W81XWH-17-T-0403_Amendment_02-_Questions_and_Responses_2.docx

W81XWH-17-T-0403

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES 2

SOLICITATION W81XWH-17-T-0403

LAB ACCREDITATION

QUESTIONS (Q) AND RESPONSES (R) 2

QUESTIONS (Q) AND RESPONSES (R) 2

Q1: Section 1.4.1 state that "The contractor shall conduct the surveillance assessments and shall document compliance and non-conformances." Surveillance assessments may take many forms, including off-site review of documentation to support the continued accreditation of an organization. Can you please confirm the forms of surveillance assessment considered acceptable under this proposed contract?

R1: Surveillance can be either on-site or an off site review in accordance with accreditation guidelines.

Q2: Section 1.4.1 state that "The contractor shall provide the customer with the assessment records and provide corrective action suggestions to correct areas of non-conformance." Section 1.3 states that " The contractor shall be a recognized ISO/IEC 17011 compliant accredited body in the field of forensic science by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)." As a point of clarification, ISO/IEC 17011 prohibits accreditation bodies from providing consulting - meaning accreditation bodies are prohibited from providing advice or feedback on how a customer may accomplish compliance. Accreditation bodies may provide information, based on observations or in response to questions, in order to help the customer, improve its performance.

To ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17011, can the requirement in Section 1.4.1 be interpreted to mean that observations and responses to questions will be provided to the customer when discussing areas of non-conformance, but the contract will not be required to consult?

R2: Corrective actions are done in response to non-conformances determined during assessments. Accrediting agencies will not provide suggestions on how to correct areas of non-conformances. We submit a corrective action plan that is approved by the accreditation agency.

Q3: Section 4.3 states that "Every DoD contract awarded for services in excess of $2,500.00 shall contain a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) as discussed in the FAR 46, Government Contract Quality Assurance. A QASP is a plan that specify the particular services the COR will inspect and the method(s) used to complete that surveillance. Each offeror shall digest the PWS in this RFP and offer a QASP associated therewith. The QASP shall be submitted as part of the offeror's technical proposal." It appears that on pages 14-18 of W81XWH-17-T-0403, a QASP has been provided, should the contractor's proposal include this QASP or a separate QASP developed by the contractor?

R3: The offeror should submit a separate QASP.

Q4: Should the proposal include pricing to perform an FBI QAS assessment every two years? If yes, during which two years will the customer require FBI QAS assessment?

R4: Yes. 2018 and 2020 would be the years for the FBI QAS assessment based on a 4 year cycle of 2018-2021.

Q5: For which sections/laboratories will FBI QAS assessments in casework requirements be required: Present Day DNA Section, Past Accounting DNA Section, Family Reference Specific and Laboratory Automation Section?

R5: All sections listed, but there is only one laboratory.

Q6: For which sections/laboratories will FBI QAS assessments in databasing requirements be required: Present Day DNA Section, Past Accounting DNA Section, Family Reference Specific and Laboratory Automation Section?

R6: There is no databasing based on QAS.

Q7: For each laboratory/section requiring FBI QAS casework assessment, can you please provide the following information:

a. How many analysts in your DNA Testing section will require review as part of the FBI QAS assessment?

b. Will the assessment include the review of any validations?

c. What platforms and technologies are currently in use at the laboratory? (e.g. Technologies: STR, ySTR, mDNA, Platforms: ABI 373, 3130, 3500)

R7: a. We are around 95 proficiency tested positions right now.

b. Yes validations will be reviewed.

c. STR, Y-STR, mtDNA to include NGS. Platforms - 3130, 3500, MiSeq

Q8: For each laboratory/section requiring FBI QAS database assessment, can you please provide the following information:

1. How many analysts in your DNA Testing section will require review as part of the FBI QAS assessment?

1. Will the assessment include the review of any validations?

1. What platforms and technologies are currently in use at the laboratory? (e.g. Technologies: STR, ySTR, mDNA, Platforms: ABI 373, 3130, 3500)

R8: This is not applicable for all questions.

Q9: Will the Scope of Work include assessment and accreditation for parentage testing? If yes, which sections/laboratories perform this work?

R9: Yes only for Current Day Operations.

Q10: Section 52.212-2 b.1 Non-Cost/Price Evaluation Criteria states that the following criteria will be used to evaluate the non-price aspects of the quote "(vii) Proof that the Offeror is certified and adheres to ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ANAB- ASCLD/LAB) guidelines."

All ILAC MRA signatory accreditation bodies are recognized as being in compliance with ISO/IEC 17011 and recognized to offer accreditation to accreditation standards, such as the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board and the American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB), both of which recently merged into a single accreditation body, are considered equally and equivalently recognized under the ILAC MRA as meeting ISO/EIC 17011 and all other ILAC MRA Signatory accreditation bodies. ANAB- ASCLD/LAB does not offer certification to accrediting bodies and would be prohibited from doing so per the ILAC MRA.

Additionally, accreditation bodies each have separate but equivalent accreditation programs. Due to copyright and ownership requirements, one accrediting body is prohibited from using or adhering to the requirements of another without an expressed relationship, agreement, or other contractual language in place allowing for such an arrangement, which would may present issues of collusion or anti-trust and so, it not normally pursued.

Was this requirement meant to refer to the ILAC MRA as referenced in Section 1.3 of W81XWH-17-T-0403?

If not, what certification from ANAB-ASCLD/LAB is required?

R10: The following has been updated to “(vii) Proof that the Offeror is certified and adheres to ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ANAB- ASCLD/LAB) guidelines or equivelant.”

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 07-Sep-2017 10:00 AM to 11-Sep-2017 10:00 AM.

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

ADDENDUM TO 52.212-1

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

(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.

(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 30 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, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative 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 Quotes, it was the only Quote 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 (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

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

(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 (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(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) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,500, and offers of $3,500 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ``Unique Entity Identifier'' followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) System for Award Management. 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 SAM 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 SAM 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 SAM database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(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)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, “Instructions to Offerors”

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE OFFERORS

A. SUBMISSION OF QUOTES

This section specifies the format and content that offerors shall use in responding to this Request for Quote (RFQ). The intent is to ensure a certain degree of uniformity in the format in the response for evaluation purposes. The Quote should be legible and comprehensive enough to provide the rating standards for a sound evaluation by the Government. Information provided should be precise, factual, and complete. Legibility, clarity, completeness, and responsiveness are of the utmost importance. If the Quote does not provide, at a minimum, that which is required in this solicitation it may be determined to be substantially incomplete and not warrant any further consideration.

The contractor’s initial Quote should contain the contractor’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint.

Award will be made on a best value basis using the “Lowest Price, Technically Acceptable” rating standards. Evaluation will be made to identify the technical acceptability of the Quote in relation to the RFQ, and the evaluation criteria set forth below. Technical acceptability will be determined by evaluating Technical Capabilities and Past Performance. All technical evaluation criteria must be rated “Acceptable” to be considered for award. The Quote must fully document and substantiate a cross mapping of their cost approach as it equates to the technical approach listed in the evaluation criteria. Please note that unsubstantiated costs that are considered unrealistic or unsupported or both may cause the overall technical evaluation to be rated “Unacceptable”.

SUBMISSION OF QUOTES: Quotes shall be submitted and received in three (3) Volumes and no later than 11 September 2017 by 10:00 AM (Eastern Time), Frederick, MD. All questions should be addressed in writing and submitted electronically to Erik Przygocki , Contract Specialist at erik.j.przygocki.civ@mail.mil . Questions shall be submitted by 12:00 PM (Eastern Time) 31 August 2017.

Volume 1 - TECHNICAL QUOTE

Volume 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE

Volume 3 - PRICE QUOTE

1. Each volume shall be separate and complete, so that the evaluation of each one may be accomplished independently and concurrently with, evaluation of the others. Each Volume shall be an independent document, labeled accordingly.

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION: Quotes shall be electronically submitted to the POC above. Your submission should include two (2) separate parts: (1) Non-Cost/Price Quote and (2) Cost/Price Quote. The Statement of work and Non-Cost/Price Quote shall be submitted in MS Word 2000 or searchable PDF format. The Cost/Price Quote shall be submitted in MS Excel 2000 or higher, but not greater than MS Excel 2007 format. The firewall utilized by the Government contracting office does not authorize or accept zip files.

Evaluation of Quotes: The Government will evaluate the Quote in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in this RFP.

The Offeror’s Quote will become part of the official contract file.

B. QUOTE FORMATTING & PACKAGING GUIDELINES

1. Format. The Government’s preferred format is as follows: The submission should be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume should be clearly identified and should begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume should be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and solicitation number in the header and/or footer. The Quote shall be clear and legible. Attachments shall conform to the following guidelines:

● Type Font: 12 point, 10 pitch (Times New Roman)

● Spacing: Single-spacing between lines of text

● Margins: 1.0 inches on all sides

● Acronyms: Spell out all acronyms the first time when they are used. One page following the Quote body is allocated to spell out acronyms, abbreviations and symbols.

● Language: English

● Format: Microsoft Office Applications (i.e. MS Word, Excel)

● Graphics & Tables: 8 point, 10 pitch (Time New Roman).

In addition, each paragraph should be separated by at least one blank line. A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Times New Roman font is preferred. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size not less than 8-point and may be landscape.

2. File Packaging. None of the Quote files shall be compressed (zipped). Zipped files cannot be opened by the Contracting Office.

3. Page Limitations. Non-cost/price Quotes are limited to 25 single-sided pages. Pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the document and not by sections. For any sections of a Quote with a defined page limit, pages exceeding the specified limit will be removed and not forwarded for evaluation.

The following sections are NOT subject to page limits:

(a) Cover/title Page

(b) Table of Contents

(c) Contractor POCs (signatory official & Program/Contract Manager)

(d) OCI Certification (Exhibit 1, Deliverable 1) & Non-Disclosure Statement (Exhibit 2, Deliverable 2)

(e) Past Performance Questionnaire (Exhibit 3)

(f) Resumes for Key Personnel ONLY & letters of intent

(g) Proof of Certified for Accrediting

C. VOLUME CONTENT

1. Volume 1- TECHNICAL QUOTE

The Technical Quote is required to meet the minimum requirements of the RFP to be eligible for award. The Offeror shall submit a Quote comprehensive enough to provide the basis for a sound evaluation by the Government. The Technical Quote shall be specific, detailed, and complete enough to clearly and fully demonstrate that the Offeror understands the requirements and the inherent problems associated with the objectives of this procurement. Stating that the Offeror understands and will comply with the specifications, or paraphrasing the specifications is inadequate as are phrases such as, "Standard procedures will be employed" and "Well-known techniques will be used." The Technical Quote shall be sufficient as to how the Offeror proposes to comply with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) including a full explanation of the techniques and procedures the Offeror proposes to follow. Technical Quotes shall also include a proposed Quality Control Plan (QCP (paragraph 3.1.4 of PWS)) for the Government’s consideration in development of the Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The QASP will specify the services requiring surveillance and the method of surveillance to determine that the services conform to the contract requirements.

(a) Technical Approach: The Offeror shall submit a written Quote which effectively demonstrates the Offeror’s technical approach. The Offeror’s technical approach should specifically address:

(i) A Clear understanding of all tasks and how the approach is likely to yield the required results within the required timeframe.

(ii) The methodology and flexibility that will be used in accomplishing any resultant award.

(iii) The Offeror’s overall ability to perform.

(iv) How the technical approach is creative and reduces cost, technical, or schedule risk to the Government.

(v) A draft Project Management Plan (PMP) for timely and successful performance of the requirements of the PWS. A final PMP shall be provided 30 days after contract award.

(vi) A draft QCP for timely and successful performance of the requirements of the PWS. A final QCP shall be provided 30 days after contract award.

(vii) Proof that the Offeror is certified and adheres to ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ANAB- ASCLD/LAB) guidelines or equivelant.

(b) Corporate Experience: The Offeror shall submit a written Quote which effectively demonstrates the Offeror’s corporate or proposed staff experience. The Offeror’s relevant corporate experience should specifically address:

(i) The degree to which the Offeror Quote reflects corporate or proposed staff experience for the same or similar services within the PWS.

(ii) Evidence that the organization (including Subcontractors) has current capabilities; and for ensuring performance of this requirement:

(c) Personnel Qualifications: The Offeror shall provide the following information, at a minimum:

The personnel qualification will be evaluated to the degree which the Offeror’s personnel qualifications demonstrate:

(i) Resumes of the Offeror’s proposed Key Personnel to include relevant education, training, and credentials. Key personnel cannot be previous AFDIL employees or have any other possible conflict of interest.

2. Volume 2 - PAST PERFORMANCE

(a) Past Performance:

The Offeror shall describe awards of a nature and complexity similar to this proposed service contract and provide references in which the Offeror is presently performing or has performed in the past (within last 3 years) for the same or similar services. The past performance can be Government and/or commercial in nature; however, specific support provided to Headquarters (HQ), USAMRMC, US Army Medical Command (USAMEDCOM), Department of Army (DA), Department of Defense (DoD), or other Government agencies should be highlighted.

Each contract description should provide the following information: Project or contract title; award number, contracting agency, type of contract, and total dollar value; date of contract and period of performance; Government agency or firm for which the services has been performed, including address, points of contact (project manager and contracting officer, name, title, address and telephone number; brief description of the contract work, scope and responsibilities; the average number of personnel (key and other personnel) assigned to the respective contract(s). In addition, a brief description of how the cited work is the same or similar to the proposed effort being submitted.

The Past Performance Quote may not exceed 10 pages inclusive of references.

Sample format for past performance information:

Contracting Organization:

Contract Number:

Contract Type:

Period of Performance:

Current Contract Value:

Contact Person:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: (Provide a synopsis of service performed).

Past performance shall include both prime and subcontractor experience. Offerors shall describe problems encountered in the performance of similar services and describe how the problem(s) was/were resolved. The Offeror shall have the referenced sources submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (Exhibit 3) directly to the Contract Specialist, Mr. Erik Przygocki at erik.j.przygocki.civ@mail.mil prior to the closing date of the solicitation. Past performance information obtained by the Government from other sources may also be used for evaluation. The information gathered shall be used to assess the relevancy of previous services performed and determine the degree of performance risk involved in accepting the Offeror’s Quote. In the event an established Offeror is simply without a record of past performance, the Offeror’s lack of past performance will be evaluated as an unknown risk having a favorable or unfavorable impact on the evaluation.

3. Volume 3- PRICE QUOTE

The cost/price Quote will be evaluated separately from the non-cost Quote and past performance and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The total evaluated cost will be evaluated for reasonableness in terms of:

a. Level of effort, in that the proposed labor mix and hours are based on reasonable assumptions

b. Consistency with the labor categories proposed and open market rates for the proposed labor category

c. Consistency with the technical approach, in that the prices are consistent with and reflect the proposed staffing requirement for all years.

Price Quote shall consist of the following parts:

Fully burdened hourly labor rates for all suggested labor categories and any additional proposed labor categories or levels. The Quote shall include the rate for all Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS), Price/Cost Schedule of the Standard Form (SF) 1449, Solicitation, Offer, and Award.

Pricing information relating to Contractor Manpower Reporting requirements.

Representations and Certifications.

Signed SF 1449 and required acknowledged solicitation amendments.

Pricing shall be provided for individual labor categories. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by comparing the fully burdened hourly labor rates proposed for the base year and option year.

Solicitation, Offer and Award - Offeror shall complete Blocks 30a-c of SF 1449 (fill-in and signatures) of the solicitation and submit with Quote. An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 1449 and acknowledge receipt of all amendments issued. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

Offeror Representations and Certifications - The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically through System for Award Management (SAM) System https://www.sam.gov.

The business Quote should be specific and complete in every detail. The method of payment is to be Wide Area Workflow (WAWF).

(End of provision)

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The following have been modified:

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

a. Basis for Award: This is a competitive requirement for External ISO/IEC 17025 International Assessment and Accreditation Service. This requirement will be evaluated using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process in accordance with FAR 15.101-2 and Army Source Selection Supplement determining if contractor quote is “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable.”

The Government will make an award based on the fact the contractor quote has been determined technically acceptable in response to the solicitation for external ISO/IEC 17025 International Assessment and Accreditation service for the U.S. Armed Forces Medical Examiner System’s Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL). The scope of the requirement is to receive assessment and accreditation based on inspections, audits and personnel proficiency test requirements. Assessment and accreditation shall be performed utilizing at a minimum the ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories standards and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS), and may include other contractor associated supplemental forensic specific requirements document(s) needed to achieve ISO/IEC 17025 International Accreditation at AFDIL at Dover AFB, DE.

The Offeror’s quote will be evaluated to ensure the Government receives a technically acceptable award at a fair and reasonable price. The selection for award will be based on the following equally important non-cost/price factors. Past Performance will be evaluated independently from the other non-cost/price evaluation factors using different standards. The non-price evaluation factors are as follows:

(a) Technical Approach

(b) Past Performance

b. Evaluation for Technical Acceptability: An evaluation for technical acceptability will be made to ensure satisfactory responsiveness to the requirements as set forth in this solicitation. Each non- price factor will be rated “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” using the following rating standards in accordance with DoD Source Selection Procedures:

Technical Acceptable/Unacceptable Ratings

****If any of the following non-price evaluation factors receives an individual rating of “Unacceptable,” the entire quote will be deemed “Unacceptable”. ****

1. Non-Cost/Price Evaluation Criteria: The following criteria will be used to evaluate the non- price aspects of the quote.

(a) Technical Approach: The technical approach will be evaluated to the degree to which the Offeror’s technical approach demonstrates:

(i) A clear understanding of all the tasks and how the approach is likely to yield the required results within the required timeframe.

(ii) The methodology and flexibility that will be used in accomplishing any resultant award.

(iii) The Offeror’s overall ability to perform.

(iv) How the technical approach is creative and reduces cost, technical, or schedule risk to the Government.

(v) A draft Project Management Plan (PMP) for timely and successful performance of the requirements of the PWS. A final PMP shall be provided 30 days after contract award.

(vi) A draft QCP for timely and successful performance of the requirements of the PWS. A final QCP shall be provided 30 days after contract award.

(vii) Proof that the Offeror is certified and adheres to ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board American Society of Crime laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ANAB- ASCLD/LAB) guidelines or equivelant.

(viii) A copy of the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) comments from the pre-submission packet to ensure any additional edits and questions are adequately addressed.

(b) Corporate Experience: The corporate experience will be evaluated to the degree to which the Offeror’s corporate experience demonstrates:

(i) The degree to which the Offeror quote reflects corporate or proposed staff experience for the same or similar services within the PWS.

(ii) Evidence that the organization (including Subcontractors) has current capabilities; and for ensuring performance of this requirement:

(c) Personnel Qualifications: The personnel qualification will be evaluated to the degree which the Offeror’s personnel qualifications demonstrate:

(i) Resumes of the Offeror’s proposed Key Personnel to include relevant education, training, and credentials. Key personnel cannot be previous AFDIL employees or have any other possible conflict of interest.

(d) Past Performance:

Past Performance will be evaluated for the Offeror probability of meeting the solicitation requirements. The Past Performance evaluation will consider the offeror demonstrated relevant and recent record of performance in supplying products and services that meet the requirements. A performance rating of “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” will be assigned to the offeror relevant and recent past performance. The Government will review the Past Performance information to determine the quality and usefulness as it applies to how well the contractor performed on the contract(s). The Past Performance will assess the offeror likelihood of success in performing the PWS requirements indicated by the Offeror record of past performance on relevant efforts, either included in the quote or identified by the evaluators in any other manner. In this context, “Offeror” refers to the proposed Prime Contractor and all proposed Subcontractors. The Prime Contractor and proposed Subcontractors will first be assessed individually and the results will then be assessed in their totality to derive the Offeror Past Performance rating.

Offeror shall provide three (3) references and project descriptions for recent (from the past three years) and relevant experience. Past performance provided shall include both prime and subcontractor experience. Offerors shall describe problems encountered in the performance of similar services and describe how the problem(s) was/were resolved. The Offeror shall have the referenced sources submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (Exhibit 3 located in Section J) directly to the Contract Specialist, Mr. Erik Przygocki at erik.j.przygocki.civ@mail.mil prior to the closing date of the solicitation. Information used consists of reference data provided by the offeror in their quote submission, information in both Government and commercial databases, and other information available as USAMRAA determines is reasonable. USAMRAA shall assess the relevancy of the experience and if relevant evaluate the offeror past performance (how well the offeror performed on the referenced project). If the offeror has no relevant past performance references, they will be evaluated as Acceptable.

Past Performance will be evaluated and rated using the below table from the Department of Defense Source Selection Procedures:

Past Performance Evaluation Ratings

Note: In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance (see FAR 15.305 (a) (2) (iv)). Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, “unknown” shall be considered “acceptable.”

c. Cost/Price: Cost/price will be evaluated separately from past performance and other non-cost/price factors, and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness. The total evaluated cost/price will be evaluated for reasonableness in terms of:

1. Consistency with labor categories.

1. A consistency with the technical approaches, in that the prices are consistent with and reflects the proposed staffing requirement for all years.

The quote, if unrealistic in terms of technical commitment or unrealistically low in price, will be deemed to show an inherent lack of technical competence or failure to comprehend the complexity and risk of the contract requirements. This may be grounds for the rejection of the quote. The Government may reject the quote if it is unreasonable or materially unbalanced as to prices for base and option year. An unbalanced quote is one that incorporates prices significantly less than cost for some items and/or prices that are significantly overstated for other items.

1. Options. The Government will evaluate the offer for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that the offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

1. A written notice of award or acceptance of the offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept the offer (or part of the offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

1. To receive consideration for award, a rating of no less than “Acceptable” must be achieved.

(End of provision)

(End of Summary of Changes) image1.wmf