Amendment_0002_W81XWH13R0009.doc

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

7 November 2012

Questions and Answers to W81XWH-13-R-0009:

Is there an incumbent and if so, what is the contract number and award amount?

The incumbent is Blue Sky Consulting, Pensacola Florida. Their award was for $129,000 and was awarded in May 2009. The award number is W81XWH-09-P-0437.

Is there an estimation of hours for this effort?

The number of hours per year will be 2,040.

In regards to Solicitation W81XWH13R0009: The FBO posting lists the place of performance as "USAARL \ Building 6901 \ Ferrell Road \ Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362-5152 \ United States ". The Solicitation itself lists as the places of performance as "Programming from home office, USAARL, NMCSD (San Diego), Orlando Manufacturing sites, medical centers and meeting site(s)." Can you clarify this? We interpret this to mean that COTR-authorized travel to the sites listed will be required, but the majority of the work will be performed at the contractor's home office.

The Performance Work Statement in the solicitation is the correct location for contract performance.

While going through solicitation we are unable to find out the exact Submission Criteria in it. Please let me know about what will be the submission criteria for RFP. Can we submit it through email or we need to send our proposal by mail?

Amendment 0001 was issued 6 November 2012 updating the Instructions to Offerors. Submission is by mail.

Can solicitation W81XWH-13-R-0009 set aside status can be modified to include Small Disadvantaged Woman Owned Business?

We are unable to modify the solicitation to include WOSB as a set aside. Only one set-aside distinction can be designated per solicitation; therefore, the SDVOSB will stand.

NEW POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS REQUIRMENT AND PROPOSAL SUBMISSION:

Monica Pileggi will be out of the office; therefore, proposals will be sent to the attention of Mr. Michael Vallone, michael.vallone@usa.army.mil, who will complete this award. Please see updated information in FAR Clause 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS in the Summary of Changes.

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

I.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

The US Army Aeromed Research Laboratory (USAARL) at Fort Rucker, AL, conducts research in the field of spatial orientation to include vestibular testing & rehabilitation. The research effort requires high level programming and engineering support, analysis of data, program support and recommendations to assist transition of prototype devices into products. There are two SBIR companies that are providing equipment for this effort. Feedback from data collection personnel will be used to improve the prototypes. Travel to manufacturers and data collection locations may be required as well assisting in evaluation of data and coordination of meetings to bring experts and consultants in the fields of balance and tactile research together.

II.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following tasks will be performed by the contractor to meet the objectives listed above.

1. Develop and evaluate software and modify tactile cueing programs.

2. Provide engineering guidance and support to improve tactile cueing for current and future modified devices and applications.

3. Identify methods, model systems, define technical requirements for addressing unanticipated limitations, determine metrics to assess, analysing & interpret data, present results, and the extent/nature of consultant with the PI.

4. Meet and maintain contact with manufacturers to understand each modification and assist with software and hardware changes in order to ensure that the user centre(s) have latest devices and software.

5. The technical objectives include:

1) Assuring software and engineering support for tactile cueing and balance rehab devices.

2) Maintaining contact with manufacturers and recommending updates and changes based on feedback from users. Travel to manufacturer’s sites and data collection sites for technical support and updates as needed.

3) Bringing together researchers, health care providers, engineers, programmers and manufacturers as necessary to coordinate product development.

4) Subcontract specialized engineering services/experts in tactile cueing and balance technologies as necessary to complete task.

5) Work with transition personnel at MRMC.

6) As data is collected, store de-identified data and do preliminary analysis.

III.

DELIVERABLES/SCHEDULE:

The deliverables are listed as follows.

1. Provide quarterly reports on progress and activities. Weekly phone calls to discuss with PI any issues that may be impeding progress. Annual report to include summaries of product development, user feedback, and recommendations for future direction of development. Final report to be delivered one month after project is completed.

2. Provide interim reports on engineering and software updates from manufacturers as well as software development by contractor.

IV.

PLACES OF PERFORMANCE:

Programming from home office, USAARL, NMCSD (San Diego), Orlando Manufacturing sites, medical centers and meeting site(s).

V.

MONITORING THE PROGRESS:

Contractor agrees that satisfactory progress on the agreement will be monitored during the life of the agreement as follows:

1. Communication and progress updates between PI and contractor will occur regularly via teleconference and email correspondence, to occur at least weekly.

2. Formal quarterly meetings will be scheduled to monitor progress, and agree to any changes to the statement of work that will be submitted as a modification to the agreement.

3. Prior to payment PI will review invoices and progress reports for concordance with the statement of work.

Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Software Engineer

PERSONNEL FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER: The contractor shall provide a fully trained and qualified individual to perform the specified tasks. Minimum qualifications of the individual performing these services are as follow:

a. Must have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.

b. Must have 5 - 10 years experience working with tactile displays.

c. Labview and C++ programming experience required.

d. Security not required, but is considered a plus.

TASKS: Tasks to be performed are as follows

a. Develop software algorithms for sensory (tactile, visual & auditory) man-machine interfaces to be used for performance enhancement, including rehabilitation, of military and civilian personnel.

b. Assist in the design and modification of the electronics required to develop versions of tactile displays.

c. Install tactile displays in devices/platforms.

d. When necessary be qualified on devices or platforms to change algorithms in real-time.

Experience with pneumatic and electro-mechanical tactile stimulators is necessary.

e. Human Subjects – may be used to test the performance of military subjects, but under the direction and with an approved protocol of a USAARL primary investigator or other government employee.

f. Subcontract and supervise engineers with subspecialty expertise.

Period of Performance: 12-month base year with two 12-month option years, if exercised.

Hours Per Year: 2,040.

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (FEB 2012)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

This is a 100% set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small businesses for the award of non-personnel services firm fixed Price Commercial Services contract. Award will be made to the best overall proposal, which is determined to be the most beneficial to the Government. This will be accomplished using the best value approach of subjectively evaluating non-price factors, analyzing price and possibly selecting for award other than the lowest-priced offer utilizing the trade-off process.

The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with Offerors, except clarifications. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary; the Contracting Offer will provide proposal revision instructions to the Offeror, as required. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial proposal should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a cost and technical standpoint. All proposals shall be subject to evaluation by a team of Government personnel who will evaluate only one proposal from each prime Offeror.

Contract Specialist The Contract Specialist (CS) is the point of contact for this acquisition. Any questions or concerns regarding this acquisition shall be submitted electronically via e-mail to Mr. Michael Vallone, michael.vallone@us.army.mil.

Proposal Submission

Offerors shall submit their proposal in accordance with the following instruction. Failure to submit all documents concurrently and in accordance with these instructions may render a proposal NON-RESPONSIVE.

Submission of Questions: Offerors will be instructed to submit questions no later than Wednesday, 7 November 2012, 12:00pm Eastern Time to the Contract Specialist. Offerors shall submit one set of questions only; multiple emails will not be accepted. Questions not submitted electronically will not be answered. In the event multiple questions address the same issue, the Government reserves the right to answer a representative question that best exemplifies the issue. Answers to all relevant and appropriate questions will be issued via amendment to the solicitation.

Name:

Mr. Michael Vallone, Contract Specialist

E-Mail:

michael.vallone@us.army.mil Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to:

US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity

ATTN: MCMR-AAA-W (Mr. Michael Vallone)

820 Chandler Street

Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014

By 2:00 p.m. EDT, Friday, 30 November 2012

Do not submit proposals in e-Buy. All proposals must be submitted to Mr. Michael Vallone at the above address and via e-mail as stated below to be considered for award. There will be no exceptions.

(NOTE: The Reception area to building 820 is no longer manned. Companies hand delivering proposals must utilize the telephone within the Reception area to contact Mr. Michael Vallone @ X3-7146 or Mrs. Karen Petrore @ X3-3590 for proposal receipt.)

Proposals are due: Friday 30 November 2012, 2:00pm EDT

In order to be considered for contract award, the Offeror shall submit

1. Volume I: A Technical Proposal to include Past Performance Information.

2.

Volume II: A Business Proposal that shall contain the signed SF1449, signed Amendments (if applicable), Provisions requiring Offeror Completion, Pricing, and Representations/Certifications from the ORCA web site.

3.

Past Performance Questionnaires (To be submitted directly to Mr. Michael Vallone via email).

Proposal Format

Proposals shall be submitted in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1” margins.

1.

Offerors are hereby notified that a proposal submitted that exceeds the 20 page limitation shall be evaluated only up to the 20th page. Any pages in excess of 20 will not be evaluated.

A.

COVER PAGES: Each volume must have a cover page containing:

Volume number and title, Solicitation number, Offeror's name, Offeror’s contact information (including telephone and email)

Offeror's policy on the release of information contained within the volume and an information summary as to any deviations or exceptions applicable to the Proposal Volume.

Cover pages are not included in the page limitation

B.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Each volume must include a Table of Contents, which indicates the page numbers of each section, figure, table or foldout. Table of contents are not included in the page limitation.

C.

SECTIONAL DIVIDERS: If a volume has been divided into sections, dividers with tabs must be inserted between the sections, with each section starting on a new page. These dividers are not to be numbered and will not be included in the page limitation.

2.

A page is defined as one side of a sheet, 8-1/2" X 11", with at least one inch margins on all sides, using not smaller than 12 point type, with the exception of tables and charts, for which not smaller than 8-point type may be used. Foldouts count as an equivalent number of 8-1/2" X 11" pages. The metric standard format most closely approximating the described standard 8-1/2" X 11" size may also be used.

3.

A “RFP-to-Proposal Cross-Reference Matrix” is required as a method of identifying where RFP requirements have been responded to in the Offeror’s proposal. The cross reference matrix, title pages and tables of contents are excluded from the page count specified in paragraph (a) of this provision.

4.

Proposal Submission: The following matrix specifies the required number of copies of each proposal volume and the grouping of the volumes.

A.

PLEASE PACKAGE AS FOLLOWS:

B.

Proposals shall be submitted in a Microsoft 2000 (or newer) program on a Word compatible CD - The Offeror shall provide written documentation describing the contents of each CD and of each file. Offerors shall label the CD's for each volume as Original and Back-up.

C.

PACKING: Each group, designated above, is to be packaged individually. This does not preclude packaging more than one or all groups in a single overall package. Mark the group number(s) on the outside of the individual packages.

5.

If final proposal revisions are requested, separate page limitations and color of paper will be specified in the Government's request for that submission.

Technical Proposal - Volume I

1. The offeror shall provide their Technical Proposal specifically addressing their overall approach and strategy for the contract.

2. The offeor shall also submit past performance information as part of their Technical Proposal. The offeror shall detail in narrative form any contracts performed in the past 3 years that are similar in size, scope and complexity to the requirements as that contained in this solicitation. Describe the work performed and why it is relevant to the solicitation. Information on a minimum of 2, but not to exceed 5 past performance contracts is required.

3. There is a maximum page limitation of 20 pages for the Technical Proposal. No pricing data or pages shall be included in the Technical Proposal. Resumes, Letters of Intent, and Contractor’s Plans (Draft or Final) that are required with the proposal are not included in the page count.

4. Combined plans or any other documents submitted as duplicative data shall be cross-referenced from the requirement to the inclusion location in the proposal. Duplicative documents are not required. A recommended procedure would be for the Contractor’s Technical Proposal to address each of the services required by the RFP and PWS sequentially by Section, paragraph number, subparagraph number, and sub-subparagraph number, as applicable, in sufficient details for the Government to determine whether the proposal satisfactorily meets the minimum requirements of the RFP and the PWS.

Business Proposal - Volume II 1.

The business proposal has no page limit and shall be submitted separately from the technical proposal. You shall ensure that your business proposal is consistent with your technical proposal in all respects, since the price proposal may be used as an aid to determine the Offeror's understanding of the technical requirements. Discrepancies may be viewed as a lack of understanding.

2.

Proposal information shall include the following:

A. Company Cover letter.

B.

Signed and Completed Standard Form (SF) 1449 (Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items).

C.

Completed Price Schedule

D.

Completed Provisions and Clauses (NOTE: Should the Offeror take exception to any Provision or Clause contained within the RFP, the exception must be documented in a Summary of Exceptions which is included with the proposal submission.

E.

Narrative describing performance and other risks assessed, judgmental factors applied and assumptions made in preparing the proposal.

F.

Acknowledgement of Solicitation Amendments (if applicable).

G.

Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS), CAGE Code, and Tax Identification Number (TIN).

3.

The offeror must provide paper and CD copies of the complete price proposal with sufficient data to allow evaluation of the proposed price for realism and tracking to the offerors organizational structure and procedures to control price, schedule technical and security risks. The data shall also outline mitigation procedures for the risks.

Past Performance Questionnaires

Each Offeror will be required to forward a copy of the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment #1) to references of their choice for completion. The questionnaire shall then be returned directly from the selected reference via email to Mr. Michael Vallone at michael.vallone@us.army.mil prior to the closing date and time of the solicitation. This information will be used to assess the relevancy of performance risk involved in accepting each offeror’s proposal. The Offeror shall attempt to provide a minimum of two and not to exceed five past performance references.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 120 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions or commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to--GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section, Suite 8100, 470 East L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20407, Telephone (202) 619-8925, Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (http://assist.daps.dla.mil).

(ii) Quick Search (http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by--

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (http://assist.daps.dla.mil/wizard);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,000, and offers of $3,000 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. The offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation “DUNS” or “DUNS +4” followed by the DUNS or DUNS +4 number that identifies the offeror's name and address. The DUNS +4 is the DUNS number plus a 4-character suffix that may be assigned at the discretion of the offeror to establish additional CCR records for identifying alternative Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) accounts (see FAR Subpart 32.11) for the same concern. If the offeror does not have a DUNS number, it should contact Dun and Bradstreet directly to obtain one. An offeror within the United States may contact Dun and Bradstreet by calling 1-866-705-5711 or via the internet at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. An offeror located outside the United States must contact the local Dun and Bradstreet office for a DUNS number. The offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the local Dun and Bradstreet office.

(k) Central Contractor Registration. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the CCR database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror. Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the CCR database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov or by calling 1-888-227-2423 or 269-961-5757.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

(End of Summary of Changes)