SB1341-12-RP-0026.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD 1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

RATING

PAGE OF

PAGES

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

SB1341-12-RP-0026 SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

NB488000-12-02326

NB488000-12-02326

7. ISSUED BY CODE 000SB 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

NATIONAL INST OF STDS AND TECHNOLOGY

100 BUREAU DRIVE STOP 1640

BUILDING 301 ROOM B129

GAITHERSBURG MD 20899-1640

NATIONAL INST OF STDS AND TECHNOLOGY

100 BUREAU DRIVE STOP 1640

BUILDING 301 ROOM B129

GAITHERSBURG MD USA

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in divya.soni@nist.gov until 12:00

PM ET

local time JUN 21, (Hour) (Date)

CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawls: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR

INFORMATION CALL

A. NAME

DIVYA SONI

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

301-975-6394

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

DSONI@MAIL.NIST.GOV

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

(X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGES(S) (X) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART 1 - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1 - 1 X I CONTRACT CLAUSES 38 - 44

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 2 - 9 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 10 - 25 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 45 - 49

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 26 - 26 PART IV - PRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 27 - 27 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER 50 - 53

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 28 - 28 STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 29 - 31 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 54 - 58

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 32 - 37 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 59 - 61

OFFER

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all itmes upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232-8)

10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) CALENDAR DAYS (%)

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated):

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER

15A. NAME AND

ADDRESS OF

OFFEROR

DUNS: (Type or print)

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT FROM

ABOVE - ENTER SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

17. SIGNATURE 18. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

See Schedule

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

10 U.S.C 23004(c) ( ) 41 U.S.C 253(c) ( )

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM

24. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER(Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice. (Must be fully completed by offeror)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (REV. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

SCHEDULE Continued

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program support services.

0001 Base Period: One year from date of award

Contractor shall provide research and management support and/or technical services for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, in accordance with the Statement of Work in Section C.1.

1.00 EA

0002 Option Period One

Contractor shall provide research and management support and/or technical services for the Hollings

0003 Option Period Two support and/or technical services for the Hollings

0004 Option Period Three support and/or technical services for the Hollings

0005 Option Period Four support and/or technical services for the Hollings

Table of Contents

SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B. 1 1352.216-75 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (APR 2010)

B. 2 Pricing

B. 3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 STATEMENT OF WORK

C. 2 TASK ORDER 1 - STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE (APR 2010)

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1996)

SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F. 1 52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

F. 2 52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

F. 3 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER?s AUTHORITY (APR 2010)

G. 2 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER?s REPRESENTATIVE (C0R) (APR 2010)

G. 3 ADDENDUM TO 1352.201-72 CONTRACTING OFFICER#S REPR

G. 4 1352.216-76 PLACEMENT OF ORDERS (APR 2010)

SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H. 1 1352.208-70 RESTRICTIONS ON PRINTING AND DUPLICATING (APR 2010)

H. 2 1352.209-72 RESTRICTIONS AGAINST DISCLOSURE (APR 2010)

H. 3 1352.209-73 COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS (APR 2010)

H. 4 1352.209-74 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (APR 2010)

H. 5 1352.216-74 TASK ORDERS (APR 2010)

H. 6 1352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (APR 2010)

H. 7 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY

H. 8 NON-PERSONAL SERVICES/NON-INHERENTLY GOVERNMENTAL

H. 9 HOLIDAYS

SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I. 1 52.202-1 DEFINITIONS (JAN 2012)

I. 2 52.203-3 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)

I. 3 52.203-5 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (APR 1984)

I. 4 52.203-6 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (SEP 2006)

I. 5 52.203-7 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (OCT 2010)

I. 6 52.203-8 CANCELLATION, RESCISSION, AND RECOVERY OF FUNDS FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY

(JAN 1997)

I. 7 52.203-10 PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (JAN 1997)

I. 8 52.203-12 LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (OCT 2010)

I. 9 52.203-13 CONTRACTOR CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS AND CONDUCT (APR 2010)

I. 10 52.204-7 CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (FEB 2012)

I. 11 52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT`s INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS

DEBARRED, SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (DEC 2010)

I. 12 52.215-2 AUDIT AND RECORDS--NEGOTIATION (OCT 2010)

I. 13 52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

I. 14 52.215-10 PRICE REDUCTION FOR DEFECTIVE CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA (AUG 2011)

I. 15 52.215-14 INTEGRITY OF UNIT PRICES (OCT 2010)

I. 16 52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (NOV 2011)

I. 17 52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (JAN 2011)

I. 18 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (NOV 2011)

I. 19 52.219-28 POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATION (APR 2009)

I. 20 52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (JUN 2003)

I. 21 52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES (FEB 1999)

I. 22 52.222-26 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (MAR 2007)

I. 23 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. [SEP 2010]

I. 24 52.222-36 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (OCT 2010

I. 25 52.222-37 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS VETERANS (SEP 2010)

I. 26 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009)

I. 27 52.223-6 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (MAY 2001)

I. 28 52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (AUG 2011). 40

I. 29 52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (JUN 2008)

I. 30 52.227-1 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (DEC 2007)

I. 31 52.227-2 NOTICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT (DEC 2007)

I. 32 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (DEC 2007)

I. 33 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA--SPECIAL WORKS (DEC 2007)

I. 34 52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I. 35 52.232-8 DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (FEB 2002)

I. 36 52.232-17 INTEREST (OCT 2010)

I. 37 52.232-23 ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 1986)

I. 38 52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (OCT 2008)

I. 39 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (OCT

2003)

I. 40 52.233-1 DISPUTES (JUL 2002)

I. 41 52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

I. 42 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I. 43 52.242-3 PENALTIES FOR UNALLOWABLE COSTS (MAR 2001)

I. 44 52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

I. 45 52.243-1 I CHANGES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1987)--ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)

I. 46 52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2010)

I. 47 52.246-25 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY--SERVICES (FEB 1997)

I. 48 52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE) (MAY 2004)

I. 49 52.249-14 EXCUSABLE DELAYS (APR 1984)

I. 50 52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS (JAN 1991)

I. 51 52.215-19 NOTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP CHANGES (OCT 1997)

I. 52 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

I. 53 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

I. 54 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I. 55 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I. 56 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J. 1 PAST PERFORMANCE

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K. 1 52.203-11 CERTIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE REGARDING PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL

TRANSACTIONS (SEP 2007)

K. 2 52.222-38 COMPLIANCE WITH VETERANs` EMPLOYMENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (SEP 2010)

K. 3 52.209-5 CERTIFICATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (APR 2010)

K. 4 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (APR 2011)

K. 5 52.222-22 PREVIOUS CONTRACTS AND COMPLIANCE REPORTS (FEB 1999)

K. 6 52.222-25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMPLIANCE (APR 1984)

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

L. 1 52.215-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION (JAN 2004)

L. 2 52.237-10 IDENTIFICATION OF UNCOMPENSATED OVERTIME (OCT 1997)

L. 3 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

L. 4 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L. 5 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

L. 6 1352.233-70 AGENCY PROTESTS (APR 2010)

L. 7 PROPOSAL PREPARATION/SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M. 1 1352.215-74 BEST VALUE EVALUATION (APR 2010)

M. 2 EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

SECTION B

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

B. 1 1352.216-75 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (APR 2010)

During the term of the contract, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $50,000.00 . The amount of all orders shall not exceed $9,984,500.00 .

(End of clause)

B. 2 Pricing

Each offeror shall propose a fully burdened fixed labor rate that includes wages, overhead, profit, and general and administrative expenses for each labor category the offeror proposes to perform the requirements of the Statement of Work. When submitting a quotation or proposal for a task order under this contract, the Contractor must propose a fully burdened hourly labor rate that does not exceed the ceiling labor rate listed below for the corresponding labor category. The government may request that, and the Contractor may offer the Government discounted labor rates from the rates listed below. However, the rates listed below may not be exceeded. When preparing a quotation or proposal for a task order under this contract, the Contractor shall apply a rate not exceeding the ceiling fully burdened hourly labor rates associated with the period of the IDIQ contract during which the work will be performed. Should the period of performance of a task order cross over between two or more periods of the IDIQ contract, the Contractor may propose multiple rates for separate periods within the task order period of performance.

YEAR 1

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

YEAR 2

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

YEAR 3

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

YEAR 4

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

YEAR 5

LABOR CATEGORY FULLY BURDENED

FIXED LABOR RATE $

Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name Labor Category Name

B. 3 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract resulting from this solicitation.

(End of Provision)

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 STATEMENT OF WORK

Statement of Work

SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

PROGRAM

I. NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership Background

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) a program of the U.S.− Department of Commerce s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) ’ − is a national network of affiliated manufacturing extension centers and field offices located throughout all fifty States and Puerto Rico. Created in 1988, the MEP network provides services to small and medium sized manufacturers to increase their global competitiveness. MEP Centers are funded by a combination of Federal, State, local and private resources; and work directly with manufacturing firms in their State or sub-State region. Centers provide expertise, services and assistance directed toward improving top-line growth, supply chain positioning, leveraging emerging technologies, manufacturing process improvements, work force training, and the application and implementation of information in client companies through direct assistance provided by center staff and from partner organizations and third party consultants.

MEP s mission is to act as a strategic advisor to promote business growth and connect’ manufacturers to public and provide researches essential for increased competitiveness and profitability.

MEP products and services are delivered to small and medium sized manufacturers by a professional staff of approximately 1,500 MEP Center practitioners who are employed by the independent MEP centers at nearly 400 locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Their goal is to help their customers, the small and medium sized manufacturing businesses, improve by delivering hands-on technical and business assistance.

One of the principal goals of this contract is to assist NIST MEP by helping to expand and improve the current development and delivery capabilities of the NIST MEP Program, specifically the tools and resources utilized to support U.S. small and medium manufacturers. This will be accomplished by establishing mechanisms to improve the development, delivery and quality of products and services to foster coordination of those organizations that comprise this network. This contract will provide additional resources and subject matter expertise to expand and accelerate MEP s ability to serve as a resource for manufacturing growth and innovation catalyst.’

Specifically, strategies, services and products will be developed and piloted to support expansion and deeper leverage of resources to integrate cost reduction strategies with profitable growth. The successful deployment of these strategies, services and products will further enable MEP to most effectively serve as the critical connecting point for manufacturers, state and local governments, private sector resources, research organizations, and the federal government. To respond to the changing business landscape and pressures to domestic manufacturing competiveness, MEP will, with support from this contract, develop new networks and partnerships that companies require to realize an enduring competitive position in the global market. These efforts will further promote the transition from reactive strategies to the proactive pursuit of increased profits and overall growth by helping manufacturers to understand the value of their marketable assets in light of these drivers.

Successful performance shall require a breadth of knowledge of manufacturing operations and application of manufacturing business process technologies and techniques relevant for small and medium-sized manufacturers in each of these areas.

More information about the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program can be found at our website: http://www.nist.gov/mep/

II. Scope of Work

A. Objectives

NIST MEP intends to award an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for a base year plus four option years. Firm-fixed-price task orders will be issued under this IDIQ. The Contractor shall assist in the development and/or implementation of projects, tools, techniques and other outputs as described in individual task orders.

The Contractor shall respond effectively and efficiently to the future needs of the MEP in the following areas:

• program research,

• market analysis,

• tool and service development,

• deployment of collaborative efforts with other federal agencies,

• knowledge sharing programs,

• associated consulting services

The focus of these activities is to support MEP in achieving its mission and in pursuing its strategic objectives in support of the NIST MEP s mission outlined herein. ’

B. General Contract Requirements

The Contractor shall maintain regular, frequent and responsive contact with the Contracting Officer s Representative (COR) during the execution of tasks to ensure’ that MEP s needs are effectively and efficiently met within the established time’ schedule and budget.

The Contractor shall expand and improve the current development and delivery capabilities of the national network of manufacturing extension centers. The Contractor shall research, design, test and deploy mechanisms to improve the development, delivery and quality of products and services and to foster coordination of those organizations that comprise this network.

The major areas of emphasis for new program development efforts under this contract shall be related to the five key areas of the next generation MEP strategic plan:

continuous improvement, technology acceleration, supplier development, sustainability, and workforce. Successful performance shall require a breadth of knowledge of manufacturing operations and application of manufacturing business process technologies and techniques relevant for small and medium-sized manufacturers in each of these areas. MEP s Next Generation Strategic Plan can be found at:’

http://www.nist.gov/mep/ngs.cfm.

C. Generic Elements of a Task Order

NIST will issue individual Task Orders for each project requirement.

D. Tasks

Task Orders may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Planning, Strategy Development

a. Support with product and service planning and strategy development in the following areas consistent with the MEP Next Generation Strategy:

i. Innovation and Growth Services

ii. Technology Acceleration and Commercialization

iii. New Market D evelopment/Export Services

iv. New Sales Programs

v. Growth Financing/Access to Capital

vi. Supplier Development/Supply Chain Management

vii. Sustainability/Environmental Services

viii. Continuous Improvement

ix. Knowledge Management

x. Workforce Services and Talent Management

2. Market Research and Assessment

a. Conduct market assessment and analyses relative to particular technologies, economic factors, industry or sector studies, market knowledge of existing, new or evolving technologies.

b. Develop economic and strategic assessments and reports and analyses of existing and evolving technologies, including the ability to infer usage and economic impacts based on demographic studies of manufacturers.

This includes studies or assessments of small, medium or large manufacturing businesses in the U.S. May also include information on technology trends outside the U.S. and the impact they might have on U.S. based manufacturing businesses.

c. Conduct research and testing of techniques, strategies and business practices that are relevant to facilitating the access by small and medium sized manufacturers to new and innovative technologies within the research community for the purpose of creating innovative new products and increasing manufacturing process efficiencies.

d. Conduct research and testing of technologies and business practices relevant to the transfer of new technologies from universities and Federal laboratories to small and medium sized manufacturing businesses.

e. Investigate emerging supply chain trends, supply chain strategies, supply chain information sharing; supply chain requirements and mandates of large manufacturers

3. Tool, Service and Training Development, Testing and Deployment

a. Product and service development and pilot testing in areas including, but not limited to the following consistent with the MEP Next Generation Strategy:

i. Innovation and Growth Services

ii. Technology Acceleration and Commercialization

iii. New Market D evelopment/Export Services

iv. New Sales Programs

v. Growth Financing/Access to Capital

vi. Supplier Development/Supply Chain Management

vii. Sustainability/Environmental Services

viii. Continuous Improvement

ix. Knowledge Management

x. Workforce Services and Talent Management

b. The Contractor shall assist the NIST MEP where required in the development of courses, materials, software, and/or implementation of projects, tools, techniques and other outputs as identified under individual task orders.

c. Assist in the development of course (training) materials, such as PowerPoint slides, documentation, project plans, printed materials and collateral materials. This will result in the creation of no more than six sets of sample materials. Subjects may include documenting technology based product needs, technology based process improvement needs, understanding intellectual property issues, scouting systems for needed technology based solutions, valuation of technologies. Develop and/or assist in the development of software tools with online capability related to manufacturing technologies and business practices associated with the scouting and valuation of new technologies.

d. Develop and deliver, with MEP center staff, courses, workshops, materials, information or other products and services to a diverse area including all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Contractor may be required to convert course materials and information to Spanish.

e. Integration of the portfolio of both existing MEP system tools and services and those being developed.

f. Development, testing and delivery of task specific train-the-trainer workshops to provide professional development training to MEP center field staff to learn new service delivery competencies. Locations, frequency and total number will be specified in each Task Order.

g. Developing materials for marketing products and services to small and medium sized manufacturing businesses

4. Development and Deployment of MEP National Initiatives

a. Coordinate and support key initiatives related to building national capacity and systems, e.g. Partnership Development, Community of Practice Support, Conference Planning, and Execution, Supplier Development Support, and National Advisory Board activities

b. Consulting and Coaching to MEP Centers to support deployment of MEP s strategic thrusts and initiatives’

c. Coordinating Center and national level marketing and planning activities as they relate to development and deployment tasks

d. Diffusion of best practices in the commercialization and implementation of new technologies for manufacturing processes and new products

e. Developing materials for dissemination via web conferencing systems, teleconferencing, delivery via Internet portals and other methods that efficiently deliver information to geographically widespread audiences.

Develop, post, and update web page content

5. Program Management Support, Scheduling and Project Tracking

a. Tracking project execution, preparing project management charts, updating MEP program office on project status

b. Conduct program management support, scheduling and oversight of assigned projects.

c. Provide program and project management in the public and private sectors. Track projects, provide formal project management charts and update staff on progress.

d. Integrate the knowledge and outputs of assigned tasks with MEP knowledge management strategies and tactics.

e. Learn and understand MEP systems and strategies for obtaining, integrating and disseminating knowledge and information for management use and for use within the MEP center system.

More information regarding the MEP National Initiatives can be found at http://www.nist.gov/mep/

III. Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan. The purpose of the Quality Control Plan is to ensure the requirements and standards are met. At a minimum the contractor s plan shall address the means for assuring that’ performance standards are met for all technology scouting training and mentoring tools, training materials, and supporting resources that are developed and tested per the requirements of each Task order. This shall include a description of the mechanisms for capturing and analyzing MEP system partner and stakeholder input and feedback on the effectiveness these deliverables to assure that the deliverables meet MEP system service delivery needs.

IV. Deliverables, Due Dates and Reports

Required deliverables and reports will be specified within each issued Task Order.

Required due dates and periods of performance will vary and will be noted within each issued Task Order.

Monthly progress reports shall be submitted, in electronic format using an agreed to Microsoft based product, to the COR/Contracting Officer (CO). The progress reports shall include a narrative summary of budget, progress to date by task, accomplishments and discussions of any deviations from the initial schedule of progress.

V. Travel Related Costs

Travel requirements will be specified in individual Task Orders when they are issued.

Authorized Contractor travel costs will be reimbursed for individual Task Orders in accordance with Chapter 301 of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), plus applicable G&A burdens.

VI. Government Furnished Property and Data

Any materials provided by the Government during the performance of this effort remain the property of the Government and shall be surrendered to the Government upon completion or termination of this requirement.

Materials needed for completing the outputs as stated in each Task Order shall be proposed and negotiated with each individual Task Order.

VII. Deliverables and Payment Schedule

Specific deliverables and payment schedules will be defined in each task order.

VIII. Period of Performance and Place of Performance

The duration of the IDIQ will be one year from date of award, plus four option years.

Task Orders may require the Contractor s staff to report for work at NIST MEP in’ Gaithersburg, MD for brief or extended periods of time. Some task orders may require subcontracts directed to MEP Centers who are participating on certain projects or tasks; thus, the Contractor shall have the capability to respond promptly and efficiently to issue subcontracts as required. Individual project performance periods and the place of performance will be defined with each Task Order. It is anticipated that the majority of work can be completed at contractor s site. Periodically the task’ will require work at the NIST Gaithersburg campus as well as to support task specific trainings and conferences.

C. 2 TASK ORDER 1 - STATEMENT OF WORK

TASK ORDER 1 PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

MANUFACTURER STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING THE

AWARENESS, ACCESSIBILITY, AND AVAILABILITY OF CAPITAL

I. BACKGROUND

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) a program of the U.S.− Department of Commerce s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) ’ − is a national network of affiliated manufacturing extension centers and field offices located throughout all fifty States and Puerto Rico. Created in 1988, the MEP network provides services to small and medium sized manufacturers to increase their global competitiveness. MEP Centers are funded by a combination of Federal, State, local and private resources; and work directly with manufacturing firms in their State or sub-State region. Centers provide expertise, services and assistance directed toward improving top-line growth, supply chain positioning, leveraging emerging technologies, manufacturing process improvements, work force training, and the application and implementation of information in client companies through direct assistance provided by center staff and from partner organizations and third party consultants.

MEP products and services are delivered to small and medium sized manufacturers by a professional staff of approximately 1,500 MEP Center practitioners who are employed by the MEP centers at nearly 400 locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Their goal is to assist US manufacturing businesses by delivering hands-on technical and business assistance. MEP seeks to implement an integrated set of immediate, short-term actions to address the barriers to productivity and innovation that many small manufacturers face today.

This task order and subsequent actions are intended to address the ability of the MEP centers to provide small manufacturing enterprises (SME s) with the information’ necessary for companies, owners, and operators to plan and undertake actions that successfully lead to capital solutions supporting company growth and profitability. The information and methodologies that the MEP centers will receive as a result of this task order and the contractor s resulting work will include, but not be limited to,’ information and knowledge on how SME s can successfully access capital for entering’ new markets or for new sales and product development. The resulting information, knowledge and methodologies resulting from the work enabled by this task order will be disseminated and made available for application to the MEP nationwide network of Centers and partner programs. The goal of the work is to provide the MEP centers and partners with the knowledge and tools for them to effectively play a catalytic role in linking SME s with private sources of capital and government programs, at the’ national and local levels, and in a way that recognizes the unique capital needs of small manufacturers.1 By leveraging budgets and institutional capacity of both public and private partner organizations, the work entailed in this task order will lead to the development of platforms for sharing knowledge and expertise that can be used to“ ” 1 Unique capital needs, in the context of this project, refers to loans, credit and investment provided to companies that fit the particular context of the providers but also recognizes that the nature of the manufacturing sector in terms of capital intensity and the financing of inventories and receivables over longer periods of time than other sectors of the economy.

bridge the knowledge and resources gap that currently hinders small manufacturers access to capital for growth and innovation.

The premise of this work entailed in this task order is that:

• What is holding back the expansion of SME access to capital are the perceived risks that providers of capital often associate with manufacturing companies. As a result, the level of capital made available is increasingly falling below the threshold of what larger or more traditional institutions are capable and willing to provide to SMEs.

• On the demand side, among SMEs, there is likewise a lack of awareness and understanding of the different types of financial products and services offered and misperceptions about access and use. Navigation of the federal system of capital access programs is generally perceived by SMEs as labor intensive and difficult.

• The current situation can be summarized as one of limited shared information between those who provide capital and those who need capital in the context of small manufacturing,

• MEP, in cooperation with partner agencies, institutions, and organizations, can help develop platforms for learning exchanges between and among SMEs, programs, and practitioners to narrow the information gap and to also foster synergy and coordination of resources and programs at the local, regional, and national level.

II. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall support the NIST MEP Program by implementing a comprehensive and MEP center inclusive approach to addressing the three types of barriers to SMEs growth identified in previous Access to Capital efforts (reference): the’ awareness, accessibility, and availability of capital resources.2

The Contractor shall investigate and develop specific solution profiles identified in the Small Manufacturers Capital Access Inventory and Needs Assessment Report found at: http://nist.gov/mep/upload/MEP_Capital_Needs_Assessment_Final.pdf .

The contractor shall, with the assistance and participation of at least three (3) MEP Centers (the government reserves the right to increase the number of centers participating post award) , develop and pilot platforms for learning and associated pilot testing, and provide program management support to drive further development of its collaborative business assistance delivery model. The following is a summary of the required tasks:

1. Near-Term Partnership and Communications Strategy Implementation Support (the government estimates up to 10-15% of project)

2 Small Manufacturers Capital Access Inventory and Needs Assessment | November 2011; pages 4, 6-8.

2. Short-Term Capital Access Business Assistance Market Testing and a MoneyTech Pilot program (the government estimates up to 85-90% of project)“ ”

III. SPECIFIC TASKS

The Contractor shall engage, employ, and budget for the participation of at least three MEP centers (the government reserves the right to increase the number of centers participating post award) and shall provide all support for project oversight, administration and technical execution of this task order.

The Contractor is responsible for conducting and maintaining accurate records of project activities.

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks:

Task 1 Near-Term Partnership and Communications Strategy– Implementation Support (the government estimates up to 10-15% of project)

MEP can drive continued support for strategies that address SME capital barriers by leveraging new and existing federal, state, non-profit and private sector partnerships.

This model is consistent with proactive approaches MEP has taken with other strategic needs. By proactively communicating and collaborating with key federal partners, who also serve SMEs through their programs, MEP can facilitate interagency actions that address SME capital barriers and further position itself as a catalyst and representative for the manufacturing industry. Likewise, MEP intends to also develop collaborative or affinity relationships with non-federal stakeholders“ ” at the national and local, MEP Center level, to quickly enhance or expand its capital access business assistance service offerings to manufacturers. To begin to implement these strategies, MEP seeks to develop and use a concise yet instructive strategic communications plan, affinity partnership strategy, and messaging materials, e.g. scripts for how to successfully“ ” engage and link with selected federal and non-federal stakeholders.

There are two initial outreach actions that the Contractor shall define in the plan and start within 21 days of task order award.

Task 1A The contractor shall reach out to existing interagency working groups, such as the Interagency Network of Enterprise Assistance Providers (INEAP) or Manufacturing Council, to raise awareness and understanding of SME capital barriers and discuss agency-specific and interagency recommendations for mutual collaboration (in context of recommendations made in Small Manufacturers Capital Access Needs Report). If an existing or appropriate working group is not available, another option would be for the contractor to convene key federal stakeholders for an interagency working meeting to facilitate a framework for building actual mutual collaboration.

Likewise, the contractor will also be asked to reach out to groups representing non-federal stakeholders to similarly raise awareness and understanding of SME capital barriers and discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Task 1B The second task that the contractor will undertake to raise awareness and increase access within the MEP System of Centers will be to package and disseminate information on existing sources of capital and financing collected through the previously developed Capital Access and Loan Program Assessment inventory list and database to the MEP System of Centers.

Task 1C In concert with aforementioned tasks, the contractor will develop a concise but instructive affinity partnership strategy to help guide MEP and centers on which organizations and institutions to approach for collaboration. The list of stakeholder groups (e.g. organizations and institutions) to include in the affinity partnership strategy will include organizations that represent the lending/investment, manufacturing, and economic development communities. The contractor will seek to select individuals institutions and organizations from among groups that MEP previously interviewed as part of the Capital Access and Loan Program Assessment in addition to any other stakeholders that may be identified as contributing to the strategic objectives. The strategic communications plan and messaging strategies that the contractor will develop will define outreach objectives, targeted stakeholder groups and strategies, key messages, delivery mechanisms, protocol for capturing, analyzing and reporting responses, and a communications action plan. The contractor s’ objective in analyzing the responses received from the various communications by each stakeholder group is to develop a set of metrics that can be used to confirm the effectiveness of the communications. The contractor will provide expert profiling of the stakeholder segments, their needs, challenges, and strategic short, mid and long-term objectives to become the basis for a knowledge base for MEP when engaging with individual organizations within those segments.

Key deliverables of this subtask and work include:

• A Strategic Communications Plan and Messaging Materials (e.g. scripts)

• An Affinity Partnership Strategy o Strategic Plan for Affinity Partnerships o Logistical and Facilitation Support for Interagency Working Groups or

Separate Meeting o List of MEP centers determined to be capable and willing of pioneering adoption

Task 2 - Short-Term Capital Access Business Assistance Market Testing and a MoneyTech Pilot (the government estimates 85-90% of project)

As MEP considers the development of new or enhanced business assistance service offerings related to capital access, there are several actions the Contractor shall perform to ensure that these services meet the capital needs of SMEs and fit the existing and developing business engagement models of MEP Centers as well as coordinate with the focus on innovation and growth. The Contractor shall evaluate, design, and implement (including market testing) a pilot platform(s) for learning, or MoneyTech service offerings (e.g., financial modeling tools, grant-writing or loan“ ” application training, self-diagnostic capital assessment tools). By substantively engaging and employing the MEP centers in the project and specifically in this task, the contractor can ensure that the assets and tools developed will be conducive to the needs, capabilities, and business engagement model of MEP centers and integrate with the innovation strategy framework. Market testing and alternatives analysis of potential MoneyTech Program service offerings“ ” should extend beyond the core of engaged and budgeted group of centers to include further outreach and interviews with a selection of additional MEP Centers and SMEs. The purpose of this outreach will be to vet potential services and products including how to leverage and– complement existing service offerings such as Export-Tech and Innovation Engineering, gather feedback on proposed pricing strategies and to serve as a realistic test of the tool(s) and resource(s) that can be used on a larger scale during each phase of introduction to the MEP system. The Contractor shall use the results of the market testing and incorporate into a “MoneyTech Program Pilot. ” The Pilot project plan will include the following components: (1) objectives for pilot, such as to evaluate the business need for specific capital access services or to test pricing strategies; (2) targeted participants and their various types of capital demands, (3) delivery format for conducting the pilot (e.g., on-site workshops, web-based services, remote learning), (4) pilot session content, list of products to test, proposed business model options, and specifications, (5) proposed timeline, (6) evaluation and feedback criteria that identify the value added for SMEs and MEP Centers. The types of capital access service offerings recommended for testing in the MoneyTech Program Pilot will depend“ ” upon the stage of development that the actual prototypes of capital tools and products, such as self-diagnostic capital needs assessment tools or financial modeling tools. In assessing any tools or IT packages to be utilized and incorporated in the learning platform(s), the contractor will review existing tools and products (whether COTS, Contractor-owned, or available through partnering with other organizations) for immediate use or modification rather than newly develop.

Key deliverables of this subtask and work will include:

• Market Testing and Alternatives Analysis o Analysis of Existing MEP Center Offerings and Potential Synergies

• MEP Center Outreach and Engagement o At least two (2) MEP Center/Manufacturer Focus Groups o At least 8 (the government reserves the right to increase the number of additional interviews post award) additional MEP Center and Manufacturer Interviews

• MoneyTech Program Pilot Project Plan

• MoneyTech Program Pilot Development, Deployment

• MoneyTech Program Pilot Post-Deployment Analysis

Task 2A: Market testing and alternatives analysis. The Contractor shall perform market testing and alternative analysis of potential MoneyTech Program service“ ” offerings. The work will include further outreach and interviews with select MEP Centers and SMEs following efforts presented in the Small Manufacturers Capital Access Inventory and Needs Assessment Report. The objective is for the contractor to vet potential services and products including how to leverage– and complement existing service offerings such as Export-Tech and Innovation Engineering, and gather feedback on proposed pricing strategies and the different business models of the MEP Centers.

Key Activities: Market testing and alternative analysis of potential MoneyTech Program service offerings and outreach and interviews with select MEP Centers and SMEs following efforts to vet potential services and product.

Task 2B: Develop a MoneyTech Program Pilot. The Contractor shall develop and deploy the MoneyTech Program Pilot. The Pilot will include: (1) clear objectives, (2) carefully chosen participants (e.g. enthusiastic early adopters), and carefully targeted scenarios (e.g. how Money tech services can enhance the effectiveness of existing services (e.g. ExporTech) and integrate under an innovation growth framework, (3) a clear delivery format for conducting the pilot (e.g., on-site workshops, web-based services, remote learning), (4) pilot session content, list of products to test, proposed pricing options, and specifications, (5) proposed timeline, (6) evaluation, feedback criteria, and feedback gathering activities from peers, potential users, and stakeholders that identify the value added for SMEs and for MEP Centers. The contractor will analyze the results of the deployed MoneyTech Program Pilot to provide adherence with program objectives, summaries of engagement of participants and their assessment of the usability and usefulness of the learning tools.

Key Activities: Development of MoneyTech Program Pilot

IV. DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERABLE DUE DATES

Task 1: Strategy and Program Support

a. Strategic Communications Plan and Messaging Guide to be completed no later than 28 days after award.

b. Affinity Partnership Strategy to be completed no later than 28 days after award.

c. Logistical and Facilitation Support for Interagency Working Groups and Meetings to be completed as required throughout award period.

Task 2: Short-Term Capital Access Business Assistance Market Testing and MoneyTech Pilot Planning

a. Market Analysis of Existing MEP Center Offerings and Potential Synergies no later than 60 days after award.

b. MEP Center Outreach and Interviews no later than 90 days after award.

a. At least two (2) MEP Center/Manufacturer Focus Groups

b. At least 8 (the government reserves the right to increase the number of additional interviews post award) MEP Center and Manufacturer Interviews

c. MoneyTech Program Pilot Plan (within 90 days)

d. MoneyTech Program Pilot upon completion of award period.

e. Evaluation of performance of pilot, any necessary training, support and feedback gathering activities.

V. PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be 180 days from date of award of task order.

The place of performance shall primarily be at the Contractor s worksite unless’ traveling to conduct training sessions.

VI. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND DATA

Any materials provided by the Government during the performance of this effort remain the property of the Government and shall be surrendered to the Government upon completion or termination of this requirement.

VII. RISK ASSESSMENT

The HSPD-12 Security Risk Level assigned to this contract is low risk.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

I. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT SUMMARY

II. TRAVEL

Approved travel will be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations.

The Contractor shall not exceed funding for travel as specified in this task order.

Performance Requirement Performance Standard Monitoring Method

Development and support in implementing a concise strategic communications plan that will be used to inform and guide MEP s engagement’ with select federal and non-federal stakeholders.

A plan and messaging materials that defines outreach objectives, targets stakeholder groups and strategies and identifies delivery mechanisms to help MEP to successfully engage selected federal and non -federal stakeholders.

Evaluation by COTR and Program Managers.

MoneyTech Project Plan A formalized plan, submitted for review and approval which includes detailed schedule and milestones for delivering against: (1) objectives for pilot, such as to evaluate the business need for specific capital access services or to test pricing strategies; (2) targeted participants and their various types of capital demands, (3) delivery format for conducting the pilot (e.g., on-site workshops, web-based services, remote learning), (4) pilot session content, list of products to test, proposed business model options, and specifications, (5) proposed timeline, (6) evaluation and feedback criteria that identify the value added for SMEs and MEP Centers.

Pilot plan design and market testing of the concept for MoneyTech service“ ” offerings (e.g., workshops, web-based services, remote learning) that can provide small manufactures and centers with the knowledge and expertise they need to enhance better access to capital in support of company growth.

Potential strategies, market testing of designs and the design, and implementation of a MoneyTech“ ” pilot.

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 1352.246-70 PLACE OF ACCEPTANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the duly authorized representative will accept supplies and services to be provided under this contract. (b) The place of acceptance will be:

Specified in individual task orders.

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1 52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1996)

(Reference 52.246-4)

SECTION F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F. 1 52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

(Reference 52.242-15)

F. 2 52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

(Reference 52.242-17)

F. 3 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from TBD through TBD . If an option is exercised, the period of performance shall be extended through the end of that option period.

(b) The option periods that may be exercised are as follows:

Period Start Date End Date Option I TBD TBD Option II TBD TBD Option III TBD TBD Option IV TBD TBD

(c)The notice requirements for unilateral exercise of option periods are set out in FAR 52.217-9.

SECTION G

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1 1352.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER?s AUTHORITY (APR 2010)

The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer.