Amendment W912JF24R0004-0001 29MAR2024.pdf

0012013283-0001

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 this Amendment is:

1. To provide and incorporate the Q&A document into the solicitation.

2. To update the amendment to the SF1449 as a result of the questions received in response to the solicitation.

3. Incorporate an updated PWS; specifically paragraph 5.8 is marked as 'RESERVED'.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 13

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

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 29-Mar-2024

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 W912JF24R0004

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

14-Mar-2024

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

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

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

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

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

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

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

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

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

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

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

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

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

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

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

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

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

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

29-Mar-2024

CODE

USP&FO FOR ARKANSAS

ATTN: SSG ROBERSON

BLDG 7100 BOX 003

CAMP ROBINSON

NORTH LITTLE ROCK AR 72199-9600

W912JF 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

X 1

W912JF24R0004

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

SOLICITATION Q&A

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

W912JF24R0004-0001

1. Since instructors are working on-base and unescorted, do they require a SECRET clearance? If so, will the government make an active SECRET Facility Clearance a pass/fail requirement for Offerors upon proposal submission to ensure that the awarded Offeror is capable of onboarding cleared instructors?

1a. No – please refer to PWS section 1.4.5.6.

2. Factor 1, #1. General states, “Acceptable experience is experience consisting of at least three years providing accredited (Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution) instructor services or similar to a training school or educational institution. that are comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation considering the dollar level and the location of performance for this solicitation.”

Also under Factor 1- Standard of Proof #3, it states, “within the past three years of the solicitation issue date,” which is the more standardized evaluation criteria language, as it allows Offerors to utilize contracts that might only be one or two years into their five year period of performance, but which are still highly relevant in demonstrating the company’s experience and past performance.

Therefore, will the government change the Factor 1 language to read, “Acceptable experience is experience consisting of at least three years in business and demonstrated experience within that three years providing accredited (Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution) instructor services or similar to a training school or educational institution that is comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation considering the dollar level and the location of performance for this solicitation.”?

2a. No.

3. PWS Section 5.8, Contractor Manpower Reporting Application (CMRA): As of January 31, 2022, the annual CMRA reporting requirement and subsequent upload of the report into http://www.ecmra.mil has expired. It has been replaced by the annual Service Contract Reporting data entry into https://sam.gov.

Will the government update this section of the PWS as Non-Applicable (N/A)?

3a. The PWS paragraph 5.8 has been marked as ‘RESERVED’.

4. PWS Section 1.4.9, Contract Manager (CM): Will the government verify that the designated CM and their designated alternate are not required to be located at a government site but may be located at the contractor’s facility or another designated workspace approved by the contractor?

4a. This is allowable.

5. Solicitation W912JF24R0004, SF 1449 Addendum, Page 3 of 30: “Responses to the solicitation shall be limited to 10 pages” Will the government confirm that standard administrative information (e.g., cover and title page, table of contents, and cover letter) and pricing data (completed Section B) are excluded from the 10-page limitation?

5a. Yes, the cover page, title page, table of contents, cover letter and pricing data are excluded from the 10 page requirement.

6. Factor 2 - Past Performance, page 5 of 30: “The evaluation of the Offeror’s (including partnerships and joint venture) present/past performance WILL NOT include the present/past performance of any subcontractors, predecessor companies, affiliates, other divisions or corporate management even though they may perform major or critical aspects of this requirement. Only the Offeror's (includes partnerships and joint ventures) past performance will be evaluated.” We respectfully request that the Government allow subcontractor's past performance to be evaluated under this procurement. Doing so would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the capabilities of the entire team and could greatly benefit the evaluation process.

6a. Subcontractor’s past performance will not be considered as part of the past performance evaluation.

7. We kindly request that the Government provide the name of the incumbent.

7a. Metova Federal LLC award GS00F310DA/W912JF19F0021. Novation agreement changed the contract owner to Bylight Professional IT

8. Does graduating from the PEC Common Faculty Development Program-Instructor Course (PWS 5.1.2) satisfy the Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution requirement (PWS 5.1.4)?

8a. No

9. If the answer to question #1 is No, what does constitute an Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution?

9a. This has no bearing on adult educaiton and the instituion granting the certification.

An individual that holds a minimum of 3 credit hours documenting the principles in the training of adult (not K-12) learners.

A regionally accredited institution is a school, college, or university that has met high standards for quality and education. Regional accreditation is granted by an agency that is recognized by the Federal Department of Education. Regional accreditation is the most prestigious and widely recognized form of accreditation.

10. Does providing certified schoolhouse Instructors for both the Army and the Air Force satisfy the requirement of “Acceptable experience is experience consisting of at least three years providing accredited (Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution) instructor services or similar to a training school or educational institution. that are comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation considering the dollar level and the location of performance for this solicitation.” As stated in the Solicitation Page 4, B. Factors to be evaluated: Factor 1: Experience Factor 1. General?

10a. Length of time of the experience as stated instructor (Army/Air) is a critical factor in concluding if this experience would meet the requirments of the solicitation. The fact that the experience is within the Army and/or Air schoolhouse is considered a training school.

11. Is there an incumbent for the contract?

11a. Metova Federal LLC award GS00F310DA/W912JF19F0021. Novation agreement changed the

12. What is the required clearance level

12a. Please refer to PWS section 1.4.5.6.

13. An Offeror has contract instructors delivering instructional services under the Army Forces Command Language and Regional Education Training contract. This includes classroom instructors teaching at eleven Army installations around the country. These instructors complete pre-service training and are assessed by Army Command Language Program Managers. They do not receive an Adult Education Certificate from a regionally accredited institution. Is this type of experience acceptable if all other criteria are met?

13a. Yes – on a case-by-case basis

14. An Offeror has contract instructors delivering instructional services using the US Special Operations Forces Tele training System (SOFTS). This includes virtual, synchronous instructor-led training delivered to 80-130 Special Operators worldwide. These instructors complete pre-service training and are assessed by Army Command Language Program Managers. They do not receive an Adult Education Certificate from a regionally accredited institution. Is this type of experience acceptable if all other criteria are met?

14a. Yes – on a case-by-case basis

15. The evaluation states that Past Performance must be "recent, relevant, and has a satisfactory or better confidence rating." Will the Government make an award to an Offeror whose past performance earns a Substantial Confidence rating, when there is a lower-priced Offeror whose past performance earns Satisfactory Confidence?

15a. In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(2)(ii) solicitations are not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor. The Government is following the procedures at FAR Part 13.106 and will make a best value determination when deciding which offer is most advantageous to the Government based on the evaluation factors contained in the solicitation.

16. According to the evaluation criteria, is the Past Performance rating more important than Price?

16a. In accordance with FAR 13.106-1(2)(ii) solicitations are not required to state the relative importance assigned to each evaluation factor. The Government is following the procedures at FAR Part 13.106.

17. Is there an incumbent contractor performing this work today? If so, who?

17a Metova Federal LLC award GS00F310DA/W912JF19F0021. Novation agreement changed the

18. Are there incumbent instructors performing this work today? If so, is there one for SLDI and a different, single instructor for PORB?

18a. Yes.

19. Can the Government give a definition for what it considers an "Adult Education Certificate"? For example, a specific type of college degree?

19a. Please refer to Question #9 answer.

20. Can the Government give a definition for what it considers a "Regionally Accredited Institution"?

20a. Please refer to Question #9 answer.

21. The solicitation states: "Submit the attached pro forma to provide evidence of a minimum of three years relevant experience." This attachment does not appear to have been posted with the rest of the solicitation. Will the Government confirm if there is a specific form that the Government would like offerors to complete for this factor and, if so, provide it?

21a. There is not a specific format. The solicitation language has been updated to reflect this typographical error. Offerors are being asked to provide the information listed under ‘Standard of Proof’ (Items #1-4).

22. To enable accurate scheduling, the offeror must know the timing and duration of each course to identify potential conflicts. Will the Government provide a day-by-day course schedule to include the daily start and end times of each course?

22a. Duty day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ‘typically’ runs until 4:30 p.m. Schedules of courses differ slightly, thus no day-to-day docs will be offered.

23. How many hours per day does each course last?

23a. approximately 8 hours with an additional hour for lunch.

24. Does the Common Faculty Development - Instructor Course (CFD-IC) or Army Basic Instructor Course certificate or similar military teaching certification qualify as an Adult Education Certificate?

24a. No.

25. The solicitation states: "Offerors are limited to submitting one Quote with one approach to meeting all the requirements of this solicitation." This seems to indicate that the Government is requesting a technical approach narrative. Later in the solicitation document, it specifies that the only factors being evaluated are Experience, Past Performance, and Price. Can the Government please confirm that offerors only need to respond to the Experience, Past Performance, and Price factors, and that a technical approach is not requested?

25a. Offerors only need to respond to the Experience, Past Performance and Price Factors. The language at 1.1.1 is intended to clarify that multiple offers are not permitted under this solicitation.

26. Do the completed SF 1449 and/or the Schedule B pages count against the 10 page limit for responses?

26a. No.

27. Do a cover page and table of contents count against the 10 page limit for responses?

27a. No.

28. Can the Government please confirm that completed Representations and Certifications will not count against page count?

28a. Representations & Certifications will not count against 10 page limit.

29. TE 3 states: "Travel costs have not exceeded 1 week each for the travel for SLDI and PORB." Can the Government please confirm if this means 1 week each per year?

29a. As TE3 states, historical travel for the SLDI has been 1 week each year. Historical travel for PORB has been 1 week each year.

30. Does the Government wish to receive three separate volumes for the three evaluation factors? If so, what is the page limit for each volume?

30a. The government is not asking for multiple volumes. The solicitation asking offerors to limit their response to 10 pages. Within these 10 pages, an offeror should address Factor 1 and Factor 2.

The administrative data, to include Reps & Certs, cover pages, pricing information will not be counted in the 10 page limit.

31. What does the Government consider as "adequate evidence" to prove the number of years a company has been in business?

31a. Referring to Factor 1, Standard of Proof items #1-4. Specifically, items #3 requests ‘points of contact’ for verifying the information being provided. This would be ‘one’ way of validating the length of an offeror’s time in business. There could be additional means to validate information, suchas past performance records, SAM.gov registrations, individual references.

32. Does the Government intend to provide any guidance for how Past Performance References shall be incorporated into our proposal submission?

32a. Generally, an offerors’ previous experiences overlap with an offeror’s past performance listing of contracts/projects. Within Factor 1, Standard of Proof, item #3, the government is requesting points of contact to be provided. The Government intends to utilize the Points of Contact provided by the offeror to verify the information provided as well as any other available sources such as CPARS. If an offeror’s past performance listing of projects/contracts differs from the projects/contracts provided to support Factor 1 Experience, please provide points of contact for the separate Past Performance project/contract listings.

33. Can the Government confirm that it only intends to check sources available to the Government (CPARS)(SAM) and that potential bidders are not meant to include anything for Factor 2 in our submission.

33a. The government will check CPARS, along with Past Performance references submitted by vendor. Please refer to Factor 1, Standard of Proof – item #3 (POCs are requested). Please refer to the answer provided in question #33 for further claification.

34. If the requirement is for bidders to provide information for Factor 2 in our submission, is there a preferred format? Are there any parameters around performance dates? Is there a minimum or maximum number of references we should include? Is there a separate page limit for inclusion of this content? What specific information do you require bidders to provide for each reference? Is there a limit to how many references may be included for the prime?

34a. There is not a preferred format. The performance dates or constraints can be identified in the solicitation under Factor 2, second paragraph which states in part “…demonstrated experience performed within the past three (3) years from the issuance date of this solicitation.” No minimum or maximum, on the constraint of recency as defined in the solicitation under Factor 2. There is not a separate page limitation, the 10 page limitation applies to Factor 1 and Factor 2. The required information can be identified under Factor 1 – Standard of Proof items #1-4.

35. Is a signed copy of the SF 1449 (and any potential Amendments) included within the 10 pages allotted for the submission?

35a. No.

36. Will the Government confirm and/or clarify that any/all proposal narrative in response to Factors 1, 2, and 3 is required within/limited to the 10 total allotted pages?

36a. Yes, the 10 page limit applies to Factor 1 & 2.

37. Will the Government confirm that cover pages, TOCs, acronym lists, etc. do not count against the 10 total allotted pages?

37a. TOCs will not count against 10 page requirement.

38. Assuming the Government requires bidders to fill in and submit the CLINs on pages 6 to 10 of 30, where are these pages meant to be included in our submission?

38a. These would be considered the Pricing Factor and are not included in the 10 page limit.

39. Assuming the Government requires bidders to fill in and submit any additional FILL-Ins, such as on pg 14, where are these pages meant to be included in our submission?

39a. This should be included as part of an offeror’s SF1449 and are not included in the 10 page limit.

40. Can the government provide the exact dates for the PEC CFD-IC training?

40a. This course is taught on-site and offered a minimum of once per quarter. Exact dates have not been determined as of the issuance of this amendment.

41. TE # 4: Can the government confirm that only one (1) FTE Instructor provides instructor support services for all courses listed in TE # 4 for SLDI per training year? If so, does this same question apply to TE # 5 for the PORB also?

41a. Historically, as depicted in the Technical Exhibits of the PWS, there has been 1 instructor supporting the SLDI and one instructor supporting the PORB.

42. TE # 4 & 5: Can the government confirm if there are any overlapping course dates in TE # 4 or 5

42a. No, Courses do not overlap across the two training battalions.

43. Does the Service Contract Act apply to this contract?

43a. Yes

44. IF SCA applies, what is the Labor Category that bidders should propose from the Wage Determination?

44a. This determination is the responsibility of the offeror. The solicitation includes provision 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) in full text.

45. If SCA applies, will the Government please provide the SCA hire date for all incumbents. We are not asking for contact information, just SCA hire dates so all bidders may accurately propose PTO accrual hours required under law.

45a. The current incumbent instructors have been working under the existing contract since 2019.

46. The Solicitation states: "If quoting less FTE’s than historical data that is fine; however, a detailed explanation of how you intend to get the work done with less FTE shall be provided. This needs to clearly explain your innovative approach and how the requirements of the PWS will be met. If detailed explanation not provided, the quote will be considered non compliant and will not be considered. This is only needed IF quoting less FTE than historical data."

In order for the contractor to propose any alternative staffing solution, we need to know what the historic staffing solutions have been. Will the Government please provide that historic labor categories and FTE and PTE (specifically) for each labor category?

46a. Please refer to Technical Exhibit 3 of the PWS. There has historically been one FTE per training battalion with no PTE.

47. Government Furnished Property, Material, Equipment and Services: The Government provides a description of property, materials and services that will be provided to contractor personnel. However, there is no description of materials that will be provided in section 3.2. Will the government provide consumable office supplies such as pens, paper, printer services, in support of this effort? Or will contractors need to provide those items?

48a. Contractors are not required to supply consumables nor office equipment.

48. Description Item #10 lays out three documents to submit: Experience, Past Performance, Price. Elements of Experience and Past Performance regarding recent projects considerably. Please describe the difference between the recent relevant projects/information required for the Experience document and the recent relevant projects/information required for the Past Performance document.

49a. The Government expects and/or anticipates an overlap of information to occur between an offeror’s experience and their past performance. The Government’s evaluation of experience will evaluate an offeror as described at paragraph B 1. of the addendum to the SF 1449. The Past Performance evaluation will evaluate offers as described at paragraph B. Factor 2. The evaluation of each of these factors, focus’ on different aspects of an offeror’s previous contract actions/projects but will often utilize overlapping information to accomplish the evaluations. As an example, the POCs to be provided under the Standard of Proof for Factor 1, may be contacted by the Government during the evaluation process to ascertain how well an offeror satisfied their previoius contract obligations.

49. A 10-page limit is indicated, but the Contract Opportunity page in SAM specifies submitting three documents (Description, #10 a-c). Is this a 10-page limit per document, or should all three documents be submitted as one file with a 10-page total limit?

50a. The 10 page limit applies to Factor 1 and Factor 2.

50. In Section SF 1449 Addendum, II. Quote Evaluation, B. Factors to be Evaluated, "Standard of Proof" says to "Submit the attached pro forma, to provide evidence of a minimum of three years relevant experience" but no separate attachment is provided. What should we submit to demonstrate evidence beyond items 1-4 below this statement?

51a. There is not a specific format. The solicitation language has been updated to reflect this typographical error. Offerors are being asked to provide the information listed under ‘Standard of Proof’ (Items #1-4).

51. Does completing these pages with quote information count towards the 10-page limit?

52a. Pricing data will not count towards 10 pages.

52. Are we permitted to format this schedule as a pricing matrix directly within our response document, or do we need to submit these specific pages extracted from the solicitation instructions as an attachment?

53a. Yes.

53. Are the representations listed here required at time of submission?

54a. Yes.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 05-Apr-2024 10:00 AM to 09-Apr-2024 10:00 AM.

The following have been modified:

SF1449 ADDENDUM

Questions to this solicitation shall be furnished electronically to Contract Specialist: Mr. Leonard D. Roberson leonard.d.roberson.civ@army.mil and Mr. Mark White mark.c.white20.civ@army.mil by close of business on the fifth business day after this notice has been posted to SAM.gov.

The Quote submitted in response to this solicitation shall be furnished electronically to the Contract Specialist identified as the Primary and Secondary Points of Contact on the SAM.gov posting. The Quote shall only be submitted as described.

1.1 Single Quote Submission. FAR 52.212-1 is hereby tailored to remove subparagraph (e), which does not apply to this solicitation.

1.1.1 Offerors are limited to submitting one Quote with one approach to meeting all the requirements of this solicitation.

1.1.2 Quotes that contain alternative terms and conditions will be considered as taking exception to the requirements of the solicitation.

Responses to the solicitation shall be limited to 10 pages for Factor 1 and Factor 2 combined. The Pricing Factor does not have a page limit. The SF1449, Reps & Certs, cover page, title page or other administrative information will not be counted in the 10 page limit for Factor 1 and Factor 2.

NOTE: Please be aware that the requirments of DFARS clauses 252.204-7012 and 252.204-7020; the NIST basic assessment must be completed for award eligibility. Vendors can refer to https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/ for additional information.

BASIS OF AWARD- EVALUATION

I. Basis for Contract Award – Evaluation of Quotes-Simplified Acquisition Procedures

(a) In accordance with FAR 13.106 and FAR subpart 13.5 the Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes:

1. Experience

2. Past Performance; and

3. Price

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate quotes for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. This includes options under FAR clause 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services, if included in this solicitation. Options under FAR clause 52.217-8 will be evaluated by using the prices quoted for the last option period to determine the price for a 6-month extension, which will be added to the base and other option years to arrive at a total evaluated price. The Government may determine that a quote is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A quotation is not an offer and, consequently, cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

Therefore, issuance by the Government of an order in response to a supplier’s quotation does not establish a contract. A written notice of award or purchase order, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful quoter is an offer by the Government to the supplier to buy certain supplies or services upon specified terms and conditions. A contract is established when the supplier accepts the offer.

II. Quote Evaluation: The evaluation process will be accomplished as follows:

A. General: The government intends to make award to the responsible offer who represents the best value to the Government based on (1) Relevant Experience; (2) Past Performance that is Recent, relevant and has a satisfactory or better confidence rating and (3) Price fair and reasonableness.

We will determine the merits of your quote on the basis of (a) its acceptability and (b) its quoted price.

(a) Acceptability: We will determine the acceptability of your quote on an acceptable or unacceptable basis. We will consider your quote acceptable if it (i) conforms to the material solicitation requirements; (ii) manifests your unconditional assent to the terms of this Request for Quote (RFQ), and (iii) you are a responsible prospective contractor pursuant to FAR 9.104-1. (NOTE: By submission of a quote, the quoter represents that it unconditionally assents to the terms of this Request for Quote, except for any written express exceptions.)

(i) Conformance. Material solicitation requirements include those terms affecting quality, quantity, price, or delivery.

(ii) Assent. If you (1) take exception to any term of this RFQ, (2) propose any additional terms, or (3) omit material information required by this RFQ then we will consider your quote to be unacceptable and ineligible for contract award.

B. Factors to be Evaluated:

FACTOR 1: Experience Factor

1. General: We will evaluate what work you did, when and where you did it, whom you did it for, and what methods you presumably used. It is important to understand the difference between a quoter’s experience and its past performance – quoters may be considered unacceptable based on its lack of experience.

Acceptable experience is experience consisting of at least three years providing accredited (Adult Education Certificate from a Regionally Accredited Institution) instructor services or similar to a training school or educational institution. that are comparable to the work requirements of this solicitation considering the dollar level and the location of performance for this solicitation.

2. This will be evaluated as Acceptable or Unacceptable.

Standard of Proof: Submit the informaiton listed below in items # 1-4 to provide evidence of a minimum of three years experience.

1. Number of years the quoter has been in business and adequate evidence

2. Specific Experience providing accredited instructor services to a training school educational institution.

Include scope of effort.

3. Identify all relevant projects/contracts that are substantially complete or have been completed within the past three years of the solicitation issue date. Include points of contact for each contract/project.

4. Identify the Magnitude of effort

Acceptable Present/past performance effort involved same/similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Unacceptable Present/past performance effort involved little or none of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Scope = Type of Work, Functions, Skill Mix and/or Labor Classifications, etc.

Magnitude of effort = Dollar Value and Period of Performance

Complexities = Contract Type (e.g., Indefinite Delivery Contract, Firm-Fixed-Price, FAR-based, Other Government Transaction, UCC), Location (on-base, off-base, geographical), Terms and Conditions (e.g., private, Federal, DoD, Army, National Guard Bureau), etc.

FACTOR 2- Past Performance: Past Performance is a measure of the degree to which you have satisfied your customers in the past and complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Your past performance is relevant to this competition when you have done recent work that has confronted you with the same kinds of challenges that you would reasonably expect to encounter during performance of the contract described by the RFQ.

We will assess your past performance on the basis of recency, relevancy, and quality. Past performance information may be obtained from any sources available to the Government (CPARS)(SAM).

First, we will evaluate recency. For purposes of this evaluation, recency is defined as demonstrated experience (active or completed efforts) performed within the past three (3) years from the issuance date of this solicitation.

Second, we will evaluate recent contracts for relevancy as described below. Third, we will evaluate relevant contracts for overall quality.

The evaluation of the Offeror’s (including partnerships and joint venture) present/past performance WILL NOT include the present/past performance of any subcontractors, predecessor companies, affiliates, other divisions or corporate management even though they may perform major or critical aspects of this requirement. Only the Offeror's (includes partnerships and joint ventures) past performance will be evaluated.

Past Performance Evaluation Ratings: As a result of the recency and relevancy assessments of current and prior contracts, a relevancy rating described below will be assigned within the past performance evaluation.

Table 1 – Used to evaluate Relevancy

Adjectival Rating Description Very Relevant Present/past performance effort involved essentially the same scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Relevant Present/past performance effort involved similar scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Somewhat Relevant Present/past performance effort involved some of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Not Relevant Present/past performance effort involved little or none of the scope and magnitude of effort and complexities this solicitation requires.

Table 2 – Used to evaluate Quality

Adjectival Rating Description Substantial Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a high expectation that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Satisfactory Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Neutral Confidence No recent/relevant performance record is available or the Offeror’s performance record is so sparse that no meaningful confidence assessment rating can reasonably be assigned. The Offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on the factor of past performance.

Limited Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has low expectation that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

No Confidence Based on the Offeror’s recent/relevant performance record, the Government has no expectation that the Offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

FACTOR 3: Price: Offerors are required to provide a breakdown of pricing and narrative of the following:

a) Number of instructors quoted for each course/each year for base and options (use technical exhibits 3, 4, 5).

b) IF quoting less FTE’s than historical data that is fine; however, a detailed explanation of how you intend to get the work done with less FTE shall be provided. This needs to clearly explain your innovative approach and how the requirements of the PWS will be met. If detailed explanation not provided, the quote will be considered non-compliant and will not be considered. This is only needed IF quoting less FTE than historical data.

c) Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness in accordance with FAR 13.106-3(a).

(End of Addendum)

(End of Summary of Changes)

Ver. October 2022

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

FOR

Strategic Education and Instructor Support Services

1.0 General:

1.1 Scope: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision, and quality control necessary, except as specified in Paragraph 3.0 as Government Furnished, to perform Strategic Education & Instructor Support Services, as defined in this PWS.

1.2 Background: The requirement is for the Army National Guard (ARNG) Professional Education Center (PEC). A national training center for the ARNG located at Camp Joseph T. Robison, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The requirement is to provide Education & Instructor support services in the Strategy and Leader Development Institute (SLDI) and the Personnel and Operations Readiness Battalion (PORB) at PEC.

Instructors in these organizations train key senior leaders across the ARNG in critical task areas relating to the readiness posture of the Army National Guard.

1.3 Period of Performance (PoP): The Period of Performance shall be 1 Base Year of 12 months and 4 option years.

1.4 General Information:

1.4.1 Place and Performance of Services: The contractor shall provide services between the hours of 0730-1630 on Monday through Friday, except on recognized US holidays or when the Government facility/installation is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government-directed facility/installation closings. Performance shall be at the Army National Guard (ARNG) Professional Education Center (PEC), Strategy and Leader Development Institute (SLDI) and the Personnel and Operations Readiness Battalion (PORB), Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The contractor shall at all times maintain an adequate work force for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility/installation is not closed for the above reasons. When hiring personnel, the contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the work force are essential.

1.4.1.1 Telework: Currently teleworking is not authorized due to the mission requirements. Should their become changes in the mission’s operational tempo, teleworking is plausible on a limited basis with planning and prior approval from the Government. In furtherance of Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), a telework program may be enacted to ensure that the Government's mission-critical operations

Amendment 0001

Updated PWS 29MAR2024 - REF Para. 5.8 stay operational during times of national emergency or incidents of national significance.

Telework shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.4.1.2 Unscheduled gate closures by the Security Police may occur at any time causing all personnel entering or exiting a closed installation to experience a delay. This cannot be predicted or prevented. Contractors are not compensated for unexpected closures or delays. Vehicles operated by contractor personnel are subject to search pursuant to applicable regulations. Any moving violation of any applicable motor vehicle regulation may result in the termination of the contractor employee’s installation driving privileges.

1.4.1.3 The contractor’s employees shall become familiar with and obey the regulations of the installation; including fire, traffic, safety and security regulations while on the installation. Contractor employees should only enter restricted areas when required to do so and only upon prior approval. All contractor employees shall carry proper identification with them at all times, and shall be subject to such checks as may be deemed necessary. The contractor shall ensure compliance with all regulations and orders of the installation, which may affect performance. The Government reserves the right to direct the removal of an employee from Government property or revoke access to Government systems for misconduct, security reasons, or any overt evidence of communicable disease. Removal of contractor employees for reasons stated above does not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for total performance of this contract.

1.4.2 Recognized Holidays: The following are recognized United States (US) holidays.

The contractor shall not perform services on these days:

1.4.2.1 New Year’s Day: January 1st

1.4.2.2 Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

1.4.2.3 President’s Day

1.4.2.4 Memorial Day

1.4.2.5 Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19th

1.4.2.6 Independence Day: July 4th

1.4.2.7 Labor Day

1.4.2.8 Columbus Day

1.4.2.9 Veteran’s Day: November 11th

1.4.2.10 Thanksgiving Day

1.4.2.11 Christmas Day: December 25th

1.4.3 Quality Control (QC): The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective QC Plan (QCP) to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s QCP is the means by which it assures itself that its work complies with the requirements of the contract. As a minimum, the contractor shall develop QC procedures that address the areas identified in Technical Exhibit 1, Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). A final QCP shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) NLT 10 days after contract award.

After acceptance of the QCP, the contractor shall obtain the Contracting Officer’s (KO’s) acceptance in writing of any proposed changes to its QCP.

1.4.4 Quality Assurance (QA): The Government will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is primarily focused on what the Government will do to ensure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and acceptable quality level(s) or defect rate(s).

1.4.5 Installation Access and Security Requirements. The contractor shall comply with all applicable installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures, which may be obtained from the COR. The contractor and all associated subcontractor employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services, or Security Office. The contractor shall ensure compliance with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by Department of Defense (DoD), Headquarters Department of Army (HQDA) and/or local policy (see PWS 6.0). Should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

1.4.5.1 For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC): The CAC is the DoD Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential. Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated Tier 1 or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014-05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple nonDoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled Tier 1 investigation at the Office of Personnel Management.

Sponsorship and enrollment information about each applicant must be registered in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) through either the Real-Time Automated Personnel ID System (RAPIDS) using the DD Form 1172-2 or the Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS).

1.4.5.1.1 Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 Background Investigation Requirements: The contractor shall ensure that all contractor and subcontractor personnel whose duties require CAC card issuance obtain them and shall process all CAC card applications. The contractor shall ensure that all employees requiring an initial background investigation complete a Personnel Security Investigation Portal (PSIP) form at Attachment TBD, at the earliest possible date and that this form is forwarded to the COR immediately. The COR will review the form for completeness and accuracy and forward it to the National Guard Bureau (NGB) Personnel Security manager who will initiate the investigation process via the PSIP. Contractor personnel will then receive two e-mail messages; the first will confirm that the investigative service provider has received the request, and the second will provide instructions for the completion of the appropriate form via the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (e-QIP) system. Upon completion of the e-QIP questionnaire and submittal of all required documents, including fingerprint card to the security manager, the background investigation (BI) will be initiated. The contractor shall ensure immediate compliance with all instructions regarding background investigation processing, including those provided verbally, by e-mail or via a Government system. The contractor is cautioned that the entire process from submittal of the PSIP form to return of the FBI fingerprint check may routinely take from two to six weeks and shall factor this lead time into its hiring/placement process. The contractor shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that contractor employees meet CAC eligibility standards upon assignment to the contract and shall be held responsible for delays, failure to meet performance requirements or decreases in efficiency in accordance with the applicable inspection clause.

1.4.5.1.2 Trusted Associate Sponsorship System (TASS): The contractor shall process CAC applications through the TASS, the procedures for which are described below.

Although there is no requirement for the contractor to designate a “Corporate Facility Security Officer" (FSO) to serve as its single point of contact for the BI, the TASS application process and other CAC and security-related matters, such designation facilitates these processes. If a Corporate FSO is not established, all contractor employees requiring a CAC will be required to process their own applications. The submission process for CAC applications is as follows:

1. The contractor's FSO or contractor employee shall submit requests for a CAC via email to the designated TASS Trusted Agent (TA). The TASS TA for this requirement will be TBD.

2. The Government will establish a TASS application account for each CAC Request and will provide each contractor employee a user ID and password, via email, to the contractor’s FSO or contractor employee. The FSO or contractor employee shall access the TASS account and complete the CAC application (entering/editing contractor information as applicable) at: https://tass.dmdc.osd.mil/tass/. The contractor’s FSO or contractor employee shall follow up to ensure that the TA is processing the request.

3. The Government will inform the contractor's applicant, via email, of one of the following:

a. Approval.* Upon approval, the information is transferred to the DEERS database and an email notification is sent to the contractor with instructions on obtaining their CAC. The contractor proceeds to a RAPIDS station (RAPIDS Site Locator:

http://www.dmdc.osd.mil/rsl/).

b. Rejection.* The Government, in separate correspondence, will provide reason(s) for rejection.

c. Return. Additional information or correction to the application required by the contractor employee.

*The contractor shall maintain records of all approved and rejected applications.

1.4.5.1.3 At the RAPIDS station, the RAPIDS Verification Officer will verify the contractor employee by Social Security Number (SSN) and two forms of identification.

Identity source documents must come from the list of acceptable documents included in Form I-9, OMB No. 1615-0047, "Employment Eligibility Verification". Consistent with applicable law, at least one document from the Form I-9 list shall be a valid (unexpired) State or Federal Government-issued picture ID. The Identity documents will be inspected for authenticity and scanned and stored in the DEERS upon issuance of an ID. The photo ID requirement cannot be waived, consistent with applicable statutory requirements. The Verification Officer will capture primary and alternate fingerprints, picture, and updates to DEERS, and will then issue a CAC. Issued CACs will be valid for no longer than three years, or until the individual's contract end date (inclusive of any options), whichever is earlier.

1.4.5.1.4 The contractor shall manage requests for new or renewal CAC cards in sufficient time to ensure that all contractor employees have them when needed to perform work under this contract. The contractor shall provide at least 10 calendar days advance notice to the TA, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the COR or KO.

1.4.5.1.5 The contractor shall return issued CACs to the DEERS office upon departure or dismissal of each contractor employee, and shall obtain a receipt for each card and provide it to the TA/COR.

1.4.5.1.5.1 Failure to comply with these requirements may result in withholding of final payment.

1.4.5.1.6 The contractor shall obtain an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) email address for each applicant, including subcontractors, who may be deployed or require logical access to a Government computer network. Note: If employees of a contractor lose the privilege to access AKO, they lose the ability to renew their CAC. Therefore, it is critical that contractor employees maintain their AKO accounts.

1.4.5.2 For contractors that do not require a CAC, but require access to a DoD facility or installation: Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05), and applicable installation, facility and area commander…