W91QF018R0008_ERAP_SOLICITATION.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation for External Research Associates Program (ERAP) for Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) located at the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA.

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Synopsis:

A well-researched monograph of 40-60 pages containing substantive recommendations on strategic issues and policies of importance to the U.S. Army (primarily) and/or Department of Defense (or State) that is suitable for publication by the Strategic Studies Institute.

The solicitation number is W91QF018R0008. The solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ) pursuant to FAR 13.

This notice incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-98 effective 31 May 2018 and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The complete text of any of the clauses and provisions may be accessed in full text at http://farsite.hill.af.mil or http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.

This requirement will be issued Unrestricted. The associated NAICS code for this procurement is 511120 and the size standard is 1,000 employees. Federal Supply Code is 7610.

Quoters may quote on more than one topic. Topics can be chosen from the Key Strategic topic list located in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) or a strategic topic not captured in the list. However, if not on the list, the submission must cite specifically why the subject is of critical strategic importance to the U.S. Army. The quoter shall provide the unit price for each quote submitted. The Government anticipates multiple Firm Fixed Price Purchase Orders resulting from the solicitation.

Quotes are due No Later Than (NLT) 13 July 2018 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Quotes shall be emailed to the POC’s for this requirement, Contract Specialist Dahalia Trevenen; dahalia.k.trevenen.civ@mail.mil and Contract Officer Larry Brown; larry.l.brown9.civ@mail.mil.Vendors shall confirm email receipt of all quotes. All questions shall be submitted NLT 6 July 2018 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Quotes shall be valid through 30 Sep 2018.

All vendors submitting a quote must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

The Description of all requirements are in the Statement of Objectives (SOO) to follow.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a system error, the page numbering at the bottom of each page is not listed.

Delivery of Monographs: No later than 13 months from date of award.

The following FAR clauses and provisions apply to this acquisition.

The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors - Commercial, applies to this acquisition (See RFQ to follow for Addendum)

The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

(See RFQ to follow for Addendum)

Quoters must include a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, with its quote, or have its Reps and Certs fully executed within the System for Award Management (SAM).

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

PLEASE NOTE: The words “Quote and Proposal / Offeror and Quoter are used interchangeably.

Any award resulting from this solicitation will be issued on a Standard Form (SF) 1449.

ERAP Monographs

FFP

SSI ERAP Monograph FOB: Destination

PURCHASE REQUEST NUMBER: 0011165362-0001

PSC CD: 7630

NET AMT

DELIVERY INFORMATION

30-AUG-2019

W2H6 SCH USA WAR COLLEGE

INSTALLATION PROPERTY BOOK OFFICE

323 ENGINEER AVE CARLISLE BARRACKS

CARLISLE PA 17013-5057

703-805-3200 FOB: Destination

W25BDX

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

Product Specifications for Supply/Product Requirements US Army War College – Strategic Studies Institute 2018 External Research Associates Program

1. PURPOSE

The US Army War College (USAWC) Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) uses the External Research Associates Program (ERAP) to directly fund conceptual research by scholars who are not affiliated with the U.S. military or the U.S. government. These scholars can be located either in the United States or abroad, with international scholars and other experts not affiliated with the U.S. military, the U.S. Government, or for-profit consulting firms eligible as well. The expected end-product of an ERAP contract is a well-written, well-researched monograph of 40-60 pages containing substantive recommendations on strategic issues and policies of importance to the U.S. Army (primarily) and/or Department of Defense (or State), deliverable within thirteen (13) months of the date the contract is awarded. This differs from directed studies in that the author is presenting and defending his own views in the monograph and is identified as the author by name. The views expressed are the author’s alone and not necessarily those of the United States Army. The author must address viewpoints in a balanced fashion. Approved monographs are distributed by SSI to key leaders in the Army and Department of Defense, the military educational system, Congress, the media, other domestic and international think tanks and defense institutes, and major colleges and universities.

2. SCOPE

The U.S. Army, the USAWC and SSI will obtain value from these research products as indicated by the following goals:

1. Engage noted scholars, leading practitioners, and other strategic thinkers in presentation, dialogue and debate of key national security issues important to the U.S. Army.

1. Publish scholarly and influential papers and reports that address critical challenges and initiatives that affect the U.S. Army’s future in relation to the key issues.

1. Establish and build upon mutually rewarding relationships with key subject matter experts.

1. Ensure the freshness and relevancy of the USAWC curricula through timely, critical, and independent research and analysis.

1. Contribute to the strategic thought under-girding U.S. national security policy and strategy and significantly expand the base of knowledge through various publication media including printed products.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

1. Place of Performance. Place of performance is the contractor’s responsibility; SSI and the US Army War College is not responsible for finding the contractor an appropriate place to work, arranging research sites, or entering into contacts.

1. Required Delivery Date. The delivery date is thirteen (13) months from the date of award for each monograph, however, documents may be submitted for review earlier than the due date. Extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances if the contractor formally requests an extension.

4. BACKGROUND

The Strategic Studies Institute is the U.S. Army’s research organization for the analysis of national security policy and military strategy. SSI is part of the USAWC at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and its research helps ensure the currency and relevance of the USAWC curricula while providing for the professional development of USAWC faculty and students. Additionally, SSI provides direct analysis for Army and Department of Defense (DoD) leadership and serves as a bridge to the wider national security intellectual community. The ERAP is used to build and sustain relationships between SSI and outstanding scholars in the global strategic studies community while supplementing SSI’s research and publication abilities to produce products useful to leaders of the Army and DoD.

5. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

(1) Research and write a rigorous, scholarly manuscript that develops policy and strategy relevant recommendations. For individual authors, the product range is approximately 8,000- 15,000 words. For an organization or a group of scholars undertaking a larger more thorough research project or workshop, the end product is a compilation of professional papers that usually numbers several hundred pages. The subject of the monograph shall be proposed by the offeror from the list of topics provided in the Key Strategic Issue List (KSIL) web site. Alink to the site is provided Section VIII. The offeror may elect to submit a timely study on a strategic topic that is not captured in the document mentioned above. Such a submission needs to cite specifically why the offeror’s subject is of critical strategic importance to the US Army. The KSIL List is attached; however, it is still in draft form and is subject to change.

(2) For larger ERAP projects involving several authors, the US Army War College may elect to assign a Subject matter Expert (SME) to work with the Contracting Officer Representative to oversee development of the product in order to ensure the end product meets Army standards.

(3) Organizations undertaking larger ERAP projects consisting of several research projects may choose to host a workshop or similar event to better organize and oversee the required research and writing tasks and to determine individual responsibilities in preparing the final product. A detailed list of costs associated with such research techniques need to be reflected in the initial ERAP proposal submitted by the offeror, to include estimated numbers of participating personnel, travel/lodging, honorarium and other associated costs. Proponents of such organizations are cautioned that the ERAP program is not a Grant and the Government does not finance conferences. The invoice payment is made upon delivery of the final product resulting from the research project.

(4) Proposals for ERAPs must clearly articulate the end product will include recommendations by the author, or the proposal may not be considered for approval by the selection board. If selected, the complete submitted work must offer recommendations or it will not be considered for publication. The manuscript shall adhere to the SSI editorial style and require limited copyediting.

(5) In general, the overarching bid topics include, but are not limited to, the following general topics:

a. Total Force Readiness;

b. Expeditionary Army Capabilities and Capacity;

c. Challenges to Army in the Future Fight;

d. Current and Emerging Gaps: Fires, Air/Missile/Unmanned-Aerial-System;

e. Defense, Armor, Space, Cyberspace, Information/Coercion, Electronic Warfare, Multi-Domain, Anti-Access Area Denial;

f. Training and Leader Development;

g. Soldier & Family Resiliency;

h. Organic Industrial Base, Munitions, and Enterprise Logistics;

i. Generating Force Readiness: Army Workforce Mix;

j. Security Assistance, Stabilization, and Counter-Extremism;

Army Financial Management, Information Technology, Real Property Management, Health Care Management, Human Resources, and Procurement.

In accordance with statutory restrictions, none of the work resulting from this purchase order may be used for unauthorized publicity, propaganda, or lobbying. (See Anti-Lobbying Act, 18 USC § 1913 and 5 USC § 3107.)

(6) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE. A resume/curriculum vitae is required and shall include education, academic experience, field experience (if appropriate), scholarly accomplishments, and a list of publications, particularly any previous publications with SSI. If the proposal being submitted includes a group of authors, the above information must be provided for each contributing author. If during the period of performance the author(s) change, the Director of Research must be informed and approve the change.

5. CONSTRAINTS

(1) The Government contemplates multiple Firm Fixed Price Purchase Orders resulting from this solicitation.

(2) The Government will not award any Grants as a result of any proposals received in response to the solicitation.

(3) The Government will not reimburse a consortium effort or research costs.

6. MISCELLANEOUS

(1) Personal Qualifications. Principal researchers/authors should be accomplished experts in national security and military strategy, or related fields, and who possess expertise in the concepts of grand strategy, military strategy, and strategic issues. Researchers should also hold an advance degree, or equivalent degree, in a relevant discipline or substantial practical experience in the field of national security strategy. Researchers should also possess a demonstrated ability to produce well-documented, scholarly work, as evidenced by a significant publication record. Researchers are strongly reminded, however, their principal audience is policymakers rather than scholars, and they should adjust their prose accordingly.

(2) Application of Results. It is DOD policy that the Government obtains no greater rights than necessary to affect the government’s purpose. The US government desires that the works be widely distributed. Therefore, the monographs become the property of the US government for reprint and copyright purposes, to grant unrestricted reprint and reference use for the general public. The author may reformat the research and publish in other venues without restriction. The United States Army War College reserves the right to reproduce and distribute any research product produced with a government contract. The work might also be placed on the SSI Homepage, or the Internet. Footnotes are required for copyrighted materials used, and the contractor assumes sole responsibility for obtaining appropriate copyright release for materials used in the monograph, if necessary. The contractor will be offered the opportunity to review galley proofs before publication. Only the author’s name will be listed on the SSI publication, company or organizational names or affiliations will not appear.

(3) Quality. After award, authors may contact the USAWC Director of Research (DOR) to discuss ideas and coordinate timelines and reviews of the monograph for acceptability. The DOR will only communicate with the principal researcher/author. Contact by contractor administrative, co-authors or editing personnel is prohibited. The author shall only submit substantially complete written drafts, which do not require the DOR to provide significant conceptual content, or editing. The author is responsible to ensure the final draft reflects the high standards of research, scholarship and analysis that characterize SSI publications. The manuscript must provide recommendations for U.S. policy and for activities that the U.S. Army or Departments of Defense/State should undertake in support of this policy. The manuscript shall adhere to the SSI editorial style and require limited copyediting.

(4) Acceptance of Deliverables. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will provide final acceptance of all deliverable documents for payment.

(5) Deliverable Media and Editorial Standards. Refer to “Publishing with SSI” at: http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/index.cfm/pepssi. In addition, all electronic media copies shall be spell and virus-checked by the Contractor prior to submission. Once a manuscript is accepted, the Publication Office will prepare it for printing and electronic publishing. SSI seeks to provide all our contributors with the most efficient editing and publication process possible. This process moves much more quickly if manuscripts are formatted according to the SSI Style Guide.

7. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS

(1) Proposals shall be submitted prior to the closing date and time identified in the solicitation. Offerors may quote on more than one line item (topic), and may receive more than one contract award based on what is most advantageous to the Government.

(2) Electronic submissions via email is the only acceptable form of proposal submission.

(3) Government Point of Contact. Address all questions or concerns you may have to Dahalia Trevenen., Contract Specialist, who will be the sole point of contact for this acquisition. All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing via email: dahalia.k.trevenen.civ@mail.mil and larry.l.brown9.civ@mail.mil.

(4) The submission of the document shall constitute the offeror's acceptance of the terms and conditions of the request for proposal (RFP), concurrence with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), and the proposed contract type, firm fixed price (FFP).

(5) The instructions prescribe the format for the proposal and the approach for the development and presentation of proposal data are stated on the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) website at: http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/.

From the website, select the tab for ‘Opportunities’, then select the tab on the left for ‘Other Opportunities’, ‘Publishing Guide (PEPSSI)’.

(6) If the offeror believes that the requirements in these instructions contain an error, an ambiguity, omission, or are otherwise unsound, the offeror shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer (KO) in writing with supporting rationale. The offeror is reminded that the Government reserves the right to award this effort based on the initial proposal, as received, without discussion.

9. REFERENCES / APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

(1) The following sites offer additional information:

A. Strategic Studies Institute web site: http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/ B. Publishing with SSI” at: http://ssi.armywarcollege.edu/index.cfm/pepssi C. Key Strategic Issue List (KSIL) at: Draft KSIL List attached

(2) The link may be copied copy and pasted directly to your browser window if it doesn't open when clicked.

10. MONOGRAPH EVALUATION

The Army intends to award multiple contracts to acceptable proposals prioritized based upon the availability of funding and the best-value needs of the Army using a trade-off analysis that evaluates the following factors:

(1) Relevance to the Army

(2) Topic is to balance between Foreign Policy Focus and Military Strategic/ Operational-level

(3) Clearly Written and Articulated Topic

(4) Credentials of the Author(s)

(5) Important Issue to the Government, Department of Defense (DoD), and/or Army that is not fully covered by SSI's organic resources.

(6) Past Performance

(7) Price

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 2017)

(a) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code and small business size standard. The NAICS code and small business size standard for this acquisition appear in Block 10 of the solicitation cover sheet (SF 1449). However, the small business size standard for a concern which submits an offer in its own name, but which proposes to furnish an item which it did not itself manufacture, is 500 employees.

(b) Submission of offers. Submit signed and dated offers to the office specified in this solicitation at or before the exact time specified in this solicitation. Offers may be submitted on the SF 1449, letterhead stationery, or as otherwise specified in the solicitation. As a minimum, offers must show--

(1) The solicitation number;

(2) The time specified in the solicitation for receipt of offers;

(3) The name, address, and telephone number of the offeror;

(4) A technical description of the items being offered in sufficient detail to evaluate compliance with the requirements in the solicitation. This may include product literature, or other documents, if necessary;

(5) Terms of any express warranty;

(6) Price and any discount terms;

(7) "Remit to" address, if different than mailing address;

(8) A completed copy of the representations and certifications at FAR 52.212-3 (see FAR 52.212-3(b) for those representations and certifications that the offeror shall complete electronically);

(9) Acknowledgment of Solicitation Amendments;

(10) Past performance information, when included as an evaluation factor, to include recent and relevant contracts for the same or similar items and other references (including contract numbers, points of contact with telephone numbers and other relevant information); and

(11) If the offer is not submitted on the SF 1449, include a statement specifying the extent of agreement with all terms, conditions, and provisions included in the solicitation. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information, or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

(c) Period for acceptance of offers. The offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers, unless another time period is specified in an addendum to the solicitation.

(d) Product samples. When required by the solicitation, product samples shall be submitted at or prior to the time specified for receipt of offers. Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, these samples shall be submitted at no expense to the Government, and returned at the sender's request and expense, unless they are destroyed during preaward testing.

(e) Multiple offers. Offerors are encouraged to submit multiple offers presenting alternative terms and conditions, including alternative line items (provided that the alternative line items are consistent with subpart 4.10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation), or alternative commercial items for satisfying the requirements of this solicitation. Each offer submitted will be evaluated separately.

(f) Late submissions, modifications, revisions, and withdrawals of offers:

(1) Offerors are responsible for submitting offers, and any modifications, revisions, or withdrawals, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the time specified in the solicitation. If no time is specified in the solicitation, the time for receipt is 4:30 p.m., local time, for the designated Government office on the date that offers or revisions are due.

(2)(i) Any offer, modification, revision, or withdrawal of an offer received at the Government office designated in the solicitation after the exact time specified for receipt of offers is “late” and will not be considered unless it is received before award is made, the Contracting Officer determines that accepting the late offer would not unduly delay the acquisition; and--

(A) If it was transmitted through an electronic commerce method authorized by the solicitation, it was received at the initial point of entry to the Government infrastructure not later than 5:00 p.m. one working day prior to the date specified for receipt of offers; or

(B) There is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation designated for receipt of offers and was under the Government's control prior to the time set for receipt of offers; or

(C) If this solicitation is a request for proposals, it was the only proposal received.

(ii) However, a late modification of an otherwise successful offer, that makes its terms more favorable to the Government, will be considered at any time it is received and may be accepted.

(3) Acceptable evidence to establish the time of receipt at the Government installation includes the time/date stamp of that installation on the offer wrapper, other documentary evidence of receipt maintained by the installation, or oral testimony or statements of Government personnel.

(4) If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal Government processes so that offers cannot be received at the Government office designated for receipt of offers by the exact time specified in the solicitation, and urgent Government requirements preclude amendment of the solicitation or other notice of an extension of the closing date, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal Government processes resume.

(5) Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers. Oral offers in response to oral solicitations may be withdrawn orally. If the solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for receipt of offers, subject to the conditions specified in the solicitation concerning facsimile offers. An offer may be withdrawn in person by an offeror or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for receipt of offers, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the offer.

(g) Contract award (not applicable to Invitation for Bids). The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions with offerors. Therefore, the offeror's initial offer should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is in the public interest; accept other than the lowest offer; and waive informalities and minor irregularities in offers received.

(h) Multiple awards. The Government may accept any item or group of items of an offer, unless the offeror qualifies the offer by specific limitations. Unless otherwise provided in the Schedule, offers may not be submitted for quantities less than those specified. The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the offer.

(i) Availability of requirements documents cited in the solicitation. (1)(i) The GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions, FPMR Part 101-29, and copies of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained for a fee by submitting a request to--GSA Federal Supply Service Specifications Section, Suite 8100, 470 East L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC 20407, Telephone (202) 619-8925, Facsimile (202) 619-8978.

(ii) If the General Services Administration, Department of Agriculture, or Department of Veterans Affairs issued this solicitation, a single copy of specifications, standards, and commercial item descriptions cited in this solicitation may be obtained free of charge by submitting a request to the addressee in paragraph (i)(1)(i) of this provision. Additional copies will be issued for a fee.

(2) Most unclassified Defense specifications and standards may be downloaded from the following ASSIST websites:

(i) ASSIST (https://assist.dla.mil/online/start/).

(ii) Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil/).

(iii) ASSISTdocs.com (http://assistdocs.com).

(3) Documents not available from ASSIST may be ordered from the Department of Defense Single Stock Point (DoDSSP) by--

(i) Using the ASSIST Shopping Wizard (https://assist.dla.mil/wizard/index.cfm);

(ii) Phoning the DoDSSP Customer Service Desk (215) 697-2179, Mon-Fri, 0730 to 1600 EST; or

(iii) Ordering from DoDSSP, Building 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Telephone (215) 697-2667/2179, Facsimile (215) 697-1462.

(4) Nongovernment (voluntary) standards must be obtained from the organization responsible for their preparation, publication, or maintenance.

(j) Unique entity identifier. (Applies to all offers exceeding $3,500, and offers of $3,500 or less if the solicitation requires the Contractor to be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.) The Offeror shall enter, in the block with its name and address on the cover page of its offer, the annotation ``Unique Entity Identifier'' followed by the unique entity identifier that identifies the Offeror's name and address. The Offeror also shall enter its Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator, if applicable. The EFT indicator is a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the Offeror to establish additional SAM records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity. If the Offeror does not have a unique entity identifier, it should contact the entity designated at www.sam.gov for unique entity identifier establishment directly to obtain one. The Offeror should indicate that it is an offeror for a Government contract when contacting the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishing the unique entity identifier.

(k) System for Award Management. Unless exempted by an addendum to this solicitation, by submission of an offer, the offeror acknowledges the requirement that a prospective awardee shall be registered in the SAM database prior to award, during performance and through final payment of any contract resulting from this solicitation. If the Offeror does not become registered in the SAM database in the time prescribed by the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer will proceed to award to the next otherwise successful registered Offeror. Offerors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the SAM database accessed through https://www.acquisition.gov.

(l) Debriefing. If a post-award debriefing is given to requesting offerors, the Government shall disclose the following information, if applicable:

(1) The agency's evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the debriefed offeror's offer.

(2) The overall evaluated cost or price and technical rating of the successful and the debriefed offeror and past performance information on the debriefed offeror.

(3) The overall ranking of all offerors, when any ranking was developed by the agency during source selection.

(4) A summary of the rationale for award;

(5) For acquisitions of commercial items, the make and model of the item to be delivered by the successful offeror.

(6) Reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source-selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the agency.

(End of provision)

ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1

INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS – COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2015)

Quote Preparation Instructions IAW FAR 52.212-1

A. Instructions to Quoters.

1.Quotes shall be submitted via email to Contract Specialist- Dahalia Trevenen at dahalia.k.trevenen.civ@mail.mil and to Larry L. Brown- Contracting Officer, email: larry.l.brown9.civ@mail.mil prior to the closing date and time stated in the Synopsis. Contractors may quote on more than one line items (topic), and may receive more than one purchase order awards based on what is most advantageous to the Government. Contractors shall confirm receipt of all quote submittals. Upon receipt of electronic submissions, the Contract Specialist will acknowledge the quotes were received with a confirmation email; however, time is based on actual quote receipt not on confirmation email. It is the responsibility of the quoter to ensure electronic submissions were properly sent and a confirmation email is received.

2. Electronic submissions via email is the only acceptable form of quote submission. Faxed submissions will not be accepted.

3. The sole point of contact responsible for supplying additional information and answering all inquiries is the Contract Specialist. Address all questions or concerns the quoter may have to the Contract Specialist (Dahalia Trevenen). All questions regarding this solicitation shall be submitted in writing via email no later than time and date specified in the synopsis. Questions received after this time may not receive responses. The Contract Specialist’s email is dahalia.k.trevenen.civ@mail.mil.

B. General Instructions

1. The selection of a source for award purposes will be conducted utilizing source selection procedures as delineated in FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). Quotes will be evaluated using the criteria under FAR Clause 52.212-2 (Evaluation-Commercial Items) with Addendum.

2. The Quote. The submission of the documentation specified below will constitute the quoter’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the RFQ, concurrence with the Statement of Objectives (SOO), and contract type. Non-concurrence with any portion of the terms and conditions, SOO, or contract type must be clearly stated in the submission package.

3. Instructions outlined in the Quote Preparation Instructions below prescribe the format for the quote and describe the approach for the development and presentation of quote data. These instructions are designed to ensure the submission of necessary information to provide for the understanding and comprehensive evaluation of quotes. It is the Government’s intention to award without discussions. Quoters are encouraged to present their best Technical, Past Performance, and prices in their initial quote submission.

4. If a quoter believes the requirements in these instructions contain an error, an ambiguity, omission, or are otherwise deemed unsound, the quoter shall immediately notify the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer in writing with supporting rationale.

5. In accordance with FAR Subpart 4.8 (Government Contract Files), the Government will retain one copy of all unsuccessful quotes. Unless the quoter requests otherwise, the Government will destroy extra copies of such unsuccessful quotes.

C. Quote Preparation Instructions

Quoters are required to submit a completed solicitation (including acknowledgment of Amendments). All final monetary extensions shall be in whole dollars only. Failure to follow the Quote Preparation Instructions may cause your quote to be deemed unacceptable by the Government.

1. Quotes shall consist of three (3) separately tabbed volumes:

Volume 1: General (see description of Volume 1 contents below). Volume 2 Tab 1: Technical and Volume 2 Tab 2: Past Performance. Volume 3: Price.

Quoters shall submit their quote IAW the below.

D. Quote Submission Format and Content

Volume 1:

General The General section shall include all other information to include acknowledgement(s) and signed Amendment(s), Representation & Certifications, Exceptions, and any other information not applicable to Volume 2 or 3.

Volume 2, Tab 1 Factor 1: Technical

(1) The Technical Volume shall be clear, concise, and include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of stated claims in the Quote. Legibility, clarity and coherence are very important. Quoters shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their facilities and experience, and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the quotation.

(2) The Technical submission will be evaluated against the Technical Factors of this solicitation. The Government will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Technical submission. Contractors shall detail all of their experience and capabilities. Submit separate Technical and quote submissions per line item (topic).

(3) The Technical submission should be prepared in a format consistent with the SOO and the evaluation criteria set forth in this solicitation. The Technical submission should be sufficiently specific, detailed, and complete to clearly and fully demonstrate understanding of the proposed work and the goals of the USAWC Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) External Research Associates Program (ERAP). The Technical submission should reflect your mastery of the scholarly literature concerning the topic. It should also show how your submission advances or contributes to the existing body of knowledge regarding the topic, and why it will be of particular value to the:

US Army, US Department of Defense/or State US National Security, Strategic Studies in general, and the Mission of the US Army War College.

Submit the Technical volume according to the following general outline:

Under the Technical Factor, the quoter shall address the following:

Factor 1: Technical: Relevance to the Army Subfactor 1: Key Strategic Issue (from the Key Strategic Issue List) Subfactor 2: Topic is balanced between Foreign Policy Focus and Military Strategic Level Subfactor 3: Clearly written and articulated topic Subfactor 4: Credentials of the author(s) Subfactor 5: Important issue to the Government, Department of Defense (DoD), and/or Army.

The following should also be included in the Technical submission:

a. Resume/Curriculum Vitae is required and shall include education, academic experience, field experience (if appropriate), scholarly accomplishments, and a list of publications, particularly any previous publications with US Army War College (USAWC) and/or the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI).

b. Methodology- Explain how you plan to address the topic and conduct the necessary research. Include a project abstract, a brief discussion of the project to date, and a general timeline for completing the monograph. Describe any unique methods to be used to collect research data, and create the product.

c. Milestone Chart or Timeline describing the major tasks involved and scheduled dates required for completion of the submitted monograph

Volume 2 , Tab 2.

Factor 2: Past Performance:

Contractors shall submit recent and relevant information, e.g. contracts and/or subcontract work performed for the same or similar requirement. To be recent, the effort must be ongoing or must have been performed during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation. Contractors shall include the source of information, e.g. three points of contact, addresses and telephone numbers, type of contract, contract amount, period of performance, and comments on any performance problems encountered and the contractor’s corrective actions. Contractors with no prior Government contracts or subcontracts may submit similar information for contract and/or other work performance with State and local Governments, private industries, educational institutions and/or past Government service if applicable. The submittal shall include rationale on how it was determined that the work performed previously was the same or similar in nature, size, and complexity to the work specified by this solicitation. A minimum of (3) three past performance references are requested. There are three aspects to the past performance evaluation: recency, relevancy (including context of data), and quality (including general trends in contractor performance and source of information).

Volume 3

Factor 3: Price

Price shall be evaluated using price analysis techniques in accordance with FAR 13-106-3.

Price will not be evaluated for quoters with a technically unacceptable rating.

Award and Submission of Monograph

A written notice of award or acceptance of a quote shall be furnished to the successful quoter within the time for acceptance specified in the quote. Before the quoters specified expiration time, the Government may accept a quote (or part of a quote) unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award

The author must submit the draft monograph to the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) not less than 60 days before the due delivery date. The SSI will provide review comments within 30 days of the author submitting the draft. The author will have the remaining time to revise the document and must submit a final copy before the required delivery date.

Invoices must only be submitted after delivery of the final copy.

52.212-2 EVALUATION--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (OCT 2014)

(a) The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

(Contracting Officer shall insert the significant evaluation factors, such as (i) technical capability of the item offered to meet the Government requirement; (ii) price; (iii) past performance (see FAR 15.304); and include them in the relative order of importance of the evaluation factors, such as in descending order of importance.)

Technical and past performance, when combined, are . (Contracting Officer state, in accordance with FAR 15.304, the relative importance of all other evaluation factors, when combined, when compared to price.)

(b) Options. The Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. The Government may determine that an offer is unacceptable if the option prices are significantly unbalanced. Evaluation of options shall not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

(c) A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer, mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer's specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

Addendum – 52.212-2 (Basis of Award-Evaluation)

52.212-2 - Evaluation -- Commercial Items (Oct 2014)

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

a. Basis for Purchase Order Award. The Government intends to award multiple Purchase Orders resulting from this solicitation to responsible quoters whose quote conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered, conducted in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, as supplemented by the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (AFARS). Awards will be made to quoters deemed responsible in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), whose quote conforms to the solicitation requirements, and whose quote, judged by an overall assessment of the evaluation criteria and other considerations specified in this solicitation, representing trade-offs most advantageous to the Government.

b. The Government intends to issue multiple awards using a trade-off analysis as a result of this solicitation. The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award Purchase Orders without discussions with quoters. The Government may request additional oral or written information from one or more quoters, but not necessarily from all quoters. Therefore, the quoters initial quote should contain the quoters best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint.

c. Evaluation Criteria. This procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 13 Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

The Evaluation criteria consists of 3 factors (Technical, Past Performance, and Price). The quote submission will be evaluated under these three (3) evaluation factors. All evaluation factors other than cost or price, when combined, are significantly more important than cost or price.

Factor 1: Technical: Relevance to the Army Subfactor 1: Key Strategic Issue (from the Key Strategic Issue List) Subfactor 2: Topic is balanced between Foreign Policy Focus and Military Strategic Level Subfactor 3: Clearly written and articulated topic Subfactor 4: Credentials of the author(s) Subfactor 5: Important issue to the Government, Department of Defense (DoD), and/or Army.

Each Quote/Technical submission will receive a Combined Technical/Risk Rating below The Technical subfactor ratings will be used to determine an overall rating for the Technical factor.

Adjectival Rating

Description

Definitions:

Strength: An aspect of a quote that appreciably decreases the risk of unsuccessful award performance or that represents a significant benefit to the Government.

Weakness: A flaw in the quote that increases the risk of unsuccessful award performance. A “significant weakness” in the quote is a flaw that appreciably increases the risk of unsuccessful award performance.

Deficiency: A material failure of a quote to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a quote that increases the risk of unsuccessful award performance to an unacceptable level. Examples of deficiencies include a statement by the quoter that “I cannot or will not” meet a requirement, an approach that clearly does not meet a requirement, or omission of data required to assess compliance with the requirement.

Uncertainty: Any aspect of the quote for which the intent of the quoter is unclear because there may be more than one way to interpret the quote or because inconsistencies in the quote indicate that there may be an error, omission or mistake. Examples include a mistake in calculation or measurement and contradictory statements.

Reasonableness: A price is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of competitive business.

Completeness/Accuracy: The quote submission is in compliance with the instructions in the solicitation.

Factor 2: Past Performance

There are three aspects to the past performance evaluation: recency, relevancy (including context of data), and quality (including general trends in contractor performance and source of information).

Recency. The first is to evaluate the recency of the quoter’s past performance. Recency is generally expressed as a time period during which past performance references are considered relevant, and is critical to establishing the relevancy of past performance information.

Recency Assessment. An assessment of the past performance information will be made to determine if it is recent. To be recent, the effort must be ongoing or must have been performed during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation. Past performance information that fails this condition will not be evaluated.

Relevancy. The second is to determine how relevant a recent effort accomplished by the quoter is to the effort to be acquired through this solicitation. Common aspects of relevancy include, but are not limited to, the following: similarity of product/service/support, complexity, dollar value, contract type, use of key personnel, and extent of subcontracting/teaming.

A relevancy determination of the quoter’s (including joint venture partner(s) and major and critical subcontractor(s)) past performance will be made. In determining relevancy for individual awards, consideration will be given to the effort, or portion of the effort, being submitted by the quoter, teaming partner, or subcontractor whose award is being reviewed and evaluated. The past performance information provided in the quote submittal and information obtained from any other sources available to the Government (e.g. PPIRS, FAPIIS, eSRS, DCMA) may be used to establish the degree of relevancy of past performance. Quoters without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and, as a result, will receive a "Neutral" rating for the Past Performance factor.

Quality of Products or Services. The third aspect of the past performance evaluation is to establish the overall quality of the offeror’s past performance. The past performance evaluation conducted in support of the solicitation does not establish, create, or change the existing record and history of the offeror’s past performance on past contracts; rather, the past performance evaluation process gathers information from customers to determine how well the offeror performed those past…