Talent Optimization Tool

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation. Quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The Government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order using FAR Part 13 to the responsible Quoter whose quotation conforming to this synopsis/solicitation is determined to offer the best value to the Government, price and other factors considered. This acquisition is 100% set aside for Small Businesses.  

The Purchase Order shall provide software-as-a-service to streamline and optimize decision making processes related to workforce talent management, identify and close personnel skills gaps, support personnel career advancement, and eliminate redundancies in the hiring process in accordance with the Statement of Work.

The period of performance is base period of twelve (12) months with one (1) 12-month option period.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each Quoter shall submit an electronic copy of their firm’s Quotation. The Quotation shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer, Ms. Tanya M. Hill at Tanya.Hill@hq.dhs.gov and the Contracting Officer, Ms. Tracy Miller at Tracy.Miller@hq.dhs.gov. All quotation submissions are due no later than 6:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time (EST) Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Quoter shall submit their signed quotation as a “PDF” document except when specified otherwise. Each electronic file shall be clearly named in accordance with the solicitation provisions. The Quoter’s electronic quotation shall be submitted according to the requirements set forth below:

Note:  The Quoter will be required to conduct a Virtual demonstration to be scheduled by the Government for Friday, September 26, 2025 or Monday, September 29, 2025.  Time will be scheduled after receipt of responses. 

BASIS FOR AWARD

A single award will be made to the Quoter on the basis after determining, based on the quotation, that the Quoter is capable of meeting the Government requirement.  The quote will be evaluated based on a review of the Quoter’s: (1) Technical Understanding and Capabilities; (2) Past Performance; and (3) Price.

EVALUATION FACTORS

The Government will evaluate the quotation using the following evaluation factors listed below:

• Factor 1: Technical Understanding and Capabilities; 
• Factor 2: Demonstrated Experience / Past Performance; and
• Factor 3: Price (Volume II) including discount terms. (Not rated)

Factor 1:        Technical Understanding and Capabilities

The Government will evaluate the Quoter’s Technical Understanding and Capabilities in meeting this requirement relative to the Quoter’s knowledge, understanding, and technical ability to perform each of the requirements set forth in the RFQ including their discussion of background, objectives, and requirements, proposed methods and techniques for completing each task and subtask, the Quoter’s discussion of any anticipated difficulties and problem areas, along with potential recommended approaches for resolution and mitigation; their discussion of the Quoter’s technical knowledge in each of the functional areas outlined in the SOW (Section II) and how that knowledge will result in successful performance; and qualifications of staff proposed.

Factor 2:        Demonstrated Experience / Past Performance

The Government will assess the Quoter’s capability to perform under the resultant Purchase Order by evaluating the Quoter’s experience and past performance, as either a prime contractor or subcontractor, on other similar contracts or programs.  The past performance evaluation will examine the extent to which the Quoter’s past performance demonstrates their capability to deliver high quality service and solutions.  Only recent (or ongoing) and relevant past performance data regarding work will be evaluated.  Recent is defined as ongoing or completed within the last three (3) years.  Relevant is defined as work similar in size, scope, and complexity to the work identified in the SOW.  The quoter shall NOT submit more than two (2) past performance references.  If no recent or relevant past performance reference is available the quoter will receive a neutral rating.

Past Performance evaluations will be based on: (a) Quoter’s quote submission describing not more than three (3) projects previously or currently performed (Attachment II); (b) Information obtained in Government past performance reference checks related to the project descriptions submitted as well as other inquiries on Quoter’s past performance, and (c) Information obtained from Government past performance databases.  If DHS determines that any of the three references provided are not relevant or recent or if past performance information is not available, neither a favorable nor unfavorable evaluation will be provided for that reference.  If no relevant, recent, or if past performance information is available neither a favorable nor unfavorable (neutral) evaluation rating will be provided.

Factor 3:        Price (Not Rated)

The price quotation will be evaluated. The evaluation will assess the accuracy, completeness, discounts offered and reasonableness. This process involves verification that prices and/or discounts are included for all RFQ requirements, figures are correctly calculated, and prices are presented in an adequate format.  The Government may conduct its price analysis using one or more of the techniques listed below:

1. Comparison of proposed prices received in response to the solicitation.
2. Comparison of proposed prices with independent Government cost estimates.
3. Comparison of proposed prices with prices obtained through market research for the same or similar items.