Section 00 22 00 Instructions and Conditions Rev_01.docx

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION (Instructions to Proposers Section 00 21 16)

1. Introduction. The offeror’s proposal shall be submitted electronically through the DOD SAFE Site. No paper copes, CD-ROMs or facsimile submissions will be accepted. Electronic Bid Submission is required through the Army’s Electronic File Sharing Service, DOD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil). There are no user accounts for SAFE. Authentication is handled via email. All perspective bidders have access to DOD SAFE, and the application is available for use by all perspective bidders. The SAFE “Getting Started Guide” has information on how to utilize the system (https://safe.apps.mil/about.php). Instructions for the uploading process will posted in the solicitation. The RFP shall provide the Government address and receipt date for proposal submittal.

0. The offeror’s proposal shall consist of three (3) volumes. The Volumes are I – Technical (Factors 1 – 5), II – Cost/Price (Factor 6), and III - Solicitation, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/Representations. Volume II (Cost/Price) must be submitted as an individual submission separate from Volumes I and III.

0. Offerors are cautioned that “parroting” of the Technical requirements or the solicitation with a statement of intent to perform does not reflect an understanding of the requirement or capability to perform. Offerors are responsible for including sufficient details to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. Files shall not contain classified data. The use of hyperlinks in proposals is prohibited.

0. It is the offeror's responsibility to ensure the completeness of the proposal. The evaluation panel for the Government may evaluate solely on the information provided in the proposal and will not assume that an offeror possesses any capability unless specified in the proposal.

1. Proposal Submission Requirements

1. The preferred method for assembling the proposals is to submit Volume I and III together and Volume II as an individual submission. Factors should be addressed in the order given in “Content of Technical Proposal. Each submitted volume shall be clearly labeled with its Title and a copy number of submissions (e.g., copy 1 of 5).

1. The documents should be single spaced. Each paragraph shall be separated by at least one blank line. A standard, 12-point minimum font size applies. Arial or Times New Roman fonts are required. Tables and illustrations may use a reduced font size no less than 8-point and may be landscape.

1. The following volumes of material shall be submitted:

COPIES

MAXIMUM

PAGES

I – Technical

N/A

N/A

Representations

1. Volume II (Cost/Price) must be submitted in a package separate from Volumes I and III.

1. PROPOSAL FILES

a. Format. The submission shall be clearly indexed and logically assembled. Each volume shall be clearly identified and shall begin at the top of a page. All pages of each volume shall be appropriately numbered and identified by the complete company name, date and RFP number in the header and/or footer. A Table of Contents should be created and page structure shall use the following page setup parameters:

Margins – Top, Bottom, Left, Right – 1” Gutter – 0” From Edge – Header, Footer 0.5” Page Size, Width – 8.5” Page Size, Height – 11”

NOTE: Items such as organization charts, tables, illustrations, or similar graphical illustrations may be provided as 11 x 17 fold outs at the discretion of the offeror.

The following additional restrictions apply:

b. Content Requirement. All information shall be confined to the appropriate file. The offeror shall confine submissions to essential matters, sufficient to define the proposal in a concise manner, to permit a complete and accurate evaluation of each proposal. Each file of the proposal shall consist of a Table of Contents, Summary Section, and the Narrative discussion. The Summary Section shall contain a brief abstract of the file. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. The following shall be included in the Narrative discussion:

1. VOLUME I – Technical. The volume shall be organized into the following sections:

0. Section 1 – Factor 1. TECHNICAL APPROACH. The offeror’s proposed technical approach. This section of the proposal shall address the following at a minimum:

1. Describe your planned technical execution of the key work elements (sub-factors IA, IB, IC, ID, and IE), to include but not limited to the following details. Sub-factors IA and IB are of equal importance and are greater in importance than the remaining sub-factors of Factor I, with the remaining sub-factors IC, ID, and IE being in descending order of importance.

0. Seepage Barrier – Technical Approach

Provide a description of the methods and approach that will be used to ensure successful completion of the work in accordance with the plans and specifications, and relevant levee safety considerations. The description shall include information for the reviewer to understand the technical approach the Offeror will follow to complete the project. Deviations from the specifications shall be supported, justified, and in sufficient detail to clearly show that the proposed deviation meets the intent and purpose of the specifications. The proposal shall include the following:

Proposed work sequence, equipment, methods and procedures that will be used to construct the typical area seepage barrier in the earthen embankment and glacial outwash foundation. The narrative shall address how it will deal with the presence of gravel zones, and sporadic cobbles. In addition, silt and clay deposits have been encountered during explorations interbedded at various foundation depths, and at the foundation surface (recent alluvial deposition) across the project. Describe equipment, methods, and procedures that will be used to both key-in and construct the barrier in the bedrock comprised of interbedded siltstones, claystones, sandstones, and shales. Discuss the expected range and any associated tolerances of barrier dimensions, as well as for any associated verticalities. If proposing a method using multiple elements (primary, secondary…), discuss the range of dimensions and spacings expected for individual barrier elements, and for any associated verticalities. Address how the Offeror will approach trench stability, high permeability soils, and man-made obstructions. Describe in detail the expected production rate of barrier installation for the proposed construction means and method(s);

Equipment, methods, procedures, and work sequence that will be used to construct the critical area seepage barrier in the earthen embankment and foundation at approximate Station 208+00 around the existing 7x7 Box Culvert. Discussion shall include, but not be limited to, barrier placement methodology, restoring structural and hydraulic capacity to the 7x7 Box Culvert, tying into the existing culvert, bedrock, and adjacent typical area seepage barrier, and stability during construction, if applicable. Discuss the expected range and any associated tolerances of barrier dimensions, as well as for any associated verticalities. If proposing a method using multiple elements (primary, secondary…), discuss the range of dimensions and spacings expected for individual barrier elements, and for any associated verticalities. The Offeror may propose other methods to safely install the seepage barrier through the critical area if the method can be shown to provide adequate cutoff and minimize dam safety risk.

The Offeror is expected to address the treatment at the bedrock and culvert surfaces for positive cut-off and continuity of treatment. If the contractor proposes a method of cut-off that cannot achieve 5' continuous embedment into bedrock, then alternative methods (such as permeation grouting) of ensuring positive cut-off at the interface between the seepage barrier and the bedrock may be proposed. Methods may include, but not limited to: removal and replacement of a portion of the box culvert to install barrier; some form of grouting or a mixture of grouting methods; and/or other non-culvert removal/replacement methods to ensure positive and continuous cutoff between the seepage barrier, the 7x7 box culvert, and the foundation /bedrock interface.

If soil mixing such as jet grouting methods are being proposed to provide the treatment required about the box culvert and tie-in with bedrock to ensure against leakage along the culvert, specifically address the methodologies for ensuring a continuous, full-depth seepage barrier is constructed through the critical area. The Offeror shall propose a method to ensure a tight connection between the seepage barrier and the 7x7 box culvert. Method may include permeation grouting, chemical grouting, other similar non-replacement, or non-soil mixing methods to ensure positive cutoff between the seepage barrier and the 7x7 box culvert, and at bedrock interface. Additionally, if jet grouting is proposed to address the seepage concerns about the culvert, discuss any other specific means and methods to further ensure continuity between the "typical barrier wall" constructed by other accepted means, the barrier wall constructed by jet grouting, and intimate connection with the sides of the culvert. Also address the specific measures taken to protect the integrity of the embankment during any drilling and grouting. Discuss the equipment, methods, procedures, and work sequence for any applicable grouting methods used to ensure positive cutoff is obtained, such as, foundation, permeation, or injection grouting to be used in the critical area.

If soil mixing or jet grouting methods are being proposed, specifically address the methodologies for ensuring continuity of the elements. Discuss how the Offeror will account for the inherent lack of homogeneity within the jet grout columns, and changes of the jet grout column diameters. Additionally, for jet grouting methods, discuss specific measures to protect the integrity of the earthen embankment.

Methods for protecting and restoring the 7x7 Box Culvert during and after construction. Discuss how the Offeror will restrict the area of influence on the 7x7 Box Culvert, restore the structural and hydraulic capacity of the 7x7 Box Culvert post-construction of the seepage barrier, and protect the embankment during construction. Proposal must include any proposed temporary impacts to the box culvert as well as method of repair, method of water-proofing, method of cutting or drilling culvert, method of sealing annular spaces, method of controlling discharge to the river, how work will be done safely for protection of workers and the City. No reduction in culvert hydraulic capacity will be permitted.

The ability to adapt the proposed methodology(ies) and equipment to the actual conditions encountered is essential. The Offeror should identify potential problems with the proposed method(s) and describe the procedures to be implemented to overcome those problems while maintaining the integrity of the earthen embankment and foundation.

Provide details on the real time survey systems that will be used for the proposed barrier construction equipment, with any detailed illustrative calculations from previous projects showing how the position of the equipment is determined. Also, present drilling deviation output generated from the proposed equipment for any previously constructed seepage barriers. The drilling deviation output shall show how the as-built geometry of the seepage barrier was determined. Provide drilling deviation histograms of all the seepage barrier elements installed from previous drilling projects. Discuss how the equipment performance was adjusted to assure that the drilling deviations were maintained to provide a continuous seepage barrier;

If applicable, discuss materials, methods, and equipment used for slurry management to include disposal of slurry, rock cutting, and clay fines. If applicable, discuss placement methods of disposed materials on site.

Offeror shall submit proposed construction specifications for any items proposed but not covered by project specifications. Specifications must include, but are not limited to: materials; equipment; delivery, storage & handling; submittals; execution; quality control; and measurement & payment. Specification shall be in similar format to the project specifications. Specifications will be evaluated as a part of the proposal evaluation. If the offeror’s proposal is selected, the government may request changes or additions to the proposed specifications, which, once agreed upon by both parties, will become a part of the project specifications.

0. Seepage Barrier – Quality Control and Verification

Describe the Quality Control (QC) program and procedures that will be used to verify and document that the minimum dimensions, continuity, verticality, homogeneity, strength, permeability, and quality requirements of the seepage barrier have been achieved. Describe the testing and QC approach within the test section, and the means and methods to replicate the results in the production sections. Describe specifically the equipment, methodologies, and procedures for testing and ensuring adherence to the criteria for low permeability and homogeneity with examples from previous projects. Describe the accuracy capabilities of all equipment used for QC monitoring. Descriptions shall detail all QC measures taken during the construction process including those to measure verticality, continuity, and, alignment, as well as all post-installation QC methods (such as verification drilling and testing methods) to verify and document all acceptance criteria are met. Describe the QC program and procedures for each seepage barrier (and grouting, if applicable) construction method used within the typical and critical areas.

The Offeror is expected to specifically discuss QC methods within the critical area. Describe the QC testing equipment and methodology to be used to ensure seepage barrier continuity, and low permeability within the critical area, and at the 7x7 box culvert interface with the seepage barrier. Describe QC methods for both during construction and post-installation. The contractor shall be required to demonstrate the construction method of seepage barrier for the critical section, if different than the typical seepage barrier construction method. If the offeror, proposes to use the same method as the typical seepage barrier construction method, then “critical demonstration section” will be performed the same as the typical section. The offeror shall include a detailed discussion of how the critical section of seepage barrier will be demonstrated, or discuss why a demonstration section for the critical area is not feasible. If the Offeror’s proposal does not identify a proposed a demonstration method for the critical section or indicate why it is not feasible, then the guidance specifications of the solicitation applicable to the construction method selected by the Offeror shall govern.

Describe methods for ensuring the quality and integrity of data, including instrumentation data, and calibration protocols for all QC and instrumentation measuring equipment. All QC data will be used by the Government post-construction to assess the levee's risk due to internal erosion and for determining the success of the seepage barrier. The data quality, reliability, comprehensiveness, and clarity of presentation will be critical so the Offeror should clearly describe methods to provide this data.

In the proposal, the Offeror shall identify the technical “guidance specification” sections contained in the solicitation for the construction method(s) selected by the Offeror. If the Offeror proposes a requirement other than those contained in the specifications, the proposal shall clearly denote the deviation from or addition to the guidance specifications of the solicitation, and shall include a detailed justification for why it is a superior or more stringent approach for assuring the seepage barrier performance specified in the contract documents. If the Offeror’s proposal does not identify alternate technical requirements, then the guidance specifications of the solicitation applicable to the construction method selected by the Offeror shall govern.

0. Schedule of Contract Events

Provide a schedule which clearly indicates tasks, durations, relationships between tasks, and other pertinent information. The schedule shall communicate the Offeror’s understanding of the linear nature of the work and the sequencing required to accommodate both the technical restrictions associated with spacing (e.g. cure time, open excavation), but also the overriding and concurrent complications of the sequencing associated with primary/secondary elements, the equipment operational footprint and the sequence and progression of these operational footprints (drilling, grouting, concreting, coring) on a constrained site (work platform). At a minimum, the schedule should include durations and completion milestones (referenced to the Notice to Proceed) for, at a minimum, the following items: (a) Pre-Construction Actions (major pre-construction submittals, design work, permitting, setup of data management system, …); (b) Mobilization, work platform construction, and site preparation; (c) Construction of concrete/grout batch plant(s) (if applicable), de-sanding plant, slurry ponds or tanks (if applicable); (d) Set-up of drill water, drill cuttings, and grout waste handling, treatment and disposal system development; (e) Replacement of storm sewer pipes; (f) Typical area seepage barrier demonstration section and demonstration report; (g) Critical area cutoff demonstration section and demonstration report; (h) Production wall construction in the critical area and verification coring/testing; (i) Restoration of 7x7 Box Culvert; (j) Production wall construction in the typical area and verification coring/testing; (k) Replacement of Pump Station Discharge pipes; (l) Site Restoration and demobilization; (m) Contract completion actions (as-builts, punch-list, close-out submittals, …). The schedule should define the work shift duration, number of shifts per day, and the number of work days per week, as well as anticipated weather days, holidays not worked, and winter shutdowns if anticipated.

Schedule may be a fold-out using a larger paper size if data cannot fit on 8 ½ x 11.

0. Work Platform and Site Usage –

Provide a description of the work platform design approach and configuration and site usage to ensure successful completion of the work in accordance with the plans and specifications. As a minimum, the work platform design approach and site usage shall include:

0. Site plan(s) and typical sections that illustrate: the proposed work platform configuration including materials and placement procedures, footprint, top width, elevation, and grades; surface treatment, cut/fill slope limits, slope stabilization measures and monitoring (if applicable); modifications to the existing levee; typical and critical area cutoff treatments; and discharge piping;

0. Site plan(s) showing use of contractor work areas including lay down areas, material storage areas, plant laydown areas, haul roads, maintenance facilities, laboratories, material processing areas, discharge pumping operations, storm pipe replacements, offices, and haul and access roads.

0. Additional Work Elements –

Discuss the equipment, methods, and work sequences for the following additional Work elements as part of this contract:

3. Replacement of the storm sewer pipes,

3. Discharge pumping operations during construction,

3. Discharge pipe replacement, and

3. Site preparation and restoration.

2. Section 2 – Factor 2. EXPERIENCE. The contractor will provide the following:

A & B below will be evaluated with EQUAL importance.

0. Specialized Experience and Similar Type Work

0. Provide descriptions of the Offeror's history of dam/levee seepage barrier construction projects completed or substantially completed by the construction team which are similar to this project in nature and scope. These descriptions shall include at least one project (no more than ten) completed within the last ten years. Similar seepage barrier experience is defined in this solicitation as meaning construction of dam seepage barriers in earth and hard rock to depths in excess of 80 feet using the equipment and methods proposed for this project. At least one example per method proposed is required. For each project experience include the following: (a) specific scope of work; (b) role on the project; (c) percentage and description of work self-performed; (d) type of work sub-contracted (if applicable); (e) value of the contract (original proposal, bid or estimate, and as-constructed); (f) location; (g) start/completion dates, and (g) name and contact details of the owner and designer.

Additional detail should include barrier type, type(s) of excavation/installation equipment used, means to assure seepage barrier is constructed to the specified dimensions, quality, homogeneity, joint continuity, foundation conditions, soil and rock types, depth, permeability, strength, and any relevant challenges overcome on the project.

Provide QC summary plots and verification testing results for seepage barrier backfill material or mix-in place materials used for at least two previous seepage barrier projects (in the past ten years) in which at least 8,000 CYs of soil was mixed or barrier backfill material placed; summary plots and results presented should demonstrate compliance with the specifications for the referenced projects.

If the Prime Offeror is not performing all major activities such as platform construction, typical area and critical area seepage barrier construction, cementitous batching, storm and discharge pipe replacement, etc., then the Prime shall provide subcontractor company name and their relevant experience and info (contract name, dates, owner contact info, etc.) as previously described in this paragraph.

0. If the Offeror will be using grouting methods, provide descriptions of the Offeror’s successful past experience completing foundation drilling and grouting projects utilizing real-time computer monitoring of balanced-stabilized grouts. List projects within the past ten years having similar size, scope, and complexity. At least one example per grouting method proposed is required. For each project experience include the following: (a) specific scope of work; (b) role on the project; (c) percentage and description of work self-performed; (d) type of work sub-contracted (if applicable); (e) value of the contract (original proposal, bid or estimate, and as-constructed); (f) location; (g) start/completion dates, and (g) name and contact details of the owner and designer.

0. If Offeror represents the combining of two or more companies (joint venture) for the purpose of this solicitation, then include each company's role in the projects listed in the paragraphs above as related to its role for this project. If the Joint Venture Partners have never worked together on similar jobs, so indicate. If the partners have not previously worked together on a contract of similar size, scope, and complexity, then the example contracts shall demonstrate the experience of each individual partner. However, if the firms have worked together on other type jobs, then include these and address the working relationships on those.

0. The Government reserves the right to verify an Offeror’s experience record of cited projects or other projects by reviewing relevant Government databases and other DoD or Government appraisal systems; by conducting interviews and/or obtaining references; and by any other appropriate means available to the Government.

5) Offerors will be required to provide a list of relevant projects to accompany their narrative for the above tasks, current or completed in the past ten years from the date of the RFP that best demonstrates their ability to perform this type of work. For each project provided the offeror must address the following:

1. Company name

1. Name of project and location

1. Contract number

1. Detailed description as to how the work in the project relates to the specified task.

1. Company role (prime, joint venture, subcontractor) and work your company self-performed.

1. Construction cost at award and final cost.

1. Reason for cost growth.

1. Award date.

1. Scheduled Completion

1. Actual completion.

1. Reason for time growth.

1. Extent and type of work subcontracted out.

1. Owner’s POC for reference (Valid POC Name, company, valid phone and valid email)

0. Individual Personnel Experience

1. Individuals proposed for this project who have a history of direct employment with the prime contractor or specialty subcontractor, and who have made significant contributions to the successful self-performance of the projects shall be listed, along with their specific management role or piece of major equipment for which they will be the primary operator. Experience with the proposed methods should be documented. Documentation (employment agreements, corporate training certifications, and other verifiable records) shall be provided on the individuals past performance on the projects cited as part of the Specialized Experience and Similar Type Work. Key personnel consist of, but are not limited, to the following:

0. On-site Project Manager (person responsible for all construction operations)

0. On-site Superintendent (in charge of all on-site operations)

0. On-site Quality Control Manager

0. Project Engineer (person responsible for all on-site contract administration)

0. Seepage Barrier Specialist

0. Seepage Barrier Equipment Operator

0. Seepage Barrier Logger

0. Data Manager

0. Driller (for seepage barrier verification borings)

0. Grouting Engineer/Geologist (if applicable)

0. Concrete Superintendent (if applicable) ***Note: Per the specifications, multiple specializations may be combined into single roles, however all specializations must be addressed.

1. The Offeror must assign to the project key personnel identified in their proposal for the duration of the project. No substitution of these individuals will be allowed without prior approval of the Contracting Officer. The Offeror may propose additional individuals for each key role if deemed necessary by the Offeror.

1. In addition to resumes, proposals shall include a completed table listing the key personnel, the relevant projects they have been on in the past, their role on the projects listed, and their proposed role on this contract. No substitution of these individuals will be allowed without prior approval of the Contracting Officer for the duration of the contract.

3. Section 3 – Factor 3. MANGEMENT APPROACH. The contractor will provide the following:

A & B below will be evaluated with EQUAL importance.

0. Management Description

0. Provide a management approach for the project that describes how labor, resources, subcontractors and material suppliers will be coordinated and used to ensure successful completion of the contract. Discuss which resources are available but will not be present at the site. Describe how the Offeror will manage, supervise and coordinate the work of the subcontractors. The Offeror shall identify personnel in the organization responsible for this management and coordination. Joint Venture Offerors shall identify the respective areas of responsibility for each partner. Any written agreements between the Offeror and major subcontractors should be provided. Additionally, at a minimum, specifically identify what entity (Offeror, JV partner, or subcontractor) is performing:

0. Construction Management

0. Earthwork (work platform)

0. Typical Area Seepage barrier

0. Critical Area Seepage barrier

0. Concrete (if applicable)

0. Grouting (if applicable)

0. Storm Pipe Replacement

0. Quality Control

0. Data Management

0. Organization Chart

1. Provide an organization chart for this project showing/discussing home office support, on-site management and technical specialists and the responsible chain of command. Include names of assigned key personnel and proposed subcontractors and their areas of responsibility. Clearly delineate on-site from off-site personnel. For this element, partner is defined as a joint venture firm or primary subcontractor, and an Offeror may represent multiple partners. If the Offeror is a combination of two or more partners, clearly show the relationship between the firms and their roles and responsibilities on this contract. Identify the firm each individual will come from. Key personnel for this element should include all previously identified key personnel as well as overall management structure and support.

4. Section 4 – Factor 4. PAST PERFORMANCE

The contractor will provide the following:

The Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) included in the solicitation is provided for the offeror or its team members to submit to their client for each project the offeror includes in its proposal for Factor 2 – Past Performance. Ensure correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. Offerors are encouraged to provide at least two points of contact (POCs) for each contract. If different from the client point of contact, also include the name and phone number of the Contracting Officer. Completed Past Performance Questionnaires should be submitted with your Proposal. If the offeror has a completed Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPAR) for a project provided under Factor 1, it may be submitted in lieu of the PPQ.

Offerors should submit at least one Past Performance Questionnaire for each project submitted under Factor 1 (Technical Capability and Specialized Experience). If the offeror is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before proposal closing date, the offeror should complete and submit with the proposal the first page of the PPQ, which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s). Offerors should follow-up with clients/references to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires. If the client requests, questionnaires may be submitted directly to the Government’s point of contact, Karen L. Simmons via email at Karen.L.Simmons@usace.army.mil prior to proposal closing date. Offerors shall not incorporate by reference into their proposal PPQs previously submitted for other RFPs. However, this does not preclude the Government from utilizing previously submitted PPQ information in the past performance evaluation.

Also include performance recognition documents received within the last ten years such as awards, award fee determinations, customer letters of commendation, and any other forms of performance recognition. Offerors may also provide details on past performance problems reflected in the PPQ and the corrective action taken.

In addition to the above, the Government may review any other sources of information for evaluating past performance.

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), using all CAGE/Uniques Entity Identifier numbers of team members (partnership, joint venture, teaming arrangement, or parent company/subsidiary/affiliate) identified in the offeror’s proposal, inquiries of owner representative(s), Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS), Electronic Subcontract Reporting System (eSRS), and any other known sources not provided by the offeror. While the Government may elect to consider data from other sources, the burden of providing detailed, current, accurate and complete past performance information rests with the offeror.

Past performance provided will be evaluated on the relevancy of this information for the same or similar items specified for the project in this solicitation. Relevancy, as it pertains to past performance Information, is a measure of the extent of similarity between the construction effort, complexity, dollar value, contract type, and subcontract/teaming or other comparable attributes of past performance examples and the solicitation requirements contained in this solicitation. See factor 1, Specialized Experience and Similar Type of Work, for guidance on similar work. Block 4 (Project Description) of the PPQ is where the offeror provides information on how the project provided for past performance is relevant to the project contained in the solicitation.

Offerors are advised that, while they may submit past performance information on relevant efforts under subcontracts, the Government may be unable to obtain any qualitative information due to the Government’s lack of privity with subcontractors. The Government may not obtain information on all of the listed contract references and/or may not contact all of the identified POCs.

Past performance information provided should be limited to the segment of the firm (e.g. division, group, or unit) that is submitting a proposal. When an offeror or team member’s firm is divided into severable groups (e.g. division, group, or unit); the Government will evaluate only the past performance of those segments of the firm(s) that will actually perform the work. If an offeror has no recent/relevant performance record or the offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can be reasonably assigned, it will receive a rating of “Neutral” for the factor.

5. Section 5 – Factor 5. SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN

This factor evaluates the offeror’s proposed level of participation of Small Business (as a small business prime and/or small business subcontractor) in the performance of the acquisition relative to the objectives/goals listed below:

0. Applicable size of Prime Contractor and Socio-Economic Category (if applies)

0. Total combined percentage of work to be performed by both large and small businesses (include the percentage of work to be performed both by Prime and Subcontractors)

0. The total percentage of participation to be performed by each type of small business sub-category, if applicable. (If a small business qualifies in multiple categories, include it in multiple categories)

0. The principle supplies/services to be provided/performed by Small Businesses

0. The extent of commitment to use small businesses in this procurement (for example: small business prime, written contract, verbal agreement, joint venture arrangement, mentor-protégé business relationship, etc.)

Separate from Small Business Participation Plan, large business offerors must also submit a subcontracting plan meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-9 and DFARS 252.219-7003 (or DFARS 252.219-7004 if the offeror has a comprehensive subcontracting plan.) Large businesses must submit acceptable subcontracting plans to be eligible for award. Subcontracting Plans shall reflect and be consistent with the commitments offered in the Small Business Participation Plan.

6. VOLUME II – Factor 6 COST/PRICE

The Price Proposal must be submitted electronically through the DOD SAFE Site, separate from the Technical Proposal. The Government will evaluate proposals for the purpose of determining the reasonableness and completeness of the prices offered. Price proposals will be analyzed for unbalanced pricing as a part of the Government’s reasonableness determination. Completeness includes review of Proposal Schedules. Unreasonably high or low prices as determined by the Source Selection Authority (SSA), through the use of price analysis techniques under FAR 15.404-1(b), may be grounds for eliminating a proposal from the competitive range, if one is established; based upon the assessment that the offeror does not understand the requirement or the offeror has made an unreasonable proposal.

(III) VOLUME III – Solicitations, Offer and Award Documents and Certifications/Representations

Each offeror shall complete (fill-in and signatures) the solicitation sections indicated below using the file (without modification to the file) provided with the RFP.

An authorized official of the firm shall sign the SF 1442 and all certifications requiring original signature. An Acrobat PDF file shall be created to capture the signatures for submission.

Standard Form 1442 (SF 1442), Solicitation, Offer and Award Section 00 45 00 – Representations and Certifications

Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable)