0.W81XWH-18-Q-0070_CombinedSynopsisSolicitation.docx

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION W81XWH-18-Q-0070

Non-Drinking Water, Soil, Sludge and Sediment Analysis Services

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6 – Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation document will not be issued. This solicitation is being issued under the authority of FAR Part 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items.

This solicitation is a Request for Quotations (RFQ). The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-96 effective 11/06/2017.

The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 541380 with a small business size standard of $15,000,000.00. This acquisition is being procured using full and open competition procedures. Quotes submitted by small and other than small business concerns will be considered.

The U.S. Army Public Health Center requires services to analyze between 3,000 and 6,000 annual water, soil, sludge and sediment samples from multiple CONUS and OCONUS DoD installations. Review the attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) for specific tasks and requirements.

Period and Location of Performance The services shall be performed at the offeror’s and subcontractor’s facilities.

The period of performance is one 12-month base period and four optional 12-month periods. Option periods will begin after the expiration of the previous years’ services and only after a modification exercising the option period has been duly processed.

INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

Far Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to offerors applies to this solicitation. Additionally, the following information is provided as an addendum to the provision.

1. Proposal Instructions Offerors non-price quote shall not exceed 30 letter sized pages excluding attachments such as resumes, past performance information, OCI certification, completed provisions and the Subcontracting Plan. The price quote shall not exceed five letter sized pages excluding attachments such as the price sheet. Font size shall not exceed 12 point or be smaller than 10 point type.

2. The Non-price quote shall contain the following information:

The offeror shall provide a cover sheet to the non-price quote with the following information:

a. Offeror Name and mailing address

b. Point of Contact name, active phone number and email address

c. Offeror and Subcontractor(s) DUNS and CAGE Codes

The Offeror shall include a “Technical Approach and Capabilities” section that includes the following:

a. Information showing the offeror’s proposed Program Manager meets the qualifications in the most current TNI Standard and ISO 17025 section 4.1.5, has experience in project oversight and team management, and has experience in managing high volumes of complex analyses and producing electronic data deliverables (EDDs) for samples with routine and priority turnaround times.

b. Information showing offeror and subcontractor laboratory personnel meet the most current TNI Standard and ISO 17025 Section 4.1.5 qualifications.

c. A completed Subcontracting Plan (see attached template) meeting the requirements in accordance with FAR 52.219-8 and 52.219-9. The Government is not establishing small business subcontracting goals for this solicitation and expects offerors to establish the small business subcontracting target percentages.

d. A program management plan describing which analyses will be performed by the prime, which analyses will be performed by each of the subcontractors, and how the offeror will ensure proper handling and processing of the estimated sample volume in the turn-around times required in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). This includes how the prime intends to manage the deliverables from and sub-offeror to ensure the Turn Around Times and Quality standards are met in accordance with the PWS.

e. Evidence that the offeror’s and subcontractor’s laboratories meet the laboratory qualifications and capabilities as stated in Section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of the PWS and that accreditations were assessed through a third-party accrediting body.

f. Reports showing the offeror’s and subcontractor’s quantitation levels for each analyte identified in PWS Attachment 3.

The offeror shall include a “Past Performance” section that includes the following:

The Offeror shall provide a narrative discussing no more than three (3) relevant past performance examples. If subcontractors are proposed, the offeror shall supply the same information for each subcontractor. Examples must be similar in size, scope, and complexity to the PWS and show capability in processing the minimum estimated quantity and types of analyses per period of performance. (NOTE: A contract of similar nature is a contract of comparable risk - functions, responsibilities, and control exercised by the offeror which is essentially the same as required under the solicitation). For each narrative provided, the offeror shall supply the contract information, contact information for references, and a final past performance rating, if available.

The offeror shall state if it, or its’ subcontractors have no history of past performance.

3. The price quote shall contain the following information Offerors shall provide a ceiling price for each of the Contract Line Items (CLINs) below:

a. CLIN 0001, Drinking Water Sample Analyses-Base Period. Quantity: 1, Unit: Job, Type: Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price

b. CLIN 1001, Drinking Water Sample Analyses-Option Period 1. Quantity: 1, Unit: Job, Type: Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price

c. CLIN 2001, Drinking Water Sample Analyses-Option Period 2. Quantity: 1, Unit: Job, Type: Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price

d. CLIN 3001, Drinking Water Sample Analyses-Option Period 2. Quantity: 1, Unit: Job, Type: Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price

e. CLIN 4001, Drinking Water Sample Analyses-Option Period 2. Quantity: 1, Unit: Job, Type: Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price

The resultant contract will be a hybrid Firm Fixed Price type contract known as a Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price. The prices quoted in the solicitation will establish the maximum ceiling price based on the calculation of total prices per unit analysis at the maximum estimated quantities as listed in the attached pricing worksheet. See the clause entitled “Firm Fixed Price, Unit Price Invoicing instructions” for invoice payment information.

To establish the ceiling prices, offerors shall fill out and submit the attached pricing worksheet by providing a unit price for each type of analysis listed and surcharge percentages for each period of performance. The number calculated as the total Maximum with priority surcharge calculations in cell F312, shall become the offerors ceiling price per period of performance. Additionally, the price lists will be incorporated into the resultant contract.

The Government will establish SURGE CLINs for each period of performance. SURGE CLINs will be exercised in the event that the Government exceeds the quoted price within a period of performance and requires additional analyses before the period of performance expiration. The SURGE CLINs will be the same Unit and type as each CLIN listed above and will be priced at 25% of the price quoted for each CLIN. Offerors shall not provide separate pricing for SURGE CLINs, and the unit per analysis prices established for each period of performance shall apply to SURGE CLIN pricing.

The contract will incorporate a Contractor Manpower Reporting CLIN for each period of performance. The Contractor Manpower Reporting CLINs are not separately priced and will contain the following description:

The offeror shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract for the US Army Institute of Surgical Research via a secure data collection site. The offeror is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address: http://www.ecmra.mil/. Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each Government fiscal year (FY), which runs October 1 through September 30. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than October 31 of each calendar year, beginning with 2017. Offerors may direct questions to the help desk at help desk at: http://www.ecmra.mil.

4. Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification Offerors shall review, sign and include a copy of the signed OCI certification attachment

5. Provisions and Clauses Offerors shall complete the attached provisions and clauses. If the offeror objects to any of the terms and conditions contained in this solicitation, the offeror shall state “The terms and conditions in the solicitation are acceptable to be included in the award document with the exception, deletion, or addition of the following:” [Offeror shall list exception(s) and rationale for the exception(s)]. It is the sole responsibility of the offeror to identify in their quote any exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation. If the offeror does not include such a statement, the submission of a quotation in response to this solicitation will be regarded as the Offeror’s acceptance of the Government’s terms and conditions for inclusion into the resultant purchase order.

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND BASIS FOR AWARD

The Government intends to award a single purchase order from this solicitation. The Government reserves the right not to award a purchase order.

US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) intends to evaluate quotes in a two-step process. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial quote should contain the Offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. USAMRAA intends to issue the award without discussions but reserves the right to enter into discussion if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary.

Award will be made, if at all, to the responsible Offeror whose quote, conforming to the requirements of the solicitation, represents the lowest price technically acceptable solution to the Government. An “unacceptable” rating in any factor or the pre-award site visit will result in an overall “unacceptable” rating unless corrected through discussions. An offeror receiving an overall rating of “unacceptable” shall not be eligible for contract award.

The Government intends to evaluate offeror’s in a two-step process which will entail an initial evaluation of the offerors technical quote using the following criteria:

1. Technical Approach and Capabilities

2. Past Performance

3. Price

After the initial evaluation of the technical quote, the offeror determined to be lowest priced technically acceptable based on the criteria below will be subjected to a site visit of both the prime and proposed subcontractor(s) locations within 15 business days of completing the technical evaluations. The site visit will confirm and verify the offeror and subcontractors’ facilities, equipment, and personnel meet the qualifications and certifications as stated in the PWS. During the site visit, any deficiency relating to the offeror’s (prime or sub-contractor) facilities, policies, procedures, or personnel that will prevent the offer from executing the PWS, or any improper, unethical, or illegal practices will be determined “Unacceptable” and the Offeror will no longer be eligible for award. The Government will then visit the next lowest priced technically acceptable offeror and the cycle repeated until an offeror is found technically acceptable during the site visit.

The site visit will audit the following:

· The laboratory(ies) facility is compliant with all items on the ISO 17025 checklist.

· All laboratory equipment is operational.

· All laboratory personnel meet the ISO and TNI standards

· Samples are being properly handled and stored in a manner that aligns with Key Task 1 of the PWS.

· Samples are being processed in a timely manner that aligns with Key Task 2 of the PWS.

· Sample disposal is being properly handled according to ISO and Government Regulations.

· Laboratory personnel are not exhibiting improper, unethical or illegal practices such as those listed below.

· Improper use of manual integrations to meet method QC criteria or calibration;

· Intentional misrepresentation of the data and/or time of analysis;

· Falsification of results to meet method requirements;

· Reporting of results without analysis to support;

· Selective exclusion of data to meet QC criteria;

· Misrepresentation of laboratory performance by presenting calibration data or QC limits within data reports that are not linked to the data set reported, or QC control limits presented within the laboratory Quality Assurance Manual or SOPs that are not indicative of historical laboratory performance used for batch control;

· Unwarranted manipulation of computer software;

· Notation of matrix interference as a basis for exceeding acceptance limits in interference-free matrices;

· Improper alteration of analytical conditions;

· Misrepresentation of QC samples; and

· Reporting of results from the analysis of one sample for those of another.

Acceptability Rating Standards:

Each non-cost/price factor will be rated as “Acceptable” or “Unacceptable” using the following rating standards:

For Factor 1 – Technical Approach and Capabilities, the standards will be:

· Acceptable: Quote meets the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

· Unacceptable: Quote does not meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation.

For Factor 2 – Past Performance standards will be:

· Acceptable: Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the Offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror’s performance record is unknown.

· Unacceptable: Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government does not have a reasonable expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Technical Approach and Capabilities will be evaluated as follows:

1. The non-price quote cover sheet contains the following information:

a. Offeror Name and mailing address

b. Point of Contact name, active phone number and email address

c. Offeror and Subcontractor(s) DUNS and CAGE Codes

2. The offeror’s proposed Program Manager meets the qualifications in the 2009 (or later version) TNI Standard, ISO 17025(2005) section 4.1.5, has experience in project oversight and team management, and has experience in managing high volumes of complex analyses and producing electronic data deliverable (EDDs) for samples with routine and priority turnaround time.

3. The offeror’s and subcontractor’s laboratory personnel meet the most current TNI Standard and ISO 17025 Section 4.1.5 qualifications.

4. The offeror has submitted a complete Subcontracting Plan (see attached template) that meets the requirements in accordance with FAR 52.219-8 and 52.219-9.

5. The offeror has submitted a program management plan that describes which analyses will be performed by the prime, which analyses will be performed by each of the subcontractors, and how the offeror will ensure proper handling and processing of the estimated sample volume in the turn-around times required in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). This includes how the prime intends to manage the deliverables from and sub-contractor to ensure the Turn Around Times and Quality standards are met in accordance with the PWS.

6. The offeror provided evidence that the offeror’s and subcontractor’s laboratories meet the laboratory qualifications and capabilities as stated in Section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of the PWS and that accreditations were assessed through a third-party accrediting body.

7. The offeror has provided a copy of the completed clauses and provisions.

8. The offeror has provided information showing ability to perform the methods identified in PWS Attachment A to meet the quantitation limits for all analytes referenced.

9. The offeror has submitted a signed OCI certification form.

Past Performance will be evaluated as follows:

The offeror’s past performance will be evaluated to determine whether the past performance is recent (completed within the last two years), and relevant or not relevant to the required services. Offeror’s performance will be evaluated to determine if the offeror’s past performance shows satisfactory experience in providing the types of analyses required by the PWS in the estimated volumes by reviewing the past performance rating and interviewing the provided references.

Offeror’s having no record of past performance will be evaluated as “neutral” which will be considered as “acceptable”.

Price The price evaluation will determine whether the quoted prices are fair and reasonable in relation to the solicitation requirements. Quoted prices shall be entirely compatible with the technical quotations. The offeror’s estimated ceiling price will be used at their total price and a comparison of the highest unit priced tests will be used to determine reasonableness.

Please note that this procurement IS NOT being conducted under the GSA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program or another Government-Wide Area Contract (GWAC). If an offeror submits a quotation based upon an FSS or GWAC contract, the Government will accept the quoted price. However, the terms and conditions stated herein will be included in any resultant Purchase Order, not the terms and conditions of the offeror’s FSS or GWAC contract, and the statement required above shall be included in the quotation;

DUE DATE FOR QUOTATIONS

All quotations must be submitted via e-mail to Susan Ruzicka, Contract Specialist at susan.e.ruzicka2.civ@mail.mil. Submission must be received not later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, 16 February 2018. A quotation shall be considered received when it is received in the electronic inbox of Susan Ruzicka not later than the date and time identified herein.

All questions regarding this notice must be submitted via e-mail to susan.e.ruzicka2.civ@mail.mil by 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday 02 February 2018. Questions submitted after this date may not be addressed by the Government prior to the quotation submission deadline.

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES:

The clauses and provisions applicable to this solicitation can be found under the attachment Applicable Clauses & Provisions. The full text of a FAR and DFARS provision s or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://farsite.hill.af.mil or www.acquisition.gov/far.

ATTACHMENTS:

The following attachments apply to this solicitation:

0. Combined Synopsis Solicitation

1. Performance Work Statement 1A. Performance Work Statement Attachment 1 1B. Performance Work Statement Attachment 2 1C. Performance Work Statement Attachment 3 1D. Performance Work Statement Attachment 4

2. Pricing Sheet

3. Organizational Conflict of Interest Certification

4. Applicable Provisions and Clauses

5. Small Business Subcontracting Plan Template

6. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan