W912QR24R0014_Specs-0000.pdf

Solicitation For Microgrid Project 1.25 MW Solar PV and 1,000 kW/2,000 kWh Bess Installation, Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program (ERCIP) FY23, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

P2: 504376

Design-Bid-Build

Specifications Certified Final Design

20 February 2024

W912QR24R0014

ARIMS: 200A Disposition: Maintain for 15yrs after construction.

W912QR24R0014_Specs-0000

Camp Arif jan Hybrid Renew able Energy Project

In accordance with DFARS 236,204 Estimated Construction Cost is between $25,000,000.00 and $100,000,000.00.

NAICS Code: 237130, Pow er and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction, which has a size standard of $45 million.

Full and Open Competition.

The solicitation w ill be available on the web only. Faxed, telephone, or mailed requests for this solicitation w ill not be honored.

Contractors must register and complete the representation and certif ication requirements in the System for Award Management (SAM) database, available at https://sam.gov. PLEASE ensure your annual SAM registration is current. Offerors must comply with the requirements of 52.204-7, 52.204-8, 52.232-33, and any other representation and certification requirements in this solicitation through SAM.

PLEASE NOTE: SAM is completely free of charge for both registrants and users.

Funds are not presently available for this acquisition. No contract aw ard w ill be made until appropriated funds are made available.

KARI A SMITH 502.315.7028

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS

NEGOTIATED

20-Feb-2024

(RFP)

(IFB)

X

CALL:

B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

See Item 7

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

SEALED BID

3. DATE ISSUED

9. FOR INFORMATION A. NAME

SOLICITATION

NSN 7540-01-155-3212 1442-101 STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 4-85)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.236-1(e)

11. The Contractor shall begin performance w ithin _______10 calendar days and complete it w ithin ________919 calendar days after receiving aw ard, X notice to proceed. This performance period is X mandatory, negotiable. (See _________________________52.211-10

12 A. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

(If "YES," indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12B.)

X YES NO

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

A. Sealed offers in original and __________1 copies to perform the w ork required are due at the place specif ied in Item 8 by ___________ local time ______________27 Mar 2024 (date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers must be publicly opened at that time.

shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, and the date and time of fers are due.

B. An offer guarantee X is, is not required.

C. All offers are subject to the (1) w ork requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

D. Offers providing less than _______90 calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due w ill not be considered and w ill be rejected.

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

1. SOLICITATION NO.

IMPORTANT - The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

4. CONTRACT NO.

7. ISSUED BY CODE

U. S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, LOUISVILLE

600 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLACE

ROOM 821

LOUISVILLE KY 40202-2239

W912QR

PAGE OF PAGES

1 OF

CODE

(Title, identifying no., date):

12B. CALENDAR DAYS

01:00 PM (hour)

Sealed envelopes containing offers

5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 6. PROJECT NO.

8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If Other Than Item 7)

FAX:TEL: 502.315.7494 TEL: FAX:

W912QR24R0014 53

20B. SIGNATURE

(REV. 4-85)STANDARD FORM 1442 BACK

TO SIGN

NSN 7540-01-155-3212

SOLICITATION, OFFER, AND AWARD (Continued) (Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

CODE FACILITY CODE

17. The offeror agrees to perform the w ork required at the prices specif ied below in strict accordance w ith the terms of this solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in w riting w ithin ________ calendar days after the date offers are due.

the minimum requirements stated in Item 13D. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in Item 13D.)

AMOUNTS SEE SCHEDULE OF PRICES

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each)

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE

20A. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER (Type or print)

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT 23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

CODE

(Insert any number equal to or greater than

20C. OFFER DATE

25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

10 U.S.C. 2304(c) 41 U.S.C. 253(c)

CODE27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY:26. ADMINISTERED BY

(Include ZIP Code)14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR 15. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

See Item 14

(Include only if different than Item 14)16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS

30B. SIGNATURE

29. AWARD (Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

document and return _______ copies to issuing office.) Contractor agrees Your of f er on this solicitation, is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This award con-to f urnish and deliv er all items or perf orm all work, requisitions identif ied summates the contract, which consists of (a) the Gov ernment solicitation and on this f orm and any continuation sheets f or the consideration stated in this y our of f er, and (b) this contract award. No f urther contractual document is contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be necessary .

gov erned by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certif ications, and specif ications or incorporated by ref er-ence in or attached to this contract.

30A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED 31A. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

30C. DATE

(Type or print)

TEL: EMAIL:

31B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31C. AWARD DATE

BY

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

(Contractor is required to sign this28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT

(M ust be fully completed by offeror)OFFER

Price Breakout Schedule

PROJECT: The Scope of Work (SOW) is for the construction services required to supply resilient power to two critical facilities (TIP-C and MCF), by connecting to an existing host nation switching station and installing a micro-grid photo-voltaic and battery energy storage system (PV and BESS) to be interconnected to TIP- C switchgear.

LOCATION: Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

PROPOSER’S NAME:

ITEM

NUMBER Description UNIT AMOUNT

BASE

0001 Mobilization and Demobilization:

Mobilization and Demobilization shall consist of all labor, equipment, supplies, and temporary facilities required to stage all equipment and facilities needed for construction of this project.

0002 Fencing: All work, materials, and labor required for providing security fencing around each PV inverter concrete pad, and around the AC combiner, BESS, and step-up transformer area.

0003 As-Built Drawings: All labor, equipment, and all supplies needed to produce design records, documents, and drawings in accordance with the requirements specified in the Specifications

0004 Grid Power Connection: All work, materials, and labor required to provide and install a MV cables from the switching station to the new MV switchgear at the TIP-C compound and to a new UDS at MCF building via ring connection.

0005 Ac Combiner Switchboard and Bess Shade Canopy: All work and labor required to design and construct a canopy to cover the AC combiner switchboard and BESS equipment concrete pad.

JOB $

0006 Power Distribution System Site Work: All work, materials, and labor required to install all electrical infrastructure components for the microgrid. This includes wire, cables, conduits, pull boxes, junction boxes, trench work, and labor.

0007 Communication Distribution System: All work, materials, and labor required to install all communications infrastructure components for the microgrid.

0008 Solar PV System: All work, materials, and labor required to install all components of the solar PV system to include solar panels, combiners, disconnect switches, recombiners, inverters, and cabling for an operable solar PV system.

0009 Battery Energy Storage System (Bess):

All work and labor required to install a complete and functional battery energy storage system. The lithium-ion battery shall be of the LFP chemistry type and be capable of a minimum of 5,000 cycles.

0010 Ac Combiner Switchboard: All work, materials, and labor required to install an AC combiner switchboard to accept power from the solar PV system and battery energy storage system.

0011 Step-Up Transformer: All work and labor required to install a 2,500KVA step-up transformer.

0012 Compact Sub-station: All work and labor required to install a 2,500 KVA step-down compact substation.

Walk-In MV Switchgear Container: All work, materials, and labor required to install a new medium voltage 800A switchgear.

Step-Down Transformer: All work and labor required to install a 3,000KVA step-down transformer.

TOTAL PROJECT BASE PROPOSAL $

NOTES FOR PRICE BREAKOUT SCHEDULE

NOTE NO. 1. To better facilitate the receipt and proposal process, all modifications to proposals are to be submitted on copies of the latest Price Breakout Schedule as published in the solicitation or the latest amendment thereto. In lieu of indicating additions/deductions to line items, all Offerors should state their revised prices for each item.

NOTE NO. 2. Offerors must insert a price on all numbered items of the Price Breakout Schedule.

Failure to do so shall result in the offer being unacceptable.

NOTE NO. 3. The Offeror’s Base Bid will be evaluated for best value to the Government. The basis of award is the Best Value Trade-Off Process. Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the Submittal Requirements/Evaluation Criteria found in Section 00 21 00 of the solicitation.

--END OF PRICE BREAKOUT SCHEDULE—

OFFEROR'S QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Technical inquiries and questions relating to proposal procedures or bonds are to be submitted via Bidder Inquiry in ProjNet at http://www.ProjNet.org/ProjNet. As noted below, offerors shall not submit their proposals via ProjNet. Offerors shall submit their proposals in accordance with the provisions stated in the solicitation. To submit and review bid inquiry items, bidders will need to be a current registered user or self-register into system.

The Solicitation Number is:

The Bidder Inquiry Key is:

W912QR24R0014

MN52GB-AX9AM5

Specific Instructions for ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

1. From the ProjNet home page linked above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

2. Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

3. Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

4. Email. Enter the email address you would like to use for communication.

5. Select Continue. A page will then open stating a user account was not found and will ask you to create one using the provided form.

6. Enter your First Name, Last Name, Company, City, State, Phone, Email, Secret Question, Secret

Answer, and Time Zone. Make sure to remember your Secret Question and Answer as they will be used from this point on to access the ProjNet system.

7. Select Add User. Once this is completed you are now registered within ProjNet and are currently logged into the system.

Specific Instructions for Future ProjNet Bid Inquiry Access:

1. For future access to ProjNet, you will not be emailed any type of password. You will utilize your Secret Question and Secret Answer to log in.

2. From the ProjNet home page linked above, click on Quick Add on the upper right side of the screen.

3. Identify the Agency. This should be marked as USACE.

4. Key. Enter the Bidder Inquiry Key listed above.

5. Email. Enter the email address you used to register previously in ProjNet.

6. Select Continue. A page will then open asking you to enter the answer to your Secret Question.

7. Enter your Secret Answer and click Login. Once this is completed you are now logged into the system.

From this page you may view all bidder inquiries or add an inquiry.

Bidders will receive an acknowledgement of their question via email, followed by an answer to their question after it has been processed by our technical team.

Offerors are requested to review the specification in its entirety and to review the Bidder Inquiry System for answers to questions prior to submission of a new inquiry.

The call center operates weekdays from 8AM to 5PM U.S. Central Time Zone (Chicago). The telephone number for the Call Center is 800-428-HELP.

Information concerning the status of the evaluation and/or award will NOT be available after receipt of bids/proposals.

NOTES:

1. Offerors shall not submit their proposals via ProjNet, but in accordance with the provisions stated in the solicitation. Any questions regarding acceptable means of submitting offers shall be made directly to the Contract Specialist identified in the solicitation.

2. Government responses to technical inquiries and questions relating to proposal procedures or bonds that are submitted to ProjNet in accordance with the procedures above are not binding on the Government unless an amendment is issued on Standard Form 30. In the case of any conflicts, the solicitation governs. Any changes or revisions to the solicitation will be made by formal amendment. Government responses will be limited to: (a) Notice that an amendment will be issued; (b) Reference to an existing requirement contained in the solicitation; or (c) Notice that a response is not necessary.

3. The ability to enter technical inquiries and questions relating to proposal procedures or bonds will be disabled ten (10) Calendar days prior to the closing date stated in the solicitation. No Government responses will be entered into the ProjNet system within five (5) calendar days prior to the closing date stated in the solicitation.

ELECTRONIC PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Proposals: ALL SUBMISSIONS TO THIS PROPOSAL ANNOUNCEMENT SHALL BE SUBMITTED

ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE PROCUREMENT INTEGRATED ENTERPRISE ENVIRONMENT

(PIEE) SOLICITATION MODULE BEFORE THE TIME SPECIFIED IN BLOCK 13 OF THE SF1442. No paper copies, CD-ROMS, facsimile, or DoD SAFE submissions will be accepted.

A User ID and Password are required to access PIEE. Offerors are required to self-register as a Vendor or Contractor with the user's CAGE code(s) and must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to the PIEE registration process.

1. Instructions for registering in PIEE:

a. Navigate to https://piee.eb.mil/

b. Select “Register” [top right],or go to https://piee.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/registration/notice.xhtml

c. Select “Vendor”

d. Create a User ID and Password and follow the prompts [next]

e. Create Security Questions [next]

f. Complete your User Profile Information [next]

g. Complete your Supervisor or Approving Official Information [next]

h. Complete Roles:

(1) Step 1. Select SOL-Solicitation

(2) Step 2. Select Proposal Manager

(3) Step 3. Click Add Roles

(4) Step 4. Fill in your Location Code (CAGE Code) [next]

i. Provide a justification for your registration [next]

j. Follow the remaining prompts to submit your registration

2. Instructions for Electronic Proposal Submissions in PIEE Solicitation Module:

a. Log into PIEE and select the Solicitation Icon.

b. Enter search criteria to find the solicitation. (Search Criteria can be the complete solicitation number, Solicitation Open Date, Response Due Date, Product or Service Code, NAICS, Set Aside code, Place of Performance Zip Code, Contracting Office DODAAC, or Status).

c. The search results display. Select the Solicitation Number link to open the solicitation.

d. The solicitation displays. The information is view only.

e. Scroll down to see the Contract Information and Attachments. The Attachments can be viewed by selecting the

File link. Scroll back up to the top of the screen and click the Offer tab.

f. Click the Offer tab to Add and review current offers on the Solicitation. Click the Add button to add an offer to the Solicitation.

g. Select the applicable CAGE Code for which submitting the offer for. The list is prefiltered based on the CAGEs in the Proposal Manager’s profile.

h. Upload the attachments that comprise the offer by selecting the Choose Files link.

i. After entering all necessary information enter a Signature Date and Click the Signature button.

j. The “Sign Document” pop-up window will be displayed requiring the user to enter a Digital PIN and One Time

Password (OTP). Click the “Sign and Submit” button to continue.

k. After successfully adding the Offer a success message of the submission will be displayed and the offer displayed collapsed. Users may expand and view all their offers on a Solicitation.

File Size Limitations: Offerors are advised to follow the above instructions for uploading files. If needed, Offerors are advised to break the files down into smaller sections in order to upload it to the system. In such cases, please divide the sections as logically as possible and be sure to clearly name the files as specified below.

File Naming Convention:

To ensure your submission is received and processed appropriately, it is important that interested parties CAREFULLY ensure their electronic files adhere to the following naming convention:

W912QR24R0014_FIRMNAME_VOLUME_I

W912QR24R0014_FIRMNAME_VOLUME_II

Each file name shall begin with the solicitation number followed by the firm’s name and a brief file description.

Please see examples above. (***NOTE: The PIEE Solicitation Module will replace special characters and spaces in the attachment filename with underscores “_”***)

File Organization: Although hard copies are not accepted, each file shall be clearly indexed, and logically assembled. Font size shall be 11 or larger. Pages shall be letter sized (larger page sizes (such as 11x17 fold-outs, etc.) will be counted as two pages. Proposals shall be in a narrative format, organized and titled so that each section of the proposal follows the order and format of the factors. Information presented should be organized so as to pertain to only the evaluation factor in the section that the information is presented. Information pertaining to more than one evaluation factor should be repeated in each section for each factor.

Upload Completion & Deadline: Offerors are highly encouraged to become familiar with the PIEE Solicitation module well in advance of the proposal due date. Interested Offerors shall submit proposals no later than the date specified on the solicitation document. The time & date of proposal receipt will be the upload completion / delivery time & date recorded within PIEE Solicitation module. Do not assume that electronic submission will occur instantaneously. Large files will take some time to upload. Offerors should time their upload effort with prudence by not waiting until the last few minutes—this will allow for unexpected delays in the transmittal process. Offerors are encouraged to keep a copy of the upload confirmation for their record. Submissions after the deadline will be considered late and will be processed in accordance with FAR 15.208.

Electronic Files: Files shall be in their native format (i.e. doc, xls, ppt, etc.), or if in pdf format, shall be in searchable text. Text and graphics portfolios of the electronic copies shall be in a format readable by Microsoft Office or Adobe applications. Data submitted in a spreadsheet format shall be readable by MS Excel (all cells and formulas should be unlocked).

Any information, presented in a proposal that the Offeror wants safeguarded from disclosure to other parties must be identified and labeled in accordance with the requirements of Provision “FAR 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors – Competitive Acquisition (Jan 2017),” subparagraph (e), which is found in 00 21 00 Instructions of the Solicitation.

The Government will endeavor to honor the restrictions against release requested by Offerors, to the extent permitted under United States law and regulations.

For training and help using the PIEE Solicitation module, reference the links below.

New User Information and Help:

https://piee.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/help/helpvendors.xhtml

Vendor Customer Support: https://piee.eb.mil/xhtml/unauth/web/homepage/vendorCustomerSupport.xhtml

Solicitation - Web Based Training:

https://pieetraining.eb.mil/wbt/xhtml/wbt/sol/index.xhtml

The Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) help desk may be reached by calling telephone number 866-618-5988 for assistance.

Submittal Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

1. Overview.

1.1 The intent of this solicitation is to select one contractor for the construction of a new Microgrid for Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The basis of award is the Best Value Trade-Off Process. The Contracting Officer will award a firm fixed price contract to the responsible offeror whom the Source Selection Authority (SSA) determines conforms to the solicitation, is fair and reasonable, and offers the best overall value to the Government, all factors considered. The Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer or to reject all offers.

1.2 The proposed project is a Design-Bid-Build new construction of a microgrid for the installation of Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

The project will install a grid tie from Zone 4 Power Plant (PP) with an underground feeder electric cable conductor feed from Zone 4 Power Plant to TIP-C then continuing to Main Communications Facility (MCF) Signal Compound to power critical facilities. Install rooftop mount solar photovoltaic (PV) array, and 1.0 MW/2.0 MWH battery energy storage system (BESS). Install Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and Microgrid controls. Install electric meters at facilities and PV systems. Upgrade zone 4 power plant generator controls with microgrid controls to incorporate solar PV and battery storage with BESS controller. This project will also make provisions for a new 10 MW dedicated feeder line from Z4PP to the new Host Nation zone 4 substation and install a 11kV distribution line from Z4PP to TIP-C compound and continue to the MCF signal compound. Install new dual feed substations at both TIP-C and MCF Signal Compound, 11kV to 415/230V transformers, breakers, and switchgear.

2. Submittal of offers

2.1 Offerors submitting proposals for this project should limit submissions to data essential for evaluation of proposals so that a minimum of time and monies will have been expended in preparing information required herein. However, to be effectively and equitably evaluated, the proposals must include information sufficiently detailed to clearly describe the offeror's past performance and technical approach necessary for successful completion of the project. Requirements stated in this Request for Proposal (RFP) are minimums.

2.2 Offerors shall submit their proposals to the US Army Corps of Engineers through the Procurement Integrated Enterprise

Environment (PIEE) - https://piee.eb.mil/. Proposals are not to be submitted any later than the time and date specified in Block 13 of Standard Form 1442.

2.3 Offerors are required to submit a proposal made up of Past Performance, Management Approach, and Price and Pro Forma.

All proposal materials shall be submitted with a table of contents. The sections should parallel the submission requirements identified below. Volumes I and II shall be submitted electronically. Failure to place the required submission information under the appropriate tab (factor) may result in a lower rating if the evaluators cannot readily find the appropriate information.

*NOTE: Provide the complete Volume I proposal submittal including text, renderings, drawings, photographs, etc. in electronic format. Provide the complete Volume II proposal submittal electronically with the final price breakout schedule.

2.4 Volume I – Past Performance and Management Approach, shall be submitted electronically and include the following information:

Volume I – Factor I: Past Performance Volume I – Factor II: Management Approach

2.5 Volume II – Price and Proforma Information, shall be submitted electronically and shall include the following information:

Volume II – Tab A: Standard Form 1442 and Price Breakout Schedule Volume II – Tab B: Joint Venture Agreements Volume II – Tab C: Evidence of Ability to Obtain Bonding and Proof of Financial Ability Volume II – Tab D: Pre-Award Information Volume II – Tab E: Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS) Registration Volume II – Tab F: Kuwait Commercial Registration Certificate (Business License)

3. Proposal Evaluation Process

3.1 A Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB) comprised of representatives of the Corps of Engineers, User/Customer, and other required personnel will evaluate the proposals. Offerors are advised that the technical evaluation and rating of proposals will be conducted in strict confidence. Technical proposals will be reviewed and rated without knowledge of the price offered. The number and identities of offerors are not revealed to anyone who is not involved in the evaluation and award process or to other offerors. Proposals will be evaluated based on the factors described herein, and the basis of award is the Tradeoff Process.

3.2 The evaluation process essentially consists of four parts: proposal compliance review and responsibility determination, technical evaluation, price evaluation, and price/technical trade-off analysis.

3.2.1 Proposal Compliance Review: This is an initial review to ensure that all required forms and certifications are complete and that both a technical and price proposal were received. The offeror is financially capable of sustaining performance under the contract and is able to obtain the required level of performance and payment bonds from an acceptable surety.

3.2.2 Technical Evaluation: The SSEB will evaluate and rate the proposals against the RFP requirements. Factors will be rated using an adjectival-based system. Past Performance will be rated based on recency/ relevancy (see Past Performance Relevancy Ratings in section 4.5) and Confidence is performance (see Performance Confidence Assessments in section 4.5).

Management approach will be rated based on Technical Assessment (see Technical Assessment Rating in section 4.5).

3.2.3 Price Evaluation: The SSEB and Contracting Officer/SSA will evaluate price proposals independent of the technical evaluation. The SSEB will not have access to price information until completion of the technical evaluation.

3.2.4 Technical Trade-off Analysis: After all above evaluations are complete, the Contracting Officer/SSA will compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of technical proposals and compare prices. The Source Selection Authority (SSA) will then consider all factors to select the proposal offering the best value to the Government.

4. Proposal Information and Related Evaluation Factors

4.1 Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the factors below, listed in relative order of importance. All evaluation factors, other than cost or price, when combined are considered equal to cost or price. Offerors are reminded to include their best technical and price terms in their initial offer and not to automatically assume that they will have an opportunity to participate in discussions or be asked to submit a revised offer. The Government may make award of a conforming proposal without discussions, if deemed to be within the best interest of the Government.

4.2 Volume I – Factor I – Past Performance 1st

4.3 Volume I- Factor II – Management Approach 2nd

4.4 Volume II - Price and Pro Forma Information

Tab A: Standard Form 1442 and Price Breakout Schedule Not Rated Tab B: Joint Venture Agreements Not Rated Tab C: Evidence of Ability to Obtain Bonding and Proof Not Rated of Financial Ability Tab D: Pre-Award Information Not Rated Tab E: Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS) Not Rated

Registration Tab F: Kuwait Commercial Registration Certificate (Business License) Not Rated

4.5 Ratings

Evaluators will apply the adjectival rating for the definition that most closely matches the evaluation.

Past Performance Relevancy Ratings 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.

Performance Confidence Assessments

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

Definitions:

Deficiency. A material failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level. See

FAR 15.001.

Strength. An aspect of an offerors’ proposal that has merit or exceeds specified performance or capability requirements in a way that will be advantageous to the Government during contract performance.

Significant Strength. An aspect of an offerors’ proposal that has appreciable merit or appreciably exceeds specified performance or capability requirements in a way that will be appreciably advantageous to the Government during contract performance.

Weakness. A flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. See FAR 15.001.

Significant Weakness. A flaw in the proposal that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance. See FAR 15.001.

Uncertainty. Any aspect of a non-cost/price factor proposal for which the intent of the offeror is unclear (e.g., more than one way to interpret the offer or inconsistencies in the proposal indicating that there may have been an error, omission or mistake).

Clarifications. Limited exchanges between the Government and offerors that may occur when award without discussions is contemplated. See FAR 15.306(a)(1).

Risk. as it pertains to source selection, is the potential for unsuccessful contract performance. The consideration of risk assesses the degree to which an offeror’s proposed approach to achieving the technical factor may involve risk of disruption of schedule, increased cost or degradation of performance, the need for increased Government oversight, and the likelihood of unsuccessful contract performance.

Combined Technical/Risk Rating Method

Adjectival Rating

Description

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

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

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

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

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

5.0 Volume I – Factor I: Past Performance

5.1 Submission Requirements:

5.1.1 Provide descriptions of up to three (3) projects completed by the Prime Contractor within the last five (5) years (from the solicitation issue date) that are similar to this project in size and scope. Projects completed more than five (5) years before the solicitation issue date may be considered for evaluation purposes but may lessen the overall relevancy rating for that project. Projects must be complete and operational to be considered relevant. An Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract may be submitted only if a single task order could be considered similar to this project. Task orders may not be combined in order for the project to be considered similar. NOTE: Renovation projects will NOT be considered similar in size or scope to the solicited requirement.

5.1.2 Projects considered similar in size shall include construction of a microgrid demonstrating the following size elements. Sizes greater than those identified below will be considered similar in size:

- Installation & construction of 0.5MW/1.0MWH Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

- Installation of 9 kV distribution line

- Install of 415/230V transformers

- Reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) and Gas Turbine generators

5.1.3 Projects considered similar in scope shall include construction of a microgrid demonstrating the following scope elements:

- Underground electrical conductor feeds

- Photovoltaic (PV) array installation

- Information and Communication Systems

- Commissioning of Microgrid systems

- Environmental Compliance

- Cybersecurity

5.1.4 The prime contractor must have self-performed at least 15 percent of the direct contract labor (including testing and layout personnel), exclusive of other general conditions or field overhead personnel, material, equipment, or subcontractors to be considered similar.

5.1.5 Additional consideration may be given for projects that contain the following features:

a) Previous work on projects in Kuwait.

b) Previous work with USACE/NAVFAC.

c) Previous work on a military installation.

5.1.6 The following information shall be provided for each project:

a) Project Title, Location, and Contract Number/Unique Identifier

b) Current percentage of construction complete and the date it was or will be complete

a. For projects that are not yet complete, provide description of work remaining to be completed.

c) Scope of the project, to include purpose/use of facility

d) Size of the project, differentiate square footage of new construction versus renovation if the project includes both

e) Type and percentage of work that was self-performed

f) Two references for the project, with emails and telephone numbers

5.1.7 For this factor, also include any ratings, letters, awards, etc. that support past performance on these projects. Any of this information that is submitted shall clearly identify to which of the submitted projects it pertains. A sample Past Performance Questionnaire is attached for your convenience. If used, the Past Performance Questionnaire must be submitted by the offeror with the proposal submission and not sent directly to the agency from the reference. For each project, the offeror may provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the offeror’s respective corrective action.

NOTE: For purposes of evaluating past performance, the Prime Contractor is defined as the contractor identified in Block 14 of the Standard Form 1442. Projects performed by contractors other than the offeror, including, but not limited to, teaming partners, subcontractors, sister or parent companies, and affiliates will not be evaluated for past performance, unless those other contractors are part of a joint venture offeror as demonstrated by a signed joint venture agreement. If more than one contractor is listed in Block 14, then a signed joint venture must be submitted with the proposal and the joint venture shall be registered as such in the System for Award Management (SAM). However, each party of the Joint Venture (JV) must submit their own Unique Entity Identifier Number (formerly known as DUNS) with the JV proposal. Projects performed by other contractors than the offeror, such as teaming partners or subcontractors, will not be evaluated for past performance, unless those other contractors are part of a JV offeror as demonstrated by a signed JV agreement. If the offeror represents the combining of two or more companies as a JV for the purpose of this RFP, each company in the JV may submit project examples, but the total submitted by the JV will not exceed three (3).

6.0 Volume I – Factor II: Management Approach

The Management Approach factor is comprised of two (2) elements which are the Management Approach Narrative and Schedule Narrative. Please note there will only be a single rating for the factor based upon the evaluation of both elements in accordance with the criteria in section 6.2.

6.1 Submission Requirements:

6.1.2 Management Approach Narrative: Provide a narrative for the project that describes how your labor, resources, designers, subcontractors, and material suppliers will be managed, supervised, coordinated, and used to ensure successful completion of the project. The Management Approach shall include the following information:

Discuss the key members of your project delivery team, including your quality control manager and team, major subcontractors, and how they’ll work together to streamline construction and deliver a successful project. Staffing of the field office – explain who will be located at the field office, the proposed location of the office, and the planned timeframe to establish the office.

Identify the personnel who will be located on-site during the construction. There shall be at least 1 person, fluent in the English language, available at the field office at all times (24 hours/day, 7 days/week).

Identify significant areas of risk or resource constraints and provide your plan for mitigating these risk/constraints during contract performance.

Discuss the key subcontractors you will utilize to accomplish this work and how they will be managed

Plan for completing work on a U.S. Base in Kuwait with emphasis on offeror’s understanding and ability to meet visa and work permitting requirements/process. The plan must demonstrate an understanding of host nation visa and work permit requirements and explain in detail how the offeror intends to fulfill these requirements. Plan must include a discussion on how you will mitigate any delays in meeting host nation requirements and subsequent delays in contract performance.

Plan for obtaining access to the site (registration of workers) and controlling access to the site during construction.

Ability to comply with security and host nation requirements

6.1.3 Schedule Narrative: Based on the project budget and scope, provide a schedule narrative describing the construction sequence/process for successful completion of the project (Construction, Commissioning, and

Close-Out) within the duration shown in FAR 52.211-10. At a minimum, the Schedule Narrative shall address the timing and process(es) necessary to complete the key activities indicated below:

Long Lead Items (3 months or greater)- Submittals, Procurement and Delivery Pre-Construction Submittals and Government Review Workforce mobilization activities Coordination of new construction to maintain ongoing operations Identification and procurement of Permits Commissioning Activities and Critical Submittals Project Closeout and achievement of substantial completion.

6.2 Evaluation Criteria:

The SSEB will be using the Combined Technical/Risk Rating Method table in section 4.5 to evaluate the Management Approach. The management Approach narrative will be evaluated based on the level of understanding of the work and the involvement the contractor will have in the management, oversight, control, and coordination of the work performed during construction of the project. Narratives that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the project requirements and provide a thorough approach for successfully managing the solicited project and/or mitigating project specific risk items may be rated more favorably by the SSEB.

The schedule narrative will be evaluated based on the understanding of events identified in paragraph 6.1.3 above and the offeror’s capability to complete the schedule within the contract duration. Narratives that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the schedule impacts of the key activities and provide a thorough approach for successfully completing the solicited project within the contract duration may be rated more favorably by the SSEB.

NOTE: The SSEB will evaluate the offeror’s schedule using calendar days, not dates.

7.0 Volume II - Price and Proforma Information

7.1 Tab A - Standard Form 1442 and Proposal Price Breakout Schedule.

7.1.1 Submission Requirements:

The offeror shall complete and submit Standard Form 1442 and the Proposal Price Breakout Schedule.

Both of these forms are included in this solicitation.

The Offeror must also provide the following information:

i. An explanation of what activities make up the Offeror’s Mobilization and Demobilization costs.

ii. The Offeror’s estimated cost of Defense Base Act (DBA) insurance for this project.

7.1.2 Evaluation Criteria:

The price will be evaluated on base proposal plus all options. The price will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer/SSA for fair and reasonableness through the use of a price analysis. Price will also be checked for unbalancing of line items. Offerors are cautioned to distribute costs appropriately.

7.2 Tab B – Joint Venture and Mentor-Protégé Agreements

7.2.1 Submission Requirements:

Small business offerors (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSBC, etc.) submitting a proposal as a Joint Venture or Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture shall submit evidence from the Offeror's SBA Servicing Agency that the Offeror has notified and discussed the proposed joint venture for this specific project with the appropriate SBA Representative or Business Opportunity Specialist. Joint Venture agreements and approved 8(a) Mentor-Protégé agreements must be submitted with the proposal.

7.2.2 Evaluation Criteria:

Joint Venture Agreements and Mentor-Protégé agreements must comply with the relevant regulations in Title 13 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

7.3 Tab C – Evidence of Ability to Obtain Bonding and Proof of Financial Ability

7.3.1 Submission Requirements:

A. Financial Capability. Submit Proof of Financial Ability (Most recent financial statement covering assets and liabilities). Include the name, address and telephone number of the offeror’s banking institution. If the offeror is a joint venture, submit this information for each joint venture member.

B. Bonding Capability. Submit information showing the offeror's ability to be bonded for this project.

Include the name, address and telephone number of the offeror’s bonding company.

7.3.2 Evaluation Criteria:

Offerors are required to submit proof of their ability to obtain the required financial assurance instrument as outlined in "Performance Surety Form" which is included in this solicitation. Acceptable surety for performance and payment bonds in may come in the form of commercial surety bonds, irrevocable letters of credit, or other acceptable surety under FAR 52.228-15, which is included in this solicitation. In accordance with DFARS 232-072 Financial Responsibility of Contractors; the contracting officer will use the policies and procedures therein to determine the financial capability of all offerors. The surety or bank shall attest to the offeror’s ability to obtain bonding or satisfactory Irrevocable Letters of Credit (ILCs) in the amount of 20% of the total proposed contract price for each bond for the duration of the contract performance period. Performance and payment bonds must be supported by acceptable security as defined in FAR 28.201. A letter of commitment from an acceptable surety as defined in FAR Subpart 28.2 will provide acceptable proof of the offeror’s ability to obtain the required coverage. Only a (U.S.) federally insured financial institution may confirm the offeror’s ability to obtain an ILC.

Offerors must submit proof of their ability to obtain the required surety to receive an “Acceptable” rating.

The guidance below should assist the offeror in determining what it must submit as proof:

The evidence of ability to obtain adequate surety must come from an entity that would be acceptable as the surety during contract performance. Accordingly, a letter from a bank that is not (U.S.) federally insured would not be adequate proof of ability to obtain surety without an accompanying letter from a federally insured financial institution that would confirm an ILC issued by the bank that is not federally insured.

Similarly, a letter from a commercial surety bond broker would not be acceptable; a letter from a U.S.

Treasury‐listed bonding company is required to prove ability to obtain commercial surety bonds.

With respect to individual sureties, offerors should be mindful of the requirement to prove, and not merely allege their ability to provide the required surety. For example, in order to prove ability to obtain surety through an individual surety’s pledge of assets, an offeror would have to provide both proof of sufficient assets and a letter from an authorized representative of the individual surety stating the availability of the assets as security for the performance and payment bonds under the contract resulting from the solicitation and its/his/her intent to pledge the assets as such, along with evidence of the authorization of any individual signing such a letter in a representative capacity.

Similarly, to prove ability to meet the surety requirements with certified checks or money orders, the contractor would have to provide both proof of a sufficient bank balance and a letter from an authorized representative of the entity in whose name the balance is deposited, stating both the availability of the funds as security for the performance and payment bonds under the contract resulting from the solicitation and the accountholder’s intent to use the funds to provide a certified check or money order, along with evidence of the authorization of the individual signing the letter to bind the accountholder.

Ultimately, the performance and payment bonds or ILCs must secure the performance and payment obligations of the contractor under the contract resulting from the solicitation. As long as this is the case, who funds the performance and payment sureties (for example, whether it is a joint venture offeror itself or only one of the coventurers in a joint venture offeror) is, generally, not a matter of concern to the Government.

Note that the Government has not determined it to be impracticable to obtain surety, or to provide performance and payment bonds from U.S. Treasury-listed bonding companies for the contract that will result from the solicitation. Offerors should not expect the surety requirements of the contract to be waived or reduced or commercial surety bonds issued by non-U.S. Treasury-listed companies to be accepted. Note also that a bank letter of guaranty or other bank guaranty (that is not an ILC conforming to the requirements of FAR 52.228-14) will not be an acceptable form of surety for the contract. These same requirements that will apply to the sureties required for the contract will apply in the evaluation of this factor.

Offerors that have any doubt as to whether or not their contemplated submissions will meet the requirements of this factor should use the vendor inquiry process to obtain clarification.

7.4 Tab D - Pre-Award Information

7.4.1 Submission Requirements:

A. The offeror shall submit one completed copy of the included Representations and Certifications.

B. The offeror shall submit the following information:

a) Number of years the firm has been in business

b) Name, address and telephone numbers of two credit/trade references

c) A list of present commitments, including the dollar value

7.4.2 Evaluation Criteria:

This information will be used for the purpose of completing the Pre-Award Survey and will not be rated.

7.5 Tab E – Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS) Registration Requirements

REGISTRATION / SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Failure to have an active and completed registration in any one of the following databases at the time of award may deem the offeror “nonresponsible” in accordance with FAR Part 9 and ineligible for award. Information contained within an offeror’s registration must be current and valid. The responsibility of maintaining current information contained in an offeror’s registration rests solely on the offeror.

a. System for Award Management (SAM): https://sam.gov Unless an exemption applies, Government contractors must be registered in the SAM and complete required representations and certifications annually. FAR 52.204-7 requires offerors to be registered in SAM at the time of bid and to continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment.

b. Offeror must be registered in Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS): https://www.jccs.gov/

If an offeror is a joint venture (JV), the JV entity must…