W912HN-10-R-0056-0003.doc

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 27-Jun-2011 02:00 PM to 07-Jul-2011 02:00 PM.

SECTION L - INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

The following have been modified:

Section L - Instructions, Conditions and Notices to Bidders

SECTION L

Table of Contents

L.1. PROPOSAL EXPENSES AND PRECONTRACT COSTS

L.2. PREAWARD SURVEY

L.3. HAND-CARRIED OR MAILED PROPOSALS

L.4. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

L.4.1. Proposal Format

L.4.2. Proposal Content

L.4.2.1. Volume I – Technical

L.4.2.1.1. Company Qualifications

L.4.2.1.2. Personnel Qualifications and Availability

L.4.2.1.3. Knowledge of Issues

L.4.2.1.4. Management Plan

L.4.2.2. Volume II – Past Performance

L.4.2.2.1. Relevant Experience

L.4.2.2.2. Past Performance Record

L.4.2.3. Volume III – Price

L.1 PROPOSAL EXPENSES AND PRECONTRACT COSTS

This request for proposal does not commit the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and publication of a proposal or for any other costs incurred prior to execution of a formal contract.

L.2 PREAWARD SURVEY

The Government reserves the right to conduct a preaward survey, of any firm under consideration, to confirm any part of the information furnished by the offeror; or to require other evidence of managerial, financial, technical, and other capabilities, the positive establishment of which, is determined by the Government to be necessary for the successful performance of the contract.

L.3 HAND-CARRIED OR MAILED PROPOSALS

MAILED PROPOSALS: Mailed proposals must be clearly identified with the contractor’s name and address. To ensure timely and proper handling, the lower left corner of the outermost wrapper should indicate the following:

Request For Proposal No: W912HN-10-R-0056 Due Date of Proposal, July 7, 2011 Time by which Proposals are Due: 2:00 P.M. (E.T.)

Title of Project: PLANNING, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND ENGINEERING CONSULTING SERVICES

The Government will not be responsible for proposals delivered to any location or to anyone other than those designated to receive proposals on its behalf as indicated below.

Proposals delivered by commercial carrier and those sent by U.S. Mail, including U.S. Express Mail, must be addressed as indicated below.

U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah

ATTN: CECT-SAS-E (NikishaWeston)

100 West Oglethorpe Avenue

Savannah, Georgia 31401-3640

Proposals sent by U.S. Mail or delivered by commercial carrier must be received by mailroom personnel on the first floor of 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue by the time specified in Block 13 of the SF 1442 for receipt of proposals.

Offerors are cautioned that proposals sent via United States Postal Service Express Mail are first delivered to the Savannah District Post Office Box instead of 100 West Oglethorpe Avenue, “the office designated for receipt of proposals” therefore, allow sufficient mailing time.

L.4 PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

L.4.1 Proposal Format

a. Proposals shall be submitted in three separate volumes, in loose-leaf binders, as outlined in paragraph c. below. All information pertaining to price, technical, etc. will be confined to the appropriate part. To reduce the size of proposals, offerors will confine their submissions to essential matters sufficient to define their offer and to provide an adequate basis for evaluation.

b. To aid in evaluation, proposals shall be clearly and concisely written as well as being neat, indexed (cross-indexed, as appropriate) and logically assembled. All pages of each proposal shall be appropriately numbered and identified with the solicitation number. Price information shall be included in the price proposal only.

c. Each part of the proposal shall be organized and provided as follows:

Subsection 2: Personnel Qualifications

Subsection 3: Knowledge of Issues

Subsection 4: Management Plan

In accordance with paragraph L.4,2.1

And paragraph L.4.2.2.2

Volume III – Price/Representation/

Compensation

Original

1 copy In accordance with paragraph L.4.2.3.

d. Offerors shall attach a binder cover sheet to the outer cover of each volume, which clearly identifies each volume by name and copy number (i.e. Volume I – Technical, Copy 2 of 6), Request for Proposal (RFP) number, date of submission, and offeror’s name. This information shall also be placed on the edge of the binder where it can be seen when placed in a vertical position in a storage cabinet. Use tab indexing to identify all sections within a particular proposal volume. Do not include writing on the tab index page other than that required to identify the particular section.

e. Copies of the proposal shall be prepared on standard 8-1/2” x 11” white paper in portrait orientation. Spreadsheets shall be no larger than 8-1/2” x 14” in a landscape orientation. The proposal pages shall be numbered, printed on two sides, and punched with a 3-hole punch along the left margin. Each page must have a one-inch margin at the top, the bottom, and on each side. Page numbers, notations of proprietary information, and any other identifying information printed on each page are excluded from the margin requirement. Print must be spaced at 6 lines per inch. Text font must be no smaller than 11 point but text included on figures and/or matrices may be reduced to 8 point. Offerors may use proportional fonts provided the proposal meets the Government’s readability requirement.

f. The following requirements apply to Volumes I through III:

(1) The proposal in its entirety should be specific, detailed, and complete in order to demonstrate that the offeror has a thorough understanding of the solicitation requirements. Statements such as “the offeror understands, can, or will comply with the Performance Work Statement,” statements that paraphrase the Performance Work Statement or ambiguous phrases such as “standard procedures will be employed” or “well known techniques will be used” will be considered unacceptable.

(2) Where the Performance Work Statement requires submission of plans or procedures, to the extent possible, these plans should be submitted as part of the proposal. Information that cannot be specifically identified at the time of submission shall be annotated: “To be provided subsequent to contract award.” Such plans or procedures shall be placed in the volume of the proposal to which they apply. At a minimum, a plan or procedure summary or overview and intended table of contents outline should be considered.

g. Proposal revisions shall be submitted as page replacements with revised text readily identifiable. Revised pages shall be submitted on colored paper with revisions identified with a bar to the right of the changed verbiage. Revised pages shall be numbered, dated, and submitted in the number of copies noted in paragraph L.4.1.c above.

L.4.2 Proposal Content

L.4.2.1 Volume I – Technical

L.4.2.1.1 Company Qualifications

The offeror should demonstrate a comprehension of the role and function of this contract. The offeror should demonstrate the ability to accomplish the work described in paragraph 2.0 (Technical Requirements) of Section C of the RFP. This includes but is not limited to:

a. Management and preparation of reconnaissance and feasibility level planning studies for water resources projects. This includes the necessary economic, environmental, and cultural resources data collection, analyses, documentation, and report preparation.

b. Conducting studies and preparing reports in support of the District’s Operation and Maintenance Program

c. Providing a full array of sediment and water quality sample collection and analyses capabilities in both aquatic and marine habitats.

d. Providing a full array of environmental resources and cultural resources capabilities including data collection, analyses, documentation, and report preparation.

L.4.2.1.2 Personnel Qualifications and Availability

The contractor shall have access to qualified personnel during the contract period to perform the various tasks that will be required in the task orders. Qualified personnel may consist of personnel employed by the contractor or by proposed subcontractors. The contractor should demonstrate that they have access to the following disciplines with the required education and experience.

Program Manager

Bachelor of Science (S) in scientific or engineering field

5 years of experience in the administration and management of Civil Works and Environmental Programs

Project Manager

Bachelor of Science (S) in scientific or engineering field

5 years of experience in project management

Hydrologist

BS in scientific or engineering field with course work in hydrology

2-years experience relating to hydrologic field investigations

Hydraulic Engineer

BS in hydrologic engineering

2-years practical experience in the field of hydraulic engineering

Civil Engineer

BS in Civil Engineering

2 years of experience in engineering

Environmental Engineer

BS in engineering field with course work in environmental engineering

2 years of practical experience

Transportation Engineer

B.S. in Civil Engineering or equivalent.

2 years of practical experience.

Water Resources Engineer

B.S. in Civil Engineering or equivalent

2 years of practical experience.

Economist

BS in economics

2 years experience in economics

Financial Analyst

Degree in economics or business

2 years experience in related field

Marine Resource Transportation Specialist

Degree in economics

2 years experience in economics

Socioeconomic Impact Analyst

BS in economics

2 years experience in economics

City Planner

BS degree in engineering or architecture

2 years experience as a city planner

General Biologist

BS in Biology

2 years of experience relating to biological field investigations in southeastern US

Wildlife Biologist

BS in wildlife biology or BS in biology with course emphasis in wildlife biology.

2 years of experience relating to environmental field surveys in the southeastern US

Fisheries Biologist

BS in fishery biology or BS in biology with emphasis on fishery biology

2 years field experience in fishery studies

Botanist

BS in botany or BS in biology with emphasis in plant science

2 years of field experience relating to flora surveys in the southeastern US

Forester

BS in Forestry

2 years of experience in forestry related field investigations

Soil Scientist

BS in scientific or engineering field with course work in soil sciences

2 years experience in field surveys relating to soils investigations

Archaeologist

Archeologist M.A. in Anthropology, Archeology, History, or a related field with specialized training in Archaeology

Minimum of one year of full-time supervisory experience

Historian

B.A. in American History American Studies, or American Civilizations

Knowledge of basic historic preservation privileges

Historical Architect

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or architecture

Knowledge of historic preservation principles

Landscape Architect

Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture or architecture

Basic knowledge of historic preservation principles

Marine Survey Archeologist

Graduate degree in archeology

At least one year of supervised experience in marine survey archaeology, including inshore and offshore training in the operation of remote sensing devices and analysis and interpretation of data

Senior Archaeological Diver

Graduate degree in archaeology with at least one year of supervised experience in archival research, underwater archeological testing and mitigation of wrecks and other structures, analysis of data, and preparation of reports

A current nationally recognized certification in first aid and CPR. First aid training should include the use of oxygen systems

Verification of satisfactory completion of medical fitness examination and an approval for diving performed by a licensed physician within the last twelve months

A current nationally recognized basic SCUBA certification

Knowledge of the diving requirements outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1dated 3 November 2003.

Meets the training requirements outlined in Health Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1 dated

3 November 2003.

Experience in blackwater diving environments

Experience in surface-air supplied diving.

Archeological Diver

A Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, and/or history and a graduate-level field school in nautical archaeology or a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archeology, and/or history and at least two months of supervised experience in underwater archeological testing and mitigation

A current nationally recognized certification in first aid and CPR. First aid training should include the use of oxygen systems.

Verification of satisfactory completion of medical fitness examination and an approval for diving performed by a licensed physician within the last twelve months.

A current, nationally recognized basic SCUBA certification

Knowledge of the diving requirements outlined in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1, dated 3 September 1996

Experience in blackwater diving environments

Experience in surface-air supplied diving

Conservator

BS in chemistry or related field or 3 years experience as curator

Knowledgeable of effects of chemicals and environment on materials/artifacts

Physical Anthropologist

Masters Degree in Anthropology, specializing in biological, physical anthropology.

3 years experience in identifying and analyzing human skeletal remains in the field or museum setting.

Archeological Technician

Bachelors Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field and an archaeological field school, or 2 years experience working on projects in the field and in the laboratory.

Registered Land Surveyor

Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering/Land Surveying/Geodesy

2 years experience with boundary surveys, topographic surveys, GPS surveying and GIS projects.

Licensed by examination as a Registered Land Surveyor in state of GA, SC, or NC

GIS Specialist

Bachelors Degree in Geography, Environmental Science or related field.

2 years experience with geographic information systems (ESRI products) including computer graphics and computer hardware digitizing procedures as well as Trimble GPS equipment.

Chemist

BS in chemistry

2 years experience

Geologist

BS in geology

2 years experience

Water Quality Specialist

BS in scientific or engineering field

2 years experience with work relating to EPA and/or state water quality standards

Computer Programmer

Technical school training in computer programming field

2 years practical experience in computer programming field

Graphics Operator

Technical school training in graphics field

2 years practical experience in the operation of various graphics equipment

Technical Assistant

2 years practical experience relating to assisting with data collection and analyses

Clerical

2 years of practical experience in the clerical field

L.4.2.1.3 Knowledge of Issues

The Offeror should demonstrate a comprehension of the role and function of this contract in meeting the needs of the Savannah District Corps of Engineers. The Offeror should submit an example of a recent report delivered by the proposed study team. The Offeror should also address their qualifications relative to the following issues.

a. Practical experience in applying the Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidance in the following areas: protected species, wetlands, flood control, navigation, hydropower, shoreline protection, and environmental restoration and water supply.

b. A working knowledge of the geographic areas which this contract will cover as evidenced by previous work in the region (Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina).

c. The degree to which Contractor's experience has been demonstrated in multi-purpose projects in coastal communities and coastal environments, similar to those likely to be encountered in potential work assignments.

d. Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices of current issues to applicable to ER 1105-2-100, Planning Guidance notebook.

e. Knowledge of applications of database management programs, Global Positioning Systems, Geographic Information Systems and/or CADD systems to the technical areas previously discussed.

f. The ability to prepare well-organized and concise analytical reports.

L.4.2.1.4 Management Plan

The Offeror should provide a management plan for fulfillment of the proposed contract. Offerors shall include the following information in their proposals:

a. A demonstrated expertise and ability for rapid turn-around and flexibility on short-term projects.

b. Proposed subcontractors and extent of involvement in the performance of this contract.

c. The capability to effectively direct multiple simultaneous work assignments.

d. An ability to provide, integrate, and utilize interdisciplinary study teams effectively on assignments requiring a variety of skills and expertise from in-house resources.

e. Methods for assuring product quality, cost control, delivery schedule, and project oversight.

L.4.2.2 Volume II – Past Performance

The Government may use past performance information obtained from other than the sources identified by the Offeror. Information obtained may be used for the responsibility determination as well as the best value decision. The Past Performance volume is comprised of two sub-sections; relevant experience and past performance record.

L.4.2.2.1 Relevant Experience

a. Offerors must provide a list of the last 3 relevant contracts (e.g. similar in size, scope, and complexity of the work required in the RFP) and applicable subcontracts completed by the offeror during the past three (3) years. In addition, offerors must list all relevant contracts and subcontracts currently in progress. Contracts listed may include those entered into with the Federal Government, agencies of state and local governments and commercial customers. Offerors that are newly formed entities without prior contracts should list contracts and subcontracts, as required above, for all key personnel. The following information should be provided for each of the above contracts and subcontracts:

· Name of contracting activity

· Contract number

· Contract type

· Total contract value

· Description of service

· Period of performance

· Name and number of Contracting Officer

· Name and number of Program Manager

· Name and number of Administrative Contracting Officer

· List of major subcontractors

b. Offerors may provide information on problems encountered on the contracts and subcontracts identified above and the corrective actions taken to resolve those problems. Offerors should not provide general information on their performance on the identified contracts. . The Offeror shall provide a Past Performance Questionnaire to the Point of Contact for each project listed. A sample Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire is included as Attachment 1 to this solicitation. When completed, these forms shall be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the Savannah District Contract Specialist identified in the sample transmittal letter also attached to this solicitation. It is the Offeror’s responsibility to ensure that the Past Performance Evaluation Questionnaire is provided to the references, since the Government may not make additional requests for past performance information from the references. The evaluation form shall be provided to the Savannah District Contract Specialist directly from the reference Point of Contact for each project. Offerors should note that the Past Performance Questionnaire is a tool the Government intends to use in the gathering and validation of general performance information.

c. Offerors shall provide information on contracts that provide the best evidence of experience in the performance of functions in the Performance Work Statement. The balance of the narrative shall be organized so that presentation of Relevant Experience and Past Performance Record is included.

L.4.2.2.2 Past Performance Record

a. The Government will consider past performance records in which the offeror can demonstrate their ability to perform the work and work ethics used to meeting the requirements of past or current projects. The Government will use the information provided to evaluate past performance and will include consideration of the following:

i. Quality of Product/Service: Describe conformance to contract requirements, specifications, contract clauses pertaining to technical requirements, and standards of good workmanship.

ii. Schedule/Timeliness of Performance: Indicate timeliness of actions taken for completion of contracts, task order, milestones, delivery schedules and administrative requirements.

iii. Cost Control: Demonstrate your effectiveness in forecasting, managing, and controlling contract cost. Include examples of where these cost controls were implemented.

iv. Business Relations: Demonstrate the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification, corrective action plans, and proposal submittals. Include a historical narrative of reasonable and cooperative behavior. Indicate your success in discharging responsibility for integration and coordination needed to execute the contract. Consider responsiveness to contract requirements, professional correspondence and administration, prompt notification of problems and flexibility, cooperativeness, and proactive contractor recommended solutions. Describe how timeliness of subcontract awards and management of subcontracts was achieved.

v. Customer Satisfaction: Describe the degree of customer satisfaction obtained, to include customer satisfaction surveys. Proposal will be evaluated for the degree of customer satisfaction among offeror’s customers.

vi. Management of Key Personnel: Demonstrate past performance in selecting, retaining, supporting, and replacing (when necessary) key personnel.

L.4.2.3 Volume III – Price/Representation/Compensation

a. Composition of Price Proposal: The price volume shall consist of the following only:

(1) Completed SF 33

(2) Completed Section B

(3) Completed Section K

(4)Duly executed corporate certificate, if applicable

(5) Financial Information: The latest available complete financial statements for the most recent three fiscal years and a detailed statement of any financial aid (e.g. bank loans, other liabilities, SBA assistance, etc.)

(6) Completed labor classification table specified in paragraph (c), below.

(7) A total compensation plan setting forth salaries and fringe benefits for all professional employees that will be working under this contract in accordance with paragraph L.9 of this Section.

b. Format: The prices will be reviewed for fairness, reasonableness, and balance to assess the offeror’s understanding of the work and ability to perform the contract. Offeror’s proposed unit prices, and associated indirect rates shall be summarized in Section B of the RFP. Offerors are required to propose the indirects as specified as a percentage of the estimated direct labor or direct cost of the contract.

c. Estimated Quantities: The offeror is to complete the following table and include in the Price Volume as specified in paragraph (a). Indirect rates are not to be included. The purpose of this table is to determine a offeror’s overall price in the specified quantities estimated. This is for evaluation purposes only. Offerors are responsible for ensuring unit prices in Section B correspond correctly to the unit prices stated in the completed table.

SECTION M - EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

The following have been modified:

Section M - Evaluation Factors for Award

SECTION M

EVALUATION FACTORS

FOR AWARD

Table of Contents

M.1. EVALUATION APPROACH……………………………………………………………...

M.2. SPECIAL EVALUATION CONSIDERATIONS

M.3. BASIS FOR AWARD

M.4. CONTACT WITH GOVERNMENT EVALUATION TEAM

M.1

EVALUATION APPROACH

a. The Government will evaluate each proposal under informal source selection procedures strictly in accordance with proposal content and will not assume that performance will include areas not specified in the offeror’s proposal.

(1) All proposals received will be subjected to an initial screening by the Contracting Officer to determine whether proposals are complete in accordance with Section L of the solicitation, and whether they warrant further consideration. Proposals that fail this initial screening process shall be rejected and offerors will be notified they are no longer eligible for further consideration.

(2) All proposals having passed the initial screening will be subject to evaluation by a team of Government personnel utilizing informal source selection procedures. In order for the Government to determine the quality of the offeror’s proposal as it relates to the factors contained herein, the team will evaluate:

i. The offerors submittal demonstrating their ability to manage and prepare Corps of Engineers reconnaissance and feasibility level planning studies to include capabilities in the following:

(a) Management and preparation of reconnaissance and feasibility level planning studies for water resources projects. This includes the necessary economic, environmental, and cultural resources data collection, analyses, documentation, and report preparation.

(b) Conducting studies and preparing reports in support of the District’s Operation and Maintenance Program.

(c) Providing a full array of sediment and water quality sample collection and analyses capabilities in both aquatic and marine habitats.

(d) Providing a full array of environmental resources and cultural resources capabilities including data collection, analyses, documentation, and report preparation.

ii. Personnel proposed by the offeror to ensure they meet the requirements stated in the section on Personnel Qualifications and Availability and have experience working on civil works planning studies.

iii. The offeror’s submittal of a recent report delivered by the proposed study team which demonstrates their qualifications relative to:

(a) Practical experience in applying the Federal and State laws, regulations, and guidance in the following areas: protected species, wetlands, flood control, navigation, hydropower, shoreline protection, and environmental restoration and water supply.

(b) A working knowledge of the geographic areas which this contract will cover as evidenced by previous work in the region (Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina).

(C) The degree to which Contractor's experience has been demonstrated in multi-purpose projects in coastal communities and coastal environments, similar to those likely to be encountered in potential work assignments.

iv The Offeror’s management plan for fulfillment of the proposed contract to include:

(a) A demonstrated expertise and ability for rapid turn-around and flexibility on short-term projects.

(b) Proposed subcontractors and extent of involvement in the performance of this contract.

(c) The capability to effectively direct multiple simultaneous work assignments.

(d) An ability to provide, integrate, and utilize interdisciplinary study teams effectively on assignments requiring a variety of skills and expertise from in-house resources.

b. Offerors are reminded that unsupported promises to comply with contractual requirements will not be sufficient. Proposals must not merely parrot back the contractual requirements, but rather provide substantive, understandable and realistic evidence to support promised performance. Unexplained inconsistencies resulting from the offeror’s lack of understanding of the nature and scope of work required may be grounds for rejection of the proposal.

c. The Government will assess the relative risks associated with each offer and each proposal as an inherent part of the best value decision process. The evaluator’s assessment of proposal and performance risk will be integrated into the ratings for Technical and Past Performance, as applicable.

(1) Proposal Risk: The technical risk associated with an offeror’s proposed approach in meeting the Government’s requirements. Proposal risk summarizes the risk derived from the technical evaluation. It is an overall assessment driven by each of the subfactors within the Technical factor and is assessed by the proposal evaluators and integrated into the rating of each specific evaluation subfactor under and within the Technical factor.

(2) Performance Risk: Performance risk is associated with an offeror’s likelihood of success in performing the solicitation’s requirements as indicated by the offeror’s record of past performance. Performance risk is assessed by the evaluation team from relevant past performance information furnished by the offeror as well as similar information that may be independently collected by the Government.

d. The Government reserves the right to make award without discussions, based solely upon initial offers and without the opportunity for revised proposals. Accordingly, each initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a technical and price/cost standpoint. If, however, revised proposals are requested, they will be evaluated against the same criteria as the initial proposals.

e. Discussions or negotiations: Although the Government has reserved the right to award without discussions, discussions may be conducted with those offerors determined to be within the competitive range in accordance with FAR 15.306. If discussions are determined necessary, a request for “Final Proposal Revision (FPR)” will be made of all offerors in the competitive range. Final proposal revisions will be evaluated against the same criteria as were the initial proposals.

f. In making this award, each offeror will be evaluated on their performance under existing and prior contracts over a specified period. This past performance information will assist the Government in determining the appropriate level of performance risk to assign each evaluated proposal.

g. On the rare occasion that the offeror’s organization has no past performance history on related contracts, the offeror’s lack of past performance will be treated as an unknown performance risk and given a neutral/unknown risk rating. A neutral/unknown risk rating is considered neither favorable nor unfavorable in terms of an overall Past Performance rating.

h. Offerors are hereby put on notice that pursuant to FAR 15.306(c)(2), the Government reserves the right to limit the competitive range for purposes of efficiency, to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals. A “highly rated proposal” is defined as one that provides a technical proposal with no deficiencies and a minimum number of overall weaknesses, with no significant weaknesses identified; excellent past performance; and a price that is fair and reasonable.

i. The Government’s primary objective in selecting an awardee is to make a “Best Value” determination by employing a subjective assessment of each offer that seeks to balance all of the stated evaluation factors against the offeror’s proposed integration of those factors in its proposal. Thus, in making the overall “Best Value” decision, the Government will consider the value of each proposal in terms of the Technical and Past Performance offered for the proposed price.

j. The offeror’s attention is invited to Section L for detailed instructions on documentation to be submitted with their proposal addressing each of the criteria necessary to be eligible for a full evaluation. Evaluation will be based on the factors and subfactors as shown in paragraph M.3, together with related risk assessment, as earlier described.

M.2

SPECIAL EVALUATION CONSIDERATIONS

a. Past Performance: Evaluation of the Past performance factor will be based upon information received from past performance records furnished by each offeror, information received from past performance surveys, other customers known to the Government, consumer protection organizations, and others who may have useful and relevant information. Evaluations will be based on consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances to include a determination of the offeror’s commitment to customer satisfaction. For the purposes of this evaluation relevant past performance is determined by identification of relevant experience and subsequent evaluation of the past performance record for the identified relevant experience. Offerors with no relevant experience, or relevant experience for which no past performance record exists, will be given a neutral/unknown risk rating.

b. Price: Price Analysis will be used to determine individual price elements as well as the overall evaluated price are fair and reasonable. The overall evaluated dollar amount will be the sum total of the estimated labor shown in the table in Section L multiplied by the associated proposed labor rates. The overall evaluated dollar amount will be used for the purposes of making a trade-off analysis between price and non-price factors.

M.3

BASIS FOR AWARD

a. Any award to be made will be based on the best overall (i.e. best value) proposal that is determined to be the most beneficial to the Government with appropriate consideration given to the three (3) evaluation factors: Technical, Past Performance, and Price. Technical is more important than Past Performance. Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are significantly more important than Price. The Technical factor is comprised of four (4) sub-factors: Company Qualifications, Personnel Qualifications, Knowledge of Issues, and Management Plan. Company Qualifications is more important than Personnel Qualifications. Personnel Qualifications is more important than Knowledge of Issues. Knowledge of Issues is more important than Management Plan.

b. The Government reserves the right to award to other than the lowest evaluated price, or the offeror with the highest rated Technical and Past Performance proposal. As technical ratings and relative advantages and disadvantages become less distinct, differences in price between proposals are of increased importance in determining the most advantageous proposal. Conversely, as differences in price become less distinct, differences in scoring and relative advantages and disadvantages between proposals are of increased importance to the determination. No proposal will be accepted that does not address the total amount of work specified in the solicitation. To be considered for an award, a proposal shall conform to all terms and conditions contained in the solicitation. Proposals, which are unrealistic in terms of resources or approach or unrealistic in price, will be deemed reflective of an inherent lack of technical competence, and indicative of a failure to comprehend the complexity and risks of the overall contractual requirement.

M.4

CONTACT WITH GOVERNMENT EVALUATION TEAM

Offerors will not contact members of the Government evaluation team under any circumstances during the evaluation/review period. All inquiries related to this solicitation shall be directed to the Contracting Officer.

(End of Summary of Changes)