containing embedded graphical, spreadsheet, multimedia, or other objects) that comprise the Price Section of the proposal. The offeror shall also provide all embedded object files in their native formats, subject to the restrictions enumerated in Sections L.30. If requested by the Government, each copy shall be digitally signed, according to further instructions as specified in Section L.28, before being recorded on the CD-ROM.

(ii) Price Data. The offeror shall provide complete price tables, matching the four year base period and four one year option periods. If requested by the Government, each copy shall be digitally signed, according to further instructions, as specified in Section L.28, before being recorded on the appropriate media.

L.30.1.2 Media Requirements

Offerors shall submit CD-ROMs (650 megabyte nominal capacity) that are written in compliance with the International Organization for Standardization-9660 standard for file format structure. Each CD-ROM’s root directory shall contain a text file named 00README.TXT that explains the volume’s directory structure, briefly describes each file’s contents, and lists the name and telephone number of the offeror’s technical point of contact who can answer questions in the event of problems in reading the contents of the CD-ROM.

L.30.1.3 Hardware/Software Compatibility Requirements

Copies of the proposals will be processed on workstations that incorporate at least the following minimum hardware and software configuration. Viewing of the offeror’s proposals shall not require any additional hardware or software products.

PC with 2.0 Gigahertz Intel Pentium CPU and 512 Megabytes RAM

48X CD-ROM drive

17-inch (nominal) color monitor with SVGA graphics

Microsoft Windows XP Pro

Lotus Notes Release 6.5

Microsoft Office Version 2003 with current security patches installed as appropriate (including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).

L.30.1.4 Word Processing File Requirements

All word processing files provided on the CD-ROMs shall be written in Microsoft Word 2003 format with all external objects embedded (not linked). The Word documents shall be organized at the major section level of the proposal volume to which they belong, and further partitioned into separate Word documents at the subsection or lower level, as required for convenient viewing (as a practical guide, no single Word document should be more than approximately 50 “pages” in length to facilitate scrolling, searching, etc.). For the initial proposal submission, all word documents shall be submitted with all revisions accepted by the offeror; no revision marks shall be visible to the Government. For updates to the initial proposal, the offeror shall use the “Track Changes” mode with revision marks and vertical change bars visible to the Government.

L.30.1.5 Permissible Image File Formats

Image files provided on the Master CD-ROMs shall be stored in one of the formats listed below, as appropriate:

Bitmapped images are to be stored in either Graphics Interchange Format (87a or 89a, interlaced or non-interlaced formats) or Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) image formats

Vectored images are to be stored in Windows MetaFile format (must be recognizable in Word 2003); however, graphics created within PowerPoint as part of a PowerPoint presentation are to be stored in PowerPoint presentation (.ppt) format

L.30.1.6 Multimedia Files

Multimedia files will not be accepted, e.g., QuickTime or Windows Media Player.

L.30.1.7 File Compression Restrictions

Files delivered on any of the CD-ROMs may be compressed using WinZip for Windows XP Pro, available via the Internet at http://www.winzip.com. This is an external file compression utility that generates files with a .zip file extension. The offeror shall use the current version of WinZip (e.g., version 9 or later). Single files or groups of files compressed into a single .zip file must be contained on a single CD-ROM. A compressed single file shall not “span” across multiple CD-ROMs. File compression that is a standard characteristic of the file format (e.g., JPEG) is permitted. However, there shall be no reliance on hardware decompression to allow a file to be viewed at its intended image size, resolution, and/or speed (e.g., requiring a hardware codec to play a video file at an acceptable frame rate).

L.30.2 Hardcopy Requirements

The Government does require hardcopy submissions of the proposals in Section L.30. Original and four copies of all hardcopy items shall be provided at time of proposal submission.

L.30.3 Appendices and Documentation

Additional technical information, customer premise equipment specifications, operating documentation of a detailed nature, and similar material may be submitted as appendices to the proposal at the offeror’s option. Such appendices shall be clearly marked as to their contents and purpose, and shall be referenced in the main body of the proposal.

L.31 Detailed Proposal Instructions

This section provides detailed instructions for preparing proposals to offer mandatory voice and data services. The services that are mandatory and the services that are optional to offer are identified in Section C.

The proposal shall contain four sections, i.e., Past Performance, Technical, Management, and Price. The instructions for preparing these sections are provided in Sections L.31.1 through L.31.6.

Each section shall be separate and complete in itself. For each section, the offeror shall present information in sufficient detail to enable an evaluator, having a general professional expertise in the response area of interest, to thoroughly understand the response to this solicitation. The detail shall be such that no reference to other volumes of the proposal or to non-proposal material would be required to understand the offeror’s response, and that the proposal clearly demonstrates the offeror’s ability to perform in accordance with the Government’s requirements.

L.31.1.

Past Performance Section . The past performance information shall consist of the following elements:

Past Performance Client References. The offeror shall provide client references capable of documenting the offeror’s performance on similar contracts. The offeror shall submit references for itself and for each proposed subcontractor expected to perform at least 20 percent of the contract workload or receive at least 20 percent of the contract revenue. These references shall consist of present or past clients within the last three years.

Past Performance Transition References

Other Sources. The Government may supplement the information you provide with any other information it may obtain from any other source including its own experience with your firm or any proposed sub-contractor firms, or information concerning your performance from any other reliable source.

No prices or other cost information shall be included in the Past Performance Section.

The offeror shall not include performance information from other divisions or corporate management entities not planned for direct involvement or that will not significantly influence the performance during the execution of the RTAS program. The offeror shall provide the most current information for the reference contacts.

L.31.1.1 Past Performance Client References

Past performance references shall be provided in a separate section. The following shall be provided:

At least three and no more than five references documenting the offeror’s ability as a prime contractor to provision, manage, operate, and support a complex telecommunications project with multiple subcontractors, comparable (as close as possible in size, complexity, and scope) to the contract resulting from this acquisition.

At least three and no more than five references for each proposed subcontractor expected to perform at least 20 percent of the contract workload or receive at least 20 percent of the contract revenue. The references shall confirm the subcontractor’s capabilities in the areas of work that the subcontractor is proposed to perform on this contract.

The offeror shall provide the following information for each client reference:

Contract title.

Contract number.

Total contract value.

Contract start date, end date, and any options exercised.

Contracting Officer’s name, address, and telephone number.

Program Manager’s name, address, and telephone number.

Administrative CO’s name, address, and telephone number.

A brief description of the following attributes of the contract demonstrating the degree of relevance of the work to RTAS:

Telecommunications network.

Telecommunications services, associated support services, and customer premise equipment.

Size, scope, geographical span of the contract.

Evolution of services over the contract life.

Percent and type of work performed by subcontractors.

List of major subcontractors. (Subcontractor’s contact person, company name, and telephone number shall be provided for any subcontractor performing at least 20 percent of the contract work or responsibility, or receiving at least 20 percent of the contract revenue).

A brief description of the history of prices over the life of the contract and any price management techniques used; an assessment of the competitiveness of the pricing structure for delivered services.

Information on whether the offeror is currently maintaining systems or providing services under the contract or a follow-on contract. If the offeror is not maintaining the systems or providing the services, the offeror shall advise who is and why.

Information on problems encountered on the contracts and subcontracts and the corrective actions taken to resolve those problems.

L.31.1.2 Past Performance Transition References

The offeror shall submit at least two references consisting of present or past clients, within the last three years, who are capable of verifying the offeror’s ability to transition services to its network (as close as possible in size, complexity, and scope) to the contract that may result from this acquisition. References can be from some of the same references provided in Section 31.1.1. If they are not, provide the same details, (1) through (13) for each reference.

The offeror shall describe its past experience in conducting the transition of services to its network. The description shall include but is not limited to:

Quantity and types of services transitioned.

Network from which the services were moved.

Network onto which the services were moved.

Time required.

Any innovative approaches or techniques used to reduce service interval or ensure continuity of service.

Tools and procedures used by the offeror for project management of service transition.

Approach to coordinating with incumbents and other service providers to effect a successful transition.

L.31.1.3 Other Sources to be Utilized

The Government may supplement the information you provide with any other information it may obtain from any other source including its own experience with your firm or any proposed sub-contractor firms, or information concerning your performance from any other reliable source.

L.31.2 Technical Section

The offeror shall prepare its Technical section to address all mandatory voice and data requirements specified in this RFP and the requirements of any optional services that are offered. Voice and data service requirements are identified in Sections C.

The Technical section of the proposal shall conform to the following outline:

RTAS Network Capabilities.

RTAS Architecture and Services

Technical Support Services

No prices or other cost information shall be included in the technical sections.

Note that if the offeror agrees to comply with a specific technical requirement in its entirety, no additional language pertaining to that requirement necessarily needs to be provided in the offeror’s Technical Response. The offeror shall determine which technical requirements are addressed in its response taking into consideration the evaluation factors, subfactors, and elements set out in Section M Evaluation Factors for Award and the proposal instructions provided in Section L.

L.31.2.1 Technical Response

The Technical Response shall describe the means by which all applicable service and equipment requirements specified in Section C shall be met. The offeror shall address the following three evaluation subfactors:

Capabilities Demonstration. Each offeror shall demonstrate capability of the existing infrastructure to sufficiently accommodate the integration of existing services and the technical robustness of the infrastructure to accommodate the integration of additional users. The demonstration may be performed through a physical test facility or by means of a software demonstration to simulate the increased service demands. The demonstration will be required for varied numbers of end users at a common location. The demonstration shall include the specific functionality identified in the contractor specific proposal.

Architecture and Services. The offeror shall describe the proposed network architecture and infrastructure that will support the delivery of those services and demonstrate the degree to which the architecture meets or exceeds the Government’s requirements. Describe the approach to ensure the delivery of high quality, secure, and reliable service. Describe the degree to which the approach will accommodate traffic growth, evolution in service requirements, advances in technology, and changes in the regulatory environment. The offeror shall describe its approach to managing subcontractors and carrier relations with other service providers used to deliver service end-to-end.

Technical Support Services. The offeror shall describe its approach and the means by which it will deliver Technical Support services.

L.31.3 Management Section

The offeror shall prepare its Management Section to address all applicable requirements specified in Sections C.

Management and Operations Support Systems

Program Management

Transition

Subcontracting Plan

No prices or other cost information shall be included in the management sections.

Note that if the offeror agrees to comply with a specific management requirement in its entirety, no additional language pertaining to that requirement necessarily needs to be provided in the offeror’s Management Response. The offeror shall determine which management requirements are addressed in its response taking into consideration the evaluation factors, subfactors, and elements set out in Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award and the proposal instructions provided in Section L.

L.31.3.1 Management Response

The Management Response shall describe the means by which requirements specified in Sections C will be satisfied. The offeror shall address the following seven evaluation subfactors:

1. Support Systems. The offeror shall describe the support systems that are proposed to manage the delivery and ongoing operation of RTAS services. The offeror shall describe the proposed service ordering, operational support services, billing, trouble handling, training, and customer service systems and shall demonstrate the degree to which the offeror’s proposed systems meet or exceed the Government’s requirements.

Demonstrate the access and efficiency of the support systems.

Provide Training Plan as described in Section C. 3.6 through C.3.10.

Provide the Client’s Guide (as described in Sections C.3.1.5.)

Provide the OSS Verification Test Plan (as described in Section C.3.3.)

Additionally the offeror shall describe the format and content of the following deliverables:

Service Order Receipt Acknowledgement (as described in Section C.C.3.2.7.2.)

Service Order Tracking/Status (as described in Section C.3.2.9.)

Service Order Completion Acknowledgement (as described in Section C.3.2.11.2.)

Service Performance/Compliance Report (as described in Section G.2.1.2.)

Associated Government Fee(s) Summary Report (as described in Section G.2.1.1.)

2. Program Management. The offeror shall describe its approach to program management and demonstrate the degree to which the offeror’s proposed approach meets or exceeds the Government’s requirements. Describe the RTAS team and demonstrate the degree to which the team is appropriately experienced and capable, including organizational charts and descriptive text depicting the roles, areas of responsibility and authority.