W911QX23R0004 - Amendment 0003.pdf

W911QX23R0004

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

The purpose of Amendment 0003 is to extend the closing date of the solicitation from 22 March 2023 to 31 March 2023 and revise Rating Methods in Section M to adhere to DFARS Subpart 215.3-Source Selection.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

S 1 18

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 16-Mar-2023

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 W911QX23R0004

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

22-Feb-2023

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 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

16-Mar-2023

CODE

US ARMY ACC - APG / ADELPHI CONT DIV

ACC - APG / ADELPHI DIV

2800 POWDER MILL ROAD

CCAP-SCA

ADELPHI MD 20783-1138

W911QX 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 A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 22-Mar-2023 05:00 PM to 31-Mar-2023 05:00 PM.

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Section L – Instructions to Offerors

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Introduction

This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) under W91QX23R0004. The Government anticipates the award of one (1) contract as a result of the issuance of this RFP. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is NAICS 518210 – Engineering Services and the Business Size Standard is Dollars:

$40,000,000.00. The primary Product Service Code (PSC) is AS15.

The offeror’s proposal shall be submitted electronically via the ARL Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) service OR via email to the Government POCs: Jessica Camunez; jessica.r.camunez.civ@army.mil and Alex Cheatham, alexander.k.cheatham.civ@army.mil, no later than (NLT) 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 31 March 2023. Files shall not contain classified data. The use of hyperlinks in proposals is prohibited.

Questions concerning this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the above contacts by 5:00 PM EST on 06 March 2023. All questions concerning the solicitation must include Company Name, Point of Contact and Title, Telephone Number, Email Address and Fax Number. Questions received without the aforementioned information will not be answered. No additional questions will be accepted after this deadline. Questions will be answered by the issuance of a solicitation amendment.

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

In order to initiate the use of ASSIST2Industry, the Government requires the names, company titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses of two (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 insuring availability of one (1) 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.

After the solicitation’s closing date, the Government will establish an account in ASSIST2Industry for each individual identified by the Offeror that has submitted a proposal in response to this solicitation. The two (2) 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 (1) of the emails will contain the individual’s ASSIST2Industry username. The other email will contain the individual’s temporary password. Using the provided username and temporary password, each individual can then go to https://ASSIST2Industry.army.mil to access the account.

NOTE: The first time a user logs in, the user will be required to change the temporary password before the user can proceed to use the site.

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

All Offerors are advised that ASSIST2Industry has been updated and it is now the responsibility of PRIME Contractors to establish accounts for their SUBCONTRACTORS to respond to Government ENs. A separate area within ASSIST2Industry has been created to allow authorized Subcontractor POCs to upload proposal files only. Subcontractors will not be able to access any other information on the ASSIST2Industry website (e.g. Questions/Evaluation Notices, Responses, etc.). Once a Subcontractor has been added, they will receive a user ID (e.g. subcontractor0001) and password (an initial password) that will be sent via two (2) separate system generated emails. 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 (1) user ID. Once an account has been established for the Subcontractor, go to https://ASSIST2Industry.army.mil access the account.

Proposal Submission.

1. Proposal Files. Each volume shall be submitted electronically via the ARL Safe website at https://safe.arl.army.mil. Any pages that are changed (as a result of negotiations or proposal revisions) should be in track changes. The revised pages shall be dated.

The proposal shall be submitted as follows:

Volume Title Maximum Pages Volume I – Management 35 pages for each sub-factor. Title page, Table of Contents, List of Tables/Figures, Resumes, Acronym Lists/Glossaries; and representation and certifications do not count towards page count.

Volume II – Technical Approach 50 pages, Basis of Estimate (BOE) does not count towards limit Volume III – Cost Proposal No limit Volume IV – Small Business Participation Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD)

Worksheet; Small Business Participation Commit Document-15 Page limit; A Subcontracting plan (if required) will not count towards this limit.

Volume V - Past Performance See limits specified in Past Performance section

***Price information shall not appear in volumes I or II.

The proposal shall remain valid for a minimum of 90 days and shall not contain classified data/information.

Proposals not marked with a validity period shall automatically be considered valid for 90 days. Proposals shall be limited to the number of pages as shown above for each factor. The cover page, table of contents and any tabs/dividers will be excluded from the page count. Any lists of figures/exhibits, acronym lists, and cross reference matrices will be included in the page count. Any pages exceeding the stated page limits will NOT be evaluated. Pages containing text shall be typewritten, on 8-1/2 X 11-inch paper. Drawings or other graphics should be reduced only to the extent legibility is not lost. Each page shall be single spaced with a minimum of twelve (12) point Times New Roman font and one (1) inch borders. Within tables and graphics, a minimum of eight (8) point Times New Roman font shall be utilized. 11x17 foldout pages are permitted when needed to adequately describe the offer and shall count as two (2) pages. The use of hyperlinks in proposals are prohibited. The offeror’s proposal along with its subcontractors’ proposals must be received by the closing date and time. If subcontractors choose to submit separately, then the package must be clearly marked to include the prime contractor's name.

(a) Content Requirements.

1. Volume I – Management. The offeror is responsible for including sufficient details (without reference to contract cost) to permit a complete and accurate evaluation.

Sub-factor 1 – Project Management. Offerors shall ensure their proposal does the following:

Describes corporate experience and knowledge of Army Logistics Information Systems, policies and procedures relevant to the data collection tasks in the PWS. Experience must be for at least three (3) years and be obtained within the last five (5) years;

Provides a Sustainment Modernization and Personnel Management Plan. At a minimum, the plan should:

Identify key positions (include minimum qualifications of key positions) and provide resumes for up to eight (8) key personnel.

o In the alternative, submit Letters of Intent (LOI) to hire existing personnel from the current contract W91CRB18D0006.

Describe the offeror’s ability to maintain a skilled workforce, including a description of the approach to training and mentoring necessary to keep the workforce up to date on current technologies, trends, and best practices.

Describe potential personnel retention risks and proposed mitigation measures.

Provide evidence of individuals who are Information Assurance Training (IAT)

Level I certified, per Appendix D.

Provide evidence of individuals with the appropriate mechanical knowledge in order to successfully install monitoring devices and diagnose/electronically diagnose wide variety of equipment.

Demonstrate employees possess the adequate knowledge and experience required in order to understand the wide variety of weapons systems will be inducting into this program for the purpose of obtaining the maintenance, supply, and data required.

Explains what plans will be in place to secure the data as well as to ensure against loss/spillage of data;

Explains the mechanisms in place if an actual or potential Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) is discovered;

Provides a discussion relating to corporate structure, existing contracts and procedures for oversight, implementation and update of the plan as well as a strategy to mitigate the effects of a conflict if a conflict is identified; and

Describes the plans for transitioning in and out in accordance with the PWS. The Transition Plan shall present a detailed timeline showing the number of personnel expected to be hired and when major milestones will be accomplished to support a successful 15 day transition. Additionally, a Transition-out plan shall be included that details the drawdown of the contract.

Sub-factor 2: Quality Control Offerors should ensure their proposal does the following:

Describes proposed procedures for ensuring accurate recordation of data and how it will develop the required working relationships with the individual units in order to ensure the data is correct and reliable;

Describes the proposed organizational quality control strategy, including a description of actions that will implement the quality control objectives and how quality will be monitored;

Explains how software quality will be assured during the Software Life Cycle and explains the means (documented tools, techniques, processes, measures, and any other factors) to ensure software quality, security, reliability and maintainability attributes; and

Documents plans on how to meet Government and industry requirements and guidance such as

DoDI 8510.01 Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP), Networthiness, DoDI 8500.2 DCSQ-1, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Application Security And Development Security Technical Implementation Guide, Version 5, Release 2, 21 October 2022, and IEEE 1028-2008 Standard for Software Reviews and Audits.

2. Volume II – Technical Approach. Offerors should ensure the proposal does the following:

Explains how all tasks in the Task Order and IDIQ PWS would be accomplished. Addresses data collection in the locations specified in the PWS. Describes processes and procedures for data collection in accordance with the PWS, and the timeframes and personnel involved in the data collection.

Explains the technical approach to establishing the data collection program and the techniques for managing the program in response to the task order. This narrative description should correlate with the Basis of Estimate (BOE) which will detail labor categories, hours and skill mix for performing the task.

Describes the methods for accomplishing the specified tasks in an expedient and effective manner.

Describes how to perform the initial inventories and how to report and validate data. Identifies any performance risks and explains risk mitigation measures.

Explains alternative workflows and procedures that will be in place for when communications with the central repository are unavailable.

Identifies how the contractor will ensure all reports and deliverables are submitted in accordance with the PWS.

3. Volume III - Cost Proposal. In the Cost volume, each offeror must sign and submit the cover page of the solicitation along with the first page of all solicitation amendments. A completed DD 254 with any subcontractor information must also be submitted in this volume.

The Task Order (TO) shall be priced on a hybrid cost-plus-fixed fee (CPFF) and firm fixed priced (FFP) basis. The first TO is the basis for the cost proposal. A full cost proposal is NOT required in response to the Basic PWS. It is anticipated that the TO will be awarded at time of contract award as order 0001. Transition costs must be included in the cost proposal but will not be considered part of the Total Evaluated Price

(TEP).

The overall Cost Proposal shall include the following files: xxxxCOSTNARRxxxx.DOC” and xxxxCOSTxxxx.XLSX”. Offerors shall replace “xxxx” with the Offeror’s name and the date of the proposal. Example, OfferorA COST090112.xls.

Volume Document File Name Notes Cost Cost Narrative xxx COSTNARRxx.docx Cost Narrative - No Page Limit Cost Cost Proposal xxx COSTxx.xlsx Cost Proposal - Offerors shall use the Cost model provided as attachment #1.The cost proposal (Cost Spreadsheet) SHALL be submitted in an unlocked

Excel format (.xlsx) with no hidden formulas or protected cells. Proposals submitted which do not adhere to the format or cell requirements may not be further considered for award.

a. Microsoft Excel workbook titled "Cost Model" has been provided as an attachment to this solicitation and Attachment 13 Anticipated LCATs document detailing the contemplated labor categories for TO 0001. Instructions for completing the Cost Model are contained in the file. Each offeror is to complete and include the spreadsheets in the Cost Model as part of their cost/price proposal. These spreadsheets will help facilitate a more efficient, consistent, and fair evaluation of each offeror's proposal, and aid in post-award contract administration. Offerors are permitted to alter the format of the spreadsheet (i.e. add and subtract rows, columns, and formulas as necessary, etc.) in order to conform to the nuances of the offeror's accounting and estimating systems. Offeror shall use the labor categories set forth in the Anticipated LCATs document to form a cost proposal in the Cost Model. The labor categories are anticipated to be required based on historic contract performance. Note: The labor categories provided are not an all-inclusive list to support this requirement. If labor categories are revised, please provide an explanation as to why in the technical approach.

b. Offeror shall include Government-provided estimates for Travel and ODCs. Each offeror shall include these “estimated” amounts in their proposal. Any material handling and/or G&A may be applied to ODCs as appropriate. Since ODCs are estimated amounts that may or may not occur, NO FEE shall be proposed on normalized CLIN amounts. The Government currently estimates that the first TO will require Not-to-Exceed (NTE) $100,000.00 in travel and ODCs. Note: The Government is requesting the travel and ODC estimates in order to ascertain and evaluate the Offeror’s methodology; and if indirect costs are included, how many indirect costs are applied to travel and ODCs.

c. Contractor shall provide proposed cost and/or fee as required for all CLINs in Section B.

d. BOE write-ups in the cost file shall follow this structure:

1. Describe the base data used to estimate the labor hours or cost of a service.

2. Describe why the offeror chose to use this base data for the proposal.

3. Describe the adjustments, if any, to the base data and why the adjustments were appropriate.

e. In accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b), data other than certified cost or pricing data is required to support cost realism. Each offeror's cost proposal shall contain supporting quantitative and narrative documentation necessary to adequately support the FAR 15.404-1 fairness & reasonableness of proposed costs/prices for all CLINs. Narrative and documentation shall also be provided to address the FAR 15.404-1(d) cost realism for any costs proposed on cost reimbursable CLINS. Offeror price proposals shall conform to the criteria in FAR 15.408, Table 15-2. Specifically, each offeror's cost proposal shall be broken out by cost element as specified in Table 15-2, II Cost Elements. FAR 15.403-5 allows the Contracting Officer to specify the format of cost or pricing data or data other than cost or pricing data.

f. The offeror and any subcontractor(s) shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) aka Service Contract Act (SCA) for all applicable labor categories.

Please consult the Anticipated LCAT document for further detail. FAR 37.107 and FAR 22.10 provide for minimum wages and fringe benefits as well as other conditions of work under certain types of service contracts. The Offeror shall propose its direct labor categories and shall provide the basis for the proposed labor categories and skill mix and discuss the assumptions and rationale for those proposed labor categories/skill mix. In addition, the Offeror shall provide a “crosswalk” between the proposed labor categories and those labor codes matching its accounting/estimating system. For additional information, please consult the instructions in Attachment 13, Anticipated LCATs document. Offerors shall also disclose the state and county in which the proposed SCLS labor categories will be performing, the Wage Determination Schedule used for its proposed SCLS labor rates, and the Occupation Code and Title for each proposed SCLS labor category. No escalation shall be proposed on SCLS positions.

g. Prime and any subcontractors shall provide supporting supplemental information in the cost proposal necessary to determine the fairness/reasonableness/realism for all proposed cost including proposed salary/direct labor rates. It is the responsibility of the prime offeror and any subcontractors to propose reasonable and realistic salary/direct labor rates that reflect the estimated anticipated labor rates to be experienced during the contract. Therefore, each prime contractor and any subcontractors shall substantiate proposed Non SCLS salary/direct labor rates by submitting documentation in the following order of preference: (1) Payroll/W-2 salary data showing the direct labor rate paid to current or past employees who have performed the same or similar work. (2) Rates from formal DCMA Forward Pricing Rate Agreements (FPRAs), DCAA Provisional Rate Agreements, or other formal signed rate agreements substantiating proposed labor rates. (3) Signed letters of intent signed by the offeror/subcontractor and prospective employees showing labor rate/salary to be paid to the employee under the contract. (4) If none of the above is available, salary survey labor rate data from a reputable survey provider may be proposed as long as the salary survey labor rates are truly reflective of the actual rates anticipated to be experienced during the contract and the offeror/subcontractor provides a statement to the effect that the offeror/subcontractor can realistically obtain labor at the proposed rates. Copies of the salary survey data, input assumptions, and percentile cutoffs shall also be included/addressed in the price proposal and clearly indexed to the applicable labor categories in the price proposal. Offeror and its subcontractor(s) shall disclose the location (Government site or Contractor site) of each proposed labor category’s performance locations in their cost proposals.

h. Each offeror’s Cost Narrative shall include its Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) point of contact name, telephone number, and email address, its CAGE Code, and Contractor Fiscal Year. Current FPRAs, DCAA Provisional Rate Agreements, or other agreements should also be submitted to substantiate the reasonableness and allowability of the offeror's indirect rates/costs (i.e. fringe, overhead, material handling, G&A, etc.) if this information is available. If formal rate agreements are not available, each offeror or subcontractor shall provide the proposed expense pool (by expense account) and allocation base detail, along with the last three years actual pool, base, and rate information in the Sample Fringe-OH Worksheet and Sample G&A Worksheet contained in the Cost Model attached to this solicitation and provide adequate narrative in the price proposal to substantiate proposed indirect rates. The rates reflected in the FPRA, FPRR, FPRP, DCAA/DCMA audit or review or other statement of current rates shall directly match the proposed rates as detailed in the proposal, except as adjusted to reflect this contract. If the rates do not match, the offeror and/or its subcontractor(s) shall provide sufficient detail explaining how the proposed rates are realistic. Offerors shall propose Indirect Expense Rates according to its Fiscal Year

i. Each offeror is to provide one (1) electronic copy via SAFE OR via email to alexander.k.cheatham.civ@army.mil of their cost/price proposal. The Excel version of the completed Cost Model shall also be included in the SAFE upload. The SAFE upload shall contain two (2) copies of files.

One (1) shall be locked (read-only) and one (1) shall be unlocked. Worksheet formulas shall be functional and readable. The completed Microsoft Excel Worksheets shall NOT be "linked" to an external worksheet unless that spreadsheet is also provided to the Government.

j. Since this requirement is for primarily a cost reimbursable type contract, each offeror shall provide documentation necessary to demonstrate that the offeror's accounting system is adequate in accordance with the requirement in FAR 16.301-3(a)(3) and DFAR 252.242-7006 with respect to cost type contracts.

This requirement also applies to subcontractors if subcontractor costs are proposed on a cost reimbursable basis. If a subcontractor's accounting system is not adequate, then the offeror should consider a subcontract award on a fixed price or Time and Materials (T&M) basis other than a cost basis. The proposal shall state that whether the offeror's and subcontractors' accounting system been verified as adequate by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) within the last three years. If it was found adequate or inadequate by DCAA, provide a copy of the audit report with the cost/price proposal. If offeror's or subcontractor's accounting system has not been found adequate by DCAA, or has NOT been examined by DCAA, provide the documentary evidence addressing the system criteria contained in paragraph "c" of DFAR 252.242-7006. Also indicate the name, vendor, and version of accounting software used (i.e. Deltek, QuickBooks, etc.). Any audit reports from CPAs or independent accountants/auditors commenting on the adequacy of offeror’s or subcontractor's accounting system for cost reimbursable contract purposes shall be included.

k. In accordance with FAR 15.404-3(b)(1) each offeror shall conduct the appropriate price and/or cost analysis to establish the reasonableness and realism of proposed subcontract cost/prices. Evidence of this review shall be submitted as part of the offeror's cost/price proposal. The offeror shall identify all proposed subcontractors and the contract type the offeror has with each subcontractor in its Cost Narrative. The offeror shall include with the proposal a statement that it has verified the subcontractor’s accounting system and it is sufficient to support the proposed subcontract arrangement.

l. Uncompensated overtime is NOT encouraged in accordance with FAR 37.115-2. If any of the offeror or subcontractor labor rates contain "uncompensated overtime" as defined in FAR 37.115-2 and FAR 52.237-10 the offeror and/or subcontractor shall so indicate the existence of uncompensated overtime and its cost/price impact on the offeror's or subcontractor's proposal to the offeror as part of the offeror's cost/price proposal.

m. FAR 52.222-46 requires that each offeror submit a total compensation plan setting forth and describing total compensation (i.e. salaries/direct labor rates and fringe benefits) proposed for professional employees who will work on the contract.

n. For OCONUS labor, offerors shall provide supporting documentation of other costs to include danger and hardship pay, Defense Base Act (DBA) Insurance coverage, or OCONUS signing or completion bonuses in its Cost Narrative. Such bonuses shall be supported by a Bonus Policy that details when bonuses are applicable and how the bonus is to be calculated. The Bonus Policy shall detail the countries for which these bonuses are applicable. If no bonuses are proposed, no bonuses are allowable for performance of this effort. No fee will be allowed on bonuses. If proposing other than the Department of State danger or hardship maximums the proposed rates shall be supported with documentation. These rates are subject to adjustment based on outside sources, to include but not limited to the Department of Labor, Department of State, or DBA offering insurance carriers.

o. Offerors shall ensure that the total level of effort proposed for task 0001 in the Technical Volume is included in the Cost Spreadsheet documents. This shall include all proposed labor categories and hours for the prime and its subcontractor efforts regardless of the contractual relationship between the prime and subcontractor (e.g. FFP, T&M, CPFF).

p. The fee rate proposed for the Task Order shall be incorporated into the basic contract as a ceiling fee rate for all future task orders subject to downward negotiations only.

IMPORTANT: Offerors and subcontractors that fail to follow the above instructions and/or provide all of the above submission requirements may be determined unacceptable and may not be considered for award.

Competition is anticipated therefore certified cost and pricing data is not currently required in accordance with FAR 15.403-1(b)(1), however the Government reserves the right to request certified cost or pricing data prior to award if adequate competition is not received.

Volume IV - Small Business Participation Plan and Subcontracting Plan (if applicable)

1. Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet

a. All Offerors (both U.S. small business and other than U.S. small businesses) shall submit a Small Business Participation Commitment Document (SBPCD) Worksheet with their proposal as a separate document (xxxxSBPCDxxxx.xlsx) in order to identify the extent to which U.S. small businesses will participate in the performance of the proposed acquisition relative to the Government's small business objectives. Offerors are required to utilize and complete the proposal format depicted in the RFP Attachment 17 - Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet. The Offeror’s proposed Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet will be incorporated as an attachment in the awarded contract to reflect the contract’s minimum contractual requirements in terms of Small Business

Participation.

Other than U.S. small businesses may achieve their proposed level of small business participation through subcontracting to small businesses. Small businesses may achieve their proposed level of small business participation through their own performance/participation as a prime and also through a joint venture, teaming arrangement, and subcontracting to other small businesses; small businesses are not required to subcontract to other small businesses in order to achieve their proposed level of small business participation.

Non-U.S. based subcontracts are NOT exempt from the total contract value for the purpose of the Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet calculations. For any enforceable commitments to small businesses proposed (e.g. written teaming agreements bilaterally signed, joint venture, mentor-protégé), all Offerors are also required to provide copies of such commitments; these will not count against the page limitation for this volume

b. It is the Government’s expectation that the Offeror will meet or exceed their proposed level of small business participation during contract performance. Failure to meet or exceed proposed level of small business participation or fall within 95% of proposed level of small business participation on the contract, may result in negative Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System ratings and/or contract default procedures.

2. Small Business Participation Commitment Document

a. All Offerors (both U.S. small businesses and other than U.S. small businesses) are required to submit a Small Business Participation Commitment Document with their proposal as a separate document (xxxxSBPCDxxxx.docx; or PDF) in order to support their proposed level of small business participation within the Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet. For purposes of this proposal, Offerors shall use the full contract value of $25 million as a base for proposing small business participation.

The metric during performance will be calculated against the actual dollars awarded to the individual contractor.

b. Within the Small Business Participation Commitment Document, all Offerors (both U.S. small businesses and other than U.S. small businesses) shall provide a detailed explanation of the methodology utilized to determine the proposed level of small business participation for each small business socioeconomic category (Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, Historically Underutilized Business Zone Small Business, Veteran Owed Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) within the Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet. If the proposed level of small business participation is $0/0% for any category, offerors shall provide rationale as to why there are no subcontracting opportunities in that category for this acquisition. Offerors shall provide copies of all supporting documentation utilized in the aforementioned methodology (e.g. including, but not limited to, Compliance Documentation on prior Government contracts IAW FAR 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns, SF 294s and SF 295s, electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) Individual Subcontract Reports, Summary Subcontract Reports, Annual Company-Wide Subcontracting Achievement Documentation, DD 1423s for Small Business Participation on prior Government contracts).

c. Within the Small Business Participation Commitment Document, all Offerors (both U.S. small businesses and other than U.S. small businesses) shall provide supporting documentation as evidence of compliance with small business participation/subcontracting requirements on previous Government contracts completed within the past three (3) fiscal years. It is the Government’s expectation that the offeror will provide evidence of compliance with the following:

i. FAR 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns. Applicable information relating to compliance with FAR 52.219-8 shall include the contract number, as well as a description and available supporting documentation submitted to the Contracting Officer of the methods employed to promote small business utilization and the internal methods used to monitor such utilization for each contract cited.

ii. FAR 52.219-9 Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Applicable information relating to compliance with FAR 52.219-9 shall include SF 294s and/or eSRS Individual Subcontract Reports submitted to the

Contracting Officer for each contract cited. If the Offeror failed to meet any goal within their plan, the Offeror shall include an explanation with its narrative for each contract cited.

If an Offeror has not been subject to the requirements of FAR Part 19, including never holding a contract incorporating FAR 52.219-8, FAR 52.219-9, or Small Business Participation minimum contractual requirements (DFARS 215.304) , the Offeror’s proposal shall include a statement to that effect and a rationale as to why.

iii. Small Business Participation IAW DFARS 215.304. Applicable information relating to compliance with Small Business Participation shall include at a minimum a description and available supporting documentation submitted to the Contracting Officer of each contract number, the total contract value, the proposed level of small business participation in each small business socioeconomic category (total dollars proposed and percentage proposed based on total contract value), and the achieved level of small business participation in each small business socioeconomic category (total dollars achieved and percentage based on total contract value).

3. Small Business Subcontracting Plan

a. All other than U.S. small business Offerors shall submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan with their proposal as a separate document xxxxSBSUBPLANxxxx.docx or PDF. The small businesses identified in the Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet shall be listed in the Small Business Subcontracting Plan submitted pursuant to FAR 52.219-9 to facilitate compliance with DFARS 252.219- 7003(e). The Offeror’s proposed small business subcontracting goals in their plan shall be based on both the total subcontracting dollars as well as the total contract value. The goals shall be specific to this contract and shall be “stretch” goals that are equal to or greater than the proposed level of small business participation proposed in the Small Business Participation Commitment Document Worksheet described in paragraph 1.

above within this volume. The goals shall be realistic and challenging reflecting the Offeror’s best efforts for each small business socioeconomic category. The goals must not be inflated in order to create a favorable, but false impression. The goals must not be understated in order to easily accomplish goal achievement without providing maximum practicable opportunities. The Offeror’s proposed small business subcontracting goals will be incorporated as an attachment in the awarded contract.

b. It is the Government’s expectation that the proposed goals will be sought with good faith effort. Failure to meet or exceed proposed goals without sufficient justification in terms of the good faith efforts applied may result in the Offeror paying liquidated damages to the Government IAW FAR 52.219‐16 “Liquidated Damages – Subcontracting Plan.” Offerors should thereby note that this is distinctly different than the expectations relative to the small business participation requirements described in paragraph 1. above.

4. Volume V - Past Performance This file shall consist of three (3) sections as described below. Offerors are cautioned that in conducting the past performance assessment, the Government may use data provided in the offeror's proposal and data obtained from other sources. Since the Government may not necessarily interview all of the sources provided by the offerors, it is incumbent upon the offerors to explain the relevance of the data provided. Offerors are reminded that while the Government may elect to consider data obtained from other sources, the burden of proving acceptable past performance rests with the offerors.

Section 1 – Contract List In this section, each prime offeror and all subcontractors performing at least 15% of the total effort shall complete the Microsoft Excel workbook entitled “PASTPERFSEC1.XLSX” (Attachment 2) for at least two (2), but no more than five (5) recent and relevant contracts to this effort. In addition, each prime offeror and all subcontractors performing at least 15% of the total effort s shall list all contracts in the past five (5) years that have had one (1) of the following: termination for default, cure notice, suspension or debarment, any security inspection or assessment ratings or reports indicating security programs or facilities are less than satisfactory, and/or any suspensions or revocations of a facility security clearance, or notifications received for violations of FAR 32.006.

Section 2 - Narratives. Offerors shall provide a specific narrative explanation of each contract listed in Section One (1) describing the objectives achieved and detailing how the effort is similar to the requirements of this solicitation.

New corporate entities may submit data on prior contracts involving its officers and employees. However, in addition to the other requirements in this section, the offeror shall discuss in detail the role performed by such persons in the prior contracts cited. Narratives are limited to two (2) pages for each contract.

Section 3 – Performance Events. Each prime offeror and all subcontractors performing at least 15% of the total effort that has contracts within the last five (5) years that has/had a variance of 10% or more from the original cost or schedule requirements shall provide a brief explanation of the reason(s) for the shortcomings and any corrective actions taken to avoid recurrence. Instances where Government delays or changes led to the variance need not be reported. Additionally, any “Yes” answer in Section one (1) requires a written explanation of the event (i.e., Cure Notice, Terminations.) including the corrective action taken. The written account for each of the events shall be included in this section and shall not exceed two (2) pages for each explanation. Note: One (1) contract may have more than one (1) event that needs to be explained.

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The following have been modified:

EVALUATION INFORMATION

Section M – Evaluation Approach

Introduction

1. This is a full and open competition acquisition for a hybrid Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost Plus Fixed- Fee (CPFF) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, and TO 0001 that is anticipated to be issued after base award. This is a best value trade-off source selection conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.3, Source Selection, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFARS).

Award will be made based on the best overall proposal that is determined to provide the best value trade-off to the Government with appropriate consideration given to the following five (5) evaluation factors: (I) Management; (II) Technical Approach; (III) Cost Proposal; (IV) Small Business Participation Plan; and (V) Past Performance. The Management factor is slightly more important than the Technical factor, Technical is significantly more important than Cost/Price, Cost/Price is slightly more important than Small Business Participation, and Small Business Participation is of equal importance to Past Performance. As the difference between the non-cost factors decreases, the importance of the Cost/Price factor increases. Offerors are thus cautioned that best value trade-off award(s) may not necessarily be made to the lowest cost offered.

2. The ordering period of the IDIQ is for five (5) years. At time of award, TO 0001 will be awarded, and in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(D), the guaranteed minimum award for the basic IDIQ contract of $25,000.00 will be fulfilled.

3. The Government intends to evaluate proposals and make award(s) without discussions. If discussions are to be conducted, a competitive range will be established and comprised of all of the most highly rated proposals (unless the range is further reduced for purposes of efficiency pursuant to FAR 15.306(c)(2)) based on the evaluation criteria identified within Section M of this Request for Proposal (RFP). After completion of discussions with each offeror in the competitive range (if conducted) and in accordance with FAR 15.307(b), all offerors in the competitive range will be allowed a specified period to submit Final Proposal Revisions.

4. The RFP includes a Basic PWS and TO PWS. Offerors must be able to perform all areas of the PWS to be eligible for a contract award. It is imperative that offerors expressly provide that their proposal(s) is valid for a 90-day period after the date of the RFP response date.

5. The Solicitation will close at 5:00PM EST on 31 March 2023. No proposals will be accepted after that time. If the Offeror experiences technical difficulties when submitting their proposal, the Contracting Office should be notified in writing prior to the Solicitation closing for assistance.

A. Basis for Award.

Award will be made on a tradeoff basis to the offeror whose proposal represents the best overall value to the Government after evaluation of cost and non-cost factors. Award may not necessarily be made to the lowest-cost offer, nor to the offer that is rated highest on technical merit. All non-priced factors when combined are significantly more important than cost/price.

Factors and sub-factors to be evaluated.

The following evaluation factors and subfactors will be used to evaluate each proposal. Award will be made to the offeror whose proposals are determined to provide the greatest assessed value to the Government based upon an integrated assessment of the evaluation factors and subfactors described below.

1. Evaluation factors and sub-factors.

Factor I: Management (Volume I) Sub-factor #1: Project Management Sub-factor #2: Quality Control

Factor II: Technical Approach (Volume II)

Factor III: Cost Proposal (Volume III)

Factor IV: Small Business Participation Plan (Volume IV)

Factor V: Past Performance (Volume V)

2. Relative weighting of evaluation factors.

“Management” is slightly more important than “Technical.”

“Technical” is significantly more important than “Cost/Price.”

“Cost/Price” is slightly more important than “Small Business Participation.”

“Small Business Participation” is of equal importance to “Past Performance.”

3. Relative weighting of the Management evaluation sub-factors.

Project Management is equal in importance to Quality Control

B. Evaluation Approach.

1. General Approach. Proposals shall be subject to evaluation by a team of Government personnel. The Government will evaluate proposals in a two (2) phase process.

Phase I. Pre-Evaluation Screening Compliance

The first phase of the evaluation is screening all Volumes I-V of the proposals to validate compliance to the proposal submission instructions of section L. If an Offer’s proposal is determined to be non-responsive, the Offeror will be notified by the Contracting Officer.

Phase II. Evaluation of Volumes I-V

The second phase is to evaluate the contractor’s Management Plan, Technical Approach, Cost Proposal, Small Business Participation Plan, and Past Performance Information to determine which contractor represent the best offer. The evaluation team (known as the Source Selection Evaluation

Board) will rate each proposal strictly in accordance with its content against the evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation and will not assume that performance includes areas not specified in the offeror’s proposal.

2. Ratings.

a. Management and Technical. The rating for Factor I (Management) and Factor II (Technical Approach) will be expressed as an adjectival assessment of “Outstanding”, “Good”, “Acceptable”, “Marginal‟, or “Unacceptable‟ as defined below:

Color Rating Adjectival Rating Description

Blue Outstanding Proposal demonstrates an exceptional approach and understanding of the requirements and contains multiple strengths and/or at least one significant strength, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low.

Purple Good Proposal indicates a thorough approach and understanding of the requirements and contains at least one strength or significant strength, and risk of unsuccessful performance is low to moderate.

Green Acceptable Proposal meets requirements and indicates an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and risk of unsuccessful performance is no worse than moderate.

Yellow Marginal Proposal has not demonstrated an adequate approach and understanding of the requirements, and/or risk of unsuccessful performance is high.

Red Unacceptable Proposal does not meet requirements of the solicitation and, thus, contains one or more deficiencies and is unawardable, and/or risk of performance is unacceptably high.

b. Past Performance Factor Rating Definitions. The Government will evaluate (Factor V) the offeror’s record of past and current performance to ascertain the probability of successfully fulfilling the requirement. The following approach will be taken in the evaluation of past performance:

(a) The Government will focus its inquiries on the offeror’s record of performance as it relates to all solicitation requirements, including cost, schedule, performance. A significant achievement, problem, or lack of relevant data in any element of the work can become an important consideration in the evaluation process. Therefore, offerors will be required to include the most recent and relevant efforts (within the past five (5) years) in their proposal. Absent any recent and relevant past performance history or when the performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror will be assigned an “unknown confidence rating” and its proposal will not be evaluated either favorably or unfavorably on past performance. The Government may use data provided by the offeror in its proposal and data obtained from other sources, including data in Government files or data obtained through interviews with personnel familiar with the Contractor and their current and past performance under Federal, State, or Local Government or commercial contracts for same or similar services under the same North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 518210 – Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services, or other related NAICS codes similar in complexity and scope to the efforts required by this RFP. Data used in conducting performance risk assessments shall not extend past five (5) years prior to the issue date of the RFP but may include performance data generated during the past five (5) years without regard to the contract award date.

(b) Offerors shall submit the first page of Government and/or commercial contracts for the prime offeror in performance or awarded during the past five (5) years, from the issue date of this RFP, which…