Statement of Work-Instron.docx

Statement of Work / Performance Work Statement Title: Instron Upgrade

Period of performance of this contract is: June 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025 Base Period: June 1, 2024 to March 1, 2025

SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND

The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducts physical performance assessments to evaluate the physical strength properties of textiles used to create personal protective equipment (PPE) from various industries, such as health care and firefighting. To evaluate the physical properties of a textile, the use of a tensile testing system is required. NIOSH purchased a tensile testing system from Instron several years ago, and it has been used in the H1513 PPE Laboratory across many projects to conduct these baseline assessments of PPE products. NIOSH is continuing to utilize this instrument for many current projects that assess the effects of decontamination, laundering, etc. on PPE by quantifying the degradation to the physical properties of the textile. To ensure that the highest quality data is being produced and validity of the instrument is preserved for years to come, the instrument requires these hardware and software upgrades to stay in a calibrated working condition.

SECTION 2 – PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

This procurement will involve the manufacturer, Instron, making upgrades and updates to the existing Instron tensile testing system in the H1513 PPE Laboratory at the Morgantown NIOSH campus. The overall objects is to modernize the tensile testing system so that it continues to function at a high level of quality while also making testing more efficient. The equipment to be upgraded is highly technical and only a trained Instron technician can calibrate the equipment and perform these upgrades because of the proprietary hardware and software involved.

SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

Instron will complete an upgrade service on the Instron Tensile Testing system and will ensure the instrumentation produces consistent, accurate results. All service, parts, and calibration equipment will be provided and conducted by Instron. Instron will provide system warranty support services during the first year after installation of upgrade.

SECTION 4 – TASKS TO BE PERFORMED

Task 1: Instron 5569AR3641 Upgrade Installation

1. Instron 5569AR3641 Hardware Retrofit Upgrade Package:

a. Install Retrofit Kit for 2-10kN Dual Column TM Machines

b. Install Smart-close Pneumatic Air Control Kit with footswitch

c. Install Model 6800 Series Sensor Conditioner Card

d. Install 21.5 Inch Operator Dashboard/PC Interface

2. Instron 5569AR3641 Software Upgrade: Bluehill Software Upgrade:

a. Install Bluehill Universal upgrade for existing Bluehill 1 or Bluehill 2 license

b. Onsite software integration, introduction to Bluehill fundamentals and test method development.

Task 2: Calibration of Instron 5569AR3641 Tensile Testing System

1. Standard Force Verification

a. 0-300kN (0-67, 442lbf), BOTH DIRECTIONS (Tension and Compression), 3 load cells.

2. Enhanced Crosshead Speed (ASTM E2658) and Displacement Verification (ASTM E2309)

a. Both directions, no load, and not cyclic.

3. Standard ASTM D83 Strain Verification 2

SECTION 5 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government shall provide basic facility access. Access shall include use of standard utilities, restrooms, and break areas. Vendor shall be allowed temporary use and control of test systems for installation, testing, and verification purposes. Vendor shall be allowed temporary use of government owned basic hand tools, if necessary.

SECTION 6 – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE AND CONTRACT SUPPORT HOURS

SUBSECTION A – PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

1095 Willowdale Rd.

Morgantown, WV 26505

All work will be performed at the location of the respective instrument, NIOSH Morgantown, WV site. On site work should be limited to installation, verification, testing, and troubleshooting.

SUBSECTION B – CONTRACT SUPPORT HOURS

Service work will be performed during normal business hours (8 am – 4 pm) unless other arrangements are made in advance with NIOSH/NPPTL Morgantown site personnel. Vendor shall coordinate with government technician prior to scheduling on site services.

SECTION 7 – TRAVEL

Travel will be in accordance with / and not to exceed the Federal Travel Regulation rates. Travel costs are included in the upgrade installation prices. There is no funded travel for government personnel associated with this contract.

SECTION 8 – DELIVERABLES/REPORTING SCHEDULE

All tasks shall be complete in full by the completion of the period of performance. The vendor, Instron, may deliver any task at any time during the period of performance at the vendor’s discretion. It is expected that all system components will be delivered and installed in advance of the project completion to allow for verification, testing, and revisions, if needed.

SECTION 9 – REFERENCE MATERIALS

N/A.

SECTION 10 – MINIMUM VENDOR QUALIFICATIONS

Contract shall be awarded as a sole source action. All work must be completed by a trained Instron technician. Instron is the manufacturer of all the equipment on this procurement and therefore has engineers and technicians specifically trained to perform the work described above on the instrument. No other vendor has these qualifications.

SECTION 11 – ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Information Security and Privacy N/A

Human Subjects Protections in Research N/A

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) N/A

Printing N/A

Special Considerations Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Notice

(a) Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d), as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Electronic and Information (EIT) Accessibility Standards (36 CFR part 1194), require that when Federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology, Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

(b) Accordingly, any offeror responding to this solicitation must comply with established HHS EIT accessibility standards. Information about Section 508 is available at http://www.hhs.gov/web/508. The complete text of the Section 508 Final Provisions can be accessed at http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/standards.htm.

(c) The Section 508 accessibility standards applicable to this contract are: 1194.

205 WCAG 2.0 Level A & AA Success Criteria 302 Functional Performance Criteria 502 Inoperability with Assistive Technology 503 Applications 504 Authoring Tools 602 Support Documentation 603 Support Services

In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed EIT supplies meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must submit an HHS Section 508 Product Assessment Template, in accordance with its completion instructions. The purpose of the template is to assist HHS acquisition and program officials in determining whether proposed EIT supplies conform to applicable Section 508 accessibility standards. The template allows offerors or developers to self-evaluate their supplies and documentation detail - whether they conform to a specific Section 508 accessibility standard, and any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues. Instructions for preparing the HHS Section 508 Evaluation Template are available under Section 508 policy on the HHS Web site http://hhs.gov/web/508.

In order to facilitate the Government's determination whether proposed EIT services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, offerors must provide enough information to assist the Government in determining that the EIT services conform to Section 508 accessibility standards, including any underway remediation efforts addressing conformance issues.

(d) Respondents to this solicitation must identify any exception to Section 508 requirements. If a offeror claims its supplies or services meet applicable Section 508 accessibility standards, and it is later determined by the Government, i.e., after award of a contract or order, that supplies or services delivered do not conform to the accessibility standards, remediation of the supplies or services to the level of conformance specified in the contract will be the responsibility of the Contractor at its expense.

(e) Electronic content must be accessible to HHS acceptance criteria. Checklist for various formats is available at http://508.hhs.gov/, or from the Section 508 Coordinator listed at https://www.hhs.gov/web/section-508/additional-resources/section-508-contacts/index.html. Materials that are final items for delivery should be accompanied by the appropriate checklist, except upon approval of the Contracting Officer or Representative.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR OFFICE OF ACQUISITION SERVICES

[This section contains information for communication with the Contracting Officer, etc. The COR will confirm what is required, suggested, optional or applicable by the section.] If this requirement is a sole source/8(a), the COR should provide the contractor name and POC if it is available

SECTION 1 – PROPOSED CONTRACT TYPE

[Identify the type of contract that is being requested.]

[ENTER TEXT FOR CONTRACT TYPE NEEDED HERE]

SECTION 2 – OPTIONAL SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

SUBSECTION A – PAYMENT CLAUSES

[Describe how the contractor will be paid. If applicable, describe special payment terms here. For example, note if and how partial payments are authorized, or if advanced payments are authorized (such as for subscriptions) in accordance with FAR 13.302-5(b).]

[ENTER TEXT FOR PAYMENT CLAUSES NEEDED HERE]

SUBSECTION B – DATA RIGHTS CLAUSES

[Identify the data rights for the contract and which clause(s) should be included in accordance with FAR 27.409. For consideration, FAR 52.227-14 and FAR 52.227-17 are most commonly referenced.]

[ENTER TEXT FOR DATA RIGHTS CLAUSES NEEDED HERE]

SECTION 3 – EVALUATION FACTORS

[Technical evaluation factors permit an objective assessment of the merits of individual proposals against standards and the requirement described in the solicitation, rather than against other proposals. Technical evaluation factors should be tailored for the specific requirement. Price evaluation is also required.]

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SUBSECTION A – TECHNICAL

[This criterion will be evaluated according to the soundness, practicality, and feasibility of the Contractor’s technical approach for providing the services required for this solicitation. The table below is optional.

The COR should specify the evaluation criteria that will help the Contracting Officer select/develop the source selection process that will be used to evaluate the Contractor’s approach. Identify any tradeoff considerations between cost, schedule, and other nonprice factors.

Specify the order of importance of the proposal sections for technical evaluation criteria (e.g., technical approach and understanding, management plan, staffing plan, similar experience). See Appendix B for sample technical evaluation criteria language, to be used as a starting point for determining technical evaluation criteria specific to the needs of the SOW/PWS.]

COR should also specify the page number limit preferences and if there are any formatting preferences (font, etc).

Technical Evaluation Criteria:

This solicitation will be awarded to the Offeror whose proposal is considered to be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors identified below considered.

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SUBSECTION B – PROCUREMENT POINT OF CONTACT (POC) INFORMATION

COR/POC: [ENTER TEXT HERE]

Telephone Number: [ENTER TEXT HERE] E-mail Address: [ENTER TEXT HERE] Preferred method of communication: [ENTER TEXT HERE]

APPENDIX A: SAMPLE DELIVERABLES IN NARRATIVE FORMAT

NOTE: This is a sample and MUST be tailored to the specific requirements needed to best manage the deliverables of the solicitation.

· All Tasks

· Monthly Status Report – The Contractor shall prepare and submit monthly technical progress reports in narrative form which shall contain technical results of the work accomplished during the reporting period. This report shall be in sufficient detail to disclose all work started and results achieved during the reporting period, an indication of any current problems which may impede performance, the proposed corrective action, and the work forecast for the next period. This document shall report progress and planning so as to correspond with the work schedule contained in the Center approved program plan.

· Format: delivered electronically in MS Word

· Due date: by the 10th calendar day of each month

· Deliver to: Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

· Final Report – Upon completion of all work under the contract, the Contractor shall prepare and submit to the Government a final report covering in detail all the work accomplished under the contract. The final report shall document and summarize the entire contract work and shall include recommendations and conclusions based on the experience and results obtained. The final report shall include tables, graphs, photos, and diagrams in sufficient detail to comprehensively explain the results achieved under the contract. The report shall also include an analysis of salient findings, a presentation of general conclusions, and any guidance or recommendations deemed pertinent for future consideration by the ______________ [Insert Program Office name]. [Optional: The Government shall be allowed sixty (60) days to review the draft and notify the Contractor in writing of approval or of recommended changes to be made in the final copy. If the Government does not approve or recommend changes within sixty (60) days of receipt of the draft final report, the report shall be deemed approved.]

· Format: delivered electronically in MS Word

· Due date: [Optional: draft due 60 days before the end of period of performance]; Final report due NLT by the end of the period of performance

· Deliver to: COR

APPENDIX B: SAMPLE TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

NOTE: This is a sample and MUST be tailored to the specific requirements needed to best evaluate and distinguish between offerors. Consider the scope, size, and complexity of the SOW/PWS to determine how/if the sample criteria below should be reduced or simplified.

Offeror shall demonstrate that the offeror’s plan to accomplish the effort is feasible, efficient, and effective, including recognition of potential performance difficulties/risks and appropriateness and soundness of proposed solutions. The Government will perform a qualitative technical review of proposals. The technical evaluation will be performed in accordance with the following:

1. Technical Approach The Offeror shall provide a discussion of their technical approach for providing the services required for this solicitation. The Offeror shall provide their understanding of the task requirements, solicitation objectives, and the operating environment. The Government will evaluate the quality and feasibility of the methodology and performance techniques describing how the Offeror proposes to perform each task.

The Offeror shall provide a Project Plan describing the process and approach they propose to use in successfully completing this project. [Optional: The Project Plan may be included in an appendix and will not count toward page count requirements.] The Project Plan should correlate to the Offeror’s price/cost proposal. The Offeror shall specifically address aspects such as technical understanding, methodology and approach, along with the sub-factors listed below:

a. Provide a detailed and comprehensive statement of the problem, scope, and purpose of the project to demonstrate complete understanding of the intent and requirements of the contract.

b. Describe the proposed technical approach to comply with each of the requirements specified in this solicitation. The proposal must be consistent with the stated goals and objectives. The proposed approach must ensure the achievement of timely and acceptable performance and will include a milestone and/or phasing charts to illustrate a logical sequence of proposed events.

c. Discuss the plan and solutions for overcoming difficulties involved with performing the work requirements.

2. Staffing Plan The Offeror shall provide a staffing plan that demonstrates their understanding of the labor requirements for this solicitation and the personnel required to complete said requirements. The plan should address the proposed labor categories, descriptions of the services to be provided, estimated labor hours, etc. The Government will evaluate the plan and staffing to be used, as well as perform a discussion of problems likely to occur along with plans for addressing said problems.

The Offeror shall provide qualified technical labor resources in numbers adequate to address the technical and administrative requirements and deliverable schedules outlined in the solicitation. The description shall also include:

a. A staffing matrix showing type and number of staffing resources readily available for the base effort, including their role and breakdowns by skill sets, security clearances, and any related technical certifications. The matrix of proposed personnel shall also include their experience, education, and qualifications to do the job. The backgrounds of the personnel will reflect the length and variety of experience and expertise in tasks similar to the tasks required by this project and any relevant training. The percentage of time each staff member shall contribute to the program will be adequately identified. The Offeror shall provide resumes for proposed Key Personnel and indicate the extent to which outside consultants or specialists will be used and evidence of availability. [Optional: Resumes may be included in an appendix and will not count toward page count requirements.]

b. A description of the Offeror’s approach to rapidly obtain and/or replace qualified staffing resources to support existing and new solicitation work and to meet changing workload requirements, including a table showing employee turnover rates for each of the past two years.

c. [A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required for this solicitation. This requirement does not apply to small business concerns. The HHS Small Business Subcontracting Template must be submitted with the proposal.] The Offeror is to provide information to support the qualifications of subcontractors as well. The Offeror shall identify any portions of the solicitation that shall be performed by subcontractors. This information must include the subcontracting firm, the specific duties that shall be performed by the subcontractor, and labor categories.

3. Management Approach The Offeror shall provide a management plan that describes their approach for managing the work, identifying the roles and responsibilities of pertinent players, and subcontracting management plans, if applicable. The Offeror shall demonstrate an overall understanding of the project and adequacy and feasibility of plans to address all items in the solicitation.

This includes the detailed description of specific tasks to be performed, methods and resources to be used and a discussion of problems likely to occur and plans for addressing them.

a. The Offeror shall describe their organizational structure and how they propose to manage this task, including a discussion of timelines and issues. Document the decision-making authority of the project director as related to other elements of the organization, including subcontractors if applicable.

b. The Offeror shall provide rationale for their management approach.

c. The Offeror shall describe the methodology for managing the task, performance measures they will use to monitor performance, any management tools they will use, how they will ensure quality products are delivered, how they will mitigate risk and how they will communicate. Offeror shall adequately describe the resources they propose to complete the work described in the PWS and a rationale for their proposed approach. The Offeror shall identify any resources (facilities, hardware, software, communications, etc.) that would be required above and beyond that already addressed as part of this PWS.

d. The Offeror shall clearly indicate how the metrics in the PWS will be monitored and corrective action taken if appropriate. The Offeror shall specify its approach for maintaining control of all contract change management issues.

e. The Offerors shall provide (1) a detailed description of how conflicts are managed; (2) a plan to ensure client satisfaction; and (3) a measurement of fiscal responsibility and accountability paying particular attention to the deliverable timeline in this solicitation.

f. The Offeror shall identify anticipated management barriers and risks. The Offeror shall provide a description of their approach to risk management during the solicitation from a management perspective and the planned actions to mitigate or eliminate risks.

g. Offeror shall identify (if any) assumptions or conditions relating to their Management Plan and Other Qualification Information. The Government reserves the right to reject any proposal that includes any assumption or condition that adversely impacts or affects the Government’s requirement.

4. Similar Experience The Government will evaluate the offeror’s narrative description of three (3) relevant contracts similar in scope, size, and complexity performed within the last three (3) years. The Government will evaluate the suitability of the offeror’s similar experience descriptions to determine whether this experience exhibits the ability to successfully support the requirements of the solicitation and the offeror’s quoted technical approach. The following information shall be provided for each project reference:

a. Contract number, customer/agency name and contract title;

b. Brief narrative description of the work performed for each of those contracts, including a discussion of any problems encountered/corrective actions and significant accomplishments;

c. Dollar value, contract type, period of performance, place of performance, and the number and types of personnel used in the performance of the contract; and

d. Name, address, and phone number of at least two (2) customer contacts (e.g., COR, Contracting Officer, Program POC, Project Officer) for each of the identified contracts.