SOL 1305M424R0047 (08.01.24).pdf

Solicitation: 1305M424R0047 Dated: 8/1/2024

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation issued for commercial items and services prepared in accordance with the format in the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Subpart 12.6, in conjunction with FAR 15, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

(ii) This solicitation 1305M424R0047 is issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through

Federal Acquisition Circular Number: 2024-05 (Effective date: 05/22/2024)

(iv) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 518210 and the business size standard is $40 Million. This acquisition is set aside 100% for small businesses.

(v) A new Hybrid contract to include Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Time and Materials (T&M) CLIN for

Presentation Layer Requirement for TraCSS described in this Request for Proposal.

Price Schedule:

CLIN

No.

Description CLIN Type

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total

Base Period: November 25, 2024 through November 24, 2025 0001 Presentation Layer

Software License (see Note 1)

FFP 1 LOT $ $

0002 Developmental Services for Presentation Layer (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ Ceiling $

0003 Other Direct Costs (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ $

0004 Travel (see Note 2) T&M 1 LOT $30,000

NTE

$30,000

NTE

Total Base Period $ Option Period I: November 25, 2025 through November 24, 2026

CLIN

No.

Description CLIN Type

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total

1001 Presentation Layer Software License (see Note 1)

FFP 1 LOT $ $

1002 Developmental Services for Presentation Layer (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ Ceiling $

1003 Other Direct Costs (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ $

1004 Travel (see Note 2) T&M 1 LOT $30,000

NTE

$30,000

NTE

Option Period I Total $

Option Period II: November 25, 2026 through November 24, 2027

CLIN

No.

Description CLIN Type

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total

2001 Presentation Layer Software License (see Note 1)

FFP 1 LOT $ $

2002 Developmental Services for Presentation Layer (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ Ceiling $

2003 Other Direct Costs (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ $

2004 Travel (see Note 2) T&M 1 LOT $30,000

NTE

$30,000

NTE

Option Period II Total $ Option Period III: November 25, 2027 through November 24, 2028

CLIN

No.

Description CLIN Type

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total

3001 Presentation Layer Software License (see Note 1)

FFP 1 LOT $ $

3002 Developmental Services for Presentation Layer (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ Ceiling $

3003 Other Direct Costs (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ $

3004 Travel (see Note 2) T&M 1 LOT $30,000

NTE

$30,000

NTE

Option Period III Total $ Option Period IV: November 25, 2028 through November 24, 2029

CLIN

No.

Description CLIN Type

Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total

4001 Presentation Layer Software License (see Note 1)

FFP 1 LOT $ $

4002 Developmental Services for Presentation Layer (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ Ceiling $

4003 Other Direct Costs (see Note 2)

T&M 1 LOT $ $

4004 Travel (see Note 2) T&M 1 LOT $30,000

NTE

$30,000

NTE

Option Period IV Total $ Overall Total for Base and Option Periods $

Note 1: CLINs 0001, 1001, 2001, 3001, and 4001, are a firm-fixed price CLINs for the software license for use and support of the Presentation Layer of the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS).

Note 2: CLINs 0002, 0003, 0004, 1002, 1003, 1004, 2002, 2003, 2004, 3002, 3003, 3004, 4002, 4003, and 4004, are time-and-materials CLINs for developmental services, software, and travel.

Developmental services will be performed to provide new features and functionality to the existing presentation layer solution, as well as for the TraCSS.gov website development and deployment. Developmental services shall be invoiced at the applicable labor rate for the service provided. All travel and ODC shall be based on actual costs. The contractor shall not exceed the ceiling or obligated amount for the current period of performance, whichever is less. In doing so, the Contractor would be exceeding the ceiling or obligated amount at its own risk. The ceiling price may only be increased with the issuance of a contract modification executed by the contracting officer. The ceiling price does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Government will expend the entire amount.

(vi) Description of Requirements: Contractor shall provide all personnel, supplies, and services necessary to meet the Government requirement specified in Attachment 2, Performance Work Statement (PWS) to this solicitation.

(vii) The Period of Performance (POP) will be one (1) 12-months base period plus four (4) 12-months option periods. The anticipated award date November 25, 2025

(viii) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition and including the addendum to the provision.

(ix) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, is included, and the detailed evaluation criteria is included in the addendum to the provision.

(x) Offerors shall include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror

Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, with its offer.

(xi) FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial

Services, and alternate applies to this acquisition.

(xii) FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services, applies to this acquisition and additional FAR clauses cited in the clause applies.

(xiii) Additional contract requirement(s) or terms and conditions determined by the contracting officer are included in Attachment 1 – Clauses.

(xiv) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) is not applicable.

(xv) Factor 1 (Phase 1) submissions shall be submitted no later than Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 12:00pm EST

(xvi) Solicitation Contact: Noelle Albert, Contracting Officer at Noelle.Albert@noaa.gov and

Sayed Hashimi, Contract Specialist at Sayed.Hashimi@noaa.gov.

The following attachments are included for this solicitation:

Attachment 1-Clauses Attachment 2-Performance Work Statement (PWS) Attachment 3-Price Matrix Attachment 4-Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) Attachment 5-Self-Attestation Common Form mailto:Sayed.Hashimi@noaa.gov

Provisions

Provisions for this solicitation are listed below; some incorporated by reference and some included in full text. The completed provisions will not become part of the resulting contract; they will be utilized for evaluation purposes only. The clauses listed in Attachment 1-Clauses, to this solicitation will be incorporated as an attachment to the awarded contract.

Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Provisions

52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020) 52.204-17 Ownership or Control of Offeror (AUG 2020) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) 52.216-31 T&M/LH Proposal Requirements—Commercial Acquisition (Nov 2021) 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (JUL 1990) 52.222-22 Previous Contracts and Compliance Reports (FEB 1999)

Commerce Acquisition Regulations (CAR) 1352.239-71 Electronic and Information Technology (APR 2010)

FAR Provisions Included in Full Text:

FAR 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (AUG 2020)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision–

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code means–

(1) An identifier assigned to entities located in the United States or its outlying areas by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by unique location; or

(2) An identifier assigned by a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to entities located outside the United States and its outlying areas that the DLA Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Branch records and maintains in the CAGE master file. This type of code is known as a NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code.

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

Successor means an entity that has replaced a predecessor by acquiring the assets and carrying out the affairs of the predecessor under a new name (often through acquisition or merger). The term "successor" does not include new offices/divisions of the same company or a company that only changes its name.

The extent of the responsibility of the successor for the liabilities of the predecessor may vary, depending on State law and specific circumstances.

(b) The Offeror represents that it □ is or □ is not a successor to a predecessor that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years.

(c) If the Offeror has indicated "is" in paragraph (b) of this provision, enter the following information for all predecessors that held a Federal contract or grant within the last three years (if more than one predecessor, list in reverse chronological order):

Predecessor CAGE code:____________ (or mark "Unknown").

Predecessor legal name: ____________.

(Do not use a "doing business as" name).

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment (Nov 2021)

The Offeror shall not complete the representation at paragraph (d)(1) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services as a part of its offered products or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument" in paragraph (c)(1) in the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v)(2)(i) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products or Commercial Services. The Offeror shall not complete the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision if the Offeror has represented that it "does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services" in paragraph (c)(2) of the provision at 52.204-26, or in paragraph (v)(2)(ii) of the provision at 52.212-3.

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Backhaul, covered telecommunications equipment or services, critical technology, interconnection arrangements, reasonable inquiry, roaming, and substantial or essential component have the meanings provided in the clause 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.

(b) Prohibition.

(1) Section 889(a)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2019, from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) prohibits the head of an executive agency on or after August 13, 2020, from entering into a contract or extending or renewing a contract with an entity that uses any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system. This prohibition applies to the use of covered telecommunications equipment or services, regardless of whether that use is in performance of work under a Federal contract. Nothing in the prohibition shall be construed to—

(i) Prohibit the head of an executive agency from procuring with an entity to provide a service that connects to the facilities of a third-party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection arrangements; or

(ii) Cover telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or cannot permit visibility into any user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.

(c) Procedures. The Offeror shall review the list of excluded parties in the System for Award Management (SAM) (https://www.sam.gov) for entities excluded from receiving federal awards for "covered telecommunications equipment or services".

(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that—

(1) It □ will, □ will not provide covered telecommunications equipment or services to the Government in the performance of any contract, subcontract or other contractual instrument resulting from this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(1) of this section if the Offeror responds "will" in paragraph (d)(1) of this section; and

(2) After conducting a reasonable inquiry, for purposes of this representation, the Offeror represents that—

It □ does, □ does not use covered telecommunications equipment or services, or use any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services. The Offeror shall provide the additional disclosure information required at paragraph (e)(2) of this section if the Offeror responds "does" in paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(e) Disclosures.

(1) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "will" in the representation in paragraph (d)(1) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the Product Service Code (PSC) of the service being provided;

and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(1) of this provision.

(2) Disclosure for the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision. If the Offeror has responded "does" in the representation in paragraph (d)(2) of this provision, the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(i) For covered equipment—

(A) The entity that produced the covered telecommunications equipment (include entity name, unique entity identifier, CAGE code, and whether the entity was the OEM or a distributor, if known);

(B) A description of all covered telecommunications equipment offered (include brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); and

(C) Explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications equipment and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(ii) For covered services—

(A) If the service is related to item maintenance: A description of all covered telecommunications services offered (include on the item being maintained: Brand; model number, such as OEM number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number; and item description, as applicable); or

(B) If not associated with maintenance, the PSC of the service being provided; and explanation of the proposed use of covered telecommunications services and any factors relevant to determining if such use would be permissible under the prohibition in paragraph (b)(2) of this provision.

(End of provision)

FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision—

Administrative proceeding means a non-judicial process that is adjudicatory in nature in order to make a determination of fault or liability (e.g., Securities and Exchange Commission Administrative Proceedings, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings, and Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals Proceedings). This includes administrative proceedings at the Federal and State level but only in connection with performance of a Federal contract or grant. It does not include agency actions such as contract audits, site visits, corrective plans, or inspection of deliverables.

Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000 means—

(1) The total value of all current, active contracts and grants, including all priced options; and

(2) The total value of all current, active orders including all priced options under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, 8(a), or requirements contracts (including task and delivery and multiple-award Schedules).

Principal means an officer, director, owner, partner, or a person having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a division or business segment; and similar positions).

(b) The offeror □ has □ does not have current active Federal contracts and grants with total value greater than $10,000,000.

(c) If the offeror checked "has" in paragraph (b) of this provision, the offeror represents, by submission of this offer, that the information it has entered in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) is current, accurate, and complete as of the date of submission of this offer with regard to the following information:

(1) Whether the offeror, and/or any of its principals, has or has not, within the last five years, in connection with the award to or performance by the offeror of a Federal contract or grant, been the subject of a proceeding, at the Federal or State level that resulted in any of the following dispositions:

(i) In a criminal proceeding, a conviction.

(ii) In a civil proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in the payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more.

(iii) In an administrative proceeding, a finding of fault and liability that results in–

(A) The payment of a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more; or

(B) The payment of a reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000.

(iv) In a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, a disposition of the matter by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault by the Contractor if the proceeding could have led to any of the outcomes specified in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), or (c)(1)(iii) of this provision.

(2) If the offeror has been involved in the last five years in any of the occurrences listed in (c)(1) of this provision, whether the offeror has provided the requested information with regard to each occurrence.

(d) The offeror shall post the information in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(iv) of this provision in FAPIIS as required through maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management, which can be accessed via https://www.sam.gov (see 52.204-7).

(End of provision)

FAR 52.204-29 Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Representation and Disclosures (Dec 2023)

(a) Definitions. As used in this provision, Covered article, FASCSA order, Intelligence community, National security system, Reasonable inquiry, Sensitive compartmented information, Sensitive compartmented information system, and Source have the meaning provided in the clause 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition.

(b) Prohibition. Contractors are prohibited from providing or using as part of the performance of the contract any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the prohibition is set out in an applicable Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) order, as described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition.

(c) Procedures.

(1) The Offeror shall search for the phrase “FASCSA order” in the System for Award Management (SAM)( https://www.sam.gov) for any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if there is an applicable FASCSA order described in paragraph (b)(1) of FAR 52.204-30, Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act Orders—Prohibition.

(2) The Offeror shall review the solicitation for any FASCSA orders that are not in SAM, but are effective and do apply to the solicitation and resultant contract (see FAR 4.2303(c)(2)).

(3) FASCSA orders issued after the date of solicitation do not apply unless added by an amendment to the solicitation.

(d) Representation. By submission of this offer, the offeror represents that it has conducted a reasonable inquiry, and that the offeror does not propose to provide or use in response to this solicitation any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is prohibited by an applicable FASCSA order in effect on the date the solicitation was issued, except as waived by the solicitation, or as disclosed in paragraph (e).

(e) Disclosures. The purpose for this disclosure is so the Government may decide whether to issue a waiver. For any covered article, or any products or services produced or provided by a source, if the covered article or the source is subject to an applicable FASCSA order, and the Offeror is unable to represent compliance, then the Offeror shall provide the following information as part of the offer:

(1) Name of the product or service provided to the Government;

(2) Name of the covered article or source subject to a FASCSA order;

(3) If applicable, name of the vendor, including the Commercial and Government Entity code and unique entity identifier (if known), that supplied the covered article or the product or service to the Offeror;

(4) Brand;

(5) Model number (original equipment manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number);

(6) Item description;

(7) Reason why the applicable covered article or the product or service is being provided or used;

(f) Executive agency review of disclosures. The contracting officer will review disclosures provided in paragraph (e) to determine if any waiver may be sought. A contracting officer may choose not to pursue a waiver for covered articles or sources otherwise subject to a FASCSA order and may instead make an award to an offeror that does not require a waiver.

(End of provision)

Since the Government requested, received, and responded to questions during the draft RFP phase, the Government may not engage in any further questions concerning this RFP.

Addendum to 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

This acquisition will be conducted under the auspices of The Lab. The Lab provides a safe environment to explore new ideas, share lessons learned, and promote best practices. There is nothing you need to do differently for this requirement. After award, The Lab may reach out to successful and unsuccessful vendors to assess effectiveness of the procurement process and the innovative techniques applied. The anonymous feedback will be used to further refine procurement practices within the Department of Commerce. Additional information on The Lab may be found here— https://www.commerce.gov/oam/lab/about-the-lab .

Proposal Submission Instructions:

The Government released a Draft RFP prior to the release of the Final RFP. The intention was to release all documents as drafts and to conduct the traditional question and answer (Q&A) session during the Draft RFP phase only. The Government does not intend to allow for an additional round of questions, after responses are provided during the Draft RFP phase, such as when the Final RFP is released. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct an additional round of Q&As if there are any substantial changes between the draft and final documents.

It is the offeror’s sole responsibility to ensure that any proposal, to include any other email correspondence, transmitted to the specified Government representative(s) is received prior to the due date specified herein. The offerors are highly encouraged to contact the RFPs specified Government representative(s) prior to the RFP’s date for receipt of proposals to ensure the Government receipt of the transmitted proposal and to ensure proposal eligibility. Proposals received after the date and time specified in the solicitation may render it ineligible for consideration or evaluation. Any potential offerors shall disclose any potential, actual, or apparent Organizational Conflicts of Interest as a result of becoming the awardee.

FAR 52.212-1(c) Period for acceptance of offer is updated to reflect that offerors agree to hold the prices and terms of its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of proposal.

1. Phased Procurement

The Government intends to conduct the proposal submission and evaluation process in two (2) Phases.

All dates included in the table below are intended to be helpful with planning purposes and are not set in stone; these dates are subject to change and may fluctuate. It is the Government’s intent to adhere to this schedule. A notional schedule for the procurement is below:

EVENTS DATE

RFP Released August 1, 2024 https://www.commerce.gov/oam/lab/about-the-lab

Phase I Submission Deadline by 12pm August 13, 2024 Notification of Advisory Down-Select NLT August 21, 2024 Phase II Submission Deadline by 5pm September 5, 2024 Oral Presentation September 3-5, 2024

Evaluation Factors Summary Phase I Factor 1 – Demonstrated Prior Experience (Written)

Phase II Factor 2 – Technical Capabilities (Oral Presentation) Factor 3 – Price (Written)

The factors are listed in descending order of importance. When combined, factors 1 - 2 are significantly more important than price (Factor 3).

2. Instructions Phase I

The Offeror shall submit a searchable PDF document, totaling no more than eight (8) pages, detailing its demonstrated prior experience as it aligns to the three areas below and associated information. While Offerors can submit up to eight pages, they are encouraged to provide only the necessary documentation to meet the requirements of Factor 1.

The Offeror shall describe no more than three (3) projects in the last five (5) years, of the solicitation issuance, where the vendor served as the prime contractor specifically focused on the three-areas listed below. The Offeror may use prior experiences in which they served as a subcontractor; however, experience as a prime may instill higher confidence. Offerors must submit sufficient detail to adequately describe the three demonstrated prior experience areas below:

Factor 1 – Demonstrated Prior Experience Areas Description Area 1: Existing Commercial Experience The Offeror shall describe their operational commercial capability currently exists (in production) that utilizes space situational awareness data to produce visualization products for an existing community of users that can be leveraged for the Presentation Layer of the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). The Offeror shall provide a link to the site currently accessible to users in the Cloud; a log-in license to a live system in the Cloud; a temporary account; or any other means to prove the capability is in production including where displays are being used in an operational environment.

Area 2: Agile Processes Experience

The Offeror shall describe their experience with agile development methodology, understanding and application. The Offeror shall describe experience that demonstrate modern software development best practices and have utilized these practices to develop, maintain and evolve their existing capability, including the use of automated testing and evaluation approaches that are consistent with the Government’s functionality and security requirements.

Area 3: Space Situational Awareness Experience

The Offeror shall describe their experience in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), including but not limited to an understanding of astrodynamics, orbital mechanics, orbit determination, satellite ephemerides, knowledge of satellite maneuver planning, exposure to standards (e.g., Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS)) and formats commonly used for SSA data and products.

In addition, the Offeror MUST submit associated information on the projects referenced in the narrative. For each project, the Offeror must include:

• Project/Requirement Description

• Period of performance

• Contract ceiling/agreement estimate and total obligated values

• Client Name

• Impact to the client

• Notable/Major achievements

• Contract Role (prime or subcontractor)

• Reference Point of Contacts (POC):

o Name, email, phone number, and role within the experience submission of the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Program Manager (PM) or equivalent individual (not the Contracting Officer). This can be federal or nonfederal.

The Government may contact the Reference POC to confirm the level and operational demonstrated experience submissions.

The Offerors Factor 1 proposal submission shall be organized by the Demonstrated Prior Experience Areas, starting with Area 1 then ending with Area 3. It is the Offeror’s discretion how much of the allotted page count they use for each Area. The Offeror shall not organize their submission by focusing on the one (1) of the three (3) projects and then listing which Area (1, 2, or 3) is covered by the that project.

This process allows the Government to be more efficient with its evaluations and ensure fairness and equitability in the process.

Supply Chain Risk Assessment: In accordance with Notice of Supply Chain Risk Assessment (Sept 2015) and Supply Chain Risk Assessment Information (Sept 2015), located in Attachment 1, Offeror shall submit a Supply Chain Risk Assessment (SCRA) Information at the Government’s request. The Offerors shall submit a completed SCRA questionnaire with Phase I written submission. Offerors may have a Supply Chain Risk Assessment (SCRA) conducted. The SCRA is not an indication that an award will be made to the Offeror, if conducted.

Intellectual Property: The Offeror shall submit their Intellectual Property – Terms & Conditions. The Offeror shall identify any caveats, assumptions, concerns in the terms and conditions

All written submissions for Factor 1 shall be in searchable PDF format. Text shall be presented on 8 ½ x 11-inch layout in Times New Roman typeface, no smaller than 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Factor

1 (Phase 1) submissions shall be submitted no later than Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 12:00pm EST to Noelle Albert, Contracting Officer at Noelle.Albert@noaa.gov and Sayed Hashimi, Contract Specialist at Sayed.Hashimi@noaa.gov.

3. Advisory Down-Select

The Government will evaluate the Phase I (Factor 1) submission (the “Demonstrated Prior Experience” submission) and provide advisory notifications to Offerors. This notification will advise the Offerors of the government’s advisory recommendation to proceed or not to proceed with the Phase II submission.

Rated Most Highly: Offerors who are rated most highly for Phase I will be advised to proceed to Phase II of the proposal submission process.

Rated Not Among the Most Highly: Offerors who were not among the most highly rated will be advised that they are unlikely to be viable competitors. The intent of this advice is to minimize proposal development costs for those Offerors with little to no chance of receiving an award. However, the Government’s advice will be a recommendation only, and those Offerors who are advised not to proceed may elect to continue their participation in the procurement.

Phase I evaluation factors (Factor 1) is more important than Phase II evaluation factors.

No. of Offerors: The Government intends to provide a range of four (4) to six (6) offerors with an advisory notification to proceed. The Government reserves the right to invite additional offerors, if offeror is rated among the most highly.

Proceeding to Phase II: The Government does not intend to provide debriefs after the completion of the advisory down-select notifications. Failure to participate in Phase I of the procurement precludes further consideration of an Offeror. Phase II submissions will not be accepted from Offerors who have not submitted Phase I proposals by the due date and time stated in this RFP. All Offerors who choose to proceed with a Phase II submission shall send an email to Noelle Albert, Contracting Officer at noelle.albert@noaa.gov and Sayed Hashimi, Contract Specialist at Sayed.Hashimi@noaa.gov no later than the date and time set forth in the notification, indicating their intent to participate in Phase II. Failure to respond within the time frame indicated in the down-select notification may preclude the Offeror from being further considered for award.

Phase II Instructions: the Government will issue Phase II submission instructions to all Offerors who elect to proceed and submit a timely email response. The Government recommends Offerors begin preparation of Phase II proposals only after receipt of the Phase I advisory down-select notice. The Phase II written submission is due on the final date of oral presentations.

4. Instructions Phase II

Factor 2 – Technical Capabilities (Oral Presentation & Product Demonstration)

The purpose of the Oral Presentation & Product Demonstration is for the Government to understand the Offeror’s proposed technical capabilities in meeting the requirements stated in the PWS. The Government will assess its level of confidence that the Offeror’s holistic briefing clearly and thoroughly responds to the elements included below for Factor 2, as well as any exchanges that occur during the presentation.

This presentation also allows both parties (Offerors and the Government) to engage in an interactive dialogue session to ask and answer any questions.

mailto:Sayed.Hashimi@noaa.gov

AbilityOne:

Consistent with Government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities for those with disabilities, the contractor is encouraged to independently partner with the National Industries for the Blind and SourceAmerica Central Nonprofit Agencies under the AbilityOne Program (www.abilityone.gov) in identifying subcontracting opportunities for this requirement and using qualified AbilityOne contractors. Each offer must describe their proposed use of the AbilityOne program, describe how they will effectively utilize AbilityOne contractors, and provide their anticipated goals for this requirement. A list of AbilityOne products and services listed by North American Industry Classification System codes and descriptions, and Product Service Codes is available at https://www.abilityone.gov/abor.html.

Area 1: The Offeror shall describe their software, providing examples of their existing displays mapped to each type of the three (3) Types of Displays (User Groups/Operators) listed below, as applicable.

Refer to Performance Work Statement Section 2.1.3. Types of Displays.

● General Public User Scenario

● Verified Owner/Operator Scenario

● TraCSS Operator Scenario

Table A. Feature Matrix and Types of Displays Scenario contains features to discuss and point out as the Offeror progresses through their Capability Technology Demonstration. Existing displays must be in use in an operational environment (in production) and shall not be created for demonstration purposes.

Table A. Feature Matrix and Types of Displays Scenario

Feature General Public User

Scenario

Verified Owner / Operator Scenario

TraCSS Operator

Scenario Access to data and CDMs X X Access to public data X X X Account administration X Account management (own user account)

X X

Account registration and management (Company entity)

X

Configurable display X X Configurable thresholds for conjunction alerts

X X X

Corrective action capabilities X Data alerts X X Data and ephemerides information submission

X X

Data submission for improved ephemerides information

X X

Data transfer to and from TraCSS X Detailed views of conjunctions of interest

X X

Monitor data errors and output issues

X

Discover, search, sort, and download permitted data and tools

X X X

High-level displays of predicted conjunctions

X X X

Conjunction notification registration

X

Conjunction screening process tracking

X

O/O Ephemerides information submission

X

O/O Maneuver plan submission X Monitor system performance X Monitor overall system health X Notifications of system performance issues

X

O/O point of contact directory X X Permissions review for all users X Platform registration forms X Public conjunction information X X X Registration as a TraCSS user X X X Situational awareness safety tools X X X System maintenance X System software administration tasks

X

Track CDMs X Space Weather warnings X X X

Area 2: The Offeror shall demonstrate the following functionality, features, and user experience as they progress through their Capability Technology Demonstration:

1. Users shall be informed of overall, current system status with easy to understand and highly visible status displayed on the screen.

2. Navigation buttons should be obvious and intuitive (i.e., 'back'/'forward' and 'cancel' or 'escape').

3. SSA data shall be displayed in different types of displays, visualizations, and tabulations that are selectable.

4. The system should be able to generate and display multiple tools or information displays on one page.

5. Latency shall be within a minimal time and if longer provide feedback to the user such as a visual indication of progress on performing tasks that take more than one second (e.g, progress bar, percent complete, etc.)

6. Technical lexicon should be consistent with common usage and consistent across displays and products

7. Filtering capability shall be available for the data being presented on the displays.

8. Error messages should have accompanying resolution information.

9. There is a logical relational accessibility from each display that aligns with the technical and operational workflow.

10. Common data entries should be not rigidly formatted (i.e., dates, phone numbers)

11. Common functions should have multiple modalities to perform.

12. Action verification should apply appropriately to the criticality of the action.

13. Errors, failures, or expected but missing information should be flagged to the user or operator with error messages expressed in plain language, and the resolution action clearly stated.

14. The GUI should be able to generate and display multiple tools or information displays on one page.

15. The GUI should allow users to perform backward steps where possible, including undoing and redoing previous actions.

Area 3: The Offeror shall address the following throughout the Capability Technology Demonstration:

1. Their capability and expertise in building and managing web-based GUIs that support data storage and retrieval of that data to a back-end data system accessed through APIs.

2. Their capability and expertise in providing data products based on web-based GUI input.

3. Their capability and expertise in building and maintaining websites.

4. A clear understanding of federal laws and regulations in operating a government data system and a viable plan for implementing these requirements, with a focus on security requirements and ATO including FedRAMP, FISMA and RMF requirements, and provide examples of experience doing so.

5. Explain how their existing capability is:

o A solution that is horizontally scalable.

o A solution that is cloud-agnostic.

o A solution that is based on containerized microservices.

o A solution that can be configured for high availability. Discuss how configurable the interface is. Discuss whether it is configurable by Persona or User Type and Permission?

6. Describe their architecture.

5. Date and Format for Oral Presentation & Product Demonstration

Oral presentations are planned between September 3-5, 2024 using Google Meet. If vendors cannot access Google Meet, they shall advise the contracting officer immediately so that an alternative platform can be discussed, requested, and approved prior to the oral presentation. The Government may schedule a connectivity test with the Offeror, at a convenient time, prior to the presentation.

The Government intends for the oral presentation to proceed as follows:

Oral Presentation Segments

Oral Presentation Component Total Time Allotment

1 Introductions and Rules of Engagement 5 min 2 Offeror’s Oral Presentation & Product

Demonstration 90 mins

3 Break/ Government Caucus Government Discretion 4 The Government and Offeror will engage in an interactive dialogue (if needed at the sole discretion of the Government) where the Government will ask question(s) to the Offeror and the offeror responds.

Up to 30 minutes

5 The Offeror departs Not Specified 6 The Government may conduct an on-the-spot consensus N/A

The time limits indicated for each segment in the above table will be strictly adhered to and represents the maximum time allotted. Offerors may use their discretion and present in less time than allotted. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure that it can present its responses within the prescribed time. The Government will manage the time limit for each oral presentation.

Offerors may submit Microsoft PowerPoint slides to accompany their oral presentation. For Factor 2, the slide limit is 15, for information that is not shown thought the product demonstration. The offeror is reminded to consider that the oral presentation is time-boxed and is encouraged to consider how many slides can be adequately covered during the oral presentation. The slides are only intended to serve as a visual aid/summary/talking point.

The purpose of the session is for the Offeror to verbally present the answers and to interact with the government personnel. Slides WILL NOT BE EVALUATED. Slides are limited to a minimum font-size of 18, or Times New Roman. The slide size must be in Standard (4:3) format.

The content of the oral presentation and product demonstration is being evaluated, including any question-and-answer responses, and any material not presented at the oral presentation and product demonstration will not be considered in the evaluation regardless of if it was included in the slide deck.

Although the slides won’t be directly evaluated, the team will review its content to ensure it aligns with the delivered Oral Presentation. Inconsistencies between the slides and Oral Presentation may reduce the Government’s confidence for the factor.

Rules of Engagement for Oral Presentations/Product Demonstration:

1. The Government does NOT intend to ask questions about information contained in an Offeror’s submission for Phase I. Phase I submissions will be submitted and evaluated prior to the oral presentation/product demonstration being conducted.

2. The Government intends to engage in interactive dialogue during the oral presentations. These exchanges are viewed as a component of the oral presentation itself and do not constitute discussions. Oral presentations are distinct from the Government’s reserved right to conduct clarifications or discussions.

3. Recording of oral presentations by Offerors is strictly prohibited

4. The Offeror participants shall not reach back, by phone/conference bridge, email or any other means, to any other personnel or persons for assistance during the oral presentation.

5. The Government will be the official timekeeper for the start and end to each briefing portion. The Offeror should be mindful of its time; however, the Government timekeeper intends to provide a one-minute notice of expiring time. Once the timekeeper concludes time has expired, then the Offeror is not permitted to make any further statements.

Written Submission:

Factor 3: Price (written)

The Offeror shall submit a price proposal that is separate from the technical proposal. General instructions and information are below. The price proposal shall consist of two components: A written submission in Adobe PDF format and the completion of the MS Excel template, Attachment 3-Price Matrix. Offerors must submit both the written submission and the completed price matrix, or the price proposal will be considered incomplete.

Offerors must use all tabs on Attachment 3-Price Matrix to develop the price quotation for the government’s review. The Offeror shall provide information to facilitate the government’s consideration of Factor 3 (Price). The Offeror must provide fully burdened labor rates for each proposed labor category.

The fully burdened rates, include (but don’t need to separately indicate) all wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, any indirect burden, and profit. The Offeror shall break down their total price to reflect labor categories, labor rates, number of hours, materials (i.e. software) and any other direct costs that make up the bottom-line price. The price proposal shall clearly identify which labor categories and hours are performed by the prime contractor, subcontractors, or divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of the offeror under a common control.

The labor categories listed in the price matrix represent the estimated labor required for this effort. A full-time equivalent (FTE) is 1,912 hours. Pricing shall assume the work shall be performed primarily at the Offeror’s site, aside from required in person meetings.

The offeror is solely responsible and accountable for the labor mix proposed, and is permitted to propose alternate and/or additional labor categories if justified by their technical capabilities. Any additional labor proposed will be evaluated in the total evaluated price and considered in the best-value determination.

Administrative Matters (written):

As part of Phase II Written Submission, the proposals shall:

(1) Provided a completed copy of the re representations and certifications at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.212-3

(2) Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments (via signed SF30)

(3) Secure Software Development Attestation: This procurement is subject to the Collection of

Secure Software Development Attestations. If the offeror has an existing Secure Software Development Attestation, a copy shall be submitted with your proposal. Attachment 5 - Self- Attestation Common form shall be completed and submitted with your proposal. For further information, please reference M-22-18 and M-26-16.

FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Services (Nov 2021)

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

1. Demonstrated Prior Experience

2. Technical Capabilities

3. Price

Demonstrated Prior Experience and Technical Capabilities, when combined, are significantly more important than price.

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

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

(End of provision)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation - Commercial Products and Services (Nov 2021)

(1) Non-Price Evaluation:

Factor 1 Demonstrated Prior Experience – The Offeror's background, experience, and qualifications will be assessed to determine the likelihood that that offeror can successfully perform the contract requirements and the degree of the risk of non-performance. The offeror will be evaluated on their experience and qualifications to perform the contract requirements. The Government will place special emphasis on the existence of an operational commercial capability that is in production, Area 1. The Government will evaluate offerors experience in successfully completing the services.

Factor 2 Technical Capabilities - The Offeror’s Oral Presentation and Product Demonstration will be evaluated to determine the extent of the Offeror’s existing capability and suitability to perform the work required in the Performance Work Statement.