RFP.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-0062 SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEP 30, 2012 NB487000-12-01104

NB487000-12-01104

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 5 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 301/B158 until 12:00

PM ET

local time OCT 29, (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

CAROL WOOD

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)

301-975-8172

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

CAROLW@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 32 - 43

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS 2 - 7 PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT 8 - 15 X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 44 - 45

X D PACKAGING AND MARKING 16 - 16 PART IV - PRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 17 - 18 X K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER 46 - 49

X F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 19 - 19 STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 20 - 28 X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS 50 - 60

X H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 29 - 31 X M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 61 - 63

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 for an indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract. Firm fixed price task orders will be awarded under this contract.

A single award is anticipated under this Request for Proposal.

There is no incumbent Contractor for this statement of work.

BASE PERIOD

0001 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

The Contractor shall perform research and marketing task orders for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

(NIST/MEP.)

Firm fixed price task orders shall be awarded under this contract.

1.00 YR

OPTION PERIOD I

0002 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

The Contractor shall perform research and marketing task orders for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

(NIST/MEP.)

OPTION PERIOD II

0003 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

The Contractor shall perform research and marketing task orders for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

(NIST/MEP.)

OPTION PERIOD III

0004 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

The Contractor shall perform research and marketing task orders for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

(NIST/MEP.)

OPTION PERIOD IV

0005 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

The Contractor shall perform research and marketing task orders for the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

(NIST/MEP.)

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 LABOR CATEGORIES

SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION D PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 NIST LOCAL-39 MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

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

E. 2 1352.239-72 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (APR 2010)

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 52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION (NOV 1991)

F. 4 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 1352.237-70 SECURITY PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS - HIGH OR MODERATE RISK CONTRACTS (APR 2010). 20

G. 4 1352.237-71 SECURITY PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS - LOW RISK CONTRACTS (APR 2010)

G. 5 1352.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (APR 2010)

G. 6 NIST LOCAL-04 BILLING INSTRUCTIONS

G. 7 NIST LOCAL-36 TRAVEL NOTE

G. 8 NIST LOCAL-40 BILLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR DELIVERY/TASK ORDERS

G. 9 ORDERING PROCEDURES

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 1352.237-73 FOREIGN NATIONAL VISITOR AND GUEST ACCESS TO DEPARTMENTAL RESOURCES (APR

2010)

H. 6 NIST LOCAL-07 COMPUTER SECURITY POLICY

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 52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER (MAY 2011)... 32

I. 11 52.204-7 CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (FEB 2012)

I. 12 52.209-6 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT`s INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS

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

I. 13 52.209-9 UPDATES OF PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FEB

2012)

I. 14 52.215-2 I AUDIT AND RECORDS--NEGOTIATION (OCT 2010)--ALTERNATE I (MAR 2009)

I. 15 52.215-8 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE--UNIFORM CONTRACT FORMAT (OCT 1997)

I. 16 52.215-14 INTEGRITY OF UNIT PRICES (OCT 2010)

I. 17 52.215-15 PENSION ADJUSTMENTS AND ASSET REVERSIONS (OCT 2010)

I. 18 52.215-18 REVERSION OR ADJUSTMENT OF PLANS FOR POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (PRB) OTHER THAN

PENSIONS (JUL 2005)

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

I. 20 52.215-21 REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN CERTIFIED

COST OR PRICING DATA--MODIFICATIONS (OCT 2010)

I. 21 52.219-8 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS (JAN 2011)

I. 22 52.219-28 POST-AWARD SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATION (APR 2012)

I. 23 52.222-1 NOTICE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LABOR DISPUTES (FEB 1997)

I. 24 52.222-3 CONVICT LABOR (JUN 2003)

I. 25 52.222-21 PROHIBITION OF SEGREGATED FACILITIES (FEB 1999)

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

I. 27 52.222-35 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR VETERANS. [SEP 2010]

I. 28 52.222-36 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES (OCT 2010

I. 29 52.222-37 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS VETERANS (SEP 2010)

I. 30 52.222-40 NOTIFICATION OF EMPLOYEE RIGHTS UNDER THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT (DEC

2010)

I. 31 52.222-50 COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (FEB 2009)

I. 32 52.222-54 EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (JAN 2009)

I. 33 52.223-6 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (MAY 2001)

I. 34 52.223-18 ENCOURAGING CONTRACTOR POLICIES TO BAN TEXT MESSAGING WHILE DRIVING (AUG 2011). 34

I. 35 52.225-13 RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN FOREIGN PURCHASES (JUN 2008)

I. 36 52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES ENGAGING IN SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES

RELATING TO IRAN--REPRESENTATION AND CERTIFICATION (NOV 2011)

I. 37 52.227-1 AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (DEC 2007)

I. 38 52.227-14 RIGHTS IN DATA--GENERAL (DEC 2007)

I. 39 52.227-17 RIGHTS IN DATA--SPECIAL WORKS (DEC 2007)

I. 40 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (APR 2003)

I. 41 52.232-1 PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I. 42 52.232-8 DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (FEB 2002)

I. 43 52.232-9 LIMITATION ON WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I. 44 52.232-11 EXTRAS (APR 1984)

I. 45 52.232-17 INTEREST (OCT 2010)

I. 46 52.232-23 ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 1986)

I. 47 52.232-25 PROMPT PAYMENT (OCT 2008)

I. 48 52.232-33 PAYMENT BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER--CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (OCT

2003)

I. 49 52.233-1 I DISPUTES (JUL 2002)--ALTERNATE I (DEC 1991)

I. 50 52.233-4 APPLICABLE LAW FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT CLAIM (OCT 2004)

I. 51 52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY (JUL 1995)

I. 52 52.243-1 CHANGES--FIXED-PRICE (AUG 1987)

I. 53 52.243-7 NOTIFICATION OF CHANGES (APR 1984)

I. 54 52.244-5 COMPETITION IN SUBCONTRACTING (DEC 1996)

I. 55 52.244-6 SUBCONTRACTS FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS (DEC 2010)

I. 56 52.245-1 GOVERNMENT PROPERTY (APR 2012)

I. 57 52.245-9 USE AND CHARGES (APR 2012)

I. 58 52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE) (APR 2012)

I. 59 52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE) (APR 1984)

I. 60 52.204-9 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2011)

I. 61 52.204-10 REPORTING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND FIRST-TIER SUBCONTRACT AWARDS (FEB 2012).. 36

I. 62 52.216-18 ORDERING (OCT 1995)

I. 63 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

I. 64 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

I. 65 52.217-7 OPTION FOR INCREASED QUANTITY--SEPARATELY PRICED LINE ITEM (MAR 1989)

I. 66 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

I. 67 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

I. 68 52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE (NOV 2011)

I. 69 52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (NOV 2011)

I. 70 52.233-3 PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1996)

I. 71 52.244-2 SUBCONTRACTS (OCT 2010)

I. 72 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

I. 73 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (APR 1984)

I. 74 1352.227-70 RIGHTS IN DATA, ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHT (APR 2010)

SECTION J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

J. 1 LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

SECTION K REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

K. 1 52.204-8 ANNUAL REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS (MAY 2012)

K. 2 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (FEB 2012)

K. 3 52.215-6 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (OCT 1997)

SECTION L INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

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

L. 2 PROPOSAL PREPARATION

L. 3 52.215-20 IV REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFIED COST OR PRICING DATA AND DATA OTHER THAN CERTIFIED

COST OR PRICING DATA (OCT 2010)--ALTERNATE IV (OCT 2010)

L. 4 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

L. 5 52.216-27 SINGLE OR MULTIPLE AWARDS (OCT 1995)

L. 6 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

L. 7 1352.215-72 INQUIRIES (APR 2010)

L. 8 1352.233-70 AGENCY PROTESTS (APR 2010)

L. 9 1352.233-71 GAO AND COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS PROTESTS (APR 2010)

L. 10 NIST LOCAL-43 HAND DELIVERY OF QUOTES OR PROPOSALS

SECTION M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M. 1 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JUL 1990)

M. 2 EVALUATION CRITERIA

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 $10,000.00 . The amount of all orders shall not exceed $10,000,000.00 .

(End of clause)

B. 2 LABOR CATEGORIES

LABOR CATEGORIES

The Contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, and materials necessary to complete Research and Marketing Tasks in accordance with Section C –

Statement of Work and as identified in task orders.

Labor categories and fully loaded labor rates will be negotiated. The awardee’s final negotiated labor categories and fully loaded labor rates will be added to Section B at the time of award.

The Contractor shall propose all labor categories applicable to their proposal for the base period and four one year option periods.

SECTION C

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

C. 1 STATEMENT OF WORK

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 resources essential for increased competitiveness and profitability.

MEP products and services are delivered to small and medium sized manufacturers by a professional staff of approximately 1,300 MEP Center practitioners who are employed by the independent MEP centers at over 370 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 requirement is to for the Contractor to expand and improve the current development and delivery capabilities of the system. 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. The 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 this expanded need, 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.

The major areas of emphasis for research, marketing and deployment of efforts under this contract shall be related to the five key areas of the next generation MEP strategic plan:

Growth/Innovation strategies for small and medium size manufacturers: MEP Business Growth

Services address top-line growth for clients, specifically focusing on identifying new sales, developing new products, entering new markets, and deploying new business models.

These services have as their goal to provide companies the tools they need to achieve a

20/20 balance: at least 20% growth to their top line, along with at least a 20% decrease in bottom-line costs. Examples of current services are ExporTech

(http://www.nist.gov/mep/exportech.cfm) and Innovation Engineering

(http://innovationengineering.info/). See websites for more information on these types of services.

• Continuous Improvement: Continuous Improvement is an ongoing effort to improve products, services, or processes. Through lean and quality activities, companies strive for perfection by continually removing successive layers of waste providing reduced lead times and costs, improved efficiency, productivity and quality. Continuous and incremental improvements remove unnecessary activities and variations providing increased capability allowing you to transform your organization into a highly efficient and profitable business. A complete transformation process from mass production to Lean

Manufacturing takes time and provides the opportunity for profitable manufacturing growth. Some current services include: Lean services like 5S System, Cellular Flow, Kaizen and Lean Certification as well as Quality/Leadership services like ISO

Certification, Lean Leadership, six Sigma and Total Quality Management.

• Technology Acceleration: As manufacturers develop new products, enhance existing products, strive to expand and diversify markets, develop and improve production and engineering systems and processes, and work to strengthen competitive positions within supply chains – technology in some shape or form is frequently a lynchpin enabler. As such, MEP is developing a multi-faceted approach to assist U.S. manufacturers’ ability to systematically identify and capitalize on opportunities to leverage technology toward the realization of their growth and competitiveness objectives.

MEP’s Technology Acceleration strategy has four principal components:

Connecting manufacturer technology needs with laboratory technologies

Technology Scouting

Supplier Scouting

Product Development and Commercialization Assistance

Each of these Technology Acceleration components addresses a different, yet interrelated facet of how technology can be leveraged by manufacturers to help enable the many and varied forms of growth and improved competitiveness they seek. MEP’s approach with these

Technology Acceleration components is the development of a robust system of tools, services, and assistance opportunities that is flexible and accessible across the

National MEP network. With such a system, the utility of Technology Acceleration is clear and real – and capable of being applied in response to nearly any manufacturer technology-based need or opportunity that might be encountered by MEP Centers and field staff in the course of client interactions.

• Supply Chain: The MEP system is uniquely positioned to be the resource of choice for increasing the competitiveness of U.S.-based supply chains by offering a network of assistance providers throughout the country, consistent delivery approaches to implementing Lean, Quality, and other performance improvement programs for manufacturers;

and the flexibility to customize services and products to meet varying needs. MEP is the only organization whose mission is to improve the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.

• Sustainability: Sustainability has become a key driver of economic growth as global demands for diminishing resources increase, renewable and alternative energy technology needs expand and environmental concerns continue to evolve. Whether it is simply a response to rising energy and resource costs or as a corporate growth strategy;

sustainability is a struggle to balance economic, environmental, and societal challenges and opportunities. Key to the strategy is the development and expansion of strong and effective partnerships with government and industry to ensure sustainability is embraced at all levels of the economy – from the largest employers to the smallest suppliers to the workforce itself. Some current services include: GSN (http://www.greensuppliers.gov/) and E3 initiatives.

• Workforce Innovation and growth are at the core of what MEP does, and manufacturers who innovate are far more successful than those who don’t. The manufacturing workforce – so critical to manufacturing innovation – is the basic, yet decisive, building block for the successful implementation of all Next Generation Strategies. To be competitive, America’s small manufacturers must integrate their workforce strategies with their business goals, develop and manage workforce skills and employee training, streamline recruitment efforts, reduce turnover, support performance, and plan for internal career mobility and succession in their entire employee population. So, if manufacturers are to engineer innovation in their businesses, workforce development investments will need to evolve from a one-off transactional type of activity to a business strategy integrated with other critical business strategies. One of the current initiatives MEP is working on is the Workforce Manufacturing Skills Certification System. Reference http://www.nist.gov/mep/mscs2.cfm for more information.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The Contractor shall maintain regular, frequent and responsive contact with the

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at all times during the execution of task orders to ensure that all task order requirements are being met within the negotiated period of performance and budget.

2. The Contractor shall expand and improve the current development and delivery capabilities of the national network of manufacturing extension centers. The

Contractor shall establish mechanisms to improve the development, delivery and quality of products and services and to foster coordination of those organizations that comprise this network.

3. Task orders may include a requirement to survey or a survey may be the most appropriate technical approach for some task orders. The Contractor shall not survey more than ten non-federal individuals or organizations for any given survey.

4. Domestic and foreign travel may be required on call orders. The need and type of travel will be identified in each all order. The Contractor and their employees must have the credentials necessary for international travel.

5. The NIST/Acquisition Management Division, on behalf of MEP will issue a Task Order for each project requirement.

6. Unless a face-to-face meeting is specifically required by a task order, update meetings shall be executed via teleconference or webcast.

7. Unless otherwise indicated in task orders, monthly progress reports must be submitted for each task order. Progress reports shall be submitted in electronic format using an agreed upon Microsoft Office format. Progress reports shall be delivered to the COR, the COR designated representative, and the Contract

Specialist who issued to the task order. Progress reports shall include a narrative summary of budget, progress to date by task, accomplishments, discussions of any deviation from the deliverable schedule, problems encountered and steps taken to resolve them.

8. Firm fixed price task orders shall be awarded under this contract.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

The following categories represent the scope of work for task orders issued under this contract. Task order work shall be in one or more of the following areas.

1. Market Research, Analysis and Deployment of Strategic Objectives and Initiatives

Provide research and analysis on various manufacturing topics. Information from research used to assist in developing the future MEP Next Generation Strategy (NGS) and to deploy to national system based on the Next Generation Strategy.

Activities include but are not limited to:

a. Market data collection of current market trends and outcomes: included but not limited to researching websites, surveying manufacturers and other organizations, reading market reports & providing analysis on usefulness of report;

b. Data research and analysis on current and future manufacturing trends;

c. Information dissemination/knowledge management over a nation-wide program to support manufacturing extension services;

d. Outreach, Training Programs, Seminar Development, and Deployment Support

(Development and delivery of training materials, logistics for training courses, and processing of registration fees) that are supportive of NGS related to marketing and research.

2. Market Planning, Strategy Development, and Deployment Support

Various marketing, strategy development and deployment support functions to accomplish promoting the MEP system as well as accomplishing multiple initiatives (i.e. innovation services).

a. Product/service planning including developing graphics and appearance of logos, marketing materials, and other documents to support national MEP program and 60 MEP centers. Graphic design and layout services for communications online as well as paper;

b. Product strategy and advertising development as approved by the COR;

c. Selling and marketing strategies, development and support services to existing strategies being developed;

d. Managing a collaboration tool for MEP center, clients and partners to share best practices throughout the Next Generation Strategies.

3. Increase Awareness of MEP Products and Services

Assist in the planning, development of various marketing products and services.

Providing general marketing efforts such as writing and editing in various means

(online, print, video, etc.).

a. Strategy and plan development for promotion, communication, outreach, and marketing plans;

b. Technical writing and editing on MEP reports and/or manufacturing client success stories including online resources;

c. Event Support and planning for various training and seminar events;

d. Public education and awareness online or on paper for all existing MEP product and services.

4. Continued Development and Deployment of the MEP Next Generation Strategy

Perform various development and deployment functions to accomplish the current MEP

Next Generation Strategy system. Providing research, consulting, and support activities on the national level.

a. Market research and marketing support for current initiatives related to building national capacity and systems such as the Manufacturing Innovation conference, community support, and MEP National Advisory Board;

b. Working with MEP Center staff on national and center level market research, analysis and planning tools/services;

c. Consulting with MEP National network and MEP Centers to support deployment of

MEP’s Strategic Initiatives;

d. Coordinating Center and national level market analysis and planning activities.

5. Evaluation and Assessment of Projects and Programs

Perform evaluation of the MEP program as well as other MEP initiatives. Evaluate and assess center performance and research on the performance.

a. Evaluation and assessment of MEP’s current products and services; providing reports on improving the products and services;

b. Evaluation and assessment of new Pilot programs that could further the MEP mission;

c. Evaluate and assess MEP’s current performance and evaluation system including the identification of opportunities for improvement, research to inform such improvements, pilot research based on changing needs, and use of proprietary and third-party data sources to inform the performance and evaluation of the

MEP system as well as U.S. manufacturing.

DELIVERABLES

Required deliverables 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.

Examples of deliverables that will be delivered under task orders include, but are not limited to:

-Market analysis and trend analysis related to NGS;

-Report detailing various focus areas;

-Development and delivery of training materials;

-Provide reports of current and future trends;

-Provide marketing and research consulting to support nation-wide program;

-Development of new market research tools which support greater manufacturing extension deployment;

-Process registration fees for marketing, training and seminar events;

-Delivery of marketing and research training courses and perform logistical development;

-Monthly progress reports;

-Attend conferences and present results.

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE OF DELIVERABLES

Review of deliverables will be performed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative, and/or their authorized representative. The COR shall approve all deliverables.

Specific performance standards, acceptance criteria, and timelines for reviews and resubmissions will be defined in each task order.

Deliverables must meet all requirements of the task order prior to acceptance. Changes made to deliverables to achieve compliance with task order requirements shall be performed at no additional cost to the Government.

TRAVEL

Required travel shall be identified within each task order. The Government will specify in each task order the travel requirements, including, to the maximum extent practicable, the dates and location for which travel is required. The Contractor shall be responsible for making its own travel plans and arrangements for airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rental reservations, etc., as well as arranging for passports and Visas if foreign travel is required.

All travel shall be performed in accordance with and be reimbursed in accordance with the

Federal Travel Regulation. The Contractor shall obtain the written approval of the

Contracting Officer prior to incurring any travel cost in excess of the limits imposed by the Federal Travel Regulation.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be one year from the date of award with four one year option periods.

Each individual task order will specify a period of performance. Task orders may include options authorizing the Government to extend the period of performance or separately priced option line items for subsequent task order work.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work under this contract will require the Contractor to work on-site at NIST Gaithersburg and at the Contractor’s site. The place of performance will be defined with each Task

Order. It is anticipated that the majority of work will be completed at the Contractor’s site. The Contractor shall ensure they have adequate office space, equipment and any other amenities to perform work under multiple, concurrent task orders.

Task Orders may require the Contractor’s staff to work on-site at NIST MEP in

Gaithersburg, MD, for brief or extended periods of time. Some task orders may require the Contractor to interact face-to-face with multiple MEP Centers within the United

States and Puerto Rico, who are participating on certain projects or tasks.

The following shall apply to on-site work at NIST Gaithersburg:

(i) Work Hours

Regular work hours for contract personnel work shall be specified in each task order. Normal core duty hours are between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through

Friday, with the exception of Federal holidays or other official closures;

(ii) Facility Closures

In the event that NIST is closed due to national emergency, inclement weather or for any other unscheduled closure, the Contractor shall not report for on-site work. The Contractor may utilize the NIST status line, 301-975-8000 or 1-800-437-

4385 ext 8000, to determine whether NIST is open for business. This status line is generally updated at 5:00 AM Eastern Time on regular business days;

(iii) Federal Holidays

Contractor personnel will not be allowed to work on-site at NIST unless prior approval is granted by the COR and, if appropriate, the Contracting Officer. A list of Federal holidays is provided at http://www.opm.gov/operating_status_schedules/fedhol/2012.asp;

(iv) Safety

Contractor personnel shall be responsible for knowing and complying with NIST safety policies. Safety training will be provided by NIST for all on-site

Contractor personnel. Such regulations include, but are not limited to, general safety and fire prevention;

(v) Contractor personnel shall wear a visible Visitor’s or Security badge ID when working on-site at NIST. The badge will be provided by the Government. Contractor personnel shall immediately report any lost or stolen badges to the COR. Upon termination/resignation of their services, all personnel associated with this contract must surrender their badge to the COR;

(vi) Contractor personnel shall not use Government facilities or Government property in connection with conducting activities not associated with task order requirements under any given task order;

(ix) Misconduct/Disruption of Services. At any time during the performance of this contract, Contractor personnel whose actions (e.g. intoxication, debilitation resulting from drug use, insubordination, theft) result in clear disruption or threat to the work force will be immediately removed by the Contracting Officer.

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND DATA

Documentation, including, but not limited to materials, data, literature, provided by the

Government during the performance of this contract remain the property of the Government and shall be surrendered to the Government upon completion of any given task order or termination of the base contract.

Documentation needed for completing tasks and deliverables required in any given Task

Order shall be provided with each individual Task Order.

DATA RIGHTS

The Government shall maintain unlimited data rights to all deliverables generated under task orders under this contract in accordance with the data rights clauses incorporated herein as applicable to each task order.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The Government will negotiate a payment schedule for each task order awarded. Payments shall be applied to deliverables and shall be spread over the life of the task order. The

Contractor shall invoice in accordance with the payment schedule and the billing clause in Section G of this contract.

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall be responsible for employing technically qualified personnel to perform the required work. The Contractor shall maintain the personnel, organization, and administrative control necessary to ensure that the work delivered meets task order requirements.

Foreign nationals are permitted in order to support the NIST mission. H1B Visa holders must work for their Visa sponsors.

The Government reserves the right, during the life of the resulting contract, to request work histories on any Contractor employee for the purposes of verifying compliance with the above requirements. In addition, the Government reserves the right to review resumes of Contractor personnel proposed to be assigned.

SECTION D

PACKAGING AND MARKING

D. 1 NIST LOCAL-39 MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS

(1)If the total contract/order includes multiple quantities of the same or like item(s), segregated as separate CLIN/Item numbers, deliverables shall be packed accordingly. Each individual package/container in the shipment shall include deliverables on a per-CLIN or Item basis.

(2)For each shipment made under this contract/order, the Contractor shall furnish itemized packing list(s), enumerating the specific contents of each shipping container and what specific individual components constitute a full and complete "unit" for each bid item. The packing list shall include the brief description of each item found in the Schedule. If more than one container is required for each unit, each container should be marked accordingly, e.g., "Box 1 of 2," "Box 2 of 2," and the boxes, where feasible, should be taped or shrink-wrapped together as an issuable unit.

(3)The contract number AND CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBER (CLIN) OR

ORDER ITEM NUMBER shall be placed on the exterior of all containers.

(End of Clause)

SECTION E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

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

(Reference 52.246-4)

E. 2 1352.239-72 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (APR 2010)

(a) Applicability. This clause is applicable to all contracts that require contractor electronic access to Department of Commerce sensitive non-national security or national security information contained in systems, or administrative control of systems by a contractor that process or store information that directly supports the mission of the Agency.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this clause, the term "Sensitive" is defined by the guidance set forth in the Computer Security Act of 1987 (P.L. 100-235), including the following definition of the term:

(1) Sensitive information is "? any information, the loss, misuse, or unauthorized access to, or modification of which could adversely affect the national interest or the, conduct of federal programs, or the privacy to which individuals are entitled under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (The Privacy Act), but which has not been specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order or an Act of Congress to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy."

(2) For purposes of this clause, the term "National Security" is defined by the guidance set forth in:

(i) The DOC IT Security Program Policy and Minimum Implementation Standards, Section 4.3.

(ii) The DOC Security Manual, Chapter 18.

(iii) Executive Order 12958, as amended, Classified National Security Information. Classified or national security information is information that has been specifically authorized to be protected from unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national defense or foreign policy under an Executive Order or Act of Congress.

(3) Information technology resources include, but are not limited to, hardware, application software, system software, and information (data). Information technology services include, but are not limited to, the management, operation (including input, processing, transmission, and output), maintenance, programming, and system administration of computer systems, networks, and telecommunications systems.

(c) The contractor shall be responsible for implementing sufficient Information Technology security, to reasonably prevent the compromise of DOC IT resources for all of the contractor?

s systems that are interconnected with a DOC network or DOC systems that are operated by the contractor.

(d) All contractor personnel performing under this contract and contractor equipment used to process or store DOC data, or to connect to DOC networks, must comply with the requirements contained in the DOC Information Technology Management Handbook (see DOC, Office of the Chief Information Officer website), or equivalent/more specific agency or operating unit counsel guidance as specified immediately hereafter .

(e) Contractor personnel requiring a user account for access to systems operated by the contractor for DOC or interconnected to a DOC network to perform contract services shall be screened at an appropriate level in accordance with Commerce Acquisition Manual 1337.70, Security Processing Requirements for Service Contracts.

(f) Within 5 days after contract award, the contractor shall certify in writing to the COR that its employees, in performance of the contract, have completed initial IT security orientation training in DOC IT Security policies, procedures, computer ethics, and best practices, in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy, chapter 15, section 15.3. The COR will inform the contractor of any other available DOC training resources. Annually thereafter the contractor shall certify in writing to the COR that its employees, in performance of the contract, have completed annual refresher training as required by section 15.4 of the DOC IT Security Program Policy.

(g) Within 5 days of contract award, the contractor shall provide the COR with signed acknowledgement of the provisions as contained in Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR), 1352.209-72, Restrictions Against Disclosures.

(h) The contractor shall afford DOC, including the Office of Inspector General, access to the contractor?s and subcontractor?s facilities, installations, operations, documentation, databases, and personnel used in performance of the contract. Access shall be provided to the extent required to carry out a program of IT inspection, investigation, and audit to safeguard against threats and hazards to the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of DOC data or to the function of computer systems operated on behalf of DOC, and to preserve evidence of computer crime.

(i) For all contractor-owned systems for which performance of the contract requires interconnection with a DOC network on which DOC data will be stored or processed, the contractor shall provide, implement, and maintain a System Accreditation Package in accordance with the DOC IT Security Program Policy. Specifically, the contractor shall:

(1) Within 14 days after contract award, submit for DOC approval a System Certification Work Plan, including project management information (at a minimum the tasks, resources, and milestones) for the certification effort, in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy and . The Certification Work Plan, approved by the COR, in consultation with the DOC IT Security Officer, or Agency/operating unit counsel IT Security Manager/Officer, shall be incorporated as part of the contract and used by the COR to monitor performance of certification activities by the contractor of the system that will process DOC data or connect to DOC networks. Failure to submit and receive approval of the Certification Work Plan may result in termination of the contract.

(2) Upon approval, follow the work plan schedule to complete system certification activities in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy Section 6.2, and provide the COR with the completed System Security Plan and Certification Documentation Package portions of the System Accreditation Package for approval and system accreditation by an appointed DOC official.

(3) Upon receipt of the Security Assessment Report and Authorizing Official?s written accreditation decision from the COR, maintain the approved level of system security as documented in the Security Accreditation Package, and assist the COR in annual assessments of control effectiveness in accordance with DOC IT Security Program Policy, Section 6.3.1.1.

(j) The contractor shall incorporate this clause in all subcontracts that meet the conditions in paragraph (a) of this clause.

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 52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION (NOV 1991)

(Reference 52.247-34)

F. 4 1352.270-70 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (APR 2010)

(a) The base period of performance of this contract is from the date of award through one year with four one year option periods. . 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 (To be defined upon award) Option II (To be defined upon award) Option III (To be defined upon award) Option IV (To be defined upon award)

(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. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price.

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

(a) (TO BE IDENTIFIED AT THE TIME OF AWARD) is hereby designated as the Contracting Officer?s Representative (COR). The COR may be changed at any time by the Government without prior notice to the contractor by a unilateral modification to the contract. The COR is located at:

(CONTACT INFORMATION SHALL BE IDENTIFIED AT THE TIME OF AWARD)

Phone Number:

Email:

(b) The responsibilities and limitations of the COR are as follows:

(1) The COR is responsible for the technical aspects of the contract and serves as technical liaison with the contractor. The COR is also responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of all deliverables and such other responsibilities as may be specified in the contract.

(2) The COR is not authorized to make any commitments or otherwise obligate the Government or authorize any changes which affect the contract price, terms or conditions. Any contractor request for changes shall be referred to the Contracting Officer directly or through the COR. No such changes shall be made without the express written prior authorization of the Contracting Officer.

The Contracting Officer may designate assistant or alternate COR(s) to act for the COR by naming such assistant/alternate(s) in writing and transmitting a copy of such designation to the contractor.

G. 3 1352.237-70 SECURITY PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS - HIGH OR MODERATE RISK CONTRACTS (APR 2010)

(a) Investigative Requirements for High and Moderate Risk Contracts. All contractor (and subcontractor) personnel proposed to be employed under a High or Moderate Risk contract shall undergo security processing by the Department?s Office of Security before being eligible to work on the premises of any Department of Commerce facility, or through a Department of Commerce IT system. All Department of Commerce security processing pertinent to this contract will be conducted at no cost to the contractor. The level of contract risk will determine the type and scope of such processing as noted below.

(1) Non-IT Service Contracts

(i) High Risk - Background Investigation (BI)

(ii) Moderate Risk - Moderate Background Investigation (MBI)

(2) IT Service Contracts

(i) High Risk IT - Background Investigation (BI)

(ii) Moderate Risk IT - Background Investigation (BI)

(b) In addition to the investigations noted above, non-U.S. citizens must have a pre-appointment check that includes an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency check.

(c) Additional Requirements for Foreign Nationals (Non-U.S. Citizens) To be employed under this contract within the United States, non-U.S. citizens must have:

(1) Official legal status in the United States

(2) Continuously resided in the United States for the last two years; and

(3) Advance approval from the servicing Security Officer of the contracting operating unit in consultation with the Office of Security (OSY) headquarters. (OSY routinely consults with appropriate agencies regarding the use of non-U.S. citizens on contracts and can provide up-to-date information concerning this matter.)

(d) Security Processing Requirement. Processing requirements for High and Moderate Risk Contracts are as follows:

(1) The contractor must complete and submit the following forms to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR):

(i) Standard Form 85P (SF 85P), Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions;

(ii) FD 258, Fingerprint Chart with OPM?s designation in the ORI Block; and (iii Credit Release Authorization.

(2) The Sponsor will ensure that these forms have been properly completed, initiate the CD-254, Contract Security Classification Specification, and forward the documents to the cognizant Security Officer.

(3) Upon completion of the security processing, the Office of Security, through the servicing Security Officer and the COR, will notify the contractor in writing of the individual?s eligibility to be given access to a Department of Commerce facility or Department of Commerce IT system.

(4) Security processing shall consist of limited personal background inquiries pertaining to verification of name, physical description, marital status, present and former residences, education, employment history, criminal record, personal references, medical fitness, fingerprint classification, and other pertinent information. For non-U.S. citizens, the COR must request an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formerly INS) agency check. It is the option of the Office of Security to repeat the security processing on any contract employee at its discretion.

(e) Notification of Disqualifying Information.