Amendment 3 dtd 23 April 2021.pdf

0011141611

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

CONTINUATION SHEET BLOCK #14

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 19

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 23-Apr-2021

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W9115121R0012

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

15-Mar-2021

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer X is extended, is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

23-Apr-2021

CODE

MICC - FORT HOOD

36000 DARNALL LOOP, ROOM 1300B

FORT HOOD TX 76544-5025

W91151 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

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:

CONTINUATION SHEET

The following items are applicable to Amendment 3 of the Solicitation:

1. Solicitation W91151-21-R-0012, TTSS, is hereby amended to extend the request for proposal close date from

1200 (CST), 26 April 2021 to 1200 (CST), 7 May 2021. All Offerors to include Subcontractors are instructed to resubmit SAFE code request. The CUT OFF DATE for obtaining the SAFE request code is 12:00 PM (CST), 27

April 2021. In the event no response is provided for the request, Offerors to include Subcontractors are instructed to resubmit the request no later than 12:00 PM (CST), 29 APRIL 2021. The Past Performance Questionnaire submission date has been extended from 09:00 AM (CST) 26 April 2021 to 09:00 AM (CST) 7 May 2021.

2. All changes to the solicitation are highlighted in yellow and blue.

3. As a result of this amendment TE O1, Wage Determination (Texas & Arizona) is added due to a system error that prevented upload.

4. Attachment 4 Version 2 Cost Proposal added to reflect correct data for Cost Proposal spreadsheet.

5. Revised TE A PWS dtd 20 Apr 2021-All changes are highlighted in yellow and blue.

6. Revised TE AC1 PWS Deliverables

7. Added TE V1 DD 254 Addendum

8. All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

9. The following are questions from Industry and responses from the Government:

Question from Industry.

1. Question: Due to the additional TAR responses now required, are the TAR responses still expected to be included in the volume and page count for the Mission Capability factor, or are they a separate attachment to be included with the Mission Capability volume and not included in the page count?

Government Response: In accordance with Section L,(3) Section 3 – Subfactor 3 Task Implementation

Plan (TIP). Using the TIP (CDRL A003, TE F) per PWS C.5.1.14.1. format, the Offeror shall provide detail and rationale to substantiate the Offeror’s stated capabilities and qualifications, thereby enabling the

Government to determine the Offeror’s level of knowledge and experience for successful performance of a

Sample Test Task Authorization Request (TAR) (Attachment 1), Fort Hood Base TAR (TE AA) (PWS

C.5.2.1.1), and IEWTD Base TAR (TE AB) (PWS C.5.3.2.). The Offeror’s shall identify the Department of

Labor skill categories, hours per skill category, and the employment categories (e.g., core, full-time test support, part-time test support) applicable to the effort described in all the TARs. The cost only for the Fort

Hood Base TAR (TE AA) and IEWTD Base TAR (TE AB) shall be provided under Attachment 4, Cost

Proposal Template. Attachment 7, Sample Test TAR Position and Labor Proposal, shall be used to submit the labor categories, hours as listed above for the Sample Test TAR (Attachment 1) only. Offeror shall not submit a cost for the Sample Test TAR (Attachment 1). Note: Two TARs shall be provided. One for TE

AA and one for TE AB. The TAR responses are included in the volume and the page count has been increased from 75 to 125.

2. Question: Per Section M, both the Management & Staffing and Technical Approach subfactors are significantly more important than the Test Task Implementation Plan (TIP) subfactor. However, with three

TARs to respond to, these would require more page space than the other two sections combined. If the

TAR responses are required in the Mission Capability factor please increase the required page count from

75 pages to 100 pages.

Government Response: The page count has been increased from 75 to 125.

3. Question: When is an updated TE O file to include Arizona going to be published?

Government Response: TE O has been replaced with TE O1.

4. Question: 2020 BLS downloads does not include data for numerous identified occupation codes, such as, 15-1133, 15-1142, 15-1152. If BLS data does not exist, confirm if we can use other salary survey data besides BLS.

Government Response: The codes represent historical data. Offerors will determine and identify salary data and occupation codes at their discretion to include any other salary data.

5. Question: The instructions for Attachment 4 are not clear on how the prime is to identify subcontractor labor costs. In the IEWTD and FH cost breakdown tabs, please confirm if we listing each subcontractor labor category under subcontracts section or just the total amount of labor from a subcontractor tab?

Government Response: In the IEWTD and FH cost breakdown tabs, the Offeror may link the total amount of labor from a Subcontractor tab, given the Subcontractor tab lists each subcontractor labor category. In addition, in accordance with the Subcontractor – Teaming tab within Attachment 4: “A cost proposal as detailed as the Offeror’s cost proposal including support documentation will be required to be submitted by all proposed subcontractors.”

6. Question: Per Q#13, In pricing the AA and AB TARs, in separate tabs, please clarify the level of detail needed. Are we pricing FFP/CPFF? If CPFF does it need to be as complex as the cost breakdown tabs or can we just list burden rates and fee for pricing?

Government Response: The Offeror shall include the pricing for both FFP/CLINs in the IEWTD and Fort

Hood Fort Hood tabs. Proposals should be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate realism and reasonableness for the cost reimbursable line items and shall provide basis of estimate for cost and pricing build-up that is easily traceable and free of errors.

7. Question: Please confirm that identifying how indirects are applied to the CR CLINS in the cost narrative is sufficient for the rate to become part of the contractor, or do we need to modify Attachment 4 cost breakdown to show that cost is included in the plug amount?

Government Response: If the CR CLIN is a plug figure, the Offeror shall identify how the indirect rates are applied in the cost narrative.

8. Question: Question 5: Answer says it “will be incorporated”. We have not been able to locate a revised TE

O that includes the Arizona WD. When will the Government provide the Wage Determination documentation?

Government Response: See answer to Question#3.

9. Question: Question 10: The Answer suggest we are to include all narrative and BOE rationale in pdf format, but the revised Attachment 4 added several worksheets (“Escalation & Indirect Rates”, SCA

Covered Employees”, “Uncompensated OT”) that appear like the expectation is to include rationale and

BOE information within those worksheets. Recommend the Government modify Attachment 4 to state all rationale be provided within narrative instead of within Attachment 4 Excel workbook.

Government Response: If the Offeror chooses to submit the narrative and BOE rationale in PDF format, make a note on the Attachment 4 of where this information can be found in the PDF.

10. Question: Pricing; as the prime, we have to access the entirety of the Amendment changes, this includes, but not limited to:

a. Time to assess a completely new Attachment 4 with massive changes

b. Incorporate Section B CLIN description changes that must be included in proposal

c. Prepare new sealed package guidelines to our teammates

d. Time to review and reassess the fair and reasonableness of subcontractor pricing within Subcontractor

Price Analysis and confirm compliance with FAR 52.222-46 and 52.222-55 and 52.222-62

e. Ensure Prime and subcontractor compliance with all the new requirements.

Based on the time to address and complete all the changes with Amendment 0002, recommend the

Government please provide 15 business day extension from release of these questions to conduct due diligence and be compliant with appropriate FAR regulations.

Government Response: The closing date of the solicitation has been extended. See

Amendment 3, statement #1.

11. Question: “Subfactor 3: Task Implementation Plan (TIP): Task Implementation Plan (TIP): The

Government will evaluate the Offerors TIP (CDRL A003, TE F) responses from the information provided for each of TARs (Ft. Hood Base TAR (TE AA), IEWTD Base TAR (TE AB), and the Sample Test TAR

(Attachment 1). The Government will evaluate the Offerors capabilities through its process to identify the

TAR requirements and capabilities gap analysis. The Government will evaluate the Offerors test technology integration, test technology and System Under Test integration, test technology accreditation, provisions of adequate time for travel, set-up and training, actions identified that require coordination, and timelines to support task accomplishment. The Government will evaluate the Offerors costing submitted under Attachment 4, Cost Proposal Template for the Ft. Hood Base TAR (TE AA) and the IEWTD Base

TAR (TE AB) (See Cost/Price Factor). The Government will evaluate the Offeror’s TIP for its organizational structure to include the number of manpower, skill mix used, and the number of man-hours used to accomplish these TARs. The Offeror’s response will utilize the Department of Labor skill codes to identify skill categories. For the Sample Test TAR response, the Offeror shall use Attachment 7, Sample

Test TAR Position, and Labor Proposal.” Based on changes to Section 3 Subfactor 3, recommend adding

75 pages to the current Mission Capability Volume page limitation of 75 pages in order for the offeror to address the 13 pages of Ft. Hood Base TAR (TE AA) requirements and the 20 pages of IEWTD Base TAR

(TE AB). Requirements.

Government Response: See answer to question #2.

12. Question: Based on changes to Section 3 Subfactor 3, recommend adding 75 pages to the current Mission

Capability Volume page limitation of 75 pages in order for the offeror to address the 13 pages of Ft. Hood

Base TAR (TE AA) requirements and the 20 pages of IEWTD Base TAR (TE AB). Requirements.

Government Response: See answer to question #2.

13. Question: Question 26: The PWS primarily only calls out the applicable Ft. Hood Regulations and does not provide the applicable Ft. Huachuca regulations. Example is C.1.6.18 Conservation of Utilities. Based on the Government’s answers to questions, when will the Government add Ft. Huachuca Regulations and

Weblink to access publications and policies to PWS Section 6? Recommendation: Provide the regulations and Weblink access as soon as possible as well as provide an extension of 15 working days so the team is able to assess the regulations and publications, as well as any impact on our response.

Government Response: The below Fort Huachuca publications can be found on weblink:

https://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.php/about/us-army-garrison-policy-memorandums. See PWS

Section 6.0.

14. Question: Question 39 DD254 block 10e 1. In the response to questions, the Government stated that the

SCI addendum will be provided. Based on both industry days, and the requirements in the PWS, it is not clear that the contractor requires to have a Facility Safeguarding requirement as the solicitation is clear that the work will be performed on government site. Recommend that the government provide the SCI addendum and remove the requirement for FCL safeguarding.

Government Response: See TE V1 DD254 Addendum.

https://home.army.mil/huachuca/index.php/about/us-army-garrison-policy-memorandums

15. Question: Please clarify or remove sentence within C.1.6.14 (2) Defense Base Act (2) Insurance Brokers -page 20 “The insurance policy has to come from Continental Insurance Company (CNA) and no other insurance company. Otherwise, the policy is invalid”. Suggest removal.

Government Response: The language has been removed.

16. Question: Would the Government consider a Plug Number for the Cost CLIN 0006 Defense Base Act

Insurance estimated cost to level the evaluation criteria and ensure all bidders have the same evaluated cost? There is currently not enough information to provide to a DBA insurance/broker entity to get to an estimate. DBA is location, cost, and risk specific and does not work like an umbrella policy that could cover any location, payroll cost, or risk profile. Suggest using historical DBA costs as a Government provided plug number for CLIN 0006.

Government Response: Historical data is not available. Therefore, this is a "not to exceed" cost. The proposed cost will be included in the Total Evaluation Probable Cost developed a part of the cost/evaluation.

17. Question: In the original Solicitation, Section B, page 4, CLIN 0006 Defense Base Act Insurance states

“Within 14 days after the TAR notification of DBA insurance is required” while TE A TTSS PWS page

C.1.6.14(3) states “A copy of the paid invoice from the contractor shall be given to the Contracting Officer or COR within 10 days before the Base year and all four Option Years”. Please clarify the requirement.

Government Response: C.1.6.14 (3) has been revised.

18. Question: In the original Solicitation, Section B, page 4, CLIN 0006 Defense Base Act Insurance is listed as COST. In the PWS, Page 20, DBA Insurance is listed as a Cost CLIN. However, in Attachment 4 Cost

Proposal, on the Summary Tab, CLIN 0006 Defense Base Act Insurance is listed as FFP. Should the

Offeror change the Attachment 4 Cost Proposal file to list CLIN 0006 as COST?

Government Response: Attachment 4 has been revised to reflect CLIN 0006 as COST.

19. Question: In the original Solicitation, Section B, page 5, CLIN 0007 Phase In is listed as FFP. However, in

Attachment 4 Cost Proposal, on the Summary Tab, CLIN 0007 Phase In is listed as CPFF. Please confirm which is correct.

Government Response: Attachment 4, has been revised to reflect CLIN 0007 Phase In as FFP.

20. Question: Will the Government provide “Revised TE AC-PWS Deliverable Schedule?” It was not included as stated in Amendment 0002 page 2.

Government Response: Revised TE AC-PWS Deliverable Schedule has been added.

21. Question: Will the Government provide “Revised TE O –Wage Determination (Texas & Arizona)?” It was not included as stated in Amendment 0002 page 2; also referenced in answers to questions 5 and 22.

Government Response: See answer to question #3.

22. Question: Will the Government provide “Revised TE V1-Continuation Sheet of DD254 DoD Contract

Security Classification Specification?” It was not included as stated in Amendment 0002 page 2.

Government Response: TE V1 –DD 254 Addendum has been added to Amendment 0003.

23. Question: Please confirm “The Past Performance Questionnaire submission date has been extended from

0900 AM (CST) 5 April 2021 to 0900 AM (CST) 26 April 2021.” There are several references in the Q&A that contradict this statement. See Q4, Q28, and Q66.

Government Response: Past Performance Questionnaire has been extended to 7 May 2021.

24. Question: The Government’s response to Q35 states “The PRIME contractor and SUBCONTRACTOR will share the same SAFE code when responding to the Government.” How is a teaming partners’ proprietary information protected if they use the same SAFE code as other teaming partners? Will the

Government confirm that all team members should use the same SAFE code or request individual SAFE codes?

Government Response: Subcontractors can request a SAFE Code as specified in Statement 1.

25. Question: When Accessing safe.apps.mil website, there is a maintenance banner that reads“<<< DOD

SAFE will be unavailable on April 26 from 0600 EST to 0800 EST. Please plan accordingly. >>>”. Though the submission time is 12:00 CST on 4/26, would the Government consider changing/extending the submission date to mitigate any possibilities with the schedule maintenance lasting longer than expected or any issues with the site post maintenance? As it stands, offerors lose 2 critical hours of upload/submission time on the current due date.

Government Response: The closing date of the solicitation has been extended. See Statement #1.

26. Question: Given the complete revamp of Attachment 4 and multiple pending questions/documents to be provided or updated, would the Government consider a small 3 business day extension to allow for teams to cycle through all the current Q&A and rework the cost information with their teaming partners? Suggest extension to Thursday April 29th. This date would also mitigate the scheduled maintenance issue with the

SAFE upload site.

Government Response: The closing date of the solicitation has been extended from 26 April 2021 to

7 May 2021.

The following have been deleted:

CONTINUATION SHEET

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

A. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (Section L)

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT: Failure to follow the below proposal preparation instructions may cause a proposal to be deemed unacceptable by the Government and thus eliminated from the competition without further consideration.

a. Proposals shall be submitted electronically prior to the closing date and time specified in Block

9, Central Standard Time (CST), identified on the SF33 to the following DoD Secure Access File Exchange

(DoD SAFE), address: https://safe.apps.mil/. Proposal shall be sent through DoD SAFE to the Contract

Specialist’s (CS) and Contracting Officer’s (KO) email address: traci.d.leonard2.civ@mail.mil and sandra.k.cleveland.civ@mail.mil.

b. No hard copies or CDs will be accepted.

c. CAC authenticated user: DoD SAFE does not issue user accounts; authentication is performed via common access card (CAC) and notification is completed via email.

d. Non-CAC authenticated user: Non-DoD or non-CAC holders are referenced as “Guests” in SAFE and cannot upload files unless you have received a request to “Drop off” files. The CS and KO will obtain a

“Request Code” for an offeror that is a non-authenticated user (Guest). Email the CS and KO at the address above, if the offeror needs a request code. The request code is VALID for 14 days. The CUT-OFF DATE for obtaining the request code is 12:00 PM CST, 27 April 2021. In the event no response is provided for the request, Offerors to include Subcontractors are instructed to resubmit the request no later than 12:00 PM CST, mailto:traci.d.leonard2.civ@mail.mil mailto:sandra.k.cleveland.civ@mail.mil mailto:sandra.k.cleveland.civ@mail.mil

29 APRIL 2021. After the Offeror receives the request code, click the Drop-off button on the SAFE homepage and enter the request code.

e. The Offeror can upload a maximum of 25 files (total size cannot exceed 8 GB). The Offeror shall place a description of each file uploaded in the “Description” box located on the right. It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure the proposal is uploaded acceptably. The Offeror shall manually enter each email address. For one recipient, add the email address and click the “add & close” button. For multiple recipients, click “add many” enter each email address and click “add & close” button. The Offeror shall click the "Drop-off files" button once all instructions have been followed. Once this is done, the file is uploaded and an automated email is sent to the recipient notifying them of the “drop-off”. Once the drop-off is complete, the Offeror will receive a notification displaying the filename, file size, the secure hash algorithm - 256 bit (SHA-256) and description. The Offeror may view all files sent, by clicking “Outbox”.

2. The Acquisition Source Selection Interactive Support Tool (ASSIST):

a. During the conduct of this acquisition, the 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.

b. In order to initiate the use of ASSIST2Industry, the Government requires the names, company titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two (2) individuals that the Offeror has designated as responsible for receiving and responding to Government ENs through ASSIST2Industry. The designation of two (2) individuals is for the purpose of ensuring availability of one individual if the other individual is not available. The required information regarding these two (2) individuals must be submitted with the Offeror’s proposal and included in the cover letter.

c. After the solicitation 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 (2) 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. Only first time users will receive the two (2) separate system generated emails described above. If you have previously used the ASSIST2Industry website and have an existing account, you will use your existing username/password to log in.

d. Whenever the Government issues ENs to the Offeror through ASSIST2Industry, the Government’s

KO 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 KO.

e. All Offerors are advised that ASSIST2Industry has been updated and it is now the responsibility of PRIME Contractors to establish accounts for the 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 https://assist2industry.army.mil/

UNABLE TO VIEW the Subcontractor’s files.

ACCESSING ASSIST2INDUSTRY PRIME/SUBCONTRACTORS

Access to ASSIST2Industry will require a two factor authentication for each Prime and Subcontractor user. All ASSIST2Industry users are required to have a username/password (first authentication) and may select one of the following three methods for implementing the second authentication to access the site:

1) use an authenticator application on your cell phone (e.g. Google or Microsoft Authenticator) to receive a QR Code;

2) receive a code via an SMS Text Message to your cell phone; or

3) receive a code via e-mail.

If you have any other problems accessing your account, contact the Army Enterprise Service Desk (AESD) at phone: 1-866-335-2769 (ARMY), # Option 7

Please be prepared to provide the following:

Contractor POC Name;

Telephone Number;

Email Address;

Procuring Contracting Officer and/or CS Name and Telephone Number;

ASSIST Source Selection/Program Name; and

Solicitation Number.

Contractor POCs should not provide any additional information than what is noted above.

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.

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.

3. The point of contact responsible for supplying additional information and answering all inquiries is the KO via the CS. Address all questions or concerns the offeror may have to the KO, Ms. Sandra K. Cleveland at Sandra.k.cleveland.civ@mail.mil and CS, Ms. Traci Leonard at traci.d.leonard2.civ@mail.mil. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing via email not later than 0900 AM CST 24 March 2021.

Questions submitted after the specified date/time will not be accepted by the Government.

Responses to the questions will be incorporated into an amendment to the solicitation and posted to beta.SAM.gov for viewing by all potential offerors.

mailto:Sandra.k.cleveland.civ@mail.mil mailto:traci.d.leonard2.civ@mail.mil

Industry questions and answers may or may not have a bearing on the substantive content of the solicitation or the contract requirements, and it should NOT be assumed that the date set for receipt of proposals will be extended.

B. General Instructions

1. The selection of a source for award purposes will be conducted utilizing source selection

(negotiated) procedures as delineated in FAR Subpart 15.3 Source Selection. Offers will be evaluated using the criteria under Section M, Evaluation Factors for Award. Noncompliance with Section L may cause the

Offeror’s proposal to be determined nonresponsive and may result in elimination of the proposal from further consideration for the contract award.

2. The submission of the documentation specified below will constitute the offeror's acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal (RFP), concurrence with the

Performance Work Statement, and contract type. The proposal shall remain valid for a period of 180 days from the closing date specified in the solicitation.

3. It is the Government’s intention to award without discussions. Offerors are encouraged to present their best technical proposal and costs in their initial proposal submission. However, IAW FAR 15.306, should discussions become necessary, the Government reserves the right to hold them. If this occurs, a competitive range will be determined and Offerors notified. The competitive range may be limited for purposes of efficiency

IAW FAR 15.306(c)(2). If discussions become necessary, correspondence will take place using ASSIST.

4. These instructions prescribe the format for the proposal and describe the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data. These instructions are designed to ensure the submission of necessary information to provide for the understanding and comprehensive evaluation of proposals.

Hyperlinks are prohibited.

5. If an offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, an ambiguity, omission, or are otherwise deemed unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the KO in writing with supporting rationale. The Offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

6. In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful proposals.

7. All referenced documents for this solicitation are available on the website at https://beta.sam.gov.

Potential offerors are encouraged to subscribe for real-time e-mail notifications when information has been posted to the website for this solicitation.

8. Debriefings. The KO will promptly notify offerors of any decision to exclude them from the competitive range, whereupon they may request and receive a debriefing in accordance with FAR 15.505

(Preaward Debriefing of Offerors). The KO will notify unsuccessful offerors in the competitive range of the source selection decision in accordance with FAR 15.506. Upon such notification, unsuccessful offerors may request and receive a debriefing. Offerors desiring a debriefing must make the request in accordance with the requirements of FAR 15.506 or FAR 15.505, as applicable.

C. Proposal Preparation Instructions

1. Offeror’s proposal shall consist of four (4) separate volumes: General, Mission

Capability, Past Performance, and Cost.

2. Proposal Format

a. The Offerors shall submit their proposal through DoD SAFE https://safe.apps.mil/. Hard copy submission will NOT be accepted. Digital copies shall be provided in separate documents– one (1) copy for https://safe.apps.mil/ each volume title.

b. Exceptions. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, such as terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements, in addition to those identified as evaluation factors. Failure to meet a requirement may result in an offer being ineligible for award. If the offeror finds it necessary to take exception to any of the requirements specified in this solicitation, the Offeror shall clearly identify the applicable Volume and exceptions with a complete explanation of why the exception was taken, what benefit accrues to the Government (if any), and its impact, if any, on the performance, schedule, cost, and specific requirements of the solicitation. Each exception shall be specifically related to each paragraph and/or specific part of the solicitation to which the exception is taken. Offerors are cautioned that taking an exception may render the offer ineligible for award. It is recommended that the Offeror contact the KO immediately to solicitation closing upon identifying an area that may result in an exception. This information shall be provided in the format below.

Solicitation

Document

Page/ Paragraph Requirement/ Portion Rationale & Impact

Section B, PWS, Section L&M, etc.

Applicable Page and

Paragraph Numbers

Identify the requirement or portion to which exception is taken

Describe the rationale and impact of the exception

c. With the exception of Volume IV - Cost, each volume shall be submitted in one of the following formats: Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and/or Excel version 2013. Volume IV-Cost shall be submitted in Excel format only. Cost Proposal Format, must remain in Excel format. Documents shall be Arial

12- point font size shall be used. File names shall be “Company Name, Volume - Initial” for the first submission. File name of later submissions (if necessary), shall be “Company Name Volume - Revision X’ with X indicating the number of the revision. Page limitations are as follows:

Volume Title Digital Copies Maximum

Pages

I General 1 electronic copy 50

II Mission Capability 1 electronic copy 125

III Past Performance 1 electronic copy 3 pages per reference

IV Cost/Price 1 electronic copy Unlimited

d. Proposal Limitation. The proposal shall not exceed the limits stated above. If the page limits are exceeded, the pages in excess of the limit shall be removed from the digital copy, unread. Offerors are cautioned that DoD SAFE has a file size limit, see website for details. The Government will not accept any changes to the offeror’s proposal after the closing date of the solicitation (See FAR 15.208 for further information regarding late proposals). If discussions become necessary, page limitations may be placed on responses to Evaluation

Notices (ENs). The specified page limits for EN responses will be identified in the letters forwarding the ENs to the Offerors.

e. Page limit includes all appendices, charts, graphs, diagrams, tables, photographs, drawings, etc.

Page limit does not include covers for volumes, tables of contents, glossary of abbreviations and acronyms, indices, title pages, cross reference indices, and section dividers/tables if they are inserted solely to provide ease to the reader in locating parts/sections of the proposal. Pages will be counted if they contain any other information, i.e., diagrams, extraneous data, etc. Pages marked “This page intentionally left blank” will not be counted.

f. What Counts As A Page? A page shall be an 8 ½ X 11” sheet of paper. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Letter size and spacing requirements for illustrations and tables can be at the discretion of the offeror but must be easily readable. Fold-outs will be counted as the appropriate number of pages based on an 8 ½” X 11” sheet of paper. Margins shall be at least 1 inch on the top and bottom and 3/4 inch on the side. The offeror shall number each page in order to eliminate any confusion. In the event an offeror creates an ambiguity in their numbering of pages, the Government may exercise its own discretion in counting pages.

g. Indexing. Each volume shall contain a more detailed table of contents to delineate the subparagraphs within that volume. Tab indexing shall be used to identify sections. The Contractors shall determine the best means of indexing proposal contents with the intent of easing the readers’ ability to locate parts/sections of the proposal.

h. Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms. Each volume shall contain a glossary of all abbreviations and acronyms used, with a definition for each.

3. Proposal Content

(i) VOLUME I – GENERAL

Volume I – General. Offerors are required to submit a completed SF 33 (Solicitation, Offer and Award)

(including acknowledgment of Amendments), Section B and Section K. All final monetary extensions shall be in whole dollars only. Failure to follow the below Contract Proposal preparation instructions may cause your proposal to be deemed unacceptable by the Government. The General Volume shall be organized as follows and contain the identified information.

TAB A: Transmittal Summary Letter. The Offeror shall submit a transmittal summary letter to include a list of the proposal package contents; tax identification number, CAGE Code, and DUNS; an overview of the company’s history, organization and general experience, to include a listing of subcontractors and/or teaming partners; and two (2) points of contact (POC) (name, title, email address, and phone number) who can obligate the company contractually, address decisions made with regard to the proposal, authorized to negotiate with the

Government, and respond to Government inquires through ASSIST2Industry. Additionally, provide contact information for a POC at the Offeror’s financial institution that can assist with validating the Offeror’s solvency.

TAB B: Exceptions/Assumptions (if required) - Identification and explanation of any exceptions or deviations. Additionally, any assumptions used in the proposal preparation must be identified.

TAB C: Solicitation, Offer, and Award SF 33- The SF 33 shall be fully completed upon submission. The offeror is cautioned that the SF 33 must contain an original signature in block 26 of the form. The offeror shall acknowledge any amendments to the RFP in accordance with the instructions on the SF 33 with FAR 52.215-1 (b), Instruction to Offerors—Competitive Acquisition. The offeror shall provide the name, title and telephone number of the company/division point of contact regarding decisions made with respect to your proposal and who can obligate your company contractually. Also, identify those individuals authorized to negotiate with the Government.

TAB D: Section K - Representation, Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors – The offeror shall, in accordance with FAR 4.1201, complete electronic annual representations and certifications at SAM accessed via https://beta.sam.gov.

All blocks in each certification/representation shall be completed truthfully and shall be thoroughly complete.

TAB E: Section B (Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs). Section B shall be submitted fully completed and error free. It shall contain the Offeror’s prices for the established CLINs.

TAB F: Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan -The Offeror shall submit a

Mitigation Plan, if required, to satisfy the requirements of FAR Subpart

9.5 OCI. Actual and potential OCI conflicts that may exist include Unequal Access to Information, Biased Ground

Rules, and Impaired Objectivity. The Mitigation Plan shall include a description of the actual or potential OCI, a description of the action that the Offeror has taken or proposes to take to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the conflict, and any other relevant information that would assist the KO in determining whether the Mitigation Plan is acceptable or unacceptable. If the Offeror determines that no OCI Mitigation Plan is required, the Offeror shall submit its representation stating that no OCI situation exists.

Significant potential OCI exists when system contractors are, or appear to be, involved in the testing and evaluation of their own equipment or systems. In the context of OCI for systems that may be tested under this contract, involvement is defined as any participation or connection to a project, contract, program, or product which may create actual or perceived OCI. This includes participation in contracts that provide engineering or technical support to sponsors or program offices responsible for developing such systems. ATEC Regulation 73-1 and ATEC

Pam 73-1 and the statutory, regulatory and policy references therein, are applicable to this contract.

Offerors are hereby notified that an actual or perceived OCI found during evaluation or after contract award could be grounds for elimination from competition or contract termination.

If any Offeror has questions with regards to its affirmative responsibility to identify OCI concerns and/or how to mitigate each issue, the Offeror is encouraged to ask questions and seek clarifications before proposal due dates.

The Government will be prevented from awarding a contract to any Offeror who has an actual OCI issue that cannot be mitigated to the satisfaction of the KO.

(ii) VOLUME II – Mission Capability. The volume shall be organized into the following sections:

(1) The Mission Capability Volume shall be clear, concise, cover the understanding of the work, and include sufficient detail of the Offeror’s method to attain contract objectives. The Mission Capability proposal shall enable technical personnel to make a thorough evaluation and determination as to whether the method proposed and described will satisfy the requirements of the Government. Elaborate brochures or documentation, binding, art work or other embellishments are unnecessary and are not desired. The Mission Capability proposal shall be specific, detailed, and complete and fully demonstrate that the Offeror has a thorough understanding of the Government’s requirements. Legibility, clarity, and coherence are very important. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Government's requirements. The Mission Capability proposal shall also address inherent technical problems, the achievement of the specifications and work program and have a valid and practical solution for any sample problem. Data previously submitted will not be considered, therefore such data shall not be incorporated in the Mission Capability proposal by reference. Statements that the Offeror understands, can or will comply with the PWS (including referenced publications, technical data, training, etc.); statements paraphrasing the PWS or parts thereof (including applicable publications, technical data, etc.);, and phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well known techniques will be used,” “standard training will be employed,” etc., will be considered insufficient and may be grounds to eliminate the proposal from further consideration for contract award. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of the facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror's proposal.

(2) The Mission Capability Volume shall be prepared in an orderly format and in sufficient detail to enable the Government to make a thorough evaluation of the Offeror’s technical competence and ability to comply with the contract requirements specified in the PWS. The Offeror shall address as specifically as possible the actual methodology they will use for accomplishing the requirements of the factors under evaluation. Each section of the Mission Capability Volume shall clearly reference the applicable instruction and evaluation criteria addressed in Section L and M of the RFP and include PWS citations to support any discussion regarding the execution of tasks. The Mission Capability Volume shall not contain any pricing data. The Mission Capability volume shall be organized according to the following general outline:

TAB A: Table of Contents.

TAB B: Exceptions/Assumptions (if required). Identification and explanation of any exceptions or deviations in Volume II. Additionally, any assumptions used in the proposal preparation must be identified in this tab.

TAB C: List of Table and Drawings; Glossary of Acronyms and Abbreviations.

TAB D: Cross Reference Matrix (if required).

TAB E: Executive Summary. The Offeror shall provide an executive summary of the proposal that describes the significant attributes and theme of its proposal. The summary shall address any significant tradeoffs and risks, and highlight any key or unique features of the team and/or proposal, excluding cost. The Offeror shall provide a list with the addresses and POCs, of all companies participating on the Offeror’s team, including the prime Contractor, any partners, subcontractors, etc. Any material presented in this summary shall not be considered as meeting the requirements for any other parts of the proposal.

TAB F: Factor 1 Mission Capability Subfactors.

(1) Section 1 – Subfactor 1 Technical Approach. The Offeror shall address the following:

KEY POINT #1 Systems Engineering & Software Support. The Offeror shall describe their process to provide Systems Engineering and Software Support to provide Test Technology Support Services (TTSS) for operational testing in accordance with the requirements in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) sections

C.5.1.3 and C.5.1.13-16.

KEY POINT #2. Cybersecurity. The Offeror shall describe their process to provide Cybersecurity support to TTSS as described in PWS Section C.5.1.5.

KEY POINT #3. Future Test Support. The Offeror shall describe their process to provide Future Test

Support and Development support to TTSS as described in PWS Section C.5.1.2.

(2) Section 2 – Subfactor 2 Management & Staffing. The Offeror’s Management and Staffing plan shall be in conformance with all terms and conditions of the Solicitation. Offerors shall propose their Management and

Staffing plan in response to the PWS, TE’s, CDRLS, and following Key Points:

KEY POINT #1 Organizational Structure. The Offeror shall provide an Organizational Structure chart that identifies all personnel by skillset or labor category, which position each skillset or labor category will support, the number of personnel for each skillset or labor category, and the labor hours and levels (full time or part time).

The Offeror’s Organizational Structure will cross-references to the labor rates in the price proposal (Do not include price in this Volume).

KEY POINT #2 Recruitment, Retention, and Development. The Offeror shall describe their procedures to acquire, maintain, retain, and minimize turnover for personnel with perquisite knowledge, skills, training, and experience to execute without risks, the tasks set forth in the PWS. The Offeror shall describe their procedures to maintain full performance of services during employee absences. The Offerors procedures shall include both base operation locations (Fort Hood and Fort Huachuca)

KEY POINT #3. Support Fluctuating Workloads. The Offeror shall describe how they respond to changes in priorities with minimum disruption to on-going activities and minimum cost to the Government. The Offeror shall use the follow examples when responding to this Key Point:

The test support timeline slips 90 days.

Increases in test requirements – The amount of Systems Under Test (SUT) equipment increase by

1/3.

Overlapping SUTs – Multiple test events and locations that must execute simultaneously

KEY POINT #4. Key Personnel. The Government has identified five (5) key positions in the contractor work force (PWS Section C.1.6.27.): Fort Hood Program Manager (PM), Cyber Security Lead, Systems

Engineering Lead, Software Engineering Lead, and Ft Huachuca Site Manager. However, Offers’ can identify any other positions within their proposed organizational structure that they consider key, and summarize the duties and responsibilities of those positions. Using the following format, the Offerors resumes shall provide capabilities with respect to technical knowledge, expertise, management, and experience:

Name:

Proposed Assignment: Title, Job Description, and Organizational Responsibilities

Current Position (Beginning Date: Month/Year)

a. Firm

b. Significant experience

c. Specific projects

Previous positions

a. Firm and period of employment

b. Significant experience

c. Specific projects

Education

a. Degrees, dates, majors, schools

b. Other educational training (month/year)

c. Licenses or certificates Professional

Activities and Achievements

a. Awards

b. Significant publications

c. Professional societies

Security clearance and investigation type and date

If the key personnel resumes submitted during the proposal changes before the contract is awarded, the

Government will be able to review, accept or deny the resume change of personnel prior to start of the phase in period. The Offerors resumes will not be included in the page count.

(3) Section 3 – Subfactor 3 Task Implementation Plan (TIP). Using the TIP (CDRL A003, TE F) per PWS

C.5.1.14.1. format, the Offeror shall provide detail and rationale to substantiate the Offeror’s stated capabilities and qualifications, thereby enabling the Government to determine the Offeror’s level of knowledge and experience for successful performance of a Sample Test Task Authorization Request (TAR)…