Sec_L_F16_Harnesses_Final_15Jan21.pdf

SECTION L

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS (ITO)

1.0 Program Objectives

1.1 Basis of Contract Award

This acquisition will utilize the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection procedures conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15, Contracting by Negotiation, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation

Supplement (DFARS), the Air Force Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFFARS), DoD Source Selection Procedures, 31 March 2016, and Air Force Mandatory Procedures 5315.3.

These regulations are available electronically at acquisition.gov. The Government intends to select up to five (5) Offerors whose proposals represent the lowest evaluated prices from among those meeting the acceptability standards for non-price factors. Technical tradeoffs will not be made, and no additional credit will be given for exceeding acceptability requirements.

Contract(s) may be awarded to Offerors who are deemed responsible in accordance with FAR

Part 9.1, as supplemented, whose proposals conform to the solicitation’s requirements (to include all stated terms, conditions, representations, certifications, and all other information required by

Section L of this solicitation) and are determined, based on the evaluation factors and sub-factors, to represent the lowest price technically acceptable proposals. While the Government will strive for maximum objectivity, the source selection process, by its nature, is subjective;

and, therefore, professional judgment is implicit throughout the process.

1.2 Number of Contracts to be Awarded

The Government intends to award up to five (5) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for the F-16 Harnesses Parts and Kit Assemblies competitive effort. However, the

Government reserves the right to award fewer than five (5) contracts, or no contracts at all, depending on the quality of the proposals, prices submitted, and the availability of funds.

2.0 Proposal Preparation

The offeror’s proposal must include all data and information requested by this Instructions to

Offerors (ITO) and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. The offeror shall be compliant with the requirements as stated in the solicitation, Statement of Work (SOW), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and Technical Data Package(s). Non-conformance with the instructions provided in the ITO may result in the offeror’s proposal being deemed unawardable.

2.1 Include Sufficient Detail

The proposal shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government’s requirements, but rather shall provide convincing rationale to address how the offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror’s proposal.

2.2 Embellishments Not Desired

Do not provide elaborate brochures or documentation, detailed artwork, or other embellishments.

These are unnecessary and are not desired.

2.3 Submission, Modification, Revision and Withdrawal of Proposals

Proposal submission, modification, revision and withdrawal shall be IAW FAR 15.208. The proposal due date/time is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation in Block 9.

2.4 Proposal Acceptance and Validity Dates

The proposal acceptance period is specified in Section A of the model contract/solicitation in block 12. The offeror shall make a clear statement in Section A of the Contract Documentation

Volume (Volume IV) that the proposal is valid until this date.

2.5 Organization/Number of Copies/Page Limits

The offeror shall prepare the proposal as set forth in Table 2.5 – Proposal Organization below.

The titles and contents of the volumes shall be as defined in this table, all of which shall be within the required page limits and with the number of copies specified in the table. The contents of each proposal volume are described in the ITO paragraphs as noted in the table.

Volume Section L Para Number Volume Title Hard Copies Electronic Copies * Page Limit

I 4.1.1 Title Page 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) None

II 4.2.1 Executive Summary 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) 10

III 4.2.2 Technical 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) 60

IV 4.3 Price 0 3 (2 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) None

V 5.0 Contract Documentation 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) None

VI 2.5.3 Glossary 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) None

VII 2.5.4 Cross Reference Matrix 0 7 (6 on CD-R or DVD-R, 1 through Email or DoD SAFE) None

*Electronic copies shall be submitted on a single CD-R or DVD-R per copy and through email or DoD SAFE, with each proposal volume provided as separate electronic files. Offeror shall submit CD-R or DVD-R (write once/read only) that are "closed" so that no further writes can be made to the media. CD-R/W or DVD-R/W media types are not acceptable. Note: At a minimum, each copy of Volumes I, II, III, VI, and VII can be consolidated into a single CD-R or DVD-

R if storage media limitations permit with the disc label specifying the Volumes included. However, Volumes IV and V each shall be on separate discs.

Table 2.5 - Proposal Organization

2.5.1 Page Limitations

Page limitations identified in Table 2.5 shall be treated as maximums. If exceeded, the excess pages will not be read or considered in the evaluation of the proposal. Each page shall be counted except for cover pages, tables of contents, tabs, and glossaries.

Page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation Notices (ENs), if discussions are necessary. The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the Offerors.

2.5.2 Page Size and Format

A page is defined as each face of a sheet of paper containing information. Pages shall be 8.5 x 11 inches in size, white in color, and printed on standard office paper. Pages shall be 0 point before and after spacing and single spaced. Except for any reproduced sections of the solicitation document, the text size shall be no less than 12 point font in Times New Roman typeface.

Tracking, kerning, and leading values shall not be changed from the default values of the word processing or page layout software. Use at least 1 inch margins on the top and bottom and 3/4 inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. These page size and format restrictions shall apply to all proposals and EN responses.

Legible tables, charts, graphs and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible and shall not exceed 8.5 x 11 inches in size. For tables, charts, graphs and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 8 point Arial typeface. These limitations shall apply to all proposals and ENs.

2.5.3 Volume VI – Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

The proposal shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used with an explanation for each. The Glossary shall be included in Volume VI.

2.5.4 Volume VII – Cross-Referencing

Each volume shall be written on a stand-alone basis so that its contents may be evaluated without the use of cross-referencing to other volumes of the proposal. Information required for proposal evaluation which is not found in its designated volume will be assumed to have been omitted from the proposal. Additionally, cross-referencing within a proposal volume is not permitted.

The offeror shall submit a Cross Reference Matrix indicating the Proposal reference information as it relates to the Section L, Section M, SOW, Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), and

Sample Task/DO/Tech Data Package references found therein. This Matrix will be provided as part of Volume VII.

Cross Reference Matrix Template

Document(s) /

Requirement

Section L Section M SOW Sample

Task/DO/Te ch Data

Package

CLIN

# s

Proposal

Factor 1:

Technical, Sub-

Factor 1

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex. Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Document

Title, Page

#s

Ex.

CLIN

#s

Ex. Page

#s, Paragraph

#s

Inspection and test cable plan including Fiber

Optic Viewer tool and an insertion loss test processes using a Laser

Source and

Power Meter equivalent

Procurement plan/evidence

List of machinery and tooling in house or used by offeror’s sub-contractors for braiding machinery

List of machinery and tooling in house for the following:

Cutting and crimping tools, cannon plug insertion/extract ion tools, specialized technology

(machining, soldering, test equipment), wire/harness marking tools

(sleeve, sticker, laser)

Plan that describes harness kitting process

Factor 1:

Technical, Sub-

Factor 2

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex. Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Document

Title, Page

#s

Ex.

CLIN

#s

Ex. Page

#s, Paragraph

#s

Narrative that shows the ability to perform and document test and inspections results on each harness assembly

Narrative of how procurement of required materials and parts, including proprietary and long-lead items demonstrates compliance with 16PR145 for harness assembly demonstrates how quality assurance pertaining to harness assembly processes are in compliance shows the offeror’s and subcontractor’s manufacturing/ production facilities are sufficient in maturity

Factor 1:

Technical, Sub-

Factor 3

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Paragraph

#s

Ex. Paragraph

#s

Ex.

Document

Title, Page

#s

Ex.

CLIN

#s

Ex. Page

#s, Paragraph

#s

Work

Breakdown

Structure

(WBS)

Describe the offeror’s capability to plan and produce the

Sample

Task/DO to the provided specifications offeror’s knowledge, expertise, and relationships with subcontractors/s uppliers for the capability to meet the requirements of the Sample

Task/DO per the requested delivery schedule

Identify and describe all significant risks and mitigation strategies associated with the Sample

Task/DO requirements and the offeror's approach for fulfilling these requirements roles and responsibilities of prime contractor and subcontractors/s uppliers

Cost/Price, Factor 2

2.5.5Table of Contents

Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume.

2.5.6 Labeling

A cover sheet should be in each volume, clearly marked as to volume number, title, solicitation identification, and the offeror’s name. Be sure to apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e), Restrictions on Disclosure and Use of Data, and

FAR 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection Information.

2.5.7 Electronic Copies

Volumes shall be separated into different files, clearly labeled and submitted in a readable and searchable format by Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF), Microsoft (MS) Office Word

2013, MS Office Excel 2013 and/or MS Office Power Point 2013.

Offerors shall apply all appropriate markings including those prescribed in accordance with FAR

52.215-1(e), Restrictions on Disclosure and Use of Data, and FAR 3.104-4, Disclosure, Protection, and Marking of Contractor Bid or Proposal Information and Source Selection

Information.

CD-R or DVD-R copies shall be submitted on a single CD-R or DVD-R per copy using CD-R or

DVD-R (write once/read only) that are "closed" so that no further writes can be made to the media, in accordance with Table 2.5. CD-R/W or DVD-R/W media types are not acceptable. If files are compressed, the necessary decompression program must be included.

E-mail copies shall have each volume as separate files. Offerors shall label each file with the volume to which it applies. If there are multiple files in a particular volume, the individual files shall be appropriately labeled with the applicable volume. Each individual e-mail cannot exceed

10 MBs. If multiple e-mails are necessary, the first e-mail shall specify the number of e-mails and the file names that will be attached to each e-mail.

DoD SAFE copies shall have each volume as separate files. If there are multiple files in a particular volume, offerors shall create a zip file for the applicable volume and label the zip file with the appropriate volume information.

2.6 Distribution

All proposals submitted on CD-Rs/DVD-Rs shall be externally marked “For Official Use Only” and “Source Selection Information— See FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104”.

Electronic CD-R/DVR-R copies (listed in Table 2.5) of proposals shall be addressed to the PCO and Buyer and mailed or hand carried to:

AFLCMC/WWMK

Corey Muir (PCO)

Laurie Auernig (Buyer)

6072 Fir Ave, Bldg. 1233

Hill AFB, UT 84056-5820

Phone: (801) 586-2649 (Corey)

Phone: (801) 586-3442 (Laurie)

All proposals submitted through Email or DoD SAFE shall be externally marked “For Official

Use Only” and “Source Selection Information— See FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104”.

All proposals sent through email shall be addressed to the PCO and Buyer and emailed to the following:

corey.muir@us.af.mil and laurie.auernig@us.af.mil

All proposals sent through DoD SAFE shall be uploaded to the DoD SAFE website

(https://safe.apps.mil) and sent to Corey Muir and Laurie Auernig. In order upload a file to DoD

SAFE, offerors will need to send an e-mail to Corey Muir (corey.muir@us.af.mil) and Laurie

Auernig (laurie.auernig@us.af.mil) to obtain a Drop-Off Code. An automated e-mail will be sent to the offeror with the upload information. Please Note: The Drop-Off Code will only be good for 14 days from issuance and will not be issued 3 days prior to RFP closing. If a code has not been requested within 3 days prior to RFP closing, e-mail shall be used to fulfill the requirement to submit one electronic copy through e-mail or DoD SAFE.

2.7 Oral Presentation

Oral presentations are not requested and will not be allowed.

2.8 Amendments to Solicitation

If this Request for Proposal (RFP) is amended, all terms and conditions that are not amended remain unchanged. Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of the original and all amendments to this

RFP by signing and returning the front page of all amendments in Volume IV, Contract

Documentation by the date and time specified in the last amendment.

3.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 Point of Contact

mailto:corey.muir@us.af.mil mailto:laurie.auernig@us.af.mil https://safe.apps.mil/ mailto:corey.muir@us.af.mil mailto:laurie.auernig@us.af.mil

The Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) and the Buyer are the primary points of contact for this acquisition. Address any questions or concerns you may have to the PCO, and courtesy copy the Buyer as well. Written requests for clarification may be sent to the PCO at the address located below (email is preferred):

PCO:

Attn: Corey Muir

AFLCMC/WWM

6072 Fir Ave Bldg. 1233

Hill AFB, UT 84056

Office (801) 586-2649 corey.muir@us.af.mil

Buyer:

Attn: Laurie Auernig

AFLCMC/WWM

6072 Fir Ave Bldg 1233

Hill AFB, UT 84056

Office (801) 586-3442 laurie.auernig@us.af.mil

3.2 Communications

Exchanges of source selection information between the Government and Offerors will be controlled by the PCO. Source selection information will be transmitted via direct mailing, secure e-mail, or DoD SAFE at https://safe.apps.mil/ to the PCO and the Buyer (as defined in

Section 3.1).

3.3 Discussions

The Government reserves the right to award without discussions if discussions are determined to be unnecessary. Discussions, if held, will be conducted in accordance with FAR 15.306, to include the establishment of a competitive range. If the PCO determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the PCO, with the concurrence of the Source Selection

Authority, may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition.

3.4 Debriefings

The PCO will promptly notify Offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, in accordance with FAR 15.503, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing, in accordance with FAR 15.505. Offerors excluded from the competitive range may request a pre-award debriefing or they may choose to wait until after the source selection decision to request a post-award debriefing. Regardless, Offerors excluded from the competitive range are entitled to no more than one debriefing for each proposal. The PCO will notify unsuccessful Offerors who are in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506.

Upon such notification, unsuccessful Offerors may request and receive a post award debriefing.

mailto:corey.muir@us.af.mil mailto:laurie.auernig@us.af.mil https://safe.apps.mil/

Offerors desiring a debriefing must make their request in accordance with the requirements of

FAR 15.505 or 15.506, as applicable.

3.5 Discrepancies

If an Offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the Offeror shall immediately notify the PCO, in writing, with supporting rationale as well as the remedies the Offeror is requesting the PCO to consider as related to the omission or error. The Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussions.

3.6 Electronic Reference Documents

All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the SAM.gov website at http://beta.sam.gov. Potential Offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time email notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation. The solicitation number for this effort is FA8232-21-R-0001.

4.0 EVALUATION FACTORS

4.1 General

4.1.1 Volume I – Title Page

The title page shall include the following:

Solicitation number

Company’s name, address, telephone number, cage code, DUNS number

A statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation and agreement to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item

Names, titles, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail address of person(s) authorized to negotiate on the contractor’s behalf with the Government in connection with this solicitation

Name, title, and signature of person authorized to sign the proposal

4.1.2. Volume II –Executive Summary

In the Executive Summary, the Offeror shall provide a concise narrative summary of the entire proposal and a highlight of any key or unique features, excluding cost/price. The salient features should tie in with evaluation factors/sub-factors. Any summary material presented here will not be considered as meeting the requirements for any portions of other volumes of the proposal.

4.2 Factor 1 – Technical Proposal

The Technical Volume of the proposal should be specific and complete to clearly illustrate the

Offeror’s technical solution and how the Offeror plans on executing that solution to meet the requirements of the SOW and technical data package(s). Responses to the factors and elements will be evaluated in accordance with Section M of this solicitation. Using the instructions provided below, provide as specifically as possible the actual methodology you would use for accomplishing/satisfying these sub-factors.

Offeror should keep the Technical Volume as anonymous as possible. Please refrain from including your company name and location other than on the title page.

NOTE: The technical proposal should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory.

By your proposal submission you are representing that your firm will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is not necessary or desirable for you to tell us so in the proposal.

4.2.1 Volume III – Factor 1: Technical

The Technical Volume should be specific and complete. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. Your responses will be evaluated against the Technical sub-factors defined in

Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Using the instructions provided below, provide, as specifically as possible, the actual methodology you will use for accomplishing/satisfying these sub-factors. All the requirements specified in the solicitation are mandatory. By your proposal submission, you are representing that your firm/company will perform all the requirements specified in the solicitation. It is not necessary or desirable for you to tell us so in your proposal.

Do not merely reiterate the objectives or reformulate the requirements specified in the solicitation.

4.2.1.1 Sub-factor 1: Facilities and Processes

The proposal shall describe the Offeror’s facilities, processes, staff experience, and resource capabilities as applicable to the key elements.

Key elements to be addressed:

Provide a Fiber Optics handling, inspection and test cable plan that includes visual inspection using a Fiber Optics Viewer tool and an insertion loss test processes using a Laser Source and Power Meter.

Provide a procurement plan/evidence that describes the following:

o Fiber Optic connector(s) (SPEC G719014, G719009) o Spool material o Specialized braiding material, including metal braiding o TKT Insulation material

Provide a list of machinery and tooling in house or used by offeror’s sub-contractors for braiding machinery that complies with requirements in 16PR106

Provide a list of machinery and tooling in house for the following:

o Cutting and crimping tools o Cannon plug insertion/extraction tools o Specialized technology (machining, soldering, test equipment) o Wire/harness marking tools (Sleeve, Sticker, Laser)

Provide a plan that describes the harness kitting process

4.2.1.2 Sub-factor 2: Production and Management Capabilities

The proposal shall describe the Offeror’s production and management capabilities listed below.

Key elements to be addressed:

Provide a narrative that shows the ability to perform and document test and inspections results on each harness assembly per 16PR145, RF coax cables per

16VE752 and Fiber Optic cable per 16PR145

Provide a narrative of how procurement of required materials and parts, including proprietary and long-lead items will be accomplished

Provide a narrative that demonstrates compliance with 16PR145 for harness assembly including installation of connectors, wire termination, application of sheathing, braiding and marking

Provide a narrative that demonstrates how Quality Assurance pertaining to harness assembly processes are in compliance with:

o SAE AS9100 o SAE AS9102

Provide a narrative that shows the offeror’s and subcontractor’s manufacturing/production facilities are sufficient in maturity to produce (Sample

Task/Delivery Order (DO) identified in sub-factor 3) harness assembly quantities up to 300 Kits, over a two (2) year period

4.2.1.3 Sub-factor 3: Sample Task/DO

Provide a proposal/response that shall describe the offeror’s ability to meet the requirements listed in the Sample Task/DO, per the key elements listed below. Pricing shall not be included in this volume.

Key elements:

Demonstrate an understanding of the Sample Task/DO through a Work

Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Describe the offeror’s capability to plan and produce the Sample Task/DO to the provided specifications

Describe the offeror’s knowledge, expertise, and relationships with subcontractors/suppliers for the capability to meet the requirements of the Sample

Task/DO per the requested delivery schedule

Identify and describe all significant risks and mitigation strategies associated with the Sample Task/DO requirements and the offeror's approach for fulfilling these requirements

Describe the roles and responsibilities of prime contractor and subcontractors/suppliers

The Government reserves the right to award the Sample Task/DO as proposed by the Offeror.

The Offeror shall propose to the requested delivery schedule.

4.3 Volume IV – Factor 2: Cost/Price

Offerors shall propose unit prices for each priced CLIN on the Sample Task/DO. The Offeror will not be required to submit a Price Proposal Volume.

5.0 Volume V – Contract Documentation

5.1 Small Business Status

This contract is will be a Multiple Award, Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite

Quantity (IDIQ), Small Business Set-a-Side contract under NAICS 336413. Offerors shall be active in the System for Award Management (SAM). Offerors shall provide the address and

CAGE code associated with the SAM entry. Offerors who cannot comply with the small business restrictions will be ineligible for award.

5.2 Exceptions to Terms and Conditions

Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications and technical requirements in addition to those identified as evaluation factors or sub-factors. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being determined technically unacceptable and/or ineligible for award. Offerors shall clearly identify any exception to the solicitation terms and conditions and provide complete accompanying rationale. Each exception shall be specifically related to each paragraph and/or specific part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken. Provide rationale in support of the exception and fully explain its impact, if any, on the performance, schedule, cost and specific requirements of the solicitation.

5.3 Government Approved Accounting System

The Offeror shall submit evidence of a Government Approved Accounting System. If the

Offeror does not currently possess a Government Approved Accounting System, the Offeror shall complete the attachment Pre-award Survey of Prospective Contractor Accounting System

Checklist and send to the PCO and Buyer electronically as soon as possible (separately before the proposal due date).

6.0 Additional Information

6.1 Plant Visits

The Government reserves the right to conduct plant visits. The plant visit shall be conducted only at the request of the Government. If plant visits are conducted, Offerors are required to make facilities available within one (1) week of notice from the Government and will be conducted for all Offerors.