Sol_140P2123Q0009.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

1849 C Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20240

CONTRACTING OFFICE

P.O. Box 25287, M.S. WCP 7333 West Jefferson Ave, Suite 100 Denver, Colorado 80225 Lakewood, Colorado 80235

IN REPLY REFER TO:

10. C.

National Park Service 12/14/2022

Reference: RFQ 140P2123Q0009

Subject: Request for Quote

Project Title: Child Subsidy Accounting Support

The NPS hereby request a quote as a combined synopsis/solicitation for the items described in the B08 RFQ, B08 Pricing Matrix, B08 Past Performance Questionnaire. Award will be made to the best value for a base plus 4 options in a firm fixed price amount.

Please provide a quote per the requested RFQ 140P2123Q0009.

Should your organization have questions regarding this request, please submit your questions no later than 01/05/2023 at 4:00 PM EST.

The content of this letter and its enclosures represent all the information necessary for the submission of a proposal. It is important to review all documents attached herein. Please submit one (1) electronic proposal, completed pricing sheet and past performance questionnaire, no later than 01/16/2023 at 5:00 PM EST.

Your quotation shall be evaluated based on price and technical acceptability.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the request, please feel free to contact me at Jaime_Mijares@nps.gov.

Respectfully, Jaime Mijares Jaime_Mijares@nps.gov mailto:Jaime_Mijares@nps.gov

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

PWA

Lakewood CO 80235 P.O.Box 25287 MS WCP 7333 W. Jefferson Ave DOI, NPS, WASO - WCP Contracting

0009060778 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

541219

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORPWA

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

01/16/2023 1700 ES

12/01/2022

3039692755Jaime Mijares (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140P2123Q0009

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 67 0040599923OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

Washington DC 20240 1849 C Street NW National Park Service

15. DELIVER TO

Denver CO 80225 P.O.Box 25287 MS WCP

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$22.00

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

NPS, WASO - WCP Contracting

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

This award is a firm fixed price award for a base plus for options.

Delivery: 02/28/2024 Period of Performance: 02/27/2023 to 02/26/2024

00010 Base Management Product/Service Code: R499 Product/Service Description: SUPPORT-

PROFESSIONAL: OTHER

Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

Jaime Mijares

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Period of Performance: 02/27/2023 to 02/27/2024

00011 Base Disbursement

Product/Service Code: R499

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT-

PROFESSIONAL: OTHER

00020 Option 1 Management

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2024

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2024 to 02/26/2025

00021 Option 1 Distribution

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2024

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2024 to 02/26/2025

00030 Option II Management

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

67 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 67

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

140P2123Q0009

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2025

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2025 to 02/26/2026

00031 Option II Distribution

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2025

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2025 to 02/26/2026

00040 Option III Management

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2026

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2026 to 02/26/2027

00041 Option III Distribution

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2026

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2026 to 02/26/2027

00050 Option IV Management

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2027

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2027 to 02/26/2028

00051 Option IV Distribution

(Option Line Item)

02/27/2027

Product/Service Code: R703

Product/Service Description: SUPPORT- MANAGEMENT:

ACCOUNTING

Period of Performance: 02/27/2027 to 02/26/2028

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

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Table of Contents

STATEMENT OF WORK

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

PROVISIONS ……………………………………………………………………………….18

COMMERCIAL CONTRACT CLAUSES……………………………………………….. 51

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STATEMENT OF WORK

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

CHILD CARE SUBSIDY PROGRAM SERVICES

General: This is a non-personal services contract to effectively manage National Park Service’s employee childcare subsidy program. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

Description of Services: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform the work as defined in this Statement of Work, except those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in the contract.

BACKGROUND: The National Park Service is soliciting quotes from qualified organizations to administer the Bureau’s childcare subsidy program. Congress enacted Public Law 107-67, Sec. 630, on November 12, 2001. This legislation permits Federal agencies to administer a program to assist their lower income Federal employees with the costs of childcare. The contractor will administer the program on behalf of the bureau for the period from the date of award through the time this program expires, or the bureau chooses another administrator.

Childcare subsidy can reduce the amount of costs parents pay for childcare by providing subsidies directly to the childcare provider. To be eligible to participate, a childcare provider must be a family childcare home or childcare center licensed and/or regulated by the State and, where applicable, local authorities (i.e., the provider must meet all requirements of its particular jurisdiction) where the service is provided.

The National Park Service program was established where the total family income (TPI) determines the percentage of the costs paid by the employee with the balance paid by the NPS.

The Family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is the amount reported on IRS Tax Form 1040 or 1040A. The annual subsidy amount for an employee is determined as follows:

Family AGI ($) % Costs Paid by the Employee

80,001 - 90,000 20% 70,001 - 80,000 19% 60,001 - 70,000 18% 50,001 - 60,000 17% 40,001 - 50,000 15 % 30,001- 40,000 10%

$30,000- or less 5%

The selected contractor provides administrative tasks associated with the management of the

3 | P a g e program. The contractor is required to process new childcare program subsidy applications and recertifications; make determinations as to eligibility and authorize benefits. NPS employs approximately 17,000 permanent employees that are located across the United States and its territories. Thus, Childcare Subsidy applications and benefactors could come from anywhere in that expansive area. Currently, there approximately 25 daycare institutions involved in NPS Childcare Subsidy program across the country. The projected number of CCSP employee participants based upon past and current enrollment is 27 children, 23 families. The number of monthly-billed institution participants average 25 per month. NPS averages 3 new applicants and 2 re-certifications per month for a total of 55 over the year (2022). These numbers are subject to change with expectations that participation would increase with effective advertisement toward underserved populations.

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES REQUIRED and DELIVERABLES

The contractor is responsible for providing support services for the NPS’s Childcare Subsidy program (CCSP). The contractor shall perform all administrative tasks associated with the Child Care Subsidy Program appropriately and efficiently as specified by the National Park Service in writing.

CHILD CARE SUBSIDY SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

These support services include the following activities:

A. Perform administrative tasks associated with the childcare subsidy program appropriately and efficiently including but not limited to the processing of applications, gather and review provider documents, provide recommendations to the NPS on eligibility and subsidy percentage based on terms and instructions provided by the Bureau, and the processing of re-certifications approved by the NPS. The contractor must have a website for NPS employee information and the capability to process applications via fax, mail, and electronic means. The contractor pays the provider for authorized and billed childcare services provided to an eligible employee/family. The contractor must prepare and submit reports in accordance with Section L Deliverables table.

B. Reply to messages from NPS applicants/potential applicants within a 24-hour period. When the primary point of contact is out of the office, the out of office designee and his/her contact information must be clearly identified via email and voice messaging. The contractor will respond to all questions and inquiries including those related to eligibility, authorizations, and payments.

C. Process new applications received during the contract year, rate changes, attendance changes, and recertifications within 30 days of receipt of completed package.

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D. Maintain confidentiality and security of all the information contained in the Child Care Subsidy applications

E. Process Child Care Subsidy applications, determine eligibility and the amount of assistance based on the subsidy models determined by the NPS Child Care Subsidy Program Plan.

F. Notify the qualifying NPS employees and the Child Care Provider of the amount of the Child Care Subsidy Benefits that each Family will receive and their benefits effective date.

G. Provide the NPS with publicity materials and assist with the dissemination of current program requirements, providing electronic links and information about the contractor.

H. Gather and review provider documents and provide recommendations to the NPS on the eligibility of childcare providers to receive childcare subsidy (all providers must comply with all applicable licensing and other regulatory requirements). In doing so, the Contractor must:

a. Require each childcare provider to submit a copy of its current license along with a statement of compliance from the appropriate State and, where applicable, local body/entity charged with regulating that provider.

b. Require childcare providers to submit their taxpayer identification numbers.

c. Ensure that licensed childcare providers understand that if, for whatever reason, the provider is no longer licensed or subject to regulatory oversight or is not in compliance with applicable regulations, the provider must immediately notify the contractor and agency and in turn, the contractor will notify the Federal employee whose child is enrolled in the childcare program. In such cases, the provider will no longer be permitted to receive the childcare subsidy; and

d. Verify that each childcare provider is able to accept Electronic Fund Transfer.

I. Receive invoices for the childcare subsidy amounts from the childcare providers; verify services were received and provide payment based on the invoiced amount on or after the 15th of the month for which services were rendered.

a. Ensure that the childcare provider submits the issued invoice, on a monthly basis to the contractor. The childcare provider must certify on the invoice that the service was provided, and the invoice must be signed by the NPS employee and the provider.

b. Child Care subsidy benefit amounts will be quoted as monthly amounts and the invoices must be prepared using full month amount unless services for the child end during a particular week, in which case the payment will be prorated.

c. Childcare subsidy payments made directly to all appropriate providers, not the

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NPS employee.

J. Assess and resolve over payments and underpayments.

K. Notify Employees/Families and Child Care Providers of payments, expired documents and recertification requirements.

L. Reporting: The contractor shall provide monthly status reports on the Child Care Subsidy Program to the NPS Key Official by the 15th of each month. The following information will be included in the monthly reports:

1. Monthly Summary Report shall include the following information:

a. The amount of childcare subsidy each recipient is qualified to receive, and the amount disbursed to the childcare provider.

b. The name and location of childcare providers receiving funds for NPS childcare subsidy.

c. The number of children enrolled as a result of receiving subsidy from NPS.

d. The number of NPS employees and their grade level who qualified for and received the subsidy.

e. The total family income of each family that receives a childcare subsidy.

f. The number of total applicants for the month.

g. The number of applications in process.

h. The number of applications still pending.

i. The number of new childcare subsidy applications approved.

j. The number of applicants who were ineligible.

k. The remaining balance of the NPS funds.

l. The total year to date funding outlay.

m. A Financial Summary of funding.

n. The fees assessed to the NPS for the administration of the program.

2. Eligibility and Disbursement report (projected monthly & annual). The amount of NPS Child Care Subsidy Benefits disbursed based upon the eligibility criteria with employee’s name, the Region, federal salary, grade, and Total Family Income (TFI).

The report must include the total projected monthly and annual subsidy disbursements. (Monthly)

3. Provide an annual Dependent Care Assistance (DCAP) Report to the National Park Service Program Manager no later than Pay Period (PP) 25 of the calendar year. The final report must include the employee’s name, social security number and total amount of subsidy paid to a childcare provider on the employee’s behalf. This report is critical for processing employee tax documents.

4. Annual utilization reports will be due by Nov 1st of each year, based on fiscal year Sept-Oct. The reports must include the following information:

a. Amount subsidized by NPS for each month.

b. Name of each recipient.

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c. Line of Business per recipient.

d. Family gross income per recipient.

e. Number of children per recipient.

f. Annual amount subsidized by NPS.

g. Average family income.

h. Average annual childcare cost.

i. Average annual subsidy amount.

j. Number of applications processed approved & denials.

k. Total number of recipients.

l. Total children served.

m. Number of federal childcare centers.

n. Number of family childcare homes.

o. Number of communities childcare centers.

p. Total NPS funds disbursed.

q. Lowest monthly disbursement.

r. Highest monthly disbursement.

s. Average amount of money NPS paid out each month.

t. List of federal childcare centers & number of child enrollment at each; and

u. List of community childcare centers & number of child enrollment at each

All reports and/or information must be provided in an acceptable electronic format agreeable to NPS.

EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE

The NPS requires that the Contractor provide excellent customer service for the Childcare Subsidy program. The Contractor must respond to and address all customer inquiries within 48 hours of notification and take the appropriate action to resolve the issue and document the customer contact. The Contractor is required to ensure that each issue is satisfactorily resolved in a reasonable time. Excellent customer service includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Listen closely to customers and document customer interactions

2. Respond to matters in a timely manner

3. Demonstrate clear verbal communication

4. Memorize protocol and guidelines, such as the enrollment process/applicant responsibility and knowledge of eligibility and benefit schedule

5. Exercise effective time management skills

6. Evaluate and analyze situations appropriately

7. Display professionalism and respect in interactions with customers

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8. Perform activities in a reliable and timely manner, including maintaining communication with customers through to matter resolution

DELIVERABLES

DELIVERABLE SCHEDULE REQUIRED INFORMATION DUE DATE

Communications Report

Monthly -Phone calls received -Employee contacts -Applications received -Applications approved -Applications returned

1st week of each month.

Monthly Summary Report

Monthly See Detailed Requirement above By the 15th of each month

Eligibility and Disbursement report

Monthly See #2 above

Dependent Care Assistance (DCAP) Report

Annual See #3 above Based on Tax year. Not later than PP 25

Annual Utilization Report

Annual See detail requirements above Based on FY Oct – Sept 31.

Due Nov. 1st each year

A. KEY PERSONNEL During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. Key personnel are identified and Program Manager and Program Analyst.

B. CONTRACT MANAGER: The contractor shall provide the CO and COR with the name of the contract manager in writing upon contract award. This individual will have full authority to interface with the government representative or CO on all contract matters relating to the contract. Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 48 hours of a either a change in Contract Manager, or any prolonged absence of the Contract Manager.

C. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The work will be performed at the contractor’s facility

D. RECOGNIZED HOLIDAYS / OFFICE CLOSURE:

New Year’s Day Labor Day MLK Birthday Columbus Day President's Day Veterans Day Memorial Day

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Juneteenth Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day

E. If the holiday falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

F. NON-DISCLOSURE/CONFLICT OF INTEREST: All personnel providing services under this contract shall be required to sign a non-disclosure/conflict of interest statement prohibiting the disclosure of any sensitive information. The personnel shall not engage in any activities that would create actual or the appearance of any conflict of interest.

TRANSITION-OUT PLAN

Objective: The objective of the Transition-Out is to ensure a seamless transition of the CCSP between Contractors. The Contractor must develop and execute Transition-Out activities that do not cause any interruption in service to the CCSP. The Contractor will be required to develop a transition-out plan that will be due at a later date at the COR’s discretion.

Scope: Contractor must develop a Transition-Out plan to define the tasks, activities, and deliverables required to efficiently transition services to Contractor. The plan must include sufficient details and necessary proven documentation of readiness to ensure continuity of services to NPS employees and the organization. The transition plan should include protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of NPS employees and submission of requested reports. This plan must include objectives, detailed timelines, and services to ensure all activities associated with transitioning to the Contractor.

Transition-Out activities must include, but not limited to:

Identify a project lead for the Transition-Out Transition of all administrative tasks and contracted services appropriately and efficiently including but not limited to monthly and quarterly reports Transfer of CCSP client’s information from Contractor while protecting PII Submission of a project plan documenting the schedule of activities and associated time frames Submission of all invoices for payment no later than 3 months after end of period of performance Agenda for Transition-Out Kick Closure Meeting Agenda for weekly transition status meetings with COR, Program Office, until the transition process is complete.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in the notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This RFQ is subject to availability of funds per FAR part 52.232-18.

The synopsis/solicitation reference number is 140P2123Q0009 and is being issued as a Request for Quote (RFQ).

This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2019-01, Effective 20 December 2018 and the Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation System (DIAR).

1.2 The offeror’s quote shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for evaluation and substantiation of the validity of stated claims. The Government may consider the offeror’s assertions or merely restating or paraphrasing the Governments requirements without further explanation, clarification, or context to be weaknesses or deficiencies. Therefore, the offeror should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements but shall provide a rationale or explanation to convince the Government that the offeror’s approach will meet the Government requirements.

Likewise, the Government will not consider assertions or representations without substantiation and context to be convincing or explanatory.

1.3 In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors - Competitive Acquisition (Jan 2017), the Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a contract without discussions with offerors but reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary. The offeror's initial quote should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. Offerors are cautioned to examine this RFQ in its entirety, inclusive of clauses and provisions incorporated by reference, and to ensure that quotes contain all necessary information, provide all required documentation, and are complete in all respects. The Government is not obligated to make another request for the required information nor does the Government assume the duty to search for data to cure problems it finds in quotes. During the evaluation process, the Government may request clarifications as needed. Clarifications do not constitute discussions and an Offeror is not permitted to change its quote in response to a request for clarification.

1.4.Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of the company's capability and experience. The basis of the Government’s evaluation is the information offerors present in their quotes.

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1.5.A quote is presumed to represent the Offeror's best efforts in response to this RFP. Any inconsistency, whether real or apparent, between promised performance and the price shall be explained in the quote.

1.6.The quote shall be valid for 30 days from the required submission date.

1.7 Offers, modifications, revisions, or withdrawals of Offers received after the date established in this RFQ for receipt of quotes will be handled in accordance with FAR Clause 52.215-1. Offerors are advised that they must notify the contracting officer immediately if there is any change to their quote after submission (e.g. a proposed employee departs the company or is no longer available).

A single Firm Fixed Price contract is contemplated to be awarded based on a competition between Small Businesses where the offeror’s quote demonstrates the best value to the Government.

2.FORMAL COMMUNICATION, OFFEROR EXPLANATIONS

2.1. The Contracting Officer is the sole point of contact for this acquisition. Any explanation desired by an offeror regarding the meaning or interpretation of the solicitation, for quotes, Statement of Work (SOW), etc., must be requested in writing and with sufficient time allowed for a reply to reach offerors before the submission of their offer. A cut-off date for receiving questions concerning the RFQ has been established as January 5, 2023, 4:00 PM EST. Responses will be posted not later than a week prior to closing.

2.1.1. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to address questions received after the cutoff date with those offers deemed responsive and/or in the competitive range (if established) after closing. OFFERORS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS EARLY IN THIS PROCESS. Any interpretations made will be in the form of an amendment of the solicitation and will be furnished to all prospective offerors via email to Jaime_Mijares@nps.gov Explanations or instructions given in a form other than an amendment to the solicitation shall not be binding. Questions (on a non-attribution basis) and answers shall be furnished to all prospective offerors via SAM.gov.

2.2. Submit quote questions by email to the contracting office at the addresses shown below:

Subject Line: Questions 140P2123Q0009 Email: Jaime_Mijares@nps.gov

2.3. AMENDMENTS PRIOR TO DATE SET FOR RECEIPT OF QUOTES: The

11 | P a g e right is reserved, as the interest of the Government may require, to revise or amend the solicitation prior to and/or after the date set for receipt of quotes as necessary. Such amendments, if any, will be announced by an amendment or amendments to this Request for Quote. All information relating to this RFP, including pertinent changes/amendments and information prior to the date set for receipt of quotes, will be posted on SAM.gov.

Though every effort will be made to provide email notification when a change is posted, such notification is NOT guaranteed and should not be expected.

3.SUBMISSION OF OFFERS

3.1. The quote shall be prepared in a clear and legible manner. In addition, the Offeror shall write the quote in English and the quote must be specific and complete as described in these instructions. Adherence to the prescribed format is required. An official authorized to bind the firm shall sign the Standard Form (SF) 1449, all signed amendment coversheets, SF30, and all certifications requiring original signature.

Electronic signatures are acceptable.

3.2. All information pertaining to a particular volume shall be confined to that volume.

For example, no Price information shall be included in any volume other than the Price Quote volume. The Government is not required to and will not search other volumes for a missing file.

3.3. Offerors shall not include CLASSIFIED material in the quote. Proprietary data contained in the offer must be clearly marked as such by the offeror.

3.4 Offeror must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and have a Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code.

3.5. Each offeror must comply with the detailed instructions for the format and content of the offer in order to be considered for award. When evaluating an offer, the Government will consider how well the offeror complied with both the letter and spirit of these instructions. The government will consider any failure on the part of an offeror to comply with both the letter and spirit of these instructions to be an indication of the type of conduct it can expect during contract performance. Therefore, offerors are encouraged to contact the Contract Specialist by e-mail in order to request an explanation of any aspect of these instructions.

3.6. Offerors shall submit their quotes digitally via email to the email addresses specified below:

Contract Specialist:

Contracting Officer: Jaime Mijares

3.7. Quotes must be received no later than:

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5:00 PM EST January 16, 2023

4.OFFER FORMAT

4.1. Offerors shall submit their quotes, Volumes I & II digitally via email to Jaime_mijares@nps.gov. The Government considers all quotes as “For Official Use Only" and to contain "Source Selection Information in accordance with FAR 2.101 and FAR 3.104."

The offeror’s quote shall consist of two (2) volumes. The Volumes are I – Technical and Past Performance II – Price Reference Sheet. Files shall not contain classified data.

The use of hyperlinks in quotes is prohibited. An Offeror's failure to provide in its quote the information specified below may result in that quote not being considered by the Government for award.

All supporting data required for development of the quote shall be included or summarized in each quote within the stated page limitations. Mere statements that the Offeror understands the requirements and can or will comply with the requirements without supporting information are not acceptable and may be reason for determining a quote to be unacceptable.

4.1.1. The offeror shall deliver quote softcopies via email (e.g. all quote volumes and the auxiliary supporting data Microsoft Excel spreadsheets). Softcopies shall be in Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat compatible formats only. Font size should be 12-point. Offeror shall ensure that data contained in digital form is virus-free. Offeror shall label each attachment with the volume title, solicitation number, company name, and date.

4.1.2. Digital Microsoft (MS) Word files and MS Excel files shall be compatible with MS Office 2010.

4.1.3. Please Note: Do not lock or password protect any file (e.g. *.doc, *.pps, *.xls, *.txt,*.msg).

4.3. Offerors should use cross-references within their offer and provide a clear, consistent reference system by section, paragraph, page, etc. The cross-reference index is excluded from the page limitation of the offer.

4.4. The offer shall be limited to the following submissions and pages:

4.4.1. Volume I –

• Technical Approach - Ten (10) pages total.

• Management Approach – Two (2) pages total limit.

• Resumes of Key Personnel – no page limit

• Past Performance Reference Sheet

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4.4.2. Volume II –

• Price - Price Quote Matrix.

4.5. The page limits do not apply to the cover letter, solicitation, Amendments, table of contents, cross reference index, resumes, definitions, required representations and certifications. The Government shall treat page limitations as maximums. If exceeded, the Contracting Officer will remove the excess pages prior to the evaluation. The Government will not read or evaluate removed pages. Evaluation criteria are listed below in section 5 and Section 1 of Basis for Award.

5.QUOTE CONTENT

5.1. Volume I - Technical Approach

5.1.1. The following information shall be provided and will be evaluated to assess quote risk in accordance with evaluation criteria. Quotes shall be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail for effective evaluation. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the offeror’s quote. The quote 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.

5.1.2 Evaluation Factor 1 –

Technical Approach. Within the page limit outlined above please respond with a technical approach in demonstrating:

Demonstrated experience in administering similar programs.

Processes your company has in place to protect and recipient Personally Identifiable

Information (PII) Proposed approach into administering a childcare subsidy program.

Proven methods of safeguards to maintaining the security and privacy of the data and disclosure procedures.

Proven methods to determine provider’s eligibility requirements and program requirements, including invoicing and payment.

Process for payment to providers and dispute resolutions to overpayments and underpayments.

Proven methods to evaluate childcare subsidy applications and determine eligibility.

Proven methods to notify NPS employees and Child Care providers of benefits approval.

Proven methods to approve and certify Child Care providers for participation in the program.

Process on how employees and providers receive program information and updates/changes.

Demonstrated process for compliance with reporting requirements.

Website Functionality

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Evaluation of the technical approach will consist of the ability to meet and demonstrate the ability to meet the deliverables. This includes the demonstration and ability to meet the bullets listed in 5.1.2

Factor 2 – Management Approach Within the page limit outlined above please respond with a technical approach in demonstrating:

Management Approach:

o Key Staff – Resume of the project manager (page limit will not count for resumes) Program Manager Program Analyst o Management processes that support their ability to provide a low risk solution to accomplishment of the desired end state and their ability to exceed the minimum requirements and qualifications.

o Existing policies and procedures that the offeror will use in the operation of the contract, including the management of project, subsidies, and daycare invoicing.

Evaluation of the Management Approach will consist of ability to demonstrate the management approach in accordance with the abovementioned bullets under Factor 2 listed above. The submission of key staff. Evaluation will also include demonstration that there is low risk to the child subsidy solution as well as showing established policies and procedures to ensure operation of the award including management, subsidies, and daycare invoicing.

5.3 VOLUME III – Past Performance

This volume shall contain past performance information regarding same or similar contracts.

This volume requires the submission of the Past Performance Questionnaire Form.

5.3.1. Past Performance Information Sheet.

The offeror shall complete and provide at least 1 but not more than 3 Past Performance Information Sheets for up to 3 previous Government contracts for same or similar requirements and e-mail the fully completed PDF(s) to Jaime_mijares@nps.gov with the quote for reference check.

SAM.gov and CPARs may be used as a way to check past performance.

Evaluation of past performance will look at relevance and type of similarity in accordance with the PWS.

5.4 VOLUME IV – Price

General. This volume shall consist of all information required to support proposed price.

All offerors must submit their price quote in accordance with the B08 Price Matrix.

mailto:Jaime_mijares@nps.gov

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The offeror shall ensure that the information submitted in this volume is consistent with and fully supports the amounts set forth in the RFQ and continuation sheets.

Pricing will be evaluated based on FAR Part 15.404.

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EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

1 BASIS FOR AWARD

1.1 The award will be made based on the best overall (i.e., best value) quote that is determined to be the most beneficial to the Government, with appropriate consideration given to the two (2) evaluation factors: Volume I: Technical Approach & Management Approach, and past performance Volume II: Price in accordance with FAR 16.5, pursuant to the Fair Opportunities rules.

Contractors are advised that award will be made to that contractor whose quote provides the combination of features that offers the best or greatest overall value to the Government. The Government is more concerned with obtaining performance capability superiority rather than lowest overall cost. However, the Government will not make an award at a significantly higher overall cost to the Government to achieve only slightly superior performance. Overall cost to the Government may become the ultimate factor for award of a contract as quotes become more equal based on other factors.

1.3 The Contracting Officer will use the Tradeoff Source Selection Process to determine which offer represents the best value to the Government. This process allows the Contracting Officer to consider making award to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror. This process permits tradeoffs among price and non-price factors and allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced quote.

1.4 The evaluation will be based on the demonstrated capabilities of the prospective Contractors in relation to the needs of the project as set forth in the SOW. The merits of each quote will be evaluated carefully. Each quote must document the feasibility of successful implementation of requirements of the SOW. The Contractor shall submit information sufficient to evaluate their quotes based on the criteria below.

1.5 Adjectival/color ratings will be used to evaluate quotes – Outstanding (blue), Satisfactory (Green), Marginal (Yellow), Unacceptable (Red) for Volume I. Past Performance will be evaluated using adjectival/color ratings Outstanding (blue), Satisfactory (Green), Marginal (Yellow), Unacceptable (Red) and Neutral (White) under Volume I. Pricing will be evaluated under commercial pricing FAR 15.404-1(b)(2). An overall rating will be established for quotes received in line with Section 5 of this RFQ for Volume II.

2 EVALUATION FACTORS AND CRITERIA:

2.1. Relative Order of Importance Terminology. An evaluation of all offers will be made in accordance with the criteria set forth below. Evaluation criteria consist of four factors. In order to provide the Offeror with an understanding of the significance assigned by the Government, the factors are assigned a relative order of importance. The following terminology is used:

2.1.1 Significantly More Important: The factor or sub-factor is substantially more important

17 | P a g e than another factor or sub-factor. The factor or sub-factor is given far more consideration than another factor or sub-factor.

Volume I:

Factor 1: Technical Approach

- Factor 2: Managerial Approach o Key Personnel

- Factor 3: Past performance

Volume II:

- Price

2.1.2 The relative importance of the evaluation factors and elements are as follows:

1. Technical Approach, Management Approach, and Past Performance combined are significantly more important than Price.

2. Where the selection official reasonably regards quotes being essentially equal with respect to the Technical Approach, Management Approach and Past Performance factors, Price can become the determining factor in making the selection as to the “Best Value Offeror”.

3. To receive consideration for selection, a rating of no less than Acceptable must be achieved for Technical Approach and Management Approach.

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Provisions

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

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

http://www.acquisition.gov

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

52.203-18 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements – Representation

JAN 2017

52.204-7 System for Award Management OCT 2018 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting AUG 2020 52.209-2 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations

Representation

NOV 2015

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items NOV 2021 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain

Activities or Transactions Relating to Iran—Representation and Certifications

JUN 2020

(End of provision)

52.217-5 Evaluation of Options.

As prescribed in 17.208(c), insert a provision substantially the same as the following:

EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (JULY 1990)

Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

http://www.acquisition.gov/ https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-17#FAR_17_208 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-17#FAR_17_206

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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 the provision at 52.204-26, Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services—Representation, or in paragraph (v) of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items.

(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”.

https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-26-covered-telecommunications-equipment-or-services-representation#id19CAC0P0ESS https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52212-3-offeror-representations-and-certifications-commercial-items#i1060550 https://www.acquisition.gov/content/52204-25-prohibition-contracting-certain-telecommunications-and-video-surveillance-services-or-equipment#id1989I600I4C https://www.sam.gov/

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(d) Representation. The Offeror represents that— (1)It 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…