Science Communication Coaching.

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS

Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Office of Acquisitions, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 1E126, Bethesda, MD 20892, UNITED STATES.

Non-USPS mail such as FedEx, UPS and other private carriers please use Rockville, MD 20850.

DESCRIPTION

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Training (CCT) plans to procure services for science communication coaching.
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation: No. NCI-190001-KE includes all applicable provisions and clauses in effect through FAR FAC 2005-94 (January 19, 2017) simplified procedures for commercial items.

The North American Industry Classification System code is 611699 and the business size standard is $11.0M.

This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside. Only one award will be made as a result of this solicitation. This will be awarded as a firm fixed price type contract with a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods.

It has been determined there are no opportunities to acquire green products or services for this procurement.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Training (CCT) develops programs to address the needs of intramural fellows. Many postdoctoral fellows need to learn how to more professionally present themselves and to modify presentations to better present quality scientific talks needed to secure future jobs. The ability to present data to various audiences is not only important for promoting the scientific enterprise but also to enhance job prospects. Trainees who master Science Communication skills may be more competitive for the emerging biomedical job market. Coaching to help improve Science Communication skills would go a long way in meeting the fellows needs.

Science Communication Coaching shall include lecture, individual and group work, and hands-on examples to teach practical presentation skills to the NCI postdoctoral fellows. The skills taught during the coaching sessions shall help participants be more competitive and successful in the professional marketplace by providing individual follow-up feedback on presentation style, content, delivery of message, etc. which is tailored to the participant.

To prepare coaching materials; to conduct coaching workshops to teach the materials; to travel to site to conduct the course. The coaching shall take place at the NCI Bethesda, Frederick, or Shady Grove campuses.

The Contractor shall provide Science Communication Coaching in small group sessions (up to 30 participants per group) during one-on-one tutoring and adapt to group's and individual's needs. Cost should include all coaching materials and travel expenses. Group coaching sessions shall last up to four (4) hours each; individual coaching sessions shall be one (1) hour each with individual follow-up. The Contractor shall offer a combination of instruction formats to engage the fellows. The instruction formats may include, but are not limited to, lectures, structured assignments, interactive small group lessons, ability to practice lessons learned. Completion of the aforementioned tasks is determined by the Contractor, coaching participants, and CCT staff.

Coaching shall include the following:

• Oral presentation workshop (2)
• Interviewing skills workshop (1)
• Job talk workshop (2)
• One-on-one tutoring sessions (3 fellows per month for 12 months, one hour per fellow)

The Contractor shall perform the following tasks during the period of performance:

1.1 (Task 1): Conduct two coaching sessions on Oral Presentation Skills

Coaching sessions on Presentation Skills shall include practical public speaking lessons covering structure, organization, and delivery of scientific talks. Acquired skills shall help participants communicate research throughout the NCI fellow's careers.

1.2 (Task 2): Conduct one coaching session on Interviewing Skills

Coaching sessions on Interviewing Skills shall include practical tips to improve chances of getting a job. Topics shall include, but is not limited to, enhancing confidence by practicing good nonverbal communication, studying the company, using appropriate language, and do's and don'ts during question/answer portion. Lessons learned will help the participant prepare for an interview by practicing during the coaching session.

1.3 (Task 3): Conduct two coaching sessions on Job Talk

Coaching sessions on preparing for a Job Talk shall provide practical tips for making a good first impression. Topics shall include practicing and demonstrating a clear vision, describing a concise topic, providing a logical argument, interacting with the audience, etc. Lessons learned will help participants improve body language and oratory skills to build confidence during formal job talk.

1.4 (Task 4): Conduct one-on-one tutoring sessions

Individual participants shall be given the opportunity to both practice and polish presentation skills. The fellow will present his/her presentation to the coach and specific feedback shall be provided on style, content, delivery of message, etc. The fellow shall receive one-on-one tutoring during a one-hour session with individual follow-up.

QUALIFICATIONS

The professional coach must:

• Be trained in communication skills coaching, customized to the needs of a scientific population, and have at least 10 years of experience.
• Have at least 10 years of experience teaching communication skills in academia and government which includes experience in media, and in written and spoken corporate and scientific communication
• Have at least 5 years of experience coaching postdoctoral fellows at the NCI, other NIH Institutes, research organizations and universities
• Be able to provide professional coaching tailored specifically to the needs of postdoctoral fellows which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

o Presentation skills
o Interviewing skills
o Job talks
o Chalk talks
o Elevator speeches
o Three-minute talks
o Improving spoken English
o Media training

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be:

Base Period: February 1, 2019 to February 28, 2019
Option Period One: February 1, 2020 to February 28, 2020
Option Period Two: February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021
Option Period Three: February 1, 2022 to February 28, 2022
Option Period Four: February 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All coaching activities shall be conducted onsite at either NCI Bethesda, Frederick, or Shady Grove campuses. Building and room number to be determined by the NCI COR.

REPORT(S)/DELIVERABLES AND DELIVERY SCHEDULE

All deliverables shall be provided in accordance with the following deliverables schedule:

DELIVERABLE DESCRIPTION DUE DATE
Task 1 Two coaching sessions on Oral Presentation As requested by the NCI COR
Skills
Task 2 One coaching session on Interviewing Skills As requested by the NCI COR
Task 3 Two coaching sessions on Job Talk As requested by the NCI COR
Task 4 Hourly one-on-one tutoring session, monthly
ad hoc, with follow-up As requested by the NCI COR

SECTION 508

Training material guidelines of the revised 508 Standards apply as follows:

E.205 Electronic Content

E205.3 Agency Official Communication. Electronic content that is not public facing shall conform to the accessibility requirements specified in E205.4 when such content constitutes official business and is communicated by an agency through one or more of the following:

H. Educational or training materials

E205.4 Accessibility Standard. Electronic content shall conform to Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements in WCAG 2.0 (incorporated by reference, see 702.10.1).

See the details at https://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it/about-the-ict-refresh/final-rule/text-of-the-standards-and-guidelines#E205-content
PAYMENT

Payment shall be made upon completion of the group coaching session and/or one-on-one tutoring session.

PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES

Purchase Order Clauses

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation Clauses apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (AUG 2018)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:
(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).
(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).
(3) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).
(4) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).
(5) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004)(Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).
(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

_X_ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).
__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).
__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (June 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)
_X_ (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 109-282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).
__ (5) [Reserved].
__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).
__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).
_X_ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Oct 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).
_X_ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Jul 2013) (41 U.S.C. 2313).
__ (10) [Reserved].
__ (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011) of 52.219-3.
_X_ (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Jan 2011) of 52.219-4.
__ (13) [Reserved]
__ (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2011).
__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2011).
__ (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 1995) of 52.219-7.
__ (iii) Alternate II (Mar 2004) of 52.219-7.
_X_ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2016) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).
__ (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Aug 2018) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.
__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.
__ (iv) Alternate III (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.
__ (v) Alternate IV (Aug 2018) of 52.219-9.
__ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).
__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Jan 2017) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).
__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Jan 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).
__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657 f).
_X_ (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).
__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Concerns (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).
__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for, or Sole Source Award to, Women-Owned Small Business Concerns Eligible Under the Women-Owned Small Business Program (Dec 2015) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).
_X_ (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).
__ (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Jan 2018) (E.O. 13126).
_X_ (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015).
_X_(28)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O. 11246).
(ii) Alternate I (Feb 1999) of 52.222-26.
_X_(29)(i) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015)(38 U.S.C. 4212).
(ii) Alternate I (July 2014) of 52.222-35.
_X_(30)(i) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (July 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).
(ii) Alternate I (July 2014) of 52.222-36.
_X_ (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212).
_X_ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496).
_X_ (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).
__ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)
__ (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated Items (May 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)
__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)
__ (36) 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).
__ (37) 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).
__ (38)(i) 52.223-13, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Imaging Equipment (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Oct 2015) of 52.223-13.
__ (39)(i) 52.223-14, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Televisions (Jun 2014) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-14.
__ (40) 52.223-15, Energy Efficiency in Energy-Consuming Products (Dec 2007) (42 U.S.C. 8259b).
__ (41)(i) 52.223-16, Acquisition of EPEAT®-Registered Personal Computer Products (Oct 2015) (E.O.s 13423 and 13514).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Jun 2014) of 52.223-16.
_X_ (42) 52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Aug 2011) (E.O. 13513).
__ (43) 52.223-20, Aerosols (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).
__ (44) 52.223-21, Foams (Jun 2016) (E.O. 13693).
__ (45)(i) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (JAN 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).
__ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2017) of 52.224-3.
__ (46) 52.225-1, Buy American-Supplies (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83).
__ (47)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 83, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note, 19 U.S.C. 2112 note, 19 U.S.C. 3805 note, 19 U.S.C. 4001 note, Pub. L. 103-182, 108-77, 108-78, 108-286, 108-302, 109-53, 109-169, 109-283, 110-138, 112-41, 112-42, and 112-43.
__ (ii) Alternate I (May 2014) of 52.225-3.
__ (iii) Alternate II (May 2014) of 52.225-3.
__ (iv) Alternate III (May 2014) of 52.225-3.
__ (48) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (Aug 2018) (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note).
_X_ (49) 52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (June 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).
__ (50) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).
__ (51) 52.226-4, Notice of Disaster or Emergency Area Set-Aside (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).
__ (52) 52.226-5, Restrictions on Subcontracting Outside Disaster or Emergency Area (Nov 2007) (42 U.S.C. 5150).
__ (53) 52.232-29, Terms for Financing of Purchases of Commercial Items (Feb 2002) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).
__ (54) 52.232-30, Installment Payments for Commercial Items (Jan 2017) (41 U.S.C. 4505, 10 U.S.C. 2307(f)).
_X_ (55) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).
__ (56) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than System for Award Management (Jul 2013) (31 U.S.C. 3332).
__ (57) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (May 2014) (31 U.S.C. 3332).
__ (58) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (Aug 1996) (5 U.S.C. 552a).
__ (59) 52.242-5, Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Jan 2017)(15 U.S.C. 637(d)(12)).
__ (60)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631).
__ (ii) Alternate I (Apr 2003) of 52.247-64.
__ (iii) Alternate II (Feb 2006) of 52.247-64.
(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to commercial services, that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

__ (1) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014)(E.O. 13495).
__ (2) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
__ (3) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
__ (4) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Aug 2018) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
__ (5) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Labor Standards-Price Adjustment (May 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
__ (6) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
_X_ (7) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
__ (8) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).
__ (9) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706).
__ (10) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792).
__ (11) 52.237-11, Accepting and Dispensing of $1 Coin (Sept 2008) (31 U.S.C. 5112(p)(1)).
(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation.
(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.
(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR subpart 4.7, Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims are finally resolved.
(3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law.
(e)(1) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this clause, the Contractor is not required to flow down any FAR clause, other than those in this paragraph (e)(1) in a subcontract for commercial items. Unless otherwise indicated below, the extent of the flow down shall be as required by the clause-
(i) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Oct 2015) (41 U.S.C. 3509).
(ii) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).
(iii) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Jul 2018) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).
(iv) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2016) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)), in all subcontracts that offer further subcontracting opportunities. If the subcontract (except subcontracts to small business concerns) exceeds $700,000 ($1.5 million for construction of any public facility), the subcontractor must include 52.219-8 in lower tier subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities.
(v) 52.222-17, Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers (May 2014) (E.O. 13495). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (l) of FAR clause 52.222-17.
(vi) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Apr 2015)
(vii) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Sept 2016) (E.O. 11246).
(viii) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Oct 2015) (38 U.S.C. 4212).
(ix) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Jul 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).
(x) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (Feb 2016) (38 U.S.C. 4212)
(xi) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (Dec 2010) (E.O. 13496). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (f) of FAR clause 52.222-40.
(xii) 52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (Aug 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
(xiii)
52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (Mar 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627). Alternate I (Mar 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O 13627).
(xiv) 52.222-51, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Maintenance, Calibration, or Repair of Certain Equipment-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
(xv) 52.222-53, Exemption from Application of the Service Contract Labor Standards to Contracts for Certain Services-Requirements (May 2014) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).
(xvi) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (Oct 2015) (E.O. 12989).
(xvii) 52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (Dec 2015).
(xviii) 52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2017) (E.O. 13706).
(xix)(A) 52.224-3, Privacy Training (Jan 2017) (5 U.S.C. 552a).
(B) Alternate I (Jan 2017) of 52.224-3.
(xx) 52.225-26, Contractors Performing Private Security Functions Outside the United States (Oct 2016) (Section 862, as amended, of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008; 10 U.S.C. 2302 Note).
(xxi) 52.226-6, Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations (May 2014) (42 U.S.C. 1792). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (e) of FAR clause 52.226-6.
(xxii) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (Feb 2006) (46 U.S.C. Appx. 1241(b) and 10 U.S.C. 2631). Flow down required in accordance with paragraph (d) of FAR clause 52.247-64.
(2) While not required, the Contractor may include in its subcontracts for commercial items a minimal number of additional clauses necessary to satisfy its contractual obligations.

FAR 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor. The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days.

FAR 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 15 days of contract expiration; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 30 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 60 months.

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

CLAUSE NO. TITLE DATE
HHSAR 352.203-70 ANTI-LOBBYING DEC 2015
HHSAR 352.222-70 CONTRACTOR COOPERATION DEC 2015
IN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
INVESTIGATIONS
HHSAR 352.224-71 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION DEC 2015
HHSAR 352.227-70 PUBLICATIONS AND PUBLICITY DEC 2015
HHSAR 352.237-74 NON-DISCRIMINATION IN DEC 2015
SERVICE DELIVERY
SOLICITATION PROVISION

The following Federal Acquisition Regulation and Health & Human Services Acquisition Regulation Clauses apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The quoter is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the quoter and submitted with its quotation. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the quoter may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/Far/ and/or http://www.hhs.gov/policies/hhsar/.

PROVISION NO. TITLE DATE
FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - COMMERCIAL AUG 2018
ITEMS
FAR 52.212-2 EVALUATION COMMERCIAL ITEMS OCT 2014
FAR 52.212-3 OFFERORS REPRESENTATIONS AND AUG 2018 CERTIFICATIONS COMMERCIAL
ITEMS
FAR 52.217-5 EVALUATION OF OPTIONS JUL 1990

Submission Information

Quotes must stipulate that it is predicated upon all the terms and conditions of this RFQ and signed by an official authorized to bind your organization. In addition, it must contain a statement to the effect that it is firm for a period of at least 30 days from the date of receipt thereof by the Government.

This solicitation does not commit the Government to pay any of the costs associated with the preparation and submission of your quote. In addition, the Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to legally commit the Government to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this requirement. By submitting a quote in response to this solicitation, it is understood that your quote shall become a part of the official contract file.

The quote must be prepared in three SEPARATE volumes: Volume I - "Technical", Volume II - "Past Performance" and Volume III - "Price/Business". Each of these parts shall be separate and complete in itself so that the evaluation of one may be accomplished independently of the evaluation of the other. The Request for Quotation (RFQ) number should be included on the front cover of each volume.

Technical Volume (Volume I)

The technical volume shall be limited to 10 pages, with 1-inch margins, and using not less than 12-point font. Respondents are encouraged to be succinct and economical in their presentation. Excessive volume and elaborate presentation are unnecessary. Tables of contents, works cited, and the Technical Appendix are not included in the page count.
The technical volume must not contain references to price; however, resource information, such as data concerning labor hours and categories, materials, etc., must be contained in the technical volume so that the Respondent's understanding of the scope of work may be evaluated. Quoters must provide clear responses, including objectives and outcomes, to each task addressing the work to be performed in the SOW. The technical volume must reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. Quotes which merely offer to conduct a project in accordance with the Government's requirements will not be eligible for award.

Past Performance Volume (Volume II)

The Contractor shall identify two (2) contracts/task orders with the Federal Government and/or commercial customers that demonstrate recent and relevant past performance. Recent is defined as within the last three years. Relevant is defined as work similar in complexity and magnitude of the work described in this SOW.

Include the following information for each contract or subcontract:
1. Name of Contracting Organization
2. Contract Number
3. Contract Type
4. Total Contract Value
5. Description of Requirement
6. Contracting Officer's Name and Telephone Number
7. Program Manager's Name and Telephone Number

The lack of a relevant performance record may result in an unknown performance risk assessment, which will neither be used to the advantage nor disadvantage of the offeror.

Price/Business Volume Instructions (Volume III)
Quoters shall prepare a price volume that contains all information necessary to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the prices quoted.

The price quote must contain the following information:

1. Cover letter which includes the following:
a. Federal Tax Identification Number (TIN);
b. Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number;
c. Business Size (e.g., small or large);

Evaluation

Evaluation and award will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of FAR 13.106. The Government does not anticipate requesting revisions to quotes, so Quoters should provide their best solution and price in response to the RFQ. However, the Government reserves the right to request quote revisions that seek additional price discounts, provide revisions to the technical quote, or clarify aspects of the quote. In the event quote revisions are requested, the Government will not necessarily be seeking revisions from all Quoters. The Government will not be conducting "discussions" as defined in FAR Part 15.

Basis for Award

The Government will issue one award resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Contractor whose quote conforming to the quotation will be the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The Government shall evaluate the following factors in order of importance: technical (technical approach and personnel qualification), past performance and price. When combined, all evaluation factors other than price will be considered significantly more important than price. As quotes become more equal under the non-price factors, the importance of price increases.

Evaluation Factors

1. TECHNICAL FACTOR

a) Technical Approach: The Quoter will be evaluated on extent to which it's technical volume demonstrates an understanding of the tasks to be performed and highlights their ability to successfully complete the requirements in the SOW. The vendor shall ensure that it's quote identifies how it's abilities map to the overall needs of the SOW and underscore how it intends to address the tasks in the SOW.

b) Personnel Qualification: The vendor should highlight the qualifications of the personnel that will be responsible for conducting the training. The information provided should underline personnel qualifications and specific recent experience with similar project as outlined in SOW. The Quoter will be evaluated on the extent to which it demonstrates that the personnel is qualified and capable of providing the required training as described in the SOW.

Technical Evaluation - Adjectival Ratings

Evaluators will apply the criteria of the following adjectives, as general guidance to be used when rating the technical subfactors, and the technical volume ("Volume II") as a whole:

Adjectival Rating Definition

EXCEPTIONAL - The quote contains no deficiencies or only a very few and very minor weaknesses. Based on information provided, there is no doubt that the quote demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the services required to meet or exceed most requirements. The highest quality of performance is anticipated.

GOOD - The quote contains no deficiencies and only a few minor weaknesses. Based on the information provided, there is little doubt that the quote demonstrates a high quality of understanding of the services required to meet or exceed some of the requirements.

ACCEPTABLE - The quote contains no deficiencies and some weaknesses. Based on the information provided, the Quote demonstrates an understanding of the services required to meet the requirements.

MARGINAL - The quote contains deficiencies and significant weaknesses. Based on information provided, there is doubt that the contractor understands the services required to meet the requirements. Requirement/services can be met only with major changes to the quote.

UNACCEPTABLE - The quote has many deficiencies and/or gross omissions; failure to understand much of the scope of work necessary to perform the requirements; failure to provide a reasonable, logical approach to fulfilling much of the government's requirements; failure to meet many personnel requirements in the solicitation. (When applying this adjective to a quote as a whole, the technical quote would have to be so unacceptable in one or more areas that it would have to be completely revised in order to attempt to make it other than unacceptable.)

2. PAST PERFORMANCE FACTOR

Past performance information is one indicator of a Quoter's ability to perform the contract successfully. The currency and relevance of the information, source of the information, content of the data, and general trends in contractor's performance shall be considered. This evaluation is subjective and will be based on information obtained from references provided by the Quoter (for themselves, predecessor companies, key personnel, and major subcontractors). The Government may also consider information obtained through other sources. Past performance information will be utilized to determine the quality of the Contractor's past performance as it relates to the probability of success of the required effort.

The Government will assess the relative risks associated with each Quoter. Performance risks are those associated with a Quoter's likelihood of success in performing the acquisition requirements as indicated by that Quoter's record of past performance.

The assessment of performance risk is not intended to be a product of a mechanical or mathematical analysis of a Quoter's performance on a list of contracts but rather the product of subjective judgment by the Government after it considers relevant information.

The lack of a relevant performance record may result in an unknown performance risk assessment, which will neither be used to the advantage nor disadvantage of the offeror.

This evaluation criteria will be evaluated as either "Acceptable" or "Unacceptable".

Acceptability Rating Definition
Acceptable Quotation - clearly meets the minimum requirements of the RFQ.
Unacceptable Quotation - does not clearly meet the minimum requirements of the RFQ.

3. PRICE FACTOR

The Government will evaluate the Quoter's price for all items/services proposed. Quotations will be evaluated for reasonableness. For a price to be reasonable, it must represent a price to the Government that a prudent person would pay when consideration is given to prices in the market. Normally, price reasonableness is established through adequate price competition.

The Government will evaluate quotations for award purposes by adding the total price for the option period to the total price for the basic requirement. To account for the option period possible under 52.217-8 (maximum of six months), Option to Extend Services, the Government will evaluate the option to extend services (FAR Clause 52.217-8) by adding 6 months of the Quoter's option period price to the Quoter's total price. This amount will be the total evaluated price.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Quotations must be submitted electronically (via email) to Contract Specialist, Kathy Elliott, at Elliottk@mail.nih.gov in MS Word or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), no later than 11:00 AM EST, on Thursday, January 24, 2019. All responses must be received by the specified due date and time in order to be considered. QUOTATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE AND TIME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. No collect calls will be accepted.

Please refer to solicitation no: NCI-190001-KE on all correspondence.

Full text copies of the representations and certifications for other cited provisions and clauses may be obtained on line at the NCI website at http://ncioa.cancer.gov/oa-internet/reference.jsp or from Kathy Elliott, Contract Specialist at Elliottk@mail.nih.gov.

OFFERORS: Offers must be submitted on an SF-1449 with a completed 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items-with DUNS Number Addendum, signed by an authorized representative of the offeror OR provide a copy of the valid certification registrations of the offeror's Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) and Online Representations and Certifications Applications (ORCA) through www.sam.gov.

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