RHRP-3_Attachment_0005_Proposal_Submission__24_May_2019.pdf

FAR 52.212-1 Instruction to Offerors - Addendum Attachment 0005 Reserve Health Readiness Program Solicitation No. W15QKN-18-R-1000

Revision 2 Date: 24 May 2019

Proposal Submission:

INTRODUCTION: The Offeror’s proposal shall be submitted in digital format as set forth below. The complete proposal shall be submitted via mail to the following address: U.S.

Department of Army, Army Contracting Command – New Jersey, 5418 South Scott Plaza, Ft. Dix, NJ 08640 Attn: Demetra Lynardakis, Contracting Officer. Address all questions or concerns you may have to the PCO and Contract Specialists. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing via electronic mail to ALL of the following:

a. Demetra Lynardakis, Contracting Officer, at Demetra.h.lynardakis.civ@mail.mil;

b. Rita Heyboer, Contract Specialist, at rita.m.heyboer.civ@mail.mil; and

c. Raina Derrick, Contract Specialist, at raina.m.derrick.civ@mail.mil.

The Offeror’s proposal shall consist of five volumes. The Volumes are:

I. Technical Subfactor 1 – Scenario 1 Technical Subfactor 1 – Scenario 2

Technical Subfactor 2 – Management/Staffing Technical Subfactor 3 – Transition/Quality Assurance II. Past Performance III. Price/Cost IV. Small Business Participation V. Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/Representations.

Files shall not contain classified data. The use of hyperlinks in proposals is prohibited.

Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. Electronic proposal submissions via email or fax will not be accepted.

Offerors are cautioned that “parroting” of the Technical requirements or the PWS with a statement of intent to perform does not reflect an understanding of the requirement or capability to perform. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked.

Failure to provide proposals in compliance with any requirements of the solicitation may render the Offeror's proposal non-compliant and be grounds for rejection.

Period of acceptance of offers. Proposals in response to this solicitation shall be valid for 240 days (this statement shall be provided under Volume V, Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/Representations as a separate document.)

All text shall be single spaced and in black font on a white background (Black and white requirement does not apply to graphics, photos, company logos, tables, and illustrations). Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. Text shall be easily readable. A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Arial or New Times Roman fonts are required. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape.

The following volumes of material shall be submitted (Note: Volumes I, II, IV, and V shall be contained on one CD (two copies of this CD shall be submitted). Volume III shall be contained on one CD (two copies of this CD shall be submitted):

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Volume Title Page Limits File Name

TECHNICAL FACTOR/SUBFACTORS – Volume I Volume I – Technical

Subfactor 1 - Scenario 1& 2 100 company name

- Vol I Technical Subfactor 1 Scenario1 & 2

Volume I – Technical Subfactor 2 - Management/Staffing

40 company name

- Vol I Technical Subfactor 2

Volume I – Technical Subfactor 3 - Transition/Quality Assurance

40 company name

- Vol I Technical Subfactor 3

PAST PERFORMANCE FACTOR – Volume II Volume II – Past Performance 55 company name

- Vol II - PP

PRICE/COST FACTOR Volume III Volume III – Price Matrix No Limit - shall include the attachment.

company name

- Vol III

SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION FACTOR – Volume IV Volume IV – Small Business

Participation No Limit company name

- Vol IV - SBPP

Volume IV – Small Business Subcontracting Plan (if other than small business)

No Limit company name

- Vol IV - SBSP

SOLICITATION, OFFER & AWARD, & CERTIFICATIONS – Volume V

Volume V – Solicitation N/A company name

- Vol V - Sol

Volume V – Solicitation Amendments (if applicable)

N/A company name

- Vol V – Amend00

Volume V – Certification/Representations

N/A company name

- Vol V – Cert/Reps

NOTE: Pages that exceed the required page limitations will not be evaluated. Cover Page and index is not included in Page Limitation.

PROPOSAL FILES

Format. The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and solicitation number in the header and/or footer. A Table of Contents should be created using the Table of Content feature in MS Word. All price breakdown information to aid in the cost/price evaluation shall be submitted with formula intact in Microsoft Office Excel Read/Write format and viewable in Microsoft Excel 2007. MS Word (doc) files shall use the following page setup parameters:

Margins – Top, Bottom, Left, Right – 1” Gutter – 0” From Edge – Header, Footer 0.5” Page Size, Width – 8.5” Page Size, Height – 11”

NOTE: The following additional restrictions apply:

File Packaging. All of the digital proposal files shall be submitted on CDs using the file formats and file names in the Proposal Submission table above. All of the proposal files shall be compressed (zipped) into one file entitled proposal zip using WinZip version

6.2 or later, or as separate uploads in their native format, e.g., doc, xls, ppt, etc., and provided on CDs or DVDs. Zip disks are not permitted. Files shall be in read-only format, using PDF files. All price breakdown information to aid in the cost/price evaluation shall be submitted with formula intact in Microsoft Office Excel Read/Write format and viewable in Microsoft Excel 2007. Each disc shall be externally labeled with the volume number, date, and the Offeror’s name. **Please note – Self extracting exe files are not acceptable and will be returned without action.

Content Requirement. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file.

The Offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file.

Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. The following shall be included in the Narrative discussion:

(i) VOLUMES I TECHNICAL FACTOR

Subfactor 1. The technical scenarios, Attachment No. 0007, are representative of the type of services that may be required in the performance of RHRP-3 task orders. The Offeror may cross reference information which is applicable to both scenario 1 and 2, with highlighting any differences.

The Offeror shall describe its technical approach to technical scenario 1 and 2. The Offeror shall provide a comprehensive list of all technical assumptions used in the development of its technical proposal for each scenario. For each scenario the Offeror’s shall provide a narrative response describing their detailed and thorough technical approach to perform services for scenarios 1 and 2 that fall within the scope of the PWS and for each scenario address the following:

Subfactor 1 - Scenario 1 – The weekend Drill (Group Event Requests)

1. The Offeror shall provide the logistical coordination approach for scenario 1. The response shall include at a minimum the following: staffing (shall list the labor mix, hours, labor category and procedure), movement/shipping of technical/medical equipment, travel, IT support, scheduling/coordination of services for the service members and the handling of vaccines (to include shipping and cold chain maintenance process) for both surge weekends. The Offeror shall identify all associated risks and provide the mitigation plan for all risks identified.

2. Describe your approach to establish and maintain internet connection during Scenario 1 to accomplish the performance of services, to include the documentation, data entry and transmittal, and IT security.

3. Describe the process and flow of the service members through the event to complete all services within time allotted for group event.

4. Describe the process of conducting Data entry and flow and SC Reports.

5. Describe the process in large gathering area for implementation and maintaining of HIPAA requirements.

6. Describe the process for soliciting and receiving feedback for all aspects of a surge weekend drill.

What actions are taken to implement any changes as a result of the feedback?

7. Describe your protocol/response if during the group event, a service members may have a life threatening physical emergency or thoughts of harm to self or others would be taken to resolve this issue.

8. At one location the event is being held in an ambient environment (eg. HVAC systems, gathering area, noise issues) and audio services are ordered. Describe your approach to meeting the needs of performing this service in this type of environment.

9. Describe your approach for continuing the performance of services, to include the documentation, data entry and transmittal, and IT security when unexpected internet outage occurs during group event.

10. Explain your mitigation approach if while performing services during the group event Service Component medical readiness system goes down the beginning of the second day..

11. Describe and explain your plan of action for continuation of services if your primary IT systems ceases operation on the first day second weekend group event to include transmittal of data to the SC systems.

Subfactor 1 - Scenario 2 – Requests for and by Individual Service Members (SM)

1. Describe the approach for delivering, scheduling, re-scheduling and processing in-clinic medical and dental readiness services and follow up services.

2. Provide the approach for handling Post Deployment Health Reassessments through the call center.

3. How will collection of data at in-clinic and call center be transmitted into SC MHS databases in the required timelines as stated in the PWS be accomplished.

4. Describe how the call center operations deviate from the normal daily operations in order to meet the unexpected increase in volume and approach to responding to lengthy lead times in connecting with the personnel for scheduling.

5. Describe the approach to providing and collecting SM pre appointment documentation and collection containers within sufficient timeline prior to appointment for in-clinic services.

6. An explanation on how offeror will address and implement feedback from the SMs and strategies for improvement and efficiencies of overall services.

7. Describe the process of protecting sensitive Personal Health Information and Personal Identifiable

Information.

Subfactor 2 - Management/Staffing: The Offeror shall describe their management/staffing approach for supporting the overall program. The approach should discuss at a minimum the following:

1. The Offeror shall provide the organizational structure (e.g., Customer Service Center), Call Center, data management system) to include current capabilities, management roles and responsibilities.

2. The staffing processes for the hiring and retention of a skilled workforce to include the methods employed for attracting, hiring, and developing a workforce with all the skills and knowledge necessary to support the healthcare services, call center, and IT support activities. Offerors shall address plans to minimize turn-over rates and to minimize vacancy time.

3. The process for obtaining, credentialing, and maintaining the provider network.

4. The staffing/training process for the management, IT and administrative staff; staffing/training of personnel to ensure services are provided in accordance with PWS requirements; staffing/training of personnel for IT development, maintenance, data exchange with SC and DoD systems; and staffing/training of personnel involved with obtaining and maintaining access for personnel to SC and DoD systems.

5. Methodology and efficiencies for shipping and travel to include optimal delivery times, advance agreements, alternate means of shipping, identify risks and proposed mitigations.

Subfactor 3-Transition/Quality Assurance: The Offeror shall describe its approach for successful incoming transition in accordance with PWS 2.6.1. The incoming transition approach shall address how successful Risk Management Framework (RMF) 8510.01 certification will be achieved in accordance with PWS 5.2.2 and Air Force Air Manual 33-152, PWS 5.2.3.1. In addition the approach shall discuss the following:

1. The processes and timelines from inception to full implementation, e.g to provide full services to include RMF 8510 certification/accreditation.

2. The approach shall include a detailed flow schedule that includes all activities required from inception of award through commencement of procedure services. The schedule shall include all tasks and associated activities required as well as associated timelines and milestones. The flow schedule shall clearly identify the critical path and all tasks. The Offeror shall also identify any high risks to transition successfully and provide a mitigation strategy for each high risk identified. All efficiencies for improving the process shall be identified and explained in detail.

3. Transitioning of applicable IT systems, data, databases, software and services.

4. The Offeror shall provide the Quality Assurance process and approach to include the following: medical/dental readiness service provision, data validity and entry, conformance with equipment and vaccine standards, maintenance of personnel qualifications and professionalism, communication and coordination with military customers, IT system development and maintenance, and use of feedback for program improvement.

(ii) VOLUME II– PAST PERFORMANCE

This volume shall contain past performance information regarding similar Federal/State Government contracts. Offerors shall identify pertinent past history, which indicates that similar efforts of equal or greater complexity have been performed using the Offeror’s existing capability and demonstrate satisfaction of customer requirements. Failure to provide any of the required reference information detailed below for this factor will result in non-evaluation of the proposed reference(s).

Offerors shall submit a maximum of three most recent and relevant Federal/State Government contracts for the prime, and a maximum of two of the most recent and relevant Federal/State Government contracts for each major subcontractor . The contracts shall demonstrate past performance in health care, dental, and laboratory services occurring within the past three years from date of solicitation issuance, or awarded earlier than three years, but for which performance occurred within the past three years that are similar in size and scope to requirements of this solicitation. If an Offeror intends to submit a reference for an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), the Offeror shall submit single orders placed under an IDIQ contract (under FAR 16.501-1); or a single call order placed under a BPA (FAR 8.405-3, 13.303). Each task/call order submitted will be considered one of the references permitted per the above guidance. An IDIQ/BPA contract reference without an order number will not be considered in the past performance evaluation.

The data concerning the Offeror shall be provided first, followed by each proposed major subcontractor, in alphabetical order.

The Offeror shall also submit the written consent of its major subcontractors to allow the disclosure of its subcontractor’s past performance information to the Offeror. In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all major subcontractors for their past performance to be considered.

This volume shall be organized into the following sections:

(1) Section 1 – Contract Descriptions. This section shall include the following information in the following format.

(a) Contract Number and, in the case of Indefinite Delivery type contracts, General Service Administration contracts, and Blanket Purchase Agreements, also include Delivery/Task/Call Order Numbers of the single order to be evaluated.

(b) Original delivery schedule, including dates of start and completion or work.

(c) Contractor/Subcontractor place of performance, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, and Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, also provide the name of the prime contractor and point of contact (POC) within the prime contractor organization (name, and current address, e-mail address, and telephone and fax numbers). PLEASE NOTE:

While an Offeror may submit past performance information on relevant efforts where they performed as a major subcontractor, the Government does not have privy with subcontracts and therefore, may not be able to obtain qualitative information. If the work was performed as a subcontractor, provide the value and period of performance for that specific subcontract work provided.

(d) Final or projected final, delivery schedule, including dates of start and completion of work.

(e) Contract Type (specific type such as Fixed-Price (FP), Cost Reimbursement (CR), Time & Material (T&M), etc.). In the case of Indefinite Delivery contracts, indicate specific type (Requirements, Definite Quantity, and Indefinite Quantity) and secondary contract type (FP, CR, T&M, etc.).

(f) Awarded price or estimated cost and fee.

(g) Final or projected final price or cost and fee.

(h) Government contracting activity, and current address, Procuring

Contracting Officer’s name, e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers.

(i) Government’s technical representative/Contracting Officer Representative’s name, current email address, telephone and fax numbers.

(j) Government contract administration activity and the Administrative

Contracting Officer’s name, current e-mail address, telephone and fax number.

(k) Government contract administration activity’s Pre-Award Monitor’s name, current e-mail address, and telephone and fax numbers.

(2) Section 2 – Performance. Offerors shall provide a specific narrative explanation of each contract listed in Section 1, Contract Description, describing the objectives achieved and detailing how the effort is relevant to the requirement of this solicitation. The offeror shall include annual volume for health procedures and coordination of services per each reference as identified in Section 1 above. The prime Offeror and each major subcontractor shall cite the PWS paragraphs in this solicitation which are relevant to the work described in this section. The Offeror shall also provide excerpts from the PWS of the proposed contract reference.

(a) For any contracts that did not/do not meet original schedule or technical performance requirements, provide a brief explanation of the reason(s) for the shortcomings and any corrective action(s) taken to avoid recurrence. The Offeror shall list each time the delivery schedule was revised and provide an explanation of why the revision was necessary. All Requests for Deviation and Requests for Waiver shall be addressed with respect to causes and corrective actions. The Offeror shall also provide copy of any Cure Notices or Show Cause. Letters received on each contract listed and a description of any corrective action implemented by the Offeror or proposed subcontractor. The Offerors shall indicate if any of the contracts listed were terminated and the type and reasons for the termination.

(3) Section 3 – Subcontracts. Offerors shall provide an outline of how the effort required by the solicitation will be assigned for performance within the Offeror’s corporate entity and among the proposed major subcontractors. For parent companies, subsidiaries and affiliates, explain how the resources of these entities will perform on the instant effort. The information provided for the prime Offeror and each proposed major subcontractor must include the entire company name, company address, CAGE Code, DUNS Number and type of work to be performed by citing the applicable Government PWS subparagraph number. This section will further include written consent of major subcontractors to allow the disclosure of their subcontractor’s past performance information to the Offeror. In addition, letters of commitment shall be included for all major subcontractors. Both written consent and letters of commitment of major subcontractors shall be provided for their past performance to be considered.

(4) Section 4 – New Corporate Entities. New corporate entities may submit data on prior contracts involving its officers and employees. However, in addition to the other requirements in this section, the Offeror shall discuss in detail the role performed by such persons in the prior contracts cited. Information should be included in the files described in the sections above.

Letters of Commitment shall be included in the proposal for these employees.

(5) Past Performance Questionnaire. For all contracts identified in Section 1, Contract Descriptions, the attachment entitled Past Performance Questionnaire must be completed and submitted. The Offeror shall complete Part I of the Past Performance Questionnaire and e-mail the questionnaire to both the Government contracting activity and technical representative responsible for the past/current contract. The POCs shall be instructed to electronically complete Part II of the questionnaire and e-mail the entire questionnaire to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist no later than the proposal due date, to demetra.h.lynardakis.civ@mail.mil, rita.m.heyboer.civ@mail.mil and raina.m.derrick.civ@mail.mil.

(6) Submissions. Offerors are discouraged from providing points of contact with another contractor’s facility, i.e., in case an Offeror (or one of his/her team members) is in a subcontract with another contractor who has submitted a proposal on the same requirement. Offerors shall provide and submit the prime contract number and all Governmental agency POCs in lieu of subcontract numbers or prime contract POCs in situations as described above.

(iii) VOLUME III– PRICE/COST FACTOR

Offerors shall submit their price proposal by completing the Pricing Matrix (Price Matrix Cost- Price Vol III-May 2, 2018.xlsx) found as an Attachment of the solicitation. The Offeror shall complete the information with the required data element in each block. Additionally, the Offeror shall provide a comprehensive list of assumptions, if any, used in the development of its proposal.

The Price Matrix shall not be password protected and shall not be read- only.

Procedures (FFP): The FFP per procedure shall include the Offeror’s:

(1) Labor categories, hours, and rates

(2) Material (if applicable)

(3) Overhead Rates

(4) Indirect Rates

(5) Profit

Incoming Transition: The proposed price for Incoming Transition shall include all costs necessary to comply with Performance Work Statement (PWS) paragraph 2.6.1.

Outgoing Transition: The proposed price for Outgoing Transition shall include all costs necessary to comply with PWS paragraph 2.6.2.

Contractor Manpower Reporting: The Offeror shall comply with PWS paragraph 2.4.4 whether pricing Contract Manpower Reporting separately or not.

Travel, Shipping, and Influenza vaccines: The Offeror shall provide a matrix of proposed indirect rates applicable to shipping, travel, and Influenza vaccines only. Shipping, Travel, and Influenza vaccines costs shall not be allocated to subcontractors or affiliates. No fee shall be applied.

Support for Indirect Rates Applicable to Travel, Shipping, and Influenza vaccines: For indirect rates, the Offeror shall submit a copy of a current (within the last twelve months) Forward Pricing Rate Agreement (FPRA) or Forward Pricing Rate Proposal (FPRP) submission. If a FPRA or FPRP is not applicable, the Offeror shall provide a Provisional Billing Rates approval letter for current-year rates. For indirect rates based on budgetary data (current and/or out-year) or if none of the listed Defense Contract Audit Agency/Defense Contract Management Agency documents are available, the Offeror shall provide details on their indirect rate formulation (pool of expenses with associated dollars and the allocation base with the associated dollars).

Following is a simplistic sample of an indirect rate formulation for overhead:

Offeror's FY17 Overhead

Overhead Expenses:

Indirect Payroll $45,320

Payroll Taxes $35,950

Vacation $4,520

Holiday $1,388

Sick Leave $2,150

Entertainment $5,350

Office Equipment $6,300

Depreciation $1,302

Total Pool of Expenses $102,280

Less Unallowable Costs:

Entertainment -$5,350

Net Allowable Expenses $96,930

Allocation Base

Direct Labor $245,000

Overhead Rate 39.56%

All Offerors shall provide actual indirect rates for their last two completed fiscal years as well as the detailed breakout as demonstrated above. Offerors shall provide rationale for any significant changes between the actual rates and the forecasted rates. Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL), DD Form 1423: Submission of data in accordance with the CDRL(s), is a requirement for the contract, but shall be NSP.

NSP and/or zero priced items or entries (other than those already identified by the Government for data items) must be explained to the extent that the Government understands which Contract Line Item Number(s) to execute to obtain the required service/item.

Accounting System: Since the contract has CR (no fee) line items, the Offeror shall establish and maintain an acceptable accounting system that is suitably designed and compliant with

DFARS 252.242-7006. The Offeror shall provide documentation from DCAA/DCMA supporting the determination that their accounting system has been deemed adequate. If DCAA has not deemed the Offeror’s accounting system adequate, the Offeror shall complete the Attachment entitled Accounting System Checklist, IN FULL, which will be provided to DCAA to facilitate the pre-award accounting system review in order to determine whether the system design is compliant with DFARS 252.242-7006.

(iv) VOLUME IV – SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION FACTOR

All Offerors, both large and small businesses, shall submit a Small Business Participation proposal. Offerors shall propose the level of participation of small businesses (as a small business prime and / or small business subcontractors) in the performance of the acquisition relative to the objectives / goals set forth in the evaluation for this factor. For the purposes of describing small business participation information, the Offeror shall utilize total proposed price.

This volume shall be organized into the following sections:

(a) Check the applicable size and categories for the PRIME Offeror only – Check all applicable boxes:

{ } Large Prime or { } Small Business Prime; also categorized as a

{ } Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) { } Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) { } Historically Underutilized Zone (HUB Zone) Small Business { } Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) { } Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Detailed documentation supporting each participation percentage below shall be included in the proposal. If applicable, detailed explanations should be provided as to why certain goals specified by the Government in Attachment 0006, Basis for Award cannot be met or exceeded.

(b) Submit the total combined percentage of work to be performed by both large and small businesses (include the percentage of work to be performed both by Prime and Subcontractors):

Example: If Prime proposes a price of $1,000,000 (including all options), and small business(es) will provide $250,000 in services/supplies as a prime or subcontractor, the % planned for small businesses is 25%; and 75% for large business equaling 100%.

Total Percentage planned for Large Business (es) % = $

Total Percentage planned for Small Business (es) % = $

(When combined, Large and Small Business totals must equal 100 %.)

(c) Please indicate the total percentage of participation to be performed by each type of subcategory small business. The percentage of work performed by small businesses that qualify in multiple small business categories may be counted in each category:

Example: Victory Prop Mgt (WOSB and SDVOSB) performing 2%; and Williams Group (SDB, HubZone and WOSB) performing 3%. Results equate to: SDB 3%; HubZone 3%;

WOSB 5%; SDVOSB 2%; VOSB 2 %;). SDVOSBs are also VOSBs automatically;

however VOSBs are not automatically SDVOSBs.

Small Disadvantaged Business %

Woman Owned Small Business %

Service Disabled Veteran Owned SB %

Veteran Owned Small Business %

(d) List principal supplies/services to be performed by small businesses:

Example: If a small business qualifies also as a WOSB and a SDVOSB, and you can add them to each category below in which they qualify.

Name of Company Identify Type of Service/Supply

Small Business (SB): Identify the top 10.

Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB): Identify the top 10.

Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB): Identify the top 10.

Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUB Zone): Identify the top 5.

Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB): Identify the top 10.

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVO): Identify the top 5.

(e) Describe the extent of commitment to use small businesses (for example, what types of commitments, if any, are in place for this specific acquisition either small business prime, written contract, verbal, enforceable, joint venturing, mentor-protégé, etc.).

Offerors which are other than U.S. small businesses shall also provide a small business subcontracting plan that contains all the elements required by FAR 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan and DFARS 252.219-7003 (or DFARS 252.219-7004 if the Offeror has a comprehensive subcontracting plan). This plan shall be submitted separately from the small business participation plan information and shall reflect and be consistent with the commitments offered in the small business participation plan. The small business subcontracting plan is a requirement for any award to other than U.S. small businesses and will be incorporated into any resultant contract.

Small Business Participation Past Performance: All Offerors shall submit information substantiating the Offeror’s past performance in complying with FAR 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business, maximizing opportunities for U.S. small business subcontractors. Offerors shall also provide a statement indicating whether any negative information has been reported in the past six years concerning the Offeror’s past compliance with FAR 52.219-8. If any such negative information has been reported, the Offeror may submit explanations or comments responding to such negative information. Offerors with no prior contracts containing FAR 52.219-8 shall certify the same.

(v) Volume V – SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD DOCUMENTS AND

CERTIFICATIONS/REPRESENTATIONS

Certifications and Representations – Each Offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the solicitation. An authorized official of the firm shall sign the Standard Form (SF) 1449 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

SF 1449, Solicitation, Offer and Award Contract Administration Data Representations, Certification and Other Statements of Offerors

Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents, and Certifications/Representations shall not be addressed separately from that submitted in VOLUME V – Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents, Other Required Documentation and Certifications /Representations

E. DISCUSSIONS

Acquisition Source Selection Interactive Support Tool (ASSIST)

During the conduct of this acquisition, the Acquisition Source Selection Interactive Support Tool (ASSIST) will be used by the Government to support the proposal evaluation and source selection process. A separate tool, the ASSIST2Industry, will be used in conjunction with ASSIST to accomplish all exchanges with Offerors after receipt of proposals pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.306. ASSIST2Industry provides the ability for the Government to issue, and the Offerors to receive and respond to, all Evaluation Notices (ENs) in a secure online environment.

In order to initiate the use of ASSIST2Industry, the Government requires the names, company titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two individuals that the Offeror has designated as responsible for receiving and responding to Government ENs through ASSIST2Industry. The designation of two individuals is for the purpose of insuring availability of one individual if the other individual is not available. The required information regarding these two individuals must be submitted with the Offeror’s proposal and included in Volume V.

After the solicitation’s closing date, the Government will establish an account in ASSIST2Industry for each individual identified by the Offeror that has submitted a proposal in response to this solicitation. The two individuals named by the Offeror will be authorized access to that account. Two separate system generated emails will be sent to each individual. One of the emails will contain the individual’s ASSIST2Industry username. The other email will contain the individual’s temporary password. Using the provided username and temporary password, each individual can then go to https://ASSIST2Industry.army.mil to access the account. NOTE: The first time a user logs in, the user will be required to change the temporary password before the user can proceed to use the site.

Whenever the Government issues ENs to the Offeror through ASSIST2Industry, the Government’s Contracting Officer will notify the Offeror through a medium independent of ASSIST2Industry ( e.g., e-mail) that the Offeror has ENs in ASSIST2Industry waiting for a response. There will be no ENs in ASSIST2Industry until such notice is issued by the Contracting Officer.

All Offerors are advised that ASSIST2Industry has been updated and it is now the responsibility of PRIME Contractors to establish accounts for their SUBCONTRACTORS to respond to Government ENs. A separate area within ASSIST2Industry has been created to allow authorized Subcontractor POCs to upload proposal files only. Subcontractors will not be able to access any other information on the ASSIST2Industry website (e.g., Questions/Evaluation Notices, Responses, etc.). Once a Subcontractor has been added, they will receive a user ID (e.g., subcontractor0001) and password (an initial password) that will be sent via two separate system generated e-mails. A Subcontractor will have one user ID for all PRIMES and solicitation responses, i.e., if you are a Subcontractor to multiple Prime Contractors and multiple solicitation responses, you will only have one user ID. Once an account has been established for the Subcontractor, go to https://ASSIST2Industry.army.mil to access the account. Prime

Contractors will only be able to see the number of files submitted by their Subcontractors;

but will be UNABLE TO VIEW the Subcontractor’s files.

NOTE: Both Prime Contractors and Subcontractors are instructed to review the ASSIST2Industry User’s Guide, located under the “Getting Started” tab on the website. The guide has been updated and provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform functions and navigate the website.

Offerors can contact Adam Rothschild at (609) 562-7050 or the ASSIST2Industry helpdesk at

(609) 562-5988 for any technical assistance that may be needed.

THE OFFERORS ARE CAUTIONED THAT THE SYSTEM GENERATED EMAILS

REFERRED TO ABOVE ARE INTENDED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.

RECEIPT OF THESE EMAILS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE COMMENCEMENT OF

ANY TYPE OF EXCHANGE WITH THE OFFEROR IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR

15.306(A), (B), OR (D) (I.E., CLARIFICATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, OR

DISCUSSIONS). ALSO, RECEIPT OF THESE EMAILS DOES NOT SIGNIFY THAT A

COMPETITIVE RANGE DETERMINATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 15.306(C) HAS

BEEN MADE OR THAT THE OFFEROR’S PROPOSAL WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE

COMPETITIVE RANGE WHEN THAT DETERMINATION IS MADE. ALL

NOTIFICATIONS THAT ANY TYPE OF EXCHANGE WITH THE OFFEROR HAS

COMMENCED AND THE OFFEROR HAS EVALUATION NOTICES (ENS) AVAILABLE

TO RESPOND TO, OR ANY NOTIFICATION THAT THE OFFEROR’S PROPOSAL HAS

BEEN INCLUDED IN OR EXCLUDED FROM THE COMPETITIVE RANGE, WILL BE

SENT TO THE OFFEROR BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER INDEPENDENTLY OF THE

ASSIST2INDUSTRY.