Data Collection and Characterization Services

The purpose of this RFP Amendment is to make various clarifications throughout the RFP text.   A revised RFP has been attached with the revisions highlighted for your convenience.

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; proposals are being required and a written solicitation will not be issued. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6 is being utilized in conjunction with FAR 15 and 16.5.

Solicitation number HSHQDC-13-R-00030 is being issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP) by the Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) on behalf of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), Transformational and Applied Research Directorate (TARD).

The Government intends to award multiple indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) type contracts entitled "Data Collection and Characterization Services" as a result of this solicitation. IDIQ task orders will be Time and Materials, Labor Hour, Firm Fixed Price, or hybrids of these contract types. DNDO will be the only DHS directorate issuing task orders under this IDIQ.

All clauses within the IDIQ contract apply to any resulting task orders issued during the period of performance of the IDIQ.

This is a total small business set aside. Quotes received from an "other-than-small business" will not be evaluated. The NAICS code assigned to this requirement is 541990 - All Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. The small business size standard associated with this NAICS code is $14M as set forth at www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/Size_Standards_Table.pdf.

The IDIQ will have a base period of performance of twelve months and four, twelve-month optional periods. The periods of performance for each individual task order will be identified in the task order.

The objective of the IDIQ contract is to develop and conduct characterization tests for radiation detection and support systems. This effort will involve several types of tests that will be accomplished via task orders. Specific deliverable schedules will be outlined in each order issued under the IDIQ.

The provision at 52.212-1, "Instruction to Offerors- Commercial Items (Feb 2012)," and an addendum,
apply to this acquisition.

The provision at 52.212-2 "Evaluation-Commercial Items (Jan 1999)" applies to this acquisition.

The evaluation of proposals will be based on the following criteria listed in descending order of importance:

(1) Technical Approach and Understanding (Rated)
(2) Management Approach and Capabilities (Rated)
(3) Past Performance (Rated)
(4) Price (Non-rated)

When combined, the evaluation factors (1), (2), and (3) are significantly more important than evaluation criterion (4). Award may be made to other than the offeror that submitted the lowest priced proposal if the Government determines that a higher price is warranted due to greater technical merit. As the technical evaluations become more equal, price becomes more important in making the award determination. In the event that two or more proposals are determined to have no substantial technical differences (i.e., are technically equivalent), award may be made to the lower priced proposal.

Awards may also be made on the basis of initial proposals without clarifications or further interactions. Offerors are cautioned that each initial proposal should contain the offeror's best terms.

Offerors shall include a completed copy of 52.212-3 "Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Dec 2012)" with their offer.

Clause 52.212-4 "Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (Feb 2012)" applies to this acquisition.

Clause 52.212-5 "Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Jan 2013)" applies to this acquisition. See Section I - Contract Clauses for applicable clauses.

The due date for response to this RFP at the addresses specified below is on or before March 4, 2013, 2:00 PM, Eastern. Each volume shall be clearly marked by Volume Number and Title. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to get their submission in on time and ensure successful delivery to the Government. Submission shall be via e-mail to Contracting Officer, Carla Davis at Carla.Davis@hq.dhs.gov.

Offerors must submit questions concerning this solicitation in writing by e-mail to the Contracting Officer, Carla Davis at Carla.Davis@hq.dhs.gov. All questions must be submitted via e-mail, and received no later than February 25, 2013, 2:00 PM Eastern. Responses to questions will be posted as an amendment to this solicitation no later than February 28, 2013, 2:00 PM Eastern. Please be advised that the Government reserves the right to transmit those questions and answers of a common interest to all prospective Offerors. The Offeror or source of the question will not be referenced when issuing an amendment to the solicitation.