TS-2663-1101135-2.02 1.25.2025.docx

JPL Subcontractor Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements – Form 2885

Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena CA 91109-8099

Date: 2/26/2025 Attn: Prospective Proposers

Subject: SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE.

JPL Request for Proposal (RFP) No. TS-2663-1101135 for 5X MISSION ASSURANCE SUPPORT SERVICES RECOMPETE

Reference: Attachments

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) invites your organization to submit one written Time & Material proposal in conformance with the instructions contained in this letter and its enclosures, which comprise the RFP for JPL’s acquisition of the subject effort.

This RFP does not commit JPL or the Government of the United States to pay any costs incurred in submitting your proposal. Proposers participate in this RFP process solely at their own risk and expense. JPL reserves the right to cancel this RFP and to reject any or all proposals.

Within JPL, there is a Mission Assurance Division (5X) which manages the Reliability Engineering and Mission Environmental Assurance Office, the Quality Assurance Office, the Electronic Parts Engineering Office, and the System Safety Engineering Office. There is also the Mechanical Systems Engineering, Fabrication and Test Division which manages the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering Office. These offices are responsible for providing specialized technical engineering services for all JPL in-house projects/missions. These services include engineering support in the following areas: reliability, environments, electromagnetic compatibility, probabilistic risk assessment, quality assurance and inspection, electronic parts engineering and failure analysis, structural analysis and hardware engineering.

This competitive solicitation will result in the award of multiple subcontracts. As a result of this RFP, two (2) subcontracts will be awarded to one (1) source as follows:

1. 5X Mission Assurance Support Services requiring Subcontractor labor category A – Staff Augmentation.

2. 5X Mission Assurance Support Services requiring Subcontractor labor category Z – Task-Based.

Please see Technical/Management Proposal Instructions within this RFP for additional information regarding the two distinctive labor categories.

The subcontracts awarded as a result of this RFP will be in effect for four (4) years with the possible award of two options for three (3) years each. The subcontract that this effort will succeed is scheduled to expire this calendar year. A phase-in period is planned between the award of this subcontract and the expiration of the existing subcontract.

Please note that this is a small business set-aside. For small businesses participating in this RFP, the APEX Accelerators can provide guidance to small businesses in Government Contracting and other free services such as counseling, training, workshops, etc. APEX website: www.apexaccelerators.us An additional resource for small businesses is the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC program is the SBA’s largest small business development program and offer free services as well.

SBDC Website: https://pcrsbdc.org/

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and description for this acquisition is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The size standard for this NAICS code is <1,000 employees. Additional information can be found here: https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards.

Provide your CAGE Code and the name of your cognizant Government Audit Agency (i.e. DCAA, etc.), if any, their phone number and point of contact, and a copy of the letter that indicates their approval of your organization’s direct and indirect rates. Submit your proposal by email to the undersigned.

If a joint venture business is proposing, each joint venture partner must qualify as a Small Business under NAICS Code 541715. See 13 CFR § 125.8(a). Each entity that is a partner to the joint venture should complete the A-22 Small Business Joint Venture certificate set forth in the RFP.

A mentor-protégé joint venture consisting of a protégé Small Business and its SBA-approved mentor may also submit an offer, provided that the protégé is small under NAICS Code 541715. See 13 CFR § 121.103(h)(2)(ii). Each entity that is a partner to the joint venture should complete the A-22 Small Business Joint Venture certificate set forth in the RFP. Mentor-protégé joint ventures must also provide proof that they have been approved by SBA at the time they submit their proposal. See 13 C.F.R. § 125.9.

If an entity submits a proposal as a joint venture, JPL may consider and evaluate the relevant capabilities, past performance, experience, business systems, and certifications of each separate business entity forming the joint venture, as well as the joint venture itself.

While there might be circumstances in which extensive experience by a mentor in an SBA-approved mentor protégé joint venture might offset critical requirements by a protégé, it would be best if both members of the joint venture meet the critical required experience. Any proposer who does not have the required experience will not be a viable competitor, has no reasonable chance of competing and is expressly discouraged from proposing.

PROPOSERS ARE ADVISED THAT JPL HAS IDENTIFIED MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS RFP. THE MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS ARE TO PROVIDE THE PROSPECTIVE PROPOSER WITH A BASIS FOR DETERMINING WHETHER OR NOT THEY MIGHT MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF AWARD. PROPOSERS MUST MEET THE MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS BY TIME OF SOLICITATION AND AT THE TIME OF AWARD IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED A SELECTED SOURCE AND THEREBY ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROPOSER ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Satisfy the specific NAICS Code, 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, size standard of up to 1,000 employees. Proposers must review https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards and complete the acknowledgement form (A-1) set forth in the RFP to satisfy NAIC Code requirements.

2. Proposer must have had at any one time, within the last 12 months prior to the issuance date of this RFP, a minimum of 30 bona fide employees employed in labor categories of similar nature to those required by JPL. Evidence shall include payroll records specifying payroll week ending date, employee name, and job title. Documentation submitted shall be from the same single week in the past 12 months.

Failure to provide any of the data requested in this RFP may render the proposal nonresponsive.

Important Dates:

Part I must include the Mandatory Qualifications, Technical, and Past Performance proposal. This part addresses the RFP's Technical and Past Performance proposal instructions. Additional instructions for Past Performance can be found in Attachment A-14 of this RFP.

Part II must include the Management and Cost/Price proposal addressing the RFP’s Management and Cost/Price proposal instructions and evaluation criteria.

Part III must include electronically submitted slides to be used during the Oral/Virtual Presentation.

Should you have any questions, please address them to the undersigned by e mail.

Sincerely, Tiffany M Smith Subcontracts Manager Phone No.: (818) 354-1623 E-mail: tiffany.m.smith@jpl.nasa.gov

Attachments: RFP consisting of:

• Cover Sheet and Table of Contents

• General Instructions

• Technical/Management Instructions

• Cost/Price Instructions

• RFP Attachments

Standard Subcontract consisting of:

• Standard Subcontract

• Referenced Exhibits

• Referenced GPs & AGPs

• Subcontract Form Set

GENERAL INFORMATION

Note to all Proposers:

Under the JPL/NASA Prime Contract the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) operates the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) funded by NASA that conducts research and development in space science and other science areas specified or approved by NASA. See FAR 35.017 for description of FFRDC. JPL is also the name of an unincorporated subdivision of Caltech a private non-profit educational institution chartered under the laws of the State of California. JPL is not an agent of the Government.

In connection with research performed under JPL/NASA Prime Contract, JPL is frequently called upon to obtain and evaluate cost or pricing data submitted by subcontractors as required by FAR 15.402, 15.403-4(b) and 15.404-2(a). JPL is authorized to obtain proposal evaluations and rates and factors from either DCMA or the appropriate contract administrative/audit activities as necessary to evaluate a prospective subcontractor’s proposal.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NO.:TS-2663-1101135

FOR: 5X MISSION ASSURANCE SUPPORT SERVICES RECOMPETE

PROPOSALS ARE TO BE RECEIVED AT JPL NO LATER THAN:

· Part I – Due Date: March 28, 2025, Local Time: 3:00 p.m.

PROPOSERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO MOVE ON AFTER THE EVALUATION OF PART I TO SUBMIT PART II AND III

COMMUNICATIONS IN REFERENCE TO THIS RFP

Any communication in reference to this RFP must be via email and directed to:

California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory 4800 Oak Grove Drive Pasadena, CA 91109-8099

Date of Issuance: 2/26/2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RFP No.: TS-2663-1101135

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS………………………………………………………………………. 1

TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS………………………………… 8

1.0 MANDATORY QUALIFICATION(S)

2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PRICE INSTRUCTIONS…………………………………………………………………………….. 11

ATTACHMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION. See form JPL 2839 for a list of Attachments

• Group A Attachments must be completed and attached to your proposal, Part I.

• Group B Attachments consist of forms and documents for informational purposes only. Note

• Both A and B Attachments can be found through the electronic address identified below as:

https://acquisition.jpl.nasa.gov/terms-conditions/

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

1.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION

The effort to be performed will be in accordance with the Standard Subcontract. JPL reserves the right to retain all proposal information submitted in response to this RFP.

1.1 Proprietary Information

If the proposal contains Proprietary Information that is not to be disclosed, you must place the following wording on the cover sheet of each electronic file:

“Proprietary Information contained in pages _____________ of this proposal furnished in connection with RFP No. TS-2663-1101135 shall not be used or disclosed, except for evaluation purposes, provided that if a subcontract is awarded to this offeror as a result of or in connection with the submission of this proposal, JPL and the Government shall have the right to use or disclose this Proprietary Information to the extent provided in the subcontract. This restriction does not limit JPL’s right to use or disclose any Proprietary Information obtained from another source without restriction.”

1.2 Requests for Clarification/RFP Addenda

During the proposal preparation period, all requests for clarification and/or additional information must be submitted by e-mail to the Subcontracts Manager referenced on the RFP cover page. When appropriate, responses to requests, as well as any JPL initiated changes, will be provided to known prospective proposer(s) as addenda to the RFP.

1.3 Compliance with Export Control Laws and Regulations

In the performance of this RFP, JPL may exchange information or other technology which may be subject to the export control laws and regulations of the United States, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. 120-130 and the Export Administration Act Regulations (EAR), 15 C.F.R. 730-774. All proposing parties agree to fully comply with all such laws and regulations while participating in this RFP process.

1.4 Proposals via Email Only

Proposals are to be submitted only as an attachment(s) to an e-mail, and must:

• Have a scanned signature or an e-signature.

• Provide files in the following format: Microsoft Office family, Adobe (text-searchable), or a compatible format. For cost/price data, the format should be Excel or compatible.

• Not be an “.exe” or encrypted file or have multiple file extensions (e.g., doc.pdf). JPL IT Security system may reject multiple file extensions for suspected malicious content.

• Be sent to the Subcontracts Manager referenced by “Attention:” on the RFP cover page.

• BE 20MB OR LESS in total size for the entire e-mail (including all attachments, signatures, text contained in the body of the e-mail, company logos, etc.). If your email exceeds 20MB, the proposal must be sent in more than one email or using a mutually agreeable large file transfer system.

• NOTE: If you received this RFP via JPL’s large file transfer system, you may create an account by following the link in the original RFP email and use it to submit your proposal. (Please note JPL’s large file transfer tool has a limit of 80GB per transfer).

• Notify the Subcontracts Manager referenced on the JPL RFP Cover Page if multiple e-mails are needed for a given volume of your proposal (e.g., technical/Management, Cost, or Past Performance).

• If the submission of more than one email or large file transfer is required, then ALL emails and large file transfers must be received on the JPL server by the time and date stated on the RFP cover sheet. Allow sufficient time for electronic submission.

2.0 LATE E-MAIL PROPOSALS:

Any proposal, portion of a proposal, or proposal revision received at JPL after the date and time specified on the cover page of this RFP may not be considered for evaluation and award, except under any of the following circumstances:

2.1 JPL determines that the proposal was late due solely to mishandling by JPL or infrastructure disruption at JPL after receipt at JPL, provided that the timely receipt at JPL is evidenced by JPL email server time stamp.

2.2 No acceptable proposals are received as of the proposal due date and time.

2.3 If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal JPL operation thereby affecting timely receipt of proposals nor can an amendment to extend be issued, the time specified for receipt of proposal will be extended to the same time on the first work day of normal operations.

2.4 JPL may, at its sole discretion to enhance competition, extend the due date for proposals after the due date currently set forth in the RFP or if any extension thereto has passed.

3.0 RESERVED

4.0 PROPOSAL FORMAT

Your proposal shall be submitted in the following parts by the dates specified on the RFP Title Page:

• Part I – Mandatory Qualifications, Technical, and Past Performance Proposal (Written):

addresses the RFP's technical and past performance proposal instructions. Additional instructions for past performance can be found in Attachment A-14 of this RFP.

PROPOSERS WHO ARE NOTIFIED TO MOVE ON AFTER THE EVALUATION OF PART I, WILL NEED TO SUBMIT PART II. ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE PART II WILL BE PROVIDED VIA E-MAIL PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE.

• Part II – Management and Cost/Price proposal (Written): Addresses the RFP’s management and cost/price proposal instructions and evaluation criteria.

PROPOSERS WHO ARE NOTIFIED TO MOVE ON AFTER THE EVALUATION OF PART II WILL NEED TO SUBMIT PART III. ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THE PART II WILL BE PROVIDED VIA E-MAIL PRIOR TO THE DUE DATE.

• Part III – Technical and Management proposal (electronically submitted slides to be used during Oral/Virtual Presentation). Presentation shall address all the RFP's Technical/Management Proposal Instruction’s and evaluation criteria (T1, T2, M1-M4). Part III shall be submitted on the date specified to the Subcontracts Manager and shall be presented on the Oral/ Virtual Proposal Presentation (OVPP) date, as submitted, without any additions or alterations from the original slides submitted to JPL.

5.0 ORAL/VIRTUAL PROPOSAL PRESENTATION (OVPP) INFORMATION

Note: Proposers who are notified to move forward will have the option to present either in-person OR virtually.

Oral/Virtual Presentation: Proposers will be notified to provide an oral or virtual presentation (Part III of your proposal), in addition to the written Parts I and II, will be used for final evaluation and selection. The slides for this presentation shall be submitted on the date specified in the RFP and may not be edited or altered prior to the day of the Oral/Virtual Proposal Presentation. The first step of the oral process will be an oral presentation, to be presented at JPL, consisting of your response to the Technical/Management Instructions as outlined by your PowerPoint (or equivalent) proposal. The PowerPoint provided in Part III is intended to be what is presented during your oral presentation, recognizing that some additional verbal explanation beyond the words on the PowerPoint is sometimes needed to fully explain some issues or points. The presentation will be followed by a JPL caucus, and then a question and answer period held that same day.

5.1.2 Seven (7) calendar days prior to proposer’s OVPP, JPL will notify each proposer of its date to present its OVPP. JPL will determine the OVPP dates.

5.1.3 Three (3) working days before the scheduled date of the OVPP, JPL may submit advance written questions concerning any parts of your proposal.

5.2 Day of OVPP (in the following order):

5.2.1 OVPP: Part III of proposal to be presented: (i) orally; and (ii) be based on the previously submitted presentation slides, which are to be shown in concert with the OVPP. The time allotted for the OVPP is 2 hours. You may organize your presentation and allocate your time in any manner you see fit; keeping in mind, however, the relative weight of each evaluation criterion, specified in Volume I of the RFP, and your ability to cover the material submitted.

5.2.1.1 JPL will formulate questions during the OVPP to be asked by JPL during the communications of Paragraph 5.23 below. Although JPL will attempt to not interrupt the presenters during the OVPP, if requested by JPL the proposer may offer additional verbal explanations of the submitted presentation slides during the OVPP.

5.2.1.2 The OVPP shall address any JPL-submitted advanced questions per Paragraph 5.1 above.

5.2.2 JPL Caucus: After the OVPP, JPL will caucus for up to two (2) hours which may result in subsequent communications pursuant to 5.2.3 below.

5.2.3 Communications: On the same day, or as otherwise directed by JPL, after the OVPP of Paragraph 5.2.1, JPL may, at its discretion, conduct communications to clarify proposal ambiguities or other concerns/issues, such as perceived deficiencies, weaknesses and/or strengths, errors, omissions or mistakes in proposal, assess proposed personnel and costs, or to clarify past performance information [if any], when deemed necessary.

5.2.4 The OVPP and any communications will not be recorded by JPL or the presenter. Total Time for OVPP, lunch, JPL caucus, and any communications is anticipated to not take over eight (8) hours.

6.0 SOURCE EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

NOTE: JPL, at its discretion, may waive minor informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received, and will not complete the initial evaluation of any proposal when it is determined that the proposal is unacceptable per NASA Far Supplement 1815.305-70.

Source selection is based on the following:

6.1 Proposal Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated and scored according to the criteria described in the Technical/Management Proposal Instructions of the RFP.

• Although cost/price will not be scored, the proposed cost/price shall be a substantial factor in source selection and is of lesser importance than the combined technical and management areas.

• The closer the proposers are in the qualitative (evaluated) technical and/or management areas, the more important cost/price can become.

• JPL may select a source whose qualitative merits are lower but who’s lower cost/price is commensurate with providing the best overall “value.” Conversely, a source may be selected whose cost/price is higher, but its higher qualitative merits are commensurate with providing best overall “value.”

This is a small business set-aside. In efforts to increase opportunity for small businesses, sources who meet two or more categories (small disadvantage, woman-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, etc.) will receive additional consideration once technical, management, and cost/price areas are factored. Small business classifications will not be scored and is of lesser importance to the combined technical, management, and cost/price areas. In the event there are two or more sources eligible for award, and no more than a 50-point difference, the tie-breaking priority will be the source who meets two or more small business categories. In the event both sources meet two or more small business categories, the tie-breaking priority will be Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, and HubZone, respectively.

The proposal evaluation process is as follows:

6.1.1 Initial Evaluation: Proposals are evaluated against the pre-set areas of evaluation outlined in the Technical/Management Proposal instructions of the RFP. An analysis of the cost/price details (if applicable) is performed and proposed costs/prices are compared.

6.1.2 Cost/Price Proposal Adjustments: Cost/price proposals are reviewed for mathematical accuracy, rate application, omissions, and reasonableness. If the Buy American Act or rent-free use of Government-furnished property applies, the cost/price will be adjusted as required for the purpose of evaluation.

6.1.4 Competitive Range Discussions: JPL may make source selection after the initial proposal evaluation or may conduct discussions with the proposers determined to be within the competitive range. The purpose of the discussions is to assist the evaluators in fully understanding each proposal by verifying strengths and weaknesses, discussing any omissions and ambiguities, verifying the validity of the proposed cost/price, assessing the proposed personnel and examining the proposer’s capabilities for performing the work. JPL may also request cost/price proposal clarifications in order to correct errors, omissions, or ambiguities in the proposal. NOTE: Only those cost/price clarifications specifically requested by JPL will be accepted.

6.1.5 Cost Realism: JPL’s final evaluation may include completing a thorough assessment of the cost/price realism of each proposal. In performing this assessment, JPL may develop a “probable cost” for each proposer. “Probable cost” is defined as JPL’s best estimate of the cost/price of any subcontract that is most likely to result from the offeror’s proposal.

1.1.6 Final Evaluation: Upon completion of the initial evaluation findings, any discussions including orals, and any cost/price clarifications, a final evaluation is conducted resulting in subcontractor selection for negotiations or award.

7.0 RESTRICTIVE MARKINGS

7.1 JPL’s Prime Contract with NASA contains important requirements regarding the protection and preservation of the Government’s technical data rights. The attached Standard Subcontract may require the delivery of technical and/or confidential-proprietary data. Limited rights data can be used by the Government and JPL in furtherance of Government contract obligations.

7.2 In your proposal, include a list of any technical and/or confidential-proprietary data that you expect to deliver to JPL in performance of the Standard Subcontract that will be marked with restrictive markings per the General Provisions entitled “Rights in Data – General” and “Limitation on Restrictive Markings.”

8.0 EXCEPTIONS/DECLINATIONS/ASSUMPTIONS

Any exceptions to either the RFP and/or Standard Subcontracts (including its exhibits), or equivalent assumptions, or a declination to provide the rate information requested in the Cost/Price Instructions, may make your proposal unacceptable for evaluation. For each and every exception, declination or assumption you must provide a detailed explanation and associated full rationale. Additionally, for each exception taken, provide the alternative language proposed. Place all this information in a separate document of your proposal entitled “Exceptions/Declinations/Assumptions.”

9.0 PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE

TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Present and organize your proposal in accordance with the following:

1.0 MANDATORY QUALIFICATION(s)

1.1 Proposers must meet the following mandatory qualifications at time of proposal submission in order to be considered a qualified source and thereby eligible for award. Include how you will meet these mandatory qualifications as a distinct section of your Technical/Management proposal.

1.1.1 Satisfy the specific NAICS Code, 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, size standard of up to 1,000 employees. Proposers must review https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards and complete the acknowledgement form set forth in the RFP to satisfy NAIC Code requirements.

1.1.2 Proposer must have had at any one time, within the last 12 months prior to the issuance date of this RFP, a minimum of 30 bona fide employees employed in labor categories of similar nature to those required by JPL. Evidence shall include payroll records specifying payroll week ending date, employee name, and job title. Documentation submitted shall be from the same single week in the past 12 months.

2.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.1 Mission Assurance Support Services (MASS) provides a variety of Mission Assurance support personnel. The subcontractor personnel possess a skill mix and level of expertise necessary to support the JPL Mission.

2.2 This mix is diverse and currently includes, but is not limited to, Reliability and Environmental Engineers, Quality Engineers and Inspectors, Components and Radiation Engineers, System Safety Engineers and Information Systems support of Mission Assurance activities.

2.3 MASS personnel are professionals typically with a bachelor’s or higher education requirement. Non-professional labor subject to the rules of the Service Contract Act is not anticipated under this subcontract.

2.4 Job titles and support descriptions of MASS personnel at JPL are provided in Exhibit 1 to the Standard Subcontract.

SUBCONTRACTOR LABOR CATEGORY INFORMATION

2.5 As stated in the RFP cover letter, this RFP will result in two (2) subcontracts that will be awarded to one (1) source as follows:

2.5.1 5X Mission Assurance Support Services requiring subcontractor labor category A – Staff Augmentation.

2.5.2 5X Mission Assurance Support Services requiring subcontractor labor category Z – Task-based.

Cat A versus Cat Z Distinguishing Factors

Staff Augmentation (Cat A) Task-based (Cat Z)

No term limitations

Contingent workers can be divided into two primary groups in terms of the way an JPL employs them: Staff Augmentation and Task-based affiliates.

2.6 Applicable definitions:

2.6.1 Affiliate: JPL subcontractor personnel, consultants, government personnel, industry partners, research associates, Caltech faculty, staff or students, and others who are working, conducting research or overseeing activities associated with the NASA prime contract, and, who require continuous or recurring access to JPL.

2.6.2 Staff Augmentation Affiliate: Temporary skilled subcontractor personnel who work closely under JPL supervision and is provided detailed written or oral guidance before and during assignments. These individuals may work on multiple assignments and support multiple projects at a time. Examples include: A Quality Assurance Inspector affiliate requested to support an inspection in a JPL technical lab for project “ABC” and project “XYZ” during the same period of performance.

2.6.3 Task-based Affiliate: Subcontractor personnel who do not work closely with JPL and who are given a specific task statement of work, deliverable, number of hours, and limited guidance. Examples include: JPL submits a Subcontract Work Order (SWO) requesting support to project “ABC” to perform a fault-tree analysis and the expected deliverable.

2.6.4 Subcontract Work Order (SWO): a bilateral document issued by JPL to authorize and define an affiliates specific labor classification, general required duties, period of performance, rate, and any other related contractual information.

2.7 JPL has no way to make an accurate estimate of the number of subcontractor personnel that will be required over the term of the subcontract; however, the following information is being provided to show the history of the previous subcontract known as the Mission Assurance Support Services (MASS) subcontract. The current level of MASS support is provided in the tables below. This includes part-time and on-call personnel:

QA Inspectors

QA Inspectors (remote, P/T)

2.8 The current number of MASS personnel working at JPL is a mixture of full-time and part-time positions, as well as Subcontract Management Staff. The current level of support is approximately 12 full time equivalents, out of a staff of 29. The peak number of MASS personnel working at JPL in the last three (3) years was equivalent to 52 Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs).

3.0 OPTION EVALUATION

3.1 The Standard Subcontracts contains an Option Article. Proposers shall submit a Cost/Price proposal inclusive of option(s). Although cost/price will not be scored, the proposed cost/price shall be a substantial factor in source selection and is of lesser importance than the combined technical and management areas.

4.0 DETAILED TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

JPL will evaluate Volume I of your proposal based on the requested information in the table below and subsequent “Technical/Management Criteria and Factors,” with respect to how your proposal meets the requirements of the Standard Subcontract. This evaluation may include any number of considerations as is appropriate for each area of evaluation such as suitability of the various areas of the technical/management approach, level of understanding of the requirements, the extent of insight into the technical/management challenges and their solution, effectiveness of management structure and, relevancy of corporate and/or personnel experience, as is appropriate for each area of evaluation.

TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT EVALUATION CRITERIA AND ORGANIZATION

TECHNICAL CRITERIA

Criterion T1: Related Experience: The degree to which the proposer's past performance demonstrates their ability to successfully perform this effort.

· Factor 1: Mission Assurance Experience

· Factor 2: Related NASA Experience

· Factor 3: Management Experience 250 points

Criterion T2: Personnel Qualifications: The degree to which the proposer possesses the personnel to successfully conduct this effort.

· Factor 1: Qualifications of Operations Manager

· Factor 2: Qualifications of Support Personnel 350 points

MANAGEMENT CRITERIA

Criterion M1: Staffing & Management Plan for Category A – Staff Augmentation Work: The degree to which the proposer's staffing plan demonstrates their ability to successfully staff employees to perform this effort.

· Factor 1: Staffing

· Factor 2: Labor Management

· Factor 3: Safety and Health Plan

· Factor 4: Operations Plan

· Factor 5: Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Plan 100 points

Criterion M2: Staffing & Management Plan for Category Z – Task-based Work: The degree to which the proposer's staffing plan demonstrates their ability to successfully staff employees to perform this effort.

· Factor 1: Staffing 100 points

Criterion M3: Subcontractor Labor Category Management & Transition Plan: the degree to which the proposer’s plan demonstrates the ability to manage two different labor categories:

· Factor 1: Operations

· Factor 2: Retention

· Factor 3: Training

· Factor 4: Transition Plan 125 points

Criterion M4: Organization & Management Plan: The degree to which the organizational structure and the role and responsibilities of the operations manager allow for successful performance of this effort.

· Factor 1: Organization Structure

· Factor 2: Management of Partnerships

· Factor 3: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) 75 points

*If “Page Limit” is checked: Any required page limitations included in an RFP shall be strictly enforced. A page is each face of a piece of paper containing substantive, evaluable information; page size: 8 ½” x 11”; any drawings/photos are included (foldouts will be considered 2 or more pages); single spacing minimum; font size not less than 10; all margins ½” or greater. If “Required” page limit, no pages beyond the number specified will be evaluated. Unless requested, mockups, models, samples, hardware, or software of any kind must not be furnished and will not be considered.

TECHNICAL/MANAGEMENT CRITERIA AND FACTORS

Factors are not assigned weightings. All factors for a given criteria are not listed in any order of importance and are accounted for when scoring that criterion.

1.0 Introduction

This portion of the proposal instructions sets forth the requirements to be followed in preparing the Technical/Management Proposal. The following specific information must be included to permit an evaluation of your technical and management capabilities:

1.1 Criterion T1- Related Experience (250 points)

This criterion is based on the degree to which the proposer’s past performance demonstrates their qualification for the effort.

1.1.1 Factor 1- Mission Assurance Experience

Submit a list of three (3) to five (5) recent contracts over the past five (5) years, in which your company, or your subcontracting partner’s company, has participated in or are currently participating in, related to providing the support for the specified labor classifications as indicated in Exhibit I of the Standard Subcontract. At least two (2) must be the prime (your) company’s contracts.

For the contracts provided, please address the following:

1.1.1.1 Company name and information (including current e-mail, telephone number, address, etc.) to which your company has provided similar support services

1.1.1.2 A brief description of the support provided

1.1.1.3 Subcontract/Contract Number

1.1.1.4 Total dollar amount

1.1.1.5 Period of performance

1.1.1.6 Number of support personnel provided

1.1.1.7 Size of company

1.1.2 Factor 2 – Related NASA Experience

Describe your related experience supporting space flight hardware and/or other NASA centers such as Ames Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, Goddard Space Flight Center.

1.1.3 Factor 3 - Management Experience

Discuss your organization’s past experience within the past five (5) years in managing Mission Assurance programs which provided efforts similar in size and complexity as that specified in the Standard Subcontract. Identify specific work programs and methods of managing these efforts (including managing TS/SCI requirements). Include a discussion regarding management of your subcontractors and use of electronic invoicing systems.

1.2 Criterion T2- Personnel Qualifications (350 points)

This criterion is based on the degree to which the proposer’s technical approach provides qualified personnel for the effort. Discuss the personnel you propose for the management and performance of this effort. This discussion should include the following:

1.2.1 Factor 1- Qualifications of Operations Manager:

1.2.1.1 Key Personnel Operations Manager must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics with at least ten (10) years experience. Requires a minimum of five (5) years management experience, and a background in supporting NASA programs and Mission Assurance disciplines.

1.2.1.2 Provide a discussion of the proposed Operations Manager, which covers present and past technical, management, personnel and organizational experience (including the number of personnel supervised), along with educational background. Include a discussion of the individual’s experience in acquiring, screening, hiring and managing suitable personnel to support this effort, and the individual’s knowledge of the technical disciplines required. A resume shall also be provided.

1.2.1.3 Discuss the role and duties of the Operations Manager within the organization and include the function, authority, responsibilities and lines of communication of the Operations Manager, and his/her ability to obtain decisions from management to resolve conflicts beyond his/her authority.

1.2.1.4 Discuss whether the proposed Operations Manager has experience with cleared work, whether he/she ever held a clearance and what level, and whether he/she currently holds a clearance today and what level. If not, please discuss how your organization plans on managing work involving classified material(s) (i.e. designating a delegate with clearance, etc.).

1.2.1.5 Discuss the Operations Manager’s role in controlling costs on individual Subcontract Work Orders (SWOs). For a sample SWO, reference Exhibit 3 in the Standard Subcontract. The discussion should include requirements for both Category A and Category Z support.

1.2.1.6 Discuss the Operations Manager experience and knowledge in management of both staff based and tasked based work.

1.2.2 Factor 2- Qualifications of Support Personnel:

Using the table under 1.0- Background Information as a guide, provide a minimum of two (2), and a maximum of five (5), complete and current resumes for each discipline provided. In other words, no more than five (5) resumes pertaining to any one (1) engineering discipline. Include schools attended, degrees obtained, a complete employment history, clearances for the individuals proposed, and their areas of responsibility. Provide current assignment and location of proposed personnel. Total resumes submitted for this effort must not exceed sixty (60).

1.3 Criterion M1- Staffing & Management Plan for Category A – Staff Augmentation Work: (100 points)

1.3.1 Factor 1- Staffing:

Provide a detailed personnel staffing plan for Category A – Staff Augmentation needs which include the following:

1.3.1.1 Discuss your recruitment, screening, and placement process for providing qualified candidates to support JPL’s requirements. Discuss workflow process and the lead times required for obtaining the technical support service personnel to staff this Subcontract (see Exhibit 2).

1.3.1.2 Discuss ability and/or experience in recruiting personnel with Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) personnel. Include experience in transferring clearances between sponsors, if appliable.

1.3.1.3 Discuss how your company intends to process and manage SWOs. Identify any tools that will be used.

1.3.1.4 Prospective source may need to accommodate rapid fluctuations in staffing as dictated by project/mission needs. Provide experiences when there was a need to add staff within ten (10) business days or less. Include any best practices on managing a large number of work orders.

1.3.2 Factor 2- Labor Management:

Discuss your company’s plan for managing a subcontract that requires staff augmentation affiliates.

1.3.2.1 Discuss Workers’ Legal Claims Mitigation Plan for mitigating the risk of related claims from your personnel against JPL, including but not limited to: hiring and releasing, assignment of work, managing benefits, performance evaluation and counseling, supervision of employees, or continuous training of co-employment issues.

1.3.2.2 Discuss how your company plans to process and facilitate feedback between JPL hiring manager and proposer regarding candidates, including process for interviewing candidates and underperformance.

1.3.3 Factor 3 - Safety and Health Plan (will not count towards page limit)

Note: completion of Exhibit 19: JPL Subcontractor Environmental, Safety and Health Plan (Form 2885) is acceptable. Prior to commencement of the Subcontract, Subcontractor will provide an approved JPL Subcontractor Environmental, Safety and Health Plan Requirements Form 2885.

1.3.4 Factor 4: Operations Plan (will not count towards page limit)

1.3.4.1 Plan for providing an onsite Safety Coordinator (or equivalent). Please provide resume.

1.3.4.2 Include an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP). Subcontractor to provide all safety and health training in accordance with the Subcontractor’s Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), the applicable state and federal regulations, and in accordance with Subcontractor provided operations plan.

1.3.4.3 Include an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Total Recordable. Total recordable rate for the last 3 years and an EMR rate. Provide any explanation for high EMR equal to or above 1 and any discuss any OSHA citations.

1.3.4.4 While not required in performance of this Subcontract, describe any corporate office space that may be provided to personnel to perform work at.

1.3.4.5 Plan for addressing safety and mental well-being for personnel performing work at their homes.

1.3.5 Factor 6: Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Compliance Plan (will not count towards page limit). The proposer shall describe the following:

1.3.5.1 Compliance Plan for Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity. Provide copies of related company policies, evidence that relevant Subcontractor personnel (such as Subcontractor Human Resources) are knowledgeable of relevant State and local labor laws related to training and handling allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation.

1.4 Criterion M2: Staffing & Management Plan for Category Z – Task-based Work (100 points)

1.4.4 Factor 1- Staffing:

Provide a detailed personnel staffing plan for Category Z – Task-based needs which include the following:

1.4.4.1 Discuss your recruitment, screening, and placement process for providing qualified candidates to support JPL’s requirements. Discuss workflow process and the lead times required for obtaining the technical support service personnel to staff this Subcontract (see Exhibit 2).

1.4.4.2 Discuss how you plan to include JPL in the staffing process.

1.4.4.3 Discuss ability and/or experience in recruiting personnel with Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) personnel. Include experience in transferring clearances between sponsors, if appliable.

1.4.4.4 Discuss how your company intends to process and manage SWOs. Identify any tools that will be used.

1.4.4.5 Discuss how your company will ensure there is continuity of affiliates for task-based efforts.

1.4.4.6 Prospective source may need to accommodate rapid fluctuations in staffing as dictated by project/mission needs. Provide experiences when there was a need to add support within ten (10) business days or less. Include any best practices on managing a large number of work orders.

1.5 Criterion M3: Subcontractor Labor Category Management & Transition Plan (125 points)

1.5.4 Factor 1- Operations:

1.5.4.1 Considering labor differences, identify how your company plans to manage and operate the two types of affiliates, subcontract work orders, timekeeping, and billing.

1.5.4.2 Describe how affiliate workload will be managed, including, but limited to work assignments, and personnel work schedules to ensure proper coverage is always maintained in an affiliate’s absence.

1.5.4.3 Discuss how your company plans to process and facilitate feedback between JPL and proposer regarding affiliate performance assessments, underperformance, and corrective action process that can resolve technical, personnel, or other issues.

1.5.5 Factor 2- Retention:

1.5.5.1 Discuss your approach to employee retention, including benefits and problem resolution.

1.5.5.2 Process for determining exempt or non-exempt employees identified in Attachment A supporting this subcontract including but not limited to: overtime, double-time.

1.5.5.3 For personnel who do not qualify for benefits, describe how the labor-hour pricing will be handled separately.

1.5.5.4 Describe your plan for providing monetary merit awards to personnel.

1.5.6 Factor 3- Training:

Describe how personnel will be professionally trained in their area of expertise. Explain the approach of maintaining and updating training records.

1.5.7 Factor 4- Transition Plan:

Discuss your company’s…